Josh and Gaby
Part 513
Josh waited until he heard the lock click behind Sonia and then proceeded towards the living room. All was quiet within now but there was no way he could see into the room without revealing himself. Putting the gun into the waist band at the back of his jeans he pulled out his phone and dialed Gaby. He could hear the phone ringing in the other room, and a man’s voice growled “Josh, is that him?”
“****” Josh said to himself, the guy had her phone.
Gaby must have nodded as Josh didn’t hear her reply.
“Good” the man said as the phone continued to ring, unanswered. “No doubt when you don’t respond he’ll come running. I’m looking forward to talking to him.”
It was clear he didn’t know Gaby had already rung him. That gave him an edge.
Josh looked around considering his options. There was no time to call anyone else, he had to get Gaby out of there. If anything happened to her…. he didn’t finish that thought.
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Part 514
Josh didn’t know if the guy was armed but assumed he was. The last thing he wanted to do was get in a gun fight with Gaby and Leon stuck in the middle. He needed to get the guy out of the room. Backing up to the front door he stepped outside and grabbing some of the small river stones lining a planter box, to one side of the door, he shoved them into his pocket. Then hoisting himself up he reached the bottom of the first floor balcony. The muscles of his arms straining, he pulled himself up. Perched on the railing he pulled out his weapon with one hand and the stones with the other. He tossed the stones at the front door and immediately he heard movement inside the living room. Getting off the railing he risked a look into the room. He could see Gaby and Leon but the guy was nowhere to be seen. Stepping into the room he signaled for them not to speak and gestured for them to get down. He then made his way into the passage. “Drop it” he growled as he surprised the other man who was had his back to him, facing the front door.
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Part 515
The man turned to look at him. Then without a word and with a resigned expression, he dropped the gun. Josh moved forward and kicked it out of reach. “On the ground” he said. Moving slowly the man dropped down and lay on the ground.
“Hands behind your back” he ordered.
The man did as instructed. He still hadn’t said a word.
Keeping his gun on the guy Josh called out “Gaby call the local station.”
Gaby appeared in the doorway, a cordless phone to her ear.
“They’ll be here in five minutes” she told him a few seconds later.
He nodded, but didn’t look at her. He wasn’t taking his eyes of the guy on the floor.
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Part 516
“Where’s Sonia?” the man asked after a minute.
“Safe” Josh said. He wasn’t about to tell him she was only about a meter from his left foot.
“I want to speak to her.”
“Not happening.”
“I need to tell her I’m sorry” the man said.
“Yeah you picked a hell of a way to do that” Josh said praying Sonia wouldn’t buy his act and show herself.
“I didn’t know how else to get her attention. I couldn’t reach her.”
“You’ve had plenty of chances to tell her that from what I understand, so forget it.” He wished the uniforms would hurry up.
“Can you give her a message then? he asked.
“Nup. She doesn’t want to hear from you” and as he heard the patrol car pull up outside he leant down and pushing the man’s face into the carpet he growled “leave her alone and if you ever come near my house or my family again I’m coming after you. Got it?”
The man groaned and moved his head a little to indicate he agreed.
Josh grunted and giving his head one final push he got to his feet as the two officers arrived at the door.
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Part 517
Josh shut the door behind the two officers and the hand cuffed man minutes later. He’d promised to come down the station with in the hour to make a statement. As he closed the door Gaby pushed off the wall where she had been leaning. He walked towards her “you okay?” he asked running a finger down her cheek.
She smiled “a bit shaky, but okay.”
He nodded and as Leon appeared in the doorway he said “one sec.”
Surprising the other two he walked over to the bathroom door and knocking he called “you can come out now, he’s gone.”
The door opened slowly and Sonia walked out. “Hi” she said looking a little shy.
Leon’s face lit up “hey” he said and then turning to Josh he accused “you brought her, knowing he was here?”
“I didn’t know, that’s the thing. I wasn’t sure it wasn’t a diversion. I didn’t want to leave her unprotected.”
As Leon nodded concedeing the point, Gaby stepped towards the other woman “you must be Sonia. I’m Gaby, come into the living room, I think we could all use a drink.”
Sonia smiled “I’m really sorry about this Gaby.”
“Forget about it” she said and led the way into the living room.
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Part 518
Josh decided to go to the station and get that out of the way before he sat down. But as he helped Gaby prepare the drinks for the others first he said to Sonia “I was worried you were going to come out when he said he wanted to apologise.”
A sad expression on her face, Sonia shook her head “I’ve heard it all before. Too many times.”
Josh nodded and handing them a drink each he said, “I’ll be back soon.”
Leon and Sonia held up a hand to indicate they’d heard and Gaby followed him out into the passage.
As he reached the door he looked down at her and said “I won’t be long.”
She smiled and wrapping her arms around his waist she said “okay.”
Josh folded his arms around her and held her. He lowered his head until it was next to hers and whispered “sorry.”
Gaby’s arms held him tight, “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can” he said.
Moving back she smiled “we’ll be fine, now go.”
Touching her face he said “lock the door.”
She nodded and letting his hand drop away he walked out.
Gaby closed the door and locked it before walking back into the living room.
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Part 519
An hour later Josh was back and fuming. As he slammed the front door the Gaby, Leon and Sonia all jumped.
Gaby frowned and looked over at the other two before getting to her feet and walking into the passage. “You okay?” she asked.
“****” he yelled.
Moving towards him Gaby said “what is it?” She was worried, she’d rarely seen him so upset.
“They released him” he said “they ****ing released him.”
“Why?” she asked.
“****ed if I know” Josh said throwing his hands in the air.
Hearing his raised voice, Leon and Sonia had made their way to the doorway. Leon said “I told you he had connections.”
“Yeah, that’s ****ing helping Leon” Josh roared.
“Josh” Gaby said “calm down. It’s not Leon’s fault.”
He took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair, then turning to look at the other man he said “sorry mate.”
Leon shrugged “no worries, I asked for it.”
“So what now?” Sonia asked.
Josh just looked at her.
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Part 520
Moving into the living room Josh said “I need to think” and he dropped down on the couch.
Gaby moved to sit on the arm beside him. She ran her hand over his head.
After a minute Josh looked at Sonia and said “I think you’re better off staying here for now. He doesn’t know you were here already and if he’s got the place under surveillance, as his turning up here indicates that he’s been watching, we’re better off not moving you.”
“I’m sorry guys” Sonia said.
Gaby smiled over at her “it’s fine Sonia, it’s not your fault.”
“Yes it is. If I hadn’t allowed Leon to help none of this would be happening.”
“Yeah and where would you be?” Leon asked “in hospital again?”
Sonia shuddered.
“Sorry” Leon said.
She put out her hand, laid it over his and gave him a small smile.
And as the other couple watched a blush crept up Leon’s neck and a smile lit up his face.
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Part 521
“So what do we do tomorrow?” Leon asked after a minute. “We all have to work. We can’t leave Sonia here alone.”
“I don’t intend to” Josh said.
Leon just looked at him.
Josh sprung off the couch “we’re going to need some help.”
“Who?” Leon said.
“Stella.”
“She isn’t working tomorrow” Leon said.
“I know” Josh said and grabbing his phone he walked out on to the balcony.
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Part 522
“Who’s Stella?” Sonia asked Leon while they waited for Josh to finish the call.
“She works with us” Leon said “she’s cool.”
“She’s a police officer?”
“Yep” Leon said. “Not sure what Josh has in mind, but she’s good at her job.”
“I’m really sorry to cause so much trouble” Sonia said.
“Don’t worry about it” Gaby assured her with a smile “this is what these guys do. You’re in the right hands.”
Leon nodded “Gaby’s right “I work with these guys everyday. They won’t let anything happen to you.”
Sonia nodded but looked away.
Sensing she was still worried about getting them all involved in her probems Gaby said “Come on Sonia, I’ll get you set up in the spare room. Leon can move his stuff out later.”
“I can’t take his room” Sonia said horrified.
“Yes you can” Gaby said with a smile “Leon wouldn’t have it any other way” and tuning to him she asked “would you Leon?”
He didn’t hestitate “no way, you take the bed. I’m fine on the couch.”
“But that’s not fair” Sonia argued.
“Sure it is” he said with a grin “it’s Gaby’s house and what she says goes” and leaning closer to Sonia he pretended to whisper “nobody messes with her, not even Josh.”
Sonia laughed despite herself “are you sure?”
“Yep” he said “this couch look more comfortable than my bed anyway.”
“Thank you” Sonia said with a sweet smile and followed Gaby out of the room.
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Part 523
Later lying in bed with Josh, Gaby wrapped her arm around him and held him tight. Now she’d stopped moving and her mind had little else to concentrate on, she couldn’t stop going over and over again those moments when Harvey had held them hostage. She shuddered.
Josh frowned, “you okay?” he asked.
She nodded “just hold me for a while okay?”
“****” Josh said as he wrapped his arms around her.
“It’s okay” she said. “I’ll be fine.”
Josh hugged her. “I won’t let him hurt you” he said kissing her head.
“I know” she mumbled against his chest.
“Sorry I brought it here.”
