Doctor Charlie Warren will forever remain one of my most cherished characters from Finding Forever. He couldn't help but capture a bit of my heart. Charlie isn't just handsome, he's charming, caring, and kind. When writing about Charlie, I wanted him to come off as likeable, but also slightly perfect. When Katie observed him, I wanted her to find him so flawless that he was intimidating. I remember picturing his hair perfectly coiffed - not a strand out of place.
I think this picture-perfect image came from my Highland Park upbringing. Although I have many wonderful memories from growing up in this dynamic community, there was definitely a sense, if not an unspoken expectation, that one must appear "put together" and "perfect." Oh, the pressure! Especially for this feisty, noncompliant red-head!
Although Katie liked what she saw and who Charlie was, these qualities didn't necessarily make him right for her. In the end, I respected Katie for not just choosing the hot, rich doctor, but the one who was rightly suited to her - both heart and soul.
Needless to say, Charlie was still a dreamboat, and I thoroughly enjoyed writing his story.
Enjoy an excerpt from my book. This was one of my very favorite scenes...
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Katie
pulled the truck out of the barn and drove onto the worn, graveled road. She
drove Charlie past the farmhouse and over a narrow bridge leading to one of her
favorite spots on the property. She parked the truck and shut off the engine.
Katie
led Charlie along a well-worn path leading down to a heavily shaded creek.
Several huge, flattened boulders rested above the moving water. Taking a seat
on one of the large rocks, Katie patted the spot next to her for Charlie to
sit.
“This
is beautiful.”
“Yeah,
Keith and I used to come here all the time to hunt for fossils. After my dad
died I’d come out here to get away from everyone. People were constantly coming
and going, and it just got to the point where I couldn’t fake a smile anymore.
I’d come here to try to forget the pain.”
Both
of them grew quiet. Katie sat remembering the early days after her dad passed
while Charlie’s thoughts went to Lana. Charlie turned to face Katie. His look
was intense, almost piercing. Katie wasn’t sure what to think, so she asked
what was wrong.
“Nothing’s
wrong…” Charlie paused, not sure how to put into words what he wanted to say.
“I just think it’s time I told you something; something about my past.”
Katie
turned her body to give him her full attention.
“I
don’t know where this,” Charlie pointed from himself to Katie and back, “…
where you and I are going, but even if we simply remain friends I think I would
want you to know.”
“OK.”
“I
had a very serious girlfriend in high school and on into college. Her name was
Lana Taylor, as in Taylor Oil & Gas.” Katie shook her head not recognizing
the name. “Anyway, Lana and I started dating in high school.” Charlie proceeded
to tell Katie about their rocky history. Katie listened intently; her face a
clear reflection of the up and down emotions Lana’s life and death produced.
“I’m
so sorry, Charlie.” Katie said honestly. “I’ve often wondered what was behind
the pain in your eyes. Somehow it’s stayed with you.” Immediately Katie
regretted her words and looked down with embarrassment.
Charlie
lifted her chin. “Look at me,” he gently commanded. “You’re right. The pain has
stayed. But Katie, meeting you has been like a balm to my soul. No matter what
happens between us I will always be indebted to you.”
Tears
welled up in Katie’s eyes. In some ways Marcus had been a balm for her soul. After
her dad died, he’d swooped in at just the right time. Her heart needed
rescuing, and falling in love with Marcus had helped her move forward. She
couldn’t help but wonder if Charlie would be the one to help her move past
Marcus.
“Don’t
cry, Katie.”
“Sorry.”
she quickly wiped her eyes. “I just don’t get it. Why can’t life be easier? Why
does it have to hold so much heartache?”
“Because
God wants us to trust him in all circumstances. Plus, this isn’t really our
home anyway.” Gently Charlie wiped Katie’s cheeks and pushed her hair behind
her shoulders. He studied her face and suddenly his look began to change. Katie
could tell he wanted to kiss her, and she was surprised to find herself ready
to receive it.
Charlie,
sensing her openness, leaned down and gently kissed her lips. He slowly pulled
away to see her reaction, and was pleased to find Katie leaning in for more.
Thunder
erupted in the distance, but neither of them noticed. Charlie moved to kiss
Katie’s cheek and neck, and Katie closed her eyes, savoring the touch of his
wandering lips. Charlie’s mouth moved back to Katie’s, and their kissing grew
stronger and more passionate.
Mercifully,
as if God knew a line was soon to be crossed, the rain began to pour down from
above. Quickly, they pulled apart and burst into laughter. Charlie helped Katie
up and they raced back to the truck.
“That
was crazy!” Katie laughed.
“No
kidding. When I went running this morning there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.”
“I’m
sure my makeup is everywhere.” Katie leaned up to look in the rearview mirror.
“I
think you look great,” Charlie said, pulling her to himself.
“Mmm,
you feel warm.” Katie snuggled into this body, her teeth beginning to chatter.
