The Cherished Wife

Charles's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Sounds good!"

A voice from the crowd carried a note of envy: "Mr. Hoffman's really laying on the romance thick, isn't he? He's putting on quite the show!" Jennifer could not help but laugh. "Well, that's what you get for being single. Charles is actually taking it easy, wouldn't you say, Charles?" Charles gave a knowing squint. "Jennifer's got a point!" He quickly followed up, "It's just a matter of getting used to it. Give it some time."

As he spoke, Charles pulled Noelle down to sit beside him and placed a selection of fresh, seasonal produce in front of her. "Here, have a bite to eat first. It'll tide you over."

Noelle grinned and playfully tugged at Charles's sleeve. "Easy there, tiger!"

It was not like Charles was being subtle. Noelle had caught on that he was intentionally making a statement in front of everyone today. Charles was making it crystal clear to the crowd about Noelle's place in his life, ensuring she would have an easier time getting things done in the future. After all, most of these folks were just trying to cozy up to them, except for Charles's close buddies. His gesture was a bold declaration that Noelle was just as important as he was.

Realizing all that, Noelle felt a wave of emotion wash over her.

circle and present her with

group of guys deep in conversation. Charles had been sticking close

Noelle chuckled. "That Jennifer girl

her? That's Yoel, Jennifer's fiancé!" Charles explained, as he speared a slice of apple with a toothpick and offered it

in understanding. "Oh, so she's Peter's sister." That explained Jennifer's familiar look. Jennifer's resemblance to Peter was hard to miss at first glance. "Jennifer's pretty cool, you know. You should totally hang out with her. She's not like those high-society types

Noelle replied. "Steven doesn't come to Brookville often, so you

"Sure thing!"

a reassuring squeeze. "If you ever feel out of place,

then gently nudged Charles away "Go on everyone's watching." She felt her