“Wait, Mom,” Gabe interrupted gently. “You can berate me later, I promise. But please, I have some more news.”
Holly stopped, her mouth open, clearly wanting to argue but holding back. Jack pulled her back down.
Gabe looked at Jane and Trinity, who were both watching him with knowing smiles.
“We...” Jane said, standing and turning to Trinity, who immediately hopped up and took Jane’s hand with a grin.
“We have some important news,” Trinity announced, her voice filled with barely contained excitement.
They each moved to stand on either side of Gabe, taking his hands carefully as he balanced without his crutches. The three of them stood there together, and Gabe felt something in his chest expand with warmth and rightness.
“Can I do it?” Trinity asked, looking between Gabe and Jane.
They both nodded, smiling despite Gabe’s nervousness about how everyone would react.
“Daddy is going to be home more now,” Trinity told the room, her voice clear and confident. “And we’re going to be moving to Anastasia Island because he and Jane are in love.”
A huge smile split her lips as she blurted out the rest. “Theyhaven’t discussed marriage yet, but I think they will before the Winter Ball.”
Jane gasped, her cheeks flushing bright red. Gabe felt his own face heat as surprised exclamations erupted around the room.
“Trinity!” Jane said, half laughing, half mortified.
“What?” Trinity asked innocently. “It’s true, isn’t it?”
“Well, yes, but—” Jane started.
“Then why not say it?” Trinity finished with perfect twelve-year-old logic.
Holly was on her feet again, this time with tears streaming down her face. She rushed over and wrapped her arms around all three of them. “Oh, sweetheart,” she said to Gabe. “Oh, my baby. You’re really coming home?”
“I’m really coming home, Mom,” Gabe confirmed, his own voice thick with emotion. “My SEAL career is over. The doctor can’t clear me for active duty. The PEB will make it official, but it’s done.”
“Good,” Holly said fiercely, pulling back to look at him. “I’m sorry about your career, truly I am. But I’m not sorry to have you home safe. I’m not sorry to have you here where I can see you and know you’re alive.”
Jack stepped forward and shook Gabe’s hand. “Congratulations,” he said warmly. “On the coming home and on...” He glanced at Jane with a slight smile. “Well, on everything else too.”
Jane laughed, still blushing furiously. “Trinity jumped the gun a bit on the marriage talk.”
“Did I?” Trinity asked, looking between them with wide, innocent eyes. “You were thinking about it though, right?”
“We’re taking things one step at a time,” Gabe said diplomatically, though he could not help grinning. His daughter was not wrong. He had been thinking about it. About a future with Jane and Trinity, about building a life here on Anastasia Island, about having a home instead of just a series of deployments.
Logan clapped Gabe on the shoulder. “Welcome to civilian life, son. It’s an adjustment, but it’s worth it.”
Christopher pulled Gabe into a bear hug. “I’m glad you’re staying, brother. Really glad.”
Isabella hugged Jane, whispering something that made Jane laugh and blush even more. Maddy was bouncing excitedly, already asking Trinity if she could be in the wedding.
“There’s no wedding planned!” Jane protested, but she was smiling.
Julie and William approached last, Julie with tears in her eyes. “I knew it,” she said, looking between Gabe and Jane. “I knew you two were meant to find each other. Another Christmas Inn miracle.”
“More like a Christmas Inn reality,” William corrected gently. “These two found each other through shared pain andunderstanding. That’s not magic. That’s just two brave people choosing to open their hearts again.”
Gabe felt his throat tighten with emotion. These people, this family, had embraced him and Trinity completely. Had made them feel welcome, wanted, and loved. And now they were celebrating his relationship with Jane, his decision to stay, his new beginning, even as his old life ended.
“Thank you,” Gabe said, his voice rough. “All of you. For making us feel like family. For accepting us. For?—”
