Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Ah, ah,” I refute. “I don’t think so.”
Grant grumbles, and I meet Noah’s eyes on a sigh. “He’s got all sorts of doctor-unapproved tricks this morning. Not one of them has been a good idea.”
“The struggles of having a five-year-old in a cast are real?”
“Oh, no big deal. Something akin to wrangling a great white with my bare hands and then waving my chummed-up arm at its mouth for an hour or so without getting maimed.”
For the last week, I’ve managed to ignore the two man-elephants in the room and the complicated mix of feelings I have about men in general. But Noah’s handsome grin and throaty chuckle have the power to transport me back in time. Back to his comforting arms and kissable lips and noticeably jealous attitude toward Gavin.
Otherwise known as the absolute last place I need to be.
Steeling myself against the power of his warm eyes and soft smile, I regain my equilibrium and focus on the priority at hand—Grant’s appointment.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but we’re already running about five minutes late for his follow-up appointment with Dr. Williams. We have to get going before they mark us as a no-show and cancel.”
“Actually, that’s why I’m here. You’re going to be seeing Dr. Howard today,” Noah updates, and I tilt my head to the side in confusion.
“No, I’m pretty sure it’s Dr. Williams. That’s who Dr. McCormick said was available to see him.”
“I know,” Noah explains. “But I called in a few favors.”
“What are you talking about?”
His smile is a little guilty. “I know I might be overstepping here, but I wanted to make sure Grant was seen by the best. And nothing against Dr. Williams, he’s great, but Dr. Howard is head of pediatric ortho. He’s one of the best in the country. Technically, the world.”
I don’t even know what to say.
“I hope you’re not mad,” Noah adds swiftly. “But I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to make sure Grant was in the best of hands.”
“Wow…I… Noah, thank you.” My throat feels thick with unshed tears of gratitude.
The independent part of a woman is something special. It’s strong and fearless and determined. It gets things done because it has to.
But even the strongest of people need a system of support, and Noah Philips has made a point in the last couple of weeks to be a part of mine. From helping with Seth to Grant’s surgery to texting this last week to check in—and now, this.
Truth be told, lately, Noah has done more for my boys than their own father has done in years. And if that isn’t the most wondrous and sad thing at the same time, I don’t know what is.
“Dr. Howard is on the fourth floor in Room 406, and lucky for you, Grant’s appointment is at 10:20 instead of 10:00. So, you’re right on schedule,” he continues. “I actually tried to call you earlier, but it went straight to voice mail, so I figured I’d stop over here before my next surgery and make sure you guys were all set.”
“This is so appreciated, but you really didn’t have to go to all this trouble, Noah,” I say while my tiny human bobs and weaves under my grip on his shoulders, knocking me in the shin with his heels more than once. I do my best to ignore the feeling of blood pooling into new bruises under my skin.
“It’s not trouble when you want to do it,” he responds with a genuine, downright breathtaking smile as he sets his brown leather bag down on the floor to unzip it. “And I also have something very important to give to Grant.”
“You have somethin’ for me?” Grant asks excitedly, his busy legs actually quieting for a second or two.
“I sure do.” Noah reaches into his bag to pull out a stuffed animal. “This, right here, is Sal the Sloth. He also broke his arm and had to get surgery, and I was hoping you’d take care of him for me.”
Noah holds out the stuffed animal toward Grant, and it’s then that I notice this stuffed animal is special. On the sloth’s same exact arm, and in the same color red, is a matching cast just like Grant’s.
“We’re twins!” Grant grabs Sal, hugging him tightly to his chest. “I’m gonna take the best care of him, Noah! I promise!”
The expression on my son’s little face is filled with so much joy that it threatens to bring tears to my eyes. I don’t know what it is about being a mom, but it’s like your greatest happiness comes from your child’s happiness. And it always manages to make your heart feel like it swells to a size your chest can hardly accommodate.
Thank you, I mouth toward Noah, certain if I try to speak right now, the emotion that’s clogging my throat will unleash into some kind of weird sob in the middle of the lobby of this medical office building.