Even Harper was excited for Gabbi to be done with her studying. She had taken to Gabrielle like a bee to honey. As did Gabbi with her. Those two got along like a house on fire. It was the most beautiful thing to behold.
I didn’t need a reminder of how lucky I was, but Mrs. W. took it upon herself to tell me every time she saw them together. Which was practically every day. She got all teary about it.
I was surrounded by women, and I didn’t mind it one little bit. Gabrielle’s things were spread around my bedroom and en suite. Harper’s things were scattered through the rest of the house, and Mrs. W. cooked for an army every day. She turned my kitchen into a war zone, then had it clean as a clinic before I could blink.
When Gabrielle took breaks, she and Mrs. W. cooked together like they’d been doing it for years. They swapped recipes, squealed over flavors, and fixed each other coffee every morning. I had no idea that Mrs. W. loved the stuff, but Gabrielle had bonded with her over it on her first morning at my place.
Richard’s voice brought me back to the present. “You hid your fear, arrogant swagger and all.”
“I did?” I smirked.
“You sure did. How was she this morning?” Concern furrowed Richard’s brow.
“She was okay. Strong and stubborn as always. I organized with Heather to pick her up from the house so that her car wouldn’t be stuck at the center all weekend.” I took a swig of water and shot a quick glance at my watch. Almost time to leave.
Richard caught the gesture. “You know, you’re good for each other. I’ve noticed a change in Gabbi this month. We haven’t spoken this much in, well, ever. You’ve matured again, as well. I feel like I’m getting old.”
“We are good for each other. We’ve talked a lot about everything. I think she’s starting to see things from your point of view as well. I told her about how much you helped me when Harper came along.” My voice was quiet, contemplative.
“Thank you, James. I didn’t expect that from you.” Our conversation was fast becoming too serious.
“I know, but your relationship with her means a lot to her. I never wanted to get in the way of that. It was one of the reasons why I tried to deny that there was anything going on between us, why I pulled away from her before.”
I needed to add something to lighten the mood, so I fixed him with a goofy smirk. “Besides, if we ever get married, you’ll be Harper’s granddaddy. So maybe you are getting old.”
I dodged the hand aimed at slapping the back of my head and laughed.
“Wiseass.”
“And proud of it.” I placed my hand solemnly over my heart.
Richard grew quiet again. “Is that something that you’re thinking about already?”
“I think that we’re both a long way away from that. I’ve never believed in the institution. I still don’t really. We haven’t talked about it.”
Richard surprised me by smiling in understanding. “It’s only been a month son. You’re only 24. You’ve got time. As long as Gabbi knows that you don’t believe in it.”
I’d mentioned it, but that was when things were different. I didn’t even know if she remembered it. Not that much escaped that big brain of hers. “She does, but I’ll talk to her about it again.”
“You do that. You’d better leave if you don’t want to be late.” Another stolen glance at my watch confirmed that he was right.
****
In no time, I pulled up to the exam center, two massive coffees in hand. I owed Heather for playing along that morning, and I was still getting into her good graces after all the shit I’d pulled.
The only way into that woman’s good graces was caffeine. Lots of it. Constantly.
I’d hardly parked when the first guy recognized me. Luckily, he was a fan and didn’t talk any trash to me. I could deal with that. I signed the Dolphins jersey that he wore, and he went on his merry way.
There were only a few people trickling out of the exam venue when I arrived, but the flow became steadier within minutes. Each candidate seemed more weary-eyed and bedraggled than the next as they streamed out, until I spotted Gabrielle’s golden halo.
She’d bundled her hair carelessly on top of her head at some stage during the day, and her face was completely nude. As she came closer, I could see that her eyes were tired, but bright.
She made animated gestures with her hands, no doubt trying to convince Heather about one answer or another.
Heather looked like she was about to fall asleep while she walked. She could not drive in that state. I was also itching to get on the road to my private getaway with Gabrielle, and since Heather knew about it, she’d never let us drive her home.
I didn’t know the girl that well, but I doubted that she would leave her car at the center if I called for an Uber. So, I did the next best thing and called Ryder.