And that’s both the best and scariest thing that’s ever happened to me.
THIRTY-ONE
MATT
Noelle stares out the window, neon lights from the restaurant streaking across the glass in a blur as we drive further away. Her family’s laughter still echoes in my head, along with the weight of what I said in front of all of them.
I clear my throat. “I’m really sorry.”
She turns slightly. “For what?”
“For not talking to you first. About Brooks. About the NDA.” I keep my eyes on the road. “I didn’t mean to ambush you in front of everyone.”
“It felt like you were… planning my life,” she says carefully. Not accusing. Just honest.
I nod. “I was.”
She looks at me, shocked.
“I don’t want Brooks anywhere near you or the baby,” I say. “Not now. Not ever. And if something happened to me…” My voice tightens. “I need to know he couldn’t swoop in and take advantage of you.”
Her breath catches. “Matt…”
“I’ve already set things up,” I admit quietly. “My insurance.My retirement. Everything. If I’m gone, it goes to you and the baby. Married or not.”
The words sit heavy between us.
“I’m not trying to trap you,” I add. “I just… refuse to leave you unprotected.”
Her eyes shine, and for a second she can’t speak.
“I don’t plan on you going anywhere,” she finally whispers.
“Neither do I.” I glance at her. “But I plan for worst-case scenarios. It’s a coach thing.”
A soft laugh breaks through her emotion. “You and your game plans.”
“I’m serious,” I say. “You’re not alone anymore. Not in this.”
We stop at a red light. The city hums around us, but the moment feels small and private. I reach for her hand.
“I meant what I said,” I tell her. “Whatever you need… I’m here.”
She leans across the console and kisses me—hard, sudden, full of everything we’re not saying out loud. I pull her closer, forgetting the street, the future, the world, until a car honks behind us and she laughs into my mouth.
“Okay,” she breathes. “Before we get arrested…”
We pull apart, still smiling.
“Will you ask Brooks to give up his rights, legally—and sign an NDA?” I ask, forcing my voice to stay steady. “It’s your decision.”
I don’t look at her right away. I’m afraid if I do, she’ll see how much I need her to say yes—not for control, not for power, but because the thought of Brooks having any claim on her or the baby makes something primal twist in my chest.
She exhales, long and slow, and the sound of it feels likea release. Like she’s been holding her breath longer than either of us realized.
“Yes,” she says. “I’ll have Sutton ask the Armadillos’ legal team to draw up a contract. Then I’ll go see Brooks.”
Relief hits me so fast it’s almost dizzying.
