I kissed the top of her shoulder. “I think we keep doing what we’re doing and see what this is like when not dealing with major life events.”
She nodded. “So keep connecting…”
I moved my hips forward. “I definitely like connecting with you.”
She reached back to slap my torso, such that she could. “That way, sure, but also…”
I kissed her temple this time. “Yes, also outside the bedroom. For example, like at my daughter’s birthday party tomorrow. You still in?”
“Yes?” Frankly, she didn’t sound completely convinced, but I’d take it.
I slid out, took care of the condom, and came right back, but this time lying face-to-face. “How can I reassure you?”
“I don’t think you can.” She met my gaze. “I’m a little scared of Jake’s mom.”
I laughed. “I mean, she’s harmless in that there isn’t a mean bone in her body, just a big personality.” I thought for a minute. “She’ll love you.”
She nodded. “Can I make something to bring?”
I thought of all the brunches I’d been to at Ivy’s place. “Well, the amount of food that will already be there is ridiculous, but you’re welcome to if you want.”
She nestled into my space, resting her head on my arm. “Thanks.”
I lifted my head in surprise, but she was already growing heavy in sleep and not looking at me. “For what, kitten?”
“For accepting me as I am and constantly reassuring me.” Her sleepy voice grabbed my heart and squeezed.
“Always,” I whispered, kissing her head and following her into dreamland.
Chapter 25
Who Doesn’t Love a Brunch
Jules
Noah and I were headed up the walk to Jake and Ivy’s place, a dessert carrier in his hands. I’d insisted on making something and, upon looking at the groceries Ivy had stocked, I realized I had all the makings of a peach-and-blueberry cake. Of course, it would be better when the fruit was all in season, but it would still be delicious now. Bonus points, it gave me something else to obsess over while we sat around this morning.
I knew these weren’t Noah’s parents. Hell—now I would never meet them, not that he would have even wanted me to. But somehow it felt like Jake’s parents were stand-ins for the parental figures that Noah, and in many ways Ivy, lacked. I wanted to make a good impression. I felt certain my joggers and lightweight long-sleeved tee weren’t dressy enough, but Noah explained that all the Spencer siblings were big fans of a casual and leisurely brunch. If I dressed up, I would be out of place, thus I went with it.
As we got to the sidewalk that curved up to the back door, Noah tugged on my hand and I came to a stop in front of him.
“You sure you want to do this?” he asked.
“Of course. Who doesn’t love a brunch?” I said, momentarily uncertain if that was his way of hinting he’d rather go alone. “Do you still want me here?”
He shook his head and placed a hand under my chin, tilting my face up and pressing the sweetest of kisses to my lips. Moving back just a breath, he whispered, “I’d really like you by my side. I just don’t want you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”
“I’m good. Promise.”
In response, Noah leaned down for another kiss. We fell into it and I silently ranked it against all our kisses so far. How was every one of them better than the last and far and away superior to any I’d had before? I was continuing to enjoy this one when I heard some whistling coming from the house.
We pulled back, and I looked beyond Noah to see Jake, Ivy, Drew, Kate, and two new folks I was assuming were Steph and Theo on the porch.
Drew looked to us, then to his siblings and in-laws. “This feels like a whole lot of déjà vu, am I right?”
They all laughed at what seemed like an inside joke. Noah grabbed my hand, squeezed it in a quick gesture of comfort, and we headed up the walk.
“Welcome.” Ivy stepped forward and gave me a hug. “I’m so glad you came.”
