Page 21 of Loving Roman (The Summer Twins #3)

–alice–

Unexpected barks sound from inside when I knock on the door of Noah and Heather’s new home. Noah didn’t mention they got a dog, but I’m unsurprised—he’ll do anything for Heather. She grew up with pets and made it known that she’d love a puppy of her own.

The front door opens, and Heather scoops up a tiny bundle of dark fur before opening the screen door, beaming from ear to ear.

“Hey, Mom. I’m so happy to see you.” She’s always been such a cheerful person.

You can’t help but feel joyful in her presence, and she’s been wonderful for Noah, dragging him out of his shell.

She’s such a wonderful addition to our little family.

“Hi, lovely.” Heather’s having trouble containing the little bundle in her arms as Noah comes up behind her.

“Moooooom.” Noah drags my name out as he embraces me, rocking me side to side, crushing my face into his chest. I remember when he was a toddler and used to stretch up his arms, expecting me to pick him up for a hug.

He pulls me inside, slamming the screen door behind us.

Heather releases the puppy and joins in the hug, making a sandwich out of me—I can’t help but chuckle.

I’m so happy I made the move to be closer to these two—my favorite people in the world.

Little claws scratch at our ankles, wanting to join in the love fest.

“Who’s this little character?” I bend to pick up the adorable pug puppy. His cute little black face and tan bottom wriggle like crazy as he tries to lick my cheeks, drawing giggles from me.

Heather scratches behind his ears. “This is Taco.” I chuckle at his name. “He’s ten weeks old. We fell in love with him and had to bring him home. There was no other option.” She looks at me with sparkling eyes and hugs me tight. “Come in. Come in. Noah, go get Mom’s stuff from the car.”

“Okay, Wife.” He smacks her butt and kisses her cheek as he steps out to bring in my bag. He looks incredibly happy, which settles me because it’s all I’ve ever wanted for him.

Heather takes me further into their tidy home. They don’t have much at this stage, just the basics, but they’ll get there. The house is really sweet, and I can see them making a happy life here.

“You’re looking so well. This side of the country obviously agrees with you. How’s the new job?” Heather asks.

She directs me to sit at the kitchen table and sets about making us coffee as I fill her in on my new job.

Noah comes into the room, and the puppy wriggles in my arms like crazy to get to his dad.

I let Taco down, and his little bottom moves so much it’s almost tipping the little guy over.

I can’t help but giggle at him and can see exactly how he captured their hearts.

We spend the next hour catching up on each other’s lives over coffee and chocolate cake, which is absolutely terrible for my hips, but I eat it anyway—life’s too short not to eat cake.

“Let me show you to your room. You have a gorgeous view across the park and to the hills.”

The room is light and airy, with basic furniture and simple bedding. It all looks very comfortable for my two-day stay .

“This is lovely, Heather. You guys are making a beautiful home together.”

She presses a hand to her stomach. “It’s slowly coming together. I’ll let you get settled. Come out to the living room whenever you’re ready.”

I nod and begin unpacking my overnight bag, situating my toiletries in the bathroom down the hallway. I spend a few minutes admiring the glorious view before seeking out my son.

“Where’s Heather?”

“She’s gone to the market to get a few items we need for dinner.” He settles back into the couch, Taco asleep beside him. “How have you really been, Mom? I know you take a while to get used to change.”

He knows me so well. It was only the two of us for such a long time that we’re probably a lot closer than most mothers and sons.

From the time he was old enough, he was always very protective of me.

He’s always been mature for his age and took his role as the man of the house very seriously.

That’s why I love Heather for him. She encourages him to have fun and relax a little.

“I’m feeling remarkably okay. It’s been easier than I anticipated settling into a new city.” Though I think that has more to do with Roman than the job. “I love my new job, and my little house is perfect just for me. Even though it’s small, I have room for you and Heather if you decide to visit.”

He studies my face closely and must be satisfied with what he sees, because his cheeks lift with a smile. “How about we come up in a couple of weekends?” He scratches the little puppy. “Can we bring Taco?”