“It wasn’t your fault” she said “don’t worry” and smiling she teased him “I just won’t be answering the door again in a hurry.”
Josh pulled her closer and she knew he was smiling when he said “better not forget my key then.”
Gaby sighed and closed her eyes.
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Part 524
The next morning Stella arrived as arranged just before Josh and Leon had to leave for work. “You owe me one” she said to Josh as he let her in.
Josh shook his head and smiled “not me Leon.”
“Yeah well I won’t see that favour then will I?” she teased as she walked into the living room where Leon and Sonia were waiting. Gaby had already left for work and Josh had organised for a squad car to follow her to make sure she got there okay. He didn’t tell her as he didn’t want to worry her anymore than he already had.
As Leon introduced Sonia to Stella Josh checked a message that had just come through on his phone. Gaby had arrived safely. He sighed with relief.
“So what’s the plan?” Leon asked.
“Okay” Josh said. “It’s possible, no probable that Harvey is having this placed watched so we’re going to use Stella as a decoy. You bring everything?” he asked her.
“Yep” she said with a grin “but it wasn’t easy. You’re just lucky I know people.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to know who you know” Josh said with a frown “just as long as you have what we need.”
Stella grinned and picking up her bag she said “come on Sonia, I’ll get you kitted up.”
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Part 525
Ten minutes later Stella and Sonia walked back into the living room and Leon had to look twice to see who was who. He hadn’t noticed before but the two women were very similar in size. Stella had put on a blonde wig and pulling it back into a pony tail had fitted a cap over the top. She had changed into Sonia’s clothes and a pair of sunglasses covering most of her face, completed the look. Sonia meanwhile was wearing a uniform that Stella had brought with her and a dark wig. She also had sunglasses on. “Holy ****” Leon said.
Stella laughed. “Good, if we can fool you, we’ll fool him.”
“If he can pick it’s not her when he sees you then I’ll go he.”
“Really?” Sonia asked “I feel bad for Stella. What if he comes after her?”
“Don’t worry about Stella” Josh said “that’s what we want.”
“Gee thanks for the concern Josh” Stella teased.
Josh rolled his eyes and said “okay lets get going.”
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Part 526
“Just walk out to the car like you normally would” Josh said to Sonia “nothing to it.” Then turning to Stella he said “give us twenty minutes to get Sonia to base and get out on the road and then leave. The more you make it look like you’re nervous, the more they’re likely to buy it.”
“I know what I’m doing Josh” Stella said sliding her weapon into the back of her pants, “just don’t get delayed coming back.”
“We’ll do our part” Josh said “Michael will be just around the corner in the taxi so as soon as you’re ready call him and he’ll pick you up.”
“Can monkey boy drive a taxi?” she joked.
“Says he can” Josh said and looking at Sonia he said “ready?”
She looked terrified but she nodded.
Josh gestured to Leon to move and he lead the way to the door.
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19/02/12
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19/02/12
Part 527
Josh, Leon and Sonia walked out to the car and as Sonia closed the back door she let out n audible sigh of relief. In the front seat Josh turned around “you did great.”
Sonia gave him a small smile “thanks but when Stella leaves, won’t he wonder why I’m out on my own?”
“Yeah, he will, but the idea is that you’ve left on your own, against instructions. That way he’ll feel more secure about going after you. The fact that Stella isn’t alone gives us an edge.”
Sonia nodded “oh okay.”
And turning back around, Josh started the car.
“Where’d you get a taxi anyway?” Leon asked as Josh pulled away from the curb.
“A mate” Josh said.
Leon shrugged “you have some odd mates.”
Josh turned to look at him “you should know” he said with a smirk.
Leon laughed and acknowledged the hit with a lifted eyebrow.
At base, Josh left Sonia with Leon and changing, he hurried out to TR2. Lawson and Dom were were already out on the road.
“Josh” a voice called from behind him as he opened the drivers door.
“****” Josh said under his breath. He turned around “Kerry.”
“Where is everyone?” she asked.
“Lawson and Dom are on the grid and I’m going to get Michael and do the same” Josh said as he got into the drivers seat.
“Why isn’t Michael here?” Kerry asked crossing her arms.
“Running late” Josh said and closing the door before she could ask anything more Josh started the car and reversed out of the building.
But he had not even pulled out of the car park before Kerry’s voice sounded in his ear piece, “this isn’t finished Josh. You can run but you can’t hide.”
Josh swore and ignoring Kerry’s threat he pulled out onto the road.
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20/02/12
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20/02/12
Part 528
As Josh drove back towards his place, Leon’s voice came through in his ear piece “sorry Josh.”
Josh knew he meant what had happened with Kerry. “Just keep her busy Leon and away from Sonia” he said.
“I told her it was bring a friend day” Leon said with a laugh “she thinks she’s just a woman I’m trying to impress.”
“So basically she’s got it right” Josh said then before Leon could say anything he added, “just keep them apart. I don’t think Sonia is a match for her. Hopefully this won’t take long.”
“For your sake it had better not” Lawson joked, “I’ve already had a call.”
“Christ” Josh said “how the hell did I end up the one in the **** again. I was just doing Leon a favour.”
“Because it’s usually you who causes trouble” Lawson said in a superior tone “so it’s a logical conclusion.”
“Piss off Lawson” Josh growled.
Lawson laughed into the radio.
Ignoring him Josh got his mind back on the job “Michael, where are ya?”
“Just picked Stella up” he said “by the way this car is a tip.”
“I’m not asking you to live in it Michael, just drive it” Josh growled.
Checking his rearview mirror Michael said “we’ve got company.”
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20/02/12
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20/02/12
Part 529
“How many?” Josh said, referring to the occupants of the car Michael had noticed tailing him and Stella.
“Two” Michael said.
“So he’s either found a mate or they’re hired help” Josh said.
“He doesn’t have mates” Leon said “but he has deep pockets.”
“So employees” Josh said “unless they try something, we continue as planned. They’ll be reporting back to him.”
“Copy that Josh” Michael said “they’re still on us but they’re staying back. I’d say they have a watching brief.”
“How far are you off the drop off Michael?” Lawson asked.
“Five minute tops” Michael said.
“You set Stella?” Josh asked.
“Good to go” Stella said.
“Okay it’s going to take some time for them to contact their boss but we need to get into position now” Josh said.
“Already on our way” Lawson said. “See you there.”
“Copy that” Josh said and put his foot down.
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21/02/12
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04/03/12
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21/02/12
Part 530
Fifteen minutes later Michael spoke into his radio. “He’s here Josh.”
“Copy that” Josh said “front or back?”
“He’s either got nerves of steel or he’s an idiot” Michael said “cause he’s walking in the front door.”
“Nah, he just thinks he’s invincible” Josh said “about time he learned he’s the same as the rest of us.” He then added “okay Leon, time to get Kerry up to speed.”
“You sure about this Josh?”
“Leon, Kerry may be many things, but being on this pricks pay roll isn’t one of them. It was just better for her and us she didn’t know about it earlier. By the time she gets here it should all be over. Now get to it, we’ll need her if he we want to keep him locked up this time.”
“I’m on it” Leon said “just make sure you get him.”
“You get Kerry headed this way and we’ll do the rest” Josh said.
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25/02/12
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27/02/12
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01/03/12
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02/03/12
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25/02/12
Part 531
Josh, Lawson. Michael, Dom and Stella, were in position. Harvey had just entered the building and they were waiting for him. Michael had driven Stella to a cheap hotel, that offered little security and was known for not asking questions. Harvey had had no trouble bribing Dom, posing at the clerk, for the correct room number. Pleased with himself, he reached the door a few seconds later. Josh had made sure the other rooms were empty so there was no risk to civilians. At that time in the morning, they had little trade anyway.
Josh, who had been watching, gave the signal that he’d arrived. He moved into the bathroom but didn’t shut the door.
Harvey knocked.
Stella, didn’t respond.
He tried again saying he was the clerk and needed to give her some fresh towels. Josh signaled for Stella to move and stepped back out of sight as she opened the door a crack. But no sooner had she unlocked it, than Harvey kicked it and grabbed her by the hair. Shoving the door shut he snarled “you think you can hide from me bitch” he said “this time I’m going to kill you Sonia.”
But o his surprise, as he yanked on her hair it came away in his hand and a shocked expression appeared on his face. Josh and Lawson came out of the bathroom weapons drawn and yelled “on the floor, arms spread.”
Stella removed her glasses and smiled at Harvey.
He was fuming.
Dangling some flex cuffs from her finger she said “you heard bitch, on the floor.”
And as she cuffed him Kerry walked in the door.
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27/02/12
Part 532
Kerry looked at both Josh and Lawson, just long enough for them both to know they had some explaining to do.
As she turned away to look at Harvey, who was still lying face down on the floor, Josh rolled his eyes at Lawson.
“Who do we have here?” Kerry asked as she squatted in front of Harvey.
“Harvey Preston” the man yelled “and I’m going to be sueing your whole squad.
Kerry just patted him on the head “I wasn’t talking to you” she said.
Josh smiled and looked away. He could hear Harvey grinding his teeth.
