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“I think it’ll be fine. Besides, if we can, I’d rather get married before I have the baby.” I echo my initial thought, the tinge of a blush warming my face. Not that I want to say as much, but I had always pictured doing things in the traditional order. While I can’t reverse time and get married before Gabe knocked me up, I’d like to try and keep some semblance of the typical steps in life.
“All right,” he says without question. “Whatever you’d prefer, so long as you’re marrying me.”
He gives me a roguish wink, and I’m hit with the realization that Gabe’s demeanor has shifted over these past few months. He’s far more quick to smile and laugh, and his playful side has really come alive. I like it.
Smiling contentedly, I add, “Maybe we can convince Debbie to cater the event for us.”
“I bet she’d love that,” Gabriel agrees.
Shifting my feet from Gabriel’s lap, I set them on the floor as I lean in to press a kiss to his warm lips. “Take me to bed?” I suggest pointedly.
Gabriel scoops me up in his arms easily, making me squeal at the sudden feeling of weightlessness. And my core tightens with anticipation as he carries me down the hallway.
11
Winter
“I can’t believeyou’re finally here!” I say, pulling Starla into my arms before she’s crossed the threshold of our little home.
Dropping her travel bag, Starla wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me tightly. For only having known her for around six months now, Starla is as close to a sister as I have ever known. She’s smart and thoughtful, and I think she is the kindest person I’ve ever known. I can’t believe how much I’ve missed her since we moved away from Blackmoor, despite the fact that we talk on the phone almost every day.
“You're starting to show,” she says warmly, giving my waist an extra squeeze.
I laugh at that. “Shouldn’t I be? I’m into my second trimester now.”
She laughs along with me. “Well, yes, I suppose. It’s just been so long since I’ve seen you.”
My heart squeezes at that. I know that in the long run, Athena’s decision to let me live so long as I moved away was merciful, but it’s hard to think of all the people back in Blackmoor who I miss. Fortunately, Gabe was able to bring a few with him to open his new chapter of the club. But the women like Starla, Max, and Jada are still back in the town I’ve been exiled from.
“Your house is precious!” Starla says, dragging me from my thoughts as she steps back from my embrace.
“Thanks.” My cheeks warm with embarrassment. “We still haven’t managed to fully decorate the house. But it’s coming together slowly.”
“First houses always take time,” she explains away lightly, her generous excuse assuaging my anxiety. “No one can put everything together in one day. But show me around. I want to see what you’ve done with the place.”
Smiling happily, I guide her around the space, showing her the family room, dining area, and kitchen before we make our way down the hall.
When we get to the guest bedroom with the newly built bed, I say, “This is your room. Maybe you can help decorate it the rest of the way while you’re here. After all, you’re the one who’s going to be using it most.”
“Oh, that sounds fun! I love decorating.”
“Great!” I smile gratefully.
We peer into the guest bathroom, a tiny little space with barely enough for the shower-tub combination, a toilet, and enough counter space to hold one sink. Then we head down the hall to the nursery in the making.
“Oh, it’s precious! I love the color you chose.”
“Thanks. I figured yellow would be cheery.” I’d almost decided on pink, but just because it’s my favorite color doesn’t mean my daughter should have to live in it.
“We’ll need to throw a baby shower for you to fill the room up with toys and books and things.”
“So much to do in such little time,” I say.
“Speaking of, have you made any progress on the wedding?”
I laugh hollowly. “Gabe and I just finally set a date.”
“Well, that’s a start. Maybe I can do something to take things off your plate while I’m here. I know it’s a lot to get settled in a new house, prepare for a baby, and get married all at once.” Starla combs her hair back from her face. For a moment, the light catches the long red scar running from her temple down to her chin, the only hint of her violent past that I have never pressed to hear about.
