Cole knew Jacob's question was innocent and filled with childish wonder, but it didn't stop Noelle from gasping like a mouse.

"What do you mean?" Cole wanted to facepalm himself at such a bad question. He knew what Jacob meant, but he wanted to know what brought Jacob to the conclusion.

Jacob wiggled out of Cole's hold and moved to squeeze himself between him and his mother on the couch before responding. "I saw you and my mom kiss on the mouth last night and I only ever see moms and dads kissing." His explanation didn't help the situation and Cole felt his face heating up. He didn't know how to feel knowing he was busted. He hadn't even taken Noelle out on a date and they were already caught kissing, by her son of all people. Cole was much too scared to look up at Noelle's face. Mostly because he was worried he would see something close to regret and the last thing he would ever do was regret kissing her.

There was silence after Jacob's confession. Cole didn't know if five seconds or five minutes had passed, but it felt like it was too long before anyone made any other sound.

The first sound Cole thought anyone would make would either be Jacob asking more prying questions or Noelle trying to divert his attention, but it was neither of those things. Instead, Cole was shocked to hear the sounds of Noelle's laughter break the silence. Jacob had a look of utter confusion as he watched his mom giggling uncontrollably, but after awhile he didn't seem to need a reason and just joined in laughing with her. The sight of them laughing together made Cole feel complete. As long as Noelle's answer wasn't devastating or heartbreaking, he was sure this was his future. They were his future.

It took a moment for Noelle to gather her composure. Cole sat idly just watching her try to contain herself and failing miserably. The tears that had gathered from her laughing fit had fallen down her cheeks and Jacob had gone from laughing with her to trying to shake her out of it unsuccessfully. When she was finally able to calm herself she was then busy catching her breath and holding her stomach, trying to recover.

"I'm sorry," she barely choked out while still trying to fully catch her breath. "I did not see that coming at all"

Jacob, who jumped towards the tree and kept eyeing his toys, turned back to her skeptically and asked, "what was so funny? I don't get it."

Cole, still busy playing the spectator, watched as Noelle sat for a moment looking like she was trying really hard to figure out what to say and not having much luck. It seemed like she finally relented and responded with the truth.

"I was laughing more because I was uncomfortable at the situation. And embarrassed that you saw what you did last night. I'm sorry for that." Jacob watched her, still seeming confused at her reaction and not fully understanding why it wasn't the best thing that he saw what he did the night before. "What you saw...Cole and me...well, it's something new and we're still figuring things out. Does that make sense?" Jacob nodded as if he understood, but the look on his face said otherwise. It was then, that Cole decided to chime in, especially since Noelle just admitted they are something, much to his delight.

"What your mom is trying to say," the heads of both Jacob and Noelle snapped to him, "is that she found it funny that you caught us kissing before we could talk to you about our relationship." He hoped his explanation was helpful. Jacob looked like he was absorbing his words for a moment before he nodded at Cole in understanding. "I really like your mom and I hope you're okay with that."

"I'm okay with that," Jacob said after a silent few seconds shared between the three. "Can I open the drone grandpa got me?" That was it. There were no other probing questions or uncomfortable statements from him, just acceptance and then moving on. Cole wished everyone could let things go as easy as kids.

Cole went from watching Jacob move on to his toys in search of the drone he was gifted and went to Noelle who sat slack jawed and in a daze.

"Well that was anticlimactic," Cole said to her lowly so Jacob could focus on his drone search.

Noelle snapped her mouth closed and looked at him quizzically for a moment before her lips curled up and turned into another giggle. Cole smiled at her antics. He could listen to that giggle on repeat and never tire.

"I'm not sure if he doesn't understand or if he's too worried about counting how many gifts he got over and over again til he remembers and can share with everyone the number," she said with another chuckle. Cole's heart warmed that she was so joyous and seemingly happy especially after what he put them through.

"Is it okay though?" Cole asked her with some trepidation. One of his bigger worries was that Noelle wanted to shield Jacob from their budding relationship, when he should be celebrated for them finding one another.

Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Is what okay?"

"Us being...more. And being more around Jacob and others."

Noelle leaned back in the couch to ponder. None of the faces she made while pondering gave Cole the answer he so desperately wanted, but he waited patiently and didn't push for an answer until she was ready.

"Hmm...." She said with a tap on her chin, looking so adorable Cole wanted to wrap her in his arms and squeeze, but he still remained stoic. "I think it's okay. I still think we need to take things a little slow since we're walking on delicate ground, you know?"

Cole nodded slowly, but couldn't help the smile that took over his face once more. Her willingness to move forward with him and forgive him for being as dumb as he was before was the greatest relief to him.

"Jacob, sweetie," Noelle interrupted her son's counting and making him huff and puff. "How about you go get dressed so I can clean up all this paper and by the time you get out it'll all be clear for you and your toys. Okay?" Jacob nodded begrudgingly and took off to his room while Noelle stood up and headed to the kitchen. Cole, not wanting to sit idly by got up as well and began to gather the wrapping paper that took up the entire floor of the living room. After only a few minutes the two of them had quickly cleared it up and the room looked normal once again other than the mountain of toys for Jacob.

"What's on your agenda for the rest of the day?" Noelle's question broke the silence they were sharing. While clearing up, they hadn't said much, but they worked in tandem like they were in sync. There were physical cues, but most of it was them fitting in together and Cole took that as another sign that they were meant to be.

Cole thought for a moment. He knew his family was together right now, probably arguing over who is making what for lunch. His uncles and dad were probably talking about farm related things while his younger cousins and nieces were probably going over their toys like Jacob was. He knew they would love him there, but at the same time he wouldn't be missed. His sister and brother urged him to stay with Noelle and Jacob and that soon their parents would be inviting them to dinner to get to know them. He'd missed a lot of Christmases due to his professional career, but his family had never made him feel bad. Mostly because they were all probably relieved to be done with the Holiday shindigs they put on at the farm.

"Other than going to check-in with my family tonight and make sure my nieces liked my presents the most, I just wanted to hang out with you." The shy smile that grazed Noelle's lips made him want to kiss her, but he was remaining gentlemanly. At least as much as he could before he spontaneously combusted. Noelle was too beautiful without knowing it and the urge to sweep her up and hold on to her was strong.

Noelle looked like she was having an internal conversation for a moment before responding. "Would you...um...would you like to go with us to dinner? It's more of a lunch slash dinner or 'linner' if you're into making up words, but I know Jacob wants you there and I guess I sort of do as well. It's nothing big, just my parents and brother and sister in law and the kids. Well, my aunt and uncle will probably stop by because she doesn't like cooking a large holiday meal anymore and last year the neighbor went too because he's old and doesn't really have anyone else, but that's it." Cole couldn't help but smile watching her fumble her way through an invitation. He could have put her out of her misery and said yes instantly, but he couldn't help but enjoy listening to her voice as much as he could.

"I'd love to, if it's okay with everyone else."