The Nice Guy and the Therapist (New Hampshire Bears Book 11)

by Mary Smith

  Caryn felt a heavy weight on her chest as she slowly opened her eyes. Cabel’s sandy blond hair was in her line of vision. A smile grew on her face thinking of the best day she had yesterday. Cabel and Caryn spent some of Christmas Eve at Oliver’s prepping some of the pies and side dishes. When they left they came back to her house, watched It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story. Cabel cooked the best grilled cheese and waffle fries she ever had.

  As the night winded down he called his girls to check in on them. She heard him trying to hide the sadness in his voice, and he did a good job. When he finished the conversation, without saying anything, Caryn led him upstairs, and they spent the rest of the evening having sex, talking about the Bears, more sex, and then falling into a deep sleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

  “Cabel.” She played with his hair. “Cabel, we need to get up.”

  He moaned.

  “Merry Christmas, Cabel,” she said in her singsongy voice. “We have to get the girls.”

  This made Cabel jerk and sit up a bit. “Hhhhmmm.”

  “It’s Christmas.” She continued running her hands through his soft hair.

  “Yep.” He laid back down using her bare breast as a pillow.

  “Come on, Cabel.” Now her voice grew louder, and she pushed on his shoulder. “We have a schedule to keep, mister.”

  “I like your tough side,” he muttered.

  “I’ll kick your ass if we’re late.” She tried wiggling out of his grasp.

  “If you move like that much more, you’ll have something to unwrap right now.”

  Caryn laughed and Cabel released her. “I’d like to unwrap you, but you need to get ready to get the girls.” She kissed his forehead and headed into the bathroom.

  She started the shower and caught a glimpse of her side view in the full-length mirror. She checked herself out wondering about…

  “Hey.” Cabel came into the bathroom. “Let’s share the shower.” He wagged his eyebrows, gently tugging on her arm in the direction of the shower.

  Giggling she let him lead her in, knowing they were going to be late.

  Taden and Hamilton helped Caryn remove all the presents from her car. Janan put them around the extremely full tree while Caryn made sure everything was going well in the kitchen. Janan had been kind enough to run over to put the ham in the oven. Caryn worked quickly to get everything else ready.

  “I’m here.”

  Caryn heard Nova yell as she walked in. She and Janan came into the kitchen and Caryn put them to work. Oliver had slipped in to give hugs and tried to sneak some of one of the pies before Caryn yelled at him.

  As everything was just about finished, Cabel and the girls came in.

  “Caryn!” Both girls greeted her in unison, hugging her.

  “Hey, girls.” She felt loved by their showering affection. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas,” again they said it together.

  “When do we get to open gifts?” Bria asked going over to her dad as Caryn went back to finishing the food.

  “After we eat,” Cabel informed her.

  “Don’t worry, Bria.” Nova spoke up. “I’m ready to open them as well.”

  Bria smiled and began to talk to Klara, who sat at the counter playing with her toys.

  “Leia, Bria, would you both like to help me?” Janan asked and they quickly agreed. They followed her to the large dining room and completed setting the table.

  “What do you need help with?” Cabel came up next to her as she carefully poured the gravy into the porcelain gravy boat.

  “As soon as Janan and the girls finish up there, then we’ll be ready to eat.” She double checked to ensure she hadn’t missed anything.

  “You look tired,” he commented softly.

  Smiling, she gave him a quick kiss. “I am but happy. I’ll feel better once I eat.”

  “Everyone,” Janan yelled, causing Caryn to jump. “Come on and let’s eat.”

  Teo, Taden, and Hamilton began grabbing bowls as Cabel picked up the large ham. Oliver had already sat down at the head of the table because of Caryn’s insistence he didn’t pick anything up. She didn’t want him to hurt himself.

  Caryn sat to Oliver’s right, Cabel next to her, then Bria and Leia. Across from Caryn, Taden, then Janan, Hamilton, and Teo. At the other head of the table, Nova sat with Klara, who was in her high chair in between them.

