Page 36 of Gaming with the Gargoyle in Hallow's Cove

“I’m last because I’m really good at minesweeper.” She shrugs a shoulder and giggles when she looks back at Jake, who is staring at her like she hung the moon in the sky.

I roll to disarm that mine, and get my letter right away. This one is far less worn, and it’s dated a year and a half ago… after Preston died.

Overnight, everything has changed. I’ve blinked and Preston is gone. I have so many emotions I can hardly get a grip on them. I’m sad. Because he was my brother, and I think a part of me hoped that someday he would get his shit together and start being the big brother I’d thought he was as a kid. I’m relieved, because now you don’t have to figure out how to leave him and you’ll inherit the game store. I’m nervous… because there’s always been areasonI couldn’t be with you, so I didn’t have to think about whether you’dwantto or not. Now, the future spreads before me like a vast plane where anything is possible… I’m anxious, because I know I need to give you time. You wanted a divorce, you didn’t want Preston dead. So, I’ll wait. I’d wait forever, I think. But, hopefully… in the next year or so, I’ll be able to stop writing you letters and never delivering them. Are you reading this Gwen? Honestly, I haven’t believed you ever will for years. But now? The possibility steals my breath, just like you do. If you are, know this: You are the best thing that ever happened to me, you’re the reason I wake up in the evening, and you haunt my dreams in the best way. I love you Gwen, I always have. And I always will. Love me back? Please.

I clutch the letter to my chest, like it’s the only thing keeping me tethered to this mortal plane. My nerves are jangling inside me now, and a deep peace has settled over me at knowing just how long and how deeply Gabe has loved me.

One more mine. That’s all, and then… well, I don’t really know the “and then,” but I’m starting to think it’s going to be a big deal. He’s made it clear that this surprise, because this is obviously a surprise, is some sort of big deal.

Hayley confidently taps the map. “That’s the last mine.”

“I agree with Hayley,” Brooks chimes in, obviously wanting to contribute. Sydney steals his hat from his head and plops herself in his lap. She plants a big kiss on his lips and gives me a thumbs up, apparently she agrees.

I pick up my mini and my die, because everything feels like a big deal all of a sudden. I move Rena so that she’s next to the mine, and drop the d20 onto the table, following its roll with my eyes.

It slows and I widen my eyes when I see it rest on twenty. The room erupts in cheers and my friends jump up and down. I can’t even control the tears streaming down my face now, because it all feels like too much, too epic. The lights dim in the room, leaving only those highlighting the ceiling and it’s fabric swags. The music Gabe pumped into the room swells to a crescendo and then the fabric falls away and post-its and smaller pages flutter down all over.

I catch one out of the air and realize it’s one of my breakfast notes that Gabe left me, specifically the one telling me “I’ve only got eyes for you.” I gather them up, like I am a kid on that old TV show where they have to collect money in a tornado simulator. Everyone else is grabbing them too, awing over their cuteness.

I hear the creak of the door and then there he is. Gabe steps through, and I’m caught by how much I love him. He’s not in a suit or anything, just the custom “DM Daddy” shirt I got him for solstice last year. He’s wringing his hands, looking nervous, of all things.

“Gwen,” he says, his voice cracking a little bit. “I hope today has made you understand that you have always been the only one for me. My dream girl, my best friend, and my partner. Will you do me the incredible honor of being my wife?” He gets down on one knee and I am so grateful that I wear waterproof mascara because it keeps my lashes curled. With how much crying I’ve been doing, I’d have it running down my face otherwise. I hiccup between tears and nod my head, rushing over to him. On his knees like this, it’s easier to kiss him because my big belly isn’t in the way.

I close my eyes and know I’m probably getting tears all over him, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

When we finally break our kiss and I can talk, I stare into his gorgeous eyes, caressing his cheek. “Yes, of course.”

“Hey, uh, congrats, but wearestill trapped over here?” Jake jokes, making everyone laugh.

Gabe stands, spinning me around and cupping his hands underneath my massive belly. Lately, he’s started lifting it for me to take strain off my back and I am so grateful because every time it feels amazing.

“Just kiddin’ congrats guys.” Jake kisses Hayley, and Ted comes over to clap an arm around Gabe’s shoulders.

Sydney smirks and winks at me, tipping Brooks’s hat. Beneath her, he’s got both arms in the air like he’s just won a race. He points at us and tells Sydney, maybe a little louder than he planned “I did that!”

She throws her head back in a full belly laugh and shakes her head.

When I look at Hayley and Jake, he’s holding her close and whispering in her ear. She blushes and he grabs her ass and I look up at Gabe behind me.

“We’re pretty lucky, aren’t we?” I ask.

“I’d say so, yeah. I love you, little thief.”

“I love you, too. Now let’s get this game on the road so I can save my party!”

Gabe releases me and claps his hands to get everyone’s attention, but he’s immediately lost mine.

I think I just peed my pants.

All the blood drains from my face and I tug on Gabe’s sleeve, trying to get his attention to tell him I need a minute to change. I’ve had a few “sniss” incidents while pregnant but this is the first time I have full on pissed myself. I didn’t evenfeellike I needed to pee, which is frustrating.

“Oh my god!” Sydney yells, jumping off of Brooks’s lap and pointing to my crotch.

For a second I’m hurt because I’d have thought my girls would cover for me.

“Cancel everything! It’s baby time!”

Oh.