Norah spent little time on picking out what she wished to wear and get pampered for the party. Her eyes dark as she waited for Gabriel on her porch. She sighed softly to herself as the wind tugged playfully at her hair.
She acknowledged none of it. Not even when Gabriel came back to her with a horse drawn-carriage dressed in a elegant tux. The two didn't speak as for a long time which to Norah was abnormal for them.
"I'm sorry," Norah blurted out, finally sick of the silence that surrounded them. She hated for Gabriel to be mad at her and it didn't seem right with the announcement of their engagement slowly crawling closer. He was to be her husband after all.
Gabriel turned his head to her, having been looking out the window for the entire time after he helped her into the carriage. "Why are you sorry, Miss. There isn't anything you need to be sorry for."
"Quit it with the miss. It's Norah. And I do have something to be sorry for otherwise you wouldn't have been and been so aloof. Not a word you've said to me. Not even when you helped onto the carriage. It's not like you. Well all that I know of you."
"I'm sorry," Gabriel spoke, voice soft. "I didn't mean to act that way. It's just I have a lot on my mind. There is much you still have to learn about me. And I thought you'd hate me if you knew."
"Knew what?" Norah asked, growing annoyed at the non-existent answers she received. If anything, she was left with more questions.
The carriage grew to an abrupt halt and Gabriel gave an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid I'll have to explain myself later, Miss Norah. But I will tell you all tonight. I promise you this."
"Tonight?"
"After the party, I am to begin living under the same roof as yours."
Norah didn't know if she liked the idea, but if she was able to learn more about this mysterious man, well, that would be all the better. Her head turned as the door opened and the bright afternoon light blinded her momentarily.
"Well, it's show time." Gabriel spoke holding out his hand to her. She took it, nerves taking hold of her leaving her feeling breathless and dizzy.
"I don't think I can do this," Norah gasped as she was lead outside.
Gabriel kissed her forehead bringing forth another stomach flop. "I have faith in you."
Family, both ones Norah knew and those she didn't, lined to see the new couple. There was cheering and laughter that filled the air. Norah smiled politely at the group of onlookers as she learned to do as a child from her lessons. Gabriel followed her close behind as he lead her up to the gazebo where her parents as well as what she presumed were his waited patiently.
"Hello Mother, Father." Gabriel said as soon as they stepped onto the raised platform. "Mr. and Mrs. McKinley, I am glad to see you arrived safely. I hope your journey was without trouble."
A round of hugs and handshakes followed his greeting. And Norah sighed softly and said softly, "Hi Mom. Hi Dad." She looked at Gabriel's parents and smiled warmly. "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Garrett. I've heard so much about you both."
"Nothing bad I hope," replied his mother as she laughed lightly. "But my boy would never do such a thing to his mother. He's such a good boy. I'm glad this was arranged you two will make such cute babies."
Norah's face flushed at the thought. Was that the only reason they were paired up? To have cute babies. Norah sighed softly not ready yet for that. She looked over at Gabriel. He smiled apologetically and looked out to the assembly of people, all whom waited for this moment. He inhaled deeply.
"Well, we should get this over and done," Gabriel said, turning back to look at his betrothed. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a dark blue box and bent down on one knee. And although, Norah knew this was coming she couldn't help but gasp.
"Norah McKinley, will you marry me?" His voice sounded rehearsed, but still tinted with kindness.
"Yes," she replied and as he slipped the ring on her finger the overseeing party goers busted into applause.
The rest of the day was a blur for poor Norah. The afternoon quick gave way to the evening and even into the night. There was dancing and food. More so was the constant congratulations from random guests of the party. Most whom neither recognized though were presumed to be distant family or friends of the family.
On the way home, Norah feel asleep leaning on Gabriel whose eyes wandered from her sleeping form to the outside window where the streets of London quietly zipped by. He hummed to himself, glad the day was over. And before he knew it they were stopped directly in front of the house.
Deciding it best that she remained that way he brought her up to her room and laid her gently on the bed. Since it be improper for her to be undressed by him especially if she was halfway dressed when she'd wake, he let her remain untouched. He'd rather not be considered a pervert from her. Though he did have an urge to lay next to her and hold her while she slept.
But that be wrong of him to try. So instead, he stood near the window watching the fog roll through the town. His hand touched his eye patch as he thought about his job which was also another thing he'd have to explain to Norah. She deserved to know. He just hoped she'd understand and not think wrongly of him.
He turned around when he heard Norah mumble. A small smile crept onto his face when he noticed she was still asleep. "A sleep talker, Miss Norah. I would have never guessed."
It was when Gabriel heard his name on her soft lips did he begin wanting to be in her bed. He wanted to hold her, to comfort her, to be there to protect her. And even to love her. Oh how he wished he had said all those things when he proposed, but fear took over him and he was left praying she wouldn't high tail it out of there.
He stepped towards her sleeping form. A surprised wanting filled him. He wanted to be next to her. He wished to feel her silky soft hair and soft skin up against him. He wanted to smell her sweet scent and hush any bad dreams that might plague her. The urge grew stronger.
And to believe there had been a time, long ago when he hated her. The day he found she was to be his wife Gabriel disliked her and didn't even wish to see her. That was before, but now, now Gabriel felt himself falling for the dark haired beauty.
Gabriel turned away knowing best to leave before anything more overtook him. After all, it wasn't proper for him yet to be in her room while she slept. Besides, he had promised. Not to mention, Gabriel had not a clue if Norah loved him back.
He made his way to his room wishing the need of her would fade. Gabriel tried not to think of her, but thoughts of her ran rapid in his head. It was much time later, along with a cold shower that finally coxed him into his own bed and towards the needed dreams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Note: Yes, yes. I know I am a tease by not explaining much about Gabriel, but it won't be much longer before that happens. Sorry that this chapter/section isn't terribly long, but I wanted to post some more of my story before I head out and leave you all for the weekend. Though I will return with a new chapter which is longer and explains some things about Gabriel. I swear!
