Chapter 17
Natalie stood beside her mom as Gabe unlocked his truck. After two weeks of editing his manuscript, he was flying to New York City to speak to his agent and publishing house. For someone who had already published two books, Gabe seemed incredibly nervous.
He threw his duffel bag onto the back seat of his truck. “Remember to call me. For anything. I can’t do much from Manhattan, but I know plenty of people who are closer.”
“I’ve got your cell phone number on speed dial.” Natalie was joking, but Gabe’s relieved smile made her sigh.
“Caleb is twenty minutes away, so don’t hesitate to contact him, either. There’s another bag of Sherlock’s kibble in my laundry and the vet’s number is on the contact list I gave you.”
The contact list he was talking about contained at least thirty numbers. Natalie had lived in Sapphire Bay for most of her life and even she didn’t know that many people.
“We’ll be okay,” she assured him. “Have fun in New York City. We’ll see you when you get back.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me without giving me a hug?”
Natalie laughed at the forlorn expression on his face. “We wouldn’t dream of sending you into the big old world without a hug.”
“Good, because you’re not going to get a choice.” Gabe gently wrapped his arms around her. “Be safe and don’t eat too much candy at the opening of Brooke’s store.”
Natalie poked him in the ribs. “You’re just jealous you won’t be there.”
“Maybe,” he laughed.
It was good to hear him laugh—even if he was stressed. The last two weeks had been an emotional roller-coaster for both of them. Gabe’s PTSD had added another layer of uncertainty to his life but, with a doctor who’d helped a lot of PTSD patients, he was in the best possible hands.
“Good luck in New York City, Gabe.” Kathleen gave him a hug. “Tell your publisher they need to pay you more money. Your book will be another bestseller.”
Natalie smiled at her mom. Gabe had sent them electronic copies of his manuscript and they’d devoured each page. Zac Connelly had fought for justice and won. Natalie’s only disappointment was that Zac hadn’t fallen in love with the gorgeous medical examiner.
Gabe knelt on the ground and hugged Sherlock. “Be a good boy for Natalie and her mom. I’ll be home on Friday.”
As Gabe climbed into his truck, Sherlock gave an excited woof before looking up at Natalie.
“Not today. You can go in the truck another time.”
Sherlock gave a half-hearted whine before sitting quietly at her feet.
Gabe rolled down the passenger window. “I’ll call you as soon as I land.”
“Sounds good. Drive safely.”
With a final wave, he drove away from the cottage.
Kathleen smiled. “I bet he calls before he leaves Polson airport.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me, either.” Natalie watched the truck until it disappeared from view. She knew it sounded silly, but she missed Gabe already.
“He’ll be okay. His family will look after him.”
“I know. It’s just…” She tried to put into words how she felt. “Sometimes I wonder if this is all a dream. I never thought I’d love someone as much as I love Gabe.”
Kathleen’s eyes filled with tears. “Your daddy made me feel the same way. It was a shame it didn’t last.”
“Do you miss him?”
“Sometimes. We were happy for so long that it came as a shock when it was over. But we’ve both moved on and are happy.”
Natalie patted Sherlock. “Do you ever think you’ll remarry?”
