Page 129 of Gabriel & Skye

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Skye’s never been happier than these last few months, and now I know the reason why.” He gives her a smirk, then to me he adds, “Break her heart, and I’ll bury you.”

Coming from the sheriff, I take it literally. “Don’t plan on it, but appreciate the heads up.”

I pull Skye into an embrace as her Gran hugs the two of us. “I knew you two were up to something.” She wags a finger in my face. “And we wish you all the happiness in the world.”

Gramps looks teary as he takes in his granddaughter. She’s always been the apple of his eye. “Our little girl is all grown up,” he says. “And staying where we can keep an eye on her.”

“We couldn’t be happier.” Skye is all smiles.

Mom ushers us all into the huge dining room where the table is set.

Geraldine gives us both a hug. “I kinda had an inkling about you two,” she sings.

“We all know I’m the psychic one around here,” Georgia laughs. “I practically set them up. I got Skye the interview and harassed Gabe about hiring her.”

“Next she’s gonna tell you to name your first born together after her,” Brook chuckles.

Skye blushes, and I hold her hand as we sit next to each other at the table.

“Why don’t you stop embarrassing Gabe and Skye,” Gray warns. “Though I’m sure Skye will run a country mile by the time this dinner’s through.”

Skye smiles at him. “Nope, no getting rid of me, I’m afraid.”

“That’s so sweet.” Hartley gives Skye a wink. “I’m so happy for you both.”

“Thank you,” Skye says. “That means a lot.”

“It does,” I smile toward Hartley. “So, there’s two Bassett brothers down, only two to go.”

Brook looks across the table at me and we share a knowing look.

He can’t hide it from me anymore. I know he’s not over Eden.

Beau, on the other hand, pretends not to hear me, but Mom is all for it.

“Hey, what about me?” Georgia pipes up.

“We don’t wanna give Mom or Dad gray hairs before their time.” Gray smirks.

Everyone laughs while Georgia fake pouts and joins in on the chuckles because she knows it’s true.

Trinity helps her grandma bring the dinner rolls to the table and Daisy settles down by my feet under the table.

Everyone I care about is here. And the woman I love is by my side.

“I think this calls for a toast,” my dad announces, dinging his glass with a knife. “To new beginnings, friendship and love.”

We all raise our glasses.

“And more babies!” Mom puts in as I sputter my drink and everyone laughs again.

I glance at Skye, and she has that twinkle in her eye. “Happy?” she whispers.

I pull her in for a kiss, earning me whistles and cheers. “With you? Always. You’re the butter to my bread and the air in my lungs, thank you.”

“For what?”

“For finally coming along. I’ve been waiting for you.”

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