As for me, I’m taking all the love and affection my parents are willing to offer and soaking it up. I’ve missed them more than I can say.
Somehow, I wasn’t surprised when we entered Copper’s home to find that one of his spare rooms was set up for a little boy with everything he could want—a racing car duvet set, new clothes in his cupboard, and toys in baskets on the shelves.
Noah was overwhelmed, and it took him a few nights to feel comfortable sleeping in his new room. Not that I blame him. I’m an adult, and I find all the changes over the last week overwhelming. Noah is adapting much better than I expected.
Unsurprisingly, he took to my mum and Maggie from the start, but he’s still wary of most men. It’ll take time for him to trust that they won’t hurt him. We’ll help him heal emotionally, physically, and mentally. I’d make sure of it and get him whatever help he needed.
He woke us early this morning with a nightmare. We spent the morning colouring and enjoying each other’s company while Copper cooked us breakfast. Well, his version of breakfast, which was to put the casserole his mum sent us in the oven. His cooking has improved, but not that much.
It truly amazes me that I have Copper in my life. He’s everything I never thought I’d have but everything I needed. And the fact that he’s taken on Noah without hesitation makes me realise how lucky I am.
Somehow, in all of this, I’ve found a man who reminds me of the men in my family. It makes me wonder—is it an MC thing, or am I fortunate to have so many good people in my life?
Because that’s what they are down to their souls—good people.
But our brief reprieve from the real world was about to end. Coal sent a message this morning—he’s calling Church, and the Cursed Skulls will be attending.
I need to let Noah know I’ll be gone for a little while.
“Noah,” I say as I run my hand over his curly blond hair and wait for him to look at me. Copper joins us and sits in the chair next to me, hand on my thigh. Supporting me as always.
Noah lifts his head and gives me a worried look. I smile, hoping to relieve any worries he may have.
Leaning closer, I hold his hand. “I need you to listen to me, okay?”
His little mouth droops as if he’s waiting for bad news.
“Hey.” I tap his chin with my finger. “It’s nothing bad, but I want you to decide something.”
He continues to look at me with worried eyes about what I’m going to tell him.
Reaching over, I pick him up and pop him on the table in front of Copper and me. I hold back a gasp, ignoring the pain in my ribs. Copper takes one of his hands, and I take the other. Some might say a four-year-old won’t understand, but Noah has beenthrough so much in his short life, and I want him to have a choice.
“Copper and I have a meeting today with the men who rescued us and all those other people. We may have to go away for a few days.”
His blue eyes pool with tears, overflowing and running down his cheeks onto our hands. My heart aches. I hate that this hurts him when all I want is for him to be safe and happy.
“You leave me?”
“Only for a few days, bud,” Copper says gently. “We can’t take you with us. It’s too dangerous. My mom and dad will stay here with you. You can stay in your bed, in your room.”
His being able to stay here in our home seems to calm him a little. “You come back for me?”
“Hey.” I squeeze his hand gently until he looks at me. “Remember what I told you? I’ll always make sure you’re okay. If you want, I can see if my mum and dad can stay here, too?”
He nods. “’Kay.”
I wrap my arms around him, wincing as my ribs protest again. Pressing my lips to his temple, I whisper, “I promise I’m coming back for you, Noah. You can talk to Copper and me every day while we’re gone, okay? We’ll make sure everyone staying with you knows.”
“Aunt Jeanie stay?”
My gaze meets Copper's.
His eyes soften as he runs a comforting hand over Noah’s back.
“Yeah, bud. Aunt Jeanie and Aunt Thea are staying this time. Does that make you feel better?”
“Yes.” He nods. “She take the bad lady away.”
