I don’t doubt her family has everything to do with it, but to what extent, I don’t know. All I can do is be here for her whenever she is willing and ready.
I did tell my mom though and she was concerned, but she did say that I need to not push Charlie. So I’m taking my mom's advice and not pushing her.
The moment the door bell rings my heart speeds up. I'm a goner. All it takes is the ringing of the door bell to set my heart flying. The instant I swing the door open I'm met with Charlie wearing a dress, a dress that hugs her curves and comes down slightly past her knees. She is gorgeous.
“Charlie, you look beautiful.”
Her eyes instantly widen at the word, like she has never heard it before directed at her. I know I’ve told her this several times already and every single time she seems surprised by the words.
“I do?” Her voice quivers in response.
All I can do is shake my head, “Absolutely.”
At my reassurance, a huge grin spreads across her face. Like this is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to her.
She steps inside and is instantly greeted by my dad. As soon as I make introductions he bear hugs her. Like literally picks her up off of the floor, with her feet dangling.
“Dad, put her down.” I holler, but with amusement.
The look of shock that registers across her face doesn't last long. It quickly turns into a small smile and she awkwardly hugs him back.
She is going to have to get used to this. We are an affectionate family and it's all I have ever known.
Anytime I fell down or got hurt growing up, they were there. My mom used to cringe when I first started football. I think all those years of getting tackled is the reason for her graying hair. My dad was a player in high school as well as college. He is an alumni of the University of Georgia so of course, I want to follow in his footsteps.
My dad set Charlie down and I can see from the pink splotches surrounding her neck that she is slightly embarrassed.
“Come in, come in Charlie and meet my wife. She is so excited to meet you,” my dad says.
My dad glances at me as if giving me a sign of approval and steers Charlie into the kitchen.
I follow, just taking in the scene. Everyone I love is in this house. I'm not sure how to describe this feeling. I trail behind wanting to see what my mom thought of her. I knew she would love her but I also know how exciting this day is for her. When you are the only female of the household you tend to get excited, or so she has told me.
My mom turns around the minute we walk into the kitchen.
“Oh my gosh Charlie, you are just as pretty as Maverick said you are.”
Yep–she's blushing again.
“That's very sweet of you, thank you.”
As I am looking at her, I can tell that she honestly doesn't believe it. She really does not see how gorgeous she really is. This I know I will need to rectify. In baby steps, of course.
“Maverick, why don't you take Charlie into the other room? Dinner is almost ready.”
I walk over to Charlie and grab her hand leading her into the living room. Charlie takes in everything and immediately notices the pictures on the mantle and pulls me to it. There are a shit load of pictures of me sitting there of me growing up. Oh, who am I kidding? It's like a shrine.
“Mav, you were so cute.”
“Were? What do you mean by were?”
“What I mean is you were cute when you were a baby. Now you aren't so cute anymore.”
I act like I am getting offended, just teasing her.
She tries again with, “What I mean is, you are more handsome, than you are cute.”
I can tell she’s getting flustered and not sure what to say, to not offend me further. I decide to put her out of her misery and make sure she knows I'm teasing.”
“I know what you meant. Thank you.”
She smacks me sharply on the arm and says, “You butt.”
But she's laughing and that's all that matters. I love her laugh. Just as I’m sidling up closer to her to kiss her, my dad walks in announcing dinner is ready.
Perfect timing.
Not.
Dinner went so well. I think she started to feel a little more comfortable.