My heart starts racing, I don’t know why but as I look up I see her. The most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen She looks the same but something is missing The sparkle in her pearl green eyes It brings me back to the day we were meant to never see each other again She sat me down on the bench, tears rolling down her smooth sweet face Her last words were “you’re just not for me I’m sorry.” And her spark was gone just for until we met again

I did it on purpose Ready to to catch her cup, in case it fell like we had Once. God, she is still beautiful. Eyes matcha green, met mocha brown A coffee smile stain free, and a PHD. And now I’m on one knee, My cup tilted with purpose. Oh, how I imagine.

4 years in love. Real Love.

I didn’t make her late for work. It’s too late to even try.

19? When they finished with lunch, they decided on walking around a bit. It ended up with Noah and Isak walking behind Mikalea and Michael. Mikalea and Michael were chatting up a storm while Noah was pointing out his favorite things to Isak. Noah’s arm was wrapped around Isak’s as they were talking about anything and everything. When they got home, Michael got a call from Nick asking if he wanted to go to Nick’s house. Michael obliged and Mikalea asked him to drop her off at the mall so that she could just have something to do. This meant that Isak and Noah would finally have alone time. When they both left, Noah and Isak turned the television on. “Well, what do you want to watch?” Isak asked as Noah got a blanket and rested it over the two of them. “You choose this time.” “Ok. Is The Proposal, ok?” “Yes sir.” Noah laughed, kissing Isak on the cheek. Isak hit play on the movie and pulled Noah closer to him. Noah rested his head on Isak’s shoulder as the movie began. Halfway through Noah was nodding off, and it was obvious to Isak. So, Isak shifted so that his back was to the armchair and he opened his arms to Noah. “Sleep.” Isak said in a gentle but commanding tone. Noah didn’t resist and laid his head down on Isak’s chest, his arms tucked under Isak. As he shifts to get comfortable Isak places a kiss on his head and puts his arms around Noah, holding him. Noah fell asleep moments later, and Isak pulled a blanket over the two of them. Isak pulled out his phone and texted michael, Hey, is it possible for you to pick up Mikalea when she’s ready and bring her home?

Yeah! I’ll text her. Everything okay?

Yes, everything’s fine. Noah is just really tired. Thank you, though! I’ll see you whenever.

Okay! Bye. While on his phone, Isak ordered some food to be dropped off in an hour or two, so it doesn’t disturb Noah. Isak kept still as much as he could. Noah’s breathing was soothing to Isak. Ever since Noah had his panic attack, well Isak was really nervous it would continue to worsen. But, since that day, everything has seemed normal. Noah didn’t have the best past with his father or step-fathers for that instance. It was like every person that had to play a role as a dad in his life, never really wanted to be one. But, then Noah began working at that cafe, and he now has a father figure that is proud to be one. Mr. Claxton. Mr. Claxton hired Noah when they had first opened the cafe, which was a year or two ago, and Noah loved it. They became closer because they could relate, and the small fact that Mr. Claxton has a husband gives Noah an extra person to rely on. Occasionally, we have dinner as a group for small celebratory days. Like when Noah graduated college, or when Mr. Claxton got married. About an hour later, Noah stirs in his sleep and Isak pulls him closer. Noah slowly opens his eyes, “Mmmmhi.” “Hi sleeping beauty,” Isak smiles, placing a soft kiss on Noah’s head. “Did you sleep well?” Noah nodded, looking up at Isak. “Is there anything to eat?” The doorbell rang a second later. “It seems you’ve summoned the food. Let me go grab it.”

End of pt ?

