Chapter 187

Hannah settled onto the cushion beside Noah, sighing softly. She tucked her legs beneath her and surveyed the chaotic spread of papers before them. Noah hummed, picked up a sheet, muttered something, crumpled it, and tossed it onto a growing pile of discarded papers.

“Okay, where do you want to start?” Hannah asked, picking up a sheet and scanning it.

Noah ran a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. “Honestly?” he said with surprising candor. “I’m not even sure anymore. It feels like everything’s falling apart at the last minute.”

Hannah pressed her lips together, nodding sympathetically. “Okay, let’s take it one thing at a time. What’s the biggest issue right now?”

“The entertainment,” Noah groaned. “Our main act canceled last week, and I haven’t found a decent replacement on such short notice.”

Hannah frowned, searching the papers fruitlessly. Grabbing her phone, she opened Instagram and began scrolling.

Noah shot her a withering glare. “You’re already giving up?” he growled. “It’s been two seconds, Hannah.”

“Have a little faith,” she replied dismissively. “I’m checking some local entertainment accounts. Oh… what about the local circus troupe? They could do costumed dances, maybe some acrobatics. It would fit the mood, don't you think?”

Noah’s green eyes lit up with relief and surprise. “That’s… actually a great idea,” he muttered, jotting down the information. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Hannah shrugged, feeling a small spark of pride. “You’re welcome.”

They spent the next few hours reviewing the plans, Hannah offering advice and assistance. Noah seemed surprisingly grateful, and she found the collaboration more enjoyable than expected.

As afternoon arrived, Hannah fetched snacks and tea. They munched on cookies while working, the atmosphere surprisingly comfortable given their recent tensions. For a while, things felt… normal, whatever that meant anymore.

“Oh, here’s that vendor list,” Hannah said, retrieving a folded paper from beneath a stack. “Have you confirmed all of these?”

Noah nodded, leaning over to look at the paper. The scent of his cologne momentarily overwhelmed her, but she took a sip of tea, quashing the urge to lean closer. “Most of them,” he replied. “There are a few I still need to follow up with.”

Hannah made a note, then reached for another cookie. Her hand brushed Noah’s as he reached for the last one.

“Oh, sorry,” she said, pulling back. “You can have it.”

There was a pause. Noah shook his head and leaned back. “No, you take it. I’m… glad to see you eating more lately.”

His tone made her pause. He had returned his attention to the paper, but she saw a hint of a smile at the corners of his lips.

She couldn’t help herself. Perhaps the cologne, or a touch of mischief, or maybe just hope…

She knew she shouldn’t feel hopeful. There was only the tense wait before the inevitable.