Page 24 of In the Middle of No(ah)where (Rockport Ridge #2)
Marcus
T he beginning of December is magical here in Rockport Ridge as the first snowfall blankets the ground–ice crunching under the soles of our boots.
The air is filled with the crisp scent of wood smoke and apple cider as we make our way through the winter festival.
Space heaters warm the path along with tents, decorations, and lights.
"It's kind of romantic, don't you think?" Noah asks as we walk along the path. Twinkle lights hang overhead, and a few flakes are still drifting to Earth.
"Very." His gloved hand is in mine.
We fall silent as we take in the carolers, whose rhythm falls in line with our footsteps.The quiet intimacy of the moment is breathtaking, a testament to the depth of our connection.
It's the end of Noah's first semester, and I couldn't be prouder of him.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Noah turns to face me, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I'm so in love with you, Marcus," he says softly, his voice a gentle caress against the cold evening air.
My heart swells with emotion, feeling the same deep affection for Noah.I reach out, my hand gently cupping his cheek, trying to convey the depth of emotion that words could never fully express.
Our love and relationship has not been perfect. We've faced our challenges but found something truly rare and precious.
The light breeze whips across our faces, nipping our cheeks as we walk hand in hand through the market. Noah picks up a few Christmas gifts along the way before his hand joins mine again.
"Noah, do you remember that ridiculous putt I missed on the seventh hole?"
Noah chuckles. "That was random."
I laugh along with him. "I guess it is. But it's something I was thinking about."
"Let me guess. The wind made you think about it since you blamed the non-existent wind that night?" he teases.
Our joined laughter mingles, a comforting melody of the playful banter we often find ourselves in. "Okay, okay," he relents. "What about it?"
"I've been thinking," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper, "about us.About the future." The silence that follows isn't awkward but comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding that lies between us. I glance at Noah, illuminated by the string lights.
Noah's gaze meets mine, his eyes reflecting unspoken questions. He nods a silent invitation to continue.
"I know it may seem soon," I continue, "but I...I feel like we're building something real here, something special.Something I want to nurture and grow."
I take a deep breath.
Noah squeezes my hand, a sign of affection and support. Encouragement to continue. "I feel the same way," Noah says softly, his voice husky with emotion. "This isn't just a fling, Marcus. This feels…different.Always has. Like it's meant to be."
"I want to make plans," I tell him, my voice filled with confidence.How his Daddy should sound. "Real plans.About living together."I pause, letting the words sink in. Suddenly, I wonder if it's too soon. The idea was once a distant fantasy, but now it feels tangible.
Noah's smile is radiant, brighter than the Christmas lights around us. "I'd like that." His voice brimming with joy. "More than anything, Daddy."
We continue walking but bypass the last few vendor booths.
"I never thought I'd find you again," I whisper, voice thick with emotion.
"And I never thought I'd see you again, either," Noah replies, his voice equally choked with emotion."You're everything I've ever wanted and more. Someone who understands me, who accepts me, who loves me unconditionally."
I pull him into my arms, shopping bags and all, and kiss him passionately.
As we drive home, soon to be our home, beneath a sky dusted with snowflakes, I feel an overwhelming sense of calm. The future, like this road, stretches out before us.
Our love story is still in its early chapters but already filled with love, laughter, and warmth.
It's a love story that hasn't been a fairytale, but it has surpassed all expectations.
The future may be unknown, but with Noah by my side, I'm ready to face whatever comes our way.
Hand in hand, hearts intertwined, prepared to embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.
The future is ours to create. Together.