Juliana sits on the arm of my chair, so I move over and indicate for her to squeeze in with me. When she does, I realize how much weight she’s lost since I first met her, but she’s hiding it with her clothes. She cuts her eyes to me when she feels my stare boring through her.
“No, Daisy. I’m okay. Trust me, this is the best option. I’ve talked the situation over with my oncologist. Everything is set for me to resume treatments when we get home.”
“You’re killing me, Jules.” Poor choice of words, maybe. But I try not to treat her any differently than I would Marlee or Tracy. She wouldn’t have it any other way.
“On the contrary., I’m saving you in the long run. Don’t worry—I know what I’m doing. Now enjoy the show.” She motions her head toward the kids, wide-eyed and staring at the mountain of wrapped presents in front of each of them. “Rod needs to experience this moment every bit as much as the kids do.”
“What are you waiting for? Open your gifts.” Rod encourages them to dive into the sea of presents as Jules and I ready our cameras.
We manage to capture the memories amid tearing paper, boxes flying, and Rod’s influence over their excitement. When the last gift is unwrapped and we’ve cleaned up the resulting mess, we’re all exhausted.
“I declare today as Pajama Day. None of us is changing out of our comfy clothes until tomorrow.” Rod carries the garbage bags out to the garage, and I head to the kitchen on a coffee run.
Mom is in there alone when I walk in. I join her at the sink and wrap my arms around her from behind. “Thank you for having all of us and taking such good care of us.”
“You know I enjoy playing hostess, so it’s my pleasure. I love having my kids home for the holidays.”
“We love being here too.”
“I know I told you before, but Juliana is one of my kids now. She is a very special young lady.”
“She really is the best.” My heart hurts just thinking about her situation. Mom turns to face me.
“She’s facing the unimaginable. The procedure she’ll undergo will be the closest to death anyone can imagine. The process is brutal, Daisy, but Juliana is a smart cookie. She understands the challenges she’s facing. You should listen to her when she voices her wishes. The chances of her not surviving the bone marrow transplant are very real. Don’t take away her chance to share her final wishes with you.”
I nod, unable to speak with the huge ball of emotion stuck in my throat.
“Besides, you never know. Your baby may be an answered prayer in ways you’ve never even considered. That baby may be exactly what Rod needs.” She pins me with her mom-face, those eyes that see straight through the bullshit and decipher the truth.
“How did you know? Did Jules tell you?”
“No, sweetheart. No one had to tell me anything. You’re my baby, and I know you better than you think I do. Tell Rod. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by his reaction. He’s in love with you, regardless of how much that scares him. But he raised his sister, even caring for her through her illness and their mother’s. His past tells me he’s more of a family man than he wants to admit.”
Mom always knows exactly what to say to quiet my fears and stoke my courage. “I’ll tell him when we get back home. Just in case he reacts badly. I don’t want to chance ruining their Christmas together.”
“Don’t wait too long.”
The kids are in bed, fast asleep. My extended family has retired for the night after a full day of Christmas festivities. Tracy, Kevin, Juliana, Rod, and I sit around the outdoor fireplace, relaxing and chatting in the glow of the flames.
“I love all the kids and the entire family, but it’s nice to have some downtime with a few adults tonight.” Tracy stretches out on the lounge chair with Kevin. He slides his arm over her waist and closes the gap between them.
“It is nice to have a little peace and quiet, isn’t it? We’ve been going nonstop since the kids jumped on us first thing this morning.” I stand and pick up my empty glass. “Does anyone need anything from the kitchen?”
“All I need is for you to hurry back to me.” Rod pats the empty space beside him. “I’m already getting cold.”
“You’re such a drama queen. If I’m not cold, there’s no way you’re cold.” Juliana rolls her eyes exaggeratedly, showing Rod she’s teasing. She’s usually passed out at this time of night, so I’m thrilled she’s able to stay up and spend time with us.
As I turn to leave, I wink at Tracy to let her know it’s time. She’s my cohort in crime, keeping everyone outside while I grab the small gifts she and I bought on our impromptu shopping spree. When I told Rod the adults in my family don’t exchange gifts, I stated the truth. We purposely don’t. But this trip is special for so many reasons, I couldn’t let it pass without getting small symbolic tokens for Rod and Juliana.
Inside the house, I dart into the den and pull the three wrapped packages from their hiding place behind the couch. The giggle erupts from my throat before I can catch it. They’ll all be surprised, but more than that, I can’t wait to see their reactions. When I step through the back door, I purposely keep the presents hidden behind my back as I cross the patio.
Rod immediately senses I’m hiding something and perks up. Knowing him, he thinks it’s more dessert. My smile grows wider as I near them, and his brows furrow more with my every step. When I reach the end of his lounge chair, my cheeks hurt from smiling, and his suspicion is at an all-time high.
