Chapter 156

I didn’t know what to say. Noah’s offer was the sweetest thing I’d heard in a long time; tears pricked my eyes. But this was no time for crying—we had food to test.

Over the next couple of hours, Noah and I sampled everything on the menu. We barely spoke, engrossed in the delectable flavors and textures, noting what pleased my palate. Conversation, other than about the food, didn't even occur to us. In a strange way, it was comforting.

“I really like this shrimp scampi,” I sighed contentedly, patting my slightly protruding belly. “And the beef Wellington.”

Noah nodded, jotting notes on a pad. “Shrimp scampi and beef Wellington it is,” he said. “An interesting combination, but as long as you like it… Here, try the Brussels sprouts.”

I grinned, taking the offered plate. The roasted Brussels sprouts smelled sweet and spicy, a perfect balance of red pepper flakes and brown sugar, giving them a caramelized appearance.

But as I ate one, disaster struck. Something—either the sprouts, something else, or the combination of everything—disagreed with me. Suddenly, I felt nauseous.

I knew from my recent pregnancy that this urge was unstoppable. Covering my mouth, I rose abruptly, scraping my chair back. “I have to use the restroom,” I said, my voice strained. Noah looked curious, but I was already turning toward the door, heading for the toilet.

“Two cappuccinos, coming right up!”

Before I reached the door, the waiter appeared with two frothy coffees. I froze, my stomach clenching violently, my throat constricted.

Then, it happened.

I barely reached my knees before the entire meal erupted into the nearby trash can. The only sounds were my choked sobs.

When it was over, the room was silent. Gasping, I gripped the wainscoting, rising and clutching my stomach. Noah stood, eyes wide, hand outstretched. “Hannah, are you okay…?”

My face blazed crimson. Shaking my head, I stumbled back, murmuring, “I have to go… I’m sorry…”

Before anyone could stop me, I was out the door—nearly knocking the cappuccinos from the server’s hand. Noah called something after me, and the other patrons stared, but I didn’t stop until I reached the street.

A cab idled at the curb. Panicking, I flung open the door, leaping inside and ordering the driver to take me anywhere but here. Anywhere but with my husband, who was bound to realize I was pregnant any minute.

As the cab pulled away, I saw Noah emerge onto the sidewalk. His figure faded into the distance, shrinking to a speck on the horizon.

Chapter 157