Lawson said “he’s being charged with stalking, assault and anything else I can think of.
“Don’t forget bribing a police officer” Dom joked from the door way.
“Good luck making any of it stick” Harvey said as Dom dragged him to his feet.
“You may have wormed your way out of it last night” Lawson said. “But don’t count on doing it again.”
“I’ve forgotten more about the law, then you lot’ll ever know. I’ll be out before dark. Sonia, won’t testify, your case will collapse” Harvey said with confidence.
“Yes but this time it wasn’t Sonia you assaulted” Josh pointed out with a smile.
Harvey scowled.
“Okay” take him away Kerry said signaling to Stella and Michael.
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01/03/12
Part 533
Back at base Kerry said over her shoulder as soon as they’d pulled up, “Josh, Lawson, my office.” Josh looked at Lawson and rolled his eyes.
Lawson shrugged and both men followed Kerry.
After her two senior officers had stepped inside, Kerry closed the door behind them and took a seat at her desk. Lawson sat down behind his desk and Josh stood with his arms crossed just inside the door way.
Turning around in her chair to face them Kerry said “you two got anything to say?”
Josh shrugged and Lawson leaned his forearms on the desk and looked at her “no” he said.
Kerry laughed. “Well I’ll talk then. Thanks for keeping me out of that mess” and turning her back on them she added “get the report written up and on my desk ASAP.”
Josh frowned “what, that’s it?”
She turned back around and with a smile she said “what you want me to tell you everything you did wrong?”
After a minute, Josh grinned. “Pass” he said and walked out of the office.
Lawson sat back in his chair and crossing his arms he looked at Kerry and raised an eye brow.
Kerry laughed “what can I say. I’m feeling generous.”
Lawson didn’t reply. He just started opening the draws of his desk.
Kerry frowned “what are you doing?”
“Looking for a calander” Lawson said “I need to mark this down.
Kerry laughed “don’t push it” she said.
Lawson sat back in his chair a smirk on his face.
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02/03/12
Part 534
After leaving Kerry’s office Josh headed for the op’s room. Seeing Sonia with Leon he said “hi guys.”
“Wow you’re still in one piece” Leon teased with a grin. He knew Josh had been in with Kerry.
“Lucky for you” Josh said. Then turning to Sonia he said “you right to hang out here until I finish my shift. Then we’ll get you out of here.”
“Of course Josh. I’ll do what ever makes it easy for you.”
Josh nodded and said “has Leon got everything organised for you.”
Sonia nodded and with a sad smile she said “I can’t wait to be out of Harvey’s reach, but I wish I didn’t have to leave to do it.”
“I get that” Josh said “but it’s the best way. My friends out west will look after you and help you get on your feet.”
“I can’t thank you enough Josh.”
“No worries” he said.
“What about Harvey?” she asked.
“He’s going to be too busy getting himself out of his own mess to worry about you. By the time he isn’t, you’ll be long gone.”
Sonia nodded. “Okay. I’ll be ready when you are.”
“Okay” Josh said and turning he said to Leon on his way out the door “you owe me a beer later.”
“Done” Leon said grinning “I want to know what Kerry said anyway.”
Without turning around or pausing Josh said “no you don’t.”
Leon grimaced.
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04/03/12
Part 535
Leon turned to Sonia. “This time tomorrow you’ll be in a new city on the other side of the country.”
Sonia nodded. And after a second she said, “I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me Leon” and leaning towards him she kissed him.
Shocked Leon didn’t respond for a minute but when her lips remained on his he began to kiss her back. Wrapping his arms around her, Leon forgot for the moment that she’d be gone within hours, he forgot he was at work, he forgot everything and just lived in the moment.
But before long reality intruded and as his phone rang in his pocket, he stepped back and looked at her.
Sonia smiled at him and laying a hand on his cheek for a second she moved away and sat back down in the seat she had vacated when Josh walked in.
Sad, knowing he was losing something that could have been life changing, Leon was also realistic. He knows he’d never have had a chance with her if she hadn’t been in trouble. He sighed and plastered a smile on his face to cover his pain. Then taking his seat next to her, he picked up his phone and answered it.
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09/03/12
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14/03/12________________________________________________________
09/03/12
Part 536
After their shift Josh and Leon took Sonia to the airport, she had a late flight out. Once she’d checked in, both men walked her to the gate and Josh turned first to say goodbye.
Sonia reached up and hugged him, “thank you for everything Josh. Say sorry to Gaby for me.”
“No worries” Josh said “good luck.”
“Thank you” she said again and moved back. She turned to look at Leon.
“I’ll go an check how long it is until boarding” Josh said moving away.
Sonia reached out and grabbed Leon’s hand. "I'll never forget you Leon. You're a wonderful person and one day soon a lovely girl will see what I see. I just wish I'd met you at another time."
Leon blushed and smiled. He didn't know what to say.
Sonia smiled. "If you are ever over in the west, please come and see me."
"You might regret that" Leon joked.
"I wasn't just being polite" she said, her gaze stead on his.
Leon's expression sobered as he wondered if maybe he’d been wrong about his chances with her. "Maybe I could move over there" he muttered.
Sonia's smile widened. "If you do, let me know."
Leon swallowed, "you'll be the first person I call."
"I send you get a message with my new number. Do you like the name Monica?”
Leon grinned, "sure" he said.
Sonia winked at him and leaning forward she kissed him. “Bye Leon” she said and picking up her bag she walked to the gate.
Unable to move, Leon watched her go. As she took her boarding pass off the airline staff member she looked back over her shoulder and holding up a hand, stepped through the door leading to the plane.
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Part 537
After watching Sonia leave, Josh walked back towards Leon, inspecting the other man’s sad expression as he approached. “Give it time” Josh said. “Let her get her life back on track.”
Leon moved his eyes to look at him and nodded. “Thanks Josh, for everything. After this, we’re even” he said and for once there was no levity, his tone was serious.
Josh looked at him for a minute and then said “no we’re not.”
Leon frowned at him “what do you mean?”
“You owe me a beer, remember” Josh joked and moving off he said “come on lets find the bar.”
Leon grinned and followed Josh out of the gate lounge.
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15/03/12
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28/03/12
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15/03/12
Part 538
By the time Josh got home it was late and after an early start, it had been a long day. All he wanted to do was crawl into bed with Gaby and sleep. He’d made sure she was escorted home from work and seeing the lights on knew she’d waited up for him. He felt guilty about what he’d put her through yesterday. He hated that he’d put her in a position of being scared in her own home. And as he walked into the living room and saw her jump, he knew she was more affected by it than she was letting on. In that moment he came to a decision.
Leaning over and giving her a kiss before lowering himself down on the couch beside her, he said “hey.”
“Hi” she said, giving him a smile.
“How was today?”
“Fine” she said “and thank you for organising the escort. They checked out the whole apartment before they’d let me come in.”
“Good” he said “but I think after last night, we need to change a few things.”
She frowned. “What things?”
“Well this apartment for one” he said his eyes scanning the room.
Gaby turned to face him “but you love this apartment” she said with a frown.
“No I love you” he said “you’re what matters to me. I want you to feel safe and I want to feel you are safe.”
Gaby smiled and touching his face she said “thank you” then leaning forward she kissed him. She hadn’t wanted to make a big deal of how she felt in the apartment now, but it seemed Josh knew anyway.
Josh gathered her in his arms and deepened the kiss. Then after a minute he dragged his mouth away and getting to his feet he said “come on.”
Gaby smiled and getting to her feet turned out the light as she followed him to the bedroom.
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17/03/12
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17/03/12
Part 539
That night, despite Josh’s announcement that he wanted them to move, Gaby didn’t sleep well, she lay awake for a long time thinking. She had mixed emotions about the decision. She felt guilty that she was making him leave a place that had been his home for the longest time since he left his family home when he was a teenager. But she was relieved to know that if Harvey ever got out and came looking, he wouldn’t find them there. After a couple of hour she’d had enough and getting up she walked into the living room and turned on the tv.
And this is where Josh found her a while later, after rolling over and finding her gone.
Leaning down to kiss her head, he gestured for her to move over and settling beside her he said “you okay?”
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17/03/12
Part 540
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26/03/12
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17/03/12
Part 540
“Yes” Gaby said in reply to Josh’s question about whether she was okay. “I just couldn’t sleep.”
“Why?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her.
“I feel bad about making you move” she said not looking at him.
“Yeah well I feel bad about bringing my work home and scaring ya.”
“I’ll get over it” she said, hoping that she would.
“Not good enough” he said “it was my fault. Besides I’ve been thinking about a change anyway. I was thinking maybe we could look for a house instead of another apartment.”
Surprised Gaby turned to look at him.
He gave her a crooked smile and referring to their conversation about getting married at some point he said, “well I’ve told you where I want us to be one day. Maybe it’s time we worked towards that. I don’t want to have to move again in a couple of years.”
Gaby smiled “a couple of years hey?”
“About” he said with a grin.
“Hmm, a house” Gaby said as she lay back against him and considered the possibility.
“Good?” he asked.
She looked at him again and after a second she smiled and said, “good.”
