Page 107 of Forever and Ever

So right now, I cry those fears and that loss into my sister’s shoulder. I spill my tears out like they’re secrets I’ve been holding back. And she holds me knowing she can’t really understand, but it’s a comfort anyway.

We sit like that for what feels like forever. Time starts to disappear. At some point, I hear movement at the bedroom door, and I’m sure dinner is done, cold and put away. But Carson doesn’t interrupt or say anything. He leaves us alone as I sob in my sister’s arms and feel everything I haven’t allowed myself.

Finally, I wipe my face and Monica sits on the bed facing me. There’s something cathartic about crying it out—releasing what’s deep inside and feeling it all. It’s painful, but my body no longer feels frozen in place.

The hurt exists, but my heart beats through it.

“I’m here for you, Merry,” Monica says, holding my hands in her own.

“I know.”

“And you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.” She pats my hands.

“I appreciate it.” I tip my head to the side and look at her. “But don’t worry, I’ll only be here as long as I need to. Wouldn’t want to cramp your newlywed style.”

Monica blushes and shakes her head. She’s so easily embarrassed about sex for a woman who writes filthy smut.

A knock comes from the doorway and we both look up. I expect to see Carson standing there ready to claim his blushing bride, but that’s not the face staring back at me.

“Noah?”

I try to process why he’s in my doorway in Seattle and not Denver like he’s supposed to be.

“The one and only, babe.” Noah shoots me a blinding grin, standing there looking way too good in a damp wet black T-shirt and ripped faded gray jeans.

“So, this is Noah.” Monica scans him head to toe and then turns to me with a wink, pretending she doesn’t already know. His face is plastered everywhere, and I know she’s been to their concert because I gave her the tickets. “The boyfriend?”

“That’s up for debate at the moment.” I stand up and walk over to where he’s in the doorway, nudging him on the arm. “You promised.”

He catches my wrist and pulls me against him. “Yes, I did. And before it turns into a fight club in here, let me explain.”

“Oh, I like this guy for you,” Monica says, and I look over my shoulder to find her grinning.

“That makes one of us.” I narrow my eyes and train my expression back on him. “Explain.”

“I promised I would let you come to Seattle by yourself, and I did. Said goodbye at the airport and everything.”

“Okay but—”

“And the band,” he cuts me off and holds me tighter. “Is not putting anything on hold. I promised you I’d stay with the band and continue recording the album. So, I brought them with me.”

“To Seattle?” What is he even saying right now?

Noah nods. “Yes, to Seattle. It’s not like it took that much convincing since Cassie is here right now and Sebastian can’t stand not being around her.”

“Where are you recording?”

“Adrian knows a guy.” Noah shrugs, likeno big deal, I just picked up my band and my career and moved cities with them for you.

“You—” I shake my head, trying to process the shock, frustration, and excitement. I’m tempted to be mad at him for twisting my words around and still not doing what I asked. But he’s relentless, and it’s one of the infuriating things I somehow love about him.

It’s been easy for me to push people away because I’m stubborn and strong-willed. But Noah doesn’t let me hide behind excuses. He forces me to face things that scare me. And he brings out the side of me I didn’t know existed.

“You kept your promise,” I breathe out.

“I did.”

“Albeit, creatively,” I remind him.

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