unbroken (unexpected series)

Chapter 49

Stopping dad turned about in front of me, his eyes serious and focused on mine, "You're a better man than many... months alone with her and you cared for her like a parent. Your mother and I... it's remarkable to watch her, see her do things for the babies that we know that she's probably picked up from you. I'm not sure you're aware of how the abusive cycle begins..." he pauses looking down at Rusty, placing one of his large hands on his head and Rusty ever so curious tries to see just whom is now touching him.

"It's only your pawpaw," I murmured, watching my dads face light up at the title and it still hadn't gotten old.

Making a few gurgling noises Rusty quieted down and dad continued, "We all know just how Angel was treated before you found her Russell, but... you wouldn't know that by how she treated Cody when you brought her home and now you wouldn't know it from how she is with her own children. It - it unfortunately doesn't always end the way it is now..."

I know what he means, of course I do.

Victims that turn into abusers.

Something Angel hadn't become.

Instead she was the type of mama that rocked her babies gently, cooed while they breastfed, laid about lounging with them, humming, kissing them and murmuring, whispering her love for them.

Angel had more patience than anyone I'd seen... she woke with a smile when others may wake frowning. Exhaustion may have shown on her face, but never in her hands, movements or words... or smile.

"You're falling in love with her all over again," said nodding head as we began walking...

Sighing I just took his words in. I didn't fall for women... not easily, but as of yet... I'd fell for Angel more than once. Oddly the mate bond was there but... I would've still fell for her again now in this stage of our life as well.

"Yes... I know there is no time to waste, I won't put off things for us saying we have all the time in the world...but - but," I didn't want to rush Angel. I didn't want to take attention from our children away. I felt consumed and overwhelmed by how I loved her but at the same time, I knew I couldn't be selfish.

"I'm just trying to be her friend... there - there won't be other women - no one can be what she is for me and while that may not be enough for some men... it's enough for me dad. I can't - she's growing into who she was meant to become... she's had so many obstacles you know? I just - I'm doing things and taking my cues from Angel now..." I said with a wistful tone, and half smile.

"I'm - I think we are in a good place now," I added taking the bottle he was handing me for Rusty as he became a bit fussy now.

"You know... I'm proud of you..." Dad whispered as we found a large boulder to rest against, a halo of light from above us giving us more light than before.

"You know... Angel... I mean Cassandra..." he chuckled, I blinked not understanding... I mean that was her name but as far as I knew she wanted us to call her Angel.