Part 18 When Michael got back Isak was passed out on the couch. Mikalea was sitting at the kitchen island with Noah. “Hey, M. I have milk. You ok?” “Yeah. Thanks. Sorry.” Noah decided to make some toast for when Isak woke again. “Hey, I am sorry about…yelling at Isak.” “It’s ok. I explained some of it, he understands.” Noah smiled softly. “Ok…” Mikalea took her smoothie and went upstairs to get ready for the day. Michael sat down at the island and asked, “Is Isak ok?” Noah turned around to face him, while eating some toast of his own. “Yeah, he’s alright. I convinced him to take a nap since this was not something you want to wake up to.” “Did he get to tell you about last night?” Michael smiled. Noah cocked his head to the side, “No? Why?”, when he was interrupted by Isak waking up again. Isak sat up on the armchair of the couch. “Morning, Isak.” Michael called. “Morning, Michael. How was…uh…the coffee grab?” Isak mumbled. Michael chuckled and replied, “It was good. Nick called me ‘babe’ today, hehe.” Isak grinned and then frowned again, “Now I need some coffee.” Noah grabbed the prepared coffee and handed it to Isak. “Goodmorning again, babe. You feeling better?” “Yes, thank you.” Isak kissed him. Michael left the room to leave them alone and went to chat with Mikalea. Noah sat down with Isak and snuggled under his arm. “So, what happened last night? Michael mentioned something.” Isak looked at Noah and grinned. “Remember how I wanted to connect with your friends a bit more? Well, when Michael came home last night, I asked him how it went, and we talked. He kept bringing up how sweet it all was, and we had a great conversation. So, we connected pretty well and hopefully I may get to know him more.” Noah pursed out his lips in a small smile, “I’m glad. I know you’ve been trying to get to know my friends more.” Isak kissed his head “Did you sleep well?” “Yeah, but I prefer to sleep when you’re with me,” Noah poked his ribs and Isak chuckled. “Well, I’ll give you cuddles all day when you can’t sleep beside me.”

An hour or so later they all set out for lunch together. Mikalea had bags under her eyes, which meant she was up all night in a conversation. They weren’t the types of bags that are worth staying up for…these ones were a “I need to sleep but I don’t want to lose _____”. Noah knit his eyebrows. He understands because he struggled with the same issue back when he was in college. “Hey M, can you and I talk for a minute?” Noah asked, after they ordered their food. She nodded and Noah excused them and went to talk to her off to the side. “How are you?” She looked down at first but quickly looked up again, “I’m fine.” “What happened last night?” “I just didn’t sleep. That’s all,” Mikalea sighed. “Mikalea, I know you. Those eye bags weren’t worth it. Someone kept you up all night and you really were struggling. What’s wrong?” Mikalea looked down and when she looked up again, tears were in her eyes. “My friend- well…ex-friend was not being the best, and I didn’t want to lose her. So, I stayed up all night trying to fix a friendship I knew was toxic. No. The eye bags were not worth it. I’m tired. And I-...I’m just done with losing people.” Tears started to fall down her cheeks as Noah pulled her into a hug. “It’s ok. I’m here, Michael is, and even Isak. We will never leave you.” Isak looked over and saw Noah and Mikalea hugging, so when they sat down he didn’t bring up the subject. “None of you don’t eat meat, correct?” Isak asked. “Yeah.” Each person responded. Isak grinned, “Great because we will have a barbecue tonight with a few employers of mine. We can do Steak, cheeseburgers, barbecue chicken.” ”Ooh! Can we do hot dogs?” Michael asked. ”Yep! Bring Nick too.” That made Michael grin wider than planned. Mikaela groaned, “Then I’ll be third wheeling.” “Not necessarily. You can make burgers and all with me and Noah. I will have to talk to my colleagues at some point though.” “Ok!”

