Disclaimer: I only own the story specific characters I created. The originals belong to Cecily von Zeigesar and The CW.

So sorry, I know this took forever. I never intend to go so long in between postings because I too get frustrated when authors don't post regularly, but life has really gotten in the way lately. I hope you all forgive me for the tardiness.

Enjoy.

"Bro, it's early," Justin answered the phone early in the morning. His eyes refused to focus on the numbers on the clock, which told him it was ridiculously early, especially for an early riser like himself.

"Sorry," Eddie was sitting on the porch just outside the condo with a warm blanket, a cup of coffee and Emie in her sweater sitting on his lap. He'd already taken the pup for her morning walk, albeit earlier than she probably wanted. He'd tossed and turned most of the night. He got out of bed so he wouldn't wake his soundly sleeping bedmate. They'd stayed up quite late the previous evening. "I couldn't sleep."

"Everything alright?" Justin slid from the bed so he wouldn't wake his wife. Slipping on a sweatshirt to go along with his flannel pants, he ventured towards the quietest spot in the home, his father's office, and closed the door.

"I need some advice," Eddie sighed heavily.

"At zero five hundred?" Justin glanced at his watch.

"Yeah, sorry it's so early," Eddie apologized again.

"If you're awake this early, it must be something serious," Justin relaxed onto the leather sofa, "What's up?"

"How did you know Abby was the woman you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?" Eddie rubbed Emie's ears as they perked up at the mention of Charlotte's name.

"I was wondering when we'd have this conversation," Justin felt himself wake up.

"Charlotte was inside the fudge shop last night, and I took Emie outside to walk. She stopped in front of a jewelry store window display, and I saw this ring and it suddenly felt like the ring I was meant to give Charlotte."

"But…" Justin prompted him.

"It's too soon," Eddie sighed, "She said as much a few weeks ago."

"There's no law that says you can't buy the ring and hold it until it's the right moment," Justin stated.

"How did you know?" Eddie asked.

"When I looked at Abby and saw no one else in my future," Justin replied. "It was tough to swallow at first. I didn't feel ready. I was so sure all I needed was the Army to be satisfied. I wasn't looking for a wife, but when I met Abby, things changed."

"I'm nearly thirty," Eddie sighed heavily, "I'm ready to be settled. I'm ready for a wife and a family, but Charlotte's not. I don't want to be forty before we can have all that."

"Let's roll things back for a minute. There is no way Charlotte is going to want to wait ten years to get married," Justin replied, "She's like her mother in that she wanted to have a career and feel settled there before she got married. Let her find her footing. You can wait a bit longer. I know you can."

"Yeah, I don't have a lot of choice," Eddie replied, "Charlotte is my future. She is my heart."

"Why did you really call me?" Justin asked.

"Maybe I need you to tell me I'm crazy for even thinking like this. She's Charlotte Bass. She's New York City royalty. She has a trust fund larger than most countries' GDP," Eddie insisted.

"It's not like we lived on the street," Justin replied, "We grew up comfortably in an apartment on the Upper East Side. Sure we didn't go to some fancy prep school, but that was Mom and Dad's choice. We could have afforded it.

"You work for Bass. Her father brought you in as a junior executive when he could have easily ignored your fancy Harvard degree. You haven't even been with the corporation ten years, and you're already a full fledged executive. If you're looking for some sort of reason where you don't deserve Charlotte Bass, you're going to have to find someone else to shoot you down. It isn't going to be me."

"You're good for my ego, Bro," Eddie chuckled, "Where was that man growing up? I seem to remember you using your big brother card to cut me down every chance you got."

"Eh, I was toughening you up," Justin shrugged, "I did a good job. Now it's time to talk you up, like I do when I mention you to my buddies. You're my brother, and I'm so proud of you."

"You're starting to scare me," Eddie countered, "Is impending fatherhood making you soft?"

"Must be it," Justin chuckled.

"Thanks, Bro," Eddie replied, "I needed the pep talk."

"I'm here when you need me," Justin offered.

"Sorry to wake you. Go back to sleep," Eddie replied.

"Good morning, Sleepyhead," Eddie greeted Charlotte, when she stumbled out of the bedroom in a fluffy robe. She hadn't even taken the time to wipe the sleep out of her eyes, and her hair was a tangled mess, mostly his doing. Even with all that working against her, she looked so beautiful it should be a crime.

"What time is it?" she rubbed her eyes sleepily.

"Nearly ten," he offered her a sip of his coffee. "Emie and I watched the sunrise together and then went for her morning walk. We had breakfast and even went for another walk. You were out."

