It had been a few days since they'd arrived back from their honeymoon, and Gabby was already back in the swing of things with the candle business. The orders were pouring in, and she'd been working hard to keep up with it all. But even with the business keeping her busy, she couldn't shake the feeling of peace that came from knowing she had Zay by her side. They'd been through so much together, and now, everything just felt right.
Zay had been supportive of her hustle, always checking in and making sure she wasn't overworking herself. He knew how important it was for Gabby to see her dreams come true. But there was something Zay wanted to talk about, something he'd been holding in for a little while.
One night, after dinner, he pulled Gabby aside into the living room. The space was cozy, lit by the soft glow of candles and the low hum of music playing in the background. Gabby, tired from a long day at the shop, flopped onto the couch, stretching her legs out.
Zay sat down beside her, his expression serious but calm. "G, there's something I gotta talk to you about."
Gabby looked up, her brow furrowing slightly. "What's up, Zay?" She sat up, feeling her pulse quicken.
Zay took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers. "I've been thinking a lot about us and everything we've been through together. I'm proud of you—proud of everything you've built with that candle business. But I also know that you've had to grind so hard on your own. I want to take some of that weight off you, baby. You ain't gotta do everything by yourself."
Gabby stared at him for a moment, confused. "Zay, what are you talkin' about? I'm good. I can handle it." She smiled, but Zay shook his head, cutting her off gently.
"Nah. I'm not saying you can't handle it. I know you got it. But I'm saying, I want to do more. I want to be there for you even more, in every way possible. You always been independent, but we're a team now. And I'm here to take care of you in ways I know you never had before."
Gabby felt her heart race. She'd never had someone truly take the time to care about her like this. It was always just her, making it work on her own. "You're already doing enough, Zay," she said softly.
Zay smiled, pulling her close to him. "I ain't doing enough, G. Not until you feel like you can lean on me for everything. You ever need me, I'm here, and I mean that. And I don't want you to feel like you're doing it alone anymore. Whether it's business, or anything else. I want us to share it all, you feel me?"
Gabby nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't know how to express how much his words meant. "I feel you, Zay. I really do. I've just never had someone I could count on like this before. It's scary, but I trust you. I do."
Zay kissed the top of her head, holding her tight. "I'm not going nowhere, baby. I'm yours. And I'll always have your back, no matter what."
They sat there in silence for a moment, just soaking in the reality of how far they had come. Gabby felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for Zay, for how he made her feel supported and loved. For the first time in a long time, she felt like everything was falling into place.
To Be Continued...
