Page 131 of A Present Mistake

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“It was just so I had more people to keep harassing,” I assure him.

“Take the compliment,” Gabriel says.

“I don’t want to. If these people begin thinking that I’m out here doing good deeds, they’re going to start expecting things from me. I’m expecting that I’m going to play Minesweeper until lunch.”

“You came in late. Lunch is in fifteen minutes,” Michaels says.

“Perfect timing,” I respond as I walk out.

“Well, why don’t we grab lunch before I head to the doctor, and then you can come back and minesweep this afternoon?” Gabriel suggests.

“Sure.”

“Good. Matthew, Jesse, we’re going to lunch. Liam’s buying.”

“Who invited them, exactly?” I mutter.

“The person you vowed to listen to for the rest of your life.”

“Ah yes, you’re very handsome when you’re bossy. Boss me around some more.”

Gabriel grins.

“This… all of this… disgusts me,” Matthew says.

I grab him and look at Gabriel. “Can I throw him away, please?”

“He’s our friend. We don’t throw away friends.”

“I’d toss this one and we can find a new one. I like Margaret. She’ll sleep through everything,” I say, referring to the other medical examiner.

Jesse rolls his eyes. “Her name is still not Margaret. You’re getting close, though.”

Gabriel grabs my hand, pulling me into the elevator. The moment he catches me looking at him, his smile lights up his face.

I don’t know that I deserve this man who is so kind, caring, sweet, and funny.

But I do know that I’m going to love him, fight for him, and cherish him until the day I draw my last breath.

And there’s no one who’s going to stand in my way.

“What’s wrong with Liam’s face? It looks like he’s trying to use his brain and it’s hurting him,” Matthew declares.

My glower shifts up and lands on him.

“Starting with you,” I state.

“Starting with me, what?” Matthew cries, looking slightly concerned.

“I guess you get to find out.”

Jesse and Gabriel just laugh, and I find myself smiling as I watch the happiness radiate off Gabriel. There really couldn’t be a more special person in the world.

And I’m never going to forget that.

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