The Cherished Wife by Chweety

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."

Noelle snorted with laughter. "You're worried about me? I'm a grown-up, you know. I'd be fine even without them sending me back. Just go handle your thing, and don't fret about me." With Charles gone, Noelle flashed a light smile at Peter and Sean. "I guess I'm in you guys' hands now."

care 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 Sean was a bit

mind. She did not just brush it off, even with

it make you wonder?" Sean glanced at Noelle, who

"Wonder what?" She had been busy admiring the snapshots she had taken at the horse ranch-shots of Charles and the action-packed race between Peter and

still in hand, she

tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel a mischievous twinkle in his eye "Don't you wonder why Charles got called back to the Hoffman family

so slightly, and

twisted into a sly grin. "Don't