Noah (49 page)

Noah
had responded furiously, as he had months before
when she’d t
o
l
d
him he wasn’t in love
.
He argued that he was
more read
ier
than some of the supposed “grown ass men” who
didn’t know the first thing about being a responsible father
—Nellie’s now ex-husband serving as a perfect example because when Courtney was only five months pregnant he told her he wasn’t ready for a family and broke things off.

The argument escalated into him leaving
after
accusing
her
of
being the one not ready.
And that once again proved his argument that age was but an illusion. 

He was back a few hours later
,
calmer
,
apologiz
ing
for flying off the handle
.
Veronica apologized right back and agreed
that obviously, she hadn’t known what she was talking about either this time.
It
was
he
r
who wasn’t ready. Noah said he respected that and let her know that whenever she felt ready to just say the word
, because now that they were together he felt more ready than ever.

Veronica handed Noah the small bag, feeling a flutter in the pit of her stomach.

“Roni, babe. I didn’t know we were doing early Christmas gifts.”

“Of course you didn’t
—i
t’s a surprise.” She sat down next to him nervous about what he’d say—think.

He tried to look angry but the smile gave him away. Then he began pulling out the
gift.
Veronica had wrapped it in tissue paper and she laughed nervously at his puzzled expression when he saw the small
flat
octagon shaped plastic case.

“Open it,” she said when he looked up at her completely lost.

So he did and he took out the only thing in it
:
a small folded paper. He unfolded it and read the two words on it. “I’m ready.”
He still looked confused. “You’re ready?”

She nodded and smiled waiting for him to understand but his expression was still blank so she gave him another hint. “
Th
at’s
last
month
’
s birth control pill case.
I didn’t get it refilled
when I finished it
.”

His eyes shot wide open. “Are you…”

“No. Not yet but I’m ready, so if it happens—”

He tackled her before she could finished and she laughed out loud. She knew he’d be pleased but she was thrilled that he was this excited about it.

“It’s not just gonna happen, Roni,” he said devouring her mouth instantly arousing her. “
Haven’t you picked up on the irony of life by now
?
Things only just happen when you’re not ready.
When you’re ready
,
you start trying, and
g
adamn I feel like trying
right
now
.”

She felt silly even asking but she didn’t want the excitement of this clouding his thinking so she had to. She palmed her hand against his shirt. “And you’re sure right?”

He pulled away but he took her hand, standing up.  She stood up cautiously, hoping he
had
n’t take
n
her asking the wrong way. She yelped startled when he suddenly lifted
her
and in the next second had her cradled in his arms. “Let me go show you how
sure
I am.” 

Veronica wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She wouldn’t tell him she may very well already be pregnant since
she
stopped taking her pills the last week of November—let him think he had to try
extra
hard.  

My loyal readers. I really hope you enjoyed Noah and
embrace him like you did my Moreno gang
. Next
up
in the
5
th
Street
series is
Gio
. You know where to go to get more info and updates on my upcoming projects.
For new readers. Thanks for giving me a shot. I hope you enjoyed and for information on more of my books and upcoming projects read ahead in “About the Author” 
   

Elizabeth Reyes is also the author of The Moreno Brothers series. For her full bio and information, excerpts, teasers of her other books visit her website at:
www.ElizabethReyes.com

As usual I’d like to thank my family
for their patience in understanding that when I’m sitting in my pajamas all day in front of my computer I
am
at work. I think they finally get it! Love you guys!

My critique partner Tammara Webber. I honestly don’t know how I ever did it without you. I’m  so glad you’ve been part of this incredible ride and I
hope you’ll be around for good.
Purple Power! <3 

To my Editor Stephanie Lott aka Bibliofile Services, thanks again for you fast and efficient work. I’m so glad Tammara found you!

To my beta readers Judy Devries and Dawn Winter! Your opinions and keen eyes for any inconsistencies in story line or even just personality traits that don’t seem to mesh are invaluable to me! The fact that you two are lightening speed readers is a huge plus too! Thanks for plowing through my stories as fast as you do! And Judy thanks so much for all the fun we have on your blog with my poor guys! LOL 

To my new cover artist Step
hanie Mooney. OMG I’m so happy I found you and here’s where I give a shout out to fellow writer and friend, Abbi Glines for finding you first and then gushing about your work. Your talent speaks for itself! Your covers make me all the more excited for my upcoming books!