Page 39 of Counting the Stars

“No. Like you said, there are no guarantees. I mean, what if I don’t even make it to eighty-three?”

“Now you’re starting to get it.” He winks. “Miss Ruby is a smart woman, and I’ll have to thank her next time I see her.”

“That probably won’t be too long.” I smile. I know Miss Ruby will be proud of me for opening up to Alex. Yet I have to admit… “I’m still scared.”

“I know, but think about it this way: Yes, Miss Ruby waited a long time to start her life, but she also didn’t have something that you have.”

“What’s that?”

“An amazing group of friends to get you through.”

My heart warms at the thought. I tried not to get attached to the 3rd East crew, but I did anyway. They’re some of the most loving and compassionate people I’ve ever met.

We turn onto the main road, headed back to grab my trusty car.

“Alex?”

“Hmm?”

“Tell me everything is going to be okay.”

He reaches down and threads his hand through mine. “Everything is going to be okay.”

21

Gabby

“So that’s my story.” I shrug my shoulders, watching for Aly’s and Michelle’s reactions. I predicted Aly would cry and Michelle would be stunned silent, but somehow it worked out just the opposite. I’m grateful that both of my friends were home this morning so I didn’t have time to dwell over talking to them. The fact that we’re in the comfy surroundings of our living room also helped ease some nerves. Telling them about losing my family wasn’t easy, but it didn’t have the emotional drain that it did when I told Alex.

“Oh, Gabby.” Michelle throws her arms around my neck. “I’m so, so sorry. I wish you had told me sooner. Not that it would’ve changed the outcome, but maybe I could’ve helped in a way to make life more bearable. Please let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Michelle.” I hug her back. “Honestly, just telling you both feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders.”

“It all makes sense now,” Aly says almost to herself, then turns to me. “I mean, with you and Alex. I never understoodwhy you insisted that you two weren’t right for each other.” She gets up, walks over to me, and gives me a hug. “I’m so sorry for your losses.”

“Thank you.” I give her a squeeze back, then place my hand on her growing belly.

“Nonna Grace always said that babies are a sign that the world will keep going.” She looks down at her stomach and smiles.

“Is that a hint?” I smirk.

“All I’m saying is that you’re here and Alex is here and you two would make adorable babies and then our children could become friends or—” Aly gasps. “My babies can marry your babies and we’ll be family.”

“You are getting way ahead of yourself.” I laugh at Aly’s enthusiasm as she happily plops herself in the space between Michelle and me on the couch. “Alex and I are not even together.”

“Yet,” Aly adds. “You’re not together yet, but come on, anyone with eyes can see it’s coming.”

“I guess.” Heat creeps up my neck. “Alex is letting me take the reins with everything. We talked and he realized he was coming on too strong. For now, I need to take things slow. I mean, I never even planned on getting into a relationship.”

“Neither did I and look where it got me.” Aly winks.

“Speaking of relationships,” Michelle pipes up. “What happened during that date with Josh? Carter got a text from Alex saying that you were safe with him and not to expect either of you home until the morning. We didn’t even know Alex left.”

“He wasn’t having dinner with you all when I called him?” I cock my head to the side.

“No.” Aly frowns. “He went back to his place right after you went on your date. He said he wasn’t hungry.”

“Ugh,” I groan. “That just makes everything even worse. The date with Josh was a total nightmare. He started drinking before I even got there and was mumbling something about a malpractice suit. He made a complete spectacle of himself before he passed out in his potatoes. It was so embarrassing.”

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