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He wears a confused expression, probably wondering why I’d be thinking about that during our incredible kiss.
“Because I really want to see how much you put on that bookstore gift card.”
He huffs a laugh and kisses me again.
CHAPTER 42
COLBY
The weeks following my California trip are pure bliss. Noel and I spend every moment we can together, and she comes over even when I’m gone to use the library. The library that’s now filled with books from our local bookstore. I will never forget the look on Noel’s face when she saw how much was on that gift card.
Tonight, Remy is hosting a pizza and movie night at his place, Noel pulls into my driveway so we can walk over together. I open my front door and wait there for her. She steps out of her car and my breath catches. We could spend a lifetime together, and my breath would still hitch at the sight of her. She’s dressed in black pants that taper in at the ankle, with a light-pink top, and the outfit is pulled together with leather suspenders and a tweed jacket. She also has little suede boots that hit her at the ankle. She makes everything look stunning. I love her unique style.
“Nice vest,” she says with a wide grin.
I look down at my argyle vest and dark jeans. She bought me this vest, and I have to admit, I like it. It keeps me warm without being too hot. I’m a big vest-guy now.
She walks up the stone path and gives me a sweet kiss. My phone rings and I groan but pull it out of my pocket. It’s my dad. Weird.
“Hello?” I answer, closing the front door and locking it behind me.
“Hey, Colby,” my dad’s voice sounds more serious than usual.
“Is everything okay? Did something happen to Ruthie?” Panic shoots up my spine.
“No, no. Nothing is wrong. It’s just—” He pauses and Noel stares at me in concern. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said to me. And you were right.”
“Oh, okay.”
He clears his throat. “I wanted you to know I’ve been putting in more effort with Serenity, and with Ruthie. I want to be a good dad to her, and a good partner to Serenity. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you and your mother. I regret that, but I don’t want to live with anymore regrets.”
“That’s great, Dad. Ruthie and Serenity are amazing, you’re lucky.”
“I am.” I can hear the smile in his voice, and it lightens a heaviness in my heart I hadn’t even realized was there. “I wanted you to know your words impacted me. Somehow you grew up and became wiser than your old man.”
I smile. “Happy to help.”
“You should maybe, you know, come visit soon. Maybe bring Noel with you?”
I meet Noel’s gaze and wink at her. “We’d like that, Dad. Thanks.”
Dad clears his throat. “Alright, well, talk soon?”
“Talk soon,” I agree, and end the call.
Noel and I start walking toward Remy’s house, the driveway is already filled with cars.
Noel tugs on my hand. “We’d like what, exactly?”
“My dad is trying to make some changes; what do you think about going to visit them in Virginia soon?”
Her expression softens. “Sounds good to me. Wait, will Serenity be cooking?”
I burst into laughter, and so does she. “We can sneak in our own food, okay?”
“Deal,” she agrees.
The sun is setting as we walk hand in hand on the sidewalk of our large cul-de-sac, and I can picture her living here with me. Doing this every day, having children around us riding their bikes. Nothing makes me happier than thinking about forever with this woman.