“So are you ready to come back to bed then?” he teased.
Her smile widened, “yes I think so.”
“Good” he said and giving her a quick kis, he got up and pulled her to her feet.
Gaby turned off the tv as Josh lead her out and within a few seconds she was snuggled up to him again in bed.
“Okay?” he asked as he kissed her head.
“Yes” she said “thanks.”
“No problem” he said and pulled her close.
Gaby sighed and relaxed against him. She closed her eyes and finally she slept.
___________________________________________________________
20/03/12
___________________________________________________________
20/03/12
Part 541
The next weekend Josh and Gaby started looking for a new place to live. Having convinced her to look for a house rather than another apartment, Josh had got Gaby excited about the move and he was glad to see the change in her. He noticed she still jumped at any sudden noise, or if he happened to come in without her hearing, but she had something else to occupy her thoughts now. He too was looking forward to the move and the direction he and Gaby were headed.
For Gaby it was all about their future together, the new house was secondary. But now she knew that moving on was part of Josh’s reason for wanting to move house, she was thrilled to look for a new place for them. During the week they had found an agent to list their place and as of the day before, it was on the market. The agent thought it should sell quickly. So now they just had to decide where they were going.
_________________________________________________________
26/03/12
Part 542
“How many are we looking at?” Josh said as he finished his coffee that Saturday morning.
“I’ve found three houses. Unfortunately none of them are around here though. But they all have opens this afternoon.”
Josh nodded “okay, so this morning’s free then? How about a walk?”
“Sounds good” Gaby said with a smile. Getting up she kissed his temple on the way past with her breakfast dishes and said “give me five minutes.”
Josh gave her a crooked smile and teased “anymore than five and I’ll come looking for ya and then we won’t be going anywhere.”
Gaby laughed, “you stay there” she ordered “I’m looking forward to getting some exercise.”
“We’d still be getting some exercise” Josh teased “just not outside.”
“Later” she said then watching a grin light up his face she turned and walked into the bedroom to get ready to go.
__________________________________________________________
28/03/12
Part 543
Josh and Gaby walked down along the river. It was their favourite route and they walked it at least once a week. It felt good to be out in the fresh air and closing her eyes, Gaby lifted her face to the sun, as she walked with Josh’s arm around her shoulders. After a second she felt the touch of Josh’s lips on her mouth. She kissed him and smiled.
“I’m going to miss this when we move” she said.
“Just because we’re moving, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop kissing ya” Josh joked.
Gaby burst out laughing nd opened her eyes, “I certainly hope not. No I meant walking here.”
“No reason we still can’t walk here.”
“No” she said “but if we have to drive to get here, we probably won’t.”
“You never know, we might find somewhere to live around here.”
“I doubt it” she said “I couldn’t find any.”
“We’ve only just started looking” he pointed out.
“True” she said, but she didn’t sound hopeful.
“Well maybe we’ll find somewhere with a place to walk near by that is just as good” he suggested.
Gaby nodded “yeah maybe, one place we are going to see in Williamstown could provide that. There are nice places to walk there.”
“Sounds good” he said.
She smiled.
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29/03/12
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29/03/12
Part 544
That afternoon Josh and Gaby looked at the three houses she’d found for sale. The one in Williamstown was their firm favourite. It was perfect for them now with contemporary décor and a great entertaining area, that extended outside to a small yard, but it would also be great for them if they decided to start a family. There was plenty of room, both living and bedrooms and it was in a good area. As they’d hoped there were great places to walk near the water not far from their front door.
However they didn’t think it was right to buy the first place they looked at without checking out what else was on the market. So for the next two weeks they looked at numerous houses, but none of them came close to the house in Williamstown.
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01/04/12
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03/04/12
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01/04/12
Part 545
A week later, the house they liked in Williamstown was still on the market, but despite the agents best efforts their apartment remained unsold.
“What are we going to do?” Gaby asked Josh in bed that Sunday night. “That house won’t be there much longer.”
Josh nodded and thoughtful for a minute he said “we could rent this place for now. As long as the rent pays the mortgage it could work.
“Will the bank loan us the money though?”
“There’s only one way to find out” Josh said. “I’ll enquire tomorrow” and as another thought struck him he said “I might know someone to rent it too.”
“Really?” Gaby said, “who?”
“Michael. He was only saying the other day he was looking for a place. The stuff with Harvey wouldn’t worry him either.”
“Okay” Gaby said “that could work out. I’ll talk to the agent tomorrow. She’s not going to be happy but what can we do?”
“She’s the one that hasn’t sold it” Josh said.
“True” Gaby agreed “I can’t see that making her feel any better about losing a commission though.”
“Bad luck” Josh said. Then rolling to lie over Gaby he said “now as we can’t do any of this until tomorrow, can we change the subject?”
Gaby laughed “what would you like to talk about then” she teased running her hands over his back.
“I wasn’t planning on talking” Josh said with a grin and brought his mouth down hard on hers.
___________________________________________________________
03/04/12
Part 546
The following day Josh sought out Michael as soon as he reached base.
“Hey” he said when he found him in the locker room “you still looking for somewhere to rent?”
“Yeah” Michael said “why?”
“Gaby and I are looking at buying a new place and can’t sell our apartment so we thought we’d rent it out instead.”
Michael’s eyebrows shot up “I thought you guys loved living there?”
Josh shrugged “Gaby was a bit spooked after the incident with Harvey and to be honest I’m not that confortable having her there by herself either.”
Michael grinned “but it’s okay for me to be there?” he said.
Josh rolled his eyes. “You’re a cop, she’s not, but if you can’t handle it, just say so.”
The younger man laughed. “I was only joking. I’d loved to rent your place. There’s only one problem.”
Josh frowned. “What?” he asked.
“You’d be my landlord” he said with a grin.
Josh sighed and turned away as he did his best to control his temper. Turning back to face him, Josh said “Well you can deal with Gaby if that’ll make you happier.”
“It does” Michael teased laughing.
“Good” Josh said and leaning closer to him, his eyes intense, he added “because when it comes to money, she’s a tougher prospect than me.” Then turning he strode away.
The smile slipped from Michael’s face as he watched the other man walk out.
________________________________________________________________
05/04/12
________________________________________________________________
05/04/12
Part 547
So by Wednesday that week, everything had fallen into place. Josh and Gaby had agreed a rent with Michael and he’d signed a long term lease. Therefore with the lease agreement to show the bank, they had been cleared for another loan and had been able to make an offer on the house in Williamstown, which was accepted. Gaby was ecstatic. Despite his assurances that he didn’t mind selling his apartment, she was pleased that they hadn’t had to in the end. She couldn’t wait to move now. Only one month until the big day.
Josh was happy too. Michael’s rent would cover their mortgage on the apartment so despite owing more, they were roughly in the same position as if they’d have sold and they still had the apartment as an asset.
_________________________________________________________________
09/04/12
_________________________________________________________________
09/04/12
Part 548
Lawson and Sandra had returned from their honey moon the week before and as a combined welcome home and a farewell to the apartment/moving house celebration, Josh and Gaby organised a drinks and pizza evening for the team at their apartment that Saturday night.
Kerry was the last to arrive and after letting her in Josh stopped with her in the kitchen to fix her a drink before they joined the others on the balcony. As he poured her a white wine Josh said “what happened to Grant?”
Kerry grimaced and said “oh Josh, let’s just say I owe Leon a dinner.”
Josh nodded. He knew she meant that Leon picking up on who Grant Bailey was had done her a favour. It was his guess, that the other man’s involvememnt with the arms dealer wasn’t as innocent as he was making out. “Sorry” he said without looking at her.
She smiled “forget it Josh, I’m a big girl.”
Looking over at his boss, he gave her a small smile.
“Next time” she added “I’ll run my dates past Leon before I go out with them.”
Josh laughed “do you really want him to know that much about your private life?”
“Good point” she said “maybe I’ll forget dating and just sleep with them.”
Josh shrugged and grinned, “whatever works” he said and led the way outside.
___________________________________________________________________
12/04/12
___________________________________________________________________
12/04/12
Part 549
A couple of months later it was moving day for Josh and Gaby. While the bulk of the move was scheduled to happen over the weekend they had both taken the following week off work to settle in. At seven thirty that morning the movers arrived and Gaby let them in. It made no difference to her that it was an early start, she had hardly slept that night anyway. She had packed and labeled everything she could, but still she was full of nervous energy. She wouldn’t be able to relax now until they were moved in.
Josh was aware of the state she was in even though it didn’t show on the outside. He knew her well enough to realise how keyed up she was. As she walked past him for the fifth time to move the same box he smiled and grabbing her hand he stopped her. Pulling her into his arms he brought his mouth down on hers before she could argue.
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15/04/12
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15/04/12
Part 550
Josh didn’t lift his head until she’d relaxed a little and started to kiss him back. Then easing back he said “it’ll get done, stop worrying.”
“It won’t, if you keep stopping to kiss me” she teased, smiling at him.
Josh laughed. He knew if she was able to joke, he’d achieved his aim for now and releasing her he said “then bloody well stop stressing will ya and I won’t need to.”
