by Kris Bryant
“I wonder if I should add a little play section here in the front?” Serena pointed to the open space where Dozer and L.B. were playing. That was a designated space where there was going to be a display of toys, personal bedding, and cute sweaters that clients who were feeling guilty for dropping their pets off could purchase for them.
“You know, your architect will probably need to know that sooner rather than later so that she can make changes.”
Serena smiled through her tears and nodded. “Or I can just leave it because it’s beautiful and perfect and all I ever wanted.”
“We should go. It’s too cold in here and we have a lot of catching up to do,” Gabrielle said.
Serena hadn’t even noticed the cold until Gabrielle pointed it out. Her body and heart hummed with warmth. “Let’s round up the boys. Do you want to come over? I can fix us lunch.” Serena hoped her voice didn’t sound too desperate.
“Yes, but Dozer is still not one hundred percent potty trained.”
“Most of the floors are wooden and can be easily cleaned. Plus L.B. has become very good at using the doggie door, and Dozer will follow him everywhere.”
Gabrielle captured Dozer before his chunky stout body banged into them another time. “Okay, big guy, settle down. Let’s get out of here before you destroy the place before it’s open.”
Gabrielle waited as Serena locked the door. “So, new dog and a new car.”
“The convertible was completely ill-fitted for Colorado and a new puppy.” Gabrielle opened it to secure Dozer in his carrier and allow Serena to look around.
“I should have looked at this instead of my Jeep. It’s beautiful.” Serena touched the black leather seats and ran her hand over the touchscreen. When she finally had her fill of admiring Gabrielle’s new SUV, she ushered L.B. into her Jeep.
“Follow you home?” Gabrielle asked.
“Yes. Please.” Serena held her gaze and smiled. She waited until she saw Gabrielle pull in behind her before she turned onto the highway to go home. A place that now had a future. She wasn’t going to get too excited, but she just got her girlfriend back. Her beautiful, smart, funny, caring girlfriend who said things to her she never thought she was good enough to hear. Things that filled her so completely she had to smile and let some of that energy out with a few happy squeals. L.B.’s ear cocked and stood at attention. “Sorry, buddy. I got a little excited. Let’s go home and play with Dozer and Gabrielle. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” L.B.’s small bark startled her. “I guess you would.”
* * *
Serena didn’t know what to do with so many people. This time, though, her life was completely different and she welcomed them. The Barneses’ annual Christmas party took place the Saturday before Christmas. This was the first time Serena and Gabrielle had been together in front of Gabrielle’s family since their unnecessary breakup. Not to mention all of their friends. When Piper, Shaylie, and Maribelle showed up, Piper couldn’t stop hugging Serena.
“I told you this was all going to work out. You two are made for each other,” Piper whispered in Serena’s ear.
“I should listen to you more.”
“Piper’s right about everything,” Shaylie said. She kissed Piper’s temple and handed Maribelle off to her. “I’m going to bring in the rest of the presents.”
“Do you need any help?” Serena hated standing around when other people were working. It wasn’t in her nature to be idle.
“No, thanks. It’s only one trip. You stay here and entertain my wife and daughter.”
“That’s a job I can do,” Serena said.
“Tell me everything and leave nothing out.” Piper put Maribelle down and watched as she ran to Gabrielle on the other side of the room.
“We ran into one another at the Pet Posh Inn and just talked through things.”
Piper put her hands on her waist. “Really? That’s all I get? I want the romance, I want the little details. Who made the first move?”
“I saw her and just fell apart. Is crying a move?”
Piper laughed and pulled Serena into a quick hug. “And that’s what makes love so wonderful. It’s strips you down to nothing except you and everything that’s real in your life.”
“I tried to be strong, but I saw her and her new puppy and started crying. I told her I loved her but didn’t know how to get back to her. Piper, I’ve never said the words before.”
Piper leaned closer. “I don’t think Gabrielle has really been in love before. Maybe when she was in high school or college, but not since I’ve known her. You’re perfect for her.”
