Page 54 of Love is a Harmony
“I wanted you.” Stella’s voice was small, vulnerable.
Melanie’s face crumbled, and she dropped onto the couch next to Stella. “Honey.” Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, she kissed the top of her head. “Things are different here in L.A. You have to live with Noah, but I’ll always be right here. We’ll see each other a lot.”
“It’s not the same. At home, both of you were there every night.”
Home. France.
Noah sighed and took up a spot on the other side of Stella, sharing a look with Melanie over her head. Neither of them were good at this, but they were here. They were all Stella had.
“Tell you what, Stell. Do you want to spend the night here tonight?”
“Melanie.” Noah shook his head.
Melanie ignored him and leaned in to whisper to Stella. “Can I tell you a secret?”
Stella nodded.
“I wasn’t sleeping well without you either.”
Judging by her messy hair and rumpled pajamas, he doubted that was true, but he was grateful for the lie.
Stella gave her a sleepy smile.
Ignoring Noah, Melanie stood and reached a hand out to Stella. “You can sleep in my bed with me.”
Stella followed her without a backward glance.
Noah stood and moved to stand in the doorway, watching Melanie tuck Stella into her bed and climb in beside her. He hadn’t noticed a guest room, so he’d take the couch. It would be an uncomfortable night, but the sight before him was worth it.
“What’s that?” Noah gestured to the box on the foot of the bed.
Melanie’s face reddened as she reached for it. “Nothing. Um, files.” She grabbed it and put it on the floor next to her side of the bed before lying back.
Stella snuggled into Melanie, resting her head on her chest.
He hadn’t been sure at the time, but he knew now coming here was the right choice. Melanie was only Stella’s aunt because of a sham marriage, but that didn’t make Stella see her as anything less. The kid didn’t care if Melanie and Noah loved each other for real, only that they loved her.
Noah didn’t know how long he stood there after turning out the light, but after a while, Stella lifted her head. “Are you going to come sleep, Noah?”
Noah offered her a smile. “I’m going to take the couch.”
Stella shook her head. “We have room. Please.”
“It’s okay, Noah.” Melanie pinned dark eyes on him. “Just come sleep.”
He kicked off his shoes and skirted the bed to pull back the covers. Melanie had already closed her eyes, too tired to care.
Only Stella watched him, making sure he didn’t back away.
He slid between the sheets, pulling the comforter up under his arms. Stella scooted so she could snuggle him, and he lifted an arm to let her underneath. His hand skimmed Melanie’s shoulder, and her eyes opened. She turned her head, meeting Noah’s gaze over Stella’s head.
Even in France, they’d never shared a bed like this. After their single kiss, she’d decided they couldn’t do it again. So, a friendship formed.
But this… it felt different.
It should have been strange to curl up like a family with his fake wife.
Instead, it felt right.
