Chapter 22 Why Is Noah Acting Like My Bodyguard
Amelia POV
Something was different about Noah today.
I noticed it the moment I walked into the living room that morning.
He was sitting on the couch with his dinosaur toy, very focused on stacking small blocks on the table.
The moment he saw me, his entire face lit up.
"Amelia!"
I smiled immediately.
"Good morning, Noah."
He jumped off the couch and ran over.
Then he did something new.
He grabbed my hand.
Not just for a second.
He held onto it like he had no intention of letting go.
I blinked slightly.
"Oh."
He looked up at me seriously.
"Come."
And started pulling me toward the kitchen.
I laughed.
"Okay, okay."
Apparently we were going to the kitchen.
Noah still hadn't let go of my hand.
Not once.
Even when we sat down at the table.
Even when I poured him juice.
Even when he started eating his cereal.
One of his small hands stayed wrapped around two of my fingers.
Clara walked in a few minutes later.
She stopped immediately when she saw us.
"Oh my god."
I looked up.
"What?"
She pointed dramatically.
"He looks like your tiny security guard."
Noah looked at her.
Then squeezed my hand tighter.
Clara laughed.
"See?"
Sophie walked in behind her.
She smiled when she saw Noah holding my hand.
"Aww."
Ryan entered a moment later.
He looked at the scene and immediately grinned.
"What is happening here."
Clara answered.
"Noah has decided Amelia is his person now."
Ryan leaned against the counter.
"Good choice."
Noah ignored everyone.
He just kept eating his cereal while holding my hand like it was the most normal thing in the world.
After breakfast we went into the garden.
The weather was actually nice for once.
Sunlight filled the big lawn.
Noah immediately pulled me toward the swings.
"Push."
I laughed.
"You want me to push you?"
He nodded very seriously.
So I pushed the swing gently while he laughed.
Every time the swing slowed down he said,
"Again."
Then when he got off the swing...
He grabbed my hand again.
Still not letting go.
Clara and Sophie were sitting on a bench watching.
Clara whispered loudly,
"I told you he is your bodyguard."
I laughed.
"He just likes holding hands."
Ryan sat next to them.
"He is making sure no one steals her."
Clara smirked.
"From who?"
Ryan shrugged.
"Maybe Dominic."
I almost choked.
"Ryan!"
He looked innocent.
"What?"
Then Noah suddenly spoke.
"No."
Everyone looked at him.
He was still holding my hand.
Then he said very seriously,
"Amelia is mine."
Clara burst out laughing.
Ryan looked impressed.
"That is very confident for a four year old."
Sophie covered her mouth trying not to laugh.
I looked down at Noah.
"You can't claim people like that."
He frowned slightly.
"But you are mine."
Clara whispered dramatically,
"This is the cutest kidnapping I've ever seen."
Before I could respond, a familiar voice spoke behind us.
"What is happening."
We all turned.
Dominic was standing near the patio doors.
Tall.
Calm.
Watching the scene.
Noah immediately moved closer to me.
Still holding my hand.
Dominic's eyes dropped to our hands.
Then he walked closer.
Noah tightened his grip slightly.
Dominic looked down at him.
"Noah."
Noah looked back at him.
Then said again with complete seriousness,
"Amelia is mine."
Ryan almost fell off the bench laughing.
Clara grabbed his arm trying to stay quiet.
Dominic looked at Noah for a long moment.
Then he slowly looked up at me.
Our eyes