Pt 17 After they snuck out to watch Michael on his date, Mikalea got really tired. So, they went home early laughing about how incognito they were. When they arrived home Isak and Noah said goodnight to Mikalea. They received a message that Michael would be home late and so they decided to take another break. When Noah got undressed and into his pj’s Isak was ready around the same time. Noah put his arms around Isak’s back and kissed the back of his neck. “Tonight was fun. Thank you for joining us. You didn’t have to,” Noah smiled. “It was amazing. I was delighted to go. I wonder what you guys did before you came to live with me.” Isak turned to face Noah, he placed his hand on his cheek. “C’mon, you look so tired. Let’s get some sleep.” “No, Michael isn’t home yet.” He groaned being pushed toward the bed. “Michael is an adult. I’ll wait for him though. I promise.” Isak tucked Noah into bed and kissed his forehead. Noah finally dozed off after a few minutes and Isak went to wait for Michael. About half an hour later Michael came in, grinning from ear to ear. When he closed the door he noticed Isak. “Oh, hey!” Michael said. “Hey, Mikalea and Noah both fell asleep.” “Oh, ok.” “Did you have a good date? Is he nice?” Isak gently asked. Michael set his bag down and nodded, “The best. He’s so sweet.” Isak gestured to the couch, “Do you want to talk about tonight?” Michael grinned wider, “That would be awesome.” And so Michael began. Isak was really happy that he found a way to connect with Noah’s friends. Even if it was only the beginning. “He also mentioned how he wanted to be a physical therapist and is currently finishing college for it. It was so sweet. I could tell he really wanted to be one, the way he talked about it. It was like he was talking about a celebrity or something.” “I’ve heard how accident prone you are. Maybe he will be your “saving grace”,” Isak chuckled. Michael blushed and waved it off. “He also gave me a soda tab.” Isak’s mouth fell open and he shook his head, “I have not heard of those being used in ages. Which one did he give you?” Michael smiled slyly, “The kiss one.” “You are returning it soon.” “Yes, I am.” Isak smiled at Michael. “I just hope we last. Normally mine never do, probably because I rant like this…” Michael chuckled awkwardly. Isak knit his eyebrows, “From what I can see, you just need the right person. Maybe Nick is it. Maybe he isn’t. It’s got nothing to do with you. You are very humorous and sweet. Don’t overthink it. I know Noah would say the same.” Michael smiled shyly, “Thanks. I’m gonna hit the hay, I pick up coffee from him in the morning because he works tomorrow.” “I’ll lend you my keys. ‘Night, Michael.” Isak said. “G’night.” Once Michael turned in, Isak layed back on the couch. He loved spoiling Noah and his friends, but sometimes he just wants someone to spoil him. He sighed, a little happier because of the talk with Michael. Isak turned over and pulled the blanket up, falling asleep. next morning Noah woke to Mikalea yelling at Isak. Uh oh. Noah quickly got up and rushed into the kitchen. “Why are you yelling, Mikalea?” Noah shouted over her, his eyes squinting to adjust to the light. “Your boyfriend here, used the last of the milk. And I can’t make my morning smoothie…BUT HE WON’T GO GET MORE!” Isak was standing at the other end of the kitchen, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I have told her. Many times, that I let Michael take the car to get his coffee.” He exhaled. The strain in his voice made it clear he was ticked off. Noah could tell that Isak did not sleep well, and was getting pretty irritated. He walked over to Isak and put his hand on his back. “Mikaela, just text Michael to pick some up.” She just rolled her eyes, “I can’t. My PHONE IS DEAD! And you know I don’t bring chargers anywhere anymore.” Noah sighed. “Go up and get my charger. I’ll call Michael in a few seconds to pick it up-” “Hurry.” She growled and ran up the stairs. Noah wrapped his arms around Isak’s waist, “You seem a little agitated, go sit on the couch. I’ll make you some tea.” Isak obliged. This happened a lot when Mikalea, Michael, and Noah were roomates. She tend to get snippy when things didn’t follow her plan, or the moments before, she got in an argument with somebody. Of course, Isak didn’t know that, yet he still remained collected. As Noah made him tea, he called Michael. “Hey. Could you pick up some milk on the way back? Yeah…M had another tantrum moment. Thanks, see ya bye.” He walked over to Isak and handed it to him. “Thanks.” Isak breathed. Noah sat beside Isak and hooked his arm around Isak’s. “Are you ok? You kept really calm, but I could tell you were not happy.” He nodded, “Just, not very fun to wake up and get yelled at, when you have plenty of solutions for them.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t remember to tell you she gets pretty angry when her routines are messed with, or something may have happened over the phone.” He nodded once again. “Hey. I’m proud of you. I know it was hard to be calm in that moment, but you were. So good job.” Noah looked up at Isak. “Thank you. I love you.” “I love you too.”

