Chapter 257

Chapter 257

Emma

He shook his head sharply, cutting me off. "I told him I wouldn't touch what was rightfully his. That I had no interest in his share." A humorless smile touched his lips, not reaching his eyes. "Parker came in then and suggested Edward might be more comfortable elsewhere." His voice held a hint of satisfaction. "He was none too gentle about it."

"Your father has always been—" I started, cautiously.

"He's not my father," Noah interrupted, with a vehemence that surprised me, his whole body tensing. He exhaled slowly, deliberately relaxing each muscle. "Sorry," he murmured, rubbing his temple. "It's just... biology isn't what makes a parent." His voice softened, thinking of Mike in the next room. "I understand that better than ever now."

I nodded, thinking of Marcus and the man who'd fathered us both. "I understand," I said quietly, squeezing his hand. "More than most."

"Edward went to Violet after he left the office," Noah continued, his thumb absently stroking the back of my hand. "Tried to get her on his side. As if Violet would ever—" He broke off with a small, genuine chuckle.

"I'm guessing that didn't go well," I said, a smile tugging at my lips despite the seriousness of the conversation. Violet had always been fiercely protective of Noah.

"She told him the company's success was entirely my doing," Noah's voice held a note of pride, his posture straightening slightly. "Then she apparently said something about how 'what wasn't given to him wasn't his to take.'" He shook his head, a genuine smile finally emerging, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "I would have paid to see his face. Violet said he turned an interesting shade of purple."

I laughed softly, imagining the scene. Violet, elegant and poised, delivering devastating truths with a serene smile. "Your aunt has always known exactly where to aim," I said, leaning against his shoulder.

Noah reached for the lilies, presenting them to me with unexpected shyness, a vulnerability in his eyes I rarely saw. "I thought these might brighten things up," he said, his voice gentling. "It's been a difficult few months."

"They're beautiful," I murmured, burying my face in the fragrant blooms, letting their sweet scent wash over me. "Thank you." I looked up to find him watching me intently.

He watched me for a long moment, something shifting in his expression. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Emma," he began, then hesitated, fingers drumming nervously against his knee. "I've been thinking."

I set the flowers aside, suddenly nervous at his tone. "About what?" I asked, searching his face.

"What if we had another wedding?" he asked, the words coming in a rush. He leaned forward, taking both my hands in his. "A real one this time. Something to make up for... everything."

I blinked, surprised by the unexpected suggestion, my lips parting in shock. "A wedding? "

"Yes," he agreed, a flush of color rising to his cheeks. "But our wedding wasn't... it wasn't what it should have been." His fingers interlaced with mine, warm and steady, his eyes never leaving my face. "I want to do it right this time. For us. For what we've become to each other."

My heart stuttered at the intensity in his gaze. "Your mother would never—" I began, thinking of Elizabeth's cold disapproval.

"I don't care what she thinks," Noah interrupted firmly, a flash of stubbornness crossing his features. His jaw set in the way I recognized meant his mind was made up. "I don't care what anyone thinks. It's our wedding. No one else gets a vote." He leaned closer, his voice dropping. "I want to stand in front of everyone who matters and tell them how much I love you. How much you've changed me. No hidden agendas, no contracts, just... us."

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang, startling us both. We exchanged confused glances—it was nearly one in the morning.

Noah rose, tension evident in the set of his shoulders as he moved toward the door, one hand instinctively reaching for his phone. I heard murmured voices, then the distinctive sound of Violet's laugh, bright and clear in the quiet apartment.

"Sorry for the hour," she announced, sweeping into the room with characteristic confidence, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. Her silver-streaked hair was impeccable despite the late hour, her clothing stylish yet practical. "But I've just flown in from London, and I simply couldn't wait to see the newest York." Her sharp eyes softened as they moved from Noah to me.

"Aunt Violet," I said, rising to embrace her, inhaling her familiar scent of expensive perfume and comfort. "You didn't have to come all this way."

"Nonsense," she replied, waving away my concern with a flick of her manicured fingers. Her eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement. "Where is my great-nephew? Still sleeping through the night, I hope?" She glanced around eagerly, as if expecting Mike to appear.

Noah smiled wryly, running a hand through his hair. "Hardly. He'll be up for another feeding soon," he said, checking his watch. "Like clockwork, every three hours."

As if on cue, a small cry emanated from the nursery monitor. I moved to stand, but Violet was already heading in that direction, her stride purposeful.

"Let me," she insisted, holding up a hand to stop me. Her expression softened with something like longing. "You two look like you could use a break."

We followed her to the nursery, where she was already expertly lifting Mike from his crib, her movements confident and natural. She cradled him against her chest with practiced ease.

"Hello, little one," she cooed, her usual brisk demeanor dissolving as she gazed at his tiny face. "Aren't you handsome? Just like your father." She glanced at Noah, her expression mischievous. "Though I hope you have your mother's temperament. Your father was a terror as a baby."

"I was not," Noah protested, though his eyes crinkled with amusement, his hand finding the small of my back.

"Oh, you most certainly were," Violet countered, gently bouncing Mike as his cries subsided. She turned to me, Mike now contentedly nestled against her shoulder. "He screamed for three months straight. Nothing would satisfy him. His poor nanny nearly quit twice."

"Some things never change," I teased, earning a mock-offended look from Noah, who squeezed my waist in retaliation.

Violet studied Mike's face with obvious affection, her finger tracing the curve of his cheek. "He has your chin, Noah. And Emma's eyes, I think." Her expression grew thoughtful, a shadow of old memories crossing her features. "You know, I could watch him for a few hours if you two wanted to get out. You must be going stir-crazy."

"We couldn't ask you to—" I began, hesitating despite the temptation of a few hours' freedom.

"You're not asking. I'm offering," Violet interrupted, her tone brooking no argument, one eyebrow raised imperiously. Her expression softened as she looked down at Mike. "Besides, I practically raised this one," she nodded toward Noah, affection evident in her voice, "and he turned out passable."

"Go," Violet urged, gently swaying with Mike, who had fallen back to sleep against her shoulder. "Plan that wedding I pretended not to hear about," she added with a knowing smile. "This little gentleman and I will be just fine." She made a shooing motion with her free hand. "I have his number on speed dial if there's any problem."

Noah looked at me questioningly, his eyes filled with a tentative hope that made my heart swell. I found myself nodding, suddenly eager for a few hours where we could just be us again.

As we gathered our coats, I watched Violet speaking softly to Mike, her voice a gentle murmur of promises and endearments. His tiny form looked so secure in her capable hands, his little fist curled around her finger.

For the first time in what felt like forever, the future seemed bright with possibility rather than fraught with danger. Noah's hand found mine as we stepped outside, our fingers interlacing naturally. He pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple.

"A new beginning," he whispered against my hair. "For all of us."

I leaned into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my side, and allowed myself to believe it.