Page 60 of Fury
She shook her head. “I think it makes it better, actually. For me, at least. Davy said he didn’t think Irving ever knew. I’d like to believe he did. That would put things into a better perspective, you know? I always wondered how someone who said they loved me could cause so much pain. Like, intentionally set out to hurt me. Makes a body wonder how true their love was. If there was love at all.” Appetite gone, she pushed her plate towards him. “You know what? I’m done.” The look of confusion, fear, and sorrow that crawled across his features froze her for a moment. “Oh, Gabe. No, honey. I’m talking about Daddy.” The breath he released held so much fear. She reached across and grabbed his hand, felt it turn in her grip, Gabe holding on with all his strength. “Baby, I will never leave you. I love you.”
“I did things, Beth. Hurt you.”
“We’re past that, promise.” His gaze held hers, steady and patient. “I know what it cost you. You’ve paid in spades, so much. I know who’s in my bed, Gabe. I know that man, and I trust him with my heart. With everything I am, I trust him. I wish you could trust me.”
Beth glanced over to watch Gabe driving. His command of the car was confident, easy. He must have felt her gaze because he tipped his head, looking at her for a moment. “Baby?”
She smiled broadly, leaning close as she covered his hand with one of hers, pressing his fingers into her knee, sliding their joined hands higher on her leg. She kissed the corner of his mouth, nibbling gently. Then, keeping her voice quiet and soft out of deference for her sleeping son, she reminded him of something he already knew, but she’d be willing to help reinforce every day for the rest of their lives if necessary. “I love you, Gabriel Ledbetter. I wanna laugh along with you as our children play, and live with you until I’m old and gray. I love you, that’s all.”
“Oh, is that all?” He met her lip brush with his mouth, kissing her softly while his fingertips stroked the tender flesh inside her thigh, raising goose bumps on her arms. When she pulled back there was such a look of peace and relief on his face she buried her face against his shoulder to hide her tears.
“Yeah, that’s everything,” she choked out as he chuckled.God, I love this man. He was worth everything they’d gone through to be together. “Everything.”
