I love you. Forever.

Chapter 12: A father's hug

Ben’s POV

We laid there in a comfortable silence as I warmed my baby doll up. “Becs, I want you to stay with me. Wish you didn’t have to go back home later.” I whisper as I kiss the top of her head. Her face was still hidden in my chest. “I’m getting use to you sleeping in my arms. I actually prefer it this way.” She slowly looks up to me with a warm smile. “Me too, Benny. One day it will be just us. And Maya.” She says softly as Maya jumps up and curls up above our heads. I smile down at her nodding. “Are you warming up?” I ask. “Finally, yes.” She sighed in contentment. “So does this mean you forgive me?” I smile my classic smile. “Yes, but I’m still getting you back.” She grinned. I slowly move my hand from her back to her cheek caressing her beautiful skin. “Why is your skin soft.” I said allowing my eyes to gently explore her gorgeous face. Her eyes close as she takes in my touch. I lean down to her lips and gently brush against them before whispering, “I’m going to marry you some day.” She slowly opened her eyes and looked right into my soul. “Promise?” She whispered back in my lips. “I promise baby.” I said right before capturing her lips. We shared a long passionate kiss. It was gentle and soft; full of pure love. Like I said before, I don’t care we are only teenagers and just met. This incredible red head is mine to love forever.

We stole a few more kisses as we embraced each other. I feel her dainty fingers draw circles on my back leaving behind tingles. Her touch invades my senses. “Rebecca, look at me.” I requested softly. She had cuddled her face back into my chest. She looked up giving me a soft smile searching my eyes. “You are so worthy, my love. What you did for Matt and how you took the fall to keep the peace was truly incredible. But I want you to know that I have your back. I won’t let anyone come near you anymore. You have me now baby doll. I’ll protect you.” Her soft smile fell slightly into a frown. “You shouldn’t have to, Ben. I don’t want you to feel obligated. Those people don’t need to make your life miserable because of me. I can handle it. Being in your arms in protection enough.” She ended as I felt her embrace tighten around me. “Becs, what do I have to do to make you feel worthy of help. I know you’re tough, I’ve seen it first hand. But baby, you don’t have to be tough around me. Let me bare some of the weight on your shoulders. I promise I can handle it. You deserve to rest and be happy. Let me provide that for you.” I pleaded before kissing her forehead. I hear her let out a small sigh of defeat before lifting her head to mine kissing me. It was urgent and full of emotion. It only took me a moment to kiss her back in the same manner. We both pulled away to catch our breath. “Okay, Ben. But only because I know you would anyways no matter what I say.” She said tiredly. “See, you’re a quick learner babe.” I smiled proudly. She just shook her head, “Goodnight handsome.” “Goodnight gorgeous.” I said giving her one last peck on her lips. I rolled onto my back and held her against my side. It didn’t take long for her to rest her head on my chest and place her hand on my stomach.

…

Becs’ POV

I woke up in the same position I fell asleep in. I’ve never slept this well since my accident and Ben is the reason for it. His warmth overtakes my body and causes the stress and anxiety to disappear. It’s completely relaxing and healing. I silently chuckle to myself when I realize his hand is resting on my ass keeping me in place. Typical boy. He is still dead asleep. I roll away from him slowly not wanting to wake him. He looks so peaceful and boyish. I hope he never loses that. I slip out of bed unnoticed and make my way downstairs.

I step outside onto their back porch for fresh air. I look around and see the damn pool Ben decided to jump into with me last night. Jackass. But then I notice the rest of their back yard. Its huge with a beautiful garden that has a stone pond and waterfall along the edge. Everything is well maintained and manicured. Everything about their home is beautiful, including the family that resides in it. I sat on their porch swing enjoying the view and taking in the events of this week. So much has happened the last few days. I never would have imagined that I would have met the love of my life this first day of school just a week ago. And that he would find out everything about me and not run the other direction. Because let’s be real, my head is f****d. And yet, I feel myself heal little by little in Ben’s presence. Its intense and surreal. All I can do is go along with it because it feels right in my heart and in my soul. I’ve never put much thought in soulmates. But I know for a fact that he is mine. Completely and utterly mine to love forever. I can only hope, pray and do my best to make him as happy as he makes me.

As I continue getting lost in my thoughts, I hear the sliding glass door open. Mrs. Wilder steps out in her fleece robe with a cup of hot coffee. She is so elegant and classy. Her sandy brown hair perfectly resting on her shoulders. She has a warm smile. I see where Ben’s smile comes from. But other than the hair and the smile, he’s a dead ringer for his dad. His parents are truly beautiful. They have aged gracefully as I think of the pictures I have seen throughout their home. Makes me wonder what my dad would look like now. I know it’s been a few years but I see how loss and stress made my mom appear a little older then she is. She is still beautiful though, she just lost that sparkle she used to have. Life can be a b***h sometimes. As my thoughts take me away to another place again, I hear Mrs. Wilder speak softly. “Oh! Rebecca, good morning sweetie. I didn’t realize anyone was out here.” She smiled warmly. “Good morning, I was just enjoying the sunrise and my surroundings.” I smile back at her as she sat down next to me. “Thank you for allowing me to stay here this weekend. I hope I wasn’t a burden.” I say looking down to my lap slightly embarrassed that I haven’t really officially met his parents yet. “Of course, Rebecca, you are welcomed here anytime. You could never be a burden sweetie. If I can say, it is a pleasure to actually meet you. I know the last few days have been a whirlwind.” She smiled brightly making me smile the same. “It’s so nice to finally meet you too, officially. I apologize for the first two meetings. I’m so embarrassed Ben had to carry me in and I had a stupid asthma attack and then last night...” I trailed off lightly chuckling. “Oh you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Family can be tough and asthma is asthma. And well, last night is my son’s fault. I still can’t believe he jumped in the pool taking you with him. I never seen him so playful or carefree. He has always been so serious and intense. As much as I want to be mad at him, it was nice to see his silly side for once.”Mrs. Wilder admitted. “You seem to bring that out of him.” She added. “She does, I’ve noticed changes in him this week.” Mr. Wilder said joining our conversation. He sat on the chair in front of the porch swing facing us. “Good morning, girls.” He added with a charming smile. His dad shared almost all the same features except he has black hair. But he has a bright smile as well. Damn this family has all the good genes. “Morning Mr. Wilder. Thanks again for having me this weekend.” I say softly. “Don’t mention it dear. Our door is always opened. Especially to you.” He said.

