The Cherished Wife

At the doorway, both Sean and Arnold looked over at Noelle, their eyes brimming with gratitude. Noelle paused, caught off guard by the sight of the pair. She could handle Arnold's puppy antics, but Sean's face was too much. She could not help but laugh. "Charles?" Charles just glanced at her coolly. "It's either me or Arnold. Make your choice."

Damn!

Sean's mind was racing with frustration. He could not believe Charles had stooped so low as to compare himself to a dog. Winning that kind of contest was no victory at all.

Sean did not wait for Noelle's answer. He stormed off with Arnold. Arnold might have been able to deal with their PDA, but Sean could not!

Noelle watched Sean leave, dumbfounded. She turned to Charles with a scowl. "Really? Sean's your brother, and Arnold's your pet dog."

me than you!" Charles had a way with words that

wry smile. "How did I ever fall for you?" She glanced at the bruise on Charles's face and gently touched it. "Does it hurt?" Charles shook his head, taking

course it does. You and Mr. Smith are too old for roughhousing!" Noelle was

Residence to find Noelle playing with Arnold. It was the weekend, and without Charles, she was pretty bored-he had left in the morning, saying he had errands

She demanded to know what had happened, only to find out the two had been goofing off and ended up in a scuffle. "You guys were just messing around, but you still managed to hurt

for the first aid kit, but Charles caught her hand and shook

just be. Just sit. get the kit," she insisted, pushing Charles to sit before dashing upstairs. Upon her return, she overheard Charles sorting something