Running from the Rain

"Why are we here again?" John mumbled as him and Charlee stood outside watching kids run around the back yard which was now covered in play houses and anything that could entertain kids.

"Because this is what friends do. You go to your friend's kids birthday parties and then as payback you invite them to yours." She said causing him to chuckle.

"You're very smart."

"Smart and pretty. You're so lucky, O'Callaghan."

He laughed as he pulled her to him, "You're telling me."

She grinned and he kissed her sweetly.

"Why do I do this to myself?" They heard and looked up to see Eric stepping beside them causing them both to laugh.

"Because you love your child."

"She's freaking 5. Why does she need a party?! Or ten friends?!"

Charlee couldn't help but laugh, "Well she doesn't but it's what she wanted and so here we are."

Eric sighed, "This is our only child I tell you that much."

"We shall see about that." John said as he patted his shoulder with a grin.

"Well definitely the only girl."

"I don't think you have a say in that..."

"I mean, if you willingly married John and have a life with him I now believe anything is possible."

Charlee laughed as John punched the guy in the shoulder. Charlee looked over at John as he spoke, "Watch it." She couldn't believe it had been five years. So many things had changed including there marriage which was going on four years now. It never seemed that long to her until she thought about it

"Eric! I need your help!" Jenna yelled from the back door and Eric groaned as he slowly made his way inside.

John looked at Charlee with a grin and she stepped closer to him.

"Daddy!" The two heard and looked over to see Kenley running over, tears streaming down her face.

John immediately pulled away from Charlee and scooped the girl up in his arms.

"What happened baby?" He asked brushing back her blonde hair as she continued to cry.

"He pushed me and my knee hurts." She fumbled out and he wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"Who did?" He asked and Charlee chuckled as he stepped over.

"John, everyone here is under the age of five so be calm."

"Um no. Someone here apparently doesn't know how to raise a kid and needs to know."

"John, they play. Kids fall. Relax."

"But she didn't fall, Charlee. Someone pushed her." He said seriously, "...and that's not ok with me."

"Just get her cleaned up." She spoke calmly and John rolled his eyes as he headed inside with the girl.

"Don't worry sweetie. Daddy's going to fix up you're knee and then it'll be time for cake and ice cream. How does that sound?"

She nodded with a sniffle as he walked to the bathroom with her, sitting her on the sink as he looked through their cabinets for a band aid. He gently cleaned her cut before putting on a band aid and once done he flashed her a smile, "See. All better."

She nodded and he picked her up, kissing her head as he held her to him. So he was protective, who cared? She was his daughter and he was allowed to be how he wanted to be.

"All better?" Charlee asked with a smile and the girl nodded before wanting her mother. Charlee grabbed her up and kissed her cheek.

"Want to go play or stay inside?"

"Play."

"Tell uncle Eric to help you." She said pointing to Eric who stood by the kitchen table. Eric looked up and smiled as the girl held her hand out for him.

"Come on pretty girl. Let's find Macie, I'm sure she's looking for you."

Once they were gone Charlee looked up at John who let out a sigh, "I'm not going to apologize. That shit pisses me off. She's not just a girl. She's my girl. I don't want someone pushing her down or hurting her."

"And I do?!"

"I'm not saying that! I just feel like whoever the parent is should know there kid is a mean little shit and needs to stop pushing people!"

Charlee couldn't help but chuckle at the seriousness John had about this topic. John just rolled his eyes and she grabbed his shirt, pulling him in causing his eyes to meet hers.

"I love you so much." She whispered, "and I love how much you love our daughter. If possible it makes me love you more."

He grinned softly, "I love you more each day so I assume it's only fair."

It was always heart warming to see John like this. Ever since the day Kenley was born he had changed in a good way. Not that he was bad before but this guy made her even more proud than possible.

"Liar." She joked and he pulled her closer, "Not a liar. You were meant for me you know? So it's only right that I feel this way. I mean, I get you everyday for the rest of forever. I believe I can be as grateful as I want."

"Such a charmer, O'Callaghan." She whispered staring at him and he kissed her instantly.

"I love you." He whispered, his fingers tangled in her hair as his eyes locked with hers.

"John, I need to tell you something...."

"What? Is this about Kenley? Or..."

"John!"

He sighed, "Ok, what?"

"I'm um, pregnant. We're having another baby." She whispered and he couldn't even move, "What?"

"A baby." She said slower.

"I mean I know...you sure?"

"I've had one before so I would assume I would..."

He rolled his eyes at her sarcastic remark.

"Fuck."

"What? Are you not happy about it?" She asked frowning and he immediately spoke, "No! I'm very happy! I just, I can't handle another girl. My heart can't handle it, Charlee." He said so serious that she couldn't help but laugh as she leaned against him.

"I'm serious. I can't. I'll end up beating up children. It will get ugly. I feel like having nothing but girls is going to be my karma for being such a player while growing up. Yep. Fuck. I'm fucked." He grumbled tugging on his hair.

She laughed pulling his hand from his hair, "What? You're crazy. It's going to be fine."

"It's not. And then I'm going to be that dad that's annoying because the thought of a guy treating Kenley the way I treated some girls in high school makes me ok with the idea of murder."

She chuckled into his shirt, "You are already the best dad she could ask for. Relax. Everything will be fine."

"I'm going to be grey headed by the time I'm 40." He grumbled and she continued to laugh.

"We may not have another girl so you could survive."

"I'm not lucky enough. It's going to be."

She pressed her lips to his neck, "Calm down."

He breathed in as he looked down at her, "Ok."

She grinned and be brought his hand to her cheek.

"Never in a million years did I think five years ago that this is where I would be."

"Is that a good or bad thing?"

He grinned, "I'm glad this is where we are. I can't imagine any of this happening with someone other than you."

"Well good thing you finally grew a pair and proposed."

"What?! Look. I waited a year. Sorry I didn't want to scare you off by asking sooner. I swear woman, you're ungrateful!"

She couldn't help but giggle and he pulled away from her.

"Let me to check on our child."

"John." She laughed pulling him back and he glared at her.

"I love you." She stated as she placed her arms around his neck.

"Mhm." He mumbled and she raised up to kiss over his face.

"Hey no making out in my kitchen." Eric stated walking back in and John scoffed, "If this is making out we wouldn't have children."

Eric made a face causing Charlee to laugh.

"Hey Char, can you grab the ice cream from the refrigerator for me?" Eric asked and she nodded instantly.

John walked outside with the pair as everyone was singing happy birthday, he leaned against the door watching as Charlee tried to get Kenley to sing along. A grin hit his lips instantly at the sight. He was right about one thing, he never imagined this is where he would be when he tried so hard not to be in love, but he was so happy at this point that he let Charlee in because a life without Charlee or Kenley was a life he couldn't even imagine right now. Everything happens the way it's suppose to and he was living proof.