Page 116 of Gabriel's Salvation

“What?” Nate gasps as his head spins around to look at me.

“Yeah, today. I told her about Dad, and the Jacksons.” I continue to stare ahead into the darkness surrounding the woodlands around us, just letting those words sink in.

“Fucking hell, Gabe, that’s huge. What did she say? Are you okay?”

I think about it for a moment. Am I okay? I opened my heart to another person and trusted them not to use my vulnerability as a weapon.

“Yeah, I actually am.” And for the first time I mean it. I am okay. Like really and truly okay. Perhaps better than okay.

I opened up to her about everything - things I thought would scare her away for good, yet she stayed. I gave her a glimpse of my demons, and rather than shy away in fear, she stood beside me ready to slay them for me.

“She didn't run,” I say softly. “She stayed and listened.”

“So what did you tell her?” Nate asks hesitantly.

“A lot, not quite everything, but more than I've ever told anyone else.”

I see him wipe away a tear. Shit! Is he upset? Did I betray his trust by telling our secrets? Maybe he didn't want anyone to know. I'm sure Izzy knows everything. But maybe he didn't want anyone else to know. Fuck! I screwed up. I betrayed him. Fuck, fuck, fuck. I can't do anything right!

I see him go to stand and brace myself for the inevitable punch I expect to come. But instead he throws his arms around my neck, so tightly I swear he cuts off oxygen. “I’m so fucking proud of you, Gabe,” he whimpers. “She really is the best thing that could have happened to you. And I'm so proud of you for letting her in, Gabriel.”

Gabriel, that name. A name that is so rarely used by anyone. But one that holds so much emotion. The memories of my mother, the memories of a tiny little Nate looking up at me like I was his own personal superhero. That name, one that seems far too good to belong to someone like me. But one that fills me with so much love and warmth.

Nate

Gabriel. The name slips from my lips but feels so right. I can't stop the tears streaming down my face as I hug my brother, a hug that just a few months ago he would have rejected instantly, yet now, even though I can feel his body stiffening, he allows it.

I ease up the hug and see the way he finally releases the uneasy breath he is holding. It breaks my heart that he’s still so uneasy with a simple gesture, yet I'm so happy he’s trying.

If this were a movie, it would be the moment someone cracked open a bottle of champagne and sprayed it over us.

I still can't believe the difference I've seen in him since he met Riley. He’s like an entirely different person.

I can't help but smile as I watch him retrieve his phone and type out a message, clearly intended for Riley, if the shit eating grin on his face is anything to go by. A few moments later, I hear his phone buzz, followed by an even bigger smirk as a carefree chuckle leaves his lips. I decide to fire off my own message to Riley, letting her know how grateful I am for taking the chance on my brother. I've never seen him happier.

“You want a beer?” Gabe mumbles as he makes his way inside, with his head still buried in his phone.

“Nah, don't drink. Remember?” I respond with a smile, shaking my head.

“Oh yeah, water I guess?” Gabe asks as he scratches his head.

“Nope, I'm fine. I need to get a shower anyway. I'm covered in mud from football with Tucker. Unless you wanna chat for a bit longer?” I add.

“Nah, I'm gonna go to bed,” Gabe says with a mischievous grin as he walks back inside.

I look at my watch and see that it's barely even 7pm, but don't bother saying anything since I know today has been a lot for Gabe and that he probably needs some time alone to process it all. I don't wanna force him to run before he's able to walk.

Riley

I'm lying on Izzy's bed with the rest of the girls, watching a movie, when my phone buzzes.

My man

This weekend was amazing. Can't stop thinking about how fucking sexy you looked with your legs pinned up on my shoulder. Looking forward to seeing what next weekend brings.

My heart pounds and my core flutters at his words.

Me

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