When You Were Mine (Stone Lake 2)

“It’s important to you, Josh. Of course I’m going to be there.”

“A lot of parents don’t even work like you do and they don’t show up at practices,” Joshua points out and I shrug because I don’t really know what to say to that. “See?” Joshua says to Gavin. “She’s awesome.”

“Yeah,” Gavin says with a smile. “She is.”

“But as awesome as she is, she can be hurt. She has to go through a lot because she doesn’t have anyone but me to depend on, and sometimes, I can be stupid.”

“Joshua, you are not,” I argue.

“I don’t think to help you all the time, Mom, and I should cause you don’t have anyone else.”

“I’ll be here to help her now, but you should still do more to help out, Joshua. Your mom shouldn’t have to handle everything. I hate that she’s had to, but I want to make sure she’s not alone anymore,” Gavin says.

“She shouldn’t be hurt anymore either. She cries sometimes at night after she thinks I’m asleep.”

“Joshua,” I whisper, surprised. His room is upstairs, and I never imagined he could hear me.

“Sorry, Mom, but I check on you sometimes and I hear you. It didn’t happen as much since you and Sheriff Kingston started dating, but it still happened,” he says, proving my son is older and wiser than his years would indicate.

“Josh,” Gavin starts, but this time it’s Joshua who interrupts Gavin.

“You and me will work our problems out, I guess. I mean, if you stay in town and shi—stuff,” he says, looking at me guiltily when he almost curses. He hates cursing in front of me, mostly because I get after him. “But, if you hurt Mom then everything else is off the table, because her and me… we’re kind of a package deal,” Joshua says, and I smile so large that it’s almost painful. I squeeze my son’s hand in silent agreement.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Gavin says, rising up to stand. “I promise you I’ll do my best to never hurt your mother ever again. Actually, I promise you that I’ll do my best to never hurt you or your mother.”

Joshua nods and I feel my heart swell as the two men in my life, that I love more than I could ever find words to explain, shake hands.

There’s this feeling coming to life inside of me and it’s a feeling I can’t remember experiencing before.

Pride…Pride in my family.

It might be a long haul, but I think eventually that’s exactly what the three of us will become, and the knowledge of that brings a peace I can’t even begin to explain.

Gavin

“Are you okay?” Luna whispers in the darkness. I hug her body tight, thankful I’m in her bed tonight. I started to go back to the hotel, but Luna asked me to stay. I wasn’t about to say no, because honestly, I don’t want to leave her. Also, I think after today that it’s clear this son of a bitch has a hard on for me. I need to stay close to Luna and Joshua because I don’t want to take a chance they’ll be hurt.

“You’ve asked me that question at least ten times tonight, Moonbeam,” I remind her, tilting my head to kiss her forehead.

“I’m worried about you,” she responds.

“I’m the one who should be asking you if you are okay. You were closer to Roy than I ever was.”

“I think I’m still in shock. I just can’t believe someone killed him.”

The bitterness I feel at those words is enough to suffocate me, but I swallow it down, not wanting Luna to see how upset I truly am.

“It’s my fault.”

“It is not, Gavin.”

“C’mon, Luna. I told you about the message on the wall.”

“Yes, but you aren’t responsible for some psycho, Gavin. You can’t even begin to understand how his mind works.”

“I guess.”

“There’s no guessing about it,” Luna says passionately. She leans over me, using her elbow for support. Her hand presses against the side of my face and she gets so close I can feel her breath against my lips. “You are not responsible for a madman.”

“If you or Josh were to get hurt because of me, Luna…”

“We won’t.”

“You might. It’s dangerous for me to be here, but I can’t leave you alone either. I want to stay close so I can protect you.”

“Joshua and I will be fine, Gavin.”

“But—”

“No buts. We’re a team now, remember,” she assures me, and I find myself smiling despite the worry that is weighing me down.

“I won’t forget,” I guarantee her.

“We’ll find this guy soon, Gavin. He’s being too active. He’s going to slip up,” she says, and I think she’s right, it’s just I’m afraid he might touch her or Joshua before I get him—and that would destroy me.

“I love you, Luna,” I whisper, moving in to kiss her gently.