His parents are so gracious and warm—a far cry from the woman who birthed me. Ever since I left that apartment back home, she still hasn’t reached out. And I’m glad. My life is as close to perfect as I ever thought I’d get.
I have a man who loves me. Millie and I are still close—she and Wilder have even come to visit. I love my job at the café. What more can I want?
“Still on for tonight?” Bella asks, bringing me back to the present.
“Yeah,” I say, unable to stop the excitement out of my voice. “Noah’s taking me out.”
“Ooooh, fancy,” she sings. “Where?”
“He won’t tell me,” I admit. “Just said to dress nice.”
She gasps dramatically. “A secret date? Oh, he’s planning something.”
My stomach flutters. “He always is,” I say softly.
And that’s the truth about Noah. He’s made me the happiest woman alive. He’s possessive in a way that thrills me, and protective in a way that doesn’t cage me but somehow makes me feel freer than I’ve ever been.
He found his place here. Private security, working with his brother, building something solid, something real. And me? I found mine too.
“Hey, don’t forget your tip,” Bella says, nudging a few bills toward me.
“Right,” I laugh, grabbing them.
A simple, warm, and safe life. Something I never thought I’d have.
***
Later that evening, I smooth down my dress nervously as I step out of the house I share with Noah.
“Noah?” I call.
“I’m here.”
I turn, and my breath catches. He’s leaning against the car, dressed in dark jeans and a collared shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to show his forearms.
“What?” he asks, a slow smile spreading across his face. “You like what you see?”
“Maybe,” I tease, walking closer.
His eyes drop briefly, taking me in. “Yeah,” he murmurs. “Definitely worth the wait.”
My heart does that thing again—that stupid, uncontrollable flip. “Where are we going?” I ask.
“Patience,” he says, opening the car door for me.
I roll my eyes, smiling. “Suspicious.”
“You trust me?” he asks.
I don’t hesitate. Not for a second. “Always.”
The Wharf is buzzing when we get there. Dinner is wonderful—but it’s the lights reflecting off the water, the laughter floating through the air, the distant sound of waves crashing softly against the docks that make the date memorable.
“This is beautiful,” I breathe.
“Not as beautiful as you,” Noah says easily.
I nudge him. “You’re getting cheesy.”
