Alicia

One year later

Gabe unlocks the door and pushes it open, my breath held in excitement. The day has finally come. We’re moving into our own spacious apartment not far from where we were, but big enough for all three of us. And Luna, of course.

“Ahh,” I squeal and clasp my hands together. The apartment is gorgeous, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a view of the city skyline pouring into our living room.

I smile. Just like Ruby’s place. Gabe knew what I wanted.

Kayla runs off to her room, the space triple the size of our last apartment. She even has her own bathroom since our master comes with its attached bathroom.

Gabe follows me around as I point out where I think furniture would look good, trying to see the place set-up in my mind.

When we make it to the bedroom, Gabe tumbles me to the ground and I giggle when he brushes my curls back, bringing his soft lips to mine.

“Kayla will catch us,” I mutter against his mouth, and he smiles before devouring my lips, his tongue dancing with my own.

“Nah, she’s too busy with that damn phone of hers,” Gabe says between kisses, his mouth trailing down my neck.

Gabe and I kiss and tickle each other until he drags me back up, our furniture and moving men waiting patiently outside.

He squeezes my ass and slaps it gently, wrapping his arms around me from the back. His hot breath finds my ear, and he whispers, “To be continued later.”

I grin, a shiver running from my head to my toes.

Yup, he’s still got it.

And I’m still 100 percent addicted.

* * *

A week in our apartment and I’ve finally disposed of the last box. In between clients and keeping tabs on Kayla, I’ve managed to unpack and set up the entire apartment. Luna is in heaven with her mini backyard we were able to set up for her. That dog loves being outside and running all over her small patch of grass.

We’d thought about getting a house, but I was afraid. It felt weird putting permanent roots down. Not that I’m thinking of leaving. I just felt…I don’t know…not ready is the best way to put it. I still enjoy visiting my mom’s home, a private getaway from the city. Plus, seeing my aunt Mel is important to me.

Gabe understood. He wants me happy and right now I’m perfectly happy with our gorgeous apartment.

My career is well established and Gabe’s up for a promotion. Kayla’s enjoying school still, her social life having flourished over the past several months. She’s hardly home, but now that she’s sixteen, I try to give her the space she needs instead of constantly nagging her. The city is a big place, and I make her stay in touch.

Ruby has been seeing a new man and so far, it’s lasted for three months, her longest one yet. Maybe this fellow will survive. I love having her close and we make it a point to see each other at least twice a week whenever and wherever we can.

I’ve offered my mother’s house to Jax and Maddie a few times, but they’re still enjoying their Italian lifestyle. I went out to visit about six months ago with Gabe and Kayla, and we all had an amazing time.

I’d love for my mom’s house to be taken care of by them while they raise their baby boy. Maybe one day they’ll decide to join us.

Ava, Gabe’s cousin, is still struggling with it all. After Gabe told me everything that happened, I couldn’t help but reach out to Ava. Gabe found out her secure location and we’ve been able to have video chats with her on a weekly basis.

She’s in counseling and trying to deal with her grief and fears, but I know it’s not easy, and Gabe carries so much guilt when it comes to her. Talking to each other is helping both of them, and I hope they’ll be able to heal one day.

Or at least have the pain be bearable enough to get through the days with a smile.

It’s a long road. All of us have our demons. Even Kayla and I have been going to therapy to work through our own issues.

One day at a time, right?

* * *

Gabe

I pace back and forth in front of my truck while I wait for the text from Kayla. My palms are sweaty, and I wipe them on the front of my jeans.

Alicia will be dropped off any minute, the cab specifically told to drop her off here. My phone buzzes and when I check it, a text from Kayla alerts me Alicia is almost here.

I take a deep breath and check over my setup.

It looks exactly the same way it did the first time we watched the stars together.

My truck is backed in, facing the night sky, a blanket and pillows set up in the bed with a telescope.

I run my hand over the box in my pocket.

I’ve been planning this for a while, and I took my time, making sure to get everything right.

I see headlights and move to the front of the truck, my heartbeat racing in my ears. The cab pulls up in front of me, and Alicia hops out, her wild curls fanning her face.

Her face lights up when she sees me, and she rushes over, her scent invading my senses. The cab pulls away, and we’re all alone.

I wrap my arms around her and pull her close, breathing her in. “Ready for some stargazing, baby?”

She nods against my chest, and I take her hand, leading her to the back. She notices the setup and laughs, the loud sound carrying through the silent night.

I help her up, and she sits down, patting the spot next to her.

“All we’re missing is Luna,” she says as I sit down next to her.

“She had a date tonight.” I grin, and Alicia smacks my arm playfully.

“I hope she enjoys herself.”

“I’m sure she will. Why don’t you take a look at the stars? They’re quite beautiful tonight.” I throw her a wink, and she moves onto her knees, leaning into the telescope.

It only takes a second before she gasps and flies backward. I discreetly taped a note to the end of the telescope lens asking the question.

I steady her before getting onto one knee, the box already tucked into my palm.

I take her hand and turn her toward me, her eyes already wet. She covers her mouth with her free hand, choking back a sob.

“Alicia, will you please make me the happiest man alive and marry me?” I hold out my mother’s ring, the one I got resized and added several diamonds to with the help of Ruby.

Alicia nods as the tears slip down her cheeks. “Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes.”

I stand and slide the ring on her finger, noting the perfect fit. “It was my mother’s,” I whisper, my own emotions taking over me.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmurs back, and when her lips find mine I know for certain Alicia’s mine and always will be.

The End