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“No.” I gasp and cover my mouth. I turn to Noah, and he interlocks his fingers with mine.
“Apparently, he had been in a hotel alone, and they were supposed to check out yesterday, but Brittany never showed up. The hotel manager called CPS, and they immediately opened an investigation. Anthony had no idea where his mom was, and he hadn’t eaten since the night before. Poor thing was basically abandoned. After they searched for her, they learned she was hospitalized and would go to jail until she went to trial. When she woke up, she gave them my info, and they called me.”
My thoughts take over, and I can’t stand the thought of this. “Loretta, you can’t let that happen,” I whisper.
“I know. I talked to Elliot and prayed about it. I called them an hour later and told them I’d take him. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I allowed him to be placed in the system. We’d already rejected him so much growing up, and I felt guilty. No telling what kind of damage she’s done to him. It’s almost enough to break me.”
I place my hand over my heart, relieved but also shocked considering what she went through to keep him a secret. “Thank God. You’re doing the right thing.”
“I know. I tried so hard to hide the fact that Gabe had another child, and now I’ll be raising him. Guess that’s karma’s way of getting me back. Funny how it all works out in the end, isn’t it?”
“You’ve always had a huge heart,” Noah confirms. “You’ll give Anthony a good life. Right now, he needs love and stability more than anything.”
I see Loretta trying to hold back her emotions, and as she nods, tears fall down her cheek. “I know Gabe wasn’t perfect. It’s been difficult for me to accept what happened. Deep down, I know you didn’t mean him harm, Noah. I know you didn’t. You were always a good kid. Your parents taught you the difference between right and wrong, and you never had a violent bone in your body. I understand how upset you were with what he was doing because I was just as angry for what he did to Katie when I found out the truth.”
Noah sees the tears streaming more rapidly and grabs some tissues for her. We sit silent, giving Loretta the time she needs to finish what she came to say. As she grows more emotional, I wrap her in a hug. It’s hard to see her like this, considering she’s always so put together and composed. “I’m sorry for not telling y’all the truth as soon as Brittany came to town. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to forgive myself.”
“We forgive you,” I say softly, trying to comfort her. “In a strange way, I understand why you did it. Sometimes it’s easier to pretend something didn’t happen than to acknowledge the truth. I’m kinda guilty of it too.”
When we pull apart, she sucks in a deep, relieved breath. “I guess it’s time to turn over a new leaf. I’m really glad you two found each other again. You deserve to be happy.”
I never thought I’deverhear her say those words. Ever. But a smile touches my lips because I know she means it. “Thank you. I really appreciate that.”
“I hope that Anthony will get to spend time with Owen, and they’ll know the truth about each other one day. I’m aware they were friends in school, but I think their bond is much deeper than that.”
Noah nods. “I’d love to have Anthony around. And I’m sure Owen would be happy to get to spend time with his half brother.”
I chuckle to myself, and Loretta tilts her head at me. “Sorry, I’m just laughing at how odd all of this is. Owen went from having no siblings to…” I trail off for a second and turn and look at Noah, asking for silent permission. As if he reads my mind, he places his hand on my shoulder and gives me a head nod. “To havingseveral,” I continue.
I notice the confusion on her face. “Several?”
Noah gives a soft laugh, and I can feel the warmth of his breath on the back of my neck, which causes goose bumps to form. “I’m pregnant,” I happily say.
“With twins,” Noah adds. “But we’re not making any announcements anytime soon.”
I turn to her. “Oh yes, please don’t tell anyone. My parents and Noah’s dad haven’t been told yet. You’re actually the only one who knows outside of us.”
Loretta grins wide. Standing, she gives Noah a hug and then pulls me in for another. “Thank you for telling me. I’m so thrilled for you two. I’ll always consider you my daughter, Katie. And I hope you two allow me to continue to be in Owen’s life and the babies’ lives too.”
“We’d be honored,” Noah confirms, and I’m in awe at how easily he speaks with her after how she’s treated him. It feels as if our lives are finally moving in the right direction, and everything’s going to be just fine.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
NOAH
The gym’sbusy for a Friday afternoon, but it makes the day pass faster. Though I enjoy working with Tyler and my sister, it’s not as fulfilling as it was to renovate. For now, I’m managing the front desk, so I mainly register new members and scan others in. Occasionally, I answer the phone and do random tasks as needed. Basically, I’m a glorified receptionist, but I appreciate having a job until I find something permanent.
If someone had told me I would have a gun pointed in my face and the life of the woman I love threatened, I would’ve called them a liar. The very moment I thought I could lose Katie for good, I didn’t hesitate to rush toward her. I’d take a bullet for her any day but thank God for the vest that saved my life. It’s been a month since that happened, and we’re finally getting back to normal.
Noah: Hey, baby. How’re you feeling today? How’s work?
I’ve never been more excited in my life to be a dad and start a family with Katie. Finding out she was pregnant was a huge shock, but we’re excited about this next step in our relationship. I love her more than I could ever express and can’t wait to make her my wife. Though I wish I could take away her sickness, she’s taking it like a champ.
Katie: Great and great! Gonna leave work early and grab Owen before heading home. How about you?
Noah: Fine, it gets busy, then slows down for a bit. Hoping to leave early too.
Katie: YAY! Can’t wait to see you!!
