Page 74 of Coming Home

Rosé wasn’t her favorite. Ever since her first illegal sip of alcohol when she was fourteen, she had been a cider girl. Just don’t tell her soon-to-be sister-in-law, who, no doubt, would require the entire wedding party to drink tea or rosé. Since Elle had joined the family there was always a bottle chilling in Clayton and their parents’ respective fridges, standing ready for Elle.

“Your speech was wonderful. I’m so proud! I wish I had recorded it. Your mom and dad would burst with parental pride.” She almost squealed from her own sense of pride.

It wasn’t just his story that captured the room, but how he spoke. Confidence, humility, inspiration, and sincerity were woven seamlessly into the fabric of his speech.

“The conference organizers recorded it, so it will be available on their website on Monday. I’ll send my parents the link,” he offered.

Nat’s heart squeezed. “You’re such a good son.” Her face scrunched. “You’re such a good everything.”

Bemusement curled his lips. “Well, I’m failing as a boyfriend because my beautiful girlfriend has been reduced to rosé. I need to rectify that immediately. Ready to head to dinner? We’re going to the Cider Mill, so I know for a fact they have cider for…” He paused and then winked. “…my baby.”

A big laugh sprinted out of her. “Lead the way, baby.”

Fifteen minutes later, she jumped out of Noah’s SUV. She slipped her blazer off and tossed it onto the front seat before shutting the door. The evening was still warm, so the jacket wasn’t necessary. Also, the full effect of the dress needed to be experienced.

Noah rounded the vehicle. Stopping as he reached her, his throat bobbing and eyes raking down her figure. “You’re stunning.”

“Oh, this old thing?” she said with sassiness, shaking her hips. She’d only bought the dress the previous Saturday just for this trip.

He stepped close, settling his hands on her waist. “You worried about me causing a hormonal riot in this suit, but you in that dress…” He hummed his appreciation.

She lifted to her tiptoes, snaking her arms around his neck. “Good thing I have my warrior to protect me from horny rioters.”

“I do enjoy your wit.” He dipped his head, kissing her. “I have something for you.” He released her and stepped back.

Nat arched an eyebrow, and a salacious smile kicked across her face.

“Not that.” With a teasing smirk, he slipped his right hand into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a rectangular purple velvet box.

Nat took it, biting her lip as she opened it. A delicate rose gold gardenia pendant necklace was inside. “Noah.” Her words and breath both hitched.

“Do you like it?” The playfulness of his tone was replaced with a nervous hopefulness.

“I love it. A gardenia.”

It was just like the flowers he’d given her. The ones that meant secret affection.

Noah took the box from her. “May I?” he asked, removing the necklace.

She nodded, turning her back to him. The heat from his body enveloped her as he stood behind her. Goosebumps bloomed across her skin. His hands were gentle as he placed the necklace around her neck.

Nat raised her fingers to the pendant, tracing its smooth edges. “It’s lovely.”

“I saw it and thought of you.” He cupped her upper arms. “Besides the obvious, gardenias are both beautiful and strong, they have an intoxicating fragrance that lingers, and they aren’t every day. They’re special.”

“Baby,” she crooned, twisting to face him. “Thank you for seeing me. For reminding me who I am and not expecting me to be anything else but that.” She wrapped her fingers around the necklace.

The gift wasn’t just about the secret romance they had, but it represented her. Since coming home, she lost herself. So much of the spunky Nat had been tamped down by self-doubt.

Noah caressed her cheek. “Who you are is far too special to be marred by being anybody else. A rose can never be a gardenia.”

“And a gardenia can never be a rose, and that’s okay.” She smiled.

It was a ridiculous metaphor, but it made sense to her. So, what if she wasn’ttheDr. Owens. She wasaDr. Owens. Better than that, she was Dr. Nat Owens. She didn’t need to be her father. She could be herself and win them over, just as she’d done with classmates in medical school and fellow residents in her residency program. Whoever didn’t get on the Dr. Nat Owens train, well…Fuck them!

“I have an idea that I’m really excited about. Can I pick your sexy business brain during dinner?” She pitched her voice low and seductive. “I’ll let you bend me over the desk in the hotel room in return for your business god knowledge.”

“There’s that cutthroat negotiating mind of yours at work again.”

---