Once Chelsea was back in his life, in his home, he would truly have it all. And Gabe always got what he wanted.
* * *
Chelsea went with her favorite emerald-green sweater, dark jeans, and her cowgirl boots. She did her hair in loose curls and applied a thin layer of gloss. There was no way she’d avoid Gabe tonight and she wanted to look good but not overly made up.
He’d texted over the past two days, but every time she’d started to reply, she simply hadn’t found the right words. How did she get into such a dramatic conversation via text? What she needed to say to him had to be said in person.
Royal’s candlelight and caroling was one of her favorite events of the entire year. When everyone gathered together, it almost seemed as if the outside world didn’t exist, as if there were no problems, and peace on earth was indeed the reality. She wanted peace, not just for herself, but the town. The past year had been trying for so many, but this seemed to be a new hope and a new day to start over and move forward.
Dare she hope the same was true for her own life? She wasn’t so much worried about the gossip regarding her photos anymore. Those who loved and cared for her had already forgotten and those who made rude remarks...well, she wasn’t going to concern herself with them.
Her heart warmed as she thought back to how protective Gabe had been that night he’d handled one such jerk. Even though they’d agreed to keep their relationship private, he hadn’t cared one bit about his secrecy because he’d been set on defending her. Shouldn’t that tell her all she needed to know about the man she’d fallen for?
Sometimes what seemed to be the truth was just a haze covering up the reality. Those pictures in his loft were damning, yes, but what motive would he have had to put them out there? Just because Dusty asked him to? Chelsea didn’t see Gabe doing such a thing. He had been angry about the scandal that had ensnared so many members of the TCC. And Gabe had been furious and mortified when Maverick’s identity had been revealed.
Chelsea parked several blocks away from the town square and used the walk to clear her head. This was the first year she hadn’t come with Brandee, but she knew her friend was having a much better time on her honeymoon.
The shops were all set up with their tables of last-minute Christmas items, baked goods, and hot chocolate and hot cider at the ready. Chelsea couldn’t resist getting a cup of cider on her way to the tree. Each table also had candles, so she grabbed one of those, as well.
When she glanced at the white taper in her hand, she couldn’t help but inwardly roll her eyes. There was a sprig of mistletoe tied around the base, just below the clear disc to catch any wax drippings.
Mistletoe seemed to be mocki
ng her lately. She was having a difficult time dodging it—and dodging the man who stood only a few feet in front of her holding his own candle.
Chelsea’s heart kicked up as she made her way toward Gabe. He’d spotted her already and his eyes held hers as she drew closer.
“I’ve been watching for you.”
She’d missed his voice, missed looking into his face and seeing...everything. The desire, the concern, the love.
Could their relationship be so simple? Could she believe everything he told her and let down her guard again?
“I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, toying with the tie holding her mistletoe to the taper. “I want so much, Gabe. But I’m afraid.”
Kids squealed and ran by; a mother chased them demanding that they stop. Gabe took hold of Chelsea’s elbow and steered her toward the side of a building, away from the chaos.
“You think I’m not afraid?” he asked. With her back against the brick building, he shifted so his body blocked out the festivities behind them. “Having you walk out, thinking even for a second that I could hurt you in such a way, put more fear in me than I’d ever known.”
Chelsea stared up into his eyes, her heart beating so fast. Gabe wasn’t lying; he wasn’t just saying pretty words. Everything he told her was from his heart.
“I didn’t know what to think.” She still didn’t, but she couldn’t ignore the pull of emotions steering her toward him. “I didn’t want to believe the worst, but I panicked when I saw the letter. I know Dusty was all the family you had, so I got scared that your loyalty would override anything you felt for me.”
Gabe dropped his candlestick to the ground and instantly framed her face, forcing her to hold his gaze. “Override love? Nothing and no one can replace what I feel for you.”
Chelsea’s breath caught in her throat. “Love?”
“Damn it, you know I love you.” He closed his lips over hers briefly before easing back and resting his forehead against hers. “I can’t live without you, Chels. I don’t want to even try.”
“I—”
“Wait.” He shifted back to look at her once again, but he didn’t let go. “You need to know that I’ve turned everything over to Nathan. I’ve also launched my own investigation into who could’ve helped Dusty because I agree he didn’t act alone.”
Tears pricked her eyes. She tried to blink them away, but they spilled over. Gabe gathered her against his chest, rubbing his hand up and down her back. He took the candle from her hand as she clutched his shirt and attempted to pull herself together. How could she, though, when everything she wanted was right here? The risk she was about to take would change her entire life.
“You really love me,” she murmured.
She felt the soft rumble of laughter reverberate through his chest. “I really do. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”