Love & Fear | Book Two

Thirteen

As my brother and Mandy informed everyone they could go downstairs and eat, I found myself glancing over at Michael, who was talking with his mother while everyone began to leave the sanctuary. I smiled as I watched him, how at home he looked surrounded by friends and family. But then he looked over at me, his eyes back to their normal blue color as he searched my face. Within moments I was by his side, just when only a few of us were left. Instantly entwining my fingers with his, we made our way downstairs to wait in line for our dinner.

As we stood in line, I noticed just how many people actually showed up to my brother's wedding.

"You have a lot of family." I whispered, grabbing a plate and handing the second one to him.

"Yeah," He laughed, "I guess now is a good time to introduce you."

I grinned before turning back around to set a hamburger bun on my plate. As I make my sandwich, I found myself deep in thought as Michael taps my shoulder so I would move forward. "Is something wrong?"

"No, everything is fine, I'm just a little overwhelmed is all." I say, following Michael to a table where both of our parent's sat. Setting my plate down next to mom, Michael walks over and sits across from me just as mom turns to me and smiles, "Hi Sweetie."

"Hi" I reply, pulling out my chair and sitting down.

"So I hear you told your parents about our kind." Lorkan comments, looking between Michael and I pointedly.

"Actually, I told them I was Michael's mate. Michael mentioned the 'Merman' part." I whispered, unsure of who knew about the merpeople and who didn't.

"I see." Lorkan said, deep in thought, "Well, I'm glad everything is getting straightened out."

"Me too." I breathed, looking Michael in the eyes before beginning to eat.

As we ate, the conversation soon turned to the recent hurricane season and I was grateful it was something else besides my relationship with Michael. I wanted to savor every moment I had with him and I knew that once I got home I wouldn't be able to stay away from him for long. I just hope I don't hurt him when I tell him I need a few weeks to think.

After dinner, we watched Greyson and Mandy cut their cake as my Aunt Nova took several photos. I watched as Greyson smeared icing all over Mandy's cheek and I couldn't help but laugh when she shoved her piece of cake onto his forehead.

"Do you want any cake?" Michael asked as he stood.

"Um, can you get me a cupcake while I throw away our plates? I'll keep your fork here for you so you don't have to get another one." I replied, setting his fork on his napkin and taking every ones plates.

"Alright, what kind?" He inquired once I stood.

"Hmm, chocolate, if they don't have it vanilla is fine." He only nodded, leaving me as I walked towards the trashcan and dumped it into the bin. As the festivities continued I found myself wondering about my future and I had a feeling I would see everyone again real soon.

"Excuse me dear." A woman chirped behind me.

"Ope, I'm sorry." I apologized, moving out of the way. The old woman had Michael's blue eyes and her hair was long and entirely gray.

"Oh you must be Greyson's sister, what was her name? Loretta!"

"I am." I grinned.

"Nana!" Michael called as he cam towards us. "Hi Nana."

"Oh Mikey, why haven't you given me a hug yet? I thought you were going to bring Lucie? When can I meet her? She sounds so lovely." She rambles, giving her grandson a soft hug.

"Well, actually Nana, Loretta is my Mate." He paused to motion towards me, "I just call her Lucie."

"Oh good!" She said with a smile, "It's wonderful to meet you dear."

"Do you want me to get you anything?" I asked, as she set her plate in the trash.

"Oh no dear, I'm fine."

"Come on Nana, let's go sit back down." Michael suggested, but she waved him off.

"I'm alright Mikey, go enjoy yourself." She said and then turned to me, "I'll be alright dear don't you worry. Now, go on and make me some great grand children!" And then she winked and walked away. I couldn't believe she just said that.

"Oh my God I'm sorry, she's-" He paused, "She my grandma."

"She's sweet." I said, turning to him, trying to forget that his grandmother wanted me to have children right now. Or the possibility that I might be pregnant right now and what that would mean for us.

Shaking my head, I followed Michael back to the table to eat my cupcake. The rest of the night went smoothly and after everyone had began to leave be started to clean up the church and put the chairs and tables away. By the time we left the church it was nearly eight and I knew as soon as I got home I would fall asleep. And as I drove Michael home, I wondered what would happen if I told him I needed to take a week to think and heal. But would I be able to handle being a week away from him or would that kill us?

*

My eyes fluttered open as the sunlight billowed through the curtains; the same curtains I had back home in Carthage. I was no longer in Tybee Island. Sitting up in bed, I rubbed my eyes, determined to wake myself up as fragments of my dream came back to me. When suddenly the doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts and towards the door. What day was it?

As I padded into the living room I faintly remembered I was only wearing a t-shirt and underwear but I didn't care as I flung open the front door. As I opened the door however I met eyes with the most attractive man I had ever seen, his blue eyes flickered green as I watched them trail the length of my body. Within seconds I remembered, Greyson got married and I met my soulmate only to ask him If I could have some time to myself to think only to realize as soon as he left that I couldn't stand to not be near him. It had been nearly two weeks since we last saw each other and I noticed the bags under his eyes and that he hadn't shaved recently, not that I minded, I was just glad he was here. Tears welled in my eyes as I pulled him inside, shutting the door behind me as we close the distance between us. My fingers tangling in his hair as we cling to one another, desperate for the other's touch.

"I love you," I breathed as Michael wrapped his arms around my waist, "I'm so, so sorry I regretted asking for you to keep your distance immediately but I knew I needed some time to myself but I couldn't eat and last night was the most sleep I've hand and I just, I really really missed you." I confessed.

"Hey, it's okay. You needed some time and I understand that and I'm sorry I just showed up without calling but I was dieing to see you. I just couldn't handle it."

His eyes searched mine as I cupped his cheek, "I'm glad you came." And then his mouth was on mine as we made our way to my bedroom, pealing our clothes off as we inched closer and closer together our passion intensifying with each step we took and thousands of love filled kisses.