“What are you up to, Mahoe?” He arches one brow at me but doesn’t avert his gaze.
Tracy moves to stand beside me. Then she slides her hand behind my back, takes Kevin’s gift from the top of the stack, and hides it behind her back. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her smile also splits her face in two.
“Rod, why do I get the distinct feeling you and I have been played?” Kevin sits up and swings his feet over the side of the chair. He scrapes his hand over his face, then pins Tracy with his non-sense stare. “Trace, if you’ve done what I think you’ve done, I’m spanking your ass tonight.”
“Promises, promises.” She blows him a kiss, not at all affected by his bogus threat.
“Rod and Juliana, although you didn’t plan to spend Christmas with us initially, I can’t imagine the void your absence would leave in this family. Within hours of arriving here, you both became full-fledged, card-carrying members. Today is as important to me as it is to you.”
With a gift in each hand, I extend my arms toward them. For a split second, they both sit stock still in stunned silence. Then Juliana gingerly moves to take the box from my hand, and Rod soon follows suit.
“Daisy, you already gave us matching pajamas. You shouldn’t have bought anything else. I feel awful because I didn’t get you anything.” Rod appears genuinely troubled as he stares a hole through the gift in his hand.
“Just open it.” I’ve already explained to him I have all I need and more.
He nods and begins ripping off the wrapping paper. When he opens the box and pulls out the surprise inside, his face instantly breaks into a broad smile.
He holds the vintage vine bottle up so everyone can see it. The clear bottle is half-filled with seashells and small pebbles. A cork stopper covered with larger seashells and a small sand dollar seals the bottle. A picture of Rod and me while we were on the island stands prominently among the seashells. In the picture, Rod and I are on the dance floor at the costume party, dressed as Captain America and Harley Quinn. We have our arms wrapped around each other as we dance. We’re staring deeply into each other’s eyes, as if we’re the only two people on the floor.
“Ah, Mahoe, I love it. This is incredibly thoughtful, and something I’ll treasure forever. But where did you get the picture?”
“Tracy snapped it when we weren’t looking. I didn’t know she had it until we went shopping the other day.”
He stands, slides his arm around my waist, and pulls me to him. He bends and presses his lips to mine in a lingering and sensual
kiss. When he pulls back, his voice drops to a low, sensual murmur. “You are absolutely incredible, love. Thank you so much… for everything.”
“Your turn, Jules.” I turn while I’m still in Rod’s embrace, not ready for our intimate moment to end. “Open your gift.”
She doesn’t waste another second before tearing into her box. She acts like a kid, excited to receive a present regardless of what’s inside. When she pulls out the thick, leather journal and feathery pen, her bottom jaw drops open.
“I thought you may want to use it to write letters to Isa, especially while you’re in the hospital. She’s too young to read it now, but you can give it to her as a gift when she’s older. She can read about the time you were apart and better understand what was happening. Also, it’ll give you something to do while you’re recovering. Maybe it’ll help take your mind off what you’re going through and help you focus on good days to come.”
She joins Rod and me, wrapping her arms around my neck, and squeezes with what little strength she has. “You are the most thoughtful person I know. I can’t thank you enough for this.”
“Last, but certainly not least, I have something for you, Kevin.” Tracy steps in front of him, still hiding the gift behind her back. “Knowing we’d be here with Daisy’s family, I ordered it a couple of months ago and picked it up while we were out. There’s a lot you don’t understand about my family, but that doesn’t mean you’re don’t have my whole heart, Kevin.”
She produces the small box and places it in his hand. “I mean every word of this.”
His eyes crinkle in the corners and he tilts his head to the side, but he doesn’t respond. With the paper quickly disposed of, he flips open the jewelry box to find a TAG Heuer watch inside.
“Read the inscription.” Tracy’s voice is so soft, I almost didn’t hear her, but Kevin certainly did.
He takes the watch out, turns it over, and reads it aloud. “My heart is yours for all time.”
After he secures the watch on his wrist, he tugs on Tracy’s arm to pull her into his lap. “I’m holding you to this promise… for all time.” They immediately get lost in each other.
“It’s past my bedtime, so I’m leaving you lovebirds unsupervised out here. Don’t get in trouble.” Juliana kisses Rod’s cheek, then stops to kiss mine, before heading into the house.
Rod and I settle on one of the lounge chairs in our usual manner—he sits, makes room for me to settle between his legs, and he holds me in his loving embrace. This sheer perfection is almost enough to make me forget about the secret I’m harboring.
Almost.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Rod
“Chelle and Brian, I can’t thank you enough for having us here for the holidays. I used to hate Christmas and dreaded going through the motions ever year. Being here with your family over these past ten days has changed my mind completely. This has been the best experience for Juliana and Isabelle too. For that, I can never repay you.” I hug Chelle goodbye as we make our way to the car.
“You