Page 82 of Let Me Show You

He squeezes my hand lightly. “Katie…” he mumbles.

“Yes, it’s me.”

Tears fill my eyes, and I try my best to stay strong for him and not cry.

“You’re gonna be okay, baby. The ambulance is on its way.”

“Katie…” he says my name again weakly, then squeezes my hand, this time a bit harder. “I love you.”

There’s no use fighting the tears because as soon as he says those three beautiful words, they fall down my cheeks uncontrollably.

“Noah.” I stare as he struggles to open his eyes. “I love you, too. I always have.”

Once the words leave my lips, he releases my hand.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

NOAH

EARLIER

“Hey, Tyler,” I say, searching for him around the gym.

“What’s up, man?”

“I gotta see my parole officer next week. Is it okay if I take a half-day Tuesday?”

“Yeah, no problem. Just let Smith know.”

“Will do. Thanks, man.”

After Katie’s and my risky rendezvous in the back, I haven’t stopped smiling. Though we were together just an hour ago, I already miss the fuck outta her and can’t wait to see her again.

“What’re your plans this weekend?” Gemma asks as we pack up.

“Fuckin’…” Tyler responds before I can.

“Babe!” Gemma scolds him. “As happy as I am they’re finally together, I don’t need that image in my brain!”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “We’re watching a movie with Owen tonight, then I’m gonna help her with the house tomorrow and Sunday. Hoping to help more so she can get done sooner.”

“But still fuckin’.” Tyler laughs, dodging a hit from Gemma.

“Well, I did tell her to get pregnant soon so our kids can be the same age,” Gemma muses, and my heart races at the thought of Katie carrying our baby. After she told me about her miscarriage, we’ve grown closer than ever, and I love that she trusted me with that information. I’m not sure my sister knows, so I don’t say anything.

“You’re gonna scare the shit outta him now,” Tyler tells her. “Good thing I got you that big box of condoms.” He smirks.

“You didn’t!” Gemma’s eyes widen.

Tyler shrugs, then looks at me. “You’re getting a free preview of the pregnancy hormones. You sure you wanna go through this?”

“Alright, time for me to go.” I snicker. “You two have a good weekend.”

Gemma hugs me before I leave, and I wave at Tyler before walking out to my truck.

Just as I start the engine, my phone rings, and Brittany’s name pops up on the screen. Considering she’s gone out of her way to confront Katie at work, now’s a good time to make it crystal clear that I’m not interested in her that way.

“Hey,” I answer.