A couple of days after Violet agreed to date him, Noah still couldn't believe it. He was on cloud nine, constantly by her side except when working or sleeping. Kaleb joked that Noah had happily taken over as Violet's personal assistant, prompting Violet to stick her tongue out at her twin.
Noah didn't see it that way. He was caring for the woman he loved. There was nothing else he'd rather be doing, despite the fatigue from work.
Violet didn't need much help; she only asked for things once an hour or less. They spent most of their time talking, watching movies, or playing cards, as usual.
The only real change was that Noah could now be more physically affectionate. While watching movies, his arm was around her shoulders; he kissed her cheek and played with her hair.
Violet hadn't kissed him on the lips yet, but he was patient. He'd waited this long and didn't want to overwhelm her.
When Aaron and Keeley returned from vacation, they casually greeted Noah in the entertainment room before doing a double take. Violet was asleep with her head in his lap, and he was twirling a strand of her hair.
A knowing grin spread across Keeley's face. "It's about time."
Noah blushed. His love for Violet was obvious, but being called out on it by someone he considered an aunt was embarrassing.
"Yeah, I think so too," he said, gazing at the sleeping woman.
He was surprised Aaron didn't comment, given his overprotective nature. Aaron noticed this and replied with a wry smile, "You think I'm going to try and scare you off? I know you as well as I know my own sons, Noah. I know you wouldn't hurt her."
He and his wife left without further comment, and Noah chuckled. Aaron had a point; there was no need for a "don't hurt my daughter" speech. Aaron had witnessed their relationship for twenty-four years and knew how much Noah cherished Violet.
It underscored the fact that Noah and Violet already knew everything about each other's lives, families, and personalities. Dating was meant for getting to know someone; they'd already surpassed that stage.
He'd decided: the moment Violet told him she loved him, he'd propose. There was no point in delaying spending their lives together if they both loved each other.
He didn't know when that would be, but he'd impulsively bought a ring the day she agreed to date him.
Knowing she was his favorite person, all he had to do was continue loving and supporting her, adding more romance. Her love for him was unshakable; she just needed to see him romantically. He was confident it would happen.
Noah was very good at waiting.
Jeremy dreaded his boss's return, sure Violet had told him everything. He felt doomedโfired and possibly worse. Aaron Hale loved his family above all else, and Jeremy had deeply wronged his daughter. He might as well write his will. Or so he thought.
When Aaron returned from vacation, he was surprisingly cheerful. Hours of anxiety passed as Jeremy waited for the mood to shift.
"Jeremy! Stop daydreaming. I know you got dumped, but don't let it affect your work," Aaron barked.
Startled, Jeremy jumped, bewildered. "Sir?"
Aaron's usually piercing gaze softened slightly. He stood and clapped Jeremy on the shoulder. Jeremy froze, bracing for the worst.
But it didn't come. Aaron's voice was less gruff. "I'm not mad. Just because you weren't right for my daughter doesn't mean you aren't right to take over my legacy."
Relief washed over him. His boss didn't hate him; he wasn't going to be killed.
This improved his mood considerably. Jeremy had fallen for Violet but miscalculated: the strength of her relationship with Noah, Noah's ability to prioritize others, and how much Aaron valued him.
He and Aaron were similar, but their relationships differed. Jeremy was married to his job; no woman's feelings would ever change that. Aaron loved his work but would abandon it for loved ones.
Jeremy had thought things would work with Violet because of their similar intelligence and education. He tried to force her into a life scenario centered around his job.
It never would have worked because she was far more sentimental than he'd imagined. His failed relationship stung, but more because of his misjudgment than missing Violet. Work had distracted him these past few days.
He hadn't been daydreaming from heartbreak; he'd been terrified of losing everything. Knowing that wasn't a problem, he relaxed and became even more productive.
"Thanks, Aaron," Jeremy said gratefully, regaining his composure. "I won't let you down."
Aaron smiled, patting his shoulder. "I know you won't, kid."
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