by Alexa Powers
“Yes, I see,” his mum said, as her hand came to rest against her chest, unable to hide her distress at the prospect of her future grandchildren leaving before they’d even been born. If she were wearing her pearls, she’d surely be twisting them between her fingers.
“Well, girls are different than boys. They tend to stay close to their family,” his father commented seriously.
“She has family here, though. She’s close with her cousin, Lily. Her Aunt and Uncle are here, too. And I’m here. I’m hoping that’s enough to convince her to stay,” he stated with more confidence than he felt.
“Well, it sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you, son. You’ll know when the time is right to ask her. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Or her. From what you’ve told us, she sounds like a nice girl. And you obviously care deeply for her.”
“I do, Dad. She’s the one for me. Never thought it would be so difficult, though,” Noah confessed, rubbing his hands along the length of his thighs nervously.
“Anything worth having is worth working for. You’ve proven over the years that, once you put your mind to something, you’re willing to go full stop until you accomplish it. If she’s the one, then it’ll all work out in the end. She’d be lucky to have you, I’d say.”
“Thanks, but I’d be lucky to have her. She’s an amazing woman.” He took a deep breath to calm himself. “But I need to get some rest. Have a big day tomorrow.” Standing to his feet, he bent down to give his mum a long hug.
“Good night, Noah,” his mum said, before kissing his cheek.
“Night, Mum, Dad.” He turned to grab his bag from where he’d left it in the kitchen, then headed up to his childhood bedroom.
Noah’s arms felt empty, as he settled himself in his small bed. He missed Emma’s warm body and the sweet smell of her hair as it fell in gentle waves over the pillow. Needing to hear her voice before he let sleep come, he reached for his phone.
“Hey, babe.”
“Hi, handsome. Are you at your parents’ house?” He felt himself relax at the sound of her voice, and her sleepy whisper brought an instant smile to his face.
“Yeah. Just going to bed now, but I wanted to say goodnight. Did you stay at Lily’s?”
“I met them for dinner and was going to, but I really just wanted to stay here. Do you mind?” The uncertainty in her voice broke him. How could she think he wanted her anywhere but there? In their home.
“Oi. Of course I don’t mind. I just thought you might want to stay with Lily while I was gone, that’s all.” His words sounded harsh as he exhaled in frustration.
“I know it sounds pathetic, but I’m lonely without you and I can smell you on your pillow and it makes me feel better.” Her voice trailed off and he could hear the longing that matched his own.
“About as pathetic as I am. I wish you were here with me. Although this bed could barely fit us both,” he chuckled. “But I’d make it work.”
“God, I miss you, Noah,” she sighed into the phone, sending chills down his spine. “But I wouldn’t feel comfortable sleeping with you at your parents’ house. Call me old-fashioned, but it wouldn’t feel right if we weren’t married.”
“I know, and my mum wouldn’t like it either. They were sorry you couldn’t make it, though. They really wanted to meet you.”
“Maybe we could plan to have them come up for a visit soon. I’d love to meet them, too.”
“I’ll talk to them about it in the morning before I leave. But I’m telling you right now, if they come to visit, you’re sleeping in our bed. With me.” He was a grown man, damn it, and she belonged with him, in his bed, whether his parents frowned upon it or not.
“I think it’s different when it’s your house and not your parents’. I know my parents wouldn’t allow it. They’d think it was disrespectful, and I wouldn’t even ask. Their house, their rules.” She mimicked her mother, and he was sure she’d heard those words spoken on more than one occasion.
“I can understand that, but it’s my house, my rules. And you sleep in my bed, where you belong. Wrapped around me and preferably naked,” he chuckled, reflexively reaching out for her, but finding the space empty.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, baby. You know that, right?” she paused, exhaling a deep breath. “I love you, Noah.” At the sound of her declaration, his heart ached to touch her.
“I love you too, babe. But just the thought of you naked in my bed is making me hard.”
“I’m not naked, Noah,” she giggled into the phone, reminding him of the sound she made when he tickled her. “But why don’t you tell me about your day. Change the subject to something a little less um…stimulating.”
“Probably a good idea.” He rolled over and took a long breath to clear his mind. “We had an easy day, then knocked off early. I went to Lara’s before dinner, since she couldn’t make it tonight because Maddie’s sick. I didn’t stay long, though. She sends her love and Maddie drew a picture for me to give to you.”
“Aw. That’s so sweet. I can’t wait to see it.”
“It’s no masterpiece, so don’t get too excited,” he laughed.
“Now, Noah, don’t you know that children’s artwork is more precious than any masterpiece because they made it just for you?” And that is why he loved her so fiercely. He knew she’d treasure the mess of scribbles that somehow made up a rainbow, stars, and a unicorn, if you looked very, very closely, that is.
“Well, I have it tucked away in my bag, safe and sound for you. So what did you do today?” he asked.
“After class, I went for a swim, and then met Lily and Josh at that café down the street from them for an early dinner. I was planning to stay with them, but when the time came, I just wanted to come home. Lily was disappointed, but I think Josh was relieved,” she snickered. “I think he likes having the place all to themselves.”
