Apologies that this chapter is up a little later than I'd originally hoped. For some reason the last part was harder to write than I'd though, oh well... It's here now :D

Thank you all for your incredible patience, this is for all my reviewers from the first chapter.

47 Days Earlier …

"Happy Birthday, Little Lady."

Clay kept his voice quiet as he handed his daughter a small, white envelope. The father/daughter duo were sitting alone in a small diner which sat across from a busy highway. Their empty dinner plates sat in front of them.

"Thanks Dad," smiled Beth, taking the card off her father and opening it. She smiled to herself as she read the words inside.

My Sweet Beth,

Happy 18th Birthday

I hope your day brings to you as much joy

as you've bought to me these past few months.

I love you forever baby girl.

Lots of Love,

Daddy x

"Here.." said Clay, handing his daughter a small box. "It's not much but I thought you might like to keep these," Beth took the box and opened it carefully. Inside lay her fathers army tags.

"Really?" she asked as the smile grew on her face.

"Really." answered Clay, his smile grew with Beth's. "Now that our names have been cleared it's easy enough for me to ask for new ones. These ones belong to you. A part of me with you, forever."

A single tear rolled down Beth's cheek. She grabbed the napkin that came with her cutlery and gently dabbed her eyes before standing and taking a step over to the other side of the table, wrapping her father in a warm embrace.

"Thank you for making this the most perfect birthday ever," she whispered before re-taking her seat.

"It's not over yet," smirked Clay as he pulled out his wallet and laid down enough cash to pay for their meal. "Come on, let's head home."

...

Clay pulled up and parked outside Pooch and Jolene's house, the beautiful four bedroomed home that the Losers and Beth called home. Beth liked it for one specific reason, the neighbourhood was incredibly friendly. Everyone knew everyone; and everyone was lovely.

Inside, Jensen peered around the closed curtain in the front room just in time to see Clay and his daughter exit the Colonels car. He quickly whipped round and called out "They're back!" before sliding behind the large couch. Aisha and Pooch, after hearing Jensen's voice, swiftly glided to their chosen hiding places, Aisha behind a rather large bookshelf and Pooch behind the sliding door that lead into the large decorated dining room. Cougar followed closely after Pooch, quietly sliding the doors closed as Jolene made her way to the front door and opened it graciously, smiling at Beth and Clay as they approached.

"Hey," she smiled, pulling Beth in to her 8th birthday hug of the day, winking at Clay as he held his thumbs up "Did you guys have fun?"

Beth pulled herself loose of Jolene's hold, "It was amazing, that place did the best double cheeseburgers I've ever had in my life!"

Clay smiled at his daughter. "Only the best for my princess."

"Come on, Beth," smiled Jolene, ushering the young girl and her father inside. "I have something I need to show you."

"SURPRISE!"

Beth almost fell backwards into her fathers arms, the smile on her face so bright it could light the whole room.

"Happy Birthday," Clay whispered in her ear, "Told you the day wasn't over yet."

...

The birthday cake that Jolene had made was chocolate; Beth's favourite, with pink icing spelling the words 'Happy Birthday Beth'. After it had been cut and shared between everybody, the atmosphere became one of relaxation as everyone took seats around the house to settle down.

Beth made herself a drink and made her way into the back garden, making herself comfortable on a garden chair. She pulled her fathers army tags out of her pocket and fingered them, smiling to herself.

"Best birthday ever." These were the words that repeated in Beth's head. She had not felt this much a part of a family ever since the death of her mother.

The stars in the sky became clearer every second, and Beth felt as though she could fall asleep under them.

Cougars silent approach did not startle Beth, even though it probably should have. Beth didn't know whether to feel relaxed or wary that she almost always expected Cougar to be there. His presence always made her feel safe, and that she liked.

"They're beautiful aren't they? The stars." were Cougar's soft words.

Beth smiled, "I guess so, if you're in to that kind of thing,"

"Happy Birthday, amigo." Cougar slipped a small box into Beth's hand. Her blue eyes met his dark eyes.

"What's this?" she asked, curiosity obvious in her voice. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know. Open it."

Beth did as she was told. She gently lifted the lid off the box, her jaw dropping at what she saw.

The bracelet was silver, with eighteen tiny, shiny purple gems scattered across the chain.

"Wow," was all she could say. Cougar looked as though he didn't know what to say.

"Do you like it?" he asked after a moments silence.

His question was answered in the form of the biggest hug he had ever received. Beth dived from her chair, into his arms. Her arms wrapped around his neck.

"I love it," she whispered with a tear in her eye. She pulled herself back and handed the bracelet to Cougar.

"Would you…?"

"Of course." Cougar gently took hold of Beth's wrist, wrapping his gift around it and hooking it closed. Beth held her wrist up and stared.

"It's beautiful, thank you Cougar."

Beth pulled herself into another hug with the sniper, but instead of pulling away after a few seconds, Beth pulled the older man closer. Her breathing became a little faster, his was as calm as ever. When their faces were so close that they could feel each other breathing, Beth pulled herself up onto the balls of her feet so the two were eye to eye.

"De nada," were Cougar's final words before the two locked lips; Softly and slowly.

A few seconds passed before they separated. Cougar smiling at the sight of Beth's smile.

"Happy Birthday," he whispered softly in her ear before making his way back inside. Beth collapsed back into the garden chair, her smile only growing.

"Yep," she said surely, to herself, "Best birthday ever!"

Very fluffy I know, but you can't help but go 'Awwwww'

Until next time kids ...

Ashley xx