Charlie had long since lapsed into his own thoughts, but he was jolted back to the present when Fleur spoke again. A chill stole through him that had nothing to do with cold water running constantly down his side. Fleur? Pregnant? He racked his brain, trying to remember if he had heard from either of them that they were even trying start a family. Then again, he had been so wrapped up in his own life...
He started to sigh, and then Bill was next to him, causing Charlie to startle. "Long night," he said, surprised at how rough and disused his own voice sounded. Surely it hadn't been that long. No, he knew exactly why it sounded that way. Fleur's admission had set his mind to wondering about Susan and Nicky and the fanciful idea he had savagely shoved away about he himself being Nicky's father; even the memory of the wishful thoughts made his throat tight. Charlie began to move, scrambling for a moment to get to his feet, made all the more awkward now that Bill was in the way. He shot his brother a tired semi-smile.
"Fleur, you've got more capable hands than mine waiting for you now," he said as he leaned over her, ignoring the water as it pelted the back of his head. He kissed her forehead and whispered for her ears alone, "I'm so sorry, love. I'm so, so sorry."