Chapter 46
Audrey’s POV:
I carefully lifted Noah out of the car–the little guy had fallen asleep on the ride home.
His small head rested against my shoulder, his warm breath gently tickling my neck.
“I’ll take him,” Caspar reached out, but I gently shook my head.
“It’s fine, he’s not heavy,” I whispered back, not wanting to wake Noah.
I tiptoed through the hallway and placed Noah on his star–covered bed.
He frowned slightly in his sleep but didn’t wake up.
I carefully tucked him in, gently stroking his hair before quietly slipping out of the room.
Back in the living room, I suddenly realized it was just Caspar and me again.
When Noah was around, he served as a natural buffer, giving us both an excuse to avoid eye contact. But now, Caspar’s presence felt almost overwhelming.
as if the entire space had shrunk around him.
Last night’s drunken confession hung between us like an invisible wall–that night in London, that ridiculous ‘sleep for sleep” proposition.
Embarrassment washed over me like a tide. I felt my cheeks burning and my breathing becoming uneven.
“I should go,” I said hastily, grabbing my purse from the couch. “Noah’s all settled, so if there’s nothing else, I won’t keep you.”
“Miss Lane, Caspar stood up, crossing the distance between us in just a few strides, positioning himself between me and the door. “Please wait.”
I had no choice but to stop, forcing myself to look up at him.
His expression was surprisingly gentle, which only made me more nervous.
“Thank you for helping Noah,” he said, his voice low and controlled. “You’ve spent so much time with him lately.”
I was stunned, unsure how to respond to this unexpected gratitude.
“And,” he continued, meeting my eyes directly, “I owe you an apology for my previous misunderstandings and offensive behavior. I shouldn’t have treated you that way, and I shouldn’t have questioned your motives for getting close to Noah.”
Was Caspar Thornton actually apologizing to me? I could hardly believe my ears.
“I hope you won’t deliberately avoid me because of these issues,” he said. “Noah depends on you, and I don’t want our misunderstandings to affect him.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.
“Mr. Thornton, I was at fault too,” I said honestly. “Please rest assured, I won’t distance myself from Noah because of this.”
1/2
3:20 pm ppмM
Chapter 46
Just then, we heard soft footsteps.
Turning around, we saw Noah standing in the hallway, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
“Miss Lane, Noah said softly, his voice drowsy, are you leaving?”
I smiled and walked toward him, kneeling down to meet his eyes. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Did you have a bad dream?”
Noah shook his head, his small hand grabbing my sleeve. “Can I take a nap with you? And Daddy too?”
I felt a wave of awkwardness, unsure how to respond to this innocent request.
Edward cleared his throat gently, not knowing when he had appeared behind. “Noah, adults can’t just sleep together–it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Noah blinked in confusion. “Why not?”
I patiently explained: “Noah, only married people sleep together. It’s a special kind of relationship.”
Noah’s eyes suddenly lit up, as if he’d thought of something brilliant.
“Then Miss Lane can marry Daddy!”
Edward and I exchanged an awkward smile. Caspar stood to the side, his expression unreadable.
“Noah,” I said gently, “marriage isn’t something casual. It takes time, and two people need to love each other.”
Noah nodded as if he understood.
“Can you take a nap with me then?” he asked quietly, his voice carrying a hint of pleading that I couldn’t refuse.
I glanced at Caspar, seeking his permission. He nodded slightly.
“Alright,” I said softly, “I’ll stay with you.”
Noah smiled happily and pulled my hand toward his room.
I sat beside Noah’s bed as he naturally nestled into my arms, feeling a strange warmth, both healing and bittersweet.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
