Page 76 of Pages of Amber

“You don’t have to go out of your way, Mrs. Rhodes,” she said as she sat on the soft blue couch.

Noah’s mom gasped dramatically. Her hair bobbed in its bun as she shook her head in time with her words. “Of course I do. My eldest is back home for the weekend before his exams. It’s great having my boys under the same room but I can’t help feeling outnumbered. Thank God you’re here.”

Amber giggled. “I’m glad to be here.” Her smile dimmed. “I don’t know if Noah told you what happened. I was scared you’d hate me.”

“Look at me, dear.” Her hand squeezed Amber’s. “I know my son. He doesn’t talk about a lot of things that bother him and I’ve learned not to push until he’s ready. His worry was clear when he told me about your injured ankle but he wouldn’t say any more about you. You’ll both be adults soon. I trust you both to solve your issues. Tell me, was I right to do that?”

Amber was already nodding. “Yes, completely. It was all my fault, and I should have apologized earlier, but I was scared. It took an intervention from my friends to make me see that I had to be brave for myself.”

“Good friends always give the best advice. Everyone needs help along the way, Amber. As long as you’re open to the right help and follow your heart.”

Her heart had led her right to Noah.

“How is your ankle, by the way?”

Amber glanced down at her feet, feeling the heavy bandage wrapped around her ankle. “It’s been healing nicely so far.” Until she’d set it back with her reckless dancing against the doctor’s strict orders.

They were interrupted by loud stomps on the stairs followed by groaning. A guy stepped into the living room, musing his dark hair over his forehead.

“You said we have a–” He paused when his gaze landed on her. “Oh, it’s a pretty guest.” The cheshire grin on his face was jarring. It was like looking at a jovial, sunshine version of Noah.

“I’m Amber. It’s nice to finally meet you.” She smiled.

Ronan raised his hand for a shake. “It’s definitely nice to meet you.”

“Paws off.” Noah appeared at her side, smacking his brother’s hand.

Ronan pulled his hand away with a yelp. He shot a glance between them, his smile growing wider. “I see. She’s your guest.” The way he said it made it obvious he enjoyed pulling his brother’s leg. “As I was saying before I got interrupted, I’m Ronan, the handsome brother, the one in college and the one who owns a truck.”

“Technically, you don’t own it since Mom and Dad got it for me. I let you borrow it.” Noah glared at his brother.

“Noah didn’t fail to mention you,” she said. “It’s your fault he had to ride home in a taxi.”

“Only Noah would think to bring a pretty girl home in a taxi,” Ronan remarked loudly enough for Noah to hear as he handed Amber the glass.

“You took my truck,” Noah grumbled.

“All I hear are excuses.”

Amber tried not to laugh as she sipped on her orange juice. She checked the time on her phone and moved to stand. “Thank you for having me. But I need to be on my way.”

Her announcement was met with protests all round. Noah blocked her in as Mrs. Rhodes locked her fingers under her chin.

“Stay for dinner. Please.”

And they all had puppy eyes. Amber sighed in defeat. There was no way she could say no. In fact, absolutely no part of her wanted to.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“EVERYONE, JOIN HANDS.”

The table collectively bowed their heads as Mr. Rhodes said a prayer.

A burly man in his late fifties, Richard Rhodes, with his mop of dark hair, kind green eyes and boisterous personality that was an exact replica of Ronan’s, had arrived at his home thirty minutes after Amber agreed to stay for dinner. As soon as he’d come in, he’d kissed his wife on the cheek, greeted his sons, and had been introduced to Amber. Then, he’d rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands three times at the kitchen sink and joined his wife to prepare dinner.

Amber had been able to observe the family dynamics in that short time. It was clear to anyone that Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes’ were besotted with each other. He could hardly go a few minutes without touching his wife’s waist, brushing against her shoulder or kissing her cheek. It sent a pang through Amber to remember that her parents had been similarly obsessed with each other.

The relationship between the parents and kids took a different turn. Mrs. Rhodes adored her sons, but she saw Noah as capable of handling things himself, she gave Ronan specific instructions to set the table and put things in order. His dad dictated to him where things should go and the spoons to be used for serving food. A certain sense of responsibility had rested on Ronan’s shoulders.

---