I finish up last-minute chores in the back and reappear next to Gabriel as fast as I can manage.
He takes my hand, leading me outside to the heart of town. We stop by my sister Kenna’s salon since Gabriel desperately needs a trim.
Kenna’s salon is a cozy little retreat in the center of our town, and it feels like an extension of her personality: warm, inviting, and a little electric.
The walls are painted a calming sage green, and the smell of essential oils fills the air. It’s one of my favorite places to be, and the idea of Gabriel sitting in her chair feels surreal.
When we walk in, Kenna greets us from behind the counter with a smile. “Hey sis, you’re not due for a touch up, are you?” she asks, looking over at me before her eyes fall on Gabriel.
“No, I’m not here for me. I brought my friend, Gabriel. He hasn’t had a cut since he moved here. Can you please squeeze him in Kenny” I ask, a hint of playfulness in my voice.
Kenna’s eyes widen, clearly shocked at how casual I am about calling him my “friend.” That I’m introducing him to her in this way feels so much like I’m pulling the band-aid off in front of my family, but I’m not worried about it. They’re going to see just how happy Gabriel makes me, and I know they’ll love him as much as I do.
Kenna nods and gestures for Gabriel to take a seat. As she prepares her station, she leans over to him and asks, “What do you want done?”
Gabriel shrugs, looking over at me with a smile. “Whatever your sister wants. I just want to make her happy,” he says, sending a wink that makes my heart skip a beat.
Kenna turns to me, her eyes wide in silent disbelief at the big, burly teddy bear sitting in her chair. I lean against the counter, chuckling.
I might as well rip the Band-Aid off with my family knowing about Gabriel and me. I’m not worried about what they think, because it will be clear to them just how happy he makes me.
“You’re gonna have your work cut out for you,” I tease her. “But just do whatever you think will make him look sexy, but scream taken.”
Kenna grins, clearly excited by the challenge. “ Oh, I know just what to do!” she says, practically bouncing with energy.
An hour later, Gabriel walks out of Enchanted Locks looking like a million bucks. His hair is trimmed perfectly, and somehow, he looks even more handsome than before.
His confidence radiates, and I realize how much he deserves to feel this good. I feel proud, not just of his new look, but of the man he is—the one I’m falling deeper for every day.
I can’t help but steal glances at him as we leave, marveling at the fact thathe’s mine. It still feels so surreal, but it feels so right.
As we walk toward the car, I feel a sense of urgency to make things official between us. So I suggest, “Let’s go out tonight. We can go home and get Aura and grab a bite to eat at my brother’s restaurant, The Grilled Plate.”
Gabriel’s smile is huge as he looks at me. “I love hearing you say that,” he murmurs, walking around the car to my side.
He takes my face in his hands, kissing me with a passion that makes my heart race.
“Say what?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Home,” he breathes against my lips, his forehead resting on mine.
I didn’t even realize that I said it out loud, but the more I think about it, the more I’m glad I did. The word home has never felt more perfect. I didn’t know when it happened, but somewhere along the way, Gabriel became home to me. It doesn’t matter where we are or where we end up. With him, I feel like I belong.
In his presence, I can be my true self, no masks, no pretense. He makes me feel safe enough to share my dreams, my fears, and even my silly quirks, which are safe with him, with no judgment in sight.
“Well, it’s true,” I say, my heart full. “But not in the sense that your home feels like home. Rather, wherever you are,I am home. Even if we were in the middle of nowhere, you give me a sense of belonging.”
His eyes sparkle at my words, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Is it crazy that I feel the same way, Bumper? Before you came into my life, I was just a grumpy single dad trying to be the best man I could be for my daughter. But then you showed up and brought light back into my life.”
I feel a lump in my throat as I kiss him, my heart swelling with love. “Let’s go get our girl. I’m starved.”
Gabriel laughs, opening the car door for me. We head to his house, the anticipation of spending the night together feeling like the perfect step forward. When we arrive, we find Anna, the sitter, waiting for us at the front door. Gabriel hands her an envelope with extra money for staying with Aura at the last minute.
“Thank you so much, Anna,” he says, giving her a warm smile. “I really appreciate it.”
Anna’s smile is genuine. “Thank you, Mr. Sirolli. It’s always a pleasure watching Aura.”
As Gabriel leads her out, I burst out laughing, unable to stop myself.
