The investigator’s report specifically noted that Noah’s procedures were thorough and appropriate, and that the foundation’s vetting process was welldesigned and properly implemented. David Reeves had the grace to look embarrassed when the board reviewed the findings. “I apologize,” he said stiffly. “I was overly cautious.
The concerns were unfounded.” “The concerns were an attempt to discredit Noah,” Victoria said coldly. “Let’s be honest about that.” “Victoria, no. You’ve questioned Noah’s judgment repeatedly since he started. You’ve undermined him in meetings, implied he’s unqualified, and now publicly accused him of negligence. That stops now.
Victoria’s voice was ice. Noah has proven himself over and over. The foundation is succeeding because of his work. If you can’t support that, you need to reconsider your position on this board. The room was silent. Reeves looked at Noah and something complicated crossed his face. You’re right. I have been unfair. Noah, he paused. You’ve done good work.
I’m sorry for questioning it. It wasn’t a particularly warm apology, but it seemed genuine. Noah nodded acceptance, too tired to hold a grudge. After the meeting, Victoria found Noah alone in his office. I’m sorry I doubted you, even for a second. You didn’t doubt me. You were being responsible.
Noah leaned back in his chair. But it sucked. Feeling like even you weren’t sure I knew what I was doing. I was sure. I just Victoria sat down across from him. I got scared. What if I’d pushed you into this role too fast? What if my feelings for you had clouded my judgment about your qualifications? Did they? >> No.
You’re brilliant at this work, but fear isn’t logical. Victoria reached across the desk and took his hand. I’m sorry for doubting for not defending you harder when David started questioning things. You defended me today. I should have done it weeks ago. They sat in silence for a moment, hands clasped across the desk. This is hard, Noah said finally.
Building something together when everyone’s watching and waiting for us to fail. You Yeah, it is. Victoria squeezed his hand. Worth it, though. Noah thought about Emma and Lucas, about the families they’d helped. about this strange unexpected life they’d built from a rainy night and a choice to stop instead of driving past. “Yes,” he said. “Definitely worth it.
” That night, Noah came home to find Emma and Victoria attempting to cook dinner while Lucas supervised from his bouncer seat. “Attempting was the key word. There was flour everywhere, something smoking on the stove, and Emma’s hands were covered in what looked like raw egg. We’re making omelets,” Emma announced proudly.
“You’re making a disaster,” Noah countered, but he was smiling. “Dad, you’re supposed to be encouraging. I’m encouraging you to let me help before you burn the house down.” Victoria looked relieved. “Please, I don’t know what happened. Emma said omelets were easy. Is they’re easy when you don’t turn the heat up to volcanic levels.
” Noah moved the smoking pan off the burner. Come on, let’s try this again together. They made omelets as a team or tried to. Anyway, Lucas started crying halfway through and had to be picked up. Emma got distracted and wandered off. Victoria nearly cut herself with a knife trying to dice peppers.
It was chaotic and messy and nothing like the cooking shows made it look. But when they finally sat down to slightly burned omelets and undercooked toast, Noah looked around the table at his strange, complicated family and felt something click into place. This was home. Not the house or the money or the foundation. This, the four of them together, messy and imperfect and real.
I love you, Noah said, looking at Victoria. Everyone went still. Victoria stared at him, eyes wide. What? E, I love you. I should have said it before, but I was scared and trying to be careful. But I’m done being careful. I love you. Emma grinned. Finally, I’ve been waiting for you to say that forever. Yes, it’s been 6 months.
That’s forever when you’re 10. Victoria was still staring at Noah with tears in her eyes. You love me? Yeah, I really do. Even though I’m a workaholic with control issues who can’t cook, especially because of that. Victoria laughed and it turned into a sob. And then she was kissing him across the table while Emma made gagging sounds.
And Lucas babbled contentedly in his bouncer. “I love you, too,” Victoria whispered against Noah’s lips. “So much it terrifies me.” “Good.” Terror means we’re doing it right. They kissed again, and Emma complained loudly that this was gross and they were going to make her lose her appetite, but she was smiling. Later, after Emma was in bed and Lucas was asleep and they finally had a moment alone, Victoria curled against Noah on the couch.
“Tell me again,” she said quietly. “I love you.” “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing that.” “Good, because I plan on saying it a lot.” Victoria was quiet for a moment. “I want to marry you eventually, when you’re ready.” Noah felt his heart skip. Eventually, >> I’m not proposing. Not yet. But I want you to know that’s where this is heading for me. Victoria looked up at him.
