Just Breathe

by Célia Pereira

  “I love you,” I whisper back as I start the truck.

  “Listen, babe, I need you to pick something up for me once you’re done at the grocery store. Is that cool?”

  “Of course. What do you need me to pick up and where?”

  “I’ll text you the address. Just text me when you’re on your way there. Babe, my client just showed up. I’ll talk to you soon.” He rushes out another I love you, as do I, before he hangs up.

  Once I’m done at the grocery store and ready to head to wherever Gavin needs me to pick up whatever it is, I message him for the address as he never texted it to me. I wait a few minutes before I get a text from him with an address and a heart emoji. I reply with a kissing one and type the address into my phone, seeing it’s about thirty minutes outside of town. I have more than enough time to pick up Gavin’s package and head back in time to pick up Logan from school. I’m thankful that the roads are clear and the snow has stopped falling, although they are calling for a fair amount of snowfall overnight.

  The GPS has me turning right off the main road and indicates to continue on Mountain Road for another fifteen minutes before arriving at my destination. It’s quiet out here, with nothing but open road and miles of open land on both sides. Everything is covered in a blanket of white snow. I can only imagine how beautiful it will look driving through here in the summertime when everything is green and flourishing. About ten minutes of being on Mountain Road, I begin to see log homes coming into view. They’re gorgeous. Each home sits on its own piece of land with a great open view. The mountains come into view as I turn a bend. They seem so tiny but yet, you can tell they are massive as you drive closer.

  The GPS indicates that my destination is on the right. I signal and drive up the cement driveway leading to yet another beautiful log country home. Its mixture of log walls, timber accents, stones, and siding definitely gives it a mountain-like feel. It even has a chimney. I’ve always wanted a home with a real fireplace. The colors are sort of rustic, consisting of browns and grays, with a red door popping out. You would think it would stick out like a sore thumb, but I think it gives it character, a homey feel. Its large front windows seem to open up from the inside out, leading to the patio just to the right. I can imagine the homeowner sitting out here in the evenings watching the stars and the sunrise. The entire place is breathtaking.

  I’m still sitting in my truck when I realize I have no idea why Gavin would send me here. I’m hesitant at first, but I trust Gavin and know he would never put me in harm’s way. I take a deep breath and make my way to the front door. I knock twice, and when I do, the door opens slightly, as if the force of my knocking pushed it open. I don’t have much time to dwell on this when Mr. Henderson comes into view.

  “Mr. Henderson? What are you doing here?” I’m surprised to see him here, but before he can answer, Logan appears at his side. Okay, something is going on, and they have clearly left me out of the loop.

  “Bubba, what are you doing here? What is going on?” I question, yet again.

  This time, Mr. Henderson only smiles as he takes my hand and guides me inside.

  “Come on in, dear.”

  Logan then reaches from behind him and brings into view a black silk blindfold. I raise a brow at him. “Trust us, Mom. You’re going to love it.” He’s smiling so damn big I fear it might split his face in half. I shake my head, not understanding, but give in.

  “All right, Bubba. Cover me up.” He lets out a whoop and beings to blindfold me.

  Always an adventure with us. Gavin has a lot of explaining to do when we get back.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Gavin

  “You have everything ready?” Hunter pops his head into my room. I have never seen him this excited in my entire life. You’d think he just won the lottery or something.

  “Everything is in place. Just waiting for Mr. Henderson to get here before heading to pick up Logan. You and Ash driving up together?” Those two have been spending a lot more time together, way more than the norm. Something is definitely going on between them.

  “Yeah. We’ll head over as soon as Bailey gets off shift.” He looks toward the entrance before he announces that Mr. Henderson has just walked in.

