Chapter 29

Velma said, "I can tell Gabriel is serious about Emma. Honestly, I was worried she might have hired an actor just to fool me, so I tested him. I asked him all sorts of questions about Emma—her habits and preferences. Guess what? "He answered every question effortlessly like he knew her inside and out. You'd have to know someone that well to be so fluent. I'm convinced, and this marriage has my approval." Darren chuckled indulgently. "As long as you're happy, I'll go along with whatever you decide." She asked coquettishly, "What if I got it wrong?" "I've always trusted your instincts." "Aren't you a sweet talker?" Velma laughed and snuggled into Darren's embrace. … The elevator doors slid open as Emma and Gabriel stepped out. Velma's words still echoed in Emma's mind. Emma took a deep breath, and her fingers curled slightly in embarrassment. "Sorry about that. My mom can be pretty chatty. You must've had a hard time." Gabriel's lips curled into a faint, relaxed smile. He lifte