Chapter 32

Natalie

Present

I ended up telling Alaric the entire story of how I met Noah. He smiled and laughed during the whole story, not mad that I was talking about another man.

Alaric is a good person.

He understands that I'm still in love with Noah, but he told me he is willing to date me and see if I can learn to love someone else. I took him up on the offer and will see him later this week.

I think it will be good for me, even if the whole cheerleading squad inside my chest is cheering for Noah. And right now, I'm having a hard time not drooling over him.

"You're such a sweet girl," Noah tells Emma while holding her in his big, strong arms. He is wearing a smile that is melting my heart. "How about we take a nap while mama is working, huh? You're looking sleepy—yes, close those eyes."

I bite back a smile. Emma never falls asleep no matter how hard I try, but Noah has magic arms; Emma is oddly calm with him. It's a little out of character, or perhaps she can see that Noah is her dad?

My h