  I wrap up cleaning my tools and head out front. “Mr. Henderson, did she suspect anything?” I greet him with a firm handshake. He cares a big deal about Bailey and Logan. When he found out what happened to Bailey, I saw a completely different side to him. To say he was angry was putting it mildly. I found out later that Mr. Henderson was actually in the army when he was young. He was a sniper. He didn’t say much about his time there except that he understood what it was like to lose family and brothers. He also mentioned to me that Frank was lucky the cops got to him before he did. That made me laugh and proud all at once. I loved knowing that Bailey and Logan had people who genuinely cared for their well-being. That’s why I asked Mr. Henderson to be a part of this special surprise.

  “I was able to slip out without her seeing, so I think we’re good.” He smiles. He is a proud man right now. To him, Bailey and Logan are family.

  “Perfect. Let’s get going then.” We head toward the front door and make sure no one is watching before leaving the shop. Once we’re settled in my truck, I check the clock and notice that Bailey will be getting off in about ten minutes or so. I make it just in time to pick up Logan from school and then over to get Zeus. Once everyone is in the car, I call Bailey.

  “Everyone quiet,” I whisper as I hear the call going through and then her beautiful voice. I let her know I need her to pick something up for me and that I’ll text her the address. She agrees without hesitating, as I knew she would.

  “Do you think Mom guesses anything?” Logan says from the back seat with Zeus. This kid has been so excited to help me plan this surprise that I am in complete shock it hasn’t slipped out yet.

  “I think she suspects something is up, but she doesn’t have a clue.” I look in the rear-view mirror at him and give him a wink.

  “She’s going to be so surprised. This is the bestest idea ever!” At his excitement, Zeus lets out a few barks in agreement.

  We make it to our destination just as Bailey texts me for the address. Perfect. We have about thirty minutes before she arrives. I just hope Hunter, Ash, and Momma B get here before she does. Thankfully, just as I send Bailey the address, Hunter and Ash pull up. Great. Now it’s just Momma B.

  “Gavin, this place is gorgeous. She’s going to love it here.” Ash gushes.

  “I hope so,” I say, a bit nervous.

  For the past six months, things have been nothing short of amazing. I never realized what I was missing in my life, or how empty it was, until Bailey and Logan came into it. I’ve never lived with a woman before, or with a child for that matter, but having them under the same roof made me wonder how I ever lived without them. We’ve fallen into a routine, but it’s exciting. I look forward to going home in the evenings so I can hear all about Logan’s day and the things he’s learned and experienced at school. I look forward to helping with any homework he may have and to our time before settling him in for the night. I most definitely look forward to crawling into bed with my woman and spending most of the night buried inside of her. But Bailey was right all those months ago. We needed a bigger place for Logan and Zeus. To be honest, we needed a bigger home, so we wouldn’t have to worry about Logan ever walking in on us while in the act. Yes, that happened. Poor kid had a nightmare and was a bit freaked out, so he came in ever so quietly, too quiet. I didn’t hear or see him, as Bailey was riding me…hard. Yeah, it was a rough night. After doing our best to explain our situation, the next day I began searching for a new place. After a couple of weeks of searching and thinking I wasn’t going to find anything, I found this one, and I’m pretty certain Bailey will love it. It’s about a thirty-minute drive out of Watermount Falls, but it’s really not that bad, since traffic is light. I made an offer, and within a few days, I got the call that it was offi
cially ours.

  It’s a flat iron chalet that looks more like a rustic cabin. It’s two stories high, with the main floor holding an open plan of the kitchen, dining room, and great room. The kitchen is complete with state-of-the-art appliances, which I know Bailey will love. She’s a fantastic cook and baker. I can already envision her in there, getting lost in a new recipe. The great room has a fireplace and floor to ceiling windows that bring in lots of natural light. There’s even an entrance from there to the patio, where we can place some couches and a coffee table to spend time outdoors. The master bedroom is located on the main level, also with floor to ceiling windows, and another entrance to a small patio. I know she’ll love that view. It’s a perfect view of the mountains. The second floor, which is the best part of the place, hosts two bedrooms and private bathrooms, and a loft space for Logan to be able to play in at his own free will, and his room will be one of the two. Away from our bedroom. The place itself has this old cabin in the woods vibe, with log walls and timber accents. There’s enough open space for Logan and Zeus to run around, and any new additions we may plan on having. I just hope Bailey loves it. Logan can’t wait to move in, and Zeus will love being able to run free.