"I blame it on the comfy bed," she parked herself in his lap.

"Blame it on whatever you'd like," he pecked at her cheek.

"How'd you sleep?" she snuggled against him.

"I've slept better," he admitted, "I think it's too quiet here. I'm used to the city noise."

"Ready to hit the slopes?" she took in his attire.

"Whenever you are," he rubbed her back, "Maybe we could get some lunch at the lodge first and then head to the slopes."

"I like that idea," Charlotte smiled, "Maybe I can mark my territory with those snow bunnies."

Eddie chuckled and guided her lips to his, "Stake your claim if you must."

"You think I'm being ridiculous, don't you," she frowned.

"No," he shook his head, "If an old male friend of yours showed up and gave you a hug, I'd probably react the same way."

"We'll have to test your theory on New Year's Eve," she smiled and patted Eddie's chest, "I invited my first boyfriend, Evan Sparks, and before you go crazy, he's a friend, nothing more. He got engaged to one of my sorority sisters over the holidays. He and Holly are so sweet together."

"Why can't you have normal breakups?" Eddie sighed heavily. "When Heather and I broke up, there really wasn't the thought of staying friends."

"I don't know," Charlotte shrugged, "My relationship with Evan was special. It was mostly a friendship with the occasional handholding and baby kisses. His life sort of fell apart just as we started dating."

"This was the guy whose mother overdosed?" Eddie asked.

"Yeah," Charlotte bobbed her head, "It was an innocent relationship, as innocent as it could be. It's not at all like it was with Devon. If it really bothers you, I'll uninvited Holly and Evan."

"No, don't do that," Eddie sighed heavily, "Just don't let him hug you."

"Okay," she snickered.

After lunch at the lodge and a quick check in with the ski bunnies, Charlotte and Eddie retrieved their skis and made their way to the lift. It was a beautiful, sunny day with moderate temperatures, almost the perfect conditions for skiing. Charlotte and Eddie flirted and snuck kisses on the lift rides up the mountain, and then skied down in tandem. It was a fun afternoon on the slopes.

Returning to the condo, Emie again had her toys scattered, only her territory had expanded. They were littered all over condo.

"What is going on with you, Princess?" Charlotte lifted Emie into her arms and wagged a stern finger at her, "This is not going to be allowed for much longer."

Emie looked up with her doe eyes all innocent. Charlotte knew she should be tough and give Emie a time out or something, but she melted.

"No more," Charlotte threw in mostly for herself and then returned Emie to her feet so she could pick up the toys.

Emie followed Charlotte around the condo for the rest of the afternoon, rubbing up against her every chances she could, almost like she was trying to apologize for her earlier naughtiness. It didn't take long for Emie's charms to soften Charlotte.

Charlotte and Eddie decided to order in, having worn themselves out during the afternoon on the slopes. The most energy they had left in them was when they took Emie for her evening walk.

"Wow, who would have thought all that up and down the slopes would wear us out," Charlotte and Eddie snuggled by the fire in the bedroom with a bottle of wine. Emie had wanted to join them, so she pulled her little bed over and pushed it against Eddie's legs. She was just close enough for Charlotte to rub her head. "Every muscle is protesting."

"Maybe tomorrow we should look into getting massages after we're finished skiing," he suggested.

"Oh, yes, please," Charlotte bobbed his head.

"I'll call first thing in the morning," Eddie kissed her temple. "Anything else you want to do with our last full day here?"

"Nope, just want to spend it with you and Emie," Charlotte turned slightly to peck at his lips.

"I love being up here with you," Eddie sifted his fingers through her hair.

"Me too," she turned slightly so she could look into his eyes. "Sometimes I feel like pinching myself. Everything I'd hoped I'd find in love, that blissfulness that always seemed to follow my parents, I finally feel it with you."

Eddie pressed his lips to hers. Their kissed soon took on a life of its own and soon he was lifting her into his arms and carrying her to bed.

Emie's whining woke Charlotte the next morning. Even though she'd love nothing more than the stay in bed with Eddie, she dutifully got dressed and took Emie outside.

"So this is why Brice never slept in," Charlotte looked affectionately at her dog. Emie was busy sniffing around and doing her morning business.

"There you are," Samantha greeted Charlotte and Emie, "I was hoping to run into you. I'm hosting a New Year's Eve party, and if you and your man are still in town, I'd love for you to join us."

"We're actually heading back to Manhattan tomorrow," Charlotte responded regretfully.

