This Time You

by T. M. Cromer

  In order not to disturb Gabriel, she rolled to her side and tried to shield the light from the screen as she conversed with Annie via text.

  “Is Mom with her now?”

  “No, Sammy insisted on being alone last night.”

  “Has anyone called Jamie? If anyone can reach her, it’s him.”

  “I left him a message but haven’t heard back yet.”

  “I’ll get a shower now. I’ll see if Gabriel can watch the boys.”

  “Mom will run Kaley over and pick you up.”

  “Thanks.”

  As quietly as she could, Margie eased back the comforter and climbed from the bed. She shut herself in the bathroom and flipped the light switch. Once she’d dialed the water temperature to scorching, she stepped underneath the spray and allowed the heat to soothe her aching muscles. The water poured over her and mingled with the tears of grief she could no longer hold back.

  Michael.

  Last night, Gabriel had been a perfect distraction.

  Today, she was struck with the reality of their lost family member.

  Michael had been like a brother to her. The one calm in their world. When the Holts’ tempers were erupting, he played peacemaker, using a calm logic to soothe ruffled feathers. Now he was gone, and Margie didn’t know how to handle the excess of emotion. Because she not only remembered past tragedies and all the feelings associated with them, but she had this one to contend with, too. This was another lifetime Michael and Sammy were destined for heartache.

  The bathroom door closed, and Margie jerked her head up as Gabriel opened the glass enclosure to join her. He took one look at her tear-ravaged face and opened his arms.

  Lost in his embrace, it seemed an eternity before her tears dried up. “It feels like I’m always thanking you.” She placed a butterfly-soft kiss on his chest.

  “No need.” He touched his nose to hers before he kissed her temple. He tried to mask the concern in his gaze with teasing light. “You suck at stealth mode.”

  The words were meant to be playful and distracting, but all she could manage was a wobbly smile. Laughter would definitely be in short supply in the coming weeks now that Michael was gone. She shut off the water and grabbed a towel for each of them.

  “I have a favor to ask.”

  “Is your favor to have me slip out the back so no one knows I was here?”

  She couldn’t fail to note the ire in his tone. Seemed like he, too, was feeling the strain of the situation. “No, Gabriel. I would never do that to you. Granted, I don’t want to confuse the children until we decide where this is going, but I don’t care if the whole world knows you stayed last night.” She patted his chest. “My favor is to ask if you could keep an eye on Kaley and the boys for a while. We’re going to head over to Sammy’s this morning.”

  “Of course. Any special diets, medication, or such that I should be aware of?”

  “No. Today they can eat what they want. But don’t let them run you ragged. I’ll be home or send someone to relieve you as soon as possible.”

  Gabriel surfed the internet for news while Kaley sat glued to the television. He hoped like hell he was doing the right thing by allowing her to continue to watch for updates on the wreckage.

  Grey had come over a few hours before, at Gabriel’s urging, and was helping entertain Scotty and Aaron.

  When Margaret returned, her upset was immediately obvious though she attempted to hide it for her children’s benefit.

  Gabriel hung back as she hugged each tightly in turn.

  Her clinginess was easy to understand. Losing a family member made you hold tighter to those left behind.

  He led her into the kitchen, out of sight of the children, and gathered her close. “How’s your sister?”

  “Not good. She’s refusing to acknowledge he’s gone. Insisted he wasn’t on the plane and we’d see when he came home. She’s so angry, Gabriel, and I don’t blame her.”

  “Do you think she could be right? Maybe Michael wasn’t on the plane?”

  “Anything is possible, I suppose.”

  Margie looked so worn out his heart ached for her.

  “Why don’t you have a seat and tell me what happened?” He began the preparations for her favorite mint tea.

