Page 30 of Nikoli

I put my arms around his neck. "Yes, I did. So did Gabe."

"I noticed. I think he's ready to go, too." He nods as we walk into the apartment. I follow his gaze and find my brother dozing off on the couch.

Moving away from Nikoli, I gently wake my brother. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah," he answers, followed by a yawn. "I'm tired. It seems to happen all the time."

“The doctor said it will get better, right?"

"She did." He holds out a hand and I pull him to his feet. He puts an arm around my shoulders.

Nikoli appears with Martha at his side. We say goodbye and take the elevator down to the parking garage where Nikoli's new truck is waiting for us. Martha sits in the front with Nikoli, while I sit in the back with my brother.

We ride in silence for a while before Gabe clears his throat. "So, um, I was wondering if I could take you up on the offer of the spare room for a while longer?"

My gaze is drawn to Nikoli's in the mirror. He smiles, knowing how happy this makes me. "I remember offering you the room as long as you wanted it. That hasn't changed."

I take Gabe's hand. "What are you thinking?"

"We buried both our parents, Owl. I used to love our house, but I can't live there anymore. Not after what happened. I think we should sell it and start over here in Boston."

I can't stop crying and I don't want to. "Yes. To everything."

Gabe kisses my cheek and holds my hand until we reach Evergreen. Nikoli parks, but before he can get out to help his grandmother, Gabe arrives and helps her out of the truck. "I'll take her inside.”

Gabe pat’s Martha’s arm. “So, Martha, since I'm going to be living in Boston, how would you like to join me for afternoon tea to celebrate?" Gabe asks a delighted Martha.

Nikoli looks at me and helps me climb through to the front. "Dario has some competition, huh?"

"They're great guys, Nikoli."

"Yeah, they are." He gives me a quick look. "Don't tell them what I said. I don't want to boost their already inflated egos."

I chuckle and reach for Nikoli's hand. "I love you."

"I love you more," he admits. Leaning forward, he places his forehead against mine. "Do you think we'd get away with smooching in the truck?"

I grin. "I think we should find out."

THE END