Emma shook her head. “Thanks for the offer, but my dad will be here soon to collect us.”
Cassie knelt on the floor beside Molly and Dylan. “It was lovely meeting you both, but I have to go now.”
“Are you staying with your granddad, too?” Molly asked.
“No. I’m going to a party with Noah.”
Emma must have seen the way her daughter’s face lit up. “No, we can’t go to Cassie and Noah’s party. But we will visit Cassie when we’re home.”
“Okay. Bye, Cassie. See you soon.”
Cassie had no idea whether a five-year-old had any concept of time, but it didn’t matter. Molly’s sweet smile reminded her of all the good things there were in the world. “See you soon, Molly.”
While she said goodbye to Dylan and Emma, Noah took her suitcase off the cart. Before too long they were heading toward the parking lot, moving around people who had even more luggage than Emma.
“I thought I knew most of the people in Sapphire Bay,” Cassie murmured. “I can’t believe I haven’t met Emma and her children before now.”
“You’ve been busy in your store and she’s probably been busy looking after her children. That doesn’t leave either of you with a lot of free time.”
“That’s true. It sounds as though her business is doing really well.” A man rushed toward her with a bag clutched to his chest. Cassie stepped out of his way, hoping he hadn’t missed his final boarding call.
Pulling her gaze away from the stranger, she focused on Noah. “Is everything organized for tonight’s presentation?”
He held her hand. “It is. Are you ready to accept the award?”
Cassie grimaced. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Megan and Brooke listened to my speech last night and enjoyed it. I just hope everyone else does.”
“I’m sure they will.”
Noah’s reassuring smile calmed some of the butterflies in her stomach. Accepting the award was a big step. Bigger than anyone except her dad realized.
Over the last few years she’d gone from being homeless to owning her own jewelry store. At times, the journey to where she was today had been incredibly difficult. But through all the sleepless nights, the bank loan that still gave her nightmares, and the times she’d almost given up, she’d made it.
Noah pointed to the next row of vehicles. “My SUV is over there.”
Cassie looked around them. Walking through the parking lot was like being in a different world. The distant sound of engines and honking horns reminded her of a giant intergalactic spaceship. All they needed was a platoon of little green men marching down the ramps and the scene would be set for a fantastic movie.
“Why do I get the impression you like parking buildings?”
“I used to be terrified of them. When I was little, I got lost in one in Los Angeles. Dad helped me get over my fear by telling me parking buildings are really landing pads for alien spaceships.”
Noah smiled. “That’s an unusual way to make you feel better.”
“I was fascinated by UFOs and anything to do with the solar system. For a while, I wanted to be an astronaut.”
“You would have made a great astronaut but, for my company’s sake, I’m glad you became a jeweler.” Noah pointed his keys at a black SUV. The red tail lights flashed and a high-pitched beep echoed against the concrete walls. “This isn’t a spacecraft, but it will take us to my apartment. We should be there in about half an hour.”
She stood back while Noah lifted her suitcase into the SUV. “Can you walk from your apartment to where you work?”
“If I want to, but it’s easier to take the elevator.”
Cassie’s mouth dropped open. “It’s in the same building as your office?”
Noah nodded. “My brother thinks I’m mad, but my commute time is fantastic.” He closed the back door and hugged her tight. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She relaxed against his body, enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped around her shoulders. “So am I.”
And after tonight’s presentation was over, she’d be even happier.
