The Cherished Wife

Just then, Peter and Sean walked up. Peter glanced at Charles and asked, "So, we're not doing this?"

Charles nodded. "Yeah. There's something up at the family residence that I need to check out. I've got no clue what it's about!" He glanced at Noelle. "Looks like I can't stick around with you. You might have to head back alone."

"It's fine. Your stuff is more important. Besides, you can hang out with me anytime!" Noelle was pretty chill. Charles could not help feeling a bit bummed, his eyebrows knitting together before he turned to Peter and Sean. "I'll catch you guys later." Peter nodded. "Definitely. We'll hang out another time." He eyed Noelle. "If you're okay with it, how about Sean and I get dinner with you since it's getting late? We can drop you off after."

Peter's question seemed casual, but he was clearly asking for Charles's approval.

Charles caught on and nodded. "That sounds good. I appreciate it." He gave Noelle's shoulder a reassuring pat. "I'd feel better if you went with Peter and Sean."

go handle your thing, and don't

care of you,"

talk. He figured she and Peter, who was just as much of a deep thinker, might find it awkward to hang out alone. Also, Peter was the kind of guy who did not really go out of his way for anyone except Steven, so

to mind. She did not just brush

at Noelle, who was the picture of serenity, even in

snapshots she had taken at the horse ranch-shots of Charles and

rhythmically on the steering wheel a mischievous twinkle in his eye "Don't you wonder why Charles got called back to the Hoffman family estate out of the blue? He hasn't taken you to meet the