ALL BECAUSE OF YOU

Chapter 13: Looks like I won the bet

"I'll take it!" Kelly said as Gabe came down from his car, his jaws almost dropping, he walked closer to her and let of the breath he had been holding for a long time.

"Take what?" He asked as he stared deeply into her eyes.

"Your heart," she paused looking into his eyes searching for Christ knows what, " you said you didn't have a ring, but you have your heart," she closed the distance between them and touched his chest holding his hand. "I'll take it, I'll take all of it, and if you don't mind, I'd love to give you mine."

Gabe's expression saddened which confused her and he took his hand away from her's and exhaled sharply. "Kelly,"

"What's wrong?" She asked confused by the situation unfolding.

"This is one thing I've been wanting to hear from you since forever," he paused and Kelly couldn't hold in her happiness as she smiled. "But I'm sorry, I just.. umm.. I just got off the phone with umm... Priscilla.. we are.. we are.. I'm sorry."

When he mentioned Priscilla, her heart sank, confusion clouding her mind. She forged a smile as she nodded her head even though her brain was twisting and turning unable to understand what was happening. "It's okay, it's fine."

"I'm really sorry, Kelly."

"It's fine, I swear. Good for you Gabe, I'm happy for you, sorry I dropped by," Kelly turned her heels ready to leave.

"Kelly!" She paused after he mentioned her name, not knowing if she could take more heartbreak. "You should have seen your face, I was just joking," Relief flooded through her, followed by a surge of laughter that bubbled out uncontrollably.

She couldn't resist the urge to playfully hit him for the scare he'd given her, but before she could react, Gabe swiftly pulled her close, his arms enveloping her in a warm embrace. Their laughter faded into a hush as their eyes locked, the tension between them palpable.

In that moment, as their lips met, it was like the world around them ceased to exist. Kelly felt the soft warmth of Gabe's lips against hers, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. It was a gentle kiss, filled with all the unspoken words and emotions that had been building between them for years. Each brush of their lips ignited a spark, igniting a fire within them both that burned with passion and longing.

Lost in the sensation of the kiss, Kelly felt herself melting into Gabe's embrace, her heart soaring with the knowledge that they were finally, truly together. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, a promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities. And as they pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, Kelly knew that this was just the beginning of their incredible journey together.

***
Emma heard the doorbell echoed through the hallway, her heart quickening with curiosity. With a swift tug, she swung the door open, revealing the unexpected duo of Kelly and Gabe, standing there with intertwined finger.

"Look who's gracing us with their presence, hun," Emma exclaimed, her voice laced with excitement, beckoning Max with a knowing tone.

"Where did you two go? It has been days," Max asked like an overprotective father. Kelly, her eyes gleaming with mischief, raised a finger adorned with a sparkling engagement ring, setting off a symphony of joyful shrieks from Emma's lips.

As Emma dissolved into giggles, Max's expression shifted from stern to resigned, his hand meeting his forehead with an exaggerated thud as he collapsed onto the nearest couch. "No sex for two weeks, damn," he muttered into the soft embrace of a throw pillow, eliciting a fresh wave of laughter from Emma.

Gabe, bewildered by Max's declaration, couldn't help but blurt out, "What the heck, dude?" Emma then told them what happened leaving no detail spared. 

*You knew?" Kelly, hands planted firmly on her hips, shot Max a playful glare, her eyes demanding an explanation.

"Of course, we knew," Emma chimed in, her laughter bubbling over with affectionate amusement. "You two were practically broadcasting it to the world. It was almost pitifully obvious." With a sheepish grin, Max nodded in agreement, finally surrendering to the undeniable truth of their bond.

But before Emma could usher them inside, she paused, realizing her oversight. "Come in, come in," she urged, ushering them over with eager anticipation. "But first, you simply must tell me everything. Every last detail." And so, nestled in the cozy embrace of Emma's living room, Kelly wove a tapestry of romance, painting vivid pictures of Gabe's heartfelt proposal with each word, leaving Emma marveling at the depth of their love.

"Let's go on a double date. But Max shook his head regretfully. "I have to work tonight, sweetheart," he explained, a hint of disappointment tugging at his features.

"Don't look sad, Emma, the three of us can still have fun tonight," Kelly said patting Emma's head but Emma pulled away.

"I don't wanna be the third wheel," Emma replied which made Kelly and Gabe laugh out loud.

"You have no idea how many times I've been the third wheel, I guess it's your turn," Emma shrugged while giggling.

"Let's make it a double date!" Emma's excitement bubbled over, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. But Max's regretful shake of the head cast a shadow over her enthusiasm. "I have to work tonight, sweetheart," he explained, his disappointment palpable.

Kelly, being optimistic, leaned in, offering reassurance with a gentle pat on Emma's head. "Don't be sad, Emma. The three of us can still have a blast tonight." But Emma recoiled, a flicker of reluctance crossing her features.

"I don't want to be the third wheel," she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability. Kelly and Gabe exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter.

"Oh, you have no idea how many times I've been the third wheel," Kelly chuckled, her laughter infectious.

"I guess it's my turn now," Emma conceded with a shrug, a playful grin dancing across her lips.

Emma, Kelly, and Gabe, went to a vibrant nightclub. Amidst the throbbing bass and swirling lights, they surrendered themselves to the rhythm of the music, laughter bubbling forth as they savored the intoxicating blend of friendship, love and freedom. As the drinks flowed, Gabe kept a watchful eye on Kelly, ensuring she drank in moderation.

"I adore Max, but sometimes his dedication to work can be exasperating," Emma confessed, her voice carrying over the lively din of the club. Gabe nodded, a knowing smile playing upon his lips as he raised his glass in agreement.

Midnight beckoned, and Kelly, craving a moment of solitude, slipped away for a stroll, her footsteps echoing in the quiet streets. With a flicker of nostalgia, she reached for her phone, sending a message to Ezekiel.

'Hey Zeke ^⁠_⁠^'

'How are you?'

'I'm having a blast tonight, but I wish u were here. I could really use my smoking partner right now.'

'I know it's a nasty habit, but I miss you.'

'I miss you too. >⁠.⁠<'

"Found you," Emma's voice broke through the stillness, a gentle reminder of their bond, as she caught Kelly in the act of indulging in a cigarette. "You started smoking again?" Concern etched her features as she voiced her worry, prompting Kelly to offer a sheepish nod in acknowledgment. "Does Gabe know?"

"Gabe knows," Kelly admitted, her gaze shifting with a hint of remorse.

As the night waned and exhaustion mingled with exhilaration, they returned home, their spirits buoyed by the shared moments of laughter and connection. Even as Maxwell joined their midst, the echoes of their laughter, a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship. Emma was really happy she didn't have to be the third wheel anymore.