Noah (The Mitchell/Healy Family #1)(62)
Author: Jennifer Foor

When his mom got back into the vehicle we started driving down a more narrow driveway. It went through a patch of woods on both sides. “If you don’t mind, I need to get these groceries in the freezer before they thaw.”

We pulled up to another home, this one made of logs. It was a beautiful golden brown in color, and had a wrap around porch that was to die for. We climbed out and I heard a horse neigh from somewhere close. It startled me and I turned around ready to run.

“The horses are in their stables. They just sound closer than they are.” She handed me a bag. “You’ve never been on a farm before, have you?”

“No.”

“Noah’s going to have to show you around. Come on, let’s get these inside so I can take you to his house.”

We walked inside and I almost passed out.

First there was the smell of maple syrup and bacon. I could feel my mouth watering as we headed in the direction of the kitchen. Then I noticed the cathedral ceilings, where the animals hung on the walls, and the beautiful lodge décor everywhere. That wasn’t all that caught my attention. On every wall were pictures, and I recognized Noah as a child right away. “He’s so little.”

“He was a cutie pie.”

A girl that looked around my age came walking out of the kitchen. “Oh hey. I didn’t know we were havin’ company.”

Mrs. Savanna turned around. “Christian, this is Noah’s friend, Shalan.”

She smiled. “Really? Noah’s been hidin’ a girlfriend?” She looked me up and down before turning her attention back to my eyes. That’s when I saw them; Noah’s exact green eyes on a female version of him. “You’re really pretty.”

“So are you.”

She shook her head, like I’d embarrassed her. “Yeah right. You don’t have to be nice to me on my brother’s account.”

“Christian, say thank you.”

“Sorry,” She smiled. “I appreciate the compliment. It was nice to meet you.”

She left us standing in the kitchen, and Noah’s mother turned around to address what was wrong with her daughter. “Don’t mind her. She’s shy and has never believed it when people compliment her. Don’t ask, because I don’t have the faintest.”

“I meant it. She’s gorgeous.”

“Thank you. I know what you’re thinking though. They aren’t twins.”

“Does everyone ask that?”

“Usually. Noah’s almost five years older than his sister. She’s in college. His other sister also looks identical to them. You’ll know the difference right away. Addison is the polar opposite of her sister. She’ll tell someone what she thinks of them without hesitation.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

She put her hand on my shoulder. “Come on, let’s go find the boys.”

We no sooner walked onto the front porch when I saw a very sweaty man approaching. I did a double take because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. This man wasn’t Noah, he was too old to be him, but he looked just like him. I watched him walk up to his wife and kiss her. “Hey, darlin’ You got back quick.”

Darlin’. I knew it had to be something that he heard growing up.

The older Noah turned his attention to me. “Who do we have here? Are you friends with Christian?”

I couldn’t answer, because I heard him saying my name. “Shalan?”

Noah walked across the driveway, as grubby as his father. His shirt was over his shoulder and his chest was dripping with either sweat or something he’d poured over himself to cool off. “What are you doin’ here?”

I walked down the steps and stood face to face with him, waiting for a kiss or something to welcome me there. “I wanted to surprise you.”

He looked over at his parents before turning his attention back to me. “I can explain.”

Noah could tell I was pissed. He knew that I knew he hadn’t told his parents about me. “I hope so.”

“Dad, this is Shalan, my -.” He paused and winked at me, as if it were going to make me forget why I was mad at him. “My girlfriend.”

My stomach dropped and I felt dizzy. He’d said no labels, but yet he’d just given me a big one, and I didn’t know how to respond.

Noah

For a moment I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, and that the heat had gotten to my head. There she was, standing with my parents, who knew nothing about her. I could tell from the look on her face that I was going to have to kiss up her ass before she gave me any affection. Figuring that I had to explain, I said the first thing that came to mind.

Shalan’s eyes widened as the word girlfriend came out of my mouth.

We hadn’t labeled ourselves, for more reasons than just living in two different places. We both knew that eventually she’d be too busy to be in a committed relationship. I hadn’t even considered talking to her about it, because I knew the end result.

Shalan smiled and looked toward my dad. “It’s very nice to meet you. I’ve heard a ton about your family from Noah.”

My dad gave her another once over, and then cocked an eyebrow. “How long have you been seein’ my son?”

“Dad, really? I’m pretty sure it doesn’t matter.”

My dad backed off. “Sorry. I was just askin’ the lady how long she’s had to put up with you.” His joke was his attempt at keeping his opinions to himself.

“Did you just get here?” I asked.

“Your mom had groceries to take in. She was getting ready to bring me to your place.”

I held out my arm for her to take. “How about we get you settled and we come back for dinner. “Is that alright, Mom?”

“Of course. Oh, Shalan, I forgot to mention this. If the house is a mess, which it very well might be, please ignore it. I can’t get over there until tomorrow to clean it.”

“I’d be happy to help,” Shalan offered.

“You’re a guest,” all three of us said in unison.

My mom laughed. “I will take care of whatever Bella doesn’t get to. Her parents are coming to see her this weekend and I don’t want them seeing how those two live. You’d think they never did a chore in their life.”

“Thanks, Mom. Can we go now, or are you goin’ to tell her about somethin’ else embarassin’?”

“We’ll save some for dinner,” my dad added.