The girls laughed and talked about all the babies for a while. Then Liz brought up Gabe and Karissa.
“Gabe looks so happy, Rissa, so much more relaxed,” Liz said, giving Karissa a smile. “I’m glad you two got back together. When Ethan and I were having such a rocky path getting together a few months back, Gabe was a real friend to me. He’s one of the good guys, but he always seemed so lonely.”
Karissa smiled back, feeling warm and gooey inside whenever she thought of Gabe. It was getting harder and harder to keep her heart from getting involved. Gabe was sneaking in there with his kindness and masculine
sex appeal. “He is a good man, always has been. We were just too young before, but I didn’t see it that way back then. I was too hurt to see past our sudden breakup, but now that I’m older I understand things better.”
Liz smiled in understanding. “I had a tense relationship with my parents. They have always been so busy I thought they didn’t love me but now I see it in a more mature view. They had no idea how hurt I felt because I was too afraid to be honest with them. Just keep the communication line open with Gabe and you two will be okay.”
Karissa smiled. “I’m so happy right now but I’m also scared the rug will be pulled from under me again. Is that normal or am I just being too insecure.”
“With our upbringing, it’s a normal reaction. Poor Roy had his work cut out for him when we first started dating. Thank God he never gave up on me. Our relationship wasn’t easy and smooth but whose is? It takes work to be happy.” Casey added her own point of view. “But it’s so worth it, Karissa. To have someone you love and that will love you and take care of you back is the best feeling in the world. Life doesn’t come with guarantees but we have to hold on to happiness where we can.”
Stella nodded. “I agree with you, Casey. Stanley and Lily make facing any obstacle in my life worthwhile. I’ve never been happier with my life. We waited years to get pregnant and I cherish each moment good or bad. Now my two best friends here had to be all dramatic about getting their men, jeez.”
Karissa looked at Lacy and Liz with curiosity, wanting to hear what she had missed while she was gone. She had a feeling these girls had a story to tell. “So what’s the story, girls, don’t keep me in suspense.”
“My path toward love wasn’t so smooth but it only made me appreciate what Ethan and I have together so much more. No relationship is perfect, that is true. Ethan can push my buttons like no one else but I love that man so much and I know he returns that love and that’s what makes us work hard to make it successful,” Liz said, filling Karissa in on a little of her rocky history with Ethan. She explained how they had met at a Halloween dance and both felt the attraction but Ethan had rejected her, thinking she was too high maintenance for him because her parents were wealthy and she was a successful business woman. She went on to explain about Gary, Stanley’s ex-boss, stalking her and finally kidnapping her. “It was scary, that man had some serious screws loose. But Ethan fought Gary and saved me and realized I was the one for him. I had just about given up hope for us.”
“I can’t believe he judged you based on your appearance and ignored you like that. I would have knocked him on his ass for you if I had been around,” Karissa stated firmly. Liz was so sweet and no snob, anybody could see that right away. Ethan looked at his wife with so much love now, though, so it was obvious he had quickly realized his mistake.
Liz giggled, remembering their rocky courtship. “Oh I did knock him on his ass, but in class only. He teaches self-defense classes along with Ryan every Sunday. You should join us, Karissa. It is good exercise and so much fun. I can’t participate right now but I still go and watch.”
“You have to go guard your man, girl,” Lacey said to Liz looking at Stella and snickering.
Stella nodded, trying hard not to laugh out loud. “Yeah or the Drama Queen Clique will be all over him like white on rice.”
They both burst out laughing while Liz tried to look annoyed but then she joined them in their laughter and explained to Casey and Karissa about the three women they had named the Drama Queen Clique because they were man-eaters and rude and mean unless you were a male. One of them, Emma, had dated Ryan and gave Lacy a hard time. Melissa, another member of the little group had been after Ethan and still occasionally tried to rile Liz up by flirting with Ethan, even though Ethan ignored her completely.
“I’d love to join the class. I can’t wait to meet this group. I have met Emma already. She has her sights set on Gabe now but she’s not getting him. There is never a dull moment in the town of Appledale.” Karissa laughed along with them, really feeling like she fit in with the group. “I used to jog in St. Louis when I had time but with these crazy guys running around town Gabe doesn’t want me jogging alone. I could use some exercise and fun. So what’s your story, chica?” she asked Lacy.
Lacy sighed but explained to Karissa how she ran from her hometown of Detroit after witnessing a murder. She hid out in Appledale from Chico, the murderer, thanks to Ally’s help. “Ally was my guardian angel and I love that woman. I would have been lost without her.”
She told Karissa and Casey how Ryan didn’t like the idea of his mom helping a complete stranger, so he came to investigate if Lacy was just using his mom. “We fell for each other pretty quickly despite the obstacle of his crazy ex-girlfriend harassing him and Chico stalking me.” She told them how terrified she had been when Chico had tried raping her and how she had gotten away from him and the guys saved her life.
“After that horrible ordeal Ryan understands my need to be able to defend myself. I know he’d protect me in any situation but it gives me confidence in myself. Now he understands that and loves teaching the class along with Ethan. I’ve never met a bunch of people that have each other’s backs and are willing to help one another like I have since I’ve been here. I love the people of Appledale and I’m glad you came home to be a part of it again, Karissa.” Lacy smiled, pushing the bad memories away.
“Welcome home, Karissa,” the girls said in unison, toasting her with their glasses of iced tea.
Karissa looked around the table and blinked back the tears threatening to fall from her eyes, amazed to hear the stories these women had just told her. She leaned her head on her sister’s shoulder, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. She felt touched they accepted her into their group so easily. Coming home to be surrounded by such strong women had been a blessing from above. She felt like she was becoming a part of a family, a family she and Casey had never had before, and she sent up a silent prayer for second chances.
Chapter 11
Karissa felt a renewed hope for her and Gabe after her afternoon with the girls. She could be strong just like them, she decided. She would let go of the fears and doubts and concentrate on today.
Thorn’s was ready to close and she waited anxiously outside for Gabe to pick her up. Tonight she was going to be brave and tell him she loved him still. She felt more lighthearted than she had felt in such a long time. She had sensed the restlessness in him before when they were younger. But she hadn’t wanted to face it or bring it up because deep down she knew Gabe hadn’t been ready to settle down like she had.
She was so lost in thought she hadn’t heard Gabe walk up to her and tease her. “You okay, honey? You were off daydreaming somewhere. Thinking of me?”
Karissa looked up into the face of the man she had always loved and gave him a sultry smile, making him lose his breath and his chest tighten up. “Who else would I be thinking of but the man I love?” She hadn’t meant to blurt it out so suddenly, but there it was, out in the open. She could no longer contain what she felt hidden inside, it was ready to burst out of her and it just had. Now was the time for her to admit her love to him.
Gabe’s eyes opened wider as if he was in shock then he smiled as if someone told him he had just won the lottery. He let out a happy yell and swung her around in a circle making her laugh with joy that he wasn’t mad. He set her down on her feet and kissed her so passionately she wasn’t sure she could stand when it was over. She just clung to his large frame, confident he wouldn’t let her fall.
“I wanted a romantic dinner and candles when I told you I loved you. I love you, Karissa Anne Suthers, and I thank God you are so amazing and forgiving. This is our time now and I’m so happy. Let’s go home so I can prove it.”
Karissa laughed feeling like she was floating on air. “What are we waiting for, deputy? Let’s go home and celebrate.”
Gabe picked her up in his arms and went running for the car with her laughing all the way and telling him he’d better not drop her.