Speak To Me

(Gabriella)

"Hey, just take a deep breath. We will be there soon." Jamie reassured me, his hand reaching out and gripping my own as I nodded once, trying to calm myself down.

I don't know if I was even this nervous on my wedding day..I mean, that was easy compared to this stress..

What if Katrina sees me and realizes she still hates me? What if I'm not good enough..

"Stop..you're overthinking." My husband added, reading me like a book.

"I j-just..what if sh-sh-she.." I stuttered, trying to calm down before taking another deep breath.

Grant let out a sigh from across the way, ready to add in his two cents while Jamie held me closer.

"Then it's her loss..but I really don't think she will..from what my brother says, she is a completely different person." Grant chimed in, causing my gaze to glide towards him. I couldn't help but smile from seeing Sammy's sleeping form resting against him. I know Grant was nervous too..

Apparently, the Sammy reveal didn't go over too well..his brother was pretty mad that Grant kept it a secret.

"She does s-sound d-different over the phone." I won't lie..the Katrina I have spoken to is definitely not the same one I grew up with..but seeing her in person adds a whole new level of anxiety to it.

We have even been texting every day..usually just small things or memes we find funny..but I never had that with her before either.

"Well, I know this is a lot already..but Gabriella..I think while we are here, we should get some clarity on mom..because if Katrina knows something."

"Grant..I d-don't want to upset her." Wouldn't that be too much for one trip? Even though a deep part of me needs it..

If Regina had a part in my mother's suicide..that would be huge. I know Grant needs to hear it too.

"Let's just play it by ear..we don't have to rush anything. We are staying for a few days and if it feels right to ask, then we will."

Well, since when did my husband become the voice of reason? I mean..that was a pretty understanding response for him..in the past, he might've just gone behind my back and gotten the answers himself.

Okay, I wouldn't put it past him to still do that..but he has been a good boy lately..so it's probably unlikely he would..maybe..

"We're here." Grant informed us, making me lean over Jamie as I peered outside and watched as a huge black iron gate came into view.

"And here I thought you quit the mafia lifestyle.." Jamie grumbled, observing the men with guns guarding the gate outside.

"It doesn't mean we still don't have enemies." Grant added, giving Jamie a smirk as my husband frowned deeply.

"You better be fucking joking.." Jamie growled, causing my brother to smile even wider.

"Don't worry, we are safe here..it's almost been three years and we haven't had any murder attempts yet. Well, besides that one time..but we handled that accordingly."

I swear I had never heard Jamie gasp so loud.

I began tuning them out, my thoughts filling with one person only as we passed through the guarded gates and made our way up the winding driveway.

"Nope, turn the car around.." Jamie snapped, making Grant laugh and almost wake up Sammy as my eyes landed on the people waiting for us outside. "K-Katrina!"

I rushed out, almost lunging over Jamie as I tried to get a closer look.

I could see a young woman sitting in a wheelchair, letting me know it had to be Katrina from what my father already told me. She had on a stocking cap and was bundled up beneath a blanket.

Next to her stood a guy who looked around my age..and I could tell right away it was one of Grant's brothers..most likely Grayson with how close he was to her. But eleven though they didn't look too much alike..they seemed to have the same type of aura around them. Like they were born with this power and confidence they held.

"Yep, he's got it real bad." Grant mumbled to himself before laughing lightly.

"Hey buddy, we're here." Grant whispered while gently nudging Sammy awake, and I swear his eyes snapped open like the energizer bunny.

"Already? Did I miss anything?" Sammy rushed out, making Grant shake his head no.

"Nope, all the fun is starting now."

I swear when the car came to a halt I didn't know who was more excited to get out first..me or Sammy.

But the moment Jamie helped me out, my eyes locked onto Katrina's green ones. I could see her face had a few scars..but truthfully..she looked great. Even better than I thought she would. "Gabriella." Her soft voice said my name, the look in her eyes filling with sorrow as I felt my heart ache.

"K-Kat.." I managed to choke out, watching her gaze dart to my stomach and then back to my face.

