Precious Love

Moving Forward

Chapter 12

Balinda’s pov

When we got home, I went up to my room with Gavin’s shirt. I knew that I would never be able to sleep if I laid down now. I changed into an old pair of jeans and Gavin’s shirt before heading out to, what we call, the barn. I would finish our latest custom project. One of the ladies in the human town ordered a special bedroom set for her daughter and soon to be son-in-law. All that we had left to do was finish the headboard. We saved it for last because it would have the most intricate designs and would take the longest.

I turned on the lights and radio, then got to work. In my mind I tried to work through the pain of my dad leaving, but being grateful that he finally shared everything with me.

All the sudden, I finished the last of the design on the headboard and I knew that I had worked all night. It wasn't unusual for dad or I to go all night, but we tried hard not to let that become a pattern. I opened the door and looked at the sky, I still had a couple hours before Gavin got here. I decided to go ahead and keep working a little longer.

As I'm finishing the first coat of stain, I hear footsteps coming up through the woods. I put the stain down and snap the top in before going outside. After a few moments, my mate came into view. I couldn't help myself and ran up to him and threw myself into his arms.

“Mmmm, this is a nice welcome.” He held me tight, but kept walking towards the house. I knew he was tired.

“I missed you so much.” I whispered to him.

He tightened his grip a little and then set me down by the front door. I grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. My dad was sitting at the kitchen table with two plates of toast and eggs. They were placed at the seats across from him.

“Please have a seat and have some breakfast. Bells, is the headboard done?” He knew I was out all night working on it.

I gave him a small smile, “It needs one more coat of stain and it'll be all ready. I just finished the first coat.” I ate a couple bites of food, knowing I needed the sustenance, but also not hungry, knowing what the day would bring.

He nodded, “I'll take this last project and deliver it. I've written down everything that you need to know. I'm sure Gavin will help you when you need it.” He nodded again, talking to himself.

Gavin had been inhaling his plate of food, but paused, not understanding what my dad was getting at.

My dad looked at me, then at Gavin. “Gavin, you know that my mate left us five years ago.” He said it as a statement, but waited for Gavin to confirm with a nod. “What nobody here knows, is that she was my second mate. My first and true mate was Balinda’s mother, Charlotte. She died from a rogue attack on the day that Bells was born. Bells can fill in the rest of the details later, but I'm ready to join her. Now that my daughter has found you, she doesn't need me anymore. I'm ready to be with my mate.” He ended quietly, but with conviction.

Gavin held eye contact while he processed what my dad was saying. Finally, he spoke. “You've made it eighteen years without the love of your life, I can't imagine how painful that must have been for you. Thank you for doing what Belinda needed. You will receive no judgment from me.”

He stood and went around the table to my father, who also stood. They embraced and I feel like Gavin could understand more of this than I could.

“I will still be here after you both get some sleep.” With that, he walked out of the house to finish the headboard and then deliver the furniture.

“Baby…” Gavin said and pulled me into him.

I let the tears fall and allowed myself to cry. Gavin picked me up and carried me up to my room, laying me down on the bed. He laid down with me and just held me, allowing me to let it all out. Eventually, I drifted off to sleep, listening to my mate comfort me.

~~~

For the second time in a row, I woke up with my mate’s arm wrapped around me. This time I snuggled back into my mate's chest, enjoying the warmth and peace he brings me. I can tell that he is still asleep, so I close my eyes and just rest for a while. I know we'll have to get up soon, but I want to enjoy this time.

After a while his breathing changes and I know he's waking up. He moves so that his lips are kissing up and down my neck. A quiet moan slips out, and Gavin growls in response. He moves me so I'm on my back as his lips move up to meet mine. My hands make their way to his hair as I pull him closer.

I've heard that most mates mate and mark each other in a matter of days, sometimes hours. I am impressed with the amount of self control he has shown me over the last thirty hours or so. I'm the one who doesn't seem to have any self control.

After a few more minutes, he pulled back and cuddled me into him. I greedily accepted the comfort that he was offering me. Only he would be able to ease the pain in my heart.

“I'm going to go get a shower.” I said and leaned up to kiss his jaw.

“I'll shower when you're done.” He replied and let me go.

I didn't take as long as yesterday, but I hoped that the hot water would help with the swelling around my eyes from crying. I don't want my dad to feel guilty for this decision, especially knowing that I would want the same thing.

I walked out into my room in only a towel again, but this time Gavin didn't wait to see if I would drop the towel. I giggled a little, remembering how he reacted yesterday.

Soon we were both dressed and ready to go say goodbye to my father.

When we got downstairs, we found him sitting in the living room and looking out the window. I put a hand on his shoulder, I think his mind was in a memory. He glanced up at me and smiled. I could tell that there was a burden lifted from his shoulders, knowing that he would soon be with his mate. He got up and held me for a while, then shook hands with Gavin.

“I love you, Bells.” He said and walked out the door. We watched him shift into Thornton, who came back and let me hug him. Then they ran off behind the house.

I didn't cry, but I pressed myself into Gavins arms.