I'm so sorry for having left everything for this long - I never meant for that to happen, but you know life happens and gets in the way. So I'm hoping to give you a finish to this story. Maybe four or five more chapters just to wrap everything up is what I hope is going to happen. Again sorry for the long wait and thank you to everyone who is going to read this chapter. I love you and appreitace the support.

Love,

Nonie Redd

Paul adjusted Rachel as she was tangled around him and without a look to anyone else in the room headed out the doors holding her tight - almost as if he loosened his hold he would lose her all together. Just moments ago he had no idea what was pulling him toward the community center, but the moment he entered the doors and heard her voice before even entering the auditorium he knew she was there. And he couldn't believe it. He had feared the worst after he had returned from him time in Lima and hadn't heard from her in days. Though he knew about the phone call to Emily to make sure he had made it home okay, but other than that there hadn't been any contact. But to walk through those doors today and see her standing on stage belting out to the whole tribe her love for him, hit him hard. He held her tightly as he made his way down a pathway in the woods never saying a word and she didn't speak either as she buried her face into the crook of his neck breathing him in. There really wasn't even words to describe what he was feeling right now in this moment anyway. It wasn't but a few minutes after starting down the trail in the woods that he came to the end and was met with the sight of the two story wood cabin nestled against the forest that he called home. He made it all the way to the porch before he gently sat Rachel down where her arms moved from his neck to wrap tightly around his waist holding him close. Paul gently cupped her face with his large hands bringing it up so they could lock eyes with each other. At first neither of them spoke.

"Rachel, - " Paul started, but was cut off from speaking farther by Rachel.

"I'm sorry, Paul." She started and he knew that his face should his confusion. "After you left my house that day I did a lot of thinking and talking with Santana and I realized not only was I stringing you along, I was being unfair to both you and Finn. I thought about it for a long time and I realized I was giving you a lot of signs and hints that I shouldn't have been giving you while knowing that I was with Finn - it was wrong of me. And I'm sorry. But after you left me that day I really thought about everything you said and what I wanted for myself and what I deserved for myself. And every thought ended up with you at the end of it." Here she beamed up at him as her eyes glistened with tears. And the breath left his chest taking in everything she said.

"I love you and I'm sure that I've loved you for a very long time actually and was just trying to tell myself I didn't. I always that Finn was going to be the best thing that happened to me and I thought that was what I deserved, but like I said with him I was just a second choice and I thought again that was the best I was ever going to get - second choice, never first just second. And I was fine convincing myself I was okay with that. But then I realized I wasn't okay with that - and you showed me that. You're one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I came here to tell you that I love you and that I want to be with you. I don't know how we are going to make it work with my dreams and future and your obligations to the pack and tribe, but I know that together we will be able to do anything that we set our minds to as long as we do it together." During her speech she had released his waist and brought her hands up to lay them on top of his hands that were cupping her face. The tears were now streaming down, but she was smiling so brightly up at him he didn't think his heart could get any fuller. "And I just want to ask you one thing? Do you truly love me?" The fact that she even had to question that blew Paul's mind. Just showing how badly her last relationship was for her.

"The imprint made me see you, but that's it, and you know that Rachel. Spending time with you over the summer and getting to know you made me fall in love with you. Everything good and crazy and wonderful about you. I love how you get so excited when you're talking about a musical you love or the roles that you are one day going to play on Broadway - roles I know you're going to be amazing at, because I went and looked them up after you talked about them. I love that you can't cook, but can bake like there is no tomorrow. I love when you put your mind to something you do it all the way and don't give up when it gets hard. I love when you perform - even if it's just signing to us on the beach - you seem to put your all into it and like you're having the best time. And anytime you perform your amazing. And I love when you concentrate on something your nose scrunches up and I just want to kiss it. Your beautiful, easily one of the most stunning woman I have ever seen in my life. And I thank the gods every day that they saw fit to point me in your direction. I love you Rachel Barbra Berry with all of my heart and I plan on making sure you never regret the decision to be with me." He said slowly backing her into the wall by the front door as he spoke. Her tears were coming more steadily now as she listened to everything he said. At the end he once again cupped her face softly and leaned down pressing his lips lightly to hers. He felt her arms come up around his shoulders as she kissed him back and without breaking the kiss he fumbled for the door handle - thanking the gods he left it unlocked - pushing her into the house as the kiss continued.

A few hours later found Rachel and Paul sitting at his kitchen table enjoying a few sandwiches. Paul was in his usual outfit of basketball shorts and Rachel was wearing one of his oversized t-shirts that fell almost to her knees. She was perched on his lap with one of his arms wrapped around her waist as he used the other one to eat his sandwich. She was leaned back against him as she thought over everything that had happened in the last few hours.

"When do you have to go back?" He asked as he wiped his hand on the side of his shorts then snaking it around her waist to hold her close. She leaned farther back into his chest resting her arms on top of his.

"Mine and Santana's flight is scheduled for late Sunday night so when we land we'll be rushing to get back to school." She explained snuggling close to his warmth.

"So I have six days with you after this." He stated resting his chin on her shoulder deep in thought.

"Yes, I'm not actually staying with Hannah this time either - surprisingly she had a vacation planned with some girlfriends for this week- and Emily didn't know I was coming down, but I told my fathers that I was going to be staying with her anyway. I knew they would trust me and not check with her first." She informed him.

