Noelle: It’s time you show me how much ;)
Me: Thought you would never ask.
Noelle: I’m not asking. I’m demanding. I need to feel your touch.
Me: My hands are ready to meet your demands.
FORTY-TWO
NOELLE
Steph arrives.
She’s Matt’s childhood best friend and I have to admit, jealousy clogs my throat. “I brought the chips,” she cackles as she flashes a contagious smile. “It’s a perfect time to play. Who’s in?”
Matt says, “After the shower, we’ll play for quarters.”
“Come on, Matt. We’re adults. Let’s up the ante.”
“I don’t think I should let you take my girlfriend’s money the first time you meet her.”
They tell a million stories from middle school and high school and how she would wreck every hookup he had. I like this woman. Shelley and his mom explain to me when they can’t because they’re laughing nonstop.
I never had a friend like that. I was always friends with guys, but I never had one special best friend. I hope my son is like Matt.
The baby shower feels like a celebration and a victory lap rolled into one.
Everyone wears a mask, except for me. My doctordoesn’t want me to wear one. I love her because she’s sensible. But Matt’s eyes are bright, his posture stronger than it’s been in weeks.
He stands off to the side with Greyson, J.D., and Parker, all of them balancing plates piled high with brunch food like it’s a competitive sport, lowering their masks when they shovel food into their mouths.
“Winning streak,” Greyson says, shaking his head. “Maybe we should keep you virtual.”
Matt chuckles. “Don’t get used to it.”
J.D. grins. “I don’t know. The team’s doing great. You sure you want to mess with the chemistry?”
“Stop needling my boyfriend.” I nudge Greyson’s arm.
Greyson laughs. “Hear that? Boyfriend.”
I roll my eyes. Surely they’re used to our status by now. I know they are, but my brothers love to tease. The smiles between them. I'm not sure if I should be happy or fearful.
I feel a prank coming.
Once Clara shows up and I make introductions, everyone piles their plates high—Texas Twinkies, grilled chicken dippers, zucchini fries, fruit, and way too many desserts. The room hums with excitement and anticipation of the baby to come.
Matt clears his throat. The conversation fades.
He reaches for my hand and draws me beside him. My heart starts racing.
“I’m not great at speeches,” he says, his voice steady but soft. “But I’m great at knowing when something matters.”
He turns to me. “Noelle, you came into my life when I wasn’t looking for anything. You made me laugh. You challenged me. You taught me how to love when I didn’t think I was allowed to anymore.”
A tear slips free before I can stop it.
“You gave me a family,” he continues. “You gave me a future. And you’re giving me the greatest gift of my life.”
