What about other children? he asked. Do I have any half brothers or sisters?
Ruby shook her head. My husband had a daughter he brought into our marriage. Her smile widened. She accepted me as her mother from the moment I came to live with them. Georgia isnt like a stepdaughtershes more than that. I think youll like her.
Noah was still awed by his newfound family. Going from a man with only a mother who kept him secluded from the rest of his relatives to having an entire family and extended family, he was blessed. Georgia is your daughter? Is she Carsons fiancée?
She is. Ruby grinned. Such an unlikely pair. But so in love.
Noah chuckled. Shell give Carson a run for his money. They seem happy together.
Rubys face brightened. I think so. Carson needed her and she needed him. And now that Ive found you, I have my entire family in one place. I couldnt be happier, myself.
Will you be going back to Florida anytime soon?
Ruby nodded. Yes.
Disappointment knifed through Noah. Im really sorry to hear that. Id hoped to get to spend more time with you.
She laughed. Im only going back to sell my house. I have nothing to keep me in Florida. Since my husband passed away, its just me. Georgia isnt leaving California and now that Ive found you...
Noah found himself leaning forward. He didnt want distance to keep him from knowing this woman. Does that mean youll be moving?
It does. I want to be close to my children. Her voice caught. You dont know how happy that makes me to say thatchildren. She patted his hand. Dont worry, I wont move in with you or Georgia. You have your own lives. Ill get a little place of my own. But with any luck Ill see you sometime? She glanced across at him, her eyes wide, hopeful.
He was touched by the warmth in her gaze. Count on it.
What about you? Ive told you about my lifewhat about yours? I want to know all about you. Where did you grow up? What was it like for you going to school? Did you play sports, have you ever been married? She stopped asking long enough to take a breath. Oh, who am I kidding? I cant catch up on all thirty-seven years in one lunch. And we havent even ordered.
We have time.
I hope so. Because I really want to know you.
And I want to know you. He lifted the menu. What do you think youd like to eat? We can talk while we wait for our food.
They ordered and talked, catching up on the big events of each others lives and some of the little ones that made them who they were. By the time theyd consumed their sandwiches and a couple cups of tea, Noah was more comfortable and relaxed around this woman who was his biological mother.
When the plates were cleared and the check paid, Ruby pushed back from the table. I should get going. Ive taken up enough of your time. She stood and slipped her purse over her arm.
Ive enjoyed it and hope we can do this again soon, Noah said, and meant it.
Me, too. I know I cant have back the years I missed, but there are so many more ahead of us. I dont want to waste a single one of them.
Noah tossed a couple of bills onto the table and escorted Ruby out to the parking area. Where did you park?
On the side. The front was full when I arrived.
At the side of the building, a small sedan sat at a slant on the sloped parking spot.
Ruby stood beside the car. Im really glad we had this time together. She looked up at him. Do you mind if I hug you?
He smiled. Not at all. He bent as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he gathered her slim body in a hug.
Although awkward at first, Noah felt the love and tenderness in her gesture and his heart swelled.
Ive always loved you, she whispered. And I never gave up hope. Her arms tightened briefly, and then they fell to her sides. Ruby climbed into her rental car and started the engine, lowering the window.
When will you head back to Florida? Noah leaned against the door frame, not really wanting her to leave.
Not for a couple more days. Do you mind if I come to visit you?
Not at all. Id be honored.
She backed out of the parking space and then stopped. She shifted into Park, opened the door, jumped out and ran back to wrap her arms around him one more time. Please tell me you wont disappear again. Please.
He hugged her, holding her tight. I promise.
Ruby leaned back, rubbing tears from her eyes. I just couldnt bear to lose you again.
Im not going anywhere.
She stepped back, straightening her hair. I know that. Its just... With a sigh, she said, Its happened before.
Im all grown up.
Yeah, and someone killed Reginald. Now that the world knows youre related to him, you could be in danger.
He pushed his shoulders back. I can take care of myself.
Im sure Reginald thought he could take care of himself, as well. Be careful.
I will.
This time when Ruby climbed into her car, she drove away, leaving Noah staring after her.
His life felt surreal. Hed been talking to his mother all afternoon, and she was a stranger.
He wished he could talk to Emmaline, the woman whod raised him as her son. When the DNA results had been confirmed, shed disappeared. How could she hide at a time like this? Noah had so many questions only she could answer.
But then shed kept a stolen baby that belonged to her brother, hiding the secret for thirty-seven years. It would explain why shed isolated him from the rest of her family for so long. There had to be a law against doing that. When shed been found out, she probably ran, afraid of going to prison.
His mind was churning and he didnt want to go home. He surveyed the scene below him. The bistro was perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful harbor town of San Diego, and Noah thought of Rachel.
She lived in the city, only a few short minutes away. After hed kissed her that afternoon, Noah wondered if shed want to see him again. She calmed his soul at the same time she stoked the flames of desire.
The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to see her. Perhaps she could help him make sense of his life. Even if she couldnt, he wanted to explore where their relationship was going. One kiss wasnt enough with Rachel.
Digging his cell phone out of his pocket, he entered her number and waited.
She picked up on the second ring. Hi, Noah? Did you have a nice visit with Ruby?
I did. He ran his fingers through his hair, his pulse pounding in his veins. Hed never asked Rachel out on a date, having felt he wasnt in her social stratosphere. She might still consider him nothing more than the hired help and turn him down. But if he didnt ask, hed never know. Look, Im still in town. Would you like to have dinner with me?
As in a date?
Noah drew in a deep breath and let it out. Yes.
She laughed. I thought youd never ask. Id love to have dinner with you, but let me do the cooking. You can come to my place. I grill a mean steak.
I didnt mean for you to have to cook.
I love to cook. So is it settled? Youre coming to my place.
When?