“Cora was meant to be mine. She’s the light to my dark, the other half of my soul. She is the first thought I have when I wake up, the last thought of my day, and every other moment in between. I’ve never been worthy of her, but I’m damn sure not going to stop trying to be the man she thinks I am. I disappointed her once, and I’ll never do it again. Cora isn’t just the answer to my prayers; she’s the answer to everything.”
“That’s a lovely sentiment, but what about Noah?”
“What about Noah?”
“How does he fit into this life you’re building?”
“He’s an extension of her. They’re a package deal, and I won’t take one without the other. Me, him, and Cora work perfectly together. There isn’t a scenario where it’s not the three of us. Well, for now, but I want to enjoy what we have first.”
I take satisfaction in the way Mr. Morgan’s eyes pop a bit after my last statement, but I won’t take it back. He needs to know I’m not going anywhere and understand that I’m dead serious about her.
“But you’re both so young,” he starts again.
“Age is a number. I was eight when my parents abandoned meand left me to foster care, where I was bounced around to shit you wouldn’t believe.” Glancing down at Cora, I sigh and continue, “I was twelve when I was beaten so badly by my foster parent that I ended up in the hospital for a week. Broken ribs, arm, etc. A really good time.” I ignore the gasp I hear, and finish, “Then as an angry sixteen-year-old, I stole a car from the world’s second most amazing person, and instead of turning her back on me and letting me rot, she showed me more love than I ever thought I deserved, until Cora. Age doesn’t give you life experience; it means nothing. I have lived countless different lifetimes before I met her, but the only one that matters is the one I get to spend with her. So, while you think I’m too young, know that I disagree with you. If anything, I’ve waited my whole life for someone like her, so I’m not going anywhere. I won’t give her up.”
Waiting for some type of angry retort, I’m surprised when he comes around to the side of the bed I’m sitting at, and drags another chair over, sitting in it. Nodding his head, he looks over at me. “Quite the speech.”
Shrugging my shoulders, I don’t answer. I just stare at my Firefly.Please, baby, come back to me, I plead silently.I’ll beg if I have to, just don’t slip away.
“What about the money?” he asks, casting a look my way. “I know you found out from her uncle. I honestly thought the guy was dead.”
“It’s Cora’s.” I shrug. “So the money doesn’t matter.”
“I’ve known Cora since she was young, and she’s always been stubborn and independent. When she comes out of this, and she will, she won’t make it easy on you.”
“I hope she doesn’t,” I answer, meaning every word. I’m a man of action, and I will prove to her that I’m not going anywhere. My future is right in front of me, and I’m not letting anything take it away.
Chapter Fifty-Four
Atlas
It’s been a week since Cora was hospitalized. I haven’t left her side unless I’ve been thrown out by one of the nurses, or when the Morgans demand some time. Noah has been in and out. I tried to send him to school one day but got a call to pick him up.
After giving the guidance counselor an abbreviated version of things, I lied through my teeth and assured her I’d try to get him to make it a full day. I knew their winter break was coming up anyway. I just count my lucky stars Cora never took me off his list of approved people to pick him up.
“Noah, Cora needs you to be at school.”
He stares out the window as I pull away from the building. “Well, I need Cora home,” he spits out.
Same.“Come on, let’s visit Emma. I want to show you something.” He starts to protest, but I follow it up with, “Then we can go see Cora.” I know the doctors were doing some tests this afternoon, so I have some time to kill.
Pulling into Emma’s, I park and take Noah in. Being here again with him makes me think of Thanksgiving and my colossal fuckup. It’s not a pleasant thought, so I push it away. Emma comes out of thekitchen and looks between the two of us, then at the clock on the wall.
“No school today?” She quirks a brow.
“Nope. Early winter vacation,” I lie. Noah stands silently by my side, looking at the floor.
“How about I make you boys some lunch?” she offers, making Noah’s head perk up.
“Thanks, Em.” I follow her into the kitchen, Noah trailing behind me.
“Of course. It’s cold as shit outside. How does grilled cheese sound? I have some soup in the freezer.”
“Chicken soup?” he asks, probably remembering the time I brought it for them when they were sick.
“Of course. What kind of mom would I be if I didn’t have chicken soup?” She laughs.
“But Atlas calls you Emma, not mom.”
