Page 79 of Noel
And that right there?That’s the icing on the cake, or cookie, as it were.
Getting to be the man at her side is simply worth everything.
And it’s my motherfucking destiny.
Chapter28
Holly
Everything is perfect.
I’m safe.Alive.
Darlene is in handcuffs, and hopefully on her way to getting the help she needs.
Noel is with me.And that’s just the best thing ever.
Right now, everything looks good.
The gala is perfect.A-listers are arriving, and guests are mingling with bright smiles, and holiday cheer mode is in full effect.
Drew’s House should do very well tonight.
Every flower, every ice sculpture, every candlelit table and ornament-draped garland.
The cookies are flawless, the champagne flows like magic, and the band plays a silky, romantic rendition of “Silver Bells” that makes my chest ache in the best way.
And somehow,miraculously, everything went off without a hitch—even after the chaos that nearly ruined it.
“Holly!Are you okay?”Clementine Callahan barrels toward me, worry written all over her flawless face before she pulls me into a tight, sisterly hug.
“I’m fine,” I whisper, meaning it more than she knows.“Noel was there to save the day.”
“Did he now?”she says with a smirk, eyes dancing.
Behind her, her husband Connor offers Noel a rare, approving handshake.
“Might have to put in a good word with your boss, Kane.”
Noel just nods once, the proud protector barely holding himself back from gluing himself to my side.
“Well, everything lookswonderful, Holly.Thank you so much.I can’t wait to do this again,” Clementine says, already stepping back into hostess mode.“I’ll call you at Big City Events.”
“Actually,” I say, my voice steady even as my heart leaps into my throat.“I’m leaving the company.Starting my own business.”
She beams.“Sounds like a plan!Let me know the second you’re up and running.”
I feel him behind me.
Noel.
His heat.His presence.His pride—it radiates off him like the heat from a fire.
When I turn, expecting protectiveness or worry, what I see instead makes my heart squeeze tight.
Pride.Pure and bright.
“Yeah, you’re starting your own business, Tinsel,” he murmurs, voice low and reverent.“You’re gonna be fuckingfabulous.”
