“This is for me?” She doesn’t look away from it as she speaks.
“It is,” I say awkwardly. “If you want it?”
“You don’t have to—,”
“Iloveit.”
Nate’s panicked burbling nearly drowns out her awed whisper.
My shoulders sag, relief loosening my bones.
“You do?” I ask. “Are you sure? We can change it around—,”
“No. It’s perfect as it is.”
Gabrielle spins to me. And her face splits into the most perfect, heartbreaking grin.
My heart nearly stops when she throws herself into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as she hugs me tightly.
I’ve barely caught my breath when she releases me to do the same to Nate. I wonder if I look like I’ve been whacked over the head, because he sure does.
“No arguments?” Nate asks suspiciously. “Not even a little?”
Gabrielle smiles.
“I’ve decided to try it your way,” she tells him. “A little hope never hurt anybody.”
Nate beams, running a hand through his hair. “So… you’re sticking with us?”
My head swivels to Gabrielle so quickly I think it might actually fall off. She bites her lip, giving me a shy look from under her lashes as she nods.
“I think so,” she whispers. “If you’re sure, Nate. If you’reallsure.”
I lift her chin with my finger, my hands sliding up to cup her cheeks.
“You’ll stay.” My voice rumbles in my chest. “Here? With us?”
With all of us?
Her face dips up and down between my hands as she nods jerkily.
Then she pushes herself forward, and I’m captured in a kiss so soft it feels like feathers brushing against my lips.
I stay still, accepting the precious gift I’ve just been given. My hands curl into tight fists as I battle the urge to take control, to show Gabrielle exactly how much I want her.
There’ll be time for that. For all of it.
My heart skips inside my chest as Gabrielle grabs my hand, tugging me forwards.
“Nate,” she calls. “Can I have my blankets?”
“You can have anything you want, kitten.”
I lean against the wall as she bounces on the mattress, her laughter ringing out as she chides Nate about some pineapple candle shit he’s slipped into one of the bags. One hand rubs at my chest.
Gabrielle… she fits here. Like she was made for this room, this nest, this pack.
Ours.
