Page 46 of The Fate of Us

He scowls at me. “If I didn’t love you, I might call this whole thing off.”

“Good thing you do love me.” I wink at him as I head to my room to pack.

We spend the afternoon moving furniture and boxes across our driveways. I managed to win on the couch debate when Asher came over to help move heavy furniture. But Noah being the stubborn man he is, didn’t get rid of his awful couch. Instead he moved it into the basement because he decided he would need a man cave at some point.

I manage to set up a lot of my décor in his living room, bringing the room to life. I adjust the succulents on the mantle when he comes into the room wrapping his arms around me.

“Thank you.”

I look over my shoulder at him. “For what?”

He rests his chin on my shoulder. “For making this house a home.”

“It’s just a few decorations but it makes a difference.”

“No. You. You make this house a home.”

I turn in his arms and see the sincerity in his eyes. And love, so much love for me. I kiss him. I never thought I would find a love like the one he gives me.

“Ahem.” Asher clears his throat. “I know that you are old creepy horn dogs but can you not do that in front of me.”

“Says the guy who tried to kiss me at my job.” I laugh.

Asher’s face goes red. “I thought we said we wouldn’t talk about that again.”

“We must have forgotten,” Noah says as he grabs my hand. “Come on, we should head to Mom and Dad’s.”

The three of us pile into Noah’s SUV and head into the mountains. It’s a peaceful drive, one that I should take more often. The thoughts I had early filter through my brain as I get lost in the views overlooking the smoky mountains.

I’ve grown accustomed to being here. Living in Asheville has helped me find a lot of the peace I was searching for over many years. Maybe this was supposed to be where I ended up. In the beautiful lush mountains surrounded by creeks and rivers. A place that I can easily call home. A place that feels like home.

The fears I have about leaving Noah and chasing my dreams seem almost resolute. Why can’t I have both? Why can’t I live my dream here?

Noah reaches over the console and grabs my thigh, giving it a tight squeeze. I look over at him and smile as my hand covers his. He faces the road but I can’t take my eyes off him. This perfect man. A man I never thought could be mine. He is loyal and protective. He loves fiercely and hard. He is not one to take me for granted or throw me away when something better comes along. He could really be the forever I never was able to have.

He glances back at me and smiles. My heart beating hard in my chest as I take in the beauty of that smile. A smile I see so often now. A smile I used to force out of him. A smile that always deserves to be on that face.

We pull into his parents’ driveway and I suddenly have the answers to all the questions I have kept locked inside of me. I don’t need Nashville to chase my dreams because leaving Noah behind would be harder than anything I have ever done in my life. He is my forever.

Noah opens my car door and takes my hand as we walk to his childhood home. I remember the first time I came here. I was so worried about meeting his family, worried they wouldn’t like me. But I’ve been here three times for family dinners since Thanksgiving and I have never felt more accepted in my life. This too feels like home.

Marlene answers the door and pulls me into a giant hug. “Anna May, I am so happy you are here. Come inside, let me take your coat. Would you like a glass of wine?”

“Gee Mom, I’m glad you’re happy to see us too,” Noah mutters.

“Oh hush, child. I am always happy to see you. But you know that so I don’t have to say it. Make sure you hang your coats up. Asher, do not throw it on the chair!”

I laugh as I look over the arm Marlene has on my shoulder as she steers me into the kitchen. Sure enough Asher is picking his coat up off the chair and grabbing a hanger from Noah.

Dottie is in the kitchen talking up a storm with Carson, Tiffany, and Mason who are already here. As soon as she sees me, she slams her glass on the counter and runs over to me. “My favorite daughter-in-law. I am so happy to see you.”

I freeze in her arms as she says it. That thought just a bit terrifying. It was hard enough to get me to agree to move in with Noah. The thought of marrying him a little too much, even if I think he is my forever.

“Dottie. She’s just my girlfriend.”

Dottie gives Noah a smirk and raises her brows at him suggestively. “Well, last time I saw her she wasn’t anything, so I am happy to see she is now your girlfriend.”

I pull away from Dottie and accept the glass of wine Marlene has poured for me.

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