Chapter 31

Gabriel arrived downstairs right on time the following evening. Emma had just finished applying her lipstick when his message popped up on her phone. Even now, it still didn't feel real. She hadn't expected to step into a new life this quickly. She closed her eyes briefly and pushed down the emotions swirling inside her. Outside, Gabriel leaned against the car door with his arms crossed. His expression was calm and unreadable, but when he saw her approaching, something flickered in his eyes. It was gone almost as soon as it appeared. His gaze lingered just long enough to make her uneasy, so she tugged at the hem of her skirt, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Is this dress too much?" He could sense her hesitation. She wore a black mini-dress that barely skimmed her thighs. Her dark hair fell in soft waves, and her makeup was more refined than usual. After years of dressing to match Frank's preferences, she was finally making choices for herself again, but the unfamiliarity of it