“Don’t deny it! Do you remember your senior project? It was a handmade replica of the Empire State Building. It should have been in a freaking museum!” said Gabriella.
Juliet tilted her head back and laughed. I listened as they reminisced more, enjoying the memories they shared back and forth. It was like getting a little peek in to Gabriella’s past. I was glad that I had finally had the opportunity to properly meet one of her best friends, and hopefully make a good impression after everything Gabriella had dished to her about me in the beginning. I knew I would probably have to work hard to win Juliet over, but she was surprisingly welcoming and warm, which was a relief.
She had invited us over for breakfast, having biscuits and gravy, eggs, and French toast waiting for us on her small round table just off the kitchen. Everything was delicious, and we spent the meal getting to know one another. I felt grateful that Gabriella had her friend by her side when everything had been such a mess, which I still regretted pretty much every day. I tried not to dwell on it, given that everything had worked out in the end,but I knew I had hurt her badly. To think I almost lost her was unbearable, which was why I reached for her hand now.
“Thank you for these incredible gifts,” I said to Juliet as Gabriella leaned her head on my shoulder. I breathed her in. The warm vanilla scent felt like home.
“Of course. This is my first time being an aunt,” she said, holding her fingers up in air quotations.
“You’ll be the best aunt ever,” said Gabriella with a nod.
“Have you met Sadie and Erica yet?” asked Juliet curiously.
“Not yet. We are still making the rounds.”
“There’s more of you?” I swallowed hard.
Juliet laughed out loud.
“I’m kidding. I’ve heard all about them,” I said with a grin. I was eager to meet them, and anyone else who was important in Gabriella’s life. I had already gotten the parents out of the way, and was glad we were on good terms.Greatterms. Everything was falling into place, one person at a time. One puzzle piece at a time.
“We should get going,” said Gabriella, checking the time.
I helped pull her from the couch and Juliet stood up to give us both hugs before walking us to the door. We thanked her for a delicious breakfast and walked out into the hallway. Gabriella looked in the direction of her apartment and back to me.
“I haven’t been here in months…” she said, chewing on her cheek thoughtfully.
“Is that okay?” I asked warily.
We had never officially talked about her moving in with me. After the hospital scare, she came home so I could take care of her and then she never left. I didn’t want her to.
“Mhmm. I just feel like I have one foot here and one foot at your place. I guess it just feels strange to be back here, knowing most of my things are right down the hall.”
“Well…” I started hesitantly. “I can easily have movers come get your things. I mean, if you want to.”
“Want to move in with you?” she asked, tilting her head.
I nodded, feeling my nerves creep up. It made the most sense. We were going to have a baby. We loved each other. We already pretty much lived with each other. Still, I wasn’t sure if it was too fast. But then again, when had that ever stopped us?
“I thought I already did,” she said coyly.
I breathed out a sigh of relief before pulling her close.
“I do love it here,” she said softly.
“Do you want to stay here?” I asked, pulling away and searching her face.
“No, no.” She waved me off. “There isn’t room for you or a baby! I just love this brownstone, you know?”
I nodded. I liked the warmth of it. The character. The history. It was so different from my glass tower that was only a few years old.
“It certainly has good bones,” I said, looking up and down the hallway.
“You’ll call the movers?” she asked, as if not wanting to dwell on it anymore.
“Right when we get home,” I said with an assuring nod.
She smiled and grabbed my hand, leading me toward the staircase to leave.
