Chapter 35
Esteban’s loud voice breaks through the moment to announce his mothers famous cake she apparently made just for my birthday. . “You haven’t even seen the cake yet! Mami made it special for you.”
I glance at the table where the cake sits, beautifully frosted with intricate designs. The smell of vanilla and rum wafts through the air, making my mouth water.
“She’s never had Puerto Rican cake before,” Noah says with a knowing smile. “but trust me—you’re going to love it.”
I laugh, the knot in my chest loosening as I take it all in. This is what love feels like. Not just from Noah, but from everyone around me. It’s overwhelming, but in the best way.
“Thank you,” I whisper, looking around at the smiling faces. My gaze lands on Noah again, and I can’t help but smile. Maybe Violet’s right. Maybe I just need to trust him. And myself.
At the table, we’re all gathered, enjoying pizza and pasta from my favorite restaurant in town.
Violet really went all out. The smell of garlic, melted cheese, and marinara fills the room, mingling with the hum of conversation and bursts of laughter.
I’m sitting between Adrian and Noah, and I haven’t been able to stop laughing all night.
Esteban has been relentless, teasing Noah at every opportunity.
Every joke seems more ridiculous than the last, and just when Noah fires back with a sharp retort, Austin chimes in, stoking the flames between them.
Their playful banter fills the room with energy, and I can’t help but grin as I watch them go back and forth.
Meanwhile, Adrian is trying to keep Max, his rambunctious tiny dog, from scavenging anything that might fall from the table. The schnauzer’s tail wags furiously, and his eyes are fixed on the floor, ready to pounce on any dropped crumbs.
“Why don’t you let him eat? He’s a dog; he’ll eat anything on the floor,” I say, amused by Adrian’s persistence.
Adrian sighs, his tone exasperated but patient. “Because if he eats something other than his food, he gets diarrhea. And I am not in the mood to clean up that mess if he has an accident again.”
I burst out laughing. Poor Adrian. He’s taking this responsibility so seriously.
“I’m proud of you, little dude,” I say. “You’ve been so responsible with Max. Your mom hasn’t complained about the dog once. Honestly, she thought you’d flake out on taking care of him.”
Adrian straightens up, his chest puffing slightly with pride. “I know. But I love Max. You know that I really wanted a dog. So when Mom finally let me have him, I promised myself I’d do everything for him. Even if it meant cleaning vomit, poop, or any other mess.”
“That’s wonderful, honey,” I say, smiling at him. Adrian’s maturity constantly amazes me. “You know, I’ve been thinking about adopting a dog too. Every time I’m around Max, I feel this overwhelming need for a puppy.”
Adrian’s eyes light up like Christmas morning. “Really? Aunt Josy, that would be amazing! Max could have a buddy, and we could have playdates with your puppy. And if you’re ever busy, I can help you take care of them.”
“You’d do that?” I ask, genuinely touched.
“Of course! There’s nothing I love more than soccer and dogs. I’d be honored. Do you know what kind of dog you’d want?”
I tilt my head, considering. “I was thinking about those wiener dogs. They’re so adorable.”
Adrian grins. “Yes! They’re the cutest.”
“But,” I add with a laugh, “I want one that stays small enough to carry around like a baby.”
Adrian laughs with me then pretending to be serious. “Then you’ll need a double stroller. One for Everly and one for your future dog. I can already picture you walking through town with a stroller full of babies—human and canine.”
“Right? I’d look so cool,” I say, playing along. “Baby in one side, dog in the other. And when people come to peek at Everly, the dog will bark at them to keep them away. He’ll protect her at all costs.”
We erupt in laughter, but when I glance to my side, I notice Noah has gone quiet. His gaze is fixed on Adrian and me, an unreadable expression softening his features.
I lean toward him, lowering my voice. “Are you eavesdropping?”
Noah mirrors my movement, closing the gap between us. “Yes. I didn’t know you wanted a dog.”
I shrug, smiling. “I don’t want one right now. I don’t think I could handle a puppy and a newborn by myself.”
“You wouldn’t be alone, sweetheart,” he says, his voice low and warm. “I’d be with you.”
His words are like a balm, soothing an ache I didn’t realize I’d been carrying. Is he implying that he wants to live with me and Everly? We haven’t even talked about our relationship since that night we fell asleep together in my bed.
I smile softly, a mix of hope and uncertainty swirling in my chest. “Hmmm, I’ll think about it,” I say, keeping my tone light.
“Okay, let’s finish eating. I want to eat cake,” Adrian announces, his excitement bubbling over.
“Man, me too,” Austin chimes in, reaching for another slice of pizza.
I chuckle softly, but then my hand instinctively moves to my belly as I feel a flutter on my side. It’s faint but unmistakable, like a gentle ripple beneath my skin.
Noah notices immediately. His brows knit with concern as he leans closer. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
I nod, smiling to reassure him. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just that I’ve been feeling a flutter on my side all day.”
I place my hand on the exact spot, and without hesitation, Noah places his hand there too. His warmth seeps through the fabric of my dress as his eyes search mine for confirmation. I rest my hand over his, and we wait.
Then, suddenly, it happens again, the soft, miraculous movement.
Noah gasps, his eyes wide with wonder. “Oh my gosh. Everly is moving?” His voice trembles slightly, filled with awe.
“You felt that?” I ask, my own voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” he breathes. “I’m feeling it right now.”
A smile spreads across his face as he leans down, bringing his lips closer to my belly. “Hi, my beautiful princess,” he murmurs softly. “Are you awake?”
As if responding to his voice, Everly moves again. Noah’s face lights up, and his eyes glisten with unshed tears. “Yes, you are. Keep moving and celebrating your mom’s birthday. I love you, princess, and I can’t wait to see you.”
His words are tender, filled with so much love that my chest tightens. I stare at him, my heart overflowing. I love this man so much, and seeing him connect with our daughter like this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.
When I glance around the table, I notice that everyone has gone silent.
All eyes are on us. Violet dabs at a lonely tear slipping down her cheek, her expression glowing with joy.
Esteban and Austin are watching with soft, uncharacteristically quiet smiles.
Even Adrian looks touched, his usual playful demeanor subdued as he gazes at us.
I can’t help it. My own tears spill over, sliding down my cheeks as emotion wells up inside me.
Noah looks up at me, his face tender as he reaches out to gently wipe away my tears with his thumb.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he says softly, though his voice holds a teasing edge. “You’re going to make me cry in front of these guys. And if I cry, they’ll never let me live it down.”
I laugh through my tears, his words breaking the emotional tension in the room. “You’re right. It’s just hormones,” I reply, still smiling.
“Whatever you say,” Noah says with a wink, his hand lingering on my cheek for a moment longer before he pulls back.
The mood around the table shifts again, lightheartedness returning as Violet clears her throat and says, “Alright, enough mushy stuff. Let’s eat cake!”
Everyone cheers, and just like that, the moment transforms into something even sweeter. But as the conversation picks up again and laughter fills the room, I glance at Noah. His gaze meets mine, and the connection between us feels unbreakable.
Everly’s tiny movements and Noah’s loving words have left me more certain than ever—this is where I belong.