“What are you in the mood for? Action, drama...”
“Let’s watch a romantic comedy.”
“Whatever the lady wants.”
After sliding through a few options, he selected a movie and clicked start.
“Oh, I almost forgot. I wanted to show you the ties Noah and I chose. I’ll be right back.” He left the room and returned with five ties.
“These are nice. I love this one,” I said, holding up the tie with Batman and Robin on it.
“As soon as he saw that one, he practically screamed with joy. I had to buy it.”
“And with these other two, you both match. How sweet.”
“That’s what he wanted. I figure in another couple of weeks we can buy more ties if he’s interested.”
“I’m sure he will be.” I placed the ties on the table in front of us. “But, um, you’re talking like someone who expects to have Noah here for the long term.”
“Yeah.” He rubbed his hands together. “I’m going to keep him.”
My eyes widened. “When did you decide this?”
“The night he ran away. He trusts me, Julia, and I can’t let him down.”
“Is that the only reason?” I asked gently.
“Nah. He hasn’t lived with me very long, but I can’t imagine my life without him anymore. He’s more than my little buddy. He’s...” He searched for the right word.
“Your son?” I supplied.
“Yeah,” he said, nodding slowly.
“You know what I think? Brandon and Stacey knew you better than you knew yourself. They knew you would take care of their son like he was your own, and that’s why they chose you as his guardian—over anyone else in their family, including his Aunt Zenobia in Tennessee. No matter what shortcomings you thought you had, they saw right through you and knew you were the right person.”
He stretched a hand across the back of the sofa and played with a strand of my hair. “There you go again, trying to make me blush.”
I leaned in and kissed his bearded cheek, the hairs on his jaw gently scraping my lips. We snuggled together, me resting right under his arm. Then he kissed my temple, and I contentedly relaxed against him to watch the movie.
Chapter 15
Julia
“Wake up, sleepyhead.”
I blinked as I woke up. What the heck?
I had dozed off. I remembered enjoying the movie, but I guess I had become so comfortable in Marcus’s arms that I fell asleep.
Sitting up, I covered my mouth as I yawned. “What time is it?”
“Almost eleven.”
“Late. Where’s your bathroom? I need to splash some water on my face.”
He directed me to the hall bathroom, and I closed the door quietly behind me. I briefly splashed water on my face to wake myself up. Then I exited to find Marcus sitting on the arm of the sofa.
“You awake now?” he asked with amusement.
