Chapter Twenty
In the hours Gabe had been at the hospital, a full-on monsoon had descended on the city. Now it was pitch black as he drove. Shifting tenderly in the driver’s seat, he turned up the wiper speed and squinted to see the road ahead of him.
The stab wound had been relatively superficial, more like a long gash. So, while Gabe did need plenty of stitches, it wasn’t very deep, nor did it cause internal damage. It did, however, bleed an awful lot. The doctor thought Gabe was bat ass crazy for turning down anything other than the local numbing injection. But he had received IV fluids and antibiotics, so he had his bases covered. The last thing he needed was to be high on pain meds and stuck in a hospital all night.
Dolores also thought Gabe was bat ass crazy when he had called her from the hospital asking for a ride. Then when he had informed her that he and Jacob had to briefly run out. That wonderful woman deserved a raise for putting up with him. But Gabe couldn’t put off what needed to be done any longer.
The moment had come to confide in Lianna about his past, and to beg for a future that included her. The timing sucked, but he’d already wasted so much of it.
That night years ago, when Gabe had been forced into action to protect his sister, he changed. Since then, his feelings were guarded, his actions restrained. Until Lianna. The volatile events that occurred earlier today took away all remaining illusions of control.
As he sat in the hospital room earlier getting stitched up, it became clear what he needed to do. It was refreshing. Once he made up his mind, he couldn’t get to her quickly enough. Looking into the rear-view mirror, he smiled at Jacob.
“We’re here, bud.”
After putting the car into “park,” he gingerly exited and made his way towards her house. It was the only place Gabe truly wanted to be right now. Not taking the time to knock, he tried the door and was both grateful and disappointed that it was unlocked. He could bother her about that later. As he ambled into the foyer, her sweet voice met his ears immediately.
“Hello?”
And then he saw her.
Lianna peeked around the corner, gazing down the length of hallway towards the door. Looking stunned to see him, she took a step in his direction. But seconds passed and she remained glued to her spot.
Still as a statue, she wore fitted gray sweatpants and a pale pink sweatshirt. Unruly hair was piled on top of her head except for the long curly tendrils that always managed to escape. Home had never looked so good, and she had never looked more beautiful.
Gabe’s aching side was an afterthought, as he closed the gap between them in several long strides. Grabbing her face with both hands, he bent to kiss her. Lianna quickly stepped out of his embrace. It was then Gabe heard the additional voices for the first time. Other humans still inhabited earth, her in-laws and kids included.
Charles stuck his head into the hallway and Lianna gestured to him.
“You remember Gabe Williamson.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you for everything you did to keep our girl safe. I hope you’re feeling okay?”
Gabe nodded. “Just a scratch. And Lianna saved herself today.”
“Ma’am.” Gabe said, turning towards Barb who had joined her husband in the hallway and watched Gabe through curious eyes.
“Can’t Lianna have a night off from questioning? Her arm hurts and she’s already spent hours being interviewed,” Barb inquired.
Before he could answer, Harris came running into the hallway. “Gabe! Is Jacob here?”
Gabe grinned. The boy’s energy was infectious.
“Yep, he’s in the car gathering his army guys from the back seat. Go help him, kiddo,” he said, ruffling the boy’s hair. Harris wrapped his skinny arms around Gabe’s thigh, giving his leg a quick squeeze before heading out the door.
Barb’s face softened. Grabbing her husband’s arm, she gave it a tug.
“Honey, Lianna has to finish up some things with this young man. Then, I’m sure she wants some peace and quiet.”
When Charles looked like he wanted to argue, Barb pressed on, “Lianna’s in good hands now. I’ll just go grab my purse.”
Gabe smiled in relief at the woman, and she returned the gesture.
After gathering and hugging the kids, they thanked Gabe one last time before leaving. Lianna hadn’t said much in the minutes since Gabe had arrived and as they found themselves alone again, he started to feel nervous. Turning to him, she finally spoke.
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You never have to thank me,” he countered, stepping towards her.
“But I do. You put yourself in danger, you were injured because of me.”
“I did that as much for me as I did for you,” he insisted. “When I got that message from you… I haven’t been that scared in a long time. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you or the kids.”
The look Lianna gave him made his soul ache.
“I shouldn’t have involved you in this. If I didn’t call, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”
“How can you say that?” he asked incredulously. “Of course you should have called me.”
“How are you really? The police said you were stabbed. I spoke to the hospital shortly before you arrived here. They wouldn’t give me any information on your condition, just confirmed you were treated there. I was going to drive up once the kids were in bed.”
Gabe was comforted that Lianna cared enough to scour the hospital looking for him. But before he could say anything she went on.
“What really happened? It must have been serious if they took you to the hospital. Can I get you anything? You should be resting right now,” she was starting to ramble and he found it adorable.
“No, thank you, sweetheart.”
