Page 74 of Touched By Destiny

“I do. I have an amazing family,” Richard replied, his gaze narrowed at his cousin.

“Speaking of family, Dad invited me to spend New Year’s with him and his girlfriend,” Maribeth said. “I’m heading to California tomorrow afternoon. Richard, I know we were planning on going to the club, but—”

“But nothing,” Richard interrupted. “The club will wait, and I’m perfectly happy staying home. It’s Gabriel and Eric’s first New Year’s as a couple after all. Go have fun with your dad.”

“I was really hoping he’d accept the invitation to come for Christmas,” Maribeth revealed. “His girlfriend seems nice. I’d love for everyone to meet her and her brothers. Dad said maybe next year, which means he sees a future with her. I’ve never seen him so happy.”

“It’s such a relief to hear that,” Eric’s mother commented. “How long are you going to stay in California?”

“At least a week,” Maribeth responded, grinning. “But I’m thinking I want to make some big changes in my life. Unlike Richard, I don’t see myself in my job forever. My dad has a new business venture, and I’d like to help him. We haven’t spoken about it yet, but I plan to discuss it with him on this trip.”

The room was quiet, and Eric suspected everyone shared his concerns. Maribeth was jumping in with both feet. It wasunderstandable since Alden was her father, but he’d so often disappeared after little more than a few weeks of paying attention to his only child.

“Are you saying you want to quit your job?” Eric’s father asked, a line of concern forming between his brows.

“I’m resigning as soon as I get back,” Maribeth confirmed. “Even if I don’t wind up helping my dad, I want to do something else. Maybe I’ll go back to school and try to find something that excites me.”

“Are you thinking about moving to California?” Richard asked.

“I mean, that’s the dream, but I need to make sure things are working out with Dad first,” Maribeth replied.

“You know you have our support no matter what,” Eric’s mother responded. “Just be careful. As for your career, you’re talented, ambitious, and hardworking. Whatever you want to do, you’ll excel in, and I think searching for something fulfilling is an excellent choice.”

Maribeth smiled and rose to kiss her on the cheek.

“Thank you, I’m excited and scared about the future. And I have packing to do, so I’m going to say goodnight. Gabriel and Eric, congratulations again. You guys are beautiful together,” she said, blowing them a kiss.

“I have to go help her,” Richard said as Maribeth sailed out of the living room. “She’s terrible at packing, and if I don’t intervene, she’ll forget things like soap and underwear.”

Richard charged out, and Eric’s father sighed.

“He needs to fuss,” he remarked. “Richard isn’t going to take it well if Mari moves away.”

“He won’t be the only one crying if Mari leaves,” Eric’s mother commented.

“I’ll be sad, but if it makes her happy, she has my support,” David said quietly from his spot on the sofa next to Rosalind.

“You’re absolutely right,” she replied. “We’ll just have to keep our sad feelings to ourselves and focus on her happiness.”

“Speaking of happiness,” his dad commented. “Soulmates. This is really a terrific day for our family. And I’m pretty sure I hear some wedding bells ringing in the distance.”

“Dad, don’t start,” Eric countered. The last thing he wanted was anyone pressuring Gabriel into marriage. It was still a shock that Gabriel had announced their connection, and Eric was positive the inspirit would need time to accept that everyone approved. “We’ll get married when we’re ready and not a second before.”

Beside Eric, Gabriel shifted, forcing the necromancer to sit up straight.

“I think I’ll head up to bed,” Gabriel said. “Thank you for today and for always including me in your family celebrations.”

“I’m going to bed too,” Eric declared quickly.

His mother smiled indulgently. “Of course you are. I’m sure you both want some time alone after spending the entire day with family. And Gabriel, it wouldn’t be a holiday without you.”

“Mom, we have separate rooms,” Eric replied.

“Whatever for?” his mother asked. “Your bond isn’t complete, and I’m sure you’re enjoying watching it twist tighter together. Go upstairs and celebrate Christmas together.”

Eric didn’t dare look at Gabriel as his cheeks reddened. His parents were frank about sex since it was the lone way to find a soulmate, but that didn’t mean he wanted his mother to know he was upstairs jumping on Gabriel’s dick. Memories of the previous night had a wave of heat flowing through his veins, and his hands itched to touch Gabriel.

“We should’ve put lube in their stockings,” his father remarked with a guffaw.

---