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.
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 mocking 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.”
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.”