True to form, Harry reaches up and clasps Gabriel’s thumb in his meaty fist. Gabriel blinks, as thoughstartled, and the idea of a tiny baby spooking this buffalo of a man makes me chuckle. Gabriel’s eyesmeet mine. I expect irritation, but there is warmth swirling in those amber depths instead. His mouthtics ever-so-slightly. My belly flutters.
Though awkward, there is a gentleness to this moment that chips away at my apprehension.
The car turns and I hear the crackle of gravel beneath the tires. Looking out, I see we have started up along driveway bordered by manicured lawns on either side.
“We’re here,” Gabriel says, extricating his thumb from Harry’s grip.
I am sad the car ride is over. A sense of foreboding settles in my gut and I worry I will not see thisgentle side of Gabriel agai
