Page 100 of Devotion

He peers at us for only a couple of seconds before he sets down the gun and takes the porch steps two at a time before he strides toward us in a grinning rush.

Gabriel has barely gotten out of the car before the man I assume is his father grabs him in an exuberant hug. I get out and stand by my passenger door, smiling at the warm greeting.

“Was that someone driving up?” a female voice sounds from behind me.

I turn to see a tall woman approaching from the side of the house. She must have been swimming because her long, braided hair is wet and she’s wearing a swimsuit underneath a light cover-up.

“Who on earth is— Gabe!” Her walk turns into a run as she hurries toward her son to hug him too.

Gabriel is smiling when he finally retrieves himself from his parents’ embrace. I’m still waiting nervously next to the vehicle. He comes around quickly and takes my hand to guide me over to stand in front of his parents.

Despite their gray hair and weathered faces, they’re both still fit and strong and attractive. They’re beaming in a surprised, joyful, laughing way. It’s obvious they both love Gabriel more than anything and had no idea he’d show up here today.

“This is Jess,” Gabriel says, speaking the words as if they’re significant. As ifI’msignificant. “And these are my parents. My mom is Olivia. And everyone calls my dad Grant.”

“It’s really nice to meet you both,” I say, nervous but managing the best smile I’m capable of. “I hope you don’t mind my tagging along with Gabriel.”

“Mind? I was afraid he’d never find someone to love!” Olivia has scanned me from top to bottom and doesn’t appear to find anything lacking.

“Mom, please,” Gabriel says.

“What? You’re not going to pretend that you don’t love her, are you?”

“Of course I love her,” he mutters, slanting me a look of amused resignation.

“That’s what I thought. I’m just saying it took you long enough.”

“Princess, at least let the boy get in the door before you embarrass him in front of his girl that way.” Grant’s drawl is punctuated by an appealingly clever smile.

“That’s not helping, Dad.” Gabriel slides an arm around me. “I’m sorry about them. Your parents were so kind and courteous. Mine can’t behave themselves to save their life.”

His tone is teasing despite his words, and his expression is filled with real affection.

I laugh, and so do they.

I really, really hope they’re not going to change their tune when they find out who I’ve been for the past year.

“Jess was my partner at the palace.” Gabriel is calmly, casually exploding the looming bomb. For me. So I don’t keep worrying about it. “We fell in love there. Now we’re together for the rest of our lives.”

Because I’m watching her, I see the flicker of recognition on Olivia’s face. She knows what a palace partner is. She knows everything it means.

Her eyebrows pull together as she looks from me to her son. “Did you think we’d have a problem with that? Surely you knowus better.” She holds my gaze. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Gabe look so happy. Not since he was a little boy.” She reaches over to pull me into a hug. “I’m so pleased to have you in the family. I hope you both are planning to stay here for a long time.”

24

Three days later,I stretch out on a blanket on the grass next to the lake.

It’s a warm early-spring day and the sun is shining, only occasionally dimmed by fluffy, fast-moving clouds. It’s hot on my skin but not unpleasantly so. I smile up at the sky, keeping my eyes closed against the bright light.

After a minute, when it feels like I’m being watched, I turn my head to discover that Gabriel’s eyes are indeed resting on my face with a fond expression that makes my heart skip. My smile widens. “What are you staring at?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you’re laughing at me, but I don’t know why.”

“I’m not laughing at you!” Despite his words, he falls into soft chuckles. “I’m…”

I roll over onto my side. Rub his chest through the old T-shirt he’s wearing. “You’re what?”

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