The arms around his waist tightened and he sighed in contentment. He'd grown up at last and although he was nervous, he hoped he had by now earned the pride and support of his adopted family.
He reached the town of Causton, taking the long way through town to give his passenger a bit of a tour. Finally he pulled up outside a modest looking cottage just inside the edge of Causton. He beeped his horn, unnecessarily so, as the motorbike engine revs were obvious enough.
A young woman came running out of the cottage with a smile that threatened to split her face in two. The motorcyclist had just about managed to get off the bike and his helmet off before the woman threw her arms around him.
"Gavin!" She cried out his name as she enveloped him in a bone crushing hug. He lifted her off the ground and swung her around, a look of utter delight on both their faces. A middle aged man and woman appeared at the entrance of the cottage. Gavin put the woman down and turned to his companion with a reassuring smile. He held out a hand which was taken firmly.
"Cully, this is Mark." Gavin was positively beaming, even through his nerves.
"Pleased to meet you Mark. I've heard so much about you." He shook her hand with his free one and kissed her on the cheek. The couple in the doorway had moved to greet their visitors. They noted their clasped hands and raised their eyebrows at each other. Gavin blushed furiously, but maintained his confidence.
"Troy! Welcome back to Midsomer." Tom Barnaby was genuinely pleased to see his old Sergeant after four years as a DI in Middlesbrough.
"Gavin, good to see you. You're looking very well." Joyce Barnaby had looked upon him as a surrogate son by the time he'd left Causton CID and the county of Midsomer.
"It's good to see you too. This is Mark. Joyce and Tom Barnaby, my ex-DCI and Cully's parents." Mark shook their hands and kissed Joyce on the cheek as he had done with Cully.
"Gavin has told me so much about you all. I'm very honoured to meet you at last." Mark was just about the same height as Gavin. He had thick black hair, dark brown eyes and dark skin.
"Bring your bags inside. I'll put the kettle on." Joyce ushered her husband back into the house to give the youngsters a few moments alone. Cully stifled a giggle.
"Well you've certainly surprised them!" Gavin groaned. Mark wrapped his arms around his loverâ–“s waist and rested his chin on a leather-clad shoulder. He spoke into Gavin's ear.
"It's going to be fine. They'll love me!" Mark kissed Gavin's neck and let go of him to get their bags.