Chapter 70

Mirabelle’s POV

“Daddy, please don’t go!” Mika’s voice was choked with sobs, as she clutched the front of his shirt with tiny fingers. “I want to come with you!”

Noah’s smile faltered, and he hugged her tighter. “I know, sweetheart. I wish I could take you with me. But like I said, I need you to be here and take care of Mommy and your brothers. Okay? Can you do that for me?”

Mika shook her head, her face buried in his shoulder, but Noah kept speaking softly to her until she finally nodded, sniffling and wiping at her eyes. Tyler, trying to be brave, gave Noah a quick hug and promised to help out around the house while he was gone.

Skyler just stood back, his eyes wide and serious, as if he were still processing what it meant for Noah to be leaving.

Finally, Noah stood up, giving the kids one last smile before turning to me. “Ready?” he asked, and I nodded.

We left the house together, waving goodbye as Jamie led the kids back inside for brea