He swallows and runs his hand through his hair. “Nothing. Just needed to speak to Octavia,” he replies. It’s a weak response, and I know there’s more to it.
“You’re lying, and you’ve been acting shady for a few days,” I reply, grinding my jaw. “And it’s not just me that’s noticed. Jessica and I have barely seen you. You’ve been out of bed like your arse is on fire.” Not that I’m one to talk after how I’ve been.
I walk up to him, and he steps back. What the fuck?
“I’ve just been busy with work,” he replies, wiping his palms down his thighs, a nervous tick.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask if there’s someone else, but as soon as the thought comes unbidden, I squash it down because this is Caleb. But I know something is going on with him, and the only thing I can think is it’s because of my diagnosis.
I shake my head. “Is it because of my cancer diagnosis?” I ask, swallowing down the foreboding feeling and glancing away.I know this isn’t easy for either of them. Maybe it’s his way of coping.
“No, of course not.”
“Then what is it?” I ask, staring back at him.
He swallows and shakes his head, his lips parting, but no words come out. This is so unlike him.
I let out a sigh. “I thought we didn’t keep secrets,” I cringe at that because didn’t I just do that? “Forget it,” I say and turn my back on him, ready to get back to Jessica. I’m not at all comfortable leaving her alone; I can’t help but be protective over her any more than Caleb.
His hand lands on my shoulder. “Noah,” he says, his voice a pleading tone, one I rarely hear from him. It’s enough to stop me and turn back to face him.
He wipes his palm over his jaw. He’s nervous, I realise.
“Let’s go back inside, and I’ll explain,” he says, almost exasperated.
I nod because, yeah, we need to get back to Jessica.
As soon as we’re back in the room, Jessica is already out of her seat, her concern palpable as she peers between us.
“Fuck, I’m sorry, this isn’t how I envisioned this going.”
“What’s going on, Caleb? You’re scaring me,” she admits, and I find myself moving to her side and pulling her into me.
Caleb lets out a deep exhale and reaches into his trouser pocket.
My heart skips a beat as the hairs on my neck stand on end.
He’s holding a black velvet jewellery box and then he goes down on one knee.
Jessica gasps, her hand moving to her mouth as he flips the lid open. Inside are two rings.
“I know I royally fucked this up,” Caleb says, his eyes moving between the two of us. He licks his lips before he continues. “You are my world. I’m nothing without you two. There isn’t anythingI wouldn’t do for either of you.” He blows out a breath. “I know it’s not conventional, but will you marry me?”
My ears buzz, and my heart ricochets in my chest.
A small sob escapes Jessica, breaking me from my shock as Caleb pulls out a beautiful engagement ring.
He looks at me, the vulnerability in his gaze telling me everything I need to know. He’s worried because he didn’t speak to me about it.
He reaches for Jessica’s hand and looks up at her expectantly, the ring poised over the tip of her ring finger.
“Of course, yes, all the yeses.”
His shoulders deflate as he slides the ring onto her finger, and then he glances at me, pulling out another band from the box.
I look down to see an infinity symbol running through it.
“Noah?” he asks, clearing his throat.
