The white curtains drifted softly with the night breeze, dancing like ghosts in the moonlight.
Hazel stood silently in front of the open window, her long white gown brushing against her ankles.
The full moon painted her skin silver, making her look unreal… almost ethereal.
Her curly, light-brown hair....tied loosely with a scarf....fell down her back and swayed gently.
Her breath caught when she felt a familiar hand slide around her waist.
Strong… warm… steady.
The touch she once belonged to.
Her eyes fluttered shut as a shiver ran through her.
Warm lips brushed her bare shoulder....slow, tender, reverent.
"Hazel…" he whispered, his voice deep, velvet-soft, the voice she had missed more than life.
He turned her gently to face him.
She lifted her hand, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his jaw, the smooth skin of his freshly shaved face.
Her smile trembled fragile, hopeful as if she were touching a memory she didn't want to lose.
For a moment…
He looked at her like she was still his.
The Blue Eyes!!!!!
The ringtone shattered the dream.
Hazel jerked awake, breath shaking, the warmth of the dream still clinging to her skin.
Her hand rose to her cheek..wet.
A tear trembled on her fingertip.
"Why…?" she whispered.
"Why are my eyes still wet for someone who left me? Someone who isn't even mine anymore…"
The phone rang again.
Hazel forced herself to breathe and answered.
"Hello…"
"You sound sleepy," Noah's warm voice filled the room. "Long day?"
Her shoulders relaxed instantly.
"Noah…"
"I'm on the way home. Ten minutes."
His tone brightened. "Take care of yourself and our baby, okay?"
Hazel's hand dropped to her stomach, gentle and protective.
"I will," she whispered.
The call ended, leaving silence… but now it was warm.
Hazel let out a soft breath and whispered to herself,
"This is my present.
This is my happiness."
She stood up slowly, smoothing her dress, brushing her fingers through her soft curls. The moonlight made her look fragile yet peaceful.
The door clicked open.
Hazel turned just as Noah stepped inside carrying a small paper bag and wearing that easy smile she had grown to love.
"There you are," he said, walking toward her.
His eyes scanned her face gently. "You cried?"
Hazel lowered her gaze. "Just a dream."
Noah cupped her face and kissed her forehead softly.
"You're safe now, Hazel."
And in his arms, she believed it.
He handed her the bag.
"I bought your favorite ... the lemon tart you've been craving."
Her face lit up with a small smile.
"You remembered?"
"I always remember you," he teased.
Hazel laughed quietly and leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked to the sofa. Noah wrapped an arm around her, his touch warm and steady as she ate small bites of her dessert.
He watched her with soft, caring eyes.
"How was your day?" she asked.
"Better now," he said simply, brushing her hair behind her ear.
Hazel's heart fluttered .. a peaceful, gentle flutter.
Not the painful one from the dream.
Noah rested his hand on her stomach, thumb stroking lightly.
"How's the little one?"
Hazel smiled. "Calm today."
He kissed her temple.
"Our baby takes after you then."
She swatted him playfully.
"Noah!"
He laughed, a warm, genuine sound that filled the small living room.
Hazel loved that sound.
She loved this life.
This normal, quiet happiness.
The nightmare faded slowly, replaced by Noah's steady presence, his warmth, his care.
Hazel thought…
Maybe the past was really gone.
Maybe she could truly forget.
Maybe only this life mattered now.
She curled against Noah as he held her close.
Her voice was soft, firm, certain:
"Noah is my present… and my future."
Noah tightened his hold around her.
"And I'will love you forever, Hazel."
Hazel closed her eyes with a peaceful smile,
believing it.
****
Sunlight slipped through the curtains, warm and golden, brushing Hazel's face gently.
She blinked slowly, waking to the steady heartbeat beneath her ear.
Noah's arms were wrapped around her, his chin resting lightly on her head.
He looked peaceful… almost boyish in the morning softness.
Hazel smiled.
A real, warm, innocent smile.
She shifted a little, and Noah's hand immediately tightened around her waist.
"Don't move," he mumbled sleepily, voice deep and warm.
"You're too comfortable."
Hazel laughed quietly.
"I need to get up."
"No," he whispered, eyes still closed, "Stay with me a little more."
She pressed a soft kiss to his jaw.
"Five minutes."
"Deal."
For those minutes, everything felt perfect.
Her past didn't exist.
Her nightmares didn't matter.
Her heart didn't hurt.
Just Noah…
and the quiet safety of his arms.
******
"Breakfast outside?" Noah asked with a grin.
Hazel nodded. "Yes. I want something warm… and sweet."
"You always want sweet," Noah teased.
She rolled her eyes and nudged him with her shoulder.
He kissed her temple in return.
They walked into their favorite small café..... quiet, cozy, with the smell of fresh coffee filling the air.
Hazel had barely sat down when a familiar voice groaned behind them.
"Oh great. You two lovebirds are here too."
They turned.
"Edwin?" Hazel blinked.
The man looked exhausted hair messy, shirt half tucked, and eyes dark with sleeplessness. He carried a stack of files under one arm.
Noah laughed. "You look like you fought a hurricane."
"I wish," Edwin muttered, dropping into the seat beside them without waiting for permission.
"Hurricanes are easier. At least they don't disappear in thin air."
Hazel smiled softly. "Rough night?"
Edwin slammed the file on the table.
"Horrible. Disgusting. I want to resign."
Noah raised an eyebrow.
"That bad?"
Edwin ran a hand through his hair and groaned dramatically.
"It's that case again. The one that makes me want to scream."
He leaned closer and whispered like it was a curse,
"Black Axton.
Noah snorted.
"Still chasing that ghost?"
"Ghost?" Edwin glared. "Ghosts are visible. This man is....he is..."
He threw his hands in the air.
a nightmare!"
Hazel couldn't help it ... she laughed.
Noah burst out laughing too.
Edwin glared between them.
"Oh sure, laugh at my suffering. Great friends, truly."
Noah wiped a tear from his eye.
"You're funny when you're angry."
"I'm not funny," Edwin snapped.
"I'm losing my sanity!"
Hazel placed a gentle hand on his arm.
"Calm down. Eat something. You'll feel better."
Edwin huffed, but he didn't pull away.
He pointed a dramatic finger at them.
"If I die from stress, both of you are responsible."
Noah leaned back with a smirk.
"Deal. We'll put 'Killed by Black Axton and bad coffee' on your tombstone."
Hazel burst into soft giggles again.
Edwin stared at them, deadpan.
"I hate both of you."
But he didn't move.
He stayed there ... their grumpy, frustrated friend ....while Hazel and Noah sat together, warm and happy.
****************