Page 76 of Healing the Heart

“How old were you?”

“Eight.”

“And she left you alone?”

“She blamed me for holding her back, and she wasn’t nice about it. Back then, I was a little chunky too, and she never missed an opportunity to criticize.”

“Words can hurt as much as fists, sometimes. So, you weren’t accurate when you said she wasn’t abusive. But look how far you’ve come. You not only finished college; you earned your master’s degree to become a licensed occupational therapist.”

“Looking back, I can’t believe I did it, but every day I go to work and see my kids’ faces light up, I’m thankful and proud that I did.”

“Do you have any contact with your family?”

“I send my mother a birthday and Christmas card every year and keep her updated on how to contact me, but she never does.”

Not one to pull his punches, Noah bit out, “You’re right, kitten. Your mom sucks.”

Unable to hold it back, a little laugh slipped out.

“What about your grandparents?”

“Both gone for several years now.”

He kissed her forehead. “I’m glad you felt comfortable opening up to me about it. Is there anything else in the file?”

“Nope. Just mommy dearest and lonely me.”

“You’re free of her, and, as long as I’m around, you’ll never be lonely. Got that?”

“I do, Noah. Thank you.”

“And you don’t have to keep thanking me. Not for something I want too.” His next kiss was on her lips and so tender it made her chest ache. “Let’s head inside. I have a few more surprises.”

“But you’ve done so much already.”

“Believe me, pet. I’m going to enjoy them as much as you.”

He flashed a grin then was out the door to come around and help her.

Inside, Noah broke their routine by taking her to the lounge before the playroom instead of after. She spotted Val, who waved at her then turned and said something to the group she was with. When they were close, everyone called, “Happy birthday, Fiona!”

She stood gape mouthed, taking in the smiling faces around the tables pushed together to accommodate the sizeable group of Noah’s friends and their submissives, and, in the center, more pink roses and bottles of champagne on ice. To top it off, the entire lounge applauded and broke into the birthday song.

Instead of being happy and excited, a normal reaction to such an outpouring of good wishes, she turned to Noah, buried her face in his chest, and burst into tears.

His arms came around her.

“Is she all right?” someone asked.

“I think she’s just a little overwhelmed,” Noah responded, sounding amused rather than horrified. His expression was gentle, his smile soft when he tipped her face up to his. “Are you freaking out on me, pet?”

“Kind of. It’s just...” She sniffled as she wiped her wet cheeks with her hands. “I’ve never had a birthday party before, either.”

“Not even as a little girl?” Esme asked from beside them, horrified.

She shook her head. “My mother wasn’t a fan,” she replied, breathing deep as she tried to get herself together.

Noticing the sudden rigidity of Noah’s body, she glanced up in time to see him subtly shaking his head in Keiran’s direction. Catching the unspoken message, his friend dipped his head and whispered something to Esme. Though not as perceptive as Val, Esme sensed the shift in the atmosphere. Her lips curved into an apologetic smile, and she dropped the topic of birthday parties past.

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