He needed to stop this awkward small talk and get her to truly listen to him. As Gabe watched Lianna wringing her hands, he realized she was nervous too.
“I’m here to take care of you, not the other way around. What happened to your arm?” Although her sweatshirt covered any injuries, he remembered the blood from earlier.
“Diane sliced her way into the house. I didn’t need stitches, but, my God, it hurts.”
“Damn, I wish I had gotten here earlier.”
“Gabe, don’t you dare do that. Don’t feel guilty for something that was not your fault. I’m okay and I shouldn’t get into any more trouble … at least for tonight.”
“That’s impossible, the worrying part,” he said around a grin. But Lianna’s expression remained serious.
“Now that Diane is out of the picture, there won’t be any more weird things happening. As awful as today was, it is a relief to understand what has been going on the past few weeks.”
“I bet,” he sighed.
Unable to resist touching her for another second, he lifted the arm on his good side to cup her neck. Rubbing her nape softly with his thumb, she finally melted, leaning into the contact.
“Gabe, if my arm hurts this bad you must be in serious pain. You should be lying down.”
“I intend to be lying down, very soon.” He hoped she recognized the need in his tone. “Soon as we get the kids taken care of. Did they eat? I’ll make something. You sit down and relax.”
Gabe started towards the kitchen. “Also, I’m sorry for not asking before I brought Jacob over. I didn’t want to give you a reason to say no. It was selfish but…” He shrugged, his back to her.
“I love having Jacob here—he’ll keep Harris from bugging his sister all night. But right now, you should be home resting. I promise I’m handling all this okay.”
Gabe had been scouring her cabinets for a pot when he stopped and righted himself. Slowly he rubbed a hand along his beard, then placed it on the island to steady himself.
“I believe that you’re handling all this well. You are strong and brave, so it doesn’t surprise me one bit. I’ve never met anyone as resilient as you.” He pulled in a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say is that I’m here because I need to be. I need you right now … just to be near you. And there are some things I have to say once we are alone.”
Lianna nodded and whispered, “Okay.”
On cue, six feet came thundering down the stairs.
“Mom, Harris and Jacob won’t let me play with them.” Annie was whining.
“It’s the green soldiers against the gray ones, it’s only for two people, dummy,” Harris retorted.
“I’m not a dummy, dummy,” Annie quickly spat back.
Jacob noted the spaghetti on the counter. “I’m hungry.”
Gabe held up his good hand as if he were trying to pacify a pack of wolves. He spoke around a chuckle. “I’m making some food now. Why don’t you boys let Annie oversee the command center. Set up your ship and Annie can be the admiral on board calling all the shots.”
The boys looked at each other and seemed to consider the idea, while Annie downright beamed.
“Okay,” they finally decided, and all three kids turned and disappeared.
“Well, that was easy.” Gabe smiled.
In the past twenty-four hours, he had traveled thousands of miles to see his dysfunctional family, watched the woman he loved flee a knife-wielding psycho, and was stabbed. Somehow, despite all of that, he was happier in this moment than he had ever been.
“I could get used to this,” he said, turning back to the task at hand. Gabe heard the island stool being pulled out, as Lianna finally took his advice and sat down.
****
Lianna couldn’t believe it was only 8:00. Gabe had cooked them spaghetti but allowed her to clean up after she caught him wincing in pain. Adamant that he was feeling fine, he handled the task of getting the boys into bed.
Coming down the stairs after settling Annie, she found Gabe finally resting on the couch, his bare feet up, watching Sports Center . Lianna’s stomach did a gymnastics routine at the sight of him in her space. She could envision this being their norm too easily and that terrified her.
When she first saw him tonight, standing in the doorway, wet from the rain but in one piece, a relief she had never experienced shot through her. She had spent most of the afternoon nauseated from worrying about his safety. The plan to remain friends would never work. She loved him too much.
Gabe flicked off the TV and turned gingerly so his feet were on the ground. Then he patted the sofa cushion and gestured for her to sit next to him. She did, choosing the exact spot he patted. Turning her body so she could face him, she hugged a pillow to her chest.
Gabe leaned over and without a word pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. A strand of her hair caught on his beard briefly before he pulled back. She heard him draw in a deep breath as he linked their fingers.
“Jacob’s mom’s name is Megan.”
The moment the words processed, Lianna stiffened. They were finally doing this. Gabe tightened his grip on her hand. Then, sinking further into the couch, he rested his head against the back. Gazing at the ceiling, he went on.
“I went to see them yesterday, her and my parents, in Saskatchewan.”
Lianna already knew that part and she started to sweat waiting for the next words to come out, the words telling her that while they had a connection, he was going to become a family with Megan.
“It’s a long story, I don’t even know where to begin,” he said, shaking his head and closing his eyes.
Lianna couldn’t take it.
“Gabe, you don’t owe me an explanation. You have to do what’s best for Jacob, and yourself.”