Gaby sighed “I’ll try she said.”
“Good enough” he said knowing she wouldn’t stop worrying, no matter what he did. So resigned to doing what he could to make sure things ran smoothly and helping her relax later, he picked up the box she’d been moving around and walked out of the room.
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17/04/12
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21/04/12
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17/04/12
Part 551
A few hours later their apartment was packed up and on the back of the truck. Locking up the apartment for the last time, Gaby couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. “I’m going to miss this place” she said to Josh.
“I know” he said. “But you love the new house and before you know it, you won’t even think about it.”
“I hope so” she said looking back as she followed him to the car.
“Maybe I’ll have to give you something else to think about then” he teased.
“Like what?” she said distracted by his teasing.
Leaning down to kiss her before he opened the passenger door for her he said “I’ll think of something.”
Gaby smiled and got into the car, ready now to move ahead.
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20/04/12
Part 552 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it send me a message using the contact tab and I'll send you a link.
________________________________________________________________
20/04/12
Part 552 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it send me a message using the contact tab and I'll send you a link.
______________________________________________________________________
21/04/12
Part
553
Lying
over her still, fighting to get his breath back, Josh said “just as well we
shut the blinds.”
Gaby
laughed and slapped his back.
He
eased back and leaning on one arm to look down at her he said “because we might
of got run out of town on our first night.”
“Stop
it” she said laughing “I couldn’t help it.”
“No, I
got that” he said. “And leaning down to kiss her he said “well I guess we’re
home.”
Gaby
smiled and said “do you feel like eating?”
“No I
feel like picking you up and carrying you up to our new room and doing that
again, but as the bed isn’t made, I guess dinner will work.”
Gaby
laughed and running her hand down over his back she said “we can always do that
later.”
He gave
her a crooked smile, “I’ll look forward to that.” Then levering himself up he
pulled her to her feet and they gathered their scattered clothes. Then just as
they finished getting dressed again, a knock sounded on their door.
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22/04/12
_____________________________________________________________
22/04/12
Part
554
Gaby
and Josh looked at each other and then Josh moved through the entrance to the
door. He pulled it open and as Gaby walked up behind him, they both looked at
the young woman on their door step.
“Hi”
she said with a smile “I’m Terri.” She was slim and looked to be in her mid to
late twenties with long blonde hair and big blue eyes. She was wearing skin
tight jeans and a low cut white singlet that barely covered the ample curves beneath.
And as she pushed her hands into her back pockets Josh and Gaby were offered an
unrestricted view.
“Hey”
Josh said.
“I’m
your neighbour” she said pointing to the left “well one of them I share with
three of my friends. We saw you moving in and I thought I’d come and say
welcome to the neigbourhood.”
“Thanks”
Josh said “I’m Josh and this is Gaby.”
“Hi”
she said holding up a hand and looking from one to the other of them. “Would
you guys like to come in for a drink?”
“Thanks
anyway” Josh said “but we were just about to head out for dinner. Maybe next
time.”
“Sure” Terri said flicking her long hair over her shoulder and her smile widening, “drop in anytime. The girls and I are always up for a drink.”
“Sure” Terri said flicking her long hair over her shoulder and her smile widening, “drop in anytime. The girls and I are always up for a drink.”
Gaby
noticed that now she was only looking at Josh. She sighed.
“Thanks”
Josh said “see ya” and stepping back, he closed the door.
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22/04/12
_______________________________________________________________
22/04/12
Part
555
“I
think I want to go back to the apartment” Gaby said.
Josh
grinned. “What? She seemed nice.”
Gaby
rolled her eyes and walked back into the living room to put her shoes on.
Josh
chuckled and followed her. As she finished tieing her shoes he pulled her up
into his arms. Looking down at her he said “you’re not really worried are you?”
“About
you, no. About her, definitely.”
He
laughed “forget about her, we’ll probably never see her.”
“Yeah
right” Gaby said wrapping her arms around his neck “I saw the way she looked at
you.”
“I’m
only interested in one person looking at me” Josh said before lowering his head
and kissing her. Then picking her up he started up the stairs.
Gaby
lifted her head and said with a laugh “I thought we were getting dinner?”
“Food
will wait” he said “this won’t. You need another demonstration of just where my
interests lay.”
Gaby
smiled and brought her mouth down hard on his as he tumbled them onto their yet
to be made bed.
_____________________________________________________________________
23/04/12
_____________________________________________________________________
23/04/12
Part
556
An hour
later Josh and Gaby headed out for a walk to check out the amenities in their
local area. It was dark now but not cold with a full moon and a million stars
on show. In under five minutes walk they found a strip of shops and
restaurants. Grabbing a pizza, they turned back to towards the house. Josh
wrapped one arm around Gaby’s shoulders and he carried the food in the other.
After such a hectic day they were looking forward to just relaxing in front of
the TV.
But as
they were passing the house next door, Terri appeared out of her front door.
“Hey guys” she said trotting down to the path “we’re having a pizza too, come
in and join us, you can meet the others.”
Terri’s
eyes were on Josh, but it was Gaby that answered. “Thanks” she said “it’s been
a long day, we’re just going to eat and head to bed.”
Terri
nodded but didn’t look at her. “What about you Josh?” she said with an enticing
smile.
Gaby
frowned, she couldn’t believe the nerve of this woman, flirting with him right
in front of her.
“Thanks
anyway Terri, but I’m as tired as Gaby” he said starting to walk again,
“night.”
“Okay”
Terri said “see you soon. Night.”
Josh
held up his hand but he didn’t turn.
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23/04/12
________________________________________________________________
23/04/12
Part
557
Furious.
Gaby let them into the house and as Josh followed her inside she threw her keys
on the kitchen bench.
“Okay”
you were right he said putting the pizza box on the bench and pulling her into
his arms. Smiling he said “but you’ve got nothing to worry about. She’s not my
type.”
She
frowned at him, but didn’t speak. She didn’t want to sound how she felt, like a
jealous girlfriend but the other woman had made her see red. She trusted Josh
but the fact that Terri’s flirting was so blatant, had Gaby worried.
“Okay?”
he said.
“So you
wouldn’t have been interested if you were single?” she couldn’t help herself
asking.
“Maybe
when I was fifteen” he said grinning.
She looked
at him for a minute and then smiled and wrapping her arms around his neck she
said “you be careful. She may not give up. She certainly didn’t hold back
because I was there.”
Bending
down he kissed her and said “she won’t get far with me, now can we eat?”
“Okay”
she said and giving him a quick kiss she stepped out of his embrace and served
up the pizza.
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24/04/12
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25/04/12
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29/04/12
Part 561 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it message me via the contact me page and I'll send you a link.
___________________________________________________________________
24/04/12
Part
558
For the
next week Gaby and Josh got things in their new house organised. They painted a
couple of the rooms, installed some cupboards in the laundry and bought a new
table. By the next weekend all the boxes had been unpacked and with their
things around them, it felt like they had been there for years.
They
had seen no more of Terri and Gaby couldn’t help but be relieved. She had been
worried that the other woman was going to be a problem. However on Saturday, as
Josh was getting aquainted with their back garden and she was rearranging some
cupboards in the kitchen Gaby looked out and saw Terri leaning over the fence
talking to him. She frowned, but determined not to let it worry her, she turned
away and got back to what she was doing. But when next she looked out she was
surprised to see that not only had Terri gone, but so had Josh.
______________________________________________________________________
25/04/12
Part 559
Gaby
scanned the rest of the garden but Josh was nowhere to be seen. Figuring he’d
moved to the front, she shrugged and went back to what she was doing.
However
five minutes later the back door slammed behind her. Gaby jumped and spun
around. She looked at Josh whose expression was dark as thunder. He looked like
he wanted to hit something.
“What
is it?” she said.
Josh
leaned his hands on the bench, the muscles in his arms flexed as he fought to
get his temper under control.
Gaby
moved around the bench. She placed a hand on his back. She could feel the
tension in his muscles. “What happened?” she said.
Josh
turned his head to look at her. He gestured with his head in the direction of
Terri’s place “our neighbour” he said.
Gaby
frowned. “What did she do?”
“She
asked me to give her a hand with something she couldn’t reach. Never again.”
“Why?”
Gaby asked, having a horrible feeling she knew what was coming.
“Once
we were inside, she was all over me.”
“Was
anyone else home?” Gaby asked worried, that he might have put himself in a
position he’d be hard put to defend. It would be her word against his if she
made it an issue.
“Not
that I saw” he growled.
“What
did you do?”
“Got
out of there, what do you reckon?” he yelled.
Gaby
blinked.
“Sorry”
he said as he straightened
She
sighed and leaned her back against the bench her arms crossed over her chest.
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27/04/12
______________________________________________________________________
27/04/12
Part
560
“What
did she do?” Gaby said, not wanting to ask, but needing to know.
Josh
sighed and leant against the bench next to her. Not looking at her, he said “when
my back was to her, putting a box on a shelf, she took off her top and started
to run her hands over me, as I turned around she kissed me.”
Gaby
closed her eyes. She couldn’t make up her mind what she felt with more
intensity, anger or disgust.
