Well, it seems that my pairing of Gabi and Joey is getting mixed reviews. Some of you like it and some of don't. I have decided that the reviews I get for and against the couple will determine my decision on whether they do actually get together. Thanks again for reading my story.

Soul Mates

Chapter 31

Will was running around the house trying to get everything just right for his little girl's first birthday party. She might not remember it but it wanted lots of pictures so one day when she sat down with her kids, she could show them what kind of dad their grandpa was.

"Babe, take it easy. Everything will be just fine. It'll be perfect in fact."

"I know that but I want our daughter's first birthday party to be one that she'll may not remember but she'll be able to look at the pictures and say, 'my dad's through this awesome party for me even though I was too young to know what was going on'."

"Our daughter sure is concerned about what kind of dads she has." Sonny pulled his frustrated husband into his arms and kissed him. "Don't worry babe, Marlena Grace is always going to know what kind of father you are."

"What makes you think that?" Will asked as Sonny kissed him again.

"Because I'm going to be right there standing beside her telling her that she has an awesome father who would do anything for her." Even give up the love of his life, Sonny thought to himself.

"I'm sorry for everything that happened last year before she was born. I almost gave her up and that would have been a huge mistake. I loved you so much that I was willing to let someone else raise my daughter so I wouldn't lose you."

"I know what you almost sacrificed for me. I am glad that it didn't happen like that because you need that little girl probably more than she needs you. I would have hated myself if you had given her up just for me."

"That's how much I love you. You were my life then and you are my life now." They kissed again.

"Okay lovebirds, there is plenty of time for hanky panky after your daughter's party."

"Hey mom. Is dad going to be here today?" Will asked his mom.

"He said he's going to be here and he's bringing a date." Sami almost sounded jealous of Lucas' life.

"Mom, I'm glad that dad is finally happy. He deserves some happiness, doesn't he?"

"Sure he does."

"Then act like it." Just then Justin and Adrienne came in the house. "Hello, Justin, Adrienne. Good to see the two of you."

"Hello sons." Justin hugged Sonny's first and then Will. "So how is my granddaughter doing?"

"She is wonderful dad. She is taking a nap right now so she'll be in a good mood when it's time for the party." Sonny walked over to his mom. "Hello mom. How are you?"

"I'm good son."

"That's good. Is Joey going to be here?" he asked.

"He said he was when I talked to him this morning. And he said he's bringing a date."

"It's good that he found someone who can put up with his idiosyncrasies."

"He said that she's perfect for him. I think he's even seeing a future with this girl."

"Well, all of us wondering Kiriakis' have to settle down one day when we find the right person for us." Just then Will walked up behind Sonny and slid his arms around him. "Speaking of my better half," Sonny kissed his husband.

"Hello there handsome. Hello mom." Will hugged Adrienne, shocking both her and him.

"Hello son." she hugged him back, surprising herself as well. "I want to go see my granddaughter. I know she's asleep so I won't wake her up."

"Sure." Will and Sonny watched as Adrienne made her way to Marley's room. "It's amazing how much your mom has changed concerning me and Marley. Do you think she's sincere?"

"I hope so love." Sonny kissed Will and they walked back into the living room arm in arm.

By the time everybody had arrived for the party, Marley was awake and playing in the floor with Justin and EJ.

"Mom, are you sure that dad is coming?" Will asked Sami.

"He said he was. I'm sorry he's not here yet." She hugged him. Just then the doorbell rang. "Maybe that is him."

"I'll go see who it is." Sonny walked over to answer the door. It was Lucas and his date as well as Joey and Gabi.

"I hope we're not late?" replied Lucas.

"Come on in. the party was just fixing to start." Sonny stepped aside so the four newcomers could enter his house. "So brother, are you and Gabi dating?" he asked Joey.

"Right now we're just testing the waters. I'll keep you abreast of the situation. How about the dish your father-in-law showed up with? Man he has good taste."

"I know. If I'm not mistaken though, I think she graduated high school with Will and Gabi." They both laughed.

"What's so funny?" Lucas asked when he overheard them laughing.

"Nothing Mr. Horton. I'm going to go see my niece." And with that Joey walked towards Marley, who was the center of attention.

"What were you and your brother laughing about Sonny?"

"I hope this doesn't offend you but we were talking about the age difference between you and your date."

"I know because she is my son's age. Do you think he'll have a problem with me dating one of his classmates?"

"I don't know. You'll just have to ask him and see how he responds. Let's join in on the party." Sonny walked over and joined Will on the floor in front of the couch where Lucas joined his date.

The party lasted nearly two hours. Marley played with her piece of birthday cake and Sonny snapped plenty of pictures. He even took a few pictures of his brother and Gabi together.

When Marley started getting droopy-eyed, they decided to wrap up the party. All of her grandparents kissed her goodbye and left so Will could take her to her bedroom. Soon the only people left at the house were Joey and Gabi.

"So, what do you think of Joey?" Will asked Gabi.

"I think he's cute. Even though he's adopted, he's a lot like the rest of the Kiriakis'." He cleared away the dishes.

"What you mean?"

"He's a smooth talker. Don't get me wrong, I love the way he turns on the charm. I haven't felt like this in a while but I'm kind of scared because I don't want to be hurt again."

"Have you slept with him?"

"Not that it's any of your business but no I haven't. I told him that I wanted to take things slow because I rushed into a relationship with Nick and that turned out to be a total disaster."

"But do you like him enough to take a chance on him?" he asked just as Sonny and Joey walked back into the room carrying their drinks.

"I think so." Joey joined her on the couch while Sonny joined Will on the loveseat.

"The party was great. My niece is a very lucky little girl. She has two great fathers and a terrific mother."

"And a handsome uncle." Gabi kissed Joey on the cheek, making him blush.

"Well, that's a first."

"What?"

"A woman has made my brother speechless. Way to go Gabi." Sonny smiled and they all laughed about the situation.