Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
NOAH
“Shit indeed,” I say with a raised brow, taking in the guilty as hell look on his face. “What the fuck is going on, Caleb?”
He swallows and runs his hand through his hair. “Nothing. Just needed to speak to Octavia,” he replies. It’s a weak response, and I know there’s more to it.
“You’re lying, and you’ve been acting shady for a few days,” I reply, grinding my jaw. “And it’s not just me that’s noticed. Jessica and I have barely seen you. You’ve been out of bed like your arse is on fire.” Not that I’m one to talk after how I’ve been.
I walk up to him, and he steps back. What the fuck?
“I’ve just been busy with work,” he replies, wiping his palms down his thighs, a nervous tick.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask if there’s someone else, but as soon as the thought comes unbidden, I squash it down because this is Caleb. But I know something is going on with him, and the only thing I can think is it’s because of my diagnosis.
I shake my head. “Is it because of my cancer diagnosis?” I ask, swallowing down the foreboding feeling and glancing away. I know this isn’t easy for either of them. Maybe it’s his way of coping.
“No, of course not.”
“Then what is it?” I ask, staring back at him.
He swallows and shakes his head, his lips parting, but no words come out. This is so unlike him.
I let out a sigh. “I thought we didn’t keep secrets,” I cringe at that because didn’t I just do that? “Forget it,” I say and turn my back on him, ready to get back to Jessica. I’m not at all comfortable leaving her alone; I can’t help but be protective over her any more than Caleb.
His hand lands on my shoulder. “Noah,” he says, his voice a pleading tone, one I rarely hear from him. It’s enough to stop me and turn back to face him.
He wipes his palm over his jaw. He’s nervous, I realise.
“Let’s go back inside, and I’ll explain,” he says, almost exasperated.
I nod because, yeah, we need to get back to Jessica.
As soon as we’re back in the room, Jessica is already out of her seat, her concern palpable as she peers between us.
“Fuck, I’m sorry, this isn’t how I envisioned this going.”
“What’s going on, Caleb? You’re scaring me,” she admits, and I find myself moving to her side and pulling her into me.
Caleb lets out a deep exhale and reaches into his trouser pocket.
My heart skips a beat as the hairs on my neck stand on end.
He’s holding a black velvet jewellery box and then he goes down on one knee.
Jessica gasps, her hand moving to her mouth as he flips the lid open. Inside are two rings.
“I know I royally fucked this up,” Caleb says, his eyes moving between the two of us.
He licks his lips before he continues. “You are my world. I’m nothing without you two.
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for either of you.
” He blows out a breath. “I know it’s not conventional, but will you marry me? ”
My ears buzz, and my heart ricochets in my chest.
A small sob escapes Jessica, breaking me from my shock as Caleb pulls out a beautiful engagement ring.
He looks at me, the vulnerability in his gaze telling me everything I need to know. He’s worried because he didn’t speak to me about it.
He reaches for Jessica’s hand and looks up at her expectantly, the ring poised over the tip of her ring finger.
“Of course, yes, all the yeses.”
His shoulders deflate as he slides the ring onto her finger, and then he glances at me, pulling out another band from the box.
I look down to see an infinity symbol running through it.
“Noah?” he asks, clearing his throat.
“Caleb, you don’t even have to ask. Surely you already know my answer. And in case there is any doubt, yes, of course, I’ll marry you. Both of you,” I say, my eyes flicking between him and Jessica, who has tears running down her face.
His eyes glisten as he slides the ring onto my finger, his hands shaking.
“Get the fuck up here,” I say, tugging on his wrist, the ring box falling to the floor.
I grip the back of his neck and slam my mouth to his. He grunts from the force of my kiss, his lips parting and allowing me entry.
Kissing me back with raw, unadulterated passion.
Jessica’s soft sobs are the only thing that brings me back to reality, my other hand moving to her lower back, urging her to take my place. He pulls her into his arms and kisses her with the same reverence.
“My turn,” I say when he releases her, her eyes sparkling, her mascara a mess from her tears of joy.
I pull her to me and dip her backwards. She lets out a breathy laugh before I take her mouth with mine and kiss her with the same vigour as Caleb.
He’s smiling when I right Jessica. He looks like a weight has been lifted, and I’m glad because he had me worried for a moment.
We might not know what the future holds. Hell, does anyone? But knowing that I’ll spend my life, regardless of time, with the loves of my life makes me breathe easier.
“Show me your ring,” I say, reaching for Jessica’s hand.
An onyx black diamond rose engagement ring that fits perfectly on her ring finger. It’s stunning, just like her.
“They’re both custom-made, but if you’d prefer something different, just say the word,” he says, reaching out to our left hands. He runs his thumbs over our ring fingers as we stand in a circle, joined as one.
“No, it’s beyond perfect, thank you,” Jessica says, her eyes moving to mine.
“And so is mine, Caleb. It could be a jelly ring or barbed wire, and it would still be perfect because it came from you, from here.” I drop my hand from Jessica’s lower back and place my palm on his chest, right over his heart.
There’s a noise followed by the door opening as two waiters bring in our food. They pause when they see us all standing together.
“Let’s eat. I don’t know about you, but I’m craving dessert,” Caleb says.
Jessica’s cheeks heat at his innuendo as we all retake our seats.
“Can you tell the chef I won’t require the additional dessert? I already proposed, and they said yes.” Pride is evident in his voice.
The waiter smiles. “Of course, and congratulations.”
We’re once again left alone, and Jessica pulls out a small mirror from her purse and wipes under her eyes.
“You look stunning,” I say, reaching out and grazing a knuckle down her cheek.
Caleb mimics the action, and she shivers between us.
“Thank you for saying yes,” he says, his voice filled with emotion.
“It was only ever going to be an emphatic yes. You know that, right?” Jessica replies.
He lets out a nervous laugh. “Well I hoped it would be, but there was still a small chance that it could have gone south.”
We’d never really spoken about marriage, I just knew that he was it for me, same as Jessica, but it feels right, even more so now.