  “Sammy told Mom about a dream she had a few days back. One of Michael boarding his flight and the plane going down.” She compressed her lips and shook her head. When she could speak again, she said, “The second half of the dream was one of Michael missing his flight due to a mugger and chasing him into traffic. Like an alternative version of the same nightmare.” Margie accepted the mug he offered with a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

  “No need to thank me, love.” He smoothed back an unruly strand of her hair. “Go on.”

  “I don’t get it, Gabriel. If any of this is true, the outcome is bleak. Dying in a plane crash or being hit by a car. Pick your poison.” She hiccuped a sob. “But if he’s alive, as Sammy insists she feels, why hasn’t he called? He has to have seen the news, right?”

  Gabriel had no answers. He’d never dealt with psychics or visions or woo-woo things that went bump in the night. “You can only be there to support her, Margaret. Try to be patient.”

  “God, you must think this family is a disaster.”

  “No. I think this family has had its share of hard times.”

  “Will you stay today and again tonight?”

  He didn’t want to reject her request, but she was dead on her feet. “I think you need rest.”

  She released a weary sigh. “I like the way you think, but I was only asking if you’d stay. I don’t have the energy for anything else.”

  “I’m happy to be here for whatever you need.” He glanced toward the living room. Now didn’t seem like a good time, but he had to ask. “Do you want to inform the kids we’re starting a relationship here, or do you want me to go and come back after they’re asleep?”

  He remained quiet as she gave serious consideration to his question.

  Lifting his hand, she placed his palm against her cheek. Although thoroughly wrecked and exhausted, she looked lovely in the mid-morning light. Even packed with tragedy, the poignant scene made him want to freeze this moment with her forever.

  “They like you, Gabriel, and you’re good to my family. I’m cool with letting them know if you are. I don’t want a deep discussion right now, but I don’t want you to leave and come back either.” She made a face. “If you’re uncomfortable, you can head out in the morning before everyone gets up.”

  “We don’t have to tell them anything until they ask.” He pressed a tender kiss to her brow. “Go sit with them. Have you had anything to eat? I can whip something up.”

  “No. I’m not sure I can.”

  “Try, okay?”

  She nodded and stretched to kiss him. The contact was lacking passion, but not warmth. It occurred to him that this was how a good marriage must feel. Comfortable. Loving. Not the toxic mess he’d been involved in.

  His concerned gaze followed her from the room, and he lounged in the doorway as she settled between her boys.

  The family grieved together, one solid unit. Yes, sadness hung in the air, but it didn’t make their bond any weaker. The opposite was true. Their pain reinforced their relationship.

  He’d never wanted to be part of a family more than right that second.

  “You okay, bro? You look a bit shell-shocked yourself.”

  Gabriel hadn’t heard Grey enter the kitchen and jumped in reaction. He turned so his back was to the living room and noted the worry on his brother’s face. Grey’s concern was well-founded. Gabriel’s relationship with Margaret had been a whirlwind romance, and as it stood now, he was fully emerged in her family’s problems.

  “I think maybe I am. For multiple reasons.”

  Grey nodded grimly and squeezed his shoulder. “Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks.” Gabriel’s mind shifted gears, and he cast a glance back at Margaret.
“I somehow doubt the Holts are going to be up for a Thanksgiving celebration this year. If you and Gordie are willing, we can do a small get-together.”

  “The restaurant is open for the holiday, so we can eat there. We’ll use the private dining room for just us. I’m happy to extend the invite to the Holts, but I don’t want to be insensitive.”

  “I’ll bring it up to Margaret later tonight. In the meantime, I need to run home to grab a change of clothes. Feel like hanging here for a few?”

  “Sure. Go ahead.”

  “If she asks, tell her I’ll make soup and sandwiches when I get back.”

  “I’ll start them now. Go out through the garage. I doubt she’ll miss you for the five minutes you’re gone.”

  Gabriel cast one last long look into the living room.

  Kaley was on the floor with her head on her mother’s knee. Margaret watched him across the distance. Her drawn expression slayed him. Gazes locked, he kissed the tips of his fingers and placed them over his heart. Her lips moved in a semblance of a smile, but he hadn’t chased the grief away. He didn’t expect to.