  “Momma B just pulled in and around to the back, and she thinks Bailey isn’t too far behind. Said she thinks she passed her truck on the main road.” Hunter cuts into my thoughts. Okay, time to get everyone into place.

  “All right, let’s get everyone to the dining room and have Mr. Henderson and Logan at the front door watching. They know what to do,” I call out while going to get Zeus back inside.

  “She just pulled up!” Logan yells from the front door.

  I reach into my pocket and ensure the gift Mr. Henderson gave me is still there. Breathe. Just breathe. It takes a few minutes before we hear two knocks on the door, and then Bailey’s sweet voice. Logan encourages her to trust them to blindfold her. Within seconds, she comes into view. Although her eyes are covered, she still takes my breath away. Logan and Mr. Henderson guide her into the great room, which is just across from the dining room, where we are all standing. Once they have her facing the windows, they step back and come to stand with us. That’s my cue. I walk up behind her, and just like all the other times, she senses me.

  “Gavin?” She breathes out.

  I wrap my arms around her and bury my face in her neck, and then take a soft nip. She lets out a soft moan while melting into me.

  “Hey, beautiful,” I whisper in her ear.

  “What’s going on? Can I remove this thing?” she questions, a bit of frustration edging her tone. I chuckle in her ear before nipping it, too. “Stop that.” She giggles.

  “I’ll remove it in just a second. Just hear me out.” She melts back into my arms and nods slightly.

  “Bailey, I will never be able to express how much I love you and how much I need you in my life. You came into my life when I felt like I was suffocating and barely living. You ignited something in me to become a better man, and to take charge of my life and let go of the past. You have taught me that for the people we love, we fight and take on any war to keep them safe. I will spend the rest of my life showing you and reminding you how precious you are to me, and that I will go to any lengths to keep you.” I take that moment to move in front of her. I wipe the tears that are slipping out from under the silk blindfold and press my lips to her forehead, and then I get down on one knee, still holding both her hands in mine.

  “Logan might not be your biological son, nor mine, but to him, you are his mother, and in my opinion, he couldn’t have gotten any luckier in that department. I love that little ball of energy with everything in me and will do my absolute best to raise him to be the man you want him to be.” Her smile grows wider with my words while I feel my body shaking as if it’s going to fall apart. I reach into my pocket, and once I get out what I need, I ask her to remove the blindfold. When her eyes adjust, she looks down at me and gasps in shock, as her tears continue to run down her delicate skin.

  “Bailey Peterson, six months ago, I found out what true fear really is. The fear of not having you to come home to, not seeing that beautiful smile or hearing your laugh. The fear of living a life without you in it. I never want to experience that ever again, so I ask you, will you do me the honor of living and spending your life with me?” I hold my breath as I hold her left hand in mine and hold out the vintage millegrain tear-shaped diamond engagement ring. Mr. Henderson wanted me to have his late wife’s ring since Bailey is like a daughter to him. She drops to her knees, slips both her delicate hands around my neck, presses her forehead against mine while trying to control her tears.

  “Yes…yes, a million times yes to spending a million lifetimes with you.”

  I crash my lips against hers and pour everything I feel, and everything she brings out of me, into that kiss. Everyone begins to clap and cheer while Zeus comes over and begins to lick our faces. We both pull back and laugh at his excitement.

  “I asked Mr. Henderson for your hand, and he agreed,” I explain to her while placing the ring on her left ring finger and let me tell you, I feel the caveman in me beat his chest.

  “You did that?’ she whispers while watching me place the ring on.

  “He loves you as if you were his own. This was Lila’s ring.” I bring her hand to my lips and kiss the ring while locking eyes with her. “Now it’s yours, Mrs. McKnight,” I all but whisper.

  “Mr. McKnight.”

  She presses another kiss against my lips before everyone comes over to congratulate us. I feel so much lighter as I see her bright smile, while Ash and Momma B take turns examining the ring.