That gave Serena a burst of energy. Gabrielle didn’t talk about her ex-girlfriends, and now she knew why. She didn’t have any. Not that having a string of one-night stands was really something to be proud of, but that meant she wasn’t emotionally invested in anyone. At least not in the last ten years. “She’s perfect for me.”
“There you are. Hello, Serena.” Meredith pulled her into a tight hug and held her a little bit longer than normal. Serena felt the love and almost burst into tears again.
“Hi, Mrs. Barnes. It’s so nice to be here again.”
“It’s Meredith. And I couldn’t be happier right now. It’s about time Gabrielle came to her senses and won you back.”
Serena smiled at her. Gabrielle only had to show up. “Don’t tell anyone, but Dozer is really the one who stole my heart.”
“Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Are you all talking about me? Because my ears are burning.” Gabrielle stood beside them holding Maribelle on her hip.
“I want to hold her now before she gets too big.” Serena reached out to Maribelle, who crawled into her arms.
“Don’t worry about that. We’ve got you covered,” Piper said.
“What do you mean?” Serena took a small bite of cookie that Maribelle put up against her lips.
“Want to tell them?” Piper looked at Shaylie, who nodded.
“We’re expecting.”
“Shut the—oh, my God. Congratulations!” Serena lowered her voice. “Is it public knowledge yet?”
“It can be. We’re ready to tell people, but we didn’t want to take away from your special day either.”
“You’re not. We’re treating every day as a special day,” Gabrielle said.
Serena blushed. Gabrielle was telling the truth. Since getting back together, they were inseparable. Gabrielle had driven to Vail two weekends in a row and even made a few trips during the week. Dozer was getting used to Serena’s place and got excited whenever they turned into Serena’s driveway.
“Oh, it’s the office. I should take this.” Gabrielle waved her phone at the small group and excused herself. Serena watched as Gabrielle slipped into her father’s den.
“Is that the call?” Meredith whispered.
Serena’s anxiety amped up the moment the door closed. She knew in her heart it was the call they were waiting for. The board was getting together before the holidays to make the decision. The new partner would be introduced January first. All of Gabrielle’s hard work was about to pay off, and either her dream was going to come true or the other dream of starting her own business was going to come true. Either way, something life changing was going to happen in the next few minutes.
“What’s going on over here? Everyone looks so nervous.” Rosie bit another chip and stared at the small group that had gathered outside of the den.
“Gabrielle got the call,” Meredith said.
“The call? The big one? The one we’ve been stressing about for months?” Rosie asked. Serena nodded and reached for Rosie’s hand. Rosie pulled her into a hug. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see you again. I told Gabrielle she needed to get you back, and I’m so happy she did.”
“I’ve missed you.”
Everybody stilled when the door opened. Serena’s heart sank at the small smile on Gabrielle’s lips. It wasn’t the kind of smile she was hoping for, but she put on a brave front and smiled back.
&nb
sp; “Are you going to tell us what happened or are we going to have a staring contest? You forget, I have children. I’ll win this battle.” Rosie didn’t beat around the bush.
“Well, I got it.” Everyone cheered and congratulated her at once. Gabrielle held up her hand. “Wait. I’m not done. I kind of turned it down.”
“You did what?” Meredith’s voice boomed above all other gasps and murmurs.
“I gave them another option.” Gabrielle walked into the group and reached for Serena’s hand. “Can I talk to you?”
Serena nodded and followed her into the den. “What’s going on?” She couldn’t keep the concern from her voice or the small line that formed on her forehead when she was stressed.
Gabrielle pulled her close. “I told them I wanted Arnest & Max to open an office in Vail and I would run it. I could do that as a partner or a very well paid employee. They’re going to talk about it and get back to me on Monday.”
“So, what does that mean?” It sounded wonderful, but was this sacrifice too much? “I don’t want you to turn down partner because of me. You’ve worked too hard to just say no.”
Gabrielle cupped her face. “Don’t worry about it. It took me forever to find you, a bad decision to lose you, love to win you back, and I’m never letting you go again. Work isn’t my life. You, Dozer, L.B., my parents, Rosie and her family, Shaylie and hers. You all are my life.”
