Page 49 of Gabriel

I squashed down my own worries, because I’d been battling a bad feeling myself since Anya moved to Albania for her project. It wouldn’t help to share that with my wife. Instead, I pulled her into my arms and pressed a kiss to the top of her head while stroking her waist in a soothing rhythm.

“They don’t need us as much anymore,mi reina. We’ve raised them well and taught them to be independent.”Unfortunately.“If they need us, they’ll call. Like you said, we have to let them spread their wings, so you better purge any worries from your mind.”

Her lips twitched, fighting a smile. “You’re something,Diablo.”

“I’m your diablo, and you’re my reina,” I murmured. “At the end of the day, that’s what’s most important.”

“And our children,” she muttered under her breath.

“Por supuesto, but you have to understand that they’ll start building their own lives.” I softened my voice. “They’ll find someone to do that with. It’s the way it should be.”

“I know, I know. And funny, I feel like Gabriel is probably on his way to that, but with Anya… I don’t know. Something is off, and I can’t put my finger on what.”

“Want us to go to Albania and get her?” I offered, secretly hoping she’d say yes. But I should have known my wife better.

“No, that wouldn’t be right and would only push her away from us.” Of course she was right, because Anya was her mother’s daughter.

“Then let’s call her,” I suggested gently.

Sailor didn’t respond right away, but I caught the flicker of hope in her eyes, that small spark she tried not to let me see. This was the quiet ache that grew not out of conflict, but out of time.

“Let’s FaceTime her and then Gabriel,” I added.

Texting was the language of their generation—quick, efficient, easy to hide behind. But a text couldn’t show us if they were really okay. It couldn’t catch the tremble in a voice, the weight behind a smile, or the exhaustion tucked beneath their eyes. A video call, though, could offer something real. Something closer to presence, even if it wasn’t the same as holding them in our arms.

“Yes, we just need to see them,” she agreed softly. “Hear their voices. Make sure they’re truly alright.”

I didn’t waste a second. I grabbed my phone and called Gabriel first. He picked up instantly.

“¿Todo bien?” he asked, skipping any greeting and immediately making sure everything was okay.

“All good,” I said, smiling. “We just figured we’d have a video call. This might make you feel a little closer.”

There was a brief pause before that familiar grin appeared. “Aww, you guys are missing me. That’s adorable.”

“Little rascal,” Sailor chimed in, her face lighting up. I could tell she was already feeling better. “Of course we’re missing you.”

“Your mother’s missing you more than I am,” I added, lying through my teeth. Judging by the smirk on his face, he knew it too. “You’re too arrogant for me to miss you equally.”

“Sure, Raphael. You can lie to yourself, but not to me.”

“You’re looking sharp in that suit,” Sailor cut in, derailing the banter. “Got plans?”

Gabriel leaned in toward the camera. “Can’t a guy just look nice for no reason?”

“Notthatnice.” I laughed. Gabriel loved a good suit as much as I did, but that wasn’t his usual work attire.

“Well, if you must know,” Gabriel said, adjusting his tie, “I have a date.”

“Oh, tell meeverything,” Sailor gasped dramatically, her expression softening. “She must be someone special to catch your attention.”

“Sheisspecial,” he replied seriously.

In all the years, he’d never mentioned a girl. Sure, there’d been occasional flings, but if he was bringing someone up now, it had to be more than special.

“Anyone we know?” I asked casually.

Gabriel shrugged, his signature move when he didn’t want to answer. “Maybe, but I’m keeping her name under wraps for a bit longer.”