chapter Eighteen
Emily
After a few weeks, I was finally getting used to working days again. I preferred nights, loving the quieter feel of the hospital, but those shifts weren’t possible with Noah at home. Mel had offered to take Noah one night a week so I could get an extra shift in, but I hated putting her out. She would never accept money from me, and she already did plenty of free babysitting.
When I first met Mel, I never expected her to be such a huge part of my life. She was the fast talking girl that wanted to be anywhere but in class. For some reason, she decided to befriend the pregnant girl. My mom came down for a few weeks to help when Noah was born, but she couldn’t take too much time off. Tim’s parents only came down to meet their grandson for a few hours before leaving. I pushed myself through those early weeks, telling myself Tim wouldn’t have been any help anyway. A few months later, he was dead. I don’t think I would have survived without Mel. She picked me up off the floor, helped take care of Noah, and reminded me that life went on. I owed her more than I could ever hope to repay.
I’d just settled into a movie with Mel when Jake called on a Thursday night. I was thrilled to be done working for the week, and picked up the second I saw his name flash across the screen. “Hey!”
“Hey yourself. You sound chipper.” He sounded just as happy as I did.
“I’m just glad to be done with work for a few days.”
“Usually you sound exhausted after work.”
“Yeah, but Mel’s here and we’re about to watch a girly movie.”
“Oh, I won’t interrupt the fun for too long then. I don’t have a game tomorrow night, and there’s something cool going on in town. Want to come down with Noah?”
“Sure. What time?”
“I’m running a practice until five. Would you rather come before or after dinner?”
“Maybe after. The sitter told me Noah’s been napping late all week, and then he wakes up really hungry.”
“Okay, that works. Just try to get here before seven.”
I laughed. “I think we can handle that. What’s going on tomorrow night exactly?”
“It’s a surprise. Have fun with Mel. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”
“Me either, I’m intrigued. Have a good night.” I placed my phone down on the coffee table.
“Heading to Clayton Falls tomorrow?” Mel asked, adjusting a throw blanket on her lap.
“Yeah. Jake says something’s going on in town, but it’s a surprise.”
“I thought you hated surprises.” She ate a handful of popcorn.
“I do.”
“You’re really into him. Like seriously into him.” She wasn’t asking a question.
“Yeah, I am.” If Mel only knew how hard I’d fallen. I could barely believe it myself.
“Are you guys ready for your surprise?” Jake picked Noah up and swung him around. It was fun watching them together. Jake seemed to be getting used to having a kid around, and Noah couldn’t get enough of him.
“Sure. You’ve had us in suspense for an entire day.” I slipped on a sweater and grabbed my bag.
“It’s a good surprise, I promise.” Jake carried Noah out to my car. I noticed he grabbed a few blankets on the way.
“Where am I heading?”
“Down toward the marina but then turn right.”
I followed his instructions until we pulled into a large field that was currently filling up with cars. A giant screen was set up a ways down.
“Is this a drive in?”
“They just reopened it. Tonight’s a special feature for kids.”
“What movie?”
“Finding Nemo.”
“Noah loves that movie.” It really was an awesome surprise.
“Great. Let’s grab some snacks and find a spot down front.”
“Yeah, I doubt Noah could see anything from the car.”
“If you want the real drive-in experience, we’ll have to come back alone.” He winked.
“I may take you up on that.”
“May? I promise I’d make it fun.”
Jake bought a huge tub of popcorn.
“Pop pop pop!” Noah bounced when he saw it. He’d been asking for it since Kelly gave him some at the football game.
“Let’s hope he doesn’t eat the whole container.”
Jake handed a few kernels to Noah. “Don’t worry. I’ll be eating most of it.”
I laughed. “You do that.”
We found a good spot and laid out a couple of blankets. Noah’s eyes lit up when the movie started. “Nemo!” He jumped up, and I had to pull him down into my lap so he wouldn’t annoy the people behind us.
Jake leaned back on his elbows. “I guess he does love this movie.”
“He does, and it’s one we don’t have.”
“Really? I’ll have to remember that.”
Somewhere around half-way through the movie, Noah fell asleep. It was his bedtime, so I decided not to wake him up.
“Do you want to head home?” Jake asked, taking my hand.
“I probably should get him to bed.”
“All right, let’s go.”
I pulled into his driveway. “This was a great surprise. Thanks for inviting us.”
“I’m glad you liked it.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and glanced behind him. Noah was still sound asleep. “I had a great time. I just wish we didn’t have to say good night.”
“I know… me either.”
“Not to push you in any way, but do you think you’d ever be comfortable having me stay over with Noah at home?”
I knew my answer. “Yes. Maybe not quite yet, but sometime.”
“Good. I can’t wait.” He leaned over and kissed me gently. “Can I see you tomorrow night?”
“Yes, but it’s kind of late notice for a sitter.”
“My mom’s been bugging me to watch Noah again…”
“All right, if you’re sure. When should we come down?”
“Let’s do dinner.”
“Perfect.” I leaned over to kiss him. “Sleep well.”
“I will.” He waved as he got out.
I was falling hard.