It has been a month since Noah has left, and what a month it has been.

Our relationship is going strong, but the world has been faced with a global pandemic that is shaking humanity to its core.

Governments are shut down, people are quarantined, and life is not what it used to be.

Gavin and I are secluded to the pool house, never stepping foot in my parent's home. They live twenty feet away, but it's like they aren't even there. Both Mom and Charles work in the medical field and, since I'm pregnant, they want to prevent any unnecessary exposure to the virus that has taken over the world. Heck, they even sent Liam to stay with our older brother, Ben, until we learn more about the effects Covid can have on us.

Gavin is clueless and sitting in his little bubble, thinking it's a special treat that we watch his favorite television shows on repeat.

I'm so bored that my eyes are about to pop out of my head if I have to watch another show involving talking dogs.

I praise the big guy above when my phone plays its catchy tune relieving me from my child cartoon hell.

My face lights up when I realize it's Noah. "You're calling early today, Handsome. Miss me?"

Noah releases a light chuckle, and I am counting down the days until I get to hear it in person again. "I've got a surprise for you."

There is a light tap at my door, and my heart pounds against my ribcage. "Noah Buckman, what did you do?"

He doesn't answer, and when I look at my phone, I know why. The jerk hung up on me.

Another knock fills the room, and I rush to open it up.

When I do, a gust of wind could have knocked me off my feet. My legs turn to putty when I realize Noah is standing at my door.

It takes a few moments for my brain to catch up, but once I can fully process that he is here and not on my phone screen, I release an ear-piercing scream.

The suggested six-foot distance rule slips my mind and jumps into Noah's arms. I begin to smother him in kisses as his arms squeeze tightly around my waist, bringing us as close as possible.

After I kiss every possible spot on his face, I plant one on his perfect, pink lips. "What are you doing here?"

Noah carries me through the door and away from the early spring chill. "They postponed the season. I don't know when I have to go back."

Gavin does a double-take before realizing who came to visit. "No No!"

He runs as fast as his little legs can take him before clinging on to Noah's leg. I press my lips on Noah's one last time before releasing myself from his firm grip.

Gavin is quick to take my place when Noah scoops him up and sets him on his hip.

I make my way over to the couch, and Noah follows my lead. My son has his arms so tightly wrapped around Noah's neck that he doesn't move as they sit down together.

My mind is still running a mile a minute, and I look at Noah in amazement.

"I can't believe you're here. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too, Baby." Noah turns his head and blows a raspberry on Gavin's cheek, sending him into a fit of giggles. "And I've missed you too, my little buddy."

"Are you staying at your dad's?" I silently pray he says no, and that he will spend his days here with Gavin and me.

"Actually," Noah starts. "I'm headed back to California."

My heart drops from my chest and shatters on the floor. Noah begins to bounce Gavin on his knee as if what he just said didn't cause bile to rise in my throat. "Why did you come here? This is such a tease."

"I'm not here to tease you, Annie," Noah states. "I'm here to pick you up and bring you and Gavin with me."

"Wha...what?"

Noah's intense gaze meets mine. His voice comes out strong, confident, and as if he didn't just ask me to move in with him. "I want you and Gavin to come with me. I know you're by yourself back here. I've talked to your parents, not that you need their permission to leave, but they think it's a great idea."

The tempo of my heart picks up again as I look at my clearly insane boyfriend. "How would we even get there? It's not like we could just hop on a plane and leave."

"Actually, we can."

My hands snap to my head and begin to massage the forming headache at my temples. "Seriously, Noah? The country is kind of shut down right now. I can't just order plane tickets to LA."

Noah places Gavin down and moves closer to me. He grabs my hand and begins to spin around his mother's ring. "I have a private jet, and social distancing guidelines will be strictly followed. If you agree, all you would need to do is pack a bag for the two of you and anything else we can have shipped or purchase it when you get there.

I've thought this out, Annie. I even have the rooms figured out. Even though I would love to sleep with you every night, I have a space just for you. It's located right next to one that Gavin can use. As for doctors, I have a list already made of the best in tow-"

My lips crash onto Noah's, preventing him from finishing his sentence. "Yes."

Noah's eyes snap open, sending his eyebrows to his hairline. "Yes?"

