What the hell? Her brother had warned her off? Anger bubbled within Gabe and he started to step away from his hiding place, but Chelsea’s cry stopped him in his tracks.
“But I love him.”
Hope quickly replaced the anger. She loved him? So all the hurt he’d seen in her eyes was about thinking the man she loved had betrayed her trust. As much as he wanted to be angry over this whole situation—with his uncle and with himself for hurting Chelsea—all he could focus on was the fact that she loved him.
It was almost like
a weight had been lifted from his chest. Those words were all he needed to know he’d get her back. Between his determination and her declaration, that was all the ammunition he needed to secure Chelsea in his life. Forever.
* * *
Chelsea pulled back from Daniel’s embrace and dabbed beneath her eyes. “I didn’t want to have a meltdown, but I wanted to let you know what was going on.”
“You weren’t acting like yourself,” he replied, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket.
Chelsea smiled as she took it. “You always were a gentleman.”
“So what are you going to do?” he asked. “You don’t trust him, but you love him.”
That about summed up this complex situation. Seeing Gabe in his tux, having him hold on to her for the briefest of moments before the wedding vows, had been almost too much to take. She’d tried to focus on the ceremony but keeping her eyes away from Gabe had been near impossible. He’d caught her looking at him once and she’d been unable to turn away. When those gray eyes had locked onto hers, Chelsea swore he was looking into her soul.
“I want to believe him.” She looked up at her brother, knowing she’d find concern in his expression. “My heart and my head are saying two different things. I just need to talk to him, but I need time first.”
“What can I do?”
Chelsea smoothed a hand down her gown and shook her head. “Nothing at all. Take care of Erin and those babies. I’ll handle my love life.”
Daniel’s lips thinned as he shoved his hands into his suit pockets. “I know you’re smart, but I just don’t want you to be taken advantage of or to be wrapped up in another scandal.”
“I won’t be,” she assured him. “We’re all moving on now that Maverick has been pinpointed. I won’t let anyone hurt me like that again. Whoever the accomplice is, they’re likely lying low right now.”
The words were for her brother’s peace of mind, but they were a vow to herself. She refused to ever be the victim again.
“I should get back to the reception.” Chelsea wrapped her arms around her brother once more. “Thanks for always listening.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else when you need me.”
Chelsea turned away and made her way back to the reception. Thankfully it was wrapping up and Brandee and Shane would head off on their honeymoon soon. They were escaping to someplace tropical and private, so private they hadn’t disclosed their destination to friends and family.
Now that the excitement and the hustle and bustle were over, Chelsea planned to take the next two days and do nothing but enjoy the Christmas season. She’d drink hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and peppermint flakes, she’d watch classic movies that were sure to take her mind off her current issues, and she’d not have any contact with Gabriel Walsh until she knew exactly what she wanted to say to him.
And until she could get her emotions under control because damn if she still didn’t want the man.
Eighteen
It was Christmas Eve morning and he still hadn’t heard a word from Chelsea. She’d slipped from the reception shortly after the bride and groom. In the few minutes Gabe had stayed beyond that, he’d been greeted with a glare from Daniel. Just when Chelsea’s brother had started to make his way over to Gabe, Erin had intervened and they had left.
As much as Gabe wanted to stand his ground and talk to Daniel, the most important person he needed to see wasn’t returning his texts. He got that she needed space, but her timeframe was about to expire.
Gabe had already taken steps to secure their future. He’d already made sure that nothing else incriminating or embarrassing would crop up out of nowhere down the road. Above all else, he had made sure she was protected. Even if she didn’t accept his love, his commitment to her, Gabe still wanted to put a shield of protection around her.
Tonight would be the perfect time to approach her. The annual candlelight and caroling event around the twenty-foot tree in Royal’s town square couldn’t provide a better setting. He knew Chelsea would be there. Everyone went to the event to light candles, join family and friends, and sing carols. Then they’d all fellowship together afterward as the area businesses provided hot chocolate and baked goods and the shops that lined the square stayed open late. Everyone, no matter their background, their financial status or their age came to celebrate the season.
Chelsea would feel comfortable there. They’d be surrounded by people, so there would be no pressure, but there would also be nowhere for her to run.
Considering he had several more hours to worry about her response, Gabe decided to fill the time making calls and checking on his clients. The swift damage control he’d run in the last couple weeks had paid off. The reputation of his company was strong as ever and more potential clients were pouring in. His career couldn’t be better and his global prospects seemed to be a great possibility.
He’d turned the photos over to Nathan, but Gabe wasn’t relinquishing control of everything. The hunt for Dusty’s accomplice would be over and done with soon and Chelsea could truly move on...hopefully with him. But Gabe was keeping his men on this search. He wanted to find the person who had helped his uncle.