Chapter 30

Gabriel

I peer out through the little curtain at the side window and feel myself pale. “Shit.”

I pull out and lower Skye down as we scramble to pull our clothes back up.

“Now we have to think of an excuse for why we’re here,” she whispers.

I laugh. “I’m thirty-five years old. I’m not sneaking into your caseta.”

“And I’m thirty, but in my grandparents’ eyes, I’m still a little girl.”

I tuck myself in as I grab some tissues nearby and clean Skye up. “They’ve seen my truck, so we can’t hide.”

She rolls her lips. “Ooh! We stopped in to pick up Trinity’s sweater. I could say I took it home by mistake.”

“Good thinking, but it’s still a lie.” He frowns.

She rolls her eyes. “Sometimes white lies are necessary to not make your loved one’s worry.”

“Is that so?” I press her against the door again.

“Gabe!”

“What are you gonna do? Holler for help?”

“Gran could look through these curtains any given minute!”

I bury my nose in her neck, unaffected. “Well, that might teach her not to be so nosy, mightn’t it?”

She giggles as I start to tickle her. “Stop it, Gabe!”

“I’ll stop on one condition.”

She squirms around, trying not to make a sound, but failing.“No!”

“Fine, I’ll keep at it then, but your Gran just got new hearing aids…”

“Ok, fine!” she whisper-shouts. “I’m going to pee my pants if you keep at it.”

I chuckle. “You agree to be my naughty nanny for all of next week.”

Her face is red and heated from our lovemaking against the door, and it’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. “I’m not agreeing to that!”

“Why? Because you already are my naughty nanny?”

“Well, I’ll agree as long as the punishments aren’t doing your dishes.”

I laugh out loud, and she clamps her hand over my mouth. “I think the gig is up, sweetheart. They know I’m here.”

“So we should leave before they come knocking.”

“That would be rude. Anyway, we should say hello to Gramps. I haven’t seen him in a while.”

She shakes her head, and it amuses me all the more. “You’re enjoying this just a little, aren’t you?”

I shrug. “Maybe a little. I can’t wait to shout it out to the world that you’re mine.”

“We agreed we’d wait until next weekend at Geraldine and Hank’s send off.”

“We did, and I can’t wait to see my former nanny’s face when she finds out what we’ve been up to.”

“You’re a very bad man, Mr. Bassett.” Her lips curve up in a smile as I cup one side of her face, enjoying her bouncy curls that fall around her shoulders.

“I’m only bad around you. That doesn’t say much for you being my good girl, does it?”

“Hello, Skye? Gabriel?” My eyes go wide as Skye’s Gran calls from outside.

I jump away like we really are two teenagers getting caught, and put a hand over my mouth. “This is kinda hot,” I whisper.

She waves a hand at me as she moves off the door. “Hi Gran!” Her voice is unnaturally high. “Coming!”

I shake with laughter. “Nice choice of words.”

She gives me devil eyes, whispering, “I didn’t mean it like that!”

I move to a more respectable boss/employee distance and make sure I’m in a presentable state.

When Skye opens the door, Dot peers in and says, “Does Gabriel have you working on weekends?”

I can just imagine Skye’s face beet red as she tries to explain her way out of this one.

“Uh, no. I was getting coffee, and Gabe offered me a ride home. Since I have Trinity’s sweater, it made sense… I took it by accident from school… the other day.”

“Perfect timing.” She steps in. “Hello, Gabriel!”

“Hello, Dot. Lovely to see you again.”

“Likewise. I just bought a sponge cake with jam and cream as soft as a buttercup in the springtime. I came to see if you’d both like a slice.”

Skye opens her mouth, and I beat her to it. “We’d love to. Thank you for the invite.”

She waves a hand. “It’s nothing. And it’s Gran, honey. Dot is something my husband hollers at me when his hearing aid isn’t all the way in. I’ll see you in the kitchen shortly.”

I chuckle. I’ve got to hand it to her; if she knows about us, she doesn’t say a word.

“See you in a sec,” Skye singsongs. As she’s about to leave, she turns around. “Do you have to be so obvious?”

I snort. “What did you want me to do, ignore your Gran and make it look even more suspicious?”

