Page 110 of Chasing the Dream

“It’s not easy to hide love,” Maria stated matter-of-factly.

Love? Ohmigod. Gabe loved her, and she loved him back. She just hadn’t told him yet.

“I thought you were against me dating your friends.”

“That was true when we were younger, and I had my concerns when you two first started up. But now I see how great you are together even when you’re driving each other nuts. How could I possibly go against true love, especially when it involves my only sibling and my best friend?”

Morgan’s eyes welled up again. Oh well. She still had mascara tracks from earlier, so what did it matter? Feeling immensely relieved, she flung her arms around Maria and hugged her tight. While they were hugging, Morgan glanced at Gabe, and he gave her a smile that warmed her heart and sent a tingle up her spine. She still couldn’t believe that he loved her, and she was anxious to say it back. But unlike him, she wanted to wait until they were alone.

“So, what happens next? Are you moving here permanently?” Maria asked.

“I…um…I…”

“We haven’t worked everything out yet,” Gabe said, jumping in to save her. “We still have a lot to discuss.”

Maria nodded. “Well, get on it. None of us is getting any younger.”

They all laughed.

“Matt’s picking me up soon, so you’ll have the place to yourselves. Talk all you want and feel free to do whatever else you lovebirds do. Only, spare me the details. I’m happy for you, but I don’t need to know the specifics.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I’d like to take Morgan back to my house tonight and for the rest of the weekend, if she’s in agreement.”

Morgan thought her heart might burst, and since the lump in her throat prevented her from speaking, she just smiled and nodded her consent.

“But you still have to share her. Remember, I loved her first.” Maria proclaimed.

Morgan laughed. This reminded her of when Maria and Gabe had sparred as teens, only now it was over her. Who would have thought?

“I’m not holding her hostage, but I want to keep a close eye on her, especially after everything that happened.”

“Say no more. You two have fun.”

“You too,” Morgan said.

“Oh, I plan on it!” Then a horn sounded in the driveway, and Maria popped up, grabbed her purse, and sailed out the door.

“Ahh. Alone at last,” Gabe said. He moved next to Morgan, slung his arm around her shoulder, and gave her a squeeze.

She looked up at him with awe. “I can’t believe it.”

“I told you she’d be okay with it.”

“I’m not talking about Maria.”

“Oh.”

“Gabe…”

“Shhh. You don’t have to say it back. It’s how I feel, and it just slipped out.”

“But…”

“Just because I feel that way, it doesn’t mean you have to reciprocate.”

“I…”

“I caught you off guard, and I understand if you need some time—”