“Hey,” I said back.
“So, I bet you’re wondering why we’re here,” he said with a small smile.
“Among other things.”
“First of all,” he said, taking another step toward me. This time I stood, rooted to the ground.
We were close enough that I felt the heat coming off his body, but I didn’t dare get any closer. Noah had a way of clouding my judgment. This was the opportunity I wanted to hash out everything, and I needed to keep a clear head.
“I’m so sorry for everything I said,” he continued. “I was out of line and a total ass.”
I snorted. “At least we agree on that.”
He grinned.
“Did you come all the way down here to tell me that?” I asked. “You could have called.”
“I did call,” he said.
Did he? I didn’t get any missed calls from him.
“I didn’t leave a voicemail,” he said. “I wanted to surprise you. To make my grand gesture.”
“Well, I’m surprised. But I’m not coming back.” I had to stay firm to my decision even though my heart wanted to remain with Gina and Noah forever.
“I don’t want you to come back,” he said.
“Oh,” I said, a little surprised and a little hurt at his frankness. Why the hell was he here then?
“After Sierra told me that you moved away, I realized that I didn’t want to be in a place that you weren’t.”
I crossed my arms, still confused about what he was doing here.
“So, I followed your advice and sold my company,” he said. His eyes locked on mine and his expression softened.
“You, what?” I asked.
“I sold my company,” he repeated. “You’re right. I have enough money saved up to give Gina everything she’s ever wanted while living comfortably myself.”
“You’re officially retired?” I asked.
He shrugged. “For now. One thing I did before selling the company was open a branch here in Australia, closer to Sydney. So, if I ever want to work again, I can work sales. Which is my real passion. No amount of paperwork or supervisory work is worth missing out on Gina growing up.
I shook my head. “I can’t believe this.”
Noah took my hands in his, and I let him. “Well, believe it. I’m here to stay. That is if you want me.”
“Of course I want you!” I said and embraced him.
His arms were warm around my body. All of my feelings of resentment and anger were gone. He had made the biggest gesture, the one thing I’d wanted for their family.
He leaned his head back and reached up to move my hair away from my face. “I want you, Jess. I want you to be a part of my family. Will you have us?”
“Yes, I will,” I said and then kissed him.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Noah