“I’m sure. Just like I like having you all to myself. We’re selfish like that, eh?”
“Yeah,” she giggled softly before continuing. “I came home and took a walk on the beach. It was a little chilly, but it felt good, then I sat on the swing for a while and just looked at the view. It never gets old, does it?”
“No. I don’t think it does. I wish I was there to enjoy it with you, though.”
“Me too. Do you think it’ll get easier, being away from each other?” she asked in a quiet whisper.
“I don’t know, but this sucks. A lot of my teammates have partners, and it’s easier for some than others.”
“Maybe it’s because it’s still so new for us, that’s why I miss you so much.” She sighed into the phone and he longed to comfort her, to hold her in his arms.
“Somehow, I don’t think time will make it any easier, baby. The more I have you, the more I need you. I don’t think that’s going to change.”
“I think you’re right. It’s only been one night and I want to cry. It doesn’t feel right without you here.” The sadness in her voice ripped a hole in his heart, and he desperately wanted to jump out of bed and drive home to her.
“I’ll be home day after next, and you better get your rest, because I’m going to keep you up all night.”
“Promises, promises,” she chuckled. “And I could say the same thing to you, Noah.”
“Great minds think alike.” A slow grin spread across his face and he was sure she could see it through the phone line.
“Well, this girl just misses her man’s arms around her, and as much as I try to fool myself, your pillow isn’t doing the trick. It may smell like you, but it’s much too soft.”
“There’re so many things I could say to that, but cheers to your liking my hard body.”
“Among other things.” Her suggestive tone made a certain part of his anatomy stand up and take notice.
“Emma…please don’t go there. I haven’t had to take care of myself in this room since I was a randy teenager.” Reaching down, he stroked the front of his shorts, as he adjusted himself
.
“I’m sorry, baby. But is it bad of me to find that kind of hot?”
“Very bad. And you’re not helping, Emma.” If he didn’t change the subject soon, he’d have no choice but to take care of business himself, and the thought of that wasn’t exciting at all.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’ll stop. But it wasn’t just me.”
“Duly noted. Now let’s talk about something else to take my mind off of the growing problem I seem to have…please.”
“Umm…let me think.” She paused for a long moment. “Okay, my nanny called today to tell me that she finally decided to have her varicose veins taken care of.”
“Well…that did the trick. Problem solved.” He frowned, and then couldn’t help but laugh. “Did she really call you, or are you just telling me that?”
“No. I mean, yes. She called me and we spoke about that, among other things. But she just wanted to say hello and see how I was doing.”
“That was nice of her. I’m sure it was good to hear from her.”
“Yeah, it was. I miss her so much, and it was good to hear her voice,” she paused, and he could hear the sadness in her silence, and the ruffling of the sheets as she shifted in bed.
“I know, sweetheart. Why don’t you get some sleep? Will you be watching tomorrow night?” he asked hopefully, rolling onto his back as the bed creaked beneath him.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll be cheering you on, baby. I’ll even wear one of your jerseys, too.”
“I’d like that. Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you.” The tone of his voice surprised him; he sounded soft as he professed is feelings.
“I love you more. Goodnight, my love,” she whispered before disconnecting.
Staring up at the ceiling, the conversation with his parents replayed over and over in his mind. He kept coming back to the point where he mentioned that he wanted to marry her one day. The admission should terrify him, but it didn’t. He wanted more from her than just living under the same roof. He wanted it all.
He wasn’t ready to make any grand proposals yet, and he suspected that she wasn’t ready to hear one. But one day, he could see himself making her his wife. The thought of her pregnant with their children brought a sudden warmth to his chest. She’d be a great mum. And he had no doubt that she was the one for him, and didn’t see that changing…Ever.
Chapter 20
The first day of mid-semester break, Emma found herself at Auckland International Airport, waiting for Noah’s flight to arrive from Melbourne. She had the next two weeks off from school, and thankfully, other than an away game in Dunedin, Noah would be home for most of it.
They were leaving the following day to spend Easter weekend in Hamilton with Noah’s family, and surprisingly, the thought of meeting them was making Emma anxious. She wasn’t usually nervous about meeting her boyfriends’ parents, but knowing how important it was to Noah, she desperately wanted them to like her and wanted to like them in return.
“Excuse me. Are you Emma?” Interrupted from her thoughts, she turned to find a pretty brunette looking expectantly at her.
“Yes,” she answered.
“I’m sorry. I’m Suzanne O’Neill. I’m married to Noah’s teammate, Tucker.” Suzanne’s warm brown eyes and easy smile instantly set Emma at ease as she held out her hand. “Tucker told me you’d be here to pick up Noah, so I thought I’d introduce myself.”
“Oh, hi. It’s nice to meet you. I haven’t met Tucker yet,” Emma stated, shaking her hand, and quickly glancing at Suzanne’s swollen belly, but knowing better than to inquire if she was pregnant.
“Yes. I’m expecting,” Suzanne knowingly laughed, her hand coming to rest on her small baby bump.
“I thought so, but there was no way I was going to ask you. That’s one of the fastest ways to gain an enemy,” Emma chuckled. “So, how far along are you?”