"Yes, I will go to California with you."

Noah picks me up and places me on his lap. Our arms cling to each other, holding on tightly with no intention of ever letting go. "I have a longer list of reasons why you should come. I really thought it would take more convincing."

"I don't want to be without you, Noah. This month has been hell."

The corner of Noah's lip pulls into a playful smirk that causes my heart to skip a beat. "All you need to do is pack a bag. Our flight leaves in an hour."

Noah helps me pack all of the essentials, clothes, a couple of Gavin's favorite toys, and of course, his tablet. How would we ever survive a five and a half hour flight without it?

I close the pool house door for the final time. When I moved in three months ago, it was because my life was falling apart, now I get to leave and begin my future with Noah. It's a bittersweet feeling saying goodbye.

When we get to the car, I'm surprised to see Ross sitting in the front seat. He waves enthusiastically, and I can't help but mimic him.

Everything seems to be moving at lightning speed, and I kind of love it. We install Gavin's car seat and then head straight to the airport.

I see a plane take off, and it finally sets in that I am moving in with Noah.

Holy shit, this is amazing.

I watch the aircraft fly off, and Noah clears his throat to get my attention. "Is everything okay?"

My lips part, and I show off my teeth in a wide smile. "I'm just really excited."

"Me too."

Ross drops us off at the terminal for private planes, and the parking lot is nearly empty.

It shocks me that the whole world is on a pause right now and seeing a crowded airport with travelers is just not possible at the moment. It's crazy.

We put on our face masks before walking through the doors. Noah guides us to our departure gate, and as he promised, everyone is keeping their distance.

I carry Gavin onto the plane while Noah follows with his car seat. If you think i'm traveling hours with a toddler screaming and running around a plane, think again.

My plan is to latch him in, give him treats and all the access he wants to his tablet. And maybe, If we're lucky, he might take a nap.

Once we are finally situated and comfortable on the plane, I take a look around. The leather seats and chrome fixings scream, "high class."

"Whose plane is this?" I ask Noah.

"One of my teammates, Bryan. He's actually going to be picking us from the airport." Noah grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles. "I'm really happy you came."

It doesn't take long for both Gavin and me to fall asleep. I wake up nuzzled in Noah's arm with a small pool of drool soaking his shirt.

"Shit." Like an idiot, I begin to try and wipe away the moisture. Noah laughs at my lame attempts resulting in me playfully slapping his shoulder. "I'm so embarrassed."

Noah cups my cheek and plants a feathery kiss on my lips. "Don't be. I find it cute."

His comment causes me to roll my eyes. So corny, who likes being drooled on?

"How much longer do we have?" I ask as I look out the plane's window. Ant-like cars move along the narrow roads to their destinations while large buildings look like lego pieces.

"About forty-five minutes."

The rest of our time is spent talking about Noah's house. He sent me pictures when he purchased it last year, but there is so much more to the place from what he's telling me.

The seatbelt sign flashes, indicating our arrival at Los Angeles International Airport. The descent is smooth, and exiting the airport is as quick as a breeze- Something I know usually doesn't happen.

Noah's friend, Bryan, greets us, and I can't thank him enough for letting us use his plane.

Bryan waves off my gratitude with a smile. "It's no problem. I did it mostly, so Buckman picks up his game. I think he missed you too much to put in any effort down in Florida."

Noah desperately tries to defend himself, but Bryan keeps having a go at him. With a huff. Noah throws his hands up in defeat. "Fine, you win. I missed my girl."

"You better not let the tabloids get a hold of that. I don't think I will receive the warmest welcome if I caused the fall of their beloved pitcher."

Bryan lets out a boisterous laugh. "I like her, Buckman. Hopefully, when this whole Covid thing blows over, I can introduce you to my wife."

"That sounds wonderful, Bryan.

An iron gate and large cement walls protect Noah's house from outside viewers. He punches in the code, and the winding driveway leads up to a beautiful, white Italian villa.

My mouth hangs open as I scan over the intricate design details. Black trip contrasts the white siding, and the iron railings are to die for.

Noah has Gavin perched on his hip as he walks over to me. He laces our fingers together and leans in close. "Welcome home, Annie."