Page 154 of Butterfly Effect

Gabe’s grilledcheese makes me want to wife her up. Amongst other things.

The sourdough brushed with olive oil was crisped to perfection. And the gooey stretch of cheddar, the optimal cheese-to-bread ratio? One million percent better than Meltwich.

I could be biased, but her hands are magic. Whatever she touches turns to fucking gold, like King Midas. Basketball? It’s raining threes. Grilled cheese? Chef’s kiss. Sideline reporting? Viewership and ticket sales are higher than ever. Cupcakes? Four different aunties at Indi and Landon’s baby shower asked if she took orders for special occasions.

And me? I’ll never be the same.

Usually, the postseason doesn’t change my day-to-day, but the first two rounds of playoffs thoroughly kicked my ass. Luckily, being top seed meant home-ice advantage. Which means more time with Gabe.

Tonight, like the nights we’d stayed together in the last two months, I’m a forlorn creep, staring at her sleeping form beside me. Her expression is peaceful. Angelic, really. A lengthy breath exits my nose as I weave three rogue strands of her hair into a loose plait so it’s out of her face.

I want everything from her. Every scarred, healing shard, every sniping comment, every devious smile, every sweet reward and doled-out punishment. They say, ‘When you know, you know,’ andIknow, but I don’t know ifsheknows I know or even if Gabe knows how she feels about that.

Fuck, I make no goddamn sense, even in my own stream of consciousness.

Her hesitation is valid. She’s been hurt, and I’m not sure how else to convince her, apart from admitting to every questionable, heinous act I’ve done for her attention.

Yes, Gabe, I destroyed each guest room in my home so you’d have to sleep in my bed. Yes, I sold my Lamborghini because it reminded you of your ex’s beloved car. Yes, I built you a basketball court in the penthouse because I don’t want you to ever leave. Yes, I took care of things for your dad’s business because you’re my family now.

Actually, that’s not a bad start.

She could either be terrified and ghost me or shove a ring on my finger.

Maybe I’d get a love confession. Maybe even an angry one like they do in the movies. If someone is gonna tell me they love me, I want it to be her.

Whatever happens, it has to be big. Public. Everyone will know about it. I’m sick and tired of hiding?—

My internal monologue is cut short by a ding from my phone. Then another.

Jesus. Who the fuck is it at this hour?

Landy

IT’S BABY TIME

Donovan

Now?? I was so close to falling asleep.

O Jaeger My Captain

It’s 2 a.m., for fuck’s sake.

My feet thud against the mattress as I kick off the covers in a panic.

Freckles groans. “Quit that.”

“Wake up, Gabe!” Pants are already being pulled on my legs, adrenaline rushing through my veins. “THEY’RE HAVING A BABY!”

“Who is?” She is way too sleepy. I’ll have to drive.

“Our friends, sweetheart. Come on, we gotta go!” I leap onto the mattress on my hands and knees, bouncing her from the horizontal position. “Get up, get up, get up!”

Gabe’s jaw ticks, crinkling open her bloodshot eyes. “I’m gonna kill you.”

“You can do that later; now up!”

Me

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