Chelsea slid her arms up and wrapped them around his neck. Pressing her lips to his, she held him tight, never wanting to let this moment go. The moment when he confessed his love, the moment when she decided to let it all go and trust in what they’d built.
“Tell me again,” she muttered against his mouth. “Tell me you love me.”
Gabe slid the pads of his thumbs over her damp cheeks. “No one will ever love you more. I ached when you left. That’s how I knew what we had was real. The pain was too strong to be just casual. I want to build a life with you, Chelsea. No matter what we’re doing or where we live, I want it with you.”
“I want my life with you, too.” Chelsea smiled. “But you should probably know I’m going to be opening a counseling center for young adults.”
Gabe’s eyes widened then he smiled. “That’s a great idea.”
“No. It’s not just an idea. I bought the building, I’m searching for counselors now, and I want this up and running by spring. The focus will be on teens suffering from depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.”
Gabe kissed her hard, fast. “You’re so damn remarkable, darlin’. Of course, you’re already on the ball with this. Tell me what to do to help and I’m there.”
Chelsea threaded her fingers through his hair. “Love me. That’s all I need to get through.”
The singing started up behind them. The cheerful chorus quickly spread through the street. The magical evening had begun and she stood in her lover’s arms. Right now, nothing could destroy her happiness.
“I’ll always love you, Chelsea. Always.”
She went up onto her toes and kissed him. “I love you more.”
Epilogue
“What are you thinking?”
Chelsea lay beside him, her head on the pillow. Soft moonlight filtered in through the blinds he’d left open because he’d wanted to make love to her by the pale light.
After a month of bouncing from her house in Pine Valley to his loft, he’d finally asked her to move in with him. But he knew they’d eventually get their own place and start fresh. Actually he didn’t want to wait much longer.
“Gabe?”
He smiled at her, reaching up to stroke her hair away from her face. Touching her, watching her while she slept, just the mundane things they did together, made him anxious, and he was done waiting to ask.
Gabe leaned back and reached into his nightstand, pulling out the small velvet box. He tapped the remote on the nightstand one time, to add the softest light in the room. He wanted to see her face, but he didn’t want harsh light to ruin the moment.
Chelsea gasped when he rolled back over and she saw what he was holding.
“I had something elaborate and romantic planned for next week, but—”
“Yes,” she squealed.
Gabe laughed. “Will you let me at least ask?”
Chelsea shot up in bed, the sheets pooling around her waist as she took it from him. “No. I want to marry you, now. This minute.”
Shaking his head, he took the box back. “We’ll get to that, but let me be somewhat of a gentleman here.”
He lifted the lid, keeping his eyes on hers. “Since you already answered, I guess I should tell you that your brother already approved this.”
Her eyes darted from the ring to him. “You talked to Daniel?”
“Considering he had his doubts about us a month ago, yes. Besides, I always thought a man should ask permission from the father of the woman he wants to marry. For you, I knew I should go through Daniel.”
Chelsea’s eyes misted as she looked back at the ring. “It’s a pearl. It’s lovely, Gabe.”
He felt a little silly now since he hadn’t gone the traditional route with a diamond.
“I saw the pearl and immediately thought of how they’re made. How they’re the toughest, yet come from something so soft. It just reminded me of you.”