  “Before we eat, I’d like to take a moment.” Oliver spoke up. “This year had been life-changing for many of us. However, I believe next year will be the best year of our lives. I’m very pleased to have you all here and having my daughter, along with the other beautiful ladies around this table, prepare a delicious meal. Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas,” everyone said.

  “Let’s eat.” Oliver rubbed his hands together, almost drooling over the food. Caryn grabbed his wrist before he could reach the ham.

  “You can’t overdo it. The doctor wants you to lose fifteen pounds before your next appointment,” she reminded him.

  Oliver groaned as many at the table chuckled and giggled at their exchange. However, Oliver kept his portions small and didn’t have seconds.

  The conversation was light among everyone, including the girls. They laughed, joked, ate too much, and then laughed more. When the plates were empty and the bellies were full, the guys, minus Oliver, cleared the dishes. They even packed up the leftovers and loaded the dishwasher.

  Nova, Janan, Caryn, and the kids made their way into the living room sipping on hot cocoa. They all watched Klara trying to get around the barriers to the presents. Nova created it because she knew she would try to get them. Klara was becoming frustrated because she couldn’t reach the presents. Teo picked her up when he came into the room and tried to distract her for a moment.

  “Bria.” Oliver spoke up. “Why don’t you hand out the gifts.”

  Her face lit up as Hamilton helped bring down the Klara barrier. Cabel sat next to Caryn with his hand on her knee and the other around Leia’s shoulder. Bria proudly handed out gifts to everyone, and Klara was the first to rip open her mounds of gifts.

  Caryn loved everything given to her as did her family. Janan and Nova even suggested she come with them to the spa day. Oliver had almost cried when he flipped through the pages of the memory book. He kissed her cheek profusely thanking her for the thoughtful gift.

  “I’ll refill the cocoa.” Caryn picked up the empty cups and strolled over to the kitchen hearing Bria say, “Dad, here’s another one for you.”

  When she returned with the tray of filled cups, the entire room was silent, except for the chimes of Klara’s gift. All eyes were on her.

  “What?” Caryn questioned. And then her eyes landed on Cabel’s face. His hands held the box which housed the three positive pregnancy tests. She set the tray down, on the verge of dropping it. “Where did you get that?”

  “Are you pregnant?” Cabel didn’t answer her question.

  “Uumm…” Her eyes went to Oliver. He smiled, and it made her think of the other day and how happy he was when he saw the results. When Caryn saw the tests, she had almost passed out, but it had been Oliver who told her he would be there for her no matter what.

  “The box was at the bottom of the bag,” Bria told Caryn with a petrified tone. “I’m sorry.”

  Caryn remembered setting the box to the side of the tree, having no intentions on bringing it with her today. When Cabel helped her pack up the gifts, he must have picked it up.

  “You’re not in trouble,” Taden told her.

  “Caryn?” Cabel brought the attention back to the original question.

  She couldn’t be sure if he was happy about this…miracle. She wanted to tell him ten times yesterday but figured she’d do it after New Year’s, and after making a doctors appointment. However, with all eyes on her, she stood tall and said, “Yes.”

  Cabel jumped up and rushed over to her, faster than she could react, kissing
her lips. “Really?”

  Nodding, she couldn’t speak, surprised by his reaction.

  “Holy shit.” He kissed her again and then picked her up in his arms, twirling her around.

  When he placed her back on her feet, she was hugged by everyone. Congratulations and love glowed all around her as her family surrounded her. She wished her mother was here, but Caryn felt the love from everyone. She realized Leia and Bria were wrapped around her first, holding onto Cabel as well.

  “I wanted to tell you all in a different way.” Caryn wiped away the happy tears. “Are you girls happy?” She rubbed both of their backs. Lovingly.

  “Yes, because you’re going to get married too,” Bria announced and then quickly covered her mouth.

  “Bria!” Leia chastised her. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.” Now, she gasped and covered her mouth, looking up at her dad.

  “What?” Caryn took a step back assessing their words. “What?” She stared at Cabel.

