Page 71 of Touched By Destiny

“And he cheats,” Richard added. “Except for Gabriel’s present, he put everything in gift bags.”

“Gift bags aren’t cheating,” Clark countered. “I use them constantly.”

“Well, I take the time to wrap each person’s present in the most beautiful way I can,” Richard commented.

“Good for you,” Maribeth said. “Some of us aren’t as gifted in the wrapping department as you. Or as anal about lining up ribbons and bows.”

“Children, shut up and let your brother open his present,” Rosalind said.

Eric dug through the tissue paper Gabriel had learned long ago to use in boxes, and he let out a little hum of pleasure as he spotted the old leather-bound book.

“What is it? What’s the book about?” Eric demanded as he carefully lifted the lightly decorated cover.

“I heard about this book online. It was written in 1837 and tells the story of a man gifted with the ability to raise the dead and talk to spirits. I had to do some searching to find a copy since they only did one edition, but I thought you’d enjoy it,”Gabriel explained. “Everyone thinks it’s fiction, but I think it’s possible they were telling the truth.”

“I can’t wait to read this,” Eric said with a grin. “Thank you so much.”

“Wash your hands before you thumb through it,” Clark warned.

“I will, I don’t want to risk ruining it,” Eric replied.

“I seriously hope that’s the last present because he’s going to jump up and wash his hands now so he can start reading,” Richard drawled. “Good job, Gabriel. You always know exactly how to please our Eric.”

Eric was still smiling as he looked up at Gabriel, and his pleasure glowed in his blue eyes. “I definitely love this present.”

“Should we clean this mess up and get some food?” Clark asked, grabbing some of the paper strewn across the area rug.

“You’ve been snacking on cookies for hours—how are you hungry?” Rosalind countered.

Around Gabriel, everyone rose, stretched, and chatted as David and Rosalind grabbed bags to gather up the trash. As soon as Gabriel was on his feet, he leaned close to Eric.

“Can we talk privately for a minute today?”

“Yeah, of course. We can probably sneak off as soon as we help clean.”

With a nod, Gabriel ensured he had his photo back from Richard and took a trash bag from David. The sooner they had the room back to rights, the sooner Gabriel could have a frank and necessary conversation with his soulmate. It wasn’t long before they’d filled bags with things that couldn’t be saved, and Maribeth carted off the gift bags to her room for future holidays. The family dispersed with Rosalind warning Clark to stay out of his office as she and David headed to the kitchen to put together sandwiches for lunch and start dinner preparations.

“Where?” Eric asked at his side.

“Upstairs,” Gabriel replied. “My room.”

Eric wasted no time exiting the living room, and Gabriel followed him on the quick journey to the guest room. After shutting them inside, Gabriel rushed forward to cup Eric’s neck and kiss him. Gabriel indulged in the unique taste of him as he stroked Eric’s soft skin with his thumb.

“I love you,” Gabriel whispered against his lips. “I’ve known it for weeks, and I should’ve said it before. I should’ve picked a more romantic way to tell you than to drag you upstairs on Christmas, but I can’t hold it in any longer.”

Eric pulled away just enough so their eyes met, and Gabriel was overwhelmed by the wealth of emotion glowing in his gaze. “I love you too, and this is perfect. All I’ve ever wanted is your heart. Nothing else matters but knowing that you love me the way I love you.”

After brushing their mouths together, Gabriel smiled. “Seems fitting that you captured my heart, since you already have my soul.”

“Something or someone else put our souls together, but the love thing? That’s all us.”

“I want to tell everyone,” Gabriel said.

A line formed between Eric’s brows. “What do you mean?”

“It’s time we told everyone that we’re soulmates.”

“I don’t want you to do this because of last night. We need to both be ready.”

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