“You too.”
When we break apart, Philip moves to Gabriel, and I hug Mom again, and then we’re all standing in a cluster in the driveway while the taxi driver unloads luggage. Audrey is bouncing on her toes, looking around at the villa and the garden.
“This place looks incredible now,” she says. “What did you even do to it?”
“That was mostly Marshall,” Gabriel says, and when I glance at him, he’s looking at me. His expression is soft, and I have to look away before I do something stupid, like kiss him in front of everyone.
We help carry the luggage inside, and then the next few hours pass in a blur. Mom and Philip want to see everything, soGabriel and I give them the full tour. We show them the updates we’ve made to the house, the new furniture Gabriel ordered, the way we rearranged the living room to take better advantage of the view. Mom loves it all, pointing out details and asking questions, and Philip nods his approval at each room.
Then we head outside, and I walk them through the garden. It’s nearly finished now, just a few more plantings to do and some final adjustments to the irrigation system. The stone pathways are laid, winding through beds of lavender, rosemary, and sage. The fountain in the center is working, water cascading down in gentle streams, and the young olive trees I planted are already starting to soften the light.
Philip stops in the middle of it all and looks around, taking it in. “Marshall, this is incredible. You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Thanks.” I shove my hands in my pockets, feeling heat creep up my neck. I’m not good at taking compliments, never have been. “It’s not quite done yet, but it’s getting there.”
Mom loops her arm through mine and squeezes. “It’s beautiful. You should be proud, honey.”
I am. More proud of this garden than almost anything else I’ve done professionally, maybe because I did it with Gabriel nearby.
By the time we finish the tour, the sun is starting to sink toward the horizon. We settle on the terrace for dinner, the five of us gathered around the table, and the conversation flows easily. Audrey talks about school, about her friends, about the volunteer program she’s applying to. Philip tells us about a new project the firm landed, and Mom updates us on what’s happening with extended family.
I glance over at Gabriel and our gazes lock more than once. Each time, he gives me a small smile, and each time, my heart does something funny in my chest.
The food is simple but good. Grilled fish, roasted vegetables, fresh bread. Gabriel and I made it working side by side, and it feels good to share it with our family.
As the meal winds down, Mom sets down her wine glass and looks between Gabriel and me with an expression I can’t quite read.
“I have to say,” she starts, her voice warm. “I’m so happy to finally see you two together like this.”
I freeze. Beside me, I feel Gabriel go still.
Mom continues, oblivious to our sudden tension. “You’ve always been so distant with each other at family gatherings. It’s wonderful to see you getting along so well.”
I set down my fork carefully and glance at Gabriel. There’s a flush creeping up his neck, spreading across his cheeks, and when our eyes meet again, I see my own nervousness reflected back at me.
The sun is sinking lower now, painting everything in shades of gold and amber. The terrace glows with it, warm and soft, and looking around at my family gathered here, I feel a certainty settle in my chest.
This is the moment. This is when we tell them.
I look at Gabriel again, asking the question without words. He holds my gaze for a beat, then gives me the smallest nod.
“Mom, Philip,” I start. “There’s something Gabriel and I want to tell you.”
The conversation around the table stops. Mom and Philip both turn to look at us, their expressions becoming more attentive. Audrey leans forward as well.
“We’re listening,” Philip says.
I reach over and take Gabriel’s hand. His fingers curl around mine, holding tight, and I feel him trembling slightly. Or maybe that’s me. I tighten my grip and force myself to just say it.
“Gabriel and I are together.”
The silence that follows feels massive. I watch Mom’s face, trying to read her expression, but she’s just looking at us steadily, waiting.
Gabriel clears his throat. “Romantically together,” he adds, his voice quiet but firm. “In case that wasn’t clear.”
Audrey makes a sound that’s half gasp, half squeal, and her whole face lights up. But Mom and Philip don’t react the same way. They just keep watching us, their expressions calm and patient, and the lack of immediate response makes my heart pound harder.
Gabriel squeezes my hand so hard it almost hurts. “It’s serious, Dad,” he says, addressing Philip directly. “We’re serious about each other. And we’re hoping you’ll understand and support us.”