“I doubt she’s going to buy that we’re both in here with doors closed and curtains drawn because we’re hunting for your daughter’s non-existent sweater.”

I place my hands on her shoulders. “You’re overthinking this. Breathe, Skye.”

Her face softens. “I just want it to be perfect when we tell everyone. That way nobody gets offended they didn’t know first. Like your sister and my brother.”

“Don’t worry about my little sister. She’s probably already figured it out. Travis is cool. He’ll give us his blessing. And it will be perfect, because you’ll be there.” I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.

“Do you have to be so rational?” She laughs.

“One of us has to.” I move my mouth to hers and she pulls back a little.

“Are you okay? With the Tiffany stuff?” she asks suddenly.

My eyes meet hers. I told her everything, even the part about Gray showing up. We’ve spoken a lot about it lately, and how I never want to see her again. I nod. “Yes. She scared me and I made it clear she wasn’t welcome back here ever again.” I pique an eyebrow. “Why are you bringing this up?” She knows how I feel about her. I’ve told her enough times.

She shrugs. “I just know it’s a big step. I’m your first real girlfriend since your split with her. Things are bound to feel a little… different.”

I rub her shoulders. “I like different. There is no competition, Skye. You’re it for me. I know it’s only been a short space of time, but I’ve never felt this way before. You bring so much sunshine to everyone you meet, me especially. I feel like I lost so much time being bitter and angry, when I should’ve been grateful I didn’t spend twenty years with the wrong person.”

She smiles softly. “I just don’t want you to rush into anything. We can take this as slow as you need.”

“Stop worrying about me. It sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me already.” I bump her with my hips.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You know how I feel about you, Gabe. You’re amazing and everything I’ve ever wanted. I just hope Trinity is okay with it, and likes me…”

“You already know she doesn’t just like you, she loves you.”

“Let’s just promise that whatever happens, we always remain friends… for Trinity’s sake. I’ll always be honest with you, even if it may not be what you want to hear.”

My heart melts that she’d think of my daughter like that, especially after Trin’s own mother abandoned her.

“I appreciate honesty. I have fears, Skye. Abandonment is up there on my list to never be repeated, but none of us has a crystal ball. I know I love you and I want to be with you, and the rest will come as we explore this journey together.”

She stares up at me, her eyes full of wonder. “You’re the most decent man I know.” She pecks me lightly on the lips and I want to bury myself once more.

“It’s always been a problem of mine.”

“Cocky much?”

I smile against her lips. “We better get on over to the house. Gran will think we’re up to no good.”

She unwraps herself from me, albeit reluctantly. “Shoot, you’re right.” I narrow my eyes at her response. “You don’t have to look so smug about it.”

I wave my hands innocently. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She pulls me by the hand and opens the front door. “You have that look in your eye.”

“You’re imagining things.”

“I don’t think so, Mr. Bassett.”

I admire how strong she is, how she has that fire in her belly that is just too adorable.

“You know the best thing about telling everyone about us?”

She turns to look at me. “What’s that?”

I smirk. “I get to tell my brother to back off once and for all.”

She lets go of my hand when we get closer to the house. “Like he ever stood a chance. I like Brooklyn and all, but everyone knows he’s still in love with Eden.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Let me guess; Georgia-Blue?”

“Hey, don’t blame her. She’s only trying to help.”

“Well, that’s perfect news because Brook is going to need all the help he can get when Eden finds out they’re still legally married.” I told her that too, because unlike anyone else in this family, she can keep a secret.

“If he’s still in love with her, maybe subconsciously he didn’t file those papers.”

“Uh, oh. Not you too.”

“What?” She walks backward. “Everything happens for a reason, you said it yourself.”

“While that’s true, everyone in my family will put my brother’s accidental non-divorce down to him being a forgetful ass, not GB’s woo-woo.”

“She kept hinting at you being single, that first time I came for my interview… and look what happened.”

“That’s because my sister likes to play matchmaker.” I smile at the mere idea of Georgia keeping her nose out of anyone’s business. It would never happen. “And while I think Brook and Eden should stop fighting their chemistry, so much time has passed.”

“That’s true, but if they are meant to get back together, they will.”

“Except she has a boyfriend,” Skye puts in.

“Yes, well, don’t mention that to Brook — he’s already pretty dark on good old Kirk.”

