Natalie
One Year Later
Timing is everything.
After I declared that Noah and I were done and over, Noah found out the truth. His mother, Cynthia, had bribed the doctor into giving him a false paternity test answer.
Emma is one-hundred percent his daughter.
But are we together? No. I decided that Noah and I together would lead to a toxic relationship. I expected too much from him, and it felt like he was forcing himself to like me for Emma's sake.
Today I'm happily engaged to Alaric Caspen, the lawyer I dated before Noah whisked me away. I'm happy with him, content. He makes me feel safe. I'm pregnant again, and we are soon getting married.
But he isn't Noah.
I will never admit it to anyone other than myself, but Noah isn't someone I will forget. Noah is the father of my child, of whom we have shared custody over. He is a hurricane that swept into my life and changed me for the better.
He is also the person I sometimes look at and think, "What if he never was in that accident?"
But it's not healthy thinking that way.
I will always love Noah, but I'm with Alaric, and Noah is seeing Lexie. We are friends, and he will actually pick up Emma later.
Life is good.
Humming on a melody, I walk into the toilet.
Alaric is away on a business trip to Europe, and I've moved into his house. Alaric has a son, but he doesn't live at home, so I have this luxurious villa to myself. It's lovely, and I like it here.
Unfortunately, tonight, my stomach is acting up. I have cramps even though it's way too early for that in this pregnancy stage.
I don't overthink and flush the toilet when I hear the doorbell ring. Noah must be already here.
"COMING!"
The cramps aren't stopping. I've had them since this morning and haven't changed from my pajamas due to the severe pain. I look like hell. Yet I never cared until now.
I open the door, and I'm immediately forced to lift my eyes to face Noah and Lexie. They are both super tall and could be a couple posing for Vogue magazine. Beautiful people.
I'm hoping Emma caught Noah's genes. She will be popular with the boys in school, but I pray Lexie's personality won't affect her. The red-headed Medusa always glares at me like it's my fault her boyfriend and I have a child together.
"Good evening," Noah says before eyeing my outfit with vivid interest. There is laughter in his eyes. "Tough night?"
"Yeah..." I hand him a bag packed with Emma's stuff. "If you take this to the car, I can prepare Emma for her journey. I didn't realize you would be here so early."
"I texted you," Noah says. "Oh, and I called like three times."
Like always, Noah is gorgeous. His flawless appearance makes me hate him. Well, not really, but kinda?
He took up football again, and I saw him on TV the other day. I changed the channel the second I saw his ass.
I defend myself in a dry voice. "I've been stuck in the bathroom for the past ten minutes..."
Lexie widens her eyes in disgust at my words, but the tiny curl to Noah's lips hints at his amusement.
I usually lack a filter. Call it a mommy's brain, but my cheeks turn molten tonight. There is something different about Noah, but I fight the butterflies before they come.
I do it by sucking cold winter air into my lungs and dismissing my inappropriate emotions. It's been a year, and I'm getting married—I shouldn't let Noah affect me like this.
"Alright," Noah hands the bag to Lexie. She briefly glares at me but smiles when her boyfriend looks at her. "Can you take this to the car? I want to see my baby girl."
Lexie feigns a smile. "Of course."
Noah smiles, and then he follows me inside. He politely takes off his shoes in the hallway, even if the inside of Alaric's home is messy due to his pack of housecats.
"Emma is playing with her toys inside the living room. She is dressed and ready to go, though."
"Is Alaric still on his business trip?" Noah asks casually while eyeing the pictures on the walls.
"Yeah, I'm not sure when he is coming back," I enter the living room and smile when our daughter looks up. Her eyes always turn huge when she sets sights on Noah. "Emma, look who is here!"
Emma holds up her arms, softly saying. "Daddy!"
Noah crouches down and picks her up into his arms. He is so gentle with her and kisses her cheek. I melt whenever I see them together. I swear even my ovaries are squealing like fangirls.
"I missed you, missy," Noah kisses Emma again, holding her like she is the most precious thing in the world. "Have you been a good girl?"
"Yes."
Noah turns his attention to me. His lips part, but he pauses and lifts his eyebrows upon seeing me. I avert my eyes when I realize I'm looking at him with this goofy smile.
"Sorry..." I blink repeatedly. "I'm just a bit spaced out today."
Noah studies my face. "Are you feeling alright? I could get something from the store if you're unwell. Your skin is a bit pale, and there are rings under your eyes. You look terrible, no offense."
I snort at him. "I won't get offended. Please, I'm dressed in pajamas, and I'm exhausted. I'm aware I won't make the first page of any fashion magazine right now."
"But I'm not talking about your outfit," Noah says. "Your face is screaming fever right now, Natalie. It worries me."
I brush off his worries with a wave of my hand. "Nah, I'm excellent. I've just been having these cramps today. So it might be better that you leave quickly. It might be the stomach flu."
"Oh," Noah's eyes widen, and he hurries for the door. "But you have someone who can get you stuff, right?"
"I can always call Frank or Carmen if I get any worse. Carmen works for us anyway, and Frank likes to come over and drink coffee. We watch soap operas together."
Noah looks at me funny. "Are you talking about the Hiddleston family?"
"Yup," I smile at him. "We are closer than ever. Carmen offered to work for free, but that's insane. She deserves to be paid for everything she does around the house."
"I see," Noah's eyes size me up weirdly before he walks out to stand on our tiny porch. "If you need anything, call me. I have nannies working around the clock, so it's not a problem."
I grin up at him. "Ah, the wealthy CEO life."
He winks at me. "What is the point in being rich if you don't spend some of your wealth? People say money can't buy you happiness, but I'm put at ease when Emma is looked after."
"True," I hum at him. "Men who aren't afraid to spend their cash are also incredibly sexy."
He laughs. "Are you still bitter about Alaric not buying you a car?"
"Yes," I admit, shrugging. "It would make my life easier not having to call Carmen every time I need to go to the store."
Noah gives me a telltale smirk. "You should marry me instead."
Even though I know he is joking, my heart kicks to life. His words leave me sad for a moment, but I quickly recover.
"Nah, you're too young and handsome. I prefer older lawyers who are never at home."
He wrinkles his nose. "Too bad—I have a thing for tiny brunettes."
A feeling of déjà vu washes over me. I freeze and stand deathly still until my eyes land on Lexie. Her glare makes me shudder in my skin, and I decide it's time to close the door.
"You have a good night, Noah."
His smile is gentle. "You have a good night too, Natalie. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."
"Thank you."
I close the door, and then I'm left wondering what happened. Is it my imagination, or was Noah flirting with me?
Meh, I'm probably overthinking.
I'm about to get married. But since Alaric isn't at home and I'm lonely, I probably fantasized about Noah flirting with me. Which he would never do since he is in love with Lexie.