Love is a Miracle Ch. 01

"Mom, are you okay?" Serenity asked as Ashira put a box in the back of the mustang. Ashira smiled and nodded.

"I'm fine. I just can't believe you're going off to college," Ashira said.

"Neither can I," Jake said, as he and Mark carried a large trunk and placing it in the back of his Explorer.

"Man, it seems like yesterday when we brought her home," Mark commented. Jake and Ashira looked at Mark for a second and laughed.

"You guys!" Serenity whined making them laugh again.

"Problems?" Gavin asked, getting out of his car and walking towards them. Serenity smiled.

"Nope, just my parents, all four of them being neurotic," Serenity answered. Gavin laughed.

"You guys have ten minutes and then we need to leave," Melinda said. Gavin led Serenity out to the deck, under the pool where Mark had installed a changing room.

"What's up?" Serenity asked, noticing the serious and nervous look on Gavin's face.

"I'll miss you," Gavin began. Serenity smiled and gave him a kiss.

"I'll miss you too," Serenity murmured.

Gavin pressed a finger to Serenity's lips.

"Let me do this," he said, his voice shaking as he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket.

"Gavin, is that what I think it is?" Serenity asked, her eyes wide.

"What do you think it is?" Gavin wanted to know.

"Are you asking me to marry you?"

Gavin smiled slightly but shook his head. "At least, not yet." Gavin opened the box. "It's a promise ring. I want to marry you, but I think we both know we're not ready for that," Gavin said, his voice gentle. Serenity smiled and threw her arms around Gavin's neck with a squeal. "Will you wear it?" Gavin asked.

"I'd love to," Serenity said softly.

Gavin kissed her as he slipped the ring on her finger. "What are you doing?" he asked, feeling her hands slide to the waist band of his jeans.

"Giving you a proper goodbye," Serenity said, a mischievous grin on her face. Gavin groaned once before helping Serenity rid both of them of their pants and undies. Serenity gasped as Gavin pushed into her, filling her completely. It didn't take long for either of them; they hadn't seen each other much in the last few weeks.

By the time Mark was knocking on the door, both Serenity and Gavin had their clothing back on and Serenity's hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

"What is going on in here?" Mark asked, looking suspiciously at Gavin.

"I had a gift to give to Serenity," Gavin answered.

"Please don't tell me you're pregnant," Mark pleaded with Serenity. Gavin's eyes widened as he realized that in all of the months they had been having sex, they hadn't used a condom.

"No dad, I'm not. Gavin gave me a promise ring," Serenity said, holding out her left hand.

Mark looked over the opal and diamond ring.

"Just don't rush into marriage, you're both so young," Mark advised, leading them out of the changing room.

"Ready to go?" Jake asked. Serenity looked at Gavin who gave her a smile.

"Give me a minute," Serenity said softly.

Jake nodded and he joined Ashira in the Explorer while Mark climbed in the driver's seat of the mustang. Gavin pulled Serenity into a hug. "I don't want to leave," Serenity whispered.

"Aw baby, it'll be okay. I'm only going to be a few hours away. You can call me any time you want. I love you," Gavin assured her.

"I love you too," Serenity whispered, tears streaming down her face.

"Don't cry," Gavin pleaded. He tilted Serenity's face towards his and gave her a gentle kiss. "I work until closing tonight, but call me at Heaven and let me know that you got there okay. And I've already worked it out with Mel, if you need me, all you have to do is call me and my shifts will be covered and I'll be there within four hours," Gavin promised. Serenity sniffled.

"Serenity, we have to go," Mark said gently. Gavin smiled at Serenity and gave her one last kiss.

"Go," Gavin said, rubbing his thumb over the ring on her finger. He led Serenity over to the mustang and opened the passenger door.

"I love you," Serenity murmured.

"I love you too," Gavin said, squeezing her hand before closing the door.

"She'll be okay," Melinda told Gavin, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I know, but I'm going to miss her like crazy," Gavin said before walking down the driveway, getting into his Ford Focus and driving away.