“But Denver is your home. Everyone is here.”
“My life is with you. The Pet Posh Inn isn’t even up and running. Your life’s in Vail.”
Serena told herself not to cry. Nobody had ever sacrificed anything for her. Not their time and definitely not their heart. For the first time, somebody was putting her first. She nodded and hugged Gabrielle.
“If it does really well, then maybe we can open a second place in Denver and split our time between the two,” Serena said. “I don’t want you to sacrifice everything for me.” Serena was only just learning that she was worth it.
Gabrielle cupped her chin and kissed her softly. “I’m not sacrificing anything. I want to be with you. I can do my job anywhere. I love you so much. You know that, right? I ask myself all the time, how did I get so lucky?”
Serena put her arms around Gabrielle’s neck. “No, love. You have it all wrong.” She kissed the confused look off her face. “I’m the lucky one.”
Epilogue
The Weather Channel was the only thing Gabrielle and Serena watched all weekend. Spring weather in the Rockies was unpredictable, and opening day was tomorrow. Gabrielle tried to get Serena to relax, eat, and rest, but she knew what the rush was like. Serena’s dream was about to become a reality. She had a full staff including a full-time veterinarian, two techs, a dog trainer, an office manager, and four concierges who greeted clients and were there to offer the facility’s top-notch treatment for their pets. Three college students were scheduled to start later in the week after finals and would work with the trainer behind the scenes.
“I love how many people have reserved rooms already.” Gabrielle looked over the guest list and smiled at Serena. “You already have sixty-five percent capacity in the Canine Cabins, thirty percent in the Feline Fort, and how is it possible that you already have reservations in the Bird Bungalow?”
Serena wrapped her arms around Gabrielle’s waist and looked over her shoulder. “Look at the Critter Chateau. We have bunnies, a guinea pig, and twin ferrets. Remember when you thought I was crazy when I insisted on this room?”
Gabrielle pulled Serena’s arms tighter around her and leaned her head on Serena’s shoulder. “I still think you’re crazy, but smart. Very smart. You’ll be opening up another branch in no time.”
“I’ll have to leave the country for six months the next time I do this,” Serena said.
Gabrielle told Serena delays always happened, especially when they were gambling with the weather. Even though the structure had been done for at least a month, they had to wait for the temperature to be above freezing before they could paint the outside, install the wrought iron fence, and pave the parking lot. “Six months, huh? Well, Arnest & Max’s Vail location will be fine for a few months, but six might be stretching it, although as partner, I can work from anywhere. Let’s go to Italy or Rome,” Gabrielle said.
“We can’t leave our boys.” Serena kissed her cheek. “Come on. We should go to bed because you know I want to get up early.”
“Can I interest you in a distraction?” Gabrielle smiled devilishly at Serena.
“As long as it comes with a full body massage, I’m all in.”
“You go upstairs and get ready, and I’ll round up the boys,” Gabrielle said. She brushed her lips across Serena’s and gave her waist a quick squeeze on her way into the kitchen. Dozer and L.B. raced to her after she whistled, and even though she knew them and knew they would never hurt her, dogs rushing at her still put her on edge. “Slow down.” They both stopped short and waited for her to open the door. “Are you calm? Are you ready to go night-night?” She made sure they had a drink of water before she ushered them into Faith’s room. “You have to stay in here tonight. I’ll come and get you later.” Gabrielle blew them both kisses and quietly closed the door.
“Where are the boys?” Serena tied the sash of her robe and looked around the room.
“Oh, they wanted a slumber party, so I put them in Faith’s room and told them to keep it down.” She pulled Serena into her embrace and kissed her. “I don’t even know why you’re wearing this.” Her fingers slid down the lapels of the robe, paying special attention to Serena’s nipples along the way.
“I don’t know why either.” Serena slowly untied the sash and dropped her hands.
