Page 91 of Substitute for Love

“This desert has nothing on Phoenix,” she said. “So, what else are we going to see, Indiana?”

He slurped the last bit of juice. “Buckle up. We’ve only just got started.”

They explored the Egyptian Museum, Gabe pointing out different artifacts, while Avery acted the student. Avery cleared her throat. “So, Dr. Jones. Were you the one to retrieve this one?” she pointed at a carved stone piece. “And donate it to this museum?”

Gabe shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Wow. Did you come all the way to Egypt just to make fun of me?” He stood stiffly, pretending to be mad at her.

She walked up to him slowly, wrapping her arms around him. “No. I came to do this.” She kissed him on the cheek, nuzzled his ear, then glanced up at him. His pretend anger softened into a smile, his insides warming at her playfulness. Then Avery let go and rushed away. “Hey, what’s this over here?”

Gabe ran after her. This was definitely more fun than digging in the dirt.

Their second day, they toured the Great Pyramids of Giza, the massive structures rising from the desert floor. “Woah. Those are… big.”

Gabe grinned. “Super big. Hey, come on. We can get a better view over here.”

He lead to a nearby dune, which they climbed to see the vastness of the desert stretching out before them. The desert wind flipped her hair around, causing it to get in her face. “Akk!” Gabe came up behind her and gathered her hair, holding it back with one hand, then wrapping his other hand around her waist.

“My hero,” she said, looking back at him, then facing forward again. “This feels like a dream. Is this real?”

He pinched her.

“Ouch!” She turned around and tried to pinch him back. “You’re in so much trouble right now.” Like a bull, she bent over and rushed towards him, Gabe catching her, the both of them toppling into the sand.

They laughed as they sat upright, stopping as their eyes locked. Avery was right—this did feel like a dream. A wonderful, amazing dream.

“I love you,” Gabe said.

She scooted up next to him and laid her head on his shoulder.

“Let’s stay here forever.”

On February 14th, they spent most of the day on a boat ride on the Nile River, a local guide showing them different sites along the way.

Finally, as the tour ended, the sun dipped low, casting a golden glow on the water. After they got off the boat, Gabe took her to tour one last pyramid.

“Haven’t we already been to this one?” she asked, smirking. “I swear they all look the same.”

“You are the worst,” he said, laughing.

“I know,” she replied, kissing him playfully, pulling away just enough to look into his eyes before kissing him again.

Gabe smirked back at her. “So, this is my favorite pyramid. I want to show you why. See right at the top?” He pointed toward the pyramid, then took a few steps behind her.

“Yeah? What about it?” she asked, shielding her eyes from the setting sun, peering straight ahead. “Gabe? I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be seeing.”

Finally, she turned around to see Gabe down on one knee, the golden light illuminating his face as he held out a small velvet box. “Avery, this is what I wanted to show you,” he said, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of excitement and nerves flowing through him.

Avery’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth as she gasped. “Gabe…”

“From the moment we met, you’ve made me better. I can’t imagine my life without you. You’ve shown me how amazing life can be. Avery Williams, will you marry me?”

Tears filled her eyes as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Yes! Yes, of course!”

Gabe slid the ring onto her finger, and they held each other tight, neither wanting to let go.

Chapter 33: Avery

Saturday, April 16, 6:00 PM

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