"You..you look beautiful. Pregnancy suits you." She said, surprising me as I quickly made my way in front of her.

"You l-look beautiful too K-Kat..I'm..I'm so happy to s-see you." I felt my voice crack with emotion, those tears now spilling over as Katrina quickly swiped at her cheeks...wiping away her own.

"You don't have to lie..I know I look horrific." She laughed, making not only me but the guy behind her frown at the same time.

"No you d-don't Kat..I p-promise..I don't think I have e-ever seen you th-this radiant."

It was true..something about her just seemed so different..in a good way..a way that made my eyes glue to her face and marvel at the happiness behind it.

"Told you." The guy behind her said with a huge grin as I reached out for Katrina's hand..seeing her hesitate for a moment before taking it. I watched as pink silk gloves slipped out from beneath the blanket, gripping me gently.

"It's so weird to see you here...like, in person..and to hear and see you talk." She whispered, and I just nodded in response, unable to fight this smile that I couldn't hide any longer.

"So m-much has changed..and I'm s-so excited to be here with you." I added, realizing a lot really has changed.

"I can't wait for you to see the facility. I'm the only patient here right now, but the staff has been so incredible..and Grayson he..well, I guess you know who he is. Isn't that weird how all of this worked out?" Katrina began to ramble. I won't lie..a twinge of guilt hit me..the fact that Katrina still thought this was a facility might not be a good thing..if she finds out the truth on her own, it will crush her.

Before I could respond, Grayson pulled away from Katrina and stuck his hand out for me..which Jamie didn't seem to like too much..

"It's great to finally meet you..considering my brother almost ruined the chances on more than one occasion..I'm glad it all finally worked out..." Grayson said, giving me a bright smile as Jamie pulled me closer to his side. What was his deal?

"And this must be Sammy then hmm?" Grayson added, going to look around us as Sammy hid behind Grant's leg, only making it so his blue eyes were visible.

"He isn't used to meeting a lot of new people." Grant explained, making Sammy look up at him now.

"Dad..who is that?"

I swear Grayson almost started choking..the look on his face filled with pure shock before he switched emotions just as fast and started to laugh..like, really laugh.

"Oh god..I love this..I love this so damn much..let me look at you kid." Grayson walked forward, causing Sammy to hug Grant's leg even tighter as Grayson crouched down, getting on his level.

"Don't worry..I won't hurt you..in fact, I'm your Uncle..your cool Uncle Grayson..I'm your Dad's brother. Just like Gabriella is his sister."

Sammy blinked his eyes slowly, trying to process this information as he looked up at Grant for some type of reassurance.

"He is my brother..my annoying little brother..very very annoying..and sometimes stinky." Grant said before plugging his nose to make a point.

"Hey! I don't stink!" Grayson gasped, making Sammy burst into laughter as he finally began to relax.

I glanced towards Katrina, seeing a big smile fill her face as she gazed up at Grayson happily.

"I told you it would be fine. You had nothing to worry about Princess." Jamie whispered against my ear, causing me to turn my head and look up at him.

"Y-you're right..you always are. Th-thank you for doing all of th-this." I praised my husband, seeing that goofy grin fill his face as he bent down to kiss me.

It was weird..even though we just got here and all of this was still so new..I felt like I was surrounded by family..real family..and I think Katrina felt it too..

I continued to hold her hand as Grayson and Grant eventually stopped bickering so we could go inside.

I just hope this truly is the start of something new...something I have longed for since I was a child..and maybe we will get even more answers about the past..some closure that both Grant and I need to hear..I just hope it stays like this..because I'm starting to really love the little family Jamie and I are making.

Not just with Grant and Katrina..but with Jamie's parents and Jolie and Rylan too. Then before we know it, our own little babies will be here..and I can't wait.

"Well, let's give you all the tour then..Welcome to Easton estates." Grayson announced as the front doors opened wide before he started pushing Katrina towards the door as she kept hold of my hand. This really did feel so right..