The Cherished Wife

Charles stood up with a hint of exasperation. "I'll let you off just this once!"

He then leaned down to pick Noelle up. Confused, Noelle asked, "Charlie, what are you doing?"

"You're injured. How are you supposed to drive? Sit in the passenger seat." Charles lifted Noelle into his arms. Knowing she had made a mistake, Noelle nodded rapidly like a pecking chick, letting Charles hold her close. There was a smile spreading across her face. Charles glanced down at her. "What are you smiling about?"

"Charlie, sometimes you're so naggy, even more than my grandfathers. You're like a little old man!"

"Really?" Charles narrowed his eyes, giving her a warning look.

Noelle immediately clung to his arm, trying to flatter him. "But you're my little old man!" She reached up to smooth the frown lines on his forehead. "Charlie, don't frown so much. It doesn't look good."

As she gently stroked his forehead, she continued like a concerned old lady, "If you get old, how will you keep up with me?"

"Noelle!" Charles gritted his teeth, almost loosening his grip. Noelle quickly tightened her hold around his neck. "Charlie, don't drop me!"

say. After settling her into the passenger seat, he walked around to the driver's side and got in. "What do you want for dinner?" "Dinner? I want stew, can we do that?" Noelle thought for

ingredients." Charles started the car and

Noelle reflected for a moment. "I feel like my mentor is really kind to me. Even though he's strict, I think a

mention other men in front of me, even if he is your mentor.

but laugh. "I don't think anybody

no, so

you're the one who brought up the

subject!" Charles ordered. "Talk about something

rubbing her forehead. She realized that Charles was being a bit difficult today, almost like he was sulking.

"I don't have just one car,

Noelle nodded but then noticed something. "This isn't

hands was resting on the steering wheel while the other gently tousled her messy