Page 70 of Justified Lies

Dolores also thought Gabe was bat ass crazy when he had called her from the hospital asking for a ride. Then when he had informed her that he and Jacob had to briefly run out. That wonderful woman deserved a raise for putting up with him. But Gabe couldn’t put off what needed to be done any longer.

The moment had come to confide in Lianna about his past, and to beg for a future that included her. The timing sucked, but he’d already wasted so much of it.

That night years ago, when Gabe had been forced into action to protect his sister, he changed. Since then, his feelings were guarded, his actions restrained. Until Lianna. The volatile events that occurred earlier today took away all remaining illusions of control.

As he sat in the hospital room earlier getting stitched up, it became clear what he needed to do. It was refreshing. Once he made up his mind, he couldn’t get to her quickly enough. Looking into the rear-view mirror, he smiled at Jacob.

“We’re here, bud.”

After putting the car into “park,” he gingerly exited and made his way towards her house. It was the only place Gabe truly wanted to be right now. Not taking the time to knock, he tried the door and was both grateful and disappointed that it was unlocked. He could bother her about that later. As he ambled into the foyer, her sweet voice met his ears immediately.

“Hello?”

And then he saw her.

Lianna peeked around the corner, gazing down the length of hallway towards the door. Looking stunned to see him, she took a step in his direction. But seconds passed and she remained glued to her spot.

Still as a statue, she wore fitted gray sweatpants and a pale pink sweatshirt. Unruly hair was piled on top of her head except for the long curly tendrils that always managed to escape. Home had never looked so good, and she had never looked more beautiful.

Gabe’s aching side was an afterthought, as he closed the gap between them in several long strides. Grabbing her face with both hands, he bent to kiss her. Lianna quickly stepped out of his embrace. It was then Gabe heard the additional voices for the first time. Other humans still inhabited earth, her in-laws and kids included.

Charles stuck his head into the hallway and Lianna gestured to him.

“You remember Gabe Williamson.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you for everything you did to keep our girl safe. I hope you’re feeling okay?”

Gabe nodded. “Just a scratch. And Lianna saved herself today.”

“Ma’am.” Gabe said, turning towards Barb who had joined her husband in the hallway and watched Gabe through curious eyes.

“Can’t Lianna have a night off from questioning? Her arm hurts and she’s already spent hours being interviewed,” Barb inquired.

Before he could answer, Harris came running into the hallway. “Gabe! Is Jacob here?”

Gabe grinned. The boy’s energy was infectious.

“Yep, he’s in the car gathering his army guys from the back seat. Go help him, kiddo,” he said, ruffling the boy’s hair. Harris wrapped his skinny arms around Gabe’s thigh, giving his leg a quick squeeze before heading out the door.

Barb’s face softened. Grabbing her husband’s arm, she gave it a tug.

“Honey, Lianna has to finish up some things with this young man. Then, I’m sure she wants some peace and quiet.”

When Charles looked like he wanted to argue, Barb pressed on, “Lianna’s in good hands now. I’ll just go grab my purse.”

Gabe smiled in relief at the woman, and she returned the gesture.

After gathering and hugging the kids, they thanked Gabe one last time before leaving. Lianna hadn’t said much in the minutes since Gabe had arrived and as they found themselves alone again, he started to feel nervous. Turning to him, she finally spoke.

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You never have to thank me,” he countered, stepping towards her.

“But I do. You put yourself in danger, you were injured because of me.”

“I did that as much for me as I did for you,” he insisted. “When I got that message from you… I haven’t been that scared in a long time. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you or the kids.”

The look Lianna gave him made his soul ache.

---