Stuck with you (BWWM)

Chapter 24

As the city lights painted a soft glow across my apartment, Ben and I found ourselves nestled on the couch, wrapped up in each other's arms. It was a rare moment of tranquility in the midst of our busy lives, and we relished the chance to just be together.

"Gabriella Prett," Ben mused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Has a ring to it, doesn't it?"

I let out an exaggerated sigh, giving him a playful shove. "You and that name again. I swear, you're obsessed."

He chuckled, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my arm. "Can you blame me? I'm just trying to imagine our future together."

I rolled my eyes, feigning annoyance. "Fine, fine. But let's get one thing straight-I'm not sold on the whole name change thing."

He grinned, leaning in to press a kiss to my temple. "Well, whether you're Gabriella Prett or Gabriella Saintpatrick, you're still the love of my life."

I couldn't help but smile, his words melting away any remnants of irritation. "And you're still a charmer, no matter what name you go by."

We settled back into the couch, our fingers intertwined as we allowed ourselves to drift into a comfortable silence.

"So, future plans?" Ben prompted, his voice gentle and curious.

I sighed dreamily, leaning my head against his shoulder. "You know, I've always had this picture in my mind of a modern, sleek house with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop garden."

He arched an eyebrow, a grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, so we're going for the minimalist, architectural vibe?"

I nodded, laughing softly. "Yeah, something like that. A place that feels open, airy, and full of natural light."

Ben's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Alright, architectural digest. I'm on board with your fancy house dreams."

I playfully elbowed him, earning a mock-hurt expression. "Hey, I can't help it if I have an eye for design."

His arm tightened around me, pulling me even closer. "You have an eye for everything, Gabi."

My heart fluttered at his words, the warmth of his affection wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. "You're just saying that."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against my cheek. "I mean every word."

We continued to talk, our voices weaving together in the soft ambiance of the apartment. We discussed our aspirations, our goals, and the exciting possibilities that the future held for us. We shared stories, jokes, and even reminisced about some of the hilarious mishaps we had encountered along the way.

And then, in the midst of our lighthearted banter, Ben brought up a familiar movie.

"You know, whenever you talk about dream houses, I can't help but think of 'The Notebook'," he admitted, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

I burst into laughter, remembering the iconic scene from the movie. "You mean the part where Noah brings Allie to that beautiful, rundown farmhouse?"

Ben nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, that one. I can just imagine us arguing about paint colors and fixing up an old place."

I nudged him with my elbow, chuckling. "Well, I don't know about the old place, but I do love the idea of us picking out paint colors together."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, affectionate kiss. "I'd pick any color you want, as long as I get to be with you."

My heart swelled, his words touching me deeply. "You always know just what to say."

He shrugged, his expression tender. "I guess that's just the effect you have on me."

As the night grew late, the apartment around us seemed to fade into the background. It was just Ben and me, lost in our own little world of dreams and laughter. And as exhaustion finally caught up with me, I felt the gentle pull of sleep tugging at my senses.

I nestled into his warmth, my eyelids growing heavy. Ben's voice, a soothing melody, carried me into a peaceful slumber. In the safety of his embrace, I knew that our future held countless possibilities, and I couldn't wait to explore each and every one of them by his side.

In the quiet embrace of the night, I stirred from my slumber, my gaze finding its way to the peaceful figure lying beside me. A soft smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I watched the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. His presence brought a sense of comfort and security that I had come to cherish deeply.

Carefully, I shifted closer, my fingers tracing a gentle path across the back of his hand. His fingers twitched slightly in response, and I couldn't help but smile, knowing that he was still very much here with me.

"Ben," I whispered softly, my voice carrying on the hushed breeze of the night. I watched as his eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto mine with a mix of warmth and drowsiness.

"Mmm, hey there," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

A soft chuckle escaped me, and I leaned in to press a lingering kiss against his lips. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd wake you up."

His lips curved into a lazy smile, and he pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me in a tender embrace. "Well, now I'm awake. What's on your mind, love?"

I took a moment to simply revel in the sensation of being in his arms, of feeling his heartbeat against my own. "I was just thinking about us, about how lucky I am to have you."

His grip on me tightened, and he pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "You know, you're the best thing that ever happened to me, right?"

A soft sigh escaped me, and I nestled my head against his chest. "And you're mine. I love you, Ben."

His response was immediate and heartfelt, a whispered confession that sent shivers down my spine. "I love you too, Gabi."

With those words, I felt a rush of warmth envelop me, a feeling that washed away any trace of worry or doubt. Our love was a constant, an anchor that held us steady in the unpredictable currents of life.

As if sensing the depth of our connection, Ben pulled me even closer, his embrace a cocoon of safety and affection. I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a comforting lullaby that eased me back towards slumber.

With a contented sigh, I let my eyes drift closed once more, surrendering to the tranquility of the moment. Wrapped in his arms, the world outside faded into insignificance, leaving only the two of us, bound together by an unbreakable bond.

As sleep beckoned me once again, I knew that no matter what the future held, I was exactly where I belonged-wrapped in the arms of the man I loved, in a love that transcended time and space.