Page 36 of Counting the Stars

“Not exactly about this, but we did talk the last time she was in.” Gabby nods. “She figured out that I was scared to be with you because I’m petrified to lose you.”

“She’s a wise woman. What else did she say?”

“Well, I’m paraphrasing, but she thinks I should give you a chance.” Her lips turn up ever so slightly. “She’s also quite fond of your muscles.”

“Like I said, she’s a wise woman.” I let out a chuckle while flexing my arms. It feels good to release some of this tension. The atmosphere in the car begins to lighten, and Gabby starts to relax.

“What happens now?” Her voice is a little more than a whisper.

“I really don’t know. My feelings for you haven’t changed, but I know now that I have been way too forceful with how I’ve dealt with them. I’m sorry for coming on so strong.” I shake my head, upset with how I’ve handled things. “All those times I proposed to you…” I slap myself in the forehead.

“I’m pretty sure I hold the record for most rejected proposals.” She lets out a small sigh. “I guess we both went about this the wrong way.”

“Are you upset with me?”

“Absolutely not.” She reaches over the center console and wraps her arms around my neck. I begin rubbing slow circles on her back, and her body presses further against me.

“You’re exhausted.”

“I feel like I just ran a marathon.”

“In a way, you have. It was just an emotional marathon instead of a physical one.” I pull away from our embrace. “Come on, let’s go home. You need some rest.”

“Umm…” She sits back in her seat. “I don’t think I’m ready to go home. Do you think we can count stars instead?”

My heart is so happy to hear those words. That was one of the most memorable nights ever and I love that it obviously meant something to her as well. There’s hope for us yet. I know it.

I crawl over my seat to see if I still have the blankets and pillows. Sure enough, I do. I hold up the bag. “Looks like we’re in luck.”

“So we can?” she asks hopefully.

“Sure.” We pull away from the lookout spot and head to our little slice of heaven.

“Oh no!” Gabby gasps. “We forgot about Stinky.”

“We can wait until tomorrow. I don’t think Stinky is going anywhere.” I shoot her a look and for the first time tonight, she gives me a smile, and it’s then I know everything will be all right.

20

Gabby

“Ugh.” I lift my head off Alex’s chest. It feels like it’s made of lead. I try to blink away the sunlight that’s invading my eyes. Our attempt to count stars was futile. We fell asleep as soon as we got comfy in the back of the SUV. I think Alex and I both knew the real reason why I wanted to come back out here. I couldn’t bring myself to go home after such an emotionally charged night, and I didn’t want to fall asleep alone. I needed to be close to him, to feel his comfort and support.

“What time is it?” My voice sounds hoarse, undoubtedly from all the crying I’ve done. I’m sure my eyes are a swollen mess as well.

“Dunno,” Alex mumbles. I love that our bodies are right up against each other. I can feel the vibration of his baritone voice right down to my toes.

I search around the vehicle for my phone or Alex’s. It doesn’t really matter. I just need to figure out the time. Digging through the blankets, I hear a thud and discover Alex’s phonefirst. I hit a button and the time flashes on the screen. Nine twenty in the morning. It’s later than I expected but not too bad. Unless…

“Do you work today?” I hope Alex didn’t miss a shift.

“Uh-uh.” He shakes his head. “I had to switch with Mickelson a few days ago ’cause his kid got sick. I have off today and tomorrow.”

“Okay.” I blow out a sigh of relief. “I don’t go in until tonight, so we’re in good shape.”

“Perfect.” Alex reaches up and pulls me back to him. The idea of going back to sleep is tempting, but I have too much running through my mind to fully relax.

“Oh no!” I pull away from him. “I forgot to text Michelle. She’s probably worried that I didn’t come home last night.”

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