Page 23 of Love is a Harmony
Noah didn’t know how long he waited before Mathieu returned with Stella in tow and a bag over his arm. He stopped and looked down at Stella. “You are going on an adventure with your uncle today, Stella.” He handed Noah the bag. “My wife packed some food, and there’s sunscreen and towels along with the car keys. To get to the beach, you take this road until it dead ends and turn left. Drive until you see the ocean.” He released Stella’s hand. “Try to have fun, oui?”
She only nodded as he entered the house, leaving them alone.
Noah wasn’t sure what to say as she stared up at him. The hairs on his arms lifted under her silent gaze.
So, he did the only thing he could think of. He held out one hand.
She placed her tiny hand in his.
“You’re going to have to pull me up.” The words sounded lame to his ears, but he was committed now.
Stella pulled, and Noah pretended her strength was the only thing helping him to his feet. A small smile appeared on her lips, and it went straight to his heart. That smile right there was like winning the lottery.
“Come on, kiddo.” It was an American term, but he’d lived in America for so long he felt like he belonged there. And soon, Stella would too.
It held none of the pain England had for him and none of the grief France would now represent to her. They’d make a home together. Only days ago, he didn’t know her. Heck, he still didn’t. But some part of him did, some connection he felt.
He led her back across the field to wake Melanie, but there was no need. She stood rummaging in the kitchen, her hair askew from sleep. He suppressed a smile as he watched her slam cabinets and mutter about the lack of coffee.
“Papa didn’t drink coffee.” Stella’s voice surprised them both.
Melanie froze before turning back to them.
“You’re right.” Noah smiled at the memory. “Earl grey with a splash of milk, no sugar.”
“Tea?” Melanie’s eyes widened. “That definitely won’t help me get over the jet lag.”
“What about a day at the beach with your favorite client and his new niece?” Noah leaned against the counter. “We can pick you up a coffee on the way.”
Melanie’s gaze shifted from Noah to Stella, studying the two of them together. “Yes. Okay. I’ll change.”
“Meet us next door at Mathieu’s car.”
Noah jerked his head to the door, and Stella followed him out. “Tell me, Stell Bell.” The nickname slipped out. “Do you like to run?”
She chewed on her lip and nodded.
Noah flashed her a grin. “All right, then first one to the car doesn’t have to drive.”
Stella took off, her legs pumping as the grasses brushed her calves. Noah matched pace with her, glancing over to see the sun glinting off her shiny puffy jacket. A smile played on her lips, and he took pride in being the one who put it there.
He let Stella reach the car first, her hand slapping the paint.
“Oh, man.” Noah pretended to be out of breath. “You mean I have to drive? How about I drive there, and you drive back?”
A giggle escaped her, and she shook her head.
“Fine.” He opened the car and tossed the bag in before flopping in dramatically. “It’s hard work being an uncle.” He’d meant it as a joke, but when Stella climbed into the back, her face sobered.
Now that there wasn’t a game to play, only silence filled the car. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, releasing an audible breath when Melanie appeared, her blonde hair swept back from high cheekbones and a pair of designer sunglasses perched on her nose.
He reached over and pushed open her door. “Your chariot awaits.”
Melanie climbed in and turned in her seat. “Hi, Stella.” She sounded like she’d practiced what she was going to say. “You don’t have to be scared of me. I’m a friend of your uncle’s.” She seemed to catch herself, remembering this kid didn’t know Noah. “And you don’t have to be scared of him either.”
Noah chuckled as he glanced down at his ripped jeans and snug leather jacket. He leaned over to Melanie and dropped his voice. “I’m a little scary, aren’t I? Just a bit.”
She lifted one perfectly curved brow. “Drive.”
