At once she came to an understanding of what he had done. A decision had been made, and her heart took flight.
Noah looked around and then delivered a solemn nod. “I decided the time was right.”
“You…You’re…you mean…” She could barely speak her throat was so dry, so clogged.
“I retrieved my tools from storage. I’ve cut my ties to everything but Angel Falls, and I mean to stay, Charlotte. I’m here for good. For Dylan…and for you.”
“Oh…Noah…” Overwhelmed, she couldn’t speak.
“There are moments in life when all of a sudden you realize you’re dying of thirst. You may not have even realized it at first, know what I mean? Then, along comes the refreshment of pure, sweet water, and your spirit is quenched. Then it overflows. You bring that to my life, Charlotte. You and God. Dylan completes the circle, and all of it, together, just fills me.”
Charlotte closed her eyes and absorbed the beauty of this moment, the revelation of Noah’s heart. She struggled but failed to blink tears from her eyes. Moisture fell swift and warm down her cheeks.
“In spite of everything Dylan’s gone through and dealt with,” Noah continued, “I can’t come up with a sound enough reason to leave. By the same token, even though I don’t need a reason to stay, I have one just the same—the only one that matters beyond Dylan. That’s you.” He stepped close and took hold of her hands, drawing her into the snug, welcoming circle of his arms. “I’m a man of few words, Charlotte, but my heart runs deep, and it’s yours. Has been for a while now, and I know myself well enough to realize it’s yours for good…if you’ll have it.”
“Your words are just fine, Noah.” Her voice hitched; she rested her head against his chest. The beat of his heart sang through her system like beautiful music. “I treasure every single one of them.”
“I had a long discussion with my folks last night. I’ve promised to establish a relationship, and I intend to honor that vow. I want Dylan to experience family, and love, with his grandparents. They won’t be pushed aside, but I can’t leave Angel Falls. I don’t want to. They understand and respect that truth.”
“I’m so glad, Noah.”
He leaned back and quirked a finger beneath her chin. He drew their gazes into alignment, and Charlotte’s spirit sparkled with loving energy.
“I don’t know everything about you yet. I don’t know all of your past or all of your dreams. I don’t know your favorite colors, flowers, foods, or movies…but I want to build with you. I want to discover it all. I want to create a piece of forever with you.”
“I’ve been so afraid this moment might never happen for us, Noah. I want that too. I’ll gladly accept the gift you offer, if you’ll accept my love in return.”
Noah’s chest rose and fell as he released a shaky breath. Charlotte snuggled against him all the tighter as a kiss, long, slow and savoring, sealed the moment. He rested his forehead against hers.
“Doing so would be a privilege, Charlotte, something I promise to treasure. Always.”
She found herself lifted into a tight, hard embrace that stirred her happy exclamation. “Know what I want to do next?”
He smiled, stroking back the fall of her hair as he resettled her on her feet. “What’s that?”
“I can’t wait to tell Dylan.”
“Me too.”
Resolved, committed, they left the shed, moving eagerly toward a wooden gazebo painted by fast-fading sunlight and a vibrant explosion of flower color. There, Dylan romped and tumbled with a playful dog that nipped and wrestled and yipped with glee. When Dylan ran for them, when they circled into a family of three, Charlotte realized this was life as it should be...life as perfect as it could be.
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Nobody's Baby but Mine Page 8