  “Well.” He reached into the inner pocket of his gray blazer, pulling out a small ring box. “I, too, planned to do this differently.” He bent down on one knee. “Caryn, will you marry me?”

  “Us?” Bria added as Leia laughed.

  Caryn’s mouth dropped. Was he only doing this because she was pregnant? No, he already had the ring, so it couldn’t be that.

  “He asked me almost a month ago.” Oliver spoke up, breaking into her thoughts.

  It proved that this wasn’t a quick draw idea. He had thought it out. She glanced down at the ring. A pink topaz. She knew the stone well because it was her mother’s favorite. Had she told Cabel? She didn’t believe she had told him. Another sign this was meant to be.

  “Yes,” she answered, and the room exploded into cheers and more hugging.

  Epilogue

  Two Weeks Later

  “You can stop pacing.” Caryn watched Cabel make his way around the room again.

  “I’m nervous. I can’t understand what’s taking so long.”

  “Well, I believe the doctor might have more than one patient.” She smirked at him. Never seeing him this way before, it was cute.

  Cabel had his mouth open but quickly shut it as a knock came to the door and the young female doctor came in.

  “Hello, Caryn. I’m Dr. Still.” She shook her hand and then moved to Cabel.

  “Cabel Dirks. The father.”

  Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Caryn felt he had almost practiced his introduction and title.

  “Nice to me you. Okay, let’s lay down.”

  Caryn laid back on the tissue paper, unbuttoning her pants, pulling them down a bit. Dr. Still felt around her belly and took a measurement.

  “When was your last period?”

  “About ten weeks ago,” Caryn answered.

  “Let’s do an ultrasound and blood work. I’ll write a prescription for some prenatal vitamins.” She tapped a few times on her tablet. “The nurse will bring the machine in here.” She covered Caryn with a blanket.

  “Are you going to pass out.” She squeezed Cabel’s hand.

  “No, I’m just…” He couldn’t finish his sentence.

  “Excited? Overwhelmed? Anxious?” She tried to help him.

  “All of the above.” He smirked.

  “Me too.”

  He bent down and kissed her. “Above all, I’m happy.”

  “Me too,” she repeated.

  The nurse came in and set up the machine. Spreading the jelly on Caryn’s lower abdomen, she waved the wand around her skin until an image appeared. Caryn gasped seeing the small dot appear. Cabel even leaned in to get a better look.

  “There’s your baby.” The nurse pointed to the speck. “I’ll print you some pictures”

  Dr. Still had come back in and took over. She was measuring the tiny baby. “I’d say you’re ten weeks, Caryn.”

  Cabel kissed her temple. “I love you,” he whispered close to her ear.

  “Love you.”

  “Everything looks great.” Dr. Still finished the examination.

  Caryn couldn’t imagine being any happier. Neither could Cabel.

  Cabel strolled up the hall toward his office just as Dag was coming down.

  “Hey,” Cabel called out to him. “Why the long face?”

  “Rough day. How are you?” He changed the subject.

  “Good.” He pulled the ultrasound picture from his jacket pocket. “Saw the baby today.”

  Dag grinned. “I remember those days.”

  “So, what’s going on? Is it the Twitter girl?”

  “Elexis,” he corrected him. “It’s going great with her.”

  “Well, it can’t be because of your stats.” Dag was at the top of his game.

  “It’s personal and I don’t feel like talking about it yet.” He patted Cabel’s shoulder. “I’ll see you around.” He moved past him and toward the elevator. Cabel made a mental note to check in with him later.

  “Cabel.” Janan waved him over to her as she stood outside Oliver’s office.

  “What’s going on?” he questioned her.

  “Oliver wants an impromptu meeting.” She walked into Oliver’s office.

  Oliver, Taden, and Nova were already sitting at the small conference table.

  “Hi, everyone.” Cabel took the empty seat next to Taden.

  “We’re waiting on one more person,” Oliver said. “How was the appointment?”