“I don’t know,” she singsongs. “I think love could be in the air.”

I feel my chest swell like never before when she turns and gives me that bright, big smile.

My hot nanny.

My girl.

I’m the luckiest man in the world.

* * *

The week rolls by and on the way to dinner, we figure now’s a good time to broach things with Trinity before we announce our relationship to the family.

“Trin, you remember how I told you Skye was only here for a short time until Daddy can find a new nanny? She was going back to North Carolina.”

I see her nod in the rear vision mirror. “Yeah,” she sighs. Sometimes it feels like she’s five going on twenty-five.

“Well, we have some exciting news, don’t we, Skye?”

Skye glances at me as we pull up and I park outside my parents’ house. “Yes, we do.” She turns around. “How would you feel about me sticking around for a little longer?”

Trinity’s eyes light up and she claps her hands together. “Yes!”

I take Skye’s hand in mine. “Trin. Skye and Daddy… we’ve fallen in love and we’d like to be together, that means with you too. How would you feel about Skye being my girlfriend?”

She giggles, jumping up and down in her car seat. I turn in my seat and reach back, popping the buckle so she can crawl through the middle. Daisy pops her head up from sleeping and tries to follow her. “Yay! Skye’s your gwirlfriend?”

I smile as she climbs into my lap and I kiss her forehead. “Yep, and Daddy’s very happy about that. Are you happy, too?”

She puts her arms around my neck and my heart melts when she hugs me. “Me happy, Daddy. Skye’s staying?”

I rub her nose with mine. “Yes, so that means we have to be extra nice to her and be on our best behavior.”

“Especially Daddy,” Skye chimes as she reaches back to grab Daisy. I give her a look but I can’t keep a straight face.

Trinity switches tact, moving over to Skye as she passes me the puppy. “I told Miss Davies I have a Skye,” she says.

My heart warms as I see Skye smiling at her, pushing the hair out of her eyes. “You did?”

“Yeah, ‘cause Jenny… she also has no Mommy… we paint and color, and she likes flutterbyes.”

“You mean butterflies?” I correct gently.

“Butterflies! Do you like butterflies, Skye?” Her big eyes look into Skye’s and I shake with laughter. This kid is a million miles a minute and babbles a lot.

“I love them. And I’m glad you’re happy I’ll be around more.”

“We could make a cake.” She turns to me. “Daddy, can we make a cake?”

“We’ll see,” I say. “Shall we go inside and see Grandma and Grandpa?”

She gives Skye a hug and climbs back over to me and I help her out of the car, still holding Daisy under my arm. I take her hand as she skips beside me and Daisy trots along next to us.

I put an arm around Skye as she beams from ear to ear. The tug in my chest is real, and I know my brothers will probably give me an eye roll because I did, in fact, end up with my nanny, but deep down I know they’ll be happy for me. It’s been a long time coming.

“You good?” I look down at Skye.

“Never better.”

I open the door and Trinity bolts, seeing Georgia first as she walks into the kitchen. Daisy isn’t far behind and hot on her heels.

“Aunty Georgia, Aunty Georgia! Daddy and Skye are in wuv!”

Georgia turns around to gape at us, just as my siblings all stop talking around the kitchen island. Of course, they’re all there. Mom and Dad too. Georgia and my mom usually overtake the kitchen when we’re all together and kick us out to go play pool or make noise somewhere else.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Great timing, Trin,” I mutter.

Skye stands motionless, mortified as my brothers all laugh.

Georgia has her hands on her hips. “You two sly little devils!” Trinity crashes into her legs as she picks her up. “What else do you know?”

“Skye likes flutterbies and Daddy is happy.”

Georgia grins, kissing her face as she wriggles out of her arms.

“That only took you what, a month?” Brooklyn chuckles, then adds in a quieter voice, “Told you he was buryin’ the pepperoni.”

“Brooklyn Bassett!” Mom chastises. “There are children present!”

“It’s pepperoni, Mom.” He shrugs.

Mom comes toward us. “Is it true?”

I nod, looking down at Skye. “It happened gradually, but yes, it’s true.”

“What about Skye going to North Carolina?” she presses.