“I
pushed her away” he added “told her it wasn’t happening, and left.”
She
moved away to look out the window over the back garden.
Josh
followed her, and stood behind her. He placed his hands on her hips.
Busy
trying to decide between warring emotions Gaby didn’t hear him move and she
started as he touched her.
Josh
frowned as he felt her involuntary movement. He wrapped his arms around her
waist. “I’m sorry” he said, his head next to hers. “I should have listened to
ya.”
She placed her hands over his and with a nod she said. “It’s okay.”
“Yeah?”
She hated the thought of her touching him, but she didn’t want this
to come between them so turning to face him, she nodded “you didn’t do anything
wrong, it’s fine.”
“I shouldn’t have gone in there.”
“You were trying to help. I love that you do things like that.
Unfortunately in this case, she used it against you.”
Bending down he kissed her.
Gaby sighed against his mouth and wrapping her arms tight around his
neck she kissed him back.
__________________________________________________________________
29/04/12
Part 561 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it message me via the contact me page and I'll send you a link.
____________________________________________________________________
01/05/12
“I don’t blame you for being angry” Terri said.
01/05/12
Part
562
A few
minutes later Gaby struggled to fill her lungs with air. Josh was still laying
over her and his chest was pounding as hard as hers. “Sorry” she said between
gasps.
“Don’t
be” he said lifting his head to look down at her. “I helped.”
She
sighed. “I needed you.”
He
nodded and touched her face, “me too.” Then seeing her sombre expression he
smiled and said “look at it this way, it’s another room christened.”
Gaby
looked at him for a minute and then burst out laughing. “I’m not sure that’s
something we should be bragging about.”
He
chuckled “I wasn’t planning on telling anyone.”
“Good”
she said, still laughing. “Sometimes I just can’t help myself where you’re
concerned.”
He
grinned and winked at her “nothing wrong with that” he said.
“Yes
there is, when it leads to this happening in inappropriate places.”
“Nothing
inappropriate about our own home.”
“Yeah
but the kitchen?” she groaned.
Helping
her to her feet and doing up his jeans, he shrugged “so what, as long as we
restrain ourselves while we have guests.”
Gaby
shook her head and laughed again. Then collecting her clothes she said “I’m going
to have a shower.”
“I’ll
join you” Josh said with a grin.
She
smiled and led the way upstairs.
_________________________________________________________
03/05/12
Part
563
Early
that evening, the front door bell rang. Gaby got up to answer it and seeing who
it was she had to stop herself from doing physical violence to the woman on
their door step.
She
glared at Terri.
“I know
you probably hate me, but can I talk to you for a second?” the other woman
said.
“There’s
no probably about it” Gaby said.
Hearing
Gaby’s terse response Josh moved over to see who was at the door. He frowned
when he saw their neighbour. “What the hell do you want?” he said, knowing how
much this would be hurting Gaby.
Terri
started to fidget, Gaby noted and she couldn’t maintain eye contact with either
of them. It did little to make her feel like being any more accommodating
towards the other woman though. She couldn’t believe her nerve to just knock on
their door after what she’d tried to do.
“I don’t blame you for being angry” Terri said.
“That’s
big of you” Gaby said crossing her arms over her chest.
“Please
let me explain.”
Josh’s
eyes widened “oh I thought your actions were pretty self explanatory.”
“No I
mean why I did, what I did” she said.
___________________________________________________________________
07/05/12
___________________________________________________________________
07/05/12
Part
564
Gaby
and Josh just looked at Terri. Neither could believe what they were hearing.
“You
mean other than the obvious explanation?” Gaby said in a cutting tone.
Terri
grimaced, “I deserved that” she said. Then after a second she added, “I’m
sorry. It was a stupid bet. I was so caught up in winning that I didn’t stop think
about how it would affect you. I liked the look of Josh when I saw you guys
arrived, I mean who wouldn’t and my girlfriend bet me….well you know what she
bet me.”
“I beg
your pardon” Gaby said, horrified. “Please don’t tell me you set out to ruin
the relationship of two people you’d
never met before, for a bet?”
Terri
winced “you’re right that isn’t any better is it?”
“If
that’s how you treat strangers, I’d hate to be one of your friends?” Gaby said,
furious.
“Look I
can’t do anything to take it back now” Terri said keeping her eyes on Gaby but
not quite looking her in the eye. “All I can say is that I’m sorry.”
“And
that’s supposed to fix things” Gaby said “Make me feel better?”
“No”
Terri said looking down at her feet now. “But I can tell you, you won’t have to
worry about seeing me around here anymore. I’m moving out today, now.”
“Finally
you’ve said something that makes a difference” Gaby said.
“I’m
sorry” Terri said again and then turned away and walked back down the front
steps.
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10/05/12
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20/05/12
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24/05/12
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31/05/12
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10/05/12
Part
565
Gaby
stepped back and slammed the door shut. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard.
“How dare she?” she ranted, stalking around the room.
Josh
sat down on the couch. He didn’t speak.
“What a
nerve?” Gaby said as she paced but when she still got no response after a
moment she turned and looked at Josh. “What?” she said.
“Nothing”
Josh said.
“You
think I was too rough on her?” Gaby said in a scathing tone, her eyes narrowed.
“I
didn’t sat that.”
“Yeah
but it’s what you’re thinking.”
“I
think the fact that you’re asking, shows it’s what you’re thinking” Josh said.
Gaby
glared at him.
“Look
I’m not going to tell you how you should feel, if it had happened to you
instead of me, there’d have been no discussion, I’d have hit the guy.”
“I
wanted to” Gaby said not looking at him.
He
chuckled, “I know.”
Gaby
dropped down onto the couch next to him with a sigh.
“I’m
not defending what she did or why, but you have to give her some credit for
coming around to explain, that wouldn’t have been easy.”
“And I
didn’t make it any easier, did I” Gaby said laying her head back and closing
her eyes.
“You
had a right to be angry” he said tucking some hair behind her ear.
She
turned her head and looked at him “she did say she was moving.”
He
nodded.
“I
should have told her it was okay.”
“No” he
said. ‘It wasn’t okay. You did the right thing. I just don’t want this eating
you up. I knew once the anger wore off, you’d start feeling guilty”
She looked
at him for a minute and then she smiled. “Thank you” she said and leaning over
she kissed him.
___________________________________________________________________
17/05/12
___________________________________________________________________
17/05/12
Part
566
“It’s our last free night before we go back to
work on Monday.” Josh said to Gaby “Do you want to meet up with someone for a
drink after dinner?”
“I’d
love to catch up with Lawson and Sandra” Gaby said.
“Yeah,
that’s who I was thinking. I’ll give them a call.”
“Okay”
Gaby said getting up, “I’ll go shower, but hey ask them over here.”
“Good
idea” Josh said.
Gaby
smiled and walking back to him she leaned down and kissed him. It was a heated
but brief exchange.
“What
was that for?” he said as she straightened.
“No
reason” she said grinning and running her hand along his jaw, “just because I
can.”
He grinned
and jumping up he said “I’ll call Lawson in a minute.”
Gaby
laughedand clasping his hand led the way up stairs.
________________________________________________________________________
20/05/12
Part
567
At
eight that night the door bell rang and Gaby jumped up from her seat on the
couch to answer it. “Sure you don’t want me to get it this time?” Josh teased.
Gaby
grinned “no I’ll do it, but it had better not be Terri.”
Josh
smiled and got to his feet.
She
pulled the door open and her smile widened “hey you two” Gaby said as she
hugged both Lawson and Sandra. “Come in.”
“Lawson”
Josh said as he shook his hand before bending to hug Sandra.
“Hey
mate” Lawson said as he looked around ‘this is nice.”
“It’s
beautiful” Sandra added.
Gaby
beamed “thanks. Let’s grab a drink and we’ll show you around.”
“Sounds
good to me” Sandra said her eyes scanning the living room again.
Gaby
led the way into the kitchen and Sandra’s jaw dropped. “This is amazing Gaby”
she said as she took in the stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Then
her eyes moved to the large expanse of glass leading out onto the back yard.
Josh had turned the outside lights on so they could see some of the back yard.
“Oh wow” she said moving over to the glass doors for a closer look, “how
perfect.”
“Thanks”
Gaby said handing her a glass.
_____________________________________________________________________
24/05/12
Part
568
“Have
you guys decided what you’re doing?” Gaby said referring to Sandra and Lawson’s
hunt for a place to live now they were married.
“No but
after seeing this I’m voting for looking around here.”
Lawson
rolled his eyes “we’ll see” he said.
Sandra laughed.
Gaby
smiled. “That would be fantastic, we could be neighbours.”
“Have
you met any of your neighbours?” Sandra asked as she looked out the window
again.
Gaby
stiffened but as she looked over at Josh she laughed. “You could say that” she
said.
“What?”
Sandra said looking from one to the other.
Josh
was laughing too now.
“I’ll
tell you about it later” Gaby said and turning she added “come on I’ll show you
the rest.”
