Page 62 of Finding Home

“Thanks for…” She knew she didn’t have the words to express the depth of her appreciation.

Behind Noah’s charming smile hid a deep well of intuition, patience, and kindness. On the surface, he appeared the handsome entrepreneur always ready with an unbridled smile, flirty wink, and perfect words. It was easy to overlook his watchful eyes that saw so much more than others. He was exactly who she thought he was in high school and so much more.

“Just standing in for him.” Noah said, tipping his head to the door.

Elle twisted in the chair. Clayton stood in the doorway worry etched on his face.

“I’ll leave you two.”Noah squeezed Elle’s hand, then rose, and moved toward Clayton.

“Noah…”

He stopped, looking over his shoulder, his blue eyes warm like a tropical sea.

“…Thank you.”

“Anytime.” He smiled.

“What happened?” Clayton murmured, walking to the chair and kneeling in front of Elle, who wrapped her arms around him.

“Todd served this beer made in a bourbon barrel. That night Jamie had been drinking…”

“Bourbon.” He finished her sentence, tightening his arms protectively, as if Jamie was in the room.

In a way he was. The alcohol’s aroma summoned Jamie’s ghost, which sank into her like a razor toothed crocodile.

“I just froze. Noah noticed.”

“When I went back you and Noah were gone.”

“Why’d you come to find me?”

“Call it intuition. Something told me I had to find you.”

“You always find me when I need you, don’t you?” Elle tilted her face to him.

“I try.” He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.

There was no trying; he just did. His presence was a warm blanket to wrap herself in. He’d always catch her if she fell.

“I think I’m ready to go back down.” She squared her shoulders.

“Are you sure? We can leave if you want.” He released her and straightened to his full height.

“No. I can’t let him continue to control me.”

For years, she had relinquished so much control to Jamie and her mom.No more.

“Plus, I have my support human.”Elle laced her fingers through his.

“Always.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

As the night ended, they paused next to his pickup.

“I have two questions,” he said.

“I have two answers,” she teased.

“My mom’s birthday dinner is on Sunday. Will you go with me?”

---