The Cherished Wife

A warmth spread through Noelle’s chest, though she tried to sound annoyed. “Really, what will people think, seeing me in here like this?”

“It’s either the cart or the hospital. Take your pick!” Charles challenged her with a choice.

Noelle’s mouth opened, but no words came out. She chose to remain silent.

Sometimes Charles could be so overbearing, Noelle thought. However, in a strange way, his assertiveness was kind of endearing.

Noelle knew Charles was only fussing over her because of her sprained ankle, and she realized that not every guy would be so thoughtful. She bit her lip and sat still in the shopping cart, twiddling her fingers. She was grateful, indeed, but she was also an adult, and being carted around by Charles was just plain

weird.

Charles let a smile creep into his eyes, a fond grin that made everyone else around wish they had someone to look at them like

cart with one hand and juggling some groceries with the other, Charles noticed Noelle giving herself a little pep talk before

to pick up,” Charles replied, glancing down at her. Noelle, all curled up inside the cart with those big, doe eyes staring back at him, brought back memories of a fluffy Samoyed pup he used to have. That

Brookville, however, he could not take the dog with him, and he later found out

eyes, yet Noelle caught the shift in his mood and chose to stay

and ruffled Noelle’s

him an annoyed look; however, her irritation quickly turned to alarm. “Charles, what are

#1

zooming along with the shopping cart, darting across the walkway. Everyone around them