That was just like Gabe. He was thoughtful of others. It was true he didn’t want to get married and have kids, but he would have made a terrific husband and father.
While she had sat by his bedside during the night, Misty had come to the conclusion that he really didn’t want those things in his life. And she wouldn’t push it. At the same time, she couldn’t see herself with anyone else. She had even let the nurse believe she was his fiancée so they’d let her stay at the end of visiting hours.
She’d just stick with him as long as he let her and hope she never had to move on.
“Hey, Mom,” Jayce said. “Why don’t I stay with my lazy brother while he’s just lying around in bed doing nothing? And you can take Misty home.”
“Why is everyone trying to get rid of me?” Misty asked.
Gabriella tapped her on the end of her nose. “No one is trying to get rid of you, darling. Everyone is just concerned about you. You were here all night. The rest of us went home, had a good night’s sleep, and said we’d check back in the morning. Now that I know Gabe is getting well and under good care, I insist on taking care of you.”
Misty smiled. “Thank you.”
“Be careful. She’ll feed you to within an inch of your life,” Gabe said, smiling.
“Thanks for the warning. I’ll have to buy new clothes one size larger.”
There was an awkward moment right before she left. They gazed at each other, not knowing how to say goodbye. A quick peck on the lips? Did his family know? His father had caught them in the kitchen, kissing. Did he tell anyone? She thought Gabriella would be happy about it if he had.
Instead, Misty extended her hand, and Gabe grasped it. For a moment, she worried that he might shake hands, and that wouldn’t look awkward at all, she thought sardonically. But he just squeezed her hand and held on for a bit longer. She left with his mother, who looked delighted.
* * *
Gabe watched them leave.Well, she always wanted a daughter. Now she has one.Hopefully that wouldn’t make their relationship weird…or weirder.
Another knock on the door was followed by Kristine poking her head in. “Anybody home?”
Jayce’s face lit up when he saw her. “Hi, honey. I didn’t think you were going to be here. You said you had a million things to do.”
Kristine crossed to her husband and gave him a sweet kiss. “One of those million things was visiting your brother.”
“I’m glad you came.” They were grinning at each other and gave each other another kiss before wrapping their arms around each other’s waists and facing Gabe. A united front.
Gabe rolled his eyes. “Newlyweds,” he mumbled.
Jayce laughed. “You should try it sometime, little brother. With the right woman, there’s a lot to recommend it.”
“Yeah, like getting Mom off my back.”
Kristine stuck her free hand on her hip. “Come on, Gabe. Maybe people just want the best for you…especially your mom. She and your father have had a wonderful marriage for thirty-five or forty years. Right? Why wouldn’t she want the same for you?”
“Thirty-four next month,” Jayce supplied.
“Just because marriage is right for them and you guys doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. So get off my back, and take Mom with you.”
“Fine. Just so you know what you’re missing,” Jayce said and swiftly dipped Kristine, giving her a long, passionate kiss. When he righted her, she giggled.
Gabe groaned. “Come on, guys. You’re making me nauseous.”
“That’s just the concussion,” Jayce said.
Gabe closed his eyes and feigned exhaustion. “Guys? I think I need to rest.”
“Sure. Of course,” Kristine said. “I’m sorry if we stressed you out.”
“Do you want me to call off the rest of your visitors using the group text or telephone tree?” Jayce asked. “Otherwise, you’ll see Dad and three or four more brothers soon.”
“Yeah, tell them to give me a couple of hours.”