Skye smiles warmly at my mom. “I’m no longer leaving. I hope to secure a position at the school if it comes up, but for now, I’m committed to helping Gabe with Trinity until she’s going to school full time.”

My father comes up behind me and pats me on the back. “Happy for you, son.”

“Thanks, Dad. As I said, it’s early days yet, but we’re getting to know each other and there’s Trinity to consider.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “You’ll make the right decisions. Skye has a good head on her shoulders. You’re good for each other.”

It’s been hard on my parents because I was broken for so long. Without them, I’d be nothing. Tiffany’s parents still make the effort to come and visit Trinity as often as they can. I’d never deny them access, even though it is a little awkward. They’ve been nothing but gracious through the whole thing.

Georgia and my mom hug Skye and welcome her to the family. Hartley joins in too and gives her a hug. A few moments later, Skye’s grandparents and Travis arrive, along with Hank and Geraldine.

Skye already told her grandparents she’d declined the job offer in North Carolina, but didn’t say why exactly, as we wanted to tell everyone tonight. I guess the cat’s out of the bag now because the first thing Trinity does when they arrive after hugging them is tell everyone we’re in love again and Skye’s not moving.

Her Gran and Gramps smile knowingly and Travis shakes my hand.

“Wait, you’re okay with this?” Beau laughs, shoving me in the ribs as he aims his question at Travis.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Skye’s never been happier than these last few months, and now I know the reason why.” He gives her a smirk, then to me he adds, “Break her heart, and I’ll bury you.”

Coming from the sheriff, I take it literally. “Don’t plan on it, but appreciate the heads up.”

I pull Skye into an embrace as her Gran hugs the two of us. “I knew you two were up to something.” She wags a finger in my face. “And we wish you all the happiness in the world.”

Gramps looks teary as he takes in his granddaughter. She’s always been the apple of his eye. “Our little girl is all grown up,” he says. “And staying where we can keep an eye on her.”

“We couldn’t be happier.” Skye is all smiles.

Mom ushers us all into the huge dining room where the table is set.

Geraldine gives us both a hug. “I kinda had an inkling about you two,” she sings.

“We all know I’m the psychic one around here,” Georgia laughs. “I practically set them up. I got Skye the interview and harassed Gabe about hiring her.”

“Next she’s gonna tell you to name your first born together after her,” Brook chuckles.

Skye blushes, and I hold her hand as we sit next to each other at the table.

“Why don’t you stop embarrassing Gabe and Skye,” Gray warns. “Though I’m sure Skye will run a country mile by the time this dinner’s through.”

Skye smiles at him. “Nope, no getting rid of me, I’m afraid.”

“That’s so sweet.” Hartley gives Skye a wink. “I’m so happy for you both.”

“Thank you,” Skye says. “That means a lot.”

“It does,” I smile toward Hartley. “So, there’s two Bassett brothers down, only two to go.”

Brook looks across the table at me and we share a knowing look.

He can’t hide it from me anymore. I know he’s not over Eden.

Beau, on the other hand, pretends not to hear me, but Mom is all for it.

“Hey, what about me?” Georgia pipes up.

“We don’t wanna give Mom or Dad gray hairs before their time.” Gray smirks.

Everyone laughs while Georgia fake pouts and joins in on the chuckles because she knows it’s true.

Trinity helps her grandma bring the dinner rolls to the table and Daisy settles down by my feet under the table.

Everyone I care about is here. And the woman I love is by my side.

“I think this calls for a toast,” my dad announces, dinging his glass with a knife. “To new beginnings, friendship and love.”

We all raise our glasses.

“And more babies!” Mom puts in as I sputter my drink and everyone laughs again.

I glance at Skye, and she has that twinkle in her eye. “Happy?” she whispers.

I pull her in for a kiss, earning me whistles and cheers. “With you? Always. You’re the butter to my bread and the air in my lungs, thank you.”

“For what?”

“For finally coming along. I’ve been waiting for you.”

She smiles, cupping my cheek. “I’ve been waiting for you, too.”

I feel euphoric that we no longer have to sneak around, and Skye wants to make a life here in Stoney Creek. With me, Trinity and our little Daisy.

She’s everything I ever hoped for, and more. So much more.

Come what may, I’ll be here. Ready to build a life with the woman I love.

The woman that changed my life.

My Skye.