Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,103
up with a cure, that was when Gabriel knew he needed to get out of there. He couldn’t listen to how they would be able to treat his oldest sister when they had been a year too late for Rebekah.
Gabriel didn’t blame Connor. No, he blamed the fates. And himself. If he had been stronger, been able to resist going back to work for Gordon Flanagan, he wouldn’t be in prison. Wouldn’t be paying for his crimes. Rebekah wouldn’t have paid with her life. And without her, there was no point in living. Getting out on weekend passes was only breaking his heart further, and watching his family with their kids living happy lives when he would never have that was the worst punishment of all.
His reason for living was gone. It was time he was too.
Isabelle sobbed as Jonas placed the urn containing Gabriel’s ashes next to Rebekah’s. She blamed herself for pushing her brother to leave his cell every month and join their family. She thought their happiness would rub off on him, only it had the opposite effect. After Christmas Eve at her home, Gabriel shut down. He refused to leave his cell even to go outside and smoke. He sat in his room with Rebekah’s urn cradled in his arms. He stopped eating. Stopped drinking. Isabelle continued visiting, talking about anything and everything, but the day she mentioned their sister Marcella had been cured, Gabriel lost his shit. It was the first time he yelled at her. The first time she honestly feared her brother.
Isabelle should have thought about how insensitive her words were. How it cut her brother that his mate had died from the same disease Connor found a cure for too late to save her. Gabriel kept the window blocked so Isabelle couldn’t see in, and at her request, Aldredge removed the covering. Gabriel ignored Isabelle after he yelled at her to get out. He ignored everyone. She wanted Dante to do something, but her mate sat her down and told her she needed to be prepared – Gabriel was letting go.
It took a lot of soul searching on her part, but Isabelle finally got it. Even if Gabriel got out of prison someday, he would never find happiness. His mate was gone, and he had nothing to live for. The next time she visited him, she stood outside his door and told him she understood. Isabelle told Gabriel she loved him. That she would miss him greatly, but she would be okay. The next day, he crossed over.
Caroline stepped beside Jonas and straightened the already perfectly placed vessel. When she turned, she had her hands cradling her stomach the same way Isabelle did when she was…
“Mom?”
Caroline’s smile was sad, but she was smiling nonetheless. “I have some news.” She grabbed Jonas’s hand, and he raised their joined fists to kiss her knuckles. “Jonas and I… We didn’t plan it. I never thought…”
“We’re pregnant,” Jonas finished for her. “In six months, we’re going to have another child. A girl according to Connor.”
Caroline wiped a tear off her cheek. “If it would be okay with everyone, I would like to name her Gabriella. Not after me, but after your brother.”
Tabitha was the first to say anything. She had claimed the name upon learning it was Caroline’s first name, but now, Isabelle’s niece ran up to Caroline and hugged her. “I think it’s perfect, Grandma. In fact, I think you should name her Rebekah Gabriella.”
Isabelle thought the same thing. It was the perfect way to honor the male, the brother and son, who had been through more than anyone should have to endure. It would also honor the female who brought light into an otherwise dark world. Both Gabriel and Rebekah would live on in their hearts, and this new baby would carry their names to honor their memories.
RAFAEL & KAYA
Chapter One
Rafael thanked Frey for the update, then disconnected and went to check on Sebastian while Kaya was in the shower. His cousin was doing a wonderful job in Rafe’s absence. It was one reason he was in no hurry to return. Another reason… that was more complicated.
When Rafael entered the room, his son gave him a toothless smile. Bas was standing in his crib, holding onto the edge and wiggling front to back. “Baba.” Rafe insisted Bas was saying papa, but he could be trying to say momma since he babbled the word no matter who was around. Kaya interpreted it to mean bottle.