Christmas on 4th Street (Fool's Gold #12.5)(7)
He frowned. “My approval about what?” The dog? The kid?
“I’m marrying your brother.”
Her voice was soft, tentative. Gabriel wanted to bolt for the door. She wanted his approval because she was joining the family? Was she kidding? Didn’t she know he hadn’t seen his parents in over a year and barely had any contact with his brother? They’d spoken more arranging his visit than they had in the past decade.
“I’m sure you two will be very happy,” he said, hoping he sounded friendly instead of trapped.
“We will,” she assured him. “Gideon and I are well suited. We have a shared love of the town and Carter, of course. I was in the military, so I have a basic understanding of what he went through while he was abroad. We’re both committed to our relationship and the family unit and there is excellent sexual chemistry.”
She paused, her eyebrows drawing together. “I shouldn’t have mentioned the latter. That’s more of a girlfriend topic.”
Despite the throbbing in his hand, the exhaustion clawing at him, he laughed. “I can handle it,” he told her. “Just don’t give me details. We’re talking about my brother.”
She smiled. “Yes, of course. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” The smile faded as she paused. “Your parents will be arriving soon.”
“I’d heard. It’s going to be one big family Christmas.” He glanced down at his hand. A tiny spot of blood had seeped through the white gauze. No doubt what had caused Noelle to nearly faint. She was a lightweight, he thought humorously. She wouldn’t last thirty seconds of his workday. Not that he would want her to see what he’d been dealing with on a daily basis for the past decade.
“Do you think you could tell me what they’re like?”
It took him a second to realize Felicia meant his parents and not his life as a trauma specialist in the army.
“I’m not sure what you want to know,” he admitted, returning his attention to his future sister-in-law. “My parents were very traditional. Mom took care of business and Dad told us all what to do.”
Felicia frowned. “There’s information in your statement, but I don’t understand it.” She waved her right hand. “While I’m exceptionally well-schooled, my social cues aren’t perfected. I’m mostly concerned that they bond with Carter and that they not tell Gideon he shouldn’t marry me.”
“Grandparents are hardwired to love their grandkids,” he said, impressed with her bluntness. “As for you, what’s not to like?”
“Thank you for the compliment. I could compile a list of my flaws, but I know that’s not what you’re asking.” She drew in a breath. “I’m very nervous. Gideon always speaks of his mother fondly but he has more ambivalence about his father.”
“And he was the good son,” Gabriel said drily.
“You weren’t?”
Gabriel didn’t believe in dwelling on the past and he wasn’t going to start now. “My father was a drill sergeant. Great for the military but hell on the kids.” At least Gideon had always wanted to serve. “Just don’t let him boss Carter around.”
Felicia nodded. “We have a routine that is beneficial to all of us. I’ll be sure to protect that.”
He made the mistake of flexing his injured hand, then had to hold in a curse. “I should let you get back to work. What time do you head home?”
“Five.” She looked at him. “You must be tired. I can drive you up the mountain now, if you’d like.”
“I’ll be fine,” he told her. “I’ll wander around town until you’re ready.”
He gave her his cell number, then stood. “It’s nice to meet you, Felicia. My brother is a lucky man.”
Her expression softened and what could only be described as love filled her eyes. “I’m the lucky one. I’m glad to finally meet you.” Her mouth curved. “Whenever Gideon’s in a bad mood, I remind him that he once shared a womb with you. He finds the image so uncomfortable, he’s usually distracted from whatever is bothering him.”
Gabriel was a doctor and even he didn’t like to think about being in his mother’s belly or sharing the space with his brother. “You’re a twisted woman. Like I said, Gideon chose well.”
She came around the desk and hugged him again. “I’m so happy to have an extended family,” she said. “Even if it is by marriage.”
This time he was more comfortable hugging her back. She wasn’t anyone’s definition of normal, but to his mind, that concept was highly overrated. He had a feeling that she and his brother fit the way a couple was supposed to. He told himself to let his usual cynicism go and simply be happy for them. After all, it was that time of year.
He left her office and started walking through town. While the sky was clear, the temperature was cold enough to make him grateful for his bulky coat. He ignored the steady pain in his hand and occasional stumble. He could make a couple of hours. Once he was back at Gideon’s he would crash for a couple of days and wake up healed. At least that was the plan.
The small downtown was bustling. Even on a weekday afternoon. There were lots of stores, including a coffee place called Brew-haha. He stopped in for a drip to go and got a cupcake while he was at it. He wandered by the park, then saw Noelle’s store across the street. Not sure of his purpose, he crossed at the corner and walked toward the building.