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Chapter 3
Gabriel
We spent the day decorating Marnie’s and Sam’s apartment in a true explosion of Christmas joy. I’d traveled all night to several towns to find everything I needed to give Marnie and Sam the best Christmas ever. Stepping back from the tree with Sam, I asked, “So, what do you think?”
“I don’t think we missed anywhere. We used up all the decorations on the tree. Do you think Santa would like it?” Sam asked, looking up at me hopefully.
I ruffled his sleep-tousled hair and nodded. “I think he would love this tree. Except it’s missing one thing.”
“What?”
“Presents!” I grabbed the large green bag I’d hidden in the kitchen. Opening it up I pulled out present after present and handed them to Sam so that he could put them under the tree.
“Holy Cannoli!” Sam called out when we were done. “I’ve never seen that many presents ever. The empty wrapped boxes at the store tree don’t count. Those are fake.”
I grinned at the kid. He was so smart and genuinely made me smile. “Marnie. Mrs. Abrams. Come take a look at the tree.” I called out as I picked Sam up and he returned my smile.
Marne’s wide eyes and shocked gasp was the best sound I’ve heard in a long time. It made me wonder about the kinds of noises she’d make in pleasure underneath me. I immediately changed the path of my thoughts. I didn’t need Sam to feel what his Momma did to me.
I put Sam down as he ran up to his mom and asked, “Can we open them?”
Marnie didn’t respond, her wide eyes going from the tree to me. “Gabriel… it’s too much.”
“Nonsense. Come sit. Mrs. Abrams, why don’t you sit down next to Marnie here on the couch? Sam’s job is to pass out the gifts.”
“Oh wait, you forgot one,” Marnie quickly went to the kitchen island and handed the truck to Sam. His eyes got really big as he looked at his Momma’s gift. I know how hard she worked to get that one simple toy for him.
“Momma, you remembered.” Sam threw his arms around her and hugged her, pouring so much of his love into her.
Marnie was blushing as tears poured from her eyes. “I know it isn’t a fancy truck, but I’m so glad you like it just the same.”
“I love it, Momma. Thank you.” Sam turned to me as he said, “Can you watch this for me? It’s really special.”
This kid putting his trust in me changed something in me. I’d never particularly cared about or had an interest in getting to know any kid but Sam I wanted in my life, just like I did his mother. Discreetly, wiping a tear from an eye that I was sure was from dust, I caught Mrs. Abrams smiling at me. She nodded almost imperceptibly. I knew I now had her blessing.
*~*~*~*~*
I looked at the apartment around me as I sat at an old but steady table. Nothing here was fancy but it was a good home. It reminded me of my mom and I so much. I knew if she were here she would have loved Marnie and Sam.
“He’s conked out,” Marnie smiled as she joined me at the table. “Thank you, Gabriel. You have no clue how much this meant to us.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me, beautiful. It was just my mom and I growing up. She worked just as hard as you do. Single mom’s like you deserve all the good out there.” I loved seeing the blush on Marnie’s cheeks. “I want to know everything about you, Marnie.”
I could see her shyness taking over before she gathered her courage and smiled at me. Her smile filled my soul with pure joy and I knew I wanted to make her smile every day, forever.
“I’ve lived here all my life with my dad. We lost my mom when I was little to cancer but he was the best father. I miss him terribly. He passed a year before I had Sam. Sam was the result of one drink too many. His father is gone in the wind so it’s just us. Mrs. Abrams is Sam’s honorary grandma. Let’s see… umm, my favorite color is purple and I’m a simple waitress raising the best little boy ever. What about you?”
“Well, I have an older half-sister, but I’m not sure she even knows about me. My father was not a good man. He ran the Irish mob. When my mom discovered she was pregnant she ran. She didn’t want me anywhere near that world. Last I heard he declared war on the Italians and the only one left is my sister that I know of. She’s married to the Don of the Italians.
“I stayed far away to honor my mom, so I left the city and moved to this small ranch town. I’ve been here a few weeks but I gotta admit I like it here. I bought the old garage that was closed down. I hope to open it up soon.”
“So you plan to stay?”
“I do,” I answered honestly. I lifted my hand and softly caressed her cheek. I smiled as I gently took her hand in mine. “You take my breath away, beautiful Marnie.” I smile as I watch her cheeks pinken once again at my words. “You’re so incredible. I’ve wanted to claim you as mine the minute our eyes met.”
Her shy smile at me has me moving subtly closer to her. “I felt it too, Gabriel.” Her voice was almost a whisper as she asked, “Can I admit something to you?”
“Of course, beautiful.”