________________________________________________________________________
31/05/12
Part
569
After
the tour, Josh, Gaby, Lawson and Sandra sat in the living room and Gaby
explained what had happened with Terri.
“That’s
a hell of a housewarming” Sandra said with raised eyebrows.
“Tell
me about it” Gaby said. “I nearly started packing up again.”
“You
and woman” Lawson teased Josh.”They’re always getting you into trouble.”
“It’s
got nothing to do with me” Josh said.
“It’s
got everything to do with you mate. I don’t see why personally, but the chicks
dig you.”
Josh
grinned. “I guess there are worse things I could attract.”
“Yeah”
Lawson said with a smirk “trouble, but you attract that too.”
Josh
scowled but Gaby and Sandra laughed.
Then
leaning over to kiss him Gaby said “I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
“Even
if women take their clothes off and try to seduce him?” Sandra teased.
“Even
then” Gaby said smiling at him. “I trust him, if not them.”
Josh
smiled and gave her a wink.
_________________________________________________________________________
04/06/12
____________________________________________________________________
13/06/12
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14/06/12
_______________________________________________________________________
16/06/12
Part 578 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it, message me on the contact me page and I'll send you a link.
________________________________________________________________________
17/06/12
_________________________________________________________________________
04/06/12
Part
570
The
next morning Josh and Gaby headed out for breakfast followed by a walk along
the beach. It was their last day off before they started back at work again.
Pulling Gaby against his side Josh kissed her head and said “happy?”
She
looked up at him and smiled. “I am now.”
“It was
a rough start hey?” Josh said as he thought that at least all the stuff with
Terri had stopped Gaby worrying about Harvey. He didn’t say that to her though,
he didn’t want her thinking about it again.
She
nodded “but I meant what I said last night, I wouldn’t change you for
anything.”
He
leant down and gave her a kiss “ditto” he said.
She
smiled and they continued their walk in the sunshine.
Later that
night Gaby cooked a roast dinner in their new kitchen and they watched a movie
before heading up to bed for a early night.
__________________________________________________________________________
08/06/12
__________________________________________________________________________
08/06/12
Part
571
The
next morning Josh met Michael on the way into base. “How’s the new place
going?” Michael asked. “All settled in?”
“Yeah
not bad, although I think you may have got on better with our new neighbours.”
“Who
are they?” the younger man asked.
“Four,
twenty something women” he teased.
“No way”
Michael said.
“Oh
trust me” Josh said “I’m not joking.”
“Why
what happened?”
“Let’s
just say one of them got way to close and personal” Josh said.
“How
did Gaby take that?”
“About
how you’d imagine”
“Ouch”
Michael said “well if it’ll make her feel any better I’ll come over and
distract them.”
“I’m
sure that would be all for Gaby’s benefit too” Josh said with a laugh.
“Well I
might get a little something out of it.”
“If you
get through the front door” Josh teased. “With your track record that’s no
certainty” he added as he walked off into the bulding.
“I’ll
just turn up in uniform, then they’ll have to let me in” Michael joked as he
followed Josh inside.
Josh
didn’t turn but he chuckled and said “good luck.”
________________________________________________________________________
10/06/12
________________________________________________________________________
10/06/12
Part
572
A little
over a month later Josh and Gaby were well settled in their new house. In the
main they enjoyed their place and discovering the amenities of their new
neighbourhood, however Josh couldn’t help but feel something wasn’t right. Over
time Gaby had become more and more distant. She hardly spoke now unless he
initiated conversation and when he asked her what was wrong she denied there
was a problem. Their physical relationship remained unchanged and it was only
at those times that Josh felt Gaby was truly engaged. To say Josh was worried,
was an understatement.
One Friday
night when he came home from work and found her sitting in the living room in
the dark, staring into space, he couldn’t take it anymore.
“Gaby, tell
me what’s wrong?” he roared.
She
turned her head and looked at him, “there’s nothing wrong.”
“That’s
crap” he said his concern expressing itself as anger. But as Gaby’s face
crmpled and tears began to run down her face, his anger evaporated. He pulled
her into his arms “don’t cry Gaby, talk to me.”
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10/06/12
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12/06/12
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10/06/12
Part
573
Gaby
couldn’t speak for a moment. Emotion overwhelmed and her hold on Josh was
tight. She didn’t want to tell him because she knew the minute she did, there
was no going back. But she also knew he had to know sometime so taking a deep
breath she moved out of his arms and looked up at him.
Josh
was worried as he searched her eyes and waited for her to speak. He couldn’t
think why Gaby would be in such a state. Surely she knew she could tell him
anything, that nothing would change how he felt about her. But what if she was
sick? His heart almost stopped beating at the thought. He couldn’t take this.
He needed to know what was going on.
Gaby
took a deep breath, and afraid of what she’d see, she lowered her eyes and said
“I’m pregnant.”
_________________________________________________________________________
11/06/12
_________________________________________________________________________
11/06/12
Part
574
To say
Josh was shocked was an understatement. He just looked at Gaby as he tried to
get his head around what she’d just said.
When
Josh didn’t say anything Gaby risked a glance at him and what she saw in his
eyes stopped her from looking away again. He looked stunned, which she’d
expected but it was the mixture of hurt and anger in his eyes that surprised
her.
“How
long have you known?” he asked.
“About
three weeks” Gaby said.
Josh
got to his feet and began to pace. “But you didn’t you tell me.”
“No”
Gaby said looking down at her hands in her lap.
“Why?” he said.
“Why?” he said.
Gaby
could tell by his tone that he was trying to keep in anger in check.
She
shrugged.
“Gaby?”
he growled.
Gaby
looked up, her eyes awash with tears “because I didn’t know how you’d feel
about it.”
Josh
glared at her “how I’d feel about it, or how you felt about?” he snarled.
____________________________________________________________________
12/06/12
Part
575
The
tears in Gaby’s eyes spilled over and ran down her cheeks. She bit her bottom
lip to stop it trembling. Josh was still glaring at her with his arms crossed
over his chest, his legs apart. She brushed the tears away and admitted “both.”
Josh
sighed and looked away. Then uncrossing his arms he sat down next to her, his
elbows rested on his parted thighs and his chin on his hands.
Gaby
didn’t speak, as she tried to get herself under control. She didn’t know what
to say.
After a
minute Josh sat back and looked at her. “This isn’t going to go away so we are
going to have to talk about it. How do you want to do that?” he said. “Do you
want me to tell you how I feel about it or would you rather tell me what you’re
feeling first?”
Gaby
sighed “I don’t know.”
“The
only way we are going to get through this is if we are honest. You’ve had a
hell of a lot longer to think about this than me so you go first” Josh said,
unable to keep the hurt out of his voice.
Gaby
winced and took a deep breath. After a second she said “I don’t know what I
feel. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It wasn’t supposed to be an accident”
she said, her voice breaking as tears began to flow again.
Josh
pulled her into his arms. He held her and waited for the storm to pass.
____________________________________________________________________
13/06/12
Part
576
“We’ll
work it out” Josh said to Gaby as he tried to sooth her.
“I’m
not ready” Gaby sobbed.
Josh
wrapped his arms tighter around her. “It’s okay” he said into her hair.
After a
minute, her tears spent Gaby sat back and looked at him. “This is such a mess”
she said “we’ve just moved in here, we can’t afford me to be out of work. Why
did it have to happen now?”
Josh
shrugged “I don’t know, but if it makes you feel any better I think every
prospective parent probably feels the same way, whether it’s planned or not.
It’s one thing to talk about something like having a baby, it’s another for it
to actually be happening, with no chance to back out. You’re not thinking about
backing out are you?” he asked, his expression worried. He wasn’t sure he could
live with that option.
But
Gaby looked shocked “no, definitely not.”
“Then
we are at least working from the same place and that leaves us with one option,
we move ahead whether we like it or not.”
Gaby just
looked at him. She wasn’t sure whether his last statement was about her or it
meant he wasn’t happy about it.
_______________________________________________________________________
14/06/12
Part
577
This
had been Gaby’s fear all along, that Josh didn’t want this and now it was out
in the open she couldn’t wait any longer. For better or worse she needed to
know. “So how do you feel about it?” she said in a tense whisper.
Josh
sighed “I’m still trying to get it to sink in” he said shaking his head.
“Of
course” she said looking away. She was disappointed but she understood, she’d
known for three weeks and still hadn’t come to terms with it.
“Gaby”
Josh said prompting her to look at him.
She
lifted her eyes and looked into his.
He
smiled “that doesn’t mean I’m not happy about it. It’s just going to take me
while to get used to it.”
“Really?”
she said not quite believing what she was hearing.
Josh
pulled her towards him “really” he said “I’m guessing when I do, I’ll be stoked”
before his mouth came down on hers and he kissed her.
Gaby
sighed against his mouth.
_______________________________________________________________________
16/06/12
Part 578 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it, message me on the contact me page and I'll send you a link.
________________________________________________________________________
17/06/12
Part 579
Still
on the couch a little later, laying in Josh’s arms, Gaby looked at him and said
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
He
searched her eyes for a moment and then his gaze slipping away he nodded “okay.”
“Is it?”
she asked, studying him. She wasn’t sure she believed him.
