Page 184 of A Quick Buck

“We all have to start somewhere, dear Noah.” Alistair chuckled, ruffling Noah’s hair affectionately. “I think it would be a very humbling experience for you.”

“Which means it’s gonna suck.”

“Ah, but look at how far you’ve come already, hmm?” Alistair kissed him. “You’ve matured very nicely these past few weeks, and I’m quite proud of the young man I’m seeing you become. In spite of everything that you’ve suffered, you’ve managed to remain hopeful. That’s quite something, dear boy.”

“Yeah?” Noah’s already warm cheeks were heating up again from such a barrage of praise. He didn’t know what to say at first, and he tried to laugh off how deeply touched he was. “You gonna tell me you love me now?”

“Mm, very soon I just might.” Alistair smiled warmly. “I’m very fond of you, you know. Even when you’re being a brat. Maybe especially then. I still have every intention of keeping you as my boy.”

“Oh, yeah?” Noah’s heart thumped. “You know I’m not gonna behave all the time. I’m probably gonna keep on bein’ a big ol’ pain in your ass for, like, ever.”

“Oh, I know, dear Noah.”

“Yeah?”

“In fact, I’m counting on it.”

The End