Any doubts he had about his feelings disappeared. He loved this woman more than his own life, and it took all his control not to kiss her, especially seeing her in the skimpy tank and shorts set. They needed to talk first. “I came for you, baby.” He stroked a finger down her cheek, grasped her hand, and led her to the sofa. For a moment, he sat and tried to gather his thoughts. Still holding her hand, he brought it to his lips and placed a kiss on the back. “I know you’re afraid. So am I. But I love you, Serenity, and I can’t give you up.” Okay, so he had an entire speech he was supposed to say before blurting out those three little words, but apparently, his heart said otherwise.

She brought her hands to her mouth, and tears filled her eyes. “What did you say?”

“I said I love you and probably have since you tossed those brownies at my head.”

A little laugh escaped her. “I was so mad at you.” Serenity reached up to touch his face. “But you turned out to be that angel, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with you. I was afraid to want more because I broke the rules.”

He understood. He’d broken them, too. They’d agreed to keep it casual, but love had other ideas. And he couldn’t be happier. “Some rules are meant to be broken. So what do you say about us keeping this going?”

Serenity got up and paced in front of him. “I have to think about a long-distance relationship. They never seem to work out. And then there was your message about going back to Atlanta without an explanation.”

“I know. I’m sorry. But what I needed to say couldn’t be said in a voicemail message.”

She stopped and whipped her head in his direction. “What are you talking about?”

Smiling, Gabriel stood and gathered her in his embrace. “Ours won’t be a long-distance relationship.”

She stared up at him, frowning. “Are you saying…?”

He nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it for the past few weeks, and I don’t want to be without you for months at a time. I can’t go without seeing you for that long. I’m staying here.”

“Yes!”

He swept her into his arms, kissed her with all the love in his heart, then strode down the hallway to her bedroom. Gabriel wanted her to be part of his life forever and knew the perfect way to seal their commitment. Nana would be happy to know that he hadn’t let his blessing pass him by.

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Serenity opened the door to Natasha. “Come on in. I’m almost ready.”

“Girl, your smile is so bright, I need my sunglasses,” Natasha said, pulling them off her head and sliding them over her eyes.