“My favorite part of every day. You.” Gabrielle leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on the soft spot above Serena’s collarbone. “Get into bed. I’ll be there in five minutes.” She put the massage oil on the warmer and hopped into the shower for a quick rinse. True to her word, she was back in bed in five minutes.
“I missed you.” Serena had the covers and sheets pulled back. Her robe was on the floor in front of the bed.
“This is my favorite time of day,” Gabrielle said. She climbed into bed and reached for the oil.
“Wait a minute. Why do you get to wear clothes?”
Gabrielle looked down at the long threadbare T-shirt that barely covered her. “This isn’t about me right now. It’s about you.” She poured warm oil in her hand and motioned for Serena to turn over. She did with enthusiasm and moaned when Gabrielle straddled her and started massaging her back.
“I don’t know what I’m more excited about, the massage and how good it feels, or how wet you are.”
“You can find out later,” Gabrielle said. She rubbed Serena’s arms and back until she was limp and relaxed. She smiled when Serena’s body twitched when her hands moved lower. She slid lower to massage the back of her thighs. She smiled at Serena’s moans and how she spread her thighs and lifted her ass every time Gabrielle’s fingers got close to her wet core.
Serena mumbled into the pillow, “You’re driving me crazy.”
“How’s this? Is this better?” Gabrielle easily slid two fingers inside Serena.
“Oh, God, yes.” Serena lifted her hips up to greet each thrust from behind.
When Serena was this relaxed, her inhibitions disappeared. Gabrielle leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “Do you want me to get out one of our toys?”
Serena didn’t hesitate. She nodded immediately.
Gabrielle’s heart swelled. She opened the drawer and found her favorite dildo. It wasn’t too big, but long enough to hit Serena’s sweet spot. She added some of the massage oil that also served as a safe lubricant and rubbed the tip up and down Serena’s slit. Serena spread her legs more and moved her hips up and down until Gabrielle slid the full length inside her. Serena hissed and moaned with complete pleasure. It was the sexiest noise Gabrielle had ever heard and empowered her to be a better lover. It was always h
er intent to give Serena more pleasure every time they made love, but that noise, that raw, uninhibited noise did something else to Gabrielle. Her body exploded with a need to please Serena.
Chills sped across her skin as her heart filled with love for this woman. She crept between Serena’s legs and pulled her up so she was on her knees. “I love you.” She said it over and over, building Serena up every time she said it, and thrust deeper and faster inside her. When Serena finally came, Gabrielle teared up at the raw beauty of the moment.
“I love you, too.” Serena slid down on the bed, breathing heavily.
Gabrielle pulled up the sheet and a thin blanket and covered her. “I’m going to wash up, but I’ll be right back.” Serena nodded. Gabrielle was gone for two minutes but when she returned, naked and ready, she found Serena fast asleep. She smiled and slipped into bed. The feeling would keep. She nestled behind her, put her arm around her waist, and drifted off to sleep.
* * *
“This is amazing, big sis.” Faith showed up for the grand opening even though she’d only got off work six hours earlier. “You even have the press here.” KCNC-TV and KMGH-TV both had vans covering the big day.
Gabrielle turned to Serena and put her hands on her shoulders. “I need you to breathe, babe. It’s going to be fine. They’re probably going to bring up the lottery, so remember what we talked about. You look beautiful. Now go make this dream come true and open those doors.”
Serena bounced on the balls of her feet a few times and took a deep breath. “I’ve got this.” She nodded to all of her new employees lined up to start the first day of the Pet Posh Inn.
Gabrielle loved her girlfriend. So much change had happened to her over the last year. She’d gone from pauper to instant wealth, but managed to stay humble. After thirty years of being a prisoner to a shell of a family that wasn’t there no matter how hard she wanted it, she’d ended the toxic relationship with her mother but was closer to Faith than ever before. Gabrielle watched the reporter interview Serena, and a bubble of pride burst in her chest. Her girlfriend was a survivor. She was beautiful, kind, and full of love that she was desperate to share with the world. Gabrielle smiled because not only did Serena change her for the better, she gave her the one thing money couldn’t buy. She gave her true love.
