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“Grandma and I made cookies,” he announced proudly as he held up one to his mother for inspection. Jenny pretended to inspect it before she nodded in approval.
“Great job, honey. It looks delicious.”
Noah gazed around as if wanting to make sure they were alone before he gestured for Jenny to lower her head. Jenny crouched down in front of him, and he put his lips to her ear. “Mummy, I’m going to give you a small piece to try out.”
He gazed around one more before he broke off a tiny piece and slipped it into his mother’s mouth. Jenny chewed slowly, her heart swelling with love for this little boy who was the light of her life.
“Why are you so quiet in there?” A female voice came from inside.
Jenny and Noah froze as they both took in the sight of Jenny’s mother-Clarisse-standing above them with a mock frown on her lips. Her red hair was hanging in loose curls around her heart shaped face, and her hazel eyes sparkled with mirth.
“Now, now, Noah, you know what I said about sneaking in a cookie before dinner,” Clarisse said disapprovingly.
“I’m sorry, grandma,” Noah hung his head shamefully as he shuffled awkwardly from one foot to the next.
“Go wash your hands and go to the kitchen, so you can help me bring in the food.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he tore out of the living room and made a beeline for the bathroom.
Clarisse shook her head as she embraced her only daughter and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.
“Really, honey, must you spoil him?”
Jenny tossed her head back and laughed. “Actually, he was spoiling me, I was the one who took a piece of that cookie.”
“You don’t say.” Clarisse placed her hands on her hips as she pursed her lips thoughtfully. “So the boy isn’t afraid to cover for someone he loves, an admirable trait no doubt.”
Jenny grinned. “He’s one of a kind, isn’t he?”
They both shared a knowing smile as they made their way to the kitchen, and the three of them set up the table as they waited for Jenny’s father to walk in.
He walked in a while later and dropped a quick kiss on Jenny’s head before he poked Noah in the side.
They all sat down and a steady stream of conversation began as they all indulged in a nice family meal.
***
Jenny juggled the keys and her son’s sleeping form as she tried to get the front door to open. She had finally succeeded in getting the key into the lock, but couldn’t quite make the door budge open.
She huffed in irritation as she wondered if maybe she could lay Noah down on the grass for a second then pick him up again when the door was open.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a familiar voice said. “Let me.”
Jenny wheeled around in fright, her heart pounding in her chest before she noticed that it was just Mark, standing there looking sheepish.
“Jesus, Mark, you scared me,” she whispered. “At least announce yourself next time.”
“Well, I was just about to offer my help, but I was watching you fumble adorably for a few minutes.”
Jenny scowled at him as he pushed the door open and gestured for her to go through. Jenny walked in, and Mark helped her switch on the lights.
Once his eyes took in the sleeping form, his entire stance softened, and he stared at him in wonder as if he couldn’t quite believe that this little boy was his.
“Can I be the one to carry him upstairs?” Mark asked quietly.
Jenny stared at him quietly for a minute before she handed him Noah. She helped him adjust Noah before leading the way to the bedroom down the hall.
They worked quietly together, making sure Noah was in his pajamas and tucked in safely. Mark brushed his hair out of his eyes and smiled a soft smile that had Jenny’s heart hoping that maybe, just maybe, he actually did want to be a part of this little boy’s life.
