I need to let go of the past and take a chance on her and my unborn children. I just have to figure out how to tell her that.
When I walk back into the penthouse, the sight of Blossom sitting on the couch with Goldie brings a smile to my face. The golden retriever looks up at me with those warm, brown eyes, his black nose twitching, as Blossom gently scratches behind his ears.
She looks so content, so at ease in the space, and it makes me feel a sense of peace that I wasn’t expecting.
I walk over, ruffling Goldie’s fur and leaning down to kiss Blossom on the cheek. She looks up at me, her eyes bright.
“I have some good news,” I say, leaning against the back of the couch. “Courtney’s been fired. She’s not going to be causing any more problems.”
Blossom’s eyes widen, a look of relief flooding her face. She jumps up, surprising me as she wraps her arms around me and plants a kiss on my lips, soft and lingering.
“Thank you,” she says, her voice full of gratitude. “I can’t believe she’s gone. You really came through for me, Noah.”
I pull her close, holding her for a moment longer, feeling the weight of the past few weeks finally start to settle. “You don’t have to thank me,” I whisper. “You’re my priority. Always.”
Her smile is warm, and I feel like we’re one step closer to something real, something solid.
As I pull away from the kiss, I can feel a sense of nervousness starting to bubble inside me. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and now seems like the right time.
“Blossom,” I begin, my voice a little more serious now, “I’ve been thinking about something.”
She looks up at me, her brow furrowed in curiosity. “What’s up?”
“Would you consider moving in with me?” I ask, my voice tentative but hopeful. The words hang in the air for a moment. “I want you here with me, full-time.”
I can see the hesitation in her eyes, the uncertainty that I know she’s feeling. “I don’t want to mess things up, Noah,” she says quietly. “I don’t want to rush anything. What if we’re not ready?”
I feel a tightness in my chest, but I can’t let this moment slip away. “I’m in this for the long haul, Blossom,” I say, my voice soft but firm. “I’m not going anywhere, and I want you here with me. We’ve already been through so much, and I’m not letting fear hold me back anymore.”
She looks at me, her eyes searching mine. “What about Amy?” she asks, her voice hesitant. “How can she afford the rent without my half?”
I smile, my hand brushing against her cheek as I lean in closer. “I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” I say with a wink, my smile playing at the corner of my lips. “But I’ll leave that to you two to figure out.”
Blossom laughs softly, and I feel the tension between us dissipate. “You know what? I think I’m ready. Let’s do it.”
And just like that, everything feels a little more complete.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Blossom
Noah takes me out for a dinner I won’t soon forget, a night that feels like the first moment we’ve had to ourselves in ages, now that Zack and Courtney are completely out of the picture.
We arrive at a chic rooftop club, and as soon as we step inside, I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offer an incredible view of the city, the sparkling lights of Manhattan stretching out beneath us like a sea of stars. The skyscrapers loom tall, their lights flashing in the distance, while the soft hum of the city below creates a low, comforting sound.
Inside, the club is sophisticated and modern, with black marble floors, plush velvet seating, and sleek chrome accents. The lighting is soft but dramatic, highlighting the rich tonesof the wood paneling and the crystal chandeliers that hang overhead. The atmosphere is warm, yet elegant.
Noah and I are seated at a quiet table near the window, and we sip on expertly crafted drinks, his alcoholic, mine made as mocktails.
Both of us are still basking in the relief of knowing that Zack and Courtney can no longer affect our lives. The air between us feels lighter, freer, and it’s easy to forget about everything that’s been weighing us down. The delicious food arrives, and we laugh as we enjoy the meal, savoring each bite.
“I think this might be the best dinner I’ve had in a long time,” I say, smiling at him, feeling completely content in the moment. Noah’s grin in return makes my heart flutter.
After dinner, we make our way to the dance floor. The music pulses through the speakers, a perfect beat that feels like it’s made for the moment. I slip my hand into Noah’s, my little black dress with the sweetheart neckline swaying as I move with him, and I can feel the connection between us, the easy chemistry that’s been there since the very first moment we met.
The lights overhead flash, bright colors washing over us, casting shadows on the floor that flicker with the rhythm. The music’s so good it practically takes over, and I lose myself in it, moving to the beat with Noah close by my side. We share a smile as we dance together, our bodies in sync, and it feels like we’re in our own world.