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That s what I m here for.
He lowered Catherine onto the bed and in less than thirty seconds had her stripped and a wisp of
a nightgown tugged over her slender form. Then he tucked her under the covers. He joined her
ten seconds later, but by that time she d already fallen sound asleep. Thank God for small
miracles, he couldn t help but think. Sweeping her close, he brushed her hair back from her brow
and planted a gentle kiss there. Satisfied that he d accomplished his goal with minimal effort, he
cushioned her head against his shoulder and allowed sleep to consume him as well.
As the end of the week approached, Gabe kept a weather eye on Catherine, ensuring that she ate
properly and caught as much sleep as possible. She tolerated his interference, seemed amused by
it, even. Perhaps she understood that it originated from concern. And that gave him hope that
maybe this time around they d get their relationship right.
By Friday morning, the day of the reception, Catherine s calm had vanished and her nerves had
shredded through her self-control. Anything I can do? he asked over breakfast.
She shook her head. I have some paperwork to take care of this morning
You and I both know it s all in order.
She flashed a brief, tense smile. True. But I m going to review it, anyway. Late this morning I ll
head over to Milano s and finalize the arrangements for tomorrow s reception. Joe s outstanding
at his job, so I don t doubt everything will be perfect, but
You ll feel better after making sure. Gabe nodded in complete understanding. What about
tonight s rehearsal dinner?
That s the responsibility of the groom s family, thank goodness. Once the rehearsal is out of the
way, I ll come home. He could see her do a mental run-through of her to-do list and wondered
if she even noticed that she d fallen into the habit of calling the apartment home. I want to try
for an early night, which shouldn t be a problem. There will be a few last-minute phone calls to
make before turning in, just to confirm everyone knows what time they need to show up
tomorrow.
He covered her hand with his. No one will dare be late.
She relaxed enough to offer a genuine smile. You re right about that. It s not wise to tick off a
woman clinging to the edge of a cliff by a fingernail.
His grin faded, replaced by concern. That bad?
She hesitated, then shook her head. Not really, she confessed. I ve got two or three fingernails
firmly dug in.
Maybe he could help with that. I want to escort you to the wedding tomorrow, Cate.
She stared blankly. I ll be working.
I understand. But I d like to be there to offer moral support, as well as give you another set of
hands should there be a snag.
A frown formed between her eyebrows. People will think I can t handle my own business, she
argued.
I ll keep a low profile.
Right, she said in exasperation. Because, goodness knows, no one in Seattle will recognize
Gabe the Pirate Piretti.
He tried another tack. My presence might help keep Annie s mother in check.
I can handle Beth, Catherine grumbled.
I don t doubt it. But it might force her to think twice before causing trouble or throwing a fit
over some trifling problem.
Catherine turned white. There will be no trifling problems. There will be no problems at all.
Hell. That s what I meant to say, he hastened to reassure her. I ll just be your muscle.
To his relief, she relaxed ever so slightly, and her smile flashed again. Fine. You can be my
muscle. Muscle remains in the background and blends in with the wallpaper.
Got it. I can do wallpaper.
Catherine simply shook her head in open amusement. Good try, but you couldn t do wallpaper
if your life depended on it.
He lifted her hand and kissed it. Why, thank you, darling. Allow me to return the compliment.
She visibly softened. You don t have to come, Gabe. I won t need help.
You re right, you won t. But I want to be there for you.
She debated for a few seconds before nodding. Fine. This one time you can come.
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