Page 65 of Claiming What Is Mine

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Meredith

Ordinarily,I look forward to a wake up a text from Gabe. It’s a great start to my day. This morning though, I’m less enthusiastic. A surprise road trip isn’t at the top of my bucket list and I’m exhausted. But seeing the blue gem sparkling on my finger, reminds me that his last surprise worked out pretty well, so maybe I’m just too tired to be excited. I drag myself out of bed and pop into the shower, hopeful the warm water will be a shot in the arm.

I shut off the faucet and step out of the shower, doing my best not to yawn as I wrap up in my towel. The ventilation fan lost its battle against the wafts of hot steam hanging heavy in the air. The condensation fogs up the mirror. I clear a face-sized circle in the glass and go about getting myself ready for Gabe.

I try out a few different hairstyles, searching for one that will cooperate with the mop on my head. My makeup is minimal, the jeans and blouse I choose are uninspiring, but seeing as I’m fighting a queasy belly, have no idea what the day ahead holds, and had approximately an hour to put myself together, I give a small nod of approval to the mirror before shutting off the bathroom light and grabbing my shoes. The notification light on my phone blinks, indicating an unread message.

Gabe: Five minutes out. Hope you’re ready.

I check the time. Shit. That was ten minutes ago. Shoes in hand, I race down the hall and look out the kitchen window. Sure enough, his truck is in the driveway. At least he didn’t honk this time.

My mother looks up from the stove. “Where are you running off to so early? I was just heating up a pan to make you some breakfast.”

“Sorry Mom. Gabe’s waiting outside to take me on a surprise adventure.” I pause, caught by a feeling of déjà vu. “You wouldn’t know anything about this, would you?” I cross my arms and tap my toe.

She smiles. “No, dear. I promise, I don’t know anything about this one.” My mother has the worst poker face of anyone ever and, judging by her reaction, I’m inclined to believe her.

“Alright. Well, I better go. Wish me luck,” I say, crossing my fingers before I hug her goodbye. “I have no idea when I’ll be home, but I’ll text if it’s going to be late. Love you.” I pull the door closed behind me.

* * *

I putmy hand on Gabe’s knee. “Sweetheart. Honey. Love.”

Gabe keeps his eyes on the road ahead. “Oh boy.”

I continue. “We’ve been on the road for over two hours. I was patient through breakfast, even with your incessant giggling about how much I was going to love the surprise. Even after you refused to give any hints about our destination.”

Gabe nods. “That’s true.”

“Well. Now my patience has officially run out. So, spill already!” I slap his knee. “Where are we going?”

Gabe’s eyes never leave the road, but he does crack a smile as he confesses. “We’re headed down to the Springs.”

“Colorado Springs?” I ask, surprised by his answer.

“Yep.”

I twist in my seat, folding my arms across my chest. “As lovely as the area is—I have to ask—why are we taking a last-minute trip to Colorado Springs?”

Gabe takes a deep breath, holds it, and exhales before answering. “You’ll see, Doll. Just be patient.”

Grrrr. Didn’t we just cover the fact that I’m all out of that?

“Okay, let’s compromise. If I guess the place, or places, on our itinerary, you have to admit it. Deal?”

Gabe strokes his chin as he considers my request. “Deal,” he answers, confidently.

“Garden of the Gods?” I ask.

“Cold.” Gabe chuckles.

“Hmm.” I look out the window as I try to recall all the different tourist attractions. “Pikes Peak?”

“Colder. Like, not even close.” Gabe smiles. “We can do this all day, but you’ll never guess.”

He’s right. I try several other places that all get me nowhere. The last hour of our drive passes in silence except for Gabe’s quiet humming along with the radio while I sit in my seat, stewing about being left in the dark.

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