“Five months now and this is Isabella Grace. She’s two.” Suzanne smiled adoringly at the little girl taking a nap in the stroller next to her.
“You’re going to have your hands full in a few months,” Emma stated, remembering the years she’d spent babysitting children that age. It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.
“I know, but I can’t wait for this little one to get here.” Emma watched as Suzanne’s hand instinctively returned to her stomach. “You’re going to school here, right? At the university?”
“Yes. I’ll be here until the end of the year,” Emma replied, and felt a sudden pain in her chest at the thought of leaving. New Zealand was feeling more and more like home to her, and the thought of leaving it…and Noah just hurt.
“We don’t live that far from there. In Mt. Eden. Maybe we could meet for lunch sometime.”
“I’d love that. And, hopefully, Isabella will be awake next time.” Emma couldn’t help the silly grin that quickly spread across her face as she gazed longingly at the toddler sleeping with her thumb firmly planted in her mouth. She could stare at a sleeping baby for hours, and always marveled at how their peaceful innocence belied the holy terror they could unleash during their wakeful hours.
Emma had found herself thinking more and more about having children of her own lately. Her life plan had always included being married by her mid-twenties and a mother soon thereafter. That plan was currently out the window, since it was going to take years, maybe even decades to get over Noah. Her eggs might’ve dried up by the time she was ready to date someone else, let alone marry someone whose name didn’t start with Noah and end with Parker.
“Give me your number, and I’ll give you a call. I’ll be staying here when they travel to Dunedin for the match against the Highlanders. Are you going?”
“No. I’ll be here. Would you like to meet then?”
“Sure. That sounds lovely,” Suzanne smiled, scanning the length of the terminal as the first of the players made their way out.
Emma followed her line of vision and stood straighter at the sight of Noah walking towards her. She felt the hair rise on the back of her neck as their eyes met and he gave her a sweet smile. Noah stopped as a few fans approached for a picture, and then finally made his way to her side.
“Hey, baby.” His strong arms enveloped her in a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground as he placed a quick kiss on her lips. Setting her down, he turned to face Suzanne, who was still waiting for her husband to arrive. “I see you’ve met Suzanne.”
“We were just making plans to get together for lunch while you’re in Dunedin,” Emma answered excitedly at the prospect of making a new friend.
Emma was used to being surrounded by family and friends back home, and missed the constant buzz of energy around her. With Noah traveling as much as he did, she’d been feeling a bit forlorn, and it would be nice to have someone who could relate to the loneliness brought on by the frequent separations.
She’d made a few casual friends since school started, but none she felt comfortable confiding in about her relationship with Noah. She wanted people to befriend her for her, not as a means to get an introduction to Noah, or to score tickets to a match. Noah was a private man and didn’t seek the spotlight; she also enjoyed his company way too much to share his attention when he was home.
It was selfish, she knew, but their time together was precious and, much to her dismay, quickly slipping away. New Zealand was going to have him forever, but she’d only have him for a few more months, so she planned to greedily steal him away while she could, keeping him all to herself, and not feel the least bit guilty about it.
“Here’s Tucker now.” Suzanne’s affection for her husband was obvious in her delicate features as her face beamed brighter the closer he got to them.
Tucker’s eyes were fixed on his wife as he strode with purpose towards them. His dirty blonde hair framed a face that was classically handsome, and his smile revealed a slight gap between his front teeth. Brown eyes smiled down at his beautiful wife as he hugged her gently, careful not to squeeze her distended belly too tightly,
then turned to look lovingly at his sleeping daughter.
“Tucker, this is Emma,” Noah introduced them, once he’d properly greeted his wife.
“Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he smiled, and Emma found herself engulfed in his arms. “Emma this and Emma that, is bugger all I’ve heard lately from this one.”
“Oh. Good things, I hope,” she giggled as he released her. “And it’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Of course,” he smiled and gave Emma a subtle wink, then turned back to his family.
Noah picked up his bag and led them to the exit, and by the look on his face, he was as anxious to get home as she was. The feel of his fingers as they traced light circles on her palm was distracting as they said their goodbyes to Suzanne and Tucker, then made their way to the car.
Emma didn’t miss the grimace that marred his handsome features as he settled his large frame into the driver’s seat. He always assured her that he was fine and would be ‘right as rain’ in a few days, so she usually let it go, but he appeared to be in genuine agony.
The match against the Rebels was particularly brutal, and she’d felt his pain as he was taken down hard on more than one occasion. He was obviously paying the price for it now, even though he was trying his best to hide it.
“Sorry about the loss.”
“Thanks. It was a quiet flight back, and you can’t help but wonder what you could’ve done differently. But in the end, you can’t win them all, so you just have to learn your lessons and prepare for the next match. But I’m not going to lie, I was gutted.”
“I’m sure. Hey...” She lifted her hand to his cheek and smiled when he leaned into her palm. “I didn’t miss that face you made when you were getting in the car. Are you alright?”
“Other than a wicked bruise on my ribs, I’m fine. Nothing a few days of rest and some tender loving care from a certain leggy blonde won’t fix.” He gave her a cheeky grin, but winced as he reached for her hand.