“We
should get out of these wet cloths,” Charlie said, his voice sounding unusually
husky. Katie looked at him curiously. “And into dry clothes, that is.” Charlie added
with a crooked smile.
Katie
stared up into his eyes, her face looking pensive. Charlie stared back
lovingly, waiting to hear what she had to say. Katie pressed her palm to his
cheek and spoke quietly. “You really are a good man.”
Charlie
squeezed her tight and thought to himself, Only with God’s strength.
The
rain continued to pour as they drove the truck back to the barn. Once it was
parked they ran as fast as they could to the back porch. Katie ripped open the
screen door and they darted inside. The door slammed shut and they stood there
laughing hysterically. Despite their speed, they were still drenched to the bone.
“Shhh!
Your brother’s asleep,” Emily spoke from the back door. “My goodness, you’re
soaked! Where were you anyway?”
“I
took Charlie to the creek.”
Emily
smiled. She was happy Katie felt comfortable to share her favorite spot with
Charlie. “Darling, go get out of those wet clothes. Charlie, I’ll run up and
see what I can borrow from Keith. You can get cleaned up in the guest
apartment.” Emily pushed Katie toward the door. “Katie, go! Or you’ll catch a
cold.”
“I’m
going, I’m going.” Katie turned to Charlie, “Hey, just stay up there and I’ll
come to you. We can play that game of pool after all.”
“Sounds
good to me. I’ll look forward to seeing if you’re as good as you say you are.”
Katie
darted up the stairs and Charlie waited until Emily returned with a bag of
clothes. “Hopefully something in here will fit you. Oh, and here’s an
umbrella.” Charlie thanked Emily and turned to head out the door.
“Oh
Charlie, there’s a bunch of board games and old movies up in the closet. The TV
should be working unless the weather’s knocked it out.”
Charlie
nodded and ran as fast as he could to the barn apartment. He couldn’t wait to
hop into the shower to warm up his body and cool down his hormones. Assuming
Katie was doing the same, Charlie took his time in the soothing hot water.
Ironically, a few minutes after he stepped out of the shower he heard a knock at
the door. He threw on a pair of Keith’s boxers and jeans and hurried down the
stairs.
As
Katie took in his appearance her breath caught in her throat. Charlie was still
towel-drying his hair. Shirtless. Katie couldn’t help but stare at his rippling
muscles and exquisite body. Suddenly she felt a stab of self-consciousness. All
she had done was change clothes, brush out her wet hair, and touch up her
makeup. Charlie didn’t seem to mind, though, as he happily moved aside to let
her in.
“That
was fast. I wasn’t expecting you so soon.”
“I
just threw on some dry clothes. I didn’t shower.”
“Well,
I guess I’ll let you in anyway.”
“Aww,
thanks.”
Charlie
headed straight toward the pile of Keith’s clothes and chose a t-shirt. Katie
couldn’t resist admiring his abs as they flexed and tightened while he pulled
on his shirt.
Charlie
caught Katie watching and smiled as she blushed. Quickly she looked toward the
pool table. “So, you’re sure you want to try your luck against me? I’m
seriously good.”
“We’ll
just see about that.”
“If
you rack ‘em you can break ‘em.”
“Deal.”
Charlie nodded and grabbed the triangle. Once the balls were ready, he lined up
his pool stick and struck the cue ball. The balls smashed apart and a striped
ball fell into the corner pocket.
“Yes!
Thank you, Charlie. I prefer solids,” Katie gloated. Twenty minutes later she
was reveling in her victory.
“Listen
here, you!” Charlie rustled her hair. “Who do you think you are, anyway?”
“The
winner, that’s who!”
“Now
you’ve done it!” Charlie pulled her into his arms and Katie playfully resisted
and beat his chest. She smiled up into his eyes and her body relaxed into his
taut arms. Instinct took over as he leaned down and planted a firm kiss upon
her lips. Charlie was pleased to feel Katie wanting and reaching for more.
The
same passion they’d felt by the creek began to take over, and neither of them
wanted the feeling to stop. Again, as if the angels were working overtime, an
unexpected interruption forced them apart.
“Yoo-hooo!”
With
lightning fast speed, Katie and Charlie pushed apart. Emily entered the room to
find Katie pulling out the balls from the corner pockets and Charlie racking
them up.
“Oh
good. I’m glad to see that table getting some use. Who won?”
“She
killed me,” Charlie replied.
“I’m
not surprised. She beats everyone. I brought you two some lunch and snacks. I
thought you might be getting hungry. I’m off to see a movie and grab some
dinner with Glenda and Mike.”
“OK.
Thanks, Mom.”
“No
problem, darling.” Emily gave her daughter a knowing smile and turned for the
stairs. “Have fun and stay dry.”
“We
will,” Katie replied, and shook her head in relief.
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