Page 110 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

But saying that out loud felt wrong.

It felt like judgment when she didn’t know that for a fact.

And didn’t want to believe it either.

“I don’t think his mind is going there. We’ve talked. What we’ve got is good. It’s strong. We have ups and downs like the next person.”

Though they didn’t fight.

Not once. Not even have a disagreement.

Wasn’t that odd? Did that mean there was a problem?

She didn’t think so.

Some of it had to do with them not seeing each other much. She knew that.

The other was, they just thought so much alike half the time.

“That’s what it’s all about,” her mother said, “and we’ll let you off the hook now too.”

“Thanks,” she said, diving back into her dinner. “I want to talk about my new niece.”

The table went back to the newest arrival in months and she made her exit an hour after cake, taking home a slice with her for Luca, along with two pieces of pizza.

When he came in his door at nine thirty, she thought for sure, she might have fallen asleep.

He had texted that he was finishing up but wouldn’t be on time. That was an hour ago.

“Hey,” he said, reaching for her and giving her a kiss on the lips.

It’d be great to have this every night.

Wow, that was a runaway thought she had to pull back in.

“I brought you food and dessert if you’re hungry. I can heat it up or you can have it cold.”

He moved to the fridge and pulled out the plate with the pizza. “Cold and on my way to the shower. I’m starving.”

“Then I’ll be waiting for you here so you can have the rest before bed if you want.”

“This should be good. I can bring the rest tomorrow.”

“Come back if you don’t mind, I want to share some good news with you before bed.”

Might as well get it out there now. Waiting would serve no purpose.

He gave her another kiss around a second bite and went to the bathroom while she waited in the living room for his return.

“What’s the good news?” he asked ten minutes later, his hair towel dried and only slightly damp. He had sweats on, slippers on his feet and a sweatshirt.

He was exhausted, she knew, and didn’t think it was right to keep him up long.

Especially since weekends for him were full on in the ER, unlike her helping out.

“Justine and Garrett are having a baby,” she said, her smile wide. “I’m going to have a niece.”

“Wow,” he said, his smile matching hers. She saw the excitement in his eyes as much as hers.