Opening his eyes, he turned and looked at her then, his head still thrown back against the couch. Without responding, he studied her, so she felt compelled to go on.
“I figured you’d get back together; it was only a matter of time and…”
“Whoa.”
Now Gabe was sitting up, his face twisted. Lianna suddenly felt silly.
“You know, you and Megan...”
“Megan’s my sister. Shit, I guess I should have started there.”
“What?”
“I’m not Jacob’s real dad. Screw that, I am his real dad. But I’m not his biological father. I never even planned for him to call me dad.”
“Oh,” was all Lianna could muster as her brain struggled to comprehend everything.
“When Megan was younger, she was troubled. My entire family was troubled, including me. But Megan couldn’t stay away from bad things—drugs, alcohol, or the guy variety. I’m not even sure she knows with certainty who Jacob’s father is.”
He squeezed her hand even tighter.
“I got a call one day, she had just received her sentence,” he cleared his throat, “for involuntary manslaughter.”
Lianna willed her eyes to not pop out of her head.
“Long story very short, the drug dealer she was dating, most likely Jacob’s father, killed a pharmacist during a robbery. It was an accident, but instead of calling for help, Megan took the time to snag the victim’s wallet while he bled out. She used his money for her next hit and was high as a kite when the cops caught up with them the next day.”
“Holy crap.” It wasn’t a very sophisticated response, but it was all she had.
“Yeah,” Gabe agreed. “Plus, it was at least strike three for her so…” He shrugged.
“Anyway, I get called to the prison for a meeting with her and the court appointed slouch, and she tells me she’s pregnant. Doesn’t know for sure who the dad is, doesn’t want to give it to our parents who, at the time, had their own mountain of issues. Doesn’t want to give the baby to strangers. So that leaves me.
I was terrified, I didn’t want the kid. I was single, had zero responsibility other than getting to football practice on time every day. But I owed Meg. I mean, I’m her big brother and I should have kept her from getting into this mess in the first place. Maybe if I had been around…”
Lianna’s heart broke for Gabe. She could tell he’d had this internal argument with himself before, probably too many times to count.
“So that’s how I became a dad. Sweet story, huh?” he said sarcastically. “Jacob doesn’t know everything obviously. I’ll tell him once he’s old enough to process it. The last thing I want is him or anyone finding out before I have a decent way to explain where he came from. I learned firsthand that people judge you because of your parents’ mistakes.”
Lianna let Gabe talk without interrupting for as long as she could but couldn’t help herself any longer. Placing her free hand on top of the one he was already holding, she willed him to meet her stare.
“I can’t imagine being put in your situation. Thank you for trusting me with this.”
Gabe looked down at their joined hands.
“Megan just finished her sentence. I thought she wanted Jake back, but she didn’t. I’m keeping my guardianship permanently. I can legally adopt him now and finally look forward instead of having to look over my shoulder. Now you know how screwed up my life is. Probably regret asking, huh?”
Reaching up to cup his rough cheek, Lianna spoke without even having to think of her response.
“No, I don’t regret anything. I think you are amazing. I appreciate more than you could ever know that you trusted me with the truth. But honestly, I can’t think of any story you could tell me that would change the way I feel about you.”
“I realized it’s either trust you or lose you. I came too close to the latter this afternoon. I’m sorry I lied to you.”
Gabe gently took Lianna’s good arm and pulled her across to his lap. As he cradled her like a baby, she snuggled her nose into his neck, breathing him in. She rubbed his side softly, her fingers tracing the outline of his bandage.
“You know all of my truths now, Lianna, and you’ll know all of them going forward.”
Gabe kissed her softly on the temple, then her cheek. He finally rested his forehead against the side of her face. “I love you.”
The hordes of butterflies in her stomach started fluttering their wings all at once. Lianna pulled away to look up at Gabe. The sincerity in his eyes told her he meant what he said. The happiness and satisfaction she felt was intoxicating. She loved this man so much she could scream. Instead, she kissed his nose, under his eyes, then finally on his lips.
Gabe took control of the kiss, pressing his lips to hers, hard. There was an urgency that took her breath away. Lianna slid her hands into his hair, as desire surged through her. Mustering all the restraint she had, Lianna broke their connection.
“Do you think you can make it up to the bedroom?”
“I’ll die trying,” Gabe said as he released her.
Lianna stood and extended her hand down to him.
“Good. I was beginning to think we’d never get past the one-night stand.”
Gabe laughed, then tried to hide a wince as he took her hand and let her help him up. They had just reached the base of the stairs when he tugged on her hand. Turning back, she found Gabe staring down at her, a hesitant expression on his handsome face.
“You do love me, too, right?”
Now it was Lianna’s turn to laugh.
“You know I do.”
Leaning up on tip toe, she kissed his lips softly and gave him the words he needed.
“I love you, too.”
Pulling back, he smacked her rear playfully and smiled mischievously. “Good, then let’s go start this fling.”