The next morning Noah woke to Isak’s breath on his back. They were a little cramped on the couch so Noah didn’t turn around, but he shifted lightly to get up slowly. “Mmm, don’t leave.” Isak groaned trying to pull Noah back down. “I’m getting dressed so we can go to Starbucks.” Noah laughed, whispering not wanting to wake his friends. Isak sat up once Noah walked into his room quietly, getting dressed. Noah tiptoed back out and Isak was in a large grey sweatshirt, with nice blazers and PJ pants. Noah wrapped his arms around Isak’s neck, “Good morning.” Isak’s hands were placed on Noah’s forearms, around his neck. “Good morning, love.” Their lips connected for a soft moment. Isak stared at Noah for a small second before speaking, “Let’s go to Starbucks.” Those 4 words were Noah’s favorite. They drove up to Starbucks and they walked through the doors. Isak went to order their drinks and Noah sat down at a two-person table. Noah watched Isak interact with the person at the register. He wished he could do that. He was a cashier after all. He just wasn’t good at asking for things. Unless it's Isak, but even then Noah doesn’t always ask what he needs. Isak spotted Noah staring at him and made eye contact with him, smiling like a child. Once they got their drinks Isak sat down and cocked his head to the side, “Why were you staring at me?” “You are my boyfriend. Why can’t I?” Noah responded mimicking Isak’s little head tilt. Isak shook his head, a small blush creeping up his face. He scoffed a laugh and looked down. “What?” Noah wondered, knitting his eyebrows. He reached out and took hold of Isak’s hand. Isak looked up, smiling, and kissed Noah’s hand. “I just- it’s crazy how much I love you,” Noah was the one who got flustered this time. Isak kept hold of Noah’s hand for the rest of that Starbucks date. When Noah finished his drink he and Isak went on a walk around the street. Noah pointed out all the birds he knew, from his little bird book, and Isak would make a mental note of his favorite ones. All so he could take him to an Aviary sometime soon. Before Isak got promoted to his new position, they had always had time. But, it seemed to be the reality, that they would not always have a lot of time together. They tried their hardest to fit mini-dates into their schedules. “We need to decide on a day where we don’t work and aren’t busy. A day for just us every week.” Isak suddenly stated. A smile spread across Noah’s face, “That would be wonderful.” Noah turned and pressed a kiss to Isak’s cheek, making him blush.

They got back home and the two guests still hadn’t woken so Isak and Noah snuggled on the couch again. This time, they turned on Gordon Ramsey's cooking show, laughing at his difference in reactions to adults and children. When Mikaela and Michael woke up they joined in the fun. Noah smiled at the presence of everyone. He felt at ease with everyone he loved in one room. All of them were in a good mood, it was very…calming. Much better than the day at work- actually, let’s forget about that day. Isak pulled Noah in by his waist and buried his head in the crook of Noah’s neck. “You baby,” Noah laughed. “Ewwww, take the PDA outside, lovebirds!” Michael screeched. “Nooo, they’re so cute.” Mikaela squealed. Isak chuckled quietly as Noah leaned backward so he was laying on Isak. “What is planned for today?” Mikalea asked. “Nothing much. Why? Got plans?” Noah responded. “Well, my favorite celebrity lives nearby and I wanna find him.” Michael and Noah made eye contact and laughed incredibly hard. “Stalker much.” Michael mumbled. “Well, you can go do that and how about Michael, his boyfriend, Isak, and I, we can all go and have a double date.” Michael blushed, “He isn’t my boyfriend….yet.” “THERE IS A YET! ITS A CHANCE!” Mikalea jumped up. Michael turned away and hid his face in a pillow, “Shut uppp.” Noah slipped a laugh and Michael’s phone went off. Everyone turned to look at the phone and Mikalea screeched like a pterodactyl. “ITS NICKKKKKK! HE IS FACETIMING!” “What do I do?!” “Answer but don’t let him know we are here. We wanna hear.” Noah whispered urgently. Michael grabbed the phone as the rest of them huddled on the other side of the couch. “Hey, Mikey.” “Hey.” Michael eyed the other three to shut up because they were fangirling over the nickname. “What are you doing today?” Nick’s voice was gentle. Noah mouthed “NOTHING” really dramatically for Michael to say it. “Nothing, why?” “Well, would you want to go for some coffee? In about 30 minutes before my shift?” Mikalea began nodding frantically, so he said he would love to. The second Michael hung up they all squealed like teenagers, except for Isak who was red from laughing so hard. When they convinced him to hurry and get into cozy clothes Noah looked Mikalea and Isak in the eyes. “We are going under cover. We are watching their date.”

End of pt 16

There was no sign of him walking in. No evidence of his waking. Yet, his entering was nothing like him. So demanding and shaking.

His eyes held fire. His smile held no sanity. If he was on a wire. It’d be a calamity.

“Everybuddy, on your knees.” He called. There were cries and screams. He called.

“Jacob Marcus?” I asked. He turned to look at me.

“Diane Lekerbaun?” He recognized me.

