Gabriel

Twenty-Three

And just like that, her mind was silenced.

Could it be?

Was he sure?

Her heart fluttered as hope overwhelmed her being.

Surely, from the way he watched her expectantly, she heard correctly.

"Yes,"

A smile broke out of his handsome face and he kissed her hand sweetly. "Thank you," He whispered. "It's unbelievable," His sigh turned to laughter.

He was happy.

Oh, was he happy.

"You can say that again," She leaned into his embrace, unable to contain her joy. "You're a wonderful man, Gabriel. So wonderful thoughtful, kind, and," She paused, losing her words.

The light in his eyes was catching.

So charming.

His smile was truly amazing.

He seemed carefree. Much lighter than she'd ever seen him.

This was a lovely look on him.

"Handsome," She finished, barely grazing his cheek. "In your heart,"

Oh my.

The softness returned to his eyes taking her breath away.

He admired her.

The thought sent her heart to the stars.

"My Emilien," She laughed softly, so fondly. "Gabriel," She whispered, slowly, kissing him.

From a hope, to a prayer, to a moment delighting in the warmth and security in his embrace.

She didn't dare to question if it was far too soon to hope for something more.

Something lasting.

Godspeed.

She prayed.

Let it be.

-

The next morning, Jaleesa was walking on sunshine.

Floating on a cloud of joy and hope.

Her heart was full.

Gabriel was hers.

What a dream!

"This is adorable,"

Hazel sighed, leaning against Ezekiel on the couch.

"It's strange," He countered, making her pop him. "But cute," He added, he couldn't lie.

It was strange and sweet to see Jaleesa head over heels and swooning over Gabriel.

He didn't want to imagine Gabriel's reaction.

The man was somewhat stoic.

It would spook the wits out of him to see him happy.

Especially over Jaleesa.

"It's even sweeter because I saw her staring at his picture some time ago," Hazel sang happily. "I asked her about him, but she denied even finding him handsome," She giggled at the obvious state of denial Jaleesa was in.

Poor thing.

"She zoomed in on his picture, whispering something about him. I told her even I thought he was handsome, but still, she kept up her little lie,"

Ezekiel didn't understand any of this.

"That's the thing about young people that I don't get, lovey. What's the point in lying or denying your feelings? Where does it get you?"