“Nah, it’s not your fault. It must have been hard to be so good looking and popular as a teen.”
“It was just horrible.” Noah snakes his arm around me and leans over until his lips touch mine. I missed his kisses so fucking much.
The dogs run to the door a second before the bell rings. I make a move to get up.
“I’ll get it,” Noah says. “You’re on strict orders to rest.”
I nod and settle back, watching Noah wrangle my super well-behaved dogs from bombarding my mother.
“Oh, Noah … hi.” She bustles past, too concerned to question things now. Though really, even if Noah and I were done forever, the well-being of Ella is still his concern. “Pre-eclampsia,” Mom starts. “That can be serious. Are you okay? Is the baby okay? Should you be in the hospital?”
I flick my eyes to Noah, having warned him that she would act this way. “We’ll be fine,” I say. “I go back to the doctor weekly now and I’m on partial bedrest.”
“Partial? What does that mean?”
“I’m allowed to get up, but have to limit what I’m doing.”
“You’re not working anymore then, right?” Mom asks.
“Well…”
Noah’s eyes widen. “Don’t even think about it, Lauren. It’s not worth it to risk your health or Ella’s. Whatever you need, I’ll pay for.”
Mom looks at Noah for a few second before saying, “He’s right. And if you need help, your father and I are more than willing. I can buy you groceries.”
“Thanks, but you don’t have to,” I say and run my hands through my hair. “I’ll figure it out.”
“That’s what family is for,” Mom says and hugs me. “You just take care of yourself and keep growing that baby. It’s too soon for her to make an appearance. Let us take care of you.”
“Okay.” I rest against the back of the couch again, tired. This has been one of the longest days.
“Do you need anything?” Mom asks.
“Not right now. Noah got me ice cream and the tacos I was craving on the way home. I’m just ready for bed now.”
“Is he staying tonight?”
Noah looks at me from across the room, hopeful.
“Yes,” I say. “He is.”
“And you two are…” Mom starts.
“We’re back together,” I say with certainty.
Mom nods but doesn’t look convinced. “I’ll let you get some sleep, and we can talk later. Call us if you need anything. We’re only a drive away.”
Noah walks her to the door, and ends up going outside along with my mother. Ten minutes pass before he comes back in.
“What was that about?” I ask.
He shakes his head and smiles. “Nothing. Just talking about how much we both care about you. And Ella.” He sinks down next to me and pulls me into his lap. “How are you feeling?”
“Okay, just tired.”
“I mean, mentally.”
“Oh. Stressed. Really stressed and worried. I feel like my body is a failure to Ella.”