CHAPTER 40 - Noah Black #3
I run to the closet and this time actually get dressed, choosing comfortable clothes.
In the bathroom, I follow my morning routine, taking a little longer than usual, just to absorb the feeling of normalcy.
I leave the room and the smell of fresh coffee hits me before I even reach the kitchen.
Sadie is sitting in the smaller chair, swinging her legs and gesturing as she talks nonstop.
“The Ferris wheel was SO giant!” she says, a few decibels louder than normal. “And it had a bunch of lights and I screamed really loud, but it was fun!”
I smile, my chest swelling with love. I walk over and pull her close, wrapping her in a quick hug.
“Good morning, my love!”
“Very good morningggg.” I arch my eyebrows, curious about all this happiness. “I saw Uncle Luke and auntie made treats for after lunch.” She smiles excitedly before going back to eating.
“Your coffee with chocolate.” Greta sets it on the table and I sit down. “Bryan stocked up on both.” She points to the pantry, smiling. “It's so good to see you two happy at breakfast.”
“It still feels like a dream,” I confess, savoring the drink. “And I hope it never ends.”
“If that man has anything to say about it, it won't. I should record the way he looks at you two.”
“And what kind of look is that?”
“Like you're his whole life.”
“But they really are.” The deep voice resonates through the room, and when I look over my shoulder, I see him walking in with two bouquets of flowers. “For my girls.”
“How pretty, buddy!” Sadie comments, already jumping from her chair. “I've never gotten flowers before. They're so pretty,” she adds when he hands her the blue bouquet.
“Now you have,” he responds, placing a kiss on her temple as he crouches down. “This one's yours.” He turns to me, holding out the huge red bouquet, and I have to stop myself from kissing him.
“I thought you said you'd be out all day,” I remind him, and the scent of the flowers makes me sigh like a lovesick teenager.
He stands up and kisses the top of my head, just like he did with our daughter.
“I managed to solve the problem faster than expected.” He smiles enigmatically, and something tells me he sent someone six feet under.
“Buddy,” Sadie calls him, tugging on his black pants to get his attention. “We need to talk very, very seriously.” She sets the flowers on the table and crosses her arms.
I hold back my laughter or she'll scold me.
“We do?” he asks, arching an eyebrow.
“Yes,” she responds firmly, sitting back down, and he takes the chair next to her.
I watch Greta slip away.
“Hey, come sit and eat with us.” I interrupt her escape. “You're family, so no more eating alone.”
“But…”
“No buts,” I cut her off. “Now tell me how things went with Tessa.”
“So…” It's not Greta who says it, it's my daughter. “When are you going to ask Noah to be your girlfriend?”
“What?” I shout in surprise, staring at her, but she stays serious, looking at her father, who's watching her too.
Bryan tries to stay serious, but you can tell it's nearly impossible with our little one looking so focused.
“He kissed you. On the mouth. Held your hand. And you sleep together,” she argues, and I stare at her in disbelief. “Only boyfriends and girlfriends do that.”
“And how do you know about dating?” he questions, his expression darkening, and this time I'm the one who has to hold back laughter.
I feel sorry for Sadie when she starts thinking about dating, and especially for any man brave enough to face Bryan.
“On TV,” she responds quietly, with the authority of someone who thinks they know everything. “So, are you going to ask or not?”
“She's already my girlfriend,” he says, flashing me a smile.
“You pinky swear?” Sadie asks, mouth agape, eyes wide.
“I swear, sweetheart. Noah and I are even going to get married.”
“Yayyyy!” She jumps excitedly. “Can I pick the dress?”
“You can, my love,” I respond with a smile. “But only if you keep being such a good girl.”
“I'm the best in the whole world!” she shouts happily.
“Yes, you are!” Bryan laughs. “So finish your breakfast quick, because we're going out. And you two are coming along.” He points to me, then to Greta.
“I really like going out. Really, really,” Sadie sings, hurrying to eat. “And I love you three!” she blurts out suddenly, and I see Bryan freeze. “My real family. The one that doesn't hurt, only gives love,” she continues quietly.
“We love you too,” Bryan responds, and I see his throat work.
He's tough, but our daughter knows how to find the cracks in his heart.
“We love you so much. So, so much, okay? And we'll never hurt you,” I add, and she smiles.
“And I feel honored to know you love me, because I love you like you're my own granddaughter,” Greta declares emotionally, going to Sadie and placing a kiss on my girl's cheek.
“Can I pick my wedding dress too?” she blurts out suddenly, and both Greta and I stare at Bryan. “Just pretend,” she adds quickly, seeming to sense that her father is already plotting to murder someone he doesn't even know yet.
“You can pick it,” I say with a smile, just to make Bryan worry about something that won't happen for decades. “Just don't forget to invite me too!”
He lets out a low grunt, but I pretend not to notice as I finish my coffee.