  Aaron demanded her attention, providing the perfect timing for Gabriel to slip away.

  As he added items to a duffle bag, he wondered if he was pushing too hard, too fast. Was he being more of a nuisance than a help? Margaret was in no condition to deal with a new boyfriend on top of everything else.

  Old demons woke to taunt him.

  Twice he took his phone out to text he intended to stay home.

  Twice he deleted the unsent message.

  He scrubbed his face with his hands, unsure what to do.

  He tried to tell himself she wouldn’t have asked him to stay if she didn’t want him there.

  After all this time, he should’ve gotten over the fact his father hated him. Over the feeling he was unloveable. Over the fear no woman could truly care about him.

  But he couldn’t.

  Yes, he exuded confidence in his everyday life—he refused to show anything less—but on occasion, the scared little boy residing inside him reared his head.

  His phone buzzed with a text.

  “Where you at, bro? That’s the longest five minutes I’ve ever seen. Dinner’s ready, and we have unexpected company.”

  Fuck it. He’d be there for Margaret come hell or high water, as long as she needed or wanted him. All other worries and fears could go hang.

  Gabriel shot off a reply and grabbed his bag.

  As he entered through the garage, the first thing he saw was Don attempting to hug a reluctant Margaret. Grey didn’t look pleased, but he tended to be a little more diplomatic than Gabriel.

  He dropped his bag with a loud thud, and all eyes turned to him. Don paled then flushed. The glare the other man shot Gabriel verged on loathing, and he’d been careful to turn away from

  Margaret so she didn’t see.

  But Gabriel did, and the ugliness inside Don was easily recognizable. His father had sported the same expression often enough—right before a fist found its way into his, Grey’s, or Gordie’s gut.

  Margaret’s relief was palpable as she rushed to his side. “You’re back. Just in time for dinner.” The brightness in her tone was patently false. Gabriel doubted she fooled anyone. “Don, thanks for stopping by. I’m not even sure how you heard about the news, but if you don’t mind, the family needs private time.”

  Had Gabriel not been watching the guy closely, he’d have missed the micro expression on the other man’s face before he hid his response to her rejection.

  “Of course, Margie.” Don crossed to her and grabbed her hand, lifting it to his lips. “If you need anything, anything at all, you have my number, my dear.”

  The jealous, territorial beast rose up inside Gabriel, and he growled low in his throat like the veriest of wild animals.

  Margaret snatched her hand from Don and hid it behind her back. “I do. Thanks, Don.”

  After Don left, Gabriel grasped her elbow and led her down the hall. Over his shoulder, he told the others to start the meal without them. Once he had her alone, he spun her to face him, grabbing her by her upper arms.

  “He’s dangerous, Margaret. Any kindness on your part, and you’ll never be rid of him.”

  “Gabriel, stop. He was only offering condolences.”

  She attempted to jerk away, but he held tight.

  “You’re wrong, love.” He gentled his tone. “I know the type. You have to be firm and tell him to get lost, or he’ll keep coming back. Each time he’ll be more aggressive. He thinks your lack of discouragement is actually encouragement.”

  “I don’t want to talk about this now. He’s gone. All I want is to wash up and eat.”

  One by one, he loosened his fingers to release her. His spidey senses were screaming the situation was off, but she refused to listen. “I’m sorry. I only wanted to stress the danger.”

  She avoided his eyes as she slipped into the master bathroom. From his vantage point, he could see her scrubbing her hands, in between each finger and under each nail, three times. A sure sign of her agitation.

  “Margaret, if you want me to go…” It killed him to bring it up, but he wouldn’t stay where he wasn’t wanted.

  She frowned. “Why would I want you to leave?”

  Her confusion fed his hope.

  Throat as dry as desert sand, he said, “I thought maybe I upset you.”