“You truly are beautiful, Rebecca. I see why my son is taken by you. You are quite different and unique from most girls.” Mrs. Wilder said warmly taking my hand and making me blush. I saw Mr. Wilder nodding in agreement. “Thank you, I’m just trying to keep my promises to my dad.” I said in a quiet tone. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean…” Mrs Wilder started as I feel gaze on my exposed arms. I completely forgot I was in t shirt. “Its, okay, I think about him and my promises often. It doesn’t cause my urge to cut.” I say as I run my fingers over my forearms. “I’m normally covered. I’m sorry you had to see these. I must be comfortable here.” I whispered looking down. I felt both of Ben’s parents take each of my hands as both lean towards me. “Sweetie, it okay. You’ve been through more than most see in a lifetime.” Mrs. Wilder said gently lifting my chin up. “These are battle scars. You are strong, Rebecca. You will overcome this.” Mr. Wilder added lovingly. “I’m not strong. It’s the only thing I can control.” I sigh looking down again. I can’t believe I am having this conversation with Ben’s parents right now. How are they not freaking out. All I feel is their love and understanding instead. This family is truly something else. “Yes, you are Rebecca. Allowing our son to help you, shows me the strength you have to overcome your demons. Your mom told us about what happened and Ben has also told us about how you stand up for others. You are a special girl, my dear. I also see why he chosen you.” Mr. Wilder said squeezing my hand gently. “How long have you been cutting?” Mrs Wilder asked. “5 years.” I answered as a tear ran down my face. She cupped my face and wiped it away as her own tears escaped her eyes. “How many know?” She asked. “Just Ben and you two. He only found out on Thursday night. Please, my mom can’t know. It would break her. She’s so fragile.” I whispered in desperation. “Oh my sweet girl, you have fought such a long time alone. She sobbed out hugging me. “You have us now darling.” Mr. Wilder stood up and sat on my other side hugging me as well after his wife let me go. I can’t tell you the impact of his hug had on me. It was the fatherly hug I have missed and that I have been deprived for 6 years.

And I lost it, completely. But all happy tears. Yes, I get lost in Ben’s warm hugs. His arms are my favorite place to be. But his dad hugging me in a fatherly way is completely different with other emotions attached to it. I felt his dad kiss the top of my head and embraced me tighter like he knew the emotions I was going through in the moment. I hear Mrs. Wilder sobbing too as I feel her hand on my back. But then I feel a pair of hands on my knees that belong to my love as he kneels in front of me. His touch sending signals to my heart to skip a beat. “I know I can never replace you daddy but I’m here if you ever need anything Rebecca. You are a lovely girl and deserve to be loved.” He said softly. He kept his arm around me as I sat up giving everyone a tearful smile. “I’m sorry, I just haven’t been hugged like that in a while.” I admitted resting my hands on Ben as he is still in front of me. “You’re step dad really is a bastard.” Ben said out loud causing me to chuckle breathlessly. “Ben! That’s not nice! What language!” His mom scolded him. “No, Ben is right. But he makes my mom happy. That’s what matters to me.” I say to cut the tension. “Well, my dear, I am always free for hugs when you need them. You are loved here.” His dad offered. “Thank you, your whole family is truly wonderful. I love all of you too.” I smile brightly even with teary eyes. “Okay, enough with the tears or I will have red puffy eyes all day long. How about I make a big breakfast for us.” Mrs Wilder chirped. We all agreed. His parents both left us to head inside. “I’m glad you were able to bond with them.” Ben said as he got up and sat beside me. He took hold of my hips and placed me on his lap as my legs stretched across the rest of the swing. He nuzzled my neck, lightly tickling me with his nose and leaving sweet little kisses. “I didn’t realize a hug from your dad would affect me like that. It almost felt like my own dad hugging me.” I smile looking up at Ben. “My dad always wanted a little girl. But after me, my mom couldn’t have anymore kids. He has a lot of love to give. I am thankful you get to receive it.” Ben replied kissing my cheek.

Ben’s POV

I woke up to empty arms and I didn’t like it at all. I head downstairs to find Becs. I hear everyone talking on the back porch. My heart stilled when I stepped out and saw Becs melting into my dad’s hug. Her tears were happy yet I could feel her relief of getting something that she has been deprived of. Tim must never had even hugged her. The bastard has absolutely no love in his heart for my girl. Thank God my dad felt it too as he looked at me for reassurance. With my nod he spoke lovingly to her. My heart is so happy that my parents see what I see in her. I am going to marry her right after graduation. I won’t wait any longer.