Gabriel

Thirty-One

"Winner, winner, turkey dinner," Jaleesa sang off-key, making Gabriel cringe at her cuteness.

She was a carefree beauty. She couldn't sing, but he adored her.

"That's right, sweetheart." He pressed a kiss on her shimmery cheek and beamed. "I loved seeing you with Melody. She's always happy to see her Leesa,"

This made her blush.

So cute.

"I taught her a few cheers. Her favorite was the one she made up," She giggled. "Go, Daddy! Go, Daddy!" She was tickled by Melody's happiness. "She loves you so much."

Their relationship blessed and healed Jaleesa's heart. Melody was wanted by Gabriel and she knew it well.

Gabriel sighed contently, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "This season was the greatest," He kissed her cheek. "You were the loveliest surprise."

He would never be able to thank God enough for bringing Jaleesa into his life. He'd do it all again to have her.

Her ill behavior was long-forgotten.

He adored her.

"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you," Jaleesa confessed, laughing softly. "I choked because of you,"

This was news to him.

Pleasant news.

"And here I thought you swallowed wrong," He teased. "I'm honored to be the cause of your near-death experience."

His eyes twinkled.

He was so happy.

"Haha, you're funny. You should feel sorry for me,"

He shook his head. "You survived to tell the story. I forgot my name and you choked." He chuckled, twirling her pretty hair around his finger. "Star-crossed lovers,"

Jaleesa blanked. "You're joking a lot tonight."

He smiled and kissed her cheek. "I'm happy, Jaleesa. You make me happy. I love you. My heart is singing and dancing because of you."

"Oh my goodness,"

His smile widened at her beautiful smile.

She was his sweetheart.

What a world.

"I love you, Gabriel." She kissed him.

The sweetest kiss.

Stroking her lovely cheek, he hummed in delight. "Remember, it's darling. Say, I love you, darling."

She laughed and cleared her throat. "I love you, dahling,"

"Now you're the funny one,"

She leaned in and littered his face with Eskimo kisses.

"You make me happy,"

He rested his head on her shoulder and sighed.

They were meant to be together always.

Distance wasn't right.

But in the morning, he'd be leaving for New York. Leaving his beautiful sweetheart in Portland.

Away from him.

It was strange to him. He never desired to be with a woman in this way. It was startling.

Jaleesa fit beside him. Melody loved her. Mrs. Lyza wanted to dote on her. She was perfect.

He didn't want to leave her.

"I'm gonna miss you, sweetheart."

Jaleesa's heart stuttered at the reminder of their unwanted separation.