Page 66 of Playboy

She grinned. “I’m beginning to really see that.” She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss.

Gabby then looked around at her friends, then back at Playboy. “I couldn't have done it without all of you. You’ve all been my rock.”

Playboy cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that had started to fall. “And we'll always be here for you, Gabby. Always.”

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone sharing in the emotional triumph of Gabby’s achievement. Then, Jocelyn broke the silence with a playful tone. “Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. Let's get back to celebrating!”

Laughter filled the room once more, but this time, it was tinged with a sense of accomplishment and hope. Playboy kept his arm around Gabby, unwilling to let her go just yet. He knew there would be more challenges ahead, but for now, they had this moment, and it was perfect.

Gabby looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. “Thank you, Tanner. For everything.”

He kissed her forehead, his heart full. “No, Gabby. Thank you for being the strongest, most amazing woman I know.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

“I can’t believe it,” Gabby said, a smile spreading across her face. “I’m finally going home.”

The doctor had just left the room after delivering the news she’d been waiting for. She was being discharged. She sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her mom, dad, and Playboy were gathered around, their expressions reflecting her own.

Her mom’s eyes glistened with happy tears. She reached out to squeeze her hand. “We’re so proud of you, honey. You’ve come so far.”

Gabby’s dad nodded, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s been a tough road for you kiddo, but you’ve handled it with such strength and determination.”

Playboy stood at the foot of the bed, grinning. “I told you that you’d get through this. You’re a fighter.”

Gabby felt a warm surge of love for everyone in the room. Their support had been a lifeline during the darkest moments of her recovery. She glanced down at her prosthetic leg, which she was still getting used to. But she was beginning to feel more comfortable with it. She wasn’t afraid to hide it anymore. This was who she was now.

“I’ll continue physical therapy on an outpatient basis but still meet with the doctors to check my progress,” she said, her voice filled with cautious optimism. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but I’m ready. Plus, it makes me happy knowing that I can get back in the water.”

As much as she liked working out, swimming was her go-to exercise. And when Dr. Ebers told her she could go swimming, Gabby had squealed like a little girl.

Her mom smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Gabby’s face. “We’ll be with you every step of the way. And you know you can always count on us if you need anything.”

Absolutely,” Her dad added. “All you need to focus on is your recovery and gaining your strength back.”

Playboy looked at Gabby. His eyes were full of pride. “You’re amazing, you know that? Not just getting through this but facing it head-on. I’m so proud of you.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips.

Gabby felt her cheeks flush at his words and the kiss he gave her in front of her parents. “I couldn’t have done it without you guys,” she admitted. I know I was difficult and stubborn to work with at the beginning, but thank you for not giving up on me. I know there were times when I felt like giving up, but knowing you were all here and also my team, it made all the difference.”

Gabby looked at the three people standing with her. They had been her rock, her anchor. And now, as she prepared to leave the hospital, she felt a newfound sense of determination.

“So, what’s the first thing you want to do when you get home?” Playboy asked, leaning casually against the wall.

Gabby thought for a moment, then laughed softly. “Actually, there are two things I want. I want to sleep in my own bed and have a home-cooked meal.”

Her dad chuckled. “That sounds like a good plan. We’ll make sure your first day home is special.”

Gabby smiled, feeling a swell of gratitude. “I can’t wait. It’s been a while since I’ve felt like myself.”

Playboy reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “You know that whatever you need, I’m here.”

Gabby squeezed his hand, feeling a rush of love and gratitude. “Thank you. I know it’s not going to be easy, and I’m going to have to make some adjustments, but I’m ready to start this next chapter.”

“That’s my girl,” her dad said. She smiled up at Playboy, and he winked at her.

They were talking about her brother Will and his deployment when someone knocked on the door. The familiar chippy voice that followed made Gabby smile.

“Knock, knock!”

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