"Oh shoot, that's too bad," Samantha frowned, "Well, maybe next year, that is if you and Eddie come back."

"I certainly hope so," Charlotte smiled.

"Are we going to see you at the chalet today?" Samantha glanced towards were Peanut and Emie were interacting.

"I think so," Charlotte bobbed her head, "Eddie mentioned that we're getting massages today, but I think that's after we're done on the slopes."

"Then we'll see you later," Samantha gave her a wide smile.

"Come on, Sweetheart," Charlotte tugged at Emie's leash. The little pup resisted as she was too enamored with her new friend.

"Uh oh, Peanut and Emie seem to be fast friends. Maybe if you come back this season, we'll have to have puppy play dates," Samantha suggested.

"That would be good," Charlotte smiled, "Maybe then Emie wouldn't make a mess with her toys."

"Oh goodness," Samantha smiled, "Peanut did that when I first brought him home. I asked the vet about it. He said it was the puppy testing his boundaries, seeing what he could get away with."

"Hmm," Charlotte sighed.

"Consistent scolding until the behavior stopped, which it did after a couple weeks," Samantha advised her.

"Oh, I hate scolding her already," Charlotte frowned, "But I guess like my mom says, it sometimes has to be done."

"See you later," Samantha tugged lightly on Peanut's leash until the pup followed her.

"Come on, Princess," Charlotte tugged Emie in the other direction. It took a few moments, but Emie eventually followed. They stopped again at the café in the lobby for pastries and coffee. Eddie was still asleep when the pair returned.

Wanting to let him rest, Charlotte grabbed a book and found her favorite little nook in the condo to read until Eddie woke. Emie kept her warm by making herself comfortable in her lap. It was an hour later when Eddie emerged from the bedroom, looking all sorts of sexy in only a pair of flannel pants riding low on his hips.

"I smell coffee," Eddie bent down to kiss her lips softly.

"It's probably cold," her hand went to his neck to keep him close.

"That's what a microwave is for," he chuckled, leaning in for a second, longer kiss.

"You say such things I like would know," Charlotte laughed, "You remember who you're talking to, right?"

"We'll need to educate you on kitchen appliances when we return to the city," he pecked at her lips again before taking the cup of coffee she'd set off to the side and brought it into the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later with a steaming mug, and he'd clearly taken the time to retrieve a long sleeved Henley shirt, much to Charlotte's disappointment.

"I got breakfast too," Charlotte marked her place in her book. "It's on the kitchen counter. I figured I'd wait until you woke up to eat. I'm glad you finally did. I was getting hungry and was ready to come wake you."

"Then by all means, we'd better eat," he lifted Emie off Charlotte's lap and helped her to her feet.

"I ran into Samantha downstairs again. She invited us to a party of New Year's Eve," Charlotte frowned, "Maybe next year?"

"We'll see how your party goes first," Eddied kissed her cheek as they sat down for breakfast before setting off for the slopes.

In between runs on the slopes, Eddie told Charlotte about their appointment at the spa for a couple's massage and then dinner at the most upscale restaurant in the area.

"One last hurrah before we head home tomorrow," Charlotte frowned, "Can we take a long weekend sometime soon? I think I'm going to need my fudge fix."

"Absolutely," he kissed her cheek as they waited for the lift.

It was just about their turn when Charlotte heard her name. She turned to see Samantha coming towards them in her cute puffy coat.

"I'm glad I caught up to you guys," Samantha smiled, "We're having a bonfire tonight at the pit tonight. I was wondering if you wanted to join is."

"What time?" Charlotte asked, "We've already got dinner plans."

"Oh, no worries, come whenever," Samantha stated, "It's an open thing, we all sort of come and go, but the weather tonight is supposed to be pretty mild, which means its perfect s'mores making weather."

"We'll try to swing by after dinner," Eddie chimed in.

"Perfect," Samantha beamed in response, "We'll see you later…hopefully."

"If you'd rather not," Charlotte began when the return to the lift line.

"I think the bonfire will be fun," Eddie assured her, "We used to do them all the time when we were kids, and I definitely want to see you attempting to make a s'more."

Charlotte was interrupted from responding because it was their turn on the lift.

After having their fill of the slopes, Charlotte and Eddie locked up their equipment in the family's locker so it would be available the next time they visited. At the condo, they were treated to relaxing couples' massages, and then a scrumptious meal Eddie had catered from the best restaurant in the village.

"Are you sure you want to go to the bonfire?" Eddie asked Charlotte as he pulled on his boots. They'd made love in the shower, and he was itching to change her mind and spend their last night together making love by the fire.

