Chapter 94
When the timer on the oven beeps, Nova squeals, dropping her rag. “They’re ready p>
She rushes to the oven, standing on her toes. I pull out the tray carefully, the scent of sugar and vanilla filling the air.
“They look perfect,” I tell her, setting them down.
Nolan immediately reaches for one, but I gently stop his hand. “They’re hot, sweetheart. Let them cool first p>
He sighs dramatically, crossing his arms. Nova pouts beside him.
I can’t help but smile.
Out of the corner of my eye, I glance at Noah. He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed and silent. His gaze flickers between his kids and me, something unreadable in his eyes–anger, yes, but also… something else. Something I can’t quite figure out.
“Nova!” Nolan suddenly exclaims. “You took one p>
Nova giggles, her cheeks bulging with cookie.
“You, sneaky little girl,” I say, feigning shock.
She laughs harder, nearly choking. “I had to have one. They look so good and smell delicious”
“But Aunt Sierra said to wait p>
“I can’t,” she pouts, before taking a big bite.
Nolan gives up trying to be the responsible one and asks, “Can I have one too p>
I nod. “Go ahead p>
I don’t know why, or maybe it’s because he looks so alone standing by the wall. I grab a cookie and walk toward Noah, holding it out. “You should try one too p>
It’s like everything in him freezes. His eyes move from my face to my outstretched hand, as if he can’t understand what the hell is happening. He stares at my hand like it’s a live grenade.
“I’m fine.” He finally says, jaws clenched.
Before I can say anything, Nova pipes up. “Daddy, you have to try them! We made them ourselves p>
Her eyes are so hopeful that even Noah can’t resist. He sighs, takes the cookie, and bites it.
The twins lean forward eagerly, their eyes expectant. Noah chews carefully, his grey eyes staring at me with suspicion.
I snort inwardly. Does he think this is a trick or something? Or maybe he thinks I poisoned it. Typical Noah.
“Well?” Nolan asks him.
Noah swallows and finally says, “Not bad p>
They both cheer.
“Daddy loves our cookies.” Nova bounces up and down, a broad smile on her face. “We’ll make more for you at home p>
He clears his throat. “Finish up. We need to go soon p>
“Okay, but can we have milk?” Nolan asks. “Cookies are better with milk p>
“How could I forget that?” I say giving myself a light slap on the forehead, and making them laugh in the process. I pour two glasses, watching them dunk their cookies happily. I pack the rest into a small box, tying it up for them to take.
I wish they could stay longer, because having them here was more than great, but I know that is impossible. Noah won’t let the stay and I’m sure that after the stunt they pulled, this will probably be the last time I see them again.
As they’re about to leave, Nova gasps. “Wait p>
She runs to the living room and comes back with a small gift bag. “We almost forgot the baby gift p>
Nova hands me a pink teddy bear, with love hearts on its paws.
Nolan hands me a blue on. “Just in case it’s a boy,” he says shyly.
I take the teddy bears from their hands, my heart squeezing so tightly it hurts. Tears sting my eyes before I can stop them. Because damn it! Nolan and Nova are so cute and so sweet and I already love them so much.
The twins‘ faces fall. “Did we do something wrong?” Nova whispers.
I shake my head quickly, kneeling down so I’m eye level with them. “No, sweetheart. These are happy tears. You just… you made me very happy p>
I smile through the tears, pulling them both into a hug. “Thank you for your beautiful gifts. I’m sure the baby will love them p>
Nova squeezes my neck. “You’re welcome, Aunt Sierra p>
“Can we visit again?” Nolan asks. “Or you can visit us p>
Damn. They’re killing me right now. I blink back the tears, trying to stop them from falling. I would love to have them over again and again, but we all know how Noah feels about me being close to his kids.
“It’s not up to me sweetie” I finally answer. “But I’ll tell you this, you’re welcome at my house, anytime okay? Just don’t go around sneaking behind your dad’s back p>
Nolan nods, “We understand Aunt Sierra”
“And we are sorry daddy” Nova adds.
Noah doesn’t reply, just ushers them outside without another word.
“Bye Aunt Sierra” they shout, while waving at me. “We will miss you p>
“Bye, Loves”
Noah walks to the car the twins came in and has words with the twins‘ driver, before helping the kids into his car and driving off.
I watch for a moment longer before going back inside, Closing the door, I sigh, already feeling the loneliness and coldness start to creep in, now that Nolan and Nova are gone,
To keep my mind busy so that I don’t have to think about them, I finish up cleaning.
It’s not until late into the night, when I’m tired, worn out and about to fall asleep that my mind brings forth two memories. The cops told me to let them I know if I remember anything suspicious.
The note I found on my door and the man who was watching us when we were leaving the bar, that counts as suspicious right?