Chapter 91
The silence on the phone stretches. I’m not sure what to tell him.
“When and how?” Noah growls out the words.
“They showed up a couple of minutes ago; as for the how, I’m not really sure about the details,” I answer, wringing my hands.
I can hear the twins in the living room playing with Blackie and by how loud Nova is, I’m sure Noah can hear her too. He growls again, clearly pissed off that they’re here.
Before he can say anything scathing, I blurt, “Don’t rush. I promise they’re safe p>
He exhales sharply through the receiver, and I can almost picture him dragging a hand over his face. “I’m on my way p>
The line clicks dead. I lower the phone slowly, pressing my palm to my chest. My heart hammers, but when I peek into the living room, all I see are the twins on the floor. They look so at ease, almost like they belong here.
I walk back to the living room. They look up expectantly at me. I force a smile. “Só… what would you two like to do p>
“We get to stay?” Nolan asks, clearly surprised. I guess he expected to be shipped back home immediately.
“Yes,” I smile. “Well, that is until your dad comes to get you p>
“Yes!” He throws his fist in the air happily.
“So, what would you like to do?” I repeat.
“Baking!” Nova squeals before her brother can answer. She practically shoots up and starts bouncing, her little arms flapping with excitement.
Nolan groans like he’s too mature for it, but his grin betrays him. “Baking sounds good p>
I laugh, shaking my head. “Alright then. Baking it is p>
The twins trail me into the kitchen, their chatter spilling like sunshine into the room. I pull out flour, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips, setting everything on the counter. Nova hops from foot to foot while Nolan inspects each item like he’s making sure I’ve got it right.
“Come on up,” I say, dragging two stools to the counter. I steady them as they climb up, helping Nova when her little foot slips. As I settle them, I pause, my gaze catching on their faces in the bright kitchen light.
“You both look so much like your mom and dad p>
Nova’s eyes widen. “You knew Mommy p>
My throat tightens, but I nod. “Yes. We used to be friends once p>
My heart lurches, but I push the feeling down. It’s a shame our friendship didn’t last. That she only became friends with me so she could get close to Lilly, and through that, Noah.
Nolan glances down, his hands fiddling with a spoon. His voice comes softer and steadier than a boy his age should be able to manage. “Sometimes I miss her. But it’s getting easier now. And I know she’s happy in heaven p>
The lump in my throat nearly chokes me. I reach out, brushing my hand over his arm.
“I think you’re right. She’d be so proud of you both and I know for sure that she loves you both very much p>
“Then why did she leave us?” Nova asks. “Sometimes I want to talk about her, but daddy doesn’t… and Aunt Brook is always busy with her friends and shopping p>
You remember the heaviness I was feeling a moment ago? Yeah, well, it has just multiplied and now I feel like a whole–ass mountain is sitting on my chest.
For a moment, the kitchen goes still, heavy with the weight of what they’ve lost. I think quickly.
“It hurt losing mommy, right p>
They both nod.
“Well, it hurt your dad losing your mommy too. She was his wife. So talking about her hurts him because he misses her so much p>
“Daddy used to call mommy his queen, and I was his princess,” Nova adds.
“I know, sweetheart. Your mommy was the love of your dad’s life. Losing her, really hurt him p>
“I understand,” she mumbles. “I just wish he could tell us stories about her sometimes p>
My heart goes to both of them. I know Noah has been mourning Chloe, but he doesn’t realize not talking about her to the kids is doing more damage than good.
I can’t help myself. I pull both of them into my arms and kiss their soft cheeks.
“How about I tell you some stories about your mom while we bake p>
Nova claps her hands. “Yes! Let’s do that”
I smile and grab the mixing bowl. “Let’s do this. What would you like to know p>
“How was mommy when she was a girl?” Nova immediately asks.
“Well, she was energetic and playful. She was so bubbly and full of life p>
Her bubbly personality was what drew me in. I didn’t realize then that she used it to her advantage. Sometimes I still wonder how a girl that young could already be so devious.