“That’s because I’m an adult.” As they walked toward Cassie’s cottage, Nora told him about the other adults who were her friends. She was a walking, talking, encyclopedia of information—and an adorable optimist who made him smile.
If he ever had children, he hoped they were just like Nora. Life could be unpredictable and, sometimes, all you needed was an excited child to remind you about what was important.
Chapter 5
Cassie met Noah and Nora a few feet from her cottage. “I thought I’d find the two of you together.”
Nora had a grin on her face. “Noah heard us singing happy birthday. Did you know he has a goldfish called SpongeBob?”
“No, I didn’t. Why is he called SpongeBob?”
“’cos he’s yellow and swims in the water,” Nora said quickly. “Noah likes cake, too.”
“I’m glad because we’ve got plenty.”
“That’s what I said, too. I’ll get everything ready.”
Nora rushed inside, leaving Cassie with Noah.
He cleared his throat. “I’m surprised you want to share your birthday cake with me.”
Cassie shrugged. “It’s a nice cake. But to be honest, I didn’t think you’d still be here.”
“I promised my brother I’d take a vacation. If I go back to work early, he’ll find an excuse to send me back to my apartment.”
“You work together?”
“Not usually, but a lot is happening at the moment. While I’m here, he’s making sure everything runs smoothly at Wilson Enterprises.”
Cassie could imagine Noah leading an organization. He seemed calm and unflappable, the type of person you could depend on in an emergency. “Does your brother like being in charge?”
“Most of the time. He travels a lot with the business he owns, so it’s a novelty to be in one place for longer than a week.”
“You both sound busy.”
Noah sighed. “Which is why Jack suggested I come here. As well as searching for you, he thought spending some time away from the office would do me good.”
Cassie took a deep breath. “I’m sorry coming here was a waste of time.”
“Nothing is ever a waste. Even though you’re not coming to Manhattan to accept the award, I’m enjoying Sapphire Bay. I found some amazing candy and I’m meeting an artist tomorrow to talk about her paintings.”
A little of the guilt lifted from Cassie’s shoulders. Before they went inside, she thought she’d better warn Noah about her friends. “Sam, Brooke, and Megan are amazing women, but I can’t guarantee they won’t be acting a little crazy. Sam is getting married in three weeks and Brooke is planning her own wedding.”
“I won’t hold any wedding conversation against them.”
Cassie winced. If even half the media stories about his engagement were correct, Noah wouldn’t enjoy any conversation about people finding their happy ever after. “I’m sorry. I forgot about your engagement.”
“How did you know…” Noah’s frown deepened. “You found the articles about Tasha and me.”
“I shouldn’t have been snooping into your life, but I wanted to know who you were. Apart from the fundraising work your company does, your engagement was the only information I could find.”
“I don’t like discussing my personal life with the media.”
He wasn’t the only one.
Nora ran out of the cottage and pulled Noah inside. “Come and see the living room. There are balloons and glitter and lots of flowers.”
Noah’s serious face broke into a grin.
