Page 121 of Angels & Whiskey

March 9th

The final connectionwith Rich was over.

I didn’t want to go to the trial for the guy that killed Rich, but I decided to go on the day the verdict was being read for the double murder of Rich and Remo. I wanted to see his face as they read the guilty verdicts. I wanted to silently thank him for causing the commotion at Rich’s party almost a year ago. Mr. White was a murderer, but he alsomademe put my plan into motion. He’ll never know that he helped me, but I will. I’ll always remember that night—it was the beginning of me being happy again.

Finally, the judge entered the courtroom and when asked, the foreman read the verdict.

Guilty … On all counts.

Gabe wrapped me in his arms, hugging me tight and I cried. I didn’t know why I was crying. It was as if I couldn’t control my emotions. Finally everything to do with Rich was done and it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

While we drove home, I texted Brandi the guilty verdict and told her I felt sick to my stomach. She replied back:

Brandi:Maybe you’re pregnant.

I read her text and chuckled under my breath then stopped.Holyshit.

The next day, I got a home pregnancy test and sure enough, Brandi was right: I was pregnant.

“Did you tell him yet?” Brandi asked as we watched our guys plus Paul, Nick, Vinny and Brad load our stuff in the moving truck. Gabe and I were moving into our own house today.

“Not yet.”

“When?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know ... Soon though.”

“You just bought a house together. I doubt he’s going to leave you high and dry.”

“I know. I just haven’t had a chance yet. We’ve been busy getting our business up and going. It just hasn’t been the right time.”

While I was with Rich, I thought the pill would prevent me from getting pregnant. I’m thankful that it did. When I saw the blue lines appear on the home pregnancy test, my heart stopped. I always hoped that God wouldn’t have me bring a child into this world with a man like Rich. As I stared at the test, I knew God knew what he was doing.

Gabe and I were meant to be together and me being pregnant was just another sign.

“Angel,” Gabe called, walking toward us. He knelt beside me. “Are you two going to help or—”

“Leave us alone, Gabe,” Brandi said. “We’re watching hot guys sweat.”

“What she said.” I laughed.

Gabe shook his head and stood. “Women.” He chuckled and walked away.

“You’re not supposed to lift heavy stuff.” She nudged her shoulder into mine.

“Thank you.” I smiled.

I knew I had to tell Gabe I was pregnant. I just didn’t know if it should be on the anniversary of Alyssa’s death. While he drank his coffee before everyone got to the house, he was quiet, but when I realized what day it was, I didn’t question it.

“Holy crap, I’m exhausted,” I said, falling onto the couch on my back. Everyone had just left and Gabe and I were officially moved into our own home.

Gabe walked over and leaned over me with his arms on either side of my shoulders. “How are you exhausted, angel? You and Brandi watched all day.”

I laughed. “It’s hard work watching my man all day.”

He kissed my nose. “We just have to do one more thing before we shower and call it a night.”

I furrowed my eyebrows. “What do wehaveto do?”