The day they thought would never come

Prequel 12 - The family summit

Gabrielle POV-

Breathe Gabrielle breathe. Why am I so nervous? I have walked up these step hundreds of times. This is Jack's family house. You know everyone here. Jack is right here with you. Calm down.

But what if the hate me? I broke his heart last year. What if they can't forgive me? What if they forc..."

"Gabrielle, calm down. I love you. They are going to be happy for us. It may take some talking but I am sure they are going to approve. I am sure of it."

How can he be so sure? How can they forgive me after...

"Gabrielle. You are mine and I am yours, remember? It doesn't matter what anyone else says. We are together. We are going to be together for the rest of our lives."

He is right. No matter what happens in the end it will be Jack and I. "I love you Jack. No matter what. Come down here." I need a kiss and hug before we go in. Ok much better. Here goes nothing.

"Hello. We're here."

How can Jack sound like it's just another day? Was he always so unflappable?

"Welcome Jack. Is Jaycee with you? Come on in the kitchen. Dinner is cooking."

"Hey everyone."

Jaycee is so calm, so normal. I envy her so much right now. Ok why do I feel naked now that Jack is hanging up my coat. Come on Gabrielle get it together. It's Jack parents. You have known them for years. Wait Jaycee don't go in there without us...

"How is everyone doing? Hey Olyvia, did you get that stain out from Friday?"

Jack is so sweet. My feet are stuck to the floor here and he is just holding me letting me find my courage. Just one minute. I am almost ready. I just need one minute to center myself.

"Jack, what's taking so long. I thought your message said you had an announcement to make. It sounded a lot like you were going to propose to Jay...."

Oh my God. Jack's mom came out. She saw us. She sees me. What do I do. I want to hide. Where can I hide.

"Mom, I do have an announcement. I would like you to meet Gabrielle again. My fiancé."

How does he always know what to say to make me feel like this. He said it. He just introduced me to his mom as his fiancé. I love the way that sounds. I can't wait for it to become his wife.

"Hi Mrs. Brinkmen. Long time no see. How have you been?" There I go. Small talk. See, already better then the first time I came here. I even spoke.

"Gabrielle...hmmm I didn't expect to see you here. Your looking well. Ummm Jack? Do you want to come in and explain something to us? Jack, is this a prank? Jaycee is in the other room without a care in the world and you out here with Gabrielle. What is going on?"

"That's why we're here mom. I thought it was about time for my parents to meet my fiancé. But yes it is a prank, well kind of. Jaycee has been in on it since the beginning a month ago so don't get mad."

"You mean your telling the truth? You and Gab...?"

She looks stunned now that Jack is holding up my hand. I can understand because I love my ring. I think it's probably the most beautiful engagement ring I have ever seen. Well, maybe part of that is the fact that Jack gave it to me. But still.

"Well oookkkk. I mean if your happy...."

There is the unflappable Mrs. Brinkmen. I can only hope to be that calm and easy going one day. Must be where Jack get's it from.