Chapter 226
I know my mom; she’ll be furious that Noah is the father given the shit he put me through, and even more furious that he doesn’t want to be part of the baby’s life.
There’s silence on the other end of the line before she finally speaks.
“Fine,” she says. “You’d better get your ass over here the moment you’re back. Do you hear me p>
“I hear you, Mom p>
“Alright,” she exhales. “Have a safe trip and tell Lilly I said hi p>
“Will do. Bye, Mom p>
“Bye, Sweetie p>
We hang up, and I immediately head for the shower. Lilly said she’d send someone to pick me up at eight-thirty, which means I have exactly thirty minutes to get ready.
I’ve just finished and I’m about to drag my luggage downstairs when the door creaks open. I don’t even have to turn around to know who it is.
“Siiiii,” Nova sings.
I swivel around just in time to see both of them padding into my room. Nolan looks serious as ever, arms folded like he’s walked in for a board meeting. Nova climbs straight onto the bed, plopping down beside Blackie, who barely opens an eye.
“Good morning,” I say, smiling.
Nolan tilts his head, his gaze drifting to my luggage. “Are you leaving p>
My smile falters. “Yes p>
Nova’s bottom lip trembles. “Why p>
Ah. Fuck. This is going to be a battle, especially when it’s time for me to leave for good and return to my own house and life.
I move closer and sit on the edge of the bed, pulling them both into my arms. “I’m not leaving like that. I’m just going on a trip with Aunt Lilly p>
Nolan’s brows knit together. “A trip p>
“Yes. A short one p>
Nova brightens a little. “When will you come back p>
I think for a moment. “In about a week p>
She counts on her fingers, then nods solemnly. “Okay p>
Nolan hesitates. “You’re not going forever p>
“No. Not forever,” I say firmly. “I promise p>
They exchange a look, some silent twin communication I’ll never understand.
Then Nova gasps. “Will you bring us gifts p>
I laugh. “Of course p>
“Daddy always brings us gifts when he travels,” Nolan adds, like he’s setting a standard.
“I’ll bring you the best gifts,” I promise.
Nova beams while Nolan pretends not to care, but I catch the hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
That seems to satisfy them, at least for now.
“What about Blackie?” Nolan asks.
“I can’t travel with him,” I explain, “so I’m leaving him here with you to keep you company while I’m away p>
Nova screeches, scooping Blackie up and squeezing her to her chest. “We’re going to have the best time, Blackie p>
I smile softly. “Promise you’ll take good care of him p>
Nolan, the little CEO that he is, extends his hand like we’re sealing a deal. “We’ll take the best care of him p>
I chuckle, shaking his small hand. Honestly, if he knew how to draft a contract, I’m sure he would’ve already done it and made me sign.
He reminds me so much of Noah. I remember when we were younger. Uncle Rowan and everyone else always said Noah was just like him. A CEO in the making and now I can say the same thing about Nolan. He’s just like his father and grandad.
They hug me before reminding me to “call every day.” When they leave, my chest tightens just a little.
I love and hate how attached I’ve become.
I love it because they’re incredible kids and I care about them more than I ever expected to. I hate it because I know leaving them will feel like ripping my own heart out.
By the time the driver pulls into the driveway, I’m ready. I’m meant to meet Lilly at the airport, so the entire drive passes in silence.
When we pull up to the private terminal, I step out of the car and immediately spot Lilly and standing right beside her is someone very familiar.
Noah.
What the hell is he doing here?
As if he feels my gaze on him, he turns and stiffens, and I just know by the look on his face he’s just as shocked to see me as I am to see him here.