"Yes," Charlotte pulled on her own boots, "I want to say goodbye to the Ski Bunnies."

"Okay, how about a compromise," Eddie pulled her into his arms before she could pull on her coat.

"What kind of compromise?" Charlotte wrapped her arms around his neck.

"We make our goodbyes, make a couple s'mores and then come back here and spend the rest of the night in front of the fire," he placed tempting kissed up and down her neck as he spoke.

Feeling left out, Emie rubbed herself against their calves. The young pup had once again messed up the living room with her toys while they were on the sloops. Remembering Samantha's advise, she did her best to scold the adorable pup with chocolate eyes.

"See, even Emie wants us to stay in," Eddie glanced towards their feet.

"We'll be gone for an hour at most," Charlotte bent down and lifted Emie into her arms. The pup licked at her fingers in response before curling into her arms. "Will you behave while we're gone?"

Emie simply looked up with innocent eyes.

Charlotte took a few moments to love the pup up before laying her in her puppy bed. She then suited up for the cold weather.

"One hour," Eddie dutifully followed Charlotte out the door.

"You made it," Kelsey ran to greet Charlotte and Eddie when they joined the gathering. There was music playing, laughter all around the fire, and a plethora of s'mores being made, "I was worried we wouldn't get to see you again before you left. We hope you'll be coming back."

"That's the plan," Charlotte looked towards Eddie. "We're already talking about finding a weekend in the next month or so to come back. I'm going to need my fudge fix. That stuff should almost be illegal. It's so addictive."

"Oh, we know it," Kelsey laughed as she pulled Charlotte and Eddie towards the available bench.

After chatting for a few minutes with everyone, the s'mores fixings made their way past Charlotte and Eddie. "You said you wanted a s'more," Eddie reminded her, "Did you want me to show you how it's done?"

"Not necessary," Charlotte quickly forked a marshmallow and held it over the flame.

"And how exactly does Charlotte Bass acquire such skills?" he chuckled, "I somehow don't see you as the campfire type of girl."

"Oh, definitely not," Charlotte laughed as she slowed turned the marshmallow so all sides would be toasty. "I actually learned the tricks from my parents."

"Hmm, how's that?" Eddie chuckled, "They are less likely to enjoy a campfire than you are."

"The first year Mom and Dad were together, Mom started all these Christmas traditions," Charlotte began, "One of them was to have s'mores made in the fireplace. They only did these traditions one time until the first year I was born, then they brought them all back, and really they've been traditions pretty much ever since."

"I don't recall you roasting any s'mores by the fireplace this year," Eddie's face scrunched a bit in confusion.

"That's actually kind of a funny story," Charlotte finished roasting the marshmallow and laid it on the graham cracker Eddie was holding, "We did it every year until Aiden was three. He insisted he was old enough to cook his own marshmallow even though he was three. He obviously didn't know how to do it, and put it directly into the flame. He flipped out and started screaming, pulling it out of the fire and running around my parents bedroom with a flaming marshmallow on a stick. He nearly lit the Christmas tree on fire. After that, the s'mores tradition fell by the wayside."

Eddie chuckled at the image.

After taking a healthy bite, she passed it to Eddie. "So good."

Eddie bobbed his head as he took his own bite.

"We should really try making these with Mabel's fudge instead of the chocolate," Charlotte suggested.

"Oh my god, I'm so going to try that!" April squealed, "That sounds like heaven."

Charlotte grabbed another marshmallow and got busy on toasting again. Eddie reached for the graham crackers and chocolate, but Charlotte shook him off. "Oh no, toasted marshmallows are just as tasty on their own."

To prove her point, she pulled the marshmallow off the fork and fed it to him, and then pressed her lips to his.

"Good, right?" she giggled as she nipped at his lips.

"So good," he bobbed his head.

"Marshmallows are actually the first solid food my parents ever fed me, and it was that first Christmas," she licked the remnants of marshmallow off her fingers.

"Lucky girl," he brought one finger to his lips and sucked. He loved that her eyes began to cloud over.

After a few more minutes of chitchat with the Ski Bunnies, Charlotte snatched up Eddie's hand, made her farewells to everyone and pulled him all the way up to their condo.

TBC…

One of the reviewer requested that I give a timeline for when I will be posting next, and I'd love to be able to say soon, but my life is crazy right now (so is the world) and I just can't commit to something specific. What I will promise though is to finish the story. There are still some highlights I want to hit, so I hope you all will be patient with me.

Thank you so much for reading.