Page 109 of Somehow You Knew

I look back at my husband, standing there with his hands shoved in his pockets, like he didn’t just make me fall even more in love with him.

He wanted my family to be here for this, to share in the legacy that Diane is leaving behind in our dad’s name.

I choke back a sob as my mother pulls me into her again. “It’s okay,” she whispers so only I can hear.

“I wish he were here, Mom.” The heartache that’s always lurking under the surface bubbles over and overwhelms me.

“I know, sweetheart. Me too.”

When she releases me, Gage steps forward, smirking at me knowingly. “You didn’t think I was going to do this without your family present, did you?”

I rise on my toes and press a kiss to his lips. “Thank you.”

Gage’s smile is soft as he looks up at my waiting family. “Mr. Sheppard obviously had an impact on my aunt, and Hazel did too, so I wanted you all to be a part of this moment. The money being donated today comes from the sale of her house, just as she wanted, and I think it’s safe to say she was honoring Mr. Sheppard in her own way.” He clears his throat, peering around the space as my family and I share looks of surprise. “Now, I think we’re just waiting on…”

“Ah, the Sheppard family!” First Sergeant Hank Lyle walks over to greet us, offering a warm smile. “And you must be Gage Kingston.” He steps up to my husband, shaking his hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Kingston. On behalf of the entire center, we can’t thank you enough for this incredible donation. This will go a long way in supporting our veterans, helping with housing, medical assistance, and transition programs.”

“This was my aunt Diane Kingston’s wish, and I’m honored to carry it out on her behalf," Gage says, his voice steady but thick with emotion.

Hank nods solemnly. "She must have been an incredible woman. And Mr. Sheppard—he left an unforgettable mark on this place. It’s a privilege to honor his memory in this way. We’re incredibly grateful."

Gage squeezes me tighter, and I can only imagine the emotions coursing through him.

Hank clears his throat, glancing around at my family. "Alright, we’ve got everything set up. If you’ll follow me, we’ll get a few photos and make this official." He waves for us to follow him down the hall toward the main room.

But Dallas grabs my hand and pulls me to the side.

“I just wanted to check on you.” He wipes his thumb under my eyes where my mascara is undoubtedly running. “This is a huge, unexpected gesture, and it’s…overwhelming.”

“I know.”

“For some reason, I feel like Diane and Dad were friends.”

“Gage asked me if they were the other night,” I say. “I honestly don’t know, though.”

“Do you think Mom knew about this?”

I shrug. “I could ask her later.”

Dallas nods. “Yeah… I just feel like we’re missing something here.”

Nodding, I begin to walk away, but he pulls me back. “Wait.”“What’s up, Dallas? They’re waiting on us.”

His brows knit together. “Are you happy?”

Hisquestion throws me off. “What do you mean?”

“Gage…does he make you happy?”

I can’t deny that the timing of this question is irritating me, but I see genuine concern in my brother’s eyes.

“I am happy…but I’m also terrified.” I sigh and finally admit the thing that’s been weighing on me, aching to get out. “I’m falling for him, Dallas. And he’d been adamant about no feelings, but he has them too. I’m just worried something will happen to make him change his mind.”

Dallas cuts me off. “If he can change how he feels at the drop of a hat, then he’s not the right man for you.”