Chapter 49
Cole saw the anxiety in Noelle's face as she opened her gift from him. It was a good thing she was too occupied so she couldn't see him practically sweating bullets as well. He had never been the best at giving gifts. Not the worst, but never someone who received compliments on how well they did. He'd never really thought too hard about presents before though. Growing up, he'd only gift his parents usually and his mom and dad preferred anything homemade and his classes were always making things in arts and crafts so that helped him immensely. Later on when he was making more money than he knew what to do with, he went the route of gifting his family some of said money. It was easy and it gave them a chance to spend it on anything they wanted.
Now, though, he had put more effort into gifts for these two than anyone else. He had to call his sister for some ideas to get started and when she started to pry more, he quickly cut her off. She had already planted the seed and idea to get them back at the farm so he wanted to do something on his own.
Noelle began to open the gift painfully slow. Jacob had seemed to become just as invested as he was for her to open it. His heart beat rapidly as she pulled at the wrapping paper at each edge, almost as if she wanted to keep the paper for after. A small part of him wanted to rip it open for her and urge her to look inside where the good stuff was, but he kept his cool and let her take her time.
When she finally managed to take the tape off the edges of the cardboard box he almost let out a sigh of relief. However, now she was going to see what he got her. Would she love all of it? Would she hate it? He didn't think he could handle her hating it, but he also didn't think she would be the type of person to hate anything someone gave her. She might not like it and have to pretend, but that thought felt almost just as bad.
A small gasp followed by a chuckle left Noelle's mouth as she removed the lid of the box. Cole really did let out a breath that time because he knew it was a good start.
Noelle pulled out the small piece of coal and held it while looking at Cole with an unimpressed look, but was mostly trying very hard to hold her smile back. The only thing Cole did was shrug shyly and then urge her to keep going.
The first item in the box was a small, delicate ornament that appeared to be from the Kingston farm. When she turned it over, a date was etched in the back and it took no time for her to realize it was the day her and Cole first met. Even if he hadn't gotten her anything else, that would have been enough. It was the most thoughtful thing and she blinked back the tears that were threatening to escape.
Noelle went through each item one by one with a slacked jaw. Every small trinket and gift, big and small, was perfect. From a gift certificate to one of the nicest spas in the city nearby to a cashmere scarf so soft she wanted to bundle herself in it immediately. Everything in between was something he definitely put thought into and there were even a few gift cards meant for her and her son to share. She had no words for all of it and even if she did, she was sure her mouth wouldn't cooperate at the moment. The sting in her eyes was getting stronger and she felt a tear stream down before it was too late to stop it.
"Is it too much?" She snapped her head towards Cole only to find him with a worried look on his face. "Ah man. I'm so sorry it's too much isn't it?" His sheepishness was adorable and on a man as big as him only multiplied it even more. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and squeeze him tight, but she was still too overwhelmed with his thoughtful gifts.
She shook her head slowly, still trying to find her voice. "It's not too much at all," she rasped out. "I-it's perfect. They all are." She watched as Cole's worried features were replaced by pure joy. The smile that took over his face felt as if it brightened the room.
"What did you get, mom?" Jacob, being in and out of her sight and going back and forth from his gifts to her and Cole, had suddenly become fully invested in what Cole had gotten her as well. The first thing Jacob noticed was the piece of coal and he scrunched his nose. "My mom has been really good this year why did you get her coal?!" His question was asked in such a serious manner Cole and Noelle could only look at one another before bursting out in laughter. Jacob stood with his arms crossed, still not understanding. It was then Cole decided to explain to him.
"Coal doesn't always stay coal. After some time and a lot of pressure coal actually turns into diamonds. It's kind of to signify that I want our friendship to grow and take time and some day become a diamond. Does that make sense?" Cole had given Jacob the elementary explanation and she was grateful, but her heart still raced at its true meaning. Especially with the small note that was under it. She was grateful Jacob wasn't too interested where he dove in and that she could probably sidetrack him by asking him about his questions if he did pry.
"Oh," was all Jacob said. She didn't know if he actually understood Cole or if he stopped thinking about that and was planning his next move with his toys, but either way she was relieved she didn't have to explain anything to Jacob yet. Mostly because they had only been truly honest with one another for one day. Sure, they had a budding friendship which she secretly wished was much more and now it could be, but they still had a minor setback and the last thing she wanted to be doing was explaining to Jacob the possibilities of Cole being a permanent and more intimate fixture in their life.
"Did you thank Cole for your toys?" Jacob was usually pretty good at thanking people and having manners, but with how hectic the past couple days had been, Noelle wasn't surprised that Jacob seemed to be too excited to settle down. Jacob immediately ran back to Cole and wrapped his arms around the large man, or as much as he could. Cole must have already been prepared because he caught him with ease and hugged him back. Noelle, once again, felt the butterflies going wild in her stomach.
"Thank you Cole," Jacob said lightly to Cole. For as animated Jacob had been since he woke up, he was now a calm and almost relaxed person in Cole's arms. Maybe it was the effect his hugs had. Noelle had first hand experience in Cole's arms and she also felt right there and didn't want to leave. Seeing Cole just as comfortable made her heart buzz with a happiness she hadn't let herself feel.
"Thank you for my snow globe," Cole responded to Jacob. "I like that you put us together in there since you two are my favorite people." Noelle, not knowing what to say nor wanting to break whatever moment they were having, kept quiet. Watching them was more than enough to fill her with jy.
"Mom let me choose everything and I wanted you there with us like a family." Noelle's eyes stung at the sad but honest words of Jacob. "We had it made before you did the mean thing, but we're okay now and I like that you're here."
"Me too buddy," Cole's words cracked, making Noelle's eyes water.
"Are you going to marry my mom?"
Noelle couldn't stop the squeak that left her mouth and Cole couldn't stop his head from snapping down to him in confusion.
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