“Of course you can bring him. It’ll be wonderful to have you visit.” Excitement swells in my chest, and I picture my small backyard, making a mental note to check how safe it is for a puppy to explore .

“How was your vacation?” He tilts his head to the side a little, waiting for my answer.

“It was wonderful. I enjoyed yoga on the beach each morning, went hiking, relaxed, and caught up with my reading. I even went paddle boarding, horseback riding, and kayaking.” I smile at my son. “Thank you for insisting I should take a break for myself. I didn’t realize how much I needed it.”

I’m not ready to tell him about Roman. I haven’t dated since the day I became a widow and an orphan.

I invested my entire focus into getting through each day and giving Noah the love and attention he’d lost when his father and both sets of grandparents were killed in a helicopter crash while we were all on vacation.

Time marched on, and my interest in having a partner never fully returned.

There were times I was lonely, but unless someone was going to add value to my life, I wasn’t interested in chasing a relationship.

Noah’s never seen me with another man, so I’m uncertain how he’ll respond to the fresh development in my personal life.

“Tell me more about the job.” He absentmindedly rubs Taco behind his ears as the little puppy snuffles in his sleep.

I tell him about the homes in The Parkerville Project and how impressive the program is.

The way they look after the kids as a whole person is very impressive within a system that is normally quite broken and ineffective.

I believe it’s the financial support from Oliver’s CornerStone Foundation that gives it the edge. It’s really quite remarkable.

Heather returns with groceries for dinner, and we decide to take Taco for a walk along the river.

The day is beautiful, and it’s wonderful to spend it with Noah and Heather.

After our walk, Heather insists I relax while she prepares dinner.

She sets me up on the back deck with a glass of wine and my book, before heading inside to do her thing, Noah helping where he can.

“This is delicious, guys. Thanks for spoiling me with my favorite dinner.” They’ve been making furtive glances at each other all evening.

I have a suspicion they’re nervous about something.

Heather keeps fiddling with her food and her glass of water.

I observe her for a few moments before I can’t take it anymore. “Is everything okay?”

They look at each other again, and Heather nudges Noah with her elbow and gives him a small nod.

He places his silverware down and grasps Heather’s hand, placing their joined hands on the table between them.

He swallows and looks at Heather with adoration.

I cover my stomach with my hand to still the nervous butterflies because I have a feeling I know what he’s about to tell me.

“Mom, Heather and I … we’re, uh, we’re having a baby.” They both look like they’ve just told me they were given detention after school.

I look between them as a grin forms. Squealing, I leap from my seat and quickly move around the table to pull them both up into my waiting arms. Wrapping them up and pulling them in tight to me, I kiss them both.

“Oh my gosh. I’m so happy for you both. This is such a blessing to our family.” I look down at Heather’s flat stomach. “How far along are you?”

She lets out a heavy breath. “Just gone eight weeks. It still doesn’t feel real.”

“So that makes you due …?”

“Around April 24th. If everything goes well.” Noah wraps his arm around his wife, tugging her in close to his side. He’s already showing all the traits of a proud daddy.

“You two are going to be amazing parents,” I gush. I’m so freaking happy about this news. It’s so unexpected, but not at the same time. Their entire relationship has moved quickly.

“Oh, I’m so relieved. I was worried you’d think we were too young and rushing into everything.” Heather grasps my hand, and I squeeze hers in reassurance .

“You should never worry what other people think about your choices. They’re your choices.

You do whatever you’re comfortable doing.

I think it’s wonderful.” I take a moment to reflect on how wondrous it was to hold Noah for the first time.

“A baby is such a blessing. He or she will change your lives forever in the most incredible way.”

We all sit back at the table and toast the news. We discuss their plans for the nursery and for after the baby is born through the rest of dinner. Later that night, when I retire to my room, the first person I want to share this amazing news with is Roman.

Are we even at the stage where we share news—good or bad—with each other?

I start and delete several messages to him, eventually deciding against making contact. I asked him to give me time. It wouldn’t be fair of me to make contact earlier than what we agreed, when I’m still unsure how things stand at work regarding a relationship with one of the counselors I work with.