"So what I'm hearing correctly is your going to be staying with me this week?" He questions the grin on his face growing.

"Well, yes, if that's okay with you. Though Santana will have to stay as well. I can't let her stay anywhere else. She's been a big help to me and just expecting her to stay with Emily or anyone else isn't right." Rachel said turning her head to face him taking in the smile on his face.

"I don't care if she stays here. I have a spare room set up in case one of the guys needs a place to crash. She can use that room." He answered her. He let at a huff of dissatisfaction when Rachel untangled herself from his arms and lap hoping up to clean up the table.

"What are you doing?" "Well as I just stated I can't leave Santana alone and seeing as I've left her alone for a few hours I need to go locate her and get her stuff her to your house." She explained like it was the simplest answer ever. Paul heaved a sigh standing from the table to help her clean though as she washed the dishes quickly in the sink he blocked her in with his arms on either side of her kissing her neck slowly.

"You know she's already been alone this long, what's another hour?" He questions moving her hair a little more out of his way as he kissed her neck. She giggled splashing water up from the sink hitting him in the face.

"Santana is my friend - a new friend. One that I could really use on my side at school. I don't want her to regret coming here with me." Turning she stood on her tiptoes, though she still had to wait from him to lean down, and gave him a kiss on the mouth quickly before pushing him on the chest to move out of the kitchen. After she left the room Paul again let out a sigh as he leaned back against the counter. It was only a few minutes before Rachel came back out completely dressed and smoothing her hair with one hand while tossing the shirt she just took off for him to slip on. Kissing her one more time he slipped his hand into her before leading her out the door in search of her friend.

It didn't take them long to find Santana - it seemed that in the time they had been holed up in his cabin the pack decided to light a fire on the beach and were sitting around it passing drinks around and enjoying each other's company. And that's where Rachel found Santana leaning heavily on Quil as she talked with the group - like she had been a part of it for years. Rachel took in the way that Santana and Quil were sitting together - his arm around her shoulder holding her close to his side and Santana's arm wrapped around his waist leaning into him. She knew that Quil had imprinted on a little girl not to long ago, not really understanding how that worked, but knowing that a imprinted wolf wasn't able to interact with another female that way, but Quil seemed to be having not issues with the attentions that Santana was giving him. Sharing a look with Paul she made her way over to her friend. Taking a seat next to her, her bottom barely touching the seat when Santana spoke.

"I didn't think the two of you were ever going to come up for air." She said not trying to lower her voice. Rachel could feel her face heating up.

"Really, Satan?" She questioned though she smiled letting Santana know she was just playing. Then motioned toward the arm that she had wrapped around Quil. Santana raised an eyebrow.

"I figured since you were going to spend the whole week with your man, maybe I should find someone to entertain me during my time here." She said lower her voice and leaning in toward Rachel. "I figured we could both have our own fun before we have to go home." She said winking at Rachel as Paul took a seat on the log next to her wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to his side. She wrapped her own arms around him leaning her head into his chest as she took in everyone at the bonfire. This week wasn't going to be long enough.

And she was right the week wasn't long enough. She spent every moment that she could with Paul before her return flight and tried spending time with all the girls as well. Though she was only in La Push a week it was the best week she had, had in a long time. And it was fun as well watching Santana lead Quil around like his was on a leash. She had found time to talk to Emily about it and found out though Quil had imprinted since his imprint was just a toddler and only needed him as a big brother he didn't seem to have a problem looking at other women. Though they didn't know if that was going to change as Claire got older or if the bond would stay as a brother/sister type bond. Santana seemed happy enough though so Rachel wasn't going to steer her away from Quil. He had actually came with them to the airport to say goodbye. Which seemed to be him and Santana attached at the lips. Rachel let out a small chuckle as she looked back toward Paul - he was scowling.

"I'll let you know as soon as we land. I'll even Skype you if you can when I get home from school. I'll be rushing to school depending on what time our plane lands." She said hugging him close and resting her head on his chest. "I hate every time we have to say goodbye." He said, she could feel the rumbles of his voice through his chest.

"I know, but you know my daddies would never let me move here. But I know how to work it just right to convince them to let me fly out whenever I have a few days off of school." She said leaning back so she could smile at him.

"I know and I'll be running down first chance I get. I'll be glad once I'm done with school so I'll be able to work my schedule to spend more time with you in Ohio." He said as he started running his hands through her hair - it was one of his favorite things to do.

"I know, I can't wait either." She said going up on tip toes and waiting for him to lean down again sharing a small kiss. "I love you and I want you to remember that every day we are apart. I'm thinking about when we can see each other again face to face." She said.

"I love you too and can't wait to make sure you know it for the rest of our days." He leaned down pressing a kiss to her forehead and then looking toward the boarding sign. "You and Santana need to head on in. If not you could miss your flight." He said and again he pressed a kiss to her forehead then one to each cheek, her nose, and finally pressing his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and his went around her waist lifting her feet off the floor as he stood to his full height. It didn't last very long, but they were still panting when they pulled apart and Rachel was set back onto her feet. After one last hug she picked up her bag off the floor and headed to meet Santana who was standing at the entrance. Looking back over her shoulder she waved to Paul who had been joined by Quil smiling when he waved backed. A few moments later her and Santana were walking down the tunnel to take their seats on the plane.

"For what it's worth, Berry. You made the right choice."