I nodded.

Wow. What a small world. He was a coffee shop robber. I was a coffee shop worker. What a small world. Wow.

(This is not connected to my first “Coffee Catastrophe (KEITH)” post. You don’t have to go back and read it, it was explicit, so you probably don’t need to see it. And it was brought from true events, such as the dialogue and references, as will this one be. Thank you.)

He’s just sitting there. Staring at me over the black coffee he never told me he drunk. His likewise black hair is in his face, his eyes are pure evil, muddy brown like the Mississippi. And for some reason— they still hold their power. Power to make me do anything with that look.

I stare back. Drinking the same coffee. In the exact same cup. From the exact same pot. From the same busty waitress. Does it bother me? Maybe.

He pays in cash. I wonder why? Hah. Probably still has the crack and weed business on ‘Luther Street in that old, rundown building on the corner. Hit up that place more than the McD in town. I guess now there’s no room to shame him since I dealt the same deal and sold the same sale.

He locks eyes before he walks out. I angrily toss my drink into the garbage can and storm out, annoyed that he was such an egotistic asshole. I choose the back alleys, side alleys anything.

That’s when someone grabs my wrist. Reflexes jump in quick, I land an uppercut to his perfect jawline and twist out of his tight grip.

“The hell are you doing grabbing on me like that?” I yell, eyebrows furrowed, fists clenched. He stands, wiping his mouth and touching his jaw. I snort at how pathetic he’s become. But he laughs.

He laughs.

I scoff, crossing my arms. “What do you want, Guelner?”

“Haven’t seen you in awhile. That’s all,” he crosses his arms likewise and leans into the rough brick wall, swirling him tongue around. “I missed you.”

My mouth hangs open. Slowly, I close it, then blink away the foggy mist that surrounds me. “Yeah, your stupid bribes don’t work no more. Nor do your looks. Anymore. So…” I trail, biting my tongue. Why does it hurt so much?

“Still a little piss bucket, I see. Welp, if you need a spot,” he gives me a look and his chocolatey eyes brighten. He tosses me a big smile, a wolfish grin that brings me to pieces. “We have a few,” he murmurs. “Mmm… I’d be glad to give you back your spot. I’m single, anyways. The south needs its little… Dixie Land Delight. Eh? That’s what is was. Right?”His laughs ring out and I freeze up, glaring at him.

“I’m not doing your dirty work.” “You have a lottttttt of secrets, RJ.” “I don’t give a fuck.” “Need a hug?” “Fuck you.” “Please, allow me,” he steps forward. “Touch me and I break your arm.”

“Always liked when you got mad. You’re just so pretty with that rebellious look. You’re writing now, yeh? Drugs didn’t give you enough paper?” His smile widens and he knows he’s done got me. I step closer to him in the darkening alley, I stare him in the eyes and slowly lean in.

Inches from his lips, I whisper the words ever so softly. “I won’t do your BS anymore, Guelner Vasquez. Fuck up.”

I turn, walking away from the mess I’d gotten into years before. It hurts to leave such a pretty face— but he’s not worth the trouble.

“Baddie got a little maddieee,” he calls, chuckling back. “That’s alright, Jay. Swear to God, I’ll tell every fucking rat of mine that I saw you. You better walk away.”

Doesn’t take long to drive home, shut the curtains and hit the wall until my knuckles go numb. I sink to the floor, breathing slowly, eyes closed.

“Cartels,” I laugh, then say it again. “Am I right? They’re nothing like the TV shit. I’m tellin’ yuh.” My hands wander down to the lightening rod clawed scars between my thighs and I sigh, leaning my head up as tears pool.

It won’t be long before they find me again, I just know it.

My airpods blur heavy metal, My throat thirsty for caffine, Like a wanderer in the desert, But I’ve found my life source at last.

I stumble into the shop, A tinkering bell my welcomer. My cargos trail as I saunter in, Lost in coffee withdrawal and music.

A slam to my face like a door in a fight, Textbooks flying like cartoon stars. Apologising, I lift them and ignore Our touching hands as I pass him his bag.

But our eyes do meet and I realise, On the beat drop of the song, That the stranger is not that at all, But a haunting ghost of the past.

He shoots me a half hearted smile, Killing me with an icy glare would be kinder. Pretending we haven’t met, don’t have history, Like all our childish fantasies didn’t ruin us.

