Gabriel

Twenty-Eight

It was Thanksgiving.

A day Jaleesa normally spent with her parents was now being spent with her boyfriend.

She had a boyfriend.

And he was everything.

What a dream!

Standing at his front door, she held her tray of cookies securely as she rang the doorbell.

Though she'd been there before and had been welcomed with such kindness and warmth, her nerves didn't seem to get the memo.

"Jaleesa!" Gabriel's smile slowly blew her nerves away. "Happy Thanksgiving, beautiful," He said, taking the tray and kissing her cheek. "Cookies, I've been waiting for these," He sighed dreamily.

"Happy Thanksgiving to you too, but I never told you I was making cookies," She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Unless," She shook her head, knowing it was indeed her mother.

Hazel Destiny loved sharing secrets.

It was a little annoying, but in this case, Jaleesa didn't mind.

Gabriel smiled innocently and led her into the house.

"Princess Jaleesa." Ariel said coming from the kitchen with a steaming mug. "My lost love," He sobbed dramatically. "How will I ever move on from you?" Taking her hand, he pulled her into his arms, careful not to spill his hot chocolate. "I knew you liked him. It was only a secret to you and him." He whispered cheekily.

Jaleesa gasped, wishing she could pop him. "From crying to lying. I'll get you once the cup is out of your hand," She hissed, feigning annoyance. "Happy Thanksgiving." She wiggled out of his arms and followed Gabriel into the kitchen where she was smacked in the nostrils by the delicious aroma of dinner.

"My goodness,"

Mrs. Lyza laughed, pinching Gabriel's cheek. "She's swooning already, dear. What have you done?"

Gabriel shrugged kissing Jaleesa's temple. "I think it's the freckles," He wiggled his brows making them both laugh.

Their spirits were high and love was in the air.

Gabriel's home was warm and open, leaving no room for nerves.

"Jaleesa makes the best cookies, Mrs. Lyza. You've been warned," He told her, trying to swipe the tray off the counter.

"No, sir." Mrs. Lyza popped his hand. "You go and mingle while I get the dinner on the table," She shooed the couple out of the kitchen with a giddy smile on her face.

"Soooo," Gabriel sang, twirling Jaleesa into his arms, swaying as she blushed. "You're so beautiful," He gushed, kissing her.

Things were changing and he couldn't deny how much lovelier Jaleesa was to him every time he saw her.

It was an overwhelming sense of something.

"Gabriel," Jaleesa warned lightly, pushing him. "Mrs. Lyza or Melody could see,"

"And,"

She blanked at the superbly handsome man before smiling. "And I'll melt in your arms,"

He grinned, kissing her again. "I think that's a nice scenario." He was losing himself. "But, I will respect your wishes. I think someone else will have something to say," He nodded toward the living room, leading her there.

"Ariel will tease." She didn't think he was too bad, but it would be weird for him to see them kiss.

"Jaleesa!"

"Leesa!"

Her heart fluttered at Inigo's greeting. "Oh my goodness! Hi!" She gasped, taking in his outfit. "Melody, you're playing with King Inigo," She bowed politely at the kingly teen, making him blush.