  “Gabriel, I’ll never be upset by your concern. It’s nice to think someone cares enough to look out for my best interests.” She stepped up to him and flattened her hand over his heart. “Thank you.”

  His shoulders sagged in relief. “We should go eat. As it is, Grey will lose his mind if the food gets cold.”

  She smiled. “Well, we wouldn’t want to send Grey over the edge.”

  Later in the evening, after everyone had gone to bed, Gabriel reclined with his back against the headboard and held Margaret as she talked about Michael. A small part of him was jealous the other man had been such a large part of her life, even if it was platonic.

  “He sounds like quite a guy.”

  “He is… was…” She wiped a stray tear.

  “About Thanksgiving…”

  She rose up and twisted to face him. “Oh, Gabriel. I completely forgot. I don’t know if it’s a good—”

  He cut her off with a soft brush of his lips on hers. “I know. I’ve already spoken to Grey. My brothers and I will eat at the restaurant. But I wanted to let you know, if you or your family care to join us, the invitation is open. That way, no one has to cook, and your family has one less thing to worry about.”

  “I appreciate it. I imagine Mom will still want to make something. It’s what we do. If we’re stressed, we cook and eat.”

  “Fair enough. Keep it in the back of your mind. Grey can always prep any extra dishes if need be.”

  She shifted to her knees, straddled him, and cupped his face in her hands. “I’m not sure what I did to deserve someone as incredible as you or how you can be interested in someone as plain as me, but I’m thankful.”

  “There’s nothing plain about you, lady. You’re bright and beautiful in every way.”

  His words were nothing less than the truth. And he was crazy about her.

  Chapter 15

  “My sister needs help, Gabriel.”

  Sammy had hit an emotional low and couldn’t seem to recover. When she wasn’t sad and depressed, she was angry and confrontational. Such had been the case during the church service this past week; an altercation had occurred between Sammy and the pastor. The local news cameraman hadn’t fared well either. As it stood, Sammy faced serious legal issues.

  “She needs help,” Margie repeated.

  Gabriel placed his sandwich back on the plate and dusted off his hands. “I assumed as much when I saw her strike Simms. I didn’t figure he’d let it go.”

  “Do you know him? Can he be reasoned with?”

  “His wife is good friends with the D.A.’s wife. And no, h
e’s a complete ass from what I’ve gathered.”

  “She has a little money, but not a lot. It will take a while for the life insurance company to pay out, but I’ll make sure you’re paid if you’re willing to take her case.” In her nervousness, she fluttered about the kitchen, wiping counters and cabinets, only stopping when Gabriel wrapped an arm around her waist. “I hate asking, and I don’t mean to put pressure on you. If it’s not something you would normally do—”

  “Margaret.” He said her name in a soft, commanding way. When she drummed up the courage to meet his eyes, warmth and understanding shone brightly. “I’ll help her, love.”

  “You will?”

  “I’ll do everything in my power to make this go away.”

  Margie placed her palms on either side of his face and touched her brow to his. “Thank you, Gabriel.”

  “And I won’t take any money from her, but it’s going to cost you.” His lowered voice and the intimate suggestion made her tingle.

  “Mmm. Why do I have the feeling you’re going to require something completely naughty and inappropriate?”

  “Because I totally am,” he assured her with a wolfish grin.

  Inside her belly, it felt like a thousand jumping beans pinged off the walls of her stomach. With one hot glance, one suggestive remark, or one low-voiced comment, he had the ability to turn her insides gooey.

  Gabriel tugged her onto his lap, kissing her with a mind-numbing passion that made her forget her own name.

  When she could gather her wits again, she touched her mouth in wonder. “Damn, you’re good at that,” she said on a pant.

  “I’m good at a lot of things, or do I need to prove myself some more?”

  “Oh, you’re definitely going to have to prove yourself more.” Laughing, she wiggled, brushing his stirring erection. “You’re going to ha—”