I pluck up some courage, force a smile, Say my usual “Hi, how are you?” But his reply is as ever it is, A good and goodbye.

He pulls one last pathetic grimace of a smile And walks doors, leaving me in the past. Its where I belong, where he belongs, But the coldness feels unjustified.

I stuff my books in my bag with a heavy sigh And pretend my morning can improve. And, approaching the counter, the lady asks “Espresso on the house?”

And just like that I’ve moved on too, Not wasting my time remembering a bitter past, For who wouldn’t love a free coffee? I’d meet him a thousand times for that.

Noah tucked his head into Isak’s chest, taking a nice relaxing breath. “I do wish you had come with us though. You would’ve multiplied the fun.” Isak smiled at the comment, “I know what I’m doing, sweetheart. I’ll hang out with you tomorrow while your friends unpack in the morning. We can go to Starbucks if you want,” Isak pulled Noah closer, kissing his head gently. Noah twisted to look up at Isak, “I really want a kiss from you.” Isak’s lips curled into a grin as he got close enough to Noah’s lips that their breaths seemed to exchange a whisper. Noah was the one who finally connected their lips, the soft tickle of Noah’s breath streaked against Isak. Despite Noah’s friends being over, he kissed Isak like no one was home. Which was just a simple deep kiss. Though, it felt so incredibly nice to kiss him. Noah had missed all these moments with Isak because he was always busy-no they both were. Michael then walked in on facetime with Nick. “And the- oh sorry to bother you two, but where is the milk?” Michael asked laughing at something Nick said. Isak just pulled Noah to his chest chuckling and said the fridge. “Well, I need to prepare dinner. Wanna help?” Noah wondered. Isak followed him into the kitchen as Michael made cereal.

(A few hours later) Dinner was ready within two hours. It would’ve been shorter but they needed to double the recipe. Noah went in and woke Mikalea up to get her ready for dinner. She was grumpy when she was woken up, but then she saw an actual meal on the table and got excited. When everyone was seated Isak began to ask questions. “So, how is it back in Chicago? What do you like to do?” “Well, it’s boring. Plus, I’ve got so many of my exes chasing me again.” Mikaela rolled her eyes. “Oh. My. Gosh. Michael, do you remember her crazy ex?” Noah shot out. Michael gasped a laugh, “Oh yea I do!” “Isak, he was bananas. Like. TERRIBLE! But it was kinda funny.” Noah laughed. Mikaela began to choke on her food from laughing, “Guys, no. Ew no. He was a pickle man.” “What’s a pickle man?” Isak wondered. “ A smelly, sour, dude,” Michael answered. “She’s dated plenty of those.” Michael yelped when Mikalea's hand came into contact with his shoulder. Dinner ended pretty late since they decided to talk about so many stories. It was about 11 pm that night when they all decided to head to bed. While Noah went into his room, Isak set up the couch to sleep on. Noah walked back in as Isak put his final pillow down. Isak sat and opened his arms letting Noah crawl in like a little puppy. “There is no way I’ll be able to sleep while he snores like a bear.” Noah groaned. Isak breathed a laugh as he pulled Noah closer to his face. “Mm, well we can work it out tomorrow.” Isak kissed him deeply finally getting the sweet taste of love. Noah pulled back, “You don’t have to keep sacrificing your comfort for others. Michael wouldn’t have minded sleeping on the couch.” “I know he wouldn’t mind. But, I’m also a host, and those are my boyfriends friends. I want them to feel comfortable.” “I get that, but I don't know why you put everyone before yourself. You put me before you often too.” Noah sat up. “Because you deserve it, love. Don’t worry, though. You take care of me pretty well.” Isak kissed Noah’s cheek. “Don’t distract me!” Noah giggled. “Oh! Is it distracting? Mk…” Isak began to smother him in more kisses down his neck, tickling Noah as he goes. Noah squirms and laughs loudly only to be cut off by Isak’s lips. “Shh! Your friends are sleeping!” Isak laughed. “It is not my fault! You were-” Isak pulled Noah down to his chest pulling the blanket over the two of them. “Woah! What’re you doing? Warn me next time!” Another giggle escaped Noah’s lips. Isak hushed him, kissing his head. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” “Goodnight, baby.” Noah yawned. End of pt 15