Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Having dinner at the diner with Noelle was something Brady could get used to. She was so much fun to sit and chat with, and even though it was clear she had other important matters on her mind, just sitting across from her in a booth, talking about their days and their hopes for the upcoming Christmas events lightened Brady’s load, despite the fact that he was in the middle of a stressful time, what with the move, pressure to perform at his new job, and everything else weighing him down.

“So… you had the inspection on the house?” Noelle asked. He’d mentioned it in passing earlier but hadn’t elaborated. “How did it go?”

“Great,” he said with a nod of his head. “Everything looks good. There’s a small crack in the foundation they said will need repaired soon, and they suggested a new roof, but other than that, everything is in great shape. Apparently, the couple that lived there before had just replaced the heating and AC units a few years before the husband passed away, and it’s been maintained and well taken care of. Electric has been replaced, as has all of the piping. It’s like a fairly new, old, beautiful house.” He knew the smile on his face radiated his feelings about the situation. He truly felt blessed that he’d found the perfect home, at a wonderful price. He felt like he could spend the rest of his life there-- find the right woman, settle down, get a dog, maybe have a kid or two. His future was bright with possibilities.

“That’s awesome,” Noelle said, smiling back at him. “I’m so happy for you! I just love that old house. It really will be the perfect home for you… and your family. Someday.” Her face turned a little red, and she lifted her glass of Coke, perhaps to hide it.

Brady grinned at her, wondering if that look meant it had crossed her mind that she might live there one day. He would be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about it. ”How are the kittens?”

“They’re hanging in there,” she said with a reassuring smile. “I think they are all strong enough to make it. A couple of them are having difficulty getting over this respiratory infection, but we’ll keep giving them antibiotics and I think they’ll be all right.”

“And Pooch?” He hadn’t asked yet. He’d wanted to, but the idea that the dog might be gone was too difficult for him to consider.

“Well, I’ve come up with an idea for Pooch. I wanted to wait and see about the Christmas fair before I decided on anything, but now that we know for sure it will happen, I think… I know what I want to do with him.”

“What’s that?” Brady asked, tipping his head to the side with curiosity.

“Tomorrow, I’m going to post that he’s available for adoption, but that families who want him will have to come to the Christmas fair to meet him. They’ll have to fill out an application, and then, I’ll choose the perfect family for him. That way, we can draw more people in, interested families will get a chance to meet him in person so I can see how he reacts to them, and we can possibly draw more people in to the Christmas fair.”

Brady considered her idea for a moment before he nodded. “I love it, Noelle. That’s a great idea.”

She smiled. “Thanks. I’ve never done anything like it before, but it makes sense, right? He shouldn’t go to just anyone, should he?”

“No, definitely not. He’s too special of a dog for just anyone. The last thing we would want is for him to end up with a family that didn't appreciate him. Or take care of him.”

“Exactly,” Noelle agreed, wiping her mouth on her napkin and pushing her plate away. She was clearly done, even though there was still some mashed potatoes and a few bites of meatloaf left on her plate. The portions here were so big, he didn’t blame her for not finishing.

The waitress came to drop off the check, and Brady reached for his wallet. “Please, let me,” Noelle insisted, reaching for her purse.

“Are you kidding? No way!” Brady protested, handing cash to the waitress before Noelle could get her wallet out of her bag. “I just got an amazing deal on a great house. I didn’t have to use nearly as much of my savings as I thought I’d have to when I decided to buy a house. Dinner is definitely on me.”

Noelle smiled brightly at him, warming his heart. She was so beautiful. “Thank you, Brady. You’re so sweet.”

He could feel the color rising in his cheeks from the compliment. “I’ve been blessed,” he said with a shrug. “Now, it’s my chance to share a tiny bit of that with others.” Before the waitress could attempt to give him any change, he slid out of the booth. “Shall we?”

Noelle got out as well, her coat and bag in her hand. Brady helped her get her coat on, taking a deep breath, his lungs filling with the sweet smell of vanilla from her neck, which was so very close to him now.

Clearing his throat, Brady took a step back. Noelle turned, still smiling at him, and slid her hand into his. Her fingers felt perfectly in his. Brady never wanted to let her go.

The ride home was mostly quiet as holiday music played on the radio. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” seemed fitting, even if Brady still wasn’t sure when he’d be moving into his new house. Holiday Hills was definitely beginning to feel like home to him.

Since Noelle had ridden to the meeting with her mom, he took her to her house and pulled in behind her vehicle. A light snow was still falling, and as he got out to open her door, Brady felt invigorated. Noelle smiled at him as he helped her out of the truck. Christmas lights twinkled from the exterior of her apartment and her mom’s, and in the front yard, a large snow globe swirled snow around a giant snowman.

Taking her hand, Brady led her to the stairs, not reminding her to be careful this time, as he knew she would be. They neared her door, and a nervous tension built deep inside of him. He didn’t want to leave, but he had work to do, and he figured she did, too.

Besides, in order for there to be a kiss goodnight, there had to be a goodnight.

Behind her, white lights twinkled. “Thanks so much for dinner,” Noelle said, smiling up at him.

“Thanks for going with me. I had a great time.”

“Me, too.” Was he imagining it, or did her eyes drop to his lips before she raised them again. Did she want him to kiss her? He thought she did. “I always have a great time with you, Brady.”

“I hope I get a chance to see you tomorrow.” He reached up and brushed her hair back away from her face, her knit cap putting a lock of blonde in an awkward position.

“I hope so, too.”

Brady cleared his throat, his eyes locked on her pink lips. “Well… goodnight then.”

“Goodnight, Brady.” She didn’t move, though. She didn’t back up or take her hands off of where they rested on his arms.

Brady lowered his head, leaning in, breathing in that vanilla scent, and closed his eyes. Noelle came up to meet him, and his lips brushed against hers. She made a soft moaning noise that melted him on the inside. Without hesitation, Brady deepened the kiss, his hand cradling her soft cheek as she parted her lips. The taste of cinnamon welcomed him.

Kissing Noelle was every bit as perfect as he thought it would be. Reluctantly, he pulled back, realizing all good things must come to an end. “See you soon, Noelle,” he said, quietly. His forehead pressed against hers.

“Bye, Brady,” she breathed.

He waited for her to step away, to unlock her door, and get inside.

Once she was gone, Brady sucked in cold, crisp December air, and headed back to his truck, thinking the world could never be the same again, now that he’d kissed Noelle Snow.