Page 285 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I don't even have time to turn before something small collides with my legs.

"Noah."

He wraps both arms around my waist. "I knew you were coming!"

"You did?"

He points toward Mrs. Henderson.

"She smiled funny."

Mrs. Henderson gasps dramatically. "I most certainly did not."

"You did."

He nods with complete confidence. "You smile like that when somebody brings cookies."

Annette laughs so hard she has to cover her mouth.

I kneel beside him. "How are the new skates?"

His entire face lights up. "They're awesome!"

"Show me."

"I was hoping you'd ask."

Then he notices Annette.

His eyes grow wide.

"Oh."

He straightens his shirt like a tiny gentleman.

"Hi."

She kneels beside me. "Hi."

"I'm Noah."

"I know."

His eyebrows lift. "You do?"

"Jamie talks about you."

He looks at me with obvious satisfaction. "I knew I was important."

"You absolutely are."

He reaches for my hand, then looks at Annette. Without hesitation, he takes hers too.

"Come on."

He starts pulling both of us down the hallway.

"I have to show you something."