Page 126 of Loved By Two
I picked Jessica up on my way home from the office, like me she’s anxious to get back to Noah.
But we also knew he needed some breathing room, however, that didn’t stop me from reaching out to Maggie. As soon as I mentioned Jessica and I had to go into work, she insisted on dropping by this afternoon and making us all dinner.
I wasn’t going to say no, besides I think it will be good for Noah.
Once we’ve parked in the garage, I turn off the engine and unclip my belt. Reaching over the centre console, I grip Jessica’s jaw and guide her face to mine, leaning in for a kiss.
“He’s going to be okay. I promise.”
She chews on her lip but nods. We talked about it on our way to work, but the drive home was more contemplative.
“I know,” she whispers. “I just wish he didn’t have to go through it at all.”
I nod, my thumb stroking her cheek. “Me too. Come on, let’s go see what magic Maggie has cooked up.”
She nods and unclips her seatbelt and then joins me on the other side of the car so we can go in through the back of the garage and into the kitchen.
As soon as I push open the door, I’m hit with the smell of cooking. Soft music plays but the sound that has my heart jumping in my chest is Noah’s soft chuckle.
He’s sitting at the breakfast bar, talking away to Maggie. The pair of them laughing and it’s so damn good to see. I squeeze Jessica’s hand in mine, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears as she watches on too. It’s only when Aspen barks they realise we’re home, which is a testament to how relaxed Noah is.
“We were just talking about you,” Maggie says as we walk further into the kitchen. I walk over and kiss her on the top of her head before turning back to Noah. Jessica greets him with a gentle kiss and then he looks up.
“And what was it you were saying about me, exactly?” I ask, leaning over to kiss him too.
He laughs again and then waves his hand. “She was just regaling me with more stories from your youth,” he replies.
I groan but can’t help but smile too. As much as that should mortify me, seeing him happy is more than enough for me to roll with it.
“I was a brilliant kid,” I reply, shrugging as I loosen my tie.
Maggie reaches up and pats my cheek. “Of course you were, love.”
I was a little shit, no denying it. I tried to push her away, but it never stuck. And I’m fucking grateful too, she helped mould me into the man I am today. My life could have been very different if it wasn’t for Maggie and her husband taking me into their home.
“Somehow, I very much doubt that,” Jessica says, reaching into the cupboard for some wine glasses.
Without thinking, she lines up four.
“Oh shit,” she murmurs when she remembers that Noah’s not drinking alcohol while he’s still healing.
“It’s okay, Jessica, I can still use the wineglass,” he says.
“I’ll have a soft drink with Noah too, sweetie,” Maggie says.
“Caleb?” she asks.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having, little one.”
I know she has a bottle of white wine in the fridge, so I’ll have a small glass with her. I can see her questioning if she should have a soft drink instead, so I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her middle and rest my chin on her shoulder.
“Drink whatever you fancy. Noah doesn’t mind, I promise.”
She nods, but I can tell from how tense she is she’s still not sure.
I take the choice out of her hand and pour the wine she took from the fridge into our glasses and then fill Noah and Maggie’s with some elderflower and lemonade.
“Shall we eat in the dining room?” I ask Maggie.