  “Hey, Gavin?” Logan comes up next to me. I bend down to be at eye level with him.

  “What’s up, bud?” I notice he seems a bit nervous. Oh, shit.

  “Umm…I wanted to ask you something very important.” He puffs out his little chest, gaining all the courage he can muster before speaking.

  “Since you asked my mom to marry you, that means she’s going to have your last name, right?”

  Okay, not what I was expecting. “Yeah, bud. She will. Are you okay with that?” I ask.

  “Yeah, that’s great. When you guys have babies, they’ll have your last name, too, right?”

  Shit, I think I know where he’s going with this. “Yeah, bud. They’ll have my last name too.” I wait, hoping he really is going to ask me what I think he is, but also a bit terrified if he isn’t.

  “Umm… Well, I was thinking, I’ll be the only one with a different name so, well… Can I have your last name, too?” He sucks in a breath while holding my stare.

  This precious little thing trusts me enough to not only protect him and ensure his safety, but to love him, and to want me to keep him. Like I could ever let him go.

  “I would be honored if you would take my last name, bud.” His smile grows so big I swear it reaches his eyes. He launches himself into my arms and hugs me as tight as his little arms will let him.

  “I love you, Gavin,” he whispers in my ear.

  “I love you, bud. Always.”

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Bailey

  We’re all standing around the island in the kitchen, having some food and drinks. Apparently, everyone had a hand in helping Gavin plan this big day. I still can’t believe it. Not only the beautiful proposal but also the fact that Gavin asked Mr. Henderson for my hand, and that Mr. Henderson gave him his wife’s engagement ring. That’s the perfect part in all this. Oh, and the fact that Gavin bought us this gorgeous house! I still can’t believe this is our new home. This man really is perfect.

  “Are you happy, darlin’?” Mr. Henderson cuts into my thoughts. Everyone is eating, chatting, and laughing, and I sort of just got lost in thought.

  “Happy isn’t the right word to describe what I’m feeling.” I smile brightly at him. In return, he pats my cheek lightly and smiles.

  “You deserve every bit of happiness and love in your life, Bailey. You and that pr
ecious little boy.” Gosh, he’s going to make me cry. Thankfully, I don’t wear makeup, so I don’t have to worry about it running down my face and scaring everyone.

  “Thank you so much for giving me Lila’s ring. I can never tell you how honored I am to wear it and how much you mean to me. Logan and I love you very much, and although there isn’t a date yet, I would like to go ahead and ask you if you would do me the honor of giving me away?”

  His eyes swell with tears, as he tries to compose himself. “The honor is all mine, sweetheart. Of course I will.”

  I wrap my arms around him and hug him tight.

  “Come here, baby girl, and give me some love.” Momma B pulls me from Mr. Henderson and engulfs me in a tight hug.

  I’m the luckiest girl right now.

  “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you smiling so brightly. You deserve all the happiness and love in this lifetime, baby girl.”

  Gosh, this woman.

  “I hope you know I officially plan to make you Mrs. McKnight as soon as possible, babe.” Gavin interrupts our moment while everyone chuckles.

  I look up at him and see the fire burning in his eyes when he calls me Mrs. McKnight. Oh my. He is so sexy when he is all caveman-like.

  “I’ve never planned a wedding before, but I assume it takes some time.” I give him a flirty smirk just to rile him up.

  “How long you need, babe?”

  “Well, Christmas is in three weeks, and then there’s New Year’s so, I’d say we could do a summer wedding. Maybe June or July?”

  “Absolutely not! I am not waiting a year to make you my wife,” he all but yells, and I have to really hold in my laughter.

  “You listen here, buddy. This is her special day! Everything needs to be perfect, from the dress to the flowers, and we need time to do that!” Ash pipes in.

  Bless her.

  Gavin looks my way, defeated. “Fine. I want that day to be perfect for you, baby. Anything you want, it’s yours. Just don’t make me wait a year. Please.”