The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 259

Oliver paused, seeing a hint of a smile on Suzie’s face, and continued with animated detail. “So I ran to buy you one, but I was going so fast that I tripped and face-planted, chipping half a tooth. I was so scared when I had to get it fixed, but you made me a little cloth doll to cheer me up…”

He spoke with a smooth, flowing rhythm, carefully watching her expression. His story seemed to ease the tension between them and make things feel a little more natural.

He slowly pulled a worn, old cloth doll from his bag and dangled it in front of her. “See? I never threw it away. Every time I face a challenge, I think of the encouragement you gave me.”

Suzie reached out and took the doll. She had been so young when she’d made it, and the stitches were crooked and clumsy. She couldn’t believe he had kept it all this time.

But after a moment, she decided not to follow his lead into reminiscing. If Stella were here, the three of them chatting about the past would be wonderful, but now wasn't the time.

Clutching the doll, she said gently, “Oliver, of course I’d love for you and Stella to be here with me every day. But you both have your own lives and responsibilities. Staying here would be a distraction for you, and you’d be bored. It’s enough for me if you just visit when you have time. My belly isn’t that big yet, and I can manage just fine on my own.”

Oliver didn’t seem offended by her refusal; in fact, he seemed to have expected it. He paused for a moment before responding, “How about this… you’re new here and don’t know anyone. Let me stay until I can find a suitable caretaker to look after you. Once I’ve arranged that, I’ll go back to Mornhaven. Is that okay?”

Since he had put it that way, Suzie couldn’t really argue. She nodded with a faint smile. “Okay.”

Seeing her agree, Oliver stood up and started gathering the empty takeout containers from the table. “I’m sorry things were so rushed today. I’ll go out first thing tomorrow morning and buy some groceries.”

With that, she walked toward the main room. At the doorway, she paused and turned back. “Oliver, you’ve been driving for so long. You must be tired. Get some rest.”

He smiled warmly. “Okay. You get some rest, too. Make sure your phone is charged. Call me if you need anything at all. Or if… if you feel scared or can’t get used to the new place, you can call me then, too. My phone will be on all night.”

Suzie nodded. “Okay. Goodnight.”

Only after watching her go inside did Oliver lock the courtyard gate and return to his room on the east side.