  Cabel beamed with pride, pulling the photo out for everyone to see. The awes made the smile stay until the surprise guest walked into the room.

  “Okay, Dad, I’m here,” Caryn said kissing his cheek and giving a quick one to Cabel before sitting down.

  Cabel was confused about why Caryn would be there.

  “I’m sorry to spring this all on you, but it’s important to get you all up to speed with my plans,” Oliver began and handed Janan, Nova, and Caryn a packet of papers.

  “On January thirty-first, I will be officially retiring from my professional sports businesses. This means Janan and Nova will be the true owners.”

  The room was shocked into silence.

  “By February twenty-eighth, I will be officially retired from all of my other business adventures.” He covered Caryn’s hand with his. “Then it’s all up to you.”

  Caryn’s mouth dropped.

  “I talked to my business team and advisors, I have more than enough money to retire.” He chuckled at his joke because everyone knew he was a billionaire.

  “I told you I didn’t want anything to do with your businesses.” Caryn spoke clearly.

  “Then sell it.” He shrugged. “The majority of them are of the technical and/or pharmaceutical nature. I think they would help you with your career.”

  The room went back to silence for several seconds until Taden asked, “Why now, Oliver?”

  “I have a grandchild coming. I missed most of my daughter’s life, and I want to make up for it. I won’t let my businesses keep me from my loved ones anymore. Especially my grandchild.”

  Even Cabel couldn’t argue with that.

  “I’m ready for a new adventure. My goal is to be healthier and be there for my family. All of them.”

  Cabel took Caryn’s hand into his, lacing their fingers together. Oliver’s words touched Cabel. He would be there for his family as well. All their lives were changing…and he was ready for it.

  WHAT’S NEXT?

  I know you all are excited about the next chapter of the New Hampshire Bears. Due to my mother having cancer, I’ve had to put a lot on the back burner. I’m sorry to say… my book deadlines were pushed back.

  However, Book 12 will be all about Dag and Elexis. It’ll be coming in May 2019.

  The Prologue was featured in the USA Today Bestselling, Hockey Holidays. If you missed it, that’s okay. I’ll be featuring it in my newsletter. Click HERE to sign up and see how Twitter brings Dag and Elexis together… or does it?

  About the Author

  USA Today Bestse
lling Author, Mary Smith, has been coming up with stories her whole life. She has written over forty romance stories involving hot sports stars, strong willed females and everything in between. When not busy writing or rooting for the Chicago Blackhawks you can find her with her nose stuck in her Kindle.

  You can visit her website at: www.authormarysmith.blogspot.com

  Follow her on Twitter: @maryms1980

  Or Faceook: www.facebook.com/authormarysmith

  Books By Author:

  The Ice Series (Adult Sports Romance trilogy):

  (no longer in print or ebook) Melting Away the Ice

  (no longer in print or ebook) Breaking the Ice

  (no longer in print or ebook) Shattering the Ice

  (no longer in print or ebook) Thawing the Ice (A Novella)

  A Hockey Tutor (New Adult Sports Romance)

  Dart and Dash (New Adult Sports Romance)

  Always Forever (New Adult Rocker Romance)

  DREAM (Adult Romance Suspense)

  The Matched Trilogy (Paranormal Romance Trilogy):

  A Royal’s Love

  A Protector’s Second Chance

  A Controller’s Destiny

  New Hampshire Bears Series (Adult Sports Romance)

  The Muse and the Fairy Tale

  The Workaholic and the Realist

  The Hero and the Fat Girl

  The Arrangement

  The Coach and the Secret

  The Captain and the Broken Girl

  The Backup and the Baby

  The Player and the Tattoo Artist

  The Goalie and the Best Friend’s Sister

  The Lush and the Angel

  The Nice Guy and the Therapist

  The Devoted Father and the Introvert (Coming in the Spring of 2019)

  The Perfect Husband and Selfish Wife (Coming in the Summer of 2019)

  The Broken Marriage (Coming in the Fall of 2019)

  The Young Guy and the Older Woman (Coming in the Winter of 2019)