You Are My Sunshine

Chapter Forty-Two: The Rehearsal Dinner

"When will you be back?" Joe asked shifting his hold on Elena and balanced her on his hip, he wasn't happy that Gabriella was going to the rehearsal dinner of her ex-fiancé even if she was just going as the wedding planner. 

He couldn't wait for the wedding to be dealt with next week before they jetted out on holiday to Morocco, Joe was looking forward to the break after how horrible the Euros had worked out for them. 

"I'll be home about eight," Gabriella replied with a smile, she knew that he wasn't comfortable with this but she couldn't just ignore the party because it was her ex-fiancé's. 

It wasn't like she would be spending a lot of time with Adam anyway, she was just there to make sure that everything went alright before the big day arrived. 

Gabriella couldn't wait for this all to be over and she would never have to see Adam again, she wanted to focus on her life with Joe and Elena. 

Nodding his head, Joe sighed looking at Elena and hoping that this wouldn't have to last much longer; he didn't know what it was but there was something about Adam that was startling to unsettle Joe.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Gabriella, he loved his girlfriend and he was sure that she wouldn't cheat on him but he just didn't get a good vibe from Adam and it made him nervous. 

The sooner that Adam was married to Jessica the better and Joe was sure that it would make it easier for him and Gabriella to move on with their lives. 

Gabriella kissed Joe before she got ready to leave, she just hoped that the rehearsal dinner went well tonight and that it would lead the way to a wonderful wedding that would seal the end of things for her and Adam.

***

"This is amazing," Theresa mused sitting down next to Gabriella and handing her a glass of water, it had been a nice evening so far and she was glad that Gabriella had asked her to come with her. 

Theresa didn't trust Adam for a moment and she had noticed how he had started to pull away from Jessica since Gabriella had been in France supporting Joe in the Euros. 

It made her even more wary about having the man around her friend when Gabriella was finally on to something good with her boyfriend; Theresa didn't want to see that slip away from Gabriella now. 

"Any thought on when you and Joe might tie the knot?" Theresa asked sipping on her own drink, the two were sat in a quiet corner of the room away from the guests; it had been awkward enough running into Adam's parents after what had happened. 

They had been shocked and saddened to learn that their son had hired his ex-fiancée as the wedding planner for the impending wedding to the woman that he had left her for. 

"One day," Gabriella replied with a small smile, she was starting to love the idea of marrying Joe one day and she was hopeful that it would happen when the time was right. 

Theresa smiled at her, she was glad to see that Gabriella wasn't freaking out anymore and she could only imagine what the wedding day would be like and she had a feeling that it would be something to remember. 

It seemed like only yesterday that Joe and Gabriella had been welcoming Elena into the world and things had only gotten better from there for the couple; it was only a matter of time before the announcement of baby number two would be made and then an engagement announcement. 

Theresa was happy for her friend and she could only hope that there wasn't going to be anymore drama.

***

"You look beautiful tonight Gabs," Adam murmured finally catching Gabriella alone, he had been watching her all evening and he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her in recent weeks. 

Gabriella stopped what she was doing and turned to look at Adam, they were in one of the back rooms of the restaurant and she was a little uncomfortable about being here alone with him. 

She had just finished texting Joe wondering if her boyfriend could come and pick her up, Gabriella had gotten a lift from Theresa but she didn't want to trouble her about getting home. 

Adam closed the door behind him, he had been wanting to talk to her all evening but he hadn't had the chance before and it had bothered him that she had been away in France with Joe. 

He hadn't been able to stop himself searching up news about her and her daughter, by all rights if he hadn't screwed up then the baby would have been his and not some footballers. 

"I've been wanting to talk to you," Adam mumbled knowing that this could very well be his last chance, he wasn't sure what Gabriella might say but he had to try. 

In a few days, he was going to be married to Jessica and he didn't want to do that if there was a chance that Gabriella might take him back after everything that had happened. 

"You always want what you can't have," Gabriella murmured moving to collect her things, the rehearsal dinner was over and she wanted to meet Joe out the front. 

There was nothing left for her to do and she had to let Theresa know that she was getting Joe to pick her up; she couldn't wait to get home and relax with him and Elena. 

"I need to know if there's a chance no matter how small that you will take me back," Adam pleaded reaching out to take Gabriella's hand, she pulled back sharply and glared at him; she couldn't believe that he was doing this now after everything.

"You have got to be kidding me," Gabriella spat trying to keep her calm, her navy applique trim lace maxi dress swaying as she stepped back sharply and wondered what the hell was going on in Adam's mind. 

The door to the room pushed open a little un-noticed by the occupants and two people listened in on the argument that was brewing between the two inside both interested to hear what was being said. 

"I am happy for the first time in years and you do this," Gabriella hissed shaking her head, there was no way in hell that she was going to throw away what she had with Joe to be with Adam; she was so much happier now than she had been. 

Adam flinched at her words, he knew that he had messed up but he had to know if there was any chance that he had of being with her again; he had only run off with Jessica because she had been pregnant. 

They had lost the baby shortly after and Adam had been stuck with her ever since, he didn't love her like he had ever loved Gabriella. 

Taking a deep breath, Gabriella knew that it was best if she left now before Adam got any crazy ideas and did something that would only lead to trouble. 

Making sure that she had everything, Gabriella made her way to the door ensuring that there was space between them as she did so; she paused by the doorway still not knowing that there were people listening to them. 

"Theresa will handle everything from here... I wish you and Jessica all the happiness in the world," Gabriella said before pulling the door open, she came to a complete stop at the sight of Joe and Jessica waiting on the other side. 

Gabriella blinked for a moment before she stepped out of the room, Jessica was staring at Adam and she couldn't imagine what was going through the other woman's mind at that moment.