He
looked at her “it hurt, but I forgive ya.”
“I
really am sorry” she said again as she hugged him.Then moving back she looked
him and in the eye and added “I think I was in a state of shock for most of
that time. I just couldn’t believe it, even when I made myself get a pregnancy
test and I read the positive result I didn’t believe it. It wasn’t how I ever
thought it would happen.”
“Did
you really think I wouldn’t be happy about it?” he said
“I don’t
know. I was a mess, I thought you’d be the same. I should have had more faith
in you, I’m sorry.”
“I’ll just
put it down to hormones” he said with a crooked smile his hand coming up to
rest on her still flat stomach.
Gaby
smiled and placed her hand over his.
But
then she lifted her eyes to look at him. Her expression was one of shock as if
she’d just been hit. Eyes impossibly wide she said, “Josh we’re going to have a
baby” and after a seond she said again “we are going to have a baby.”
Josh
chuckled and teased “yeah, I got that.”
“We’re
going to have a baby” Gaby said again as if she hadn’t heard him. Her eyes staring
into his.
“First
you don’t tell me now you won’t stop telling me” he joked “breathe, we’ll be
fine.”
Gaby
laughed then and wrapping her arms around his neck she brought her mouth down
hard on his.
_______________________________________________________________________
19/06/12
_______________________________________________________________________
19/06/12
Part
580
Later
sitting together in front of the tv after dinner Josh said “how far along are
you anyway?”
“I
don’t know” Gaby said. “Maybe five weeks I think.”
“Have
you seen a doctor?”
“Yes. I
needed it to be confirmed. She gave me the name of an obstarician to contact, I
haven’t been able to bring myself to do that yet.”
“Do it
tomorrow” he said. “I‘ll come with you to the appointment, when ever that is.”
She
turned to smile at him “I still can’t believe it’s real.”
His
hand resting on her stomach again he said “you’ll be able to see it’s real soon
enough.”
“Will
you care?”
“What
that soon anyone will be able to see you’re pregnant? Why would I care?”
Gaby
looked away. “Well I won’t look the same.”
Lifting
her face so she was looking at him Josh said “I love you Gaby, not just the
package you come in, not that that’s not good” he added with a smile, “I can’t
wait to see you carrying my child.”
Gaby
smiled and reaching up, she gave him a sweet kiss.
_______________________________________________________________________
21/06/12
_______________________________________________________________________
21/06/12
Part
581
“What
are we going to do about me being out of work?” Gaby asked with a worried
expression as she eased back.
“Do you
want to go back to work afterwards?” he said.
“I
don’t know. I think so, eventually.”
“Well
you’ll get maternity leave with pay won’t you?”
“Yes”
she said. “But it won’t be for long, six months at the most.”
“Okay
well that gives us some breathing room. In the mean time we might have to look
at seeing your house or the apartment.”
“Well
we know the apartment won’t sell quickly so I guess we need to look at selling
my place.”
“Do you
mind?” he said.
“Not
now, no.”
“Okay
so we’ll be good then.”
She
nodded and then sighed, “that’s a weight off my mind. I think I was more
worried about that than anything.”
“That can
always be worked out” Josh said “it’s only money, we have plenty of assets.”
She
smiled.
“Something
that isn’t so easy, is what we do about us.”
Gaby
frowned “what do you mean?”
“I’d
like us to get married” Josh said.
“Oh”
Gaby said, her eyebrows shooting up.
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23/06/12
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24/06/12
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29/06/12
23/06/12
Part
582
Josh
reached out and touched Gaby’s face, “no good?” he said. He hadn’t forgotten
her reaction the last time they talked about marriage. It wasn’t positive and he
didn’t want to upset her, but this was important to him.
“You
want us to get married because we are having a baby?” she asked with a frown.
Gaby didn’t want them taking that step for the wrong reason. It would never
work if it was.
But
Josh shook his head, “no” he said “I’ve wanted it to happen for some time “but
I knew you weren’t that keen so I didn’t push it. There’s going to be three of
us now though and two of us will have the same name. I don’t want anyone to
feel left out.”
Gaby’s
eyes clouded with unshed tears.
Josh
smiled “so back to my question, no good?”
Gaby
searched his eyes for a minute and then leaning forward she kissed him. After a
second she said against his mouth “very good.”
He
grinned and deepened the kiss. Soon they were lost to the world once more.
________________________________________________________________________
24/06/12
Part
583
“Can we
do it soon?” Gaby said a little later. “Not that the wedding isn’t important to
me, but I really don’t want to look pregnant on my wedding day.”
Josh
grinned “sooner the better as far as I’m concerned. How fast can you get it
organised.”
“Why
don’t we just have a service in that lovely church down the road and come back
here for the reception. We can get caterers in and have in in the backyard.”
“Works
for me. I have a long weekend in three weeks, can you do it that fast.”
“You
watch me” Gaby said.
Josh
laughed. ‘That’s my girl.”
Gaby
grinned and hugged him, she couldn’t believe all the changes that had occurred
in the last couple of hours.
__________________________________________________________________
29/06/12
Part
584
“Tomorrow”
Josh said “we’re buying you a ring.”
“I
don’t need a ring” Gaby said.
“I need
you to have a ring” he said “so we’re doing it.”
She
laughed “okay and we’ll pick wedding rings while we’re there then we can check
the church is free. I’ll have to tell dad and make sure he’s free, but I’m sure
he’ll cancel any plans he happens to have. Other than him there is just a few
people from work I’ll ask.”
“The
rest of TR will be rostered off so I’ll tell them all on Monday and those that
can come, can come, those that can’t, no big deal. There are a few other mates I’ll
ask but I’m sure they’ll do their best to make it.”
“We’ll
just have Lawson and Sandra stand up for us. I think they’ll be happy to return
the favour” Gaby said.
“Yep,
sounds good” Josh said. “I’ll call them tomorrow once we have the church
booked.”
“Monday
I’ll find a caterer and look for a dress.”
“Then
it’s just details” he said.
“Yeah
but a lot of them” Gaby said starting to feel a little over-whelmed.
He
kissed her neck “if we can create a whole new person, we can do anything” he
said.
Gaby
smiled. As always he filled her with a confidence she didn’t feel on her own.
She kissed him.
___________________________________________________________________
03/07/12
___________________________________________________________________
03/07/12
Part
585
The
next day Josh and Gaby found a ring they both liked in the first shop they
tried and it fitted her. It was a large solitaire diamond set in a white gold
band. They also chose wtite gold wedding bands. It was a good omen and their
luck continued at the church. The small stone church a few minutes walk from
their house was incapable of holding anything but an intimate gathering so it was
not heavily booked. They had the required Saturday available so Josh and Gaby
wasted no time in booking it.
As they
were done earlier than expected Gaby started contacting caterers and found
three who were available on the required date. She made appointments to look at
their menu’s during the following week to make the final decision. So all the
major elements were set now. Gaby couldn’t believe it had happened so easily, now
they just had to tell people.
“Are we
going to tell everyone about the baby?” she asked as they sat in the living
room that night.
“I
thought you didn’t tell people until twelve weeks” Josh said.
“Normally
that’s right, but people are going to ask why we’re in such a hurry.”
“So let
them ask” Josh said “we just didn’t see a reason to wait.”
“And
when they find out about the baby later?”
Josh
shrugged “who cares. They can think what they like. We know why we’re getting
married, that’s all that matters.”
She
smiled. “You’re right. Okay we don’t mention the baby until we are twelve weeks
along.”
“Done”
he said.
“What
about a honeymoon? Can you get time off?”
“I can,
can you?”
“Three
weeks from now is one week off end of term so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Then
leave it to me” Josh said kissing her head “I’ll organise it.”
She
smiled “thank you.”
“No
problem”
__________________________________________________________________
12/07/12
__________________________________________________________________
12/07/12
Part
586
By that
Wednesday Gaby had chosen her dress and picked the caterer, told her friends
and family and ordered some flowers and a cake. Now all she had to do was some
minor details. Josh and Lawson were going to choose suits on Saturday and Gaby
and Sandra were then going to find a bridesmaid dress for Sandra.
Once
again this proved to be painless. “I can’t believe it’s all been so easy” Gaby
said to Sandra as they walked out of the store with shoes and a dress.
“When
it’s meant to be, it works” Sandra said. Then with a cheeky smile she said “so
are you going to tell me the reason for the rush?”
“No
reason” Gaby said with a smile. She had been waiting for this. “We just didn’t
want to wait any longer. Josh could get time off at the same time as me so we
decided to go for it.”
Sandra
looked at her for a minute and gaby got the feeling she didn’t buy it, but in
the end she said “okay, fair enough. So what’s left to do?”
“Not
much” Gaby said “just the little stuff.”
“Let me
organise the something old, something new etc for you” Sandra said.
Gaby
smiled. “I hadn’t even thought of that, thank you.”
“My
pleasure” Sandra said. “Now how about a coffee?”
“Perfect”
Gaby said.
can't believe they released him?!?
ReplyDeleteHaha, neither could Josh. Thanks.
ReplyDelete