Page 64 of Coming Home

“Mom…I’m?—”

“Heidi,” Noah interrupted, turning to her. “Did I tell you we’re launching a new cider in the fall? It’s an apple cider aged in a whisky barrel, and we serve it warm.”

“That sounds lovely, dear,” Mom said, but her voice was laced with a shaky quality, like a baby deer using its legs for the first time.

“Yep, we’re calling it the Boss…it’s named after you.”

Mom turned to him with wide eyes. “Really?”

“We were going to announce it during Fall Fest in September, but since it’s your birthday, I wanted to share the good news with you.”

Nat’s heart swelled.

“Oh, Noah, that is so sweet!” Mom gushed as she rose and walked over and hugged him.

“Way to show us up on the gifts, son.” Scott laughed.

After dinner, Nat helped clean the kitchen. It was the only time her help in the kitchen was welcomed. Standing at the sink, she rinsed the plates. Dad brewed coffee and tea while Noah carried dishes into the kitchen. Everyone else sat on the back porch digesting before digging into the birthday cake. The last item was loaded into the dishwasher, and Nat filled the sink for the pots and pans, allowing the hot soapy water to wash over her hands.

“I’m going to take this out,” Dad said, carrying the tray with the coffee carafe, teapot, and cups.

“I’ll finish the dishes and then bring the cake out.” Her stare remained fixed on the gazebo in the backyard.

How often had she sat out there with Evan? Their last conversation took place there.

You’re making a mistake.Evan’s voice hissed in her ears.

She closed her eyes tight, losing herself in that memory. Her eyes shot open at the gentle touch of a hand around hers in the water. Twisting her head, her eyes met Noah’s.

“Are you okay?” he asked, squeezing her hand beneath the sudsy water.

“I…I’m fine.”

“Please, don’t lie to me.” His firm fingers massaged her palm. “We don’t have to talk about it…not ’til you’re ready, but please don’t hide how you’re feeling from me. I can’t do my job if I don’t know how you’re really doing.” His tender tone coaxed.

“You mean as the Owens family protector?”

“As your...”

Nat’s breath stuttered. “My what?”

“Whatever you want to call me…call us…my job is to be there with you. To stand beside you.” He nudged her with his elbow. “So, please answer me honestly…are you okay?”

“No.” Her voice cracked.

After cake, everyone drifted back to their own homes. Noah and his parents left, then Elle, Clayton, and the puppies. Nat sat with her parents for a bit before jumping into her Jeep to head home.

She drove toward the Little Red Barn. Across the yard, Clayton’s pickup was parked in the driveway. Instead of slowing down to turn into the driveway, she drove past, made a U-turn, and headed back to town. Like iron filings to a magnet, she was pulled back to Noah.

Parking her recognizable yellow vehicle was problematic. It never seemed obnoxious until she was trying to sneak around with Noah. Again, she drove past her destination.

The park didn’t close until eleven, and it was only eight, so she drove in and parked by the tennis courts. The sky darkened with sunset, but the park was still full of families playing and softball teams practicing. She walked through the greenspace toward Noah’s house.

Walking up the steps of the blue Victorian, her rapid intake and exhale kept cadence with each step. She stood, tugging the hem of her dress. Holding her breath, she knocked.

Noah opened the door. Changed out of the button-up and jeans from dinner, he wore a fitted grey T-shirt and black track pants. His feet were bare.

“God, I hoped you’d show up,” he murmured, reaching out and pulling her into him.

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