Chapter 31

Chapter 31
The sun hung low in the sky as Gabriel's car rolled through the clean, tranquil suburban streets of Vancouver's outskirts. The familiar sights of neatly trimmed lawns and tree-lined sidewalks greeted him as he approached his father's home—a stately residence nestled among the peaceful surroundings.

His father, Harvey's, property emitted an aura of elegance and sophistication, with its sprawling grounds and flawlessly manicured gardens, all of which the older man maintained by himself. Gabriel parked his car in the driveway, the crunch of gravel under his tires echoing in the stillness of the neighborhood.

Stepping out of the car, Gabriel took a moment to appreciate the surroundings. He noticed how the garden seemed well-tended and properly trimmed, and memories of how he and his father spent their evenings in the garden of his childhood home came flooding back. A soft smile tugged at his lips before he made his way to the front door. Ringing the doorbell, he awaited his father's familiar greeting.

The door swung open to reveal Harvey standing in the doorway, a warm smile spreading across his face at the sight of his son. With salt-and-pepper hair combed back from his forehead, Harvey was practically just an older version of Gabriel, except his own eyes were a deep, warm brown, a stark contrast to Gabriel's inherited blue-green gaze from his mother, Nora.

"Gabriel, my boy! What a pleasant surprise," Harvey exclaimed, enveloping his son in a tight embrace.

Gabriel returned the hug with an added pat on his dad’s back, a similar smile spreading across his face. “Good to see you too, Pops,” he replied, following his father into the living room.

As they settled into the plush armchairs, Harvey turned to Gabriel with a curious expression. “So, what brings you here today? Not that I'm complaining, of course. It's always a pleasure to have my favorite son pay me a visit.”

Gabriel chuckled at his father's teasing tone. “I’m your only child, Dad. And I just thought I'd drop by and say hello. Plus, I wanted to catch up with you. It's been too long since we had a proper chat, and I'm not counting the ones we have over the phone.”

Harvey nodded, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Well, you know I'm always here if you need someone to talk to. So, how have you been? How's work?”

Gabriel shrugged, leaning back in his chair. “Work's been busy, as always, but it’s nothing I can't handle, trust me. How about you? How's retirement treating you?”

Harvey laughed, a twinkle in his eye. “Retirement? What's that? I'm busier now than I ever was when I was working, with monitoring the constructions and everything. But I can't complain. Keeps me on my toes. Plus, I have to keep fit one way or the other.”

Gabriel smiled, shaking his head. “I should’ve known that you can never stay idle to save your life. Sounds like you're enjoying yourself, at least.”

“Like I said, can't complain,” Harvey replied with a smirk. “Besides, I've got my beautiful home here to keep me company. There’s always something to do on the property.”

Gabriel chuckled. “You never change, Dad. Always the optimist.”

Harvey couldn't help but notice the excited energy radiating off of his son. “Forget me. You appear to be in a good mood today, son. Anything exciting happening in your life?"

Gabriel hesitated for a moment, debating whether to share the news about his progressing relationship with Joslyn. But knowing he could confide in his father, he decided to open up. “Actually, Dad, there is something, or rather, someone,” he admitted, his excitement creeping further into his voice.

Harvey's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? Well, don't keep me waiting. Tell me all about her.”

Gabriel laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Her name's Joslyn. She's...she's incredible, Dad, really. I daresay I've never met anyone like her before.”

Harvey smiled warmly, sensing his son's evident and genuine affection for this woman. “Well, she must indeed be something special if she's got you smiling like that. When do I get to meet her?"

Gabriel grinned, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. “Soon, hopefully. I think you'll like her. Actually, I’m certain you'll like her.”

“She sounds like an amazing woman, Gabriel,” Harvey remarked, nodding in approval. “Just like your mother, Nora. I remember when I was pursuing her back in the day—she gave me quite the run for my money too. But in the end, it was all worth it.”

Gabriel smiled at the mention of his mother. “Yeah, Mom is indeed one of a kind,” he agreed with a chuckle.

Harvey's expression turned wistful as he continued. “You know, thinking back on it now, I realize I didn't fight hard enough for her. I let her go too easily, and I regret that every day. Hearing you talk about Joslyn, it reminds me of what could have been if I had fought for your mother with everything I had.”

“Dad, I understand how you feel,” Gabriel began, his voice gentle yet firm. “But remember, it's never too late to show Mom how much you still care. Keep being persistent, not just with extravagant gestures, but with the little things too. Give her your attention, your time. That's what she needed from you when you were both married and it’s what she would appreciate more than anything.”

Harvey's expression softened, a mix of regret and longing evident in his eyes. “But your mother has refused to give me the time of the day, Gabriel,” he confessed, his voice heavy with emotion. “And honestly, I can't blame her.”

Gabriel placed a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder. “Trust me when I say this, Pops,” he said gently. “As much as she tries to pretend, Mom misses you too. She keeps every single thing you get for her—from every grand bouquet to every gift. And I'm pretty sure if she didn't enjoy them, they'd be found in the trash outside her house. Give her your time and attention too, Dad, like I said. She'll warm up to you again soon. Besides, she was your wife. You know how stubborn Mom is. It’s her second chance to play hard to get with you again, she wouldn’t pass it up for anything.”

Harvey laughed alongside Gabriel, nodding as he took in his son’s words. “You're absolutely right, son. Thank you for reminding me of that. I'll make sure to keep that in mind.”

“And Gabriel?” Harvey started.

Gabriel hummed in response.

“Joslyn sounds like a rare gem, just like your mother. So don't make the same mistakes I did. Don't let her slip away. Never settle for anything less than love. And when you find it, hold onto it with everything you've got,” Harvey told him, his voice thick with emotion.

“I will, Dad. I promise,” Gabriel said, his eyes glistening with firm resolve.

Gabriel's heart swelled with determination as he made a silent vow to himself. He would do everything in his power to completely win Joslyn over, and not just her body. He wanted her heart, her soul, her imperfections, her perfections, and everything else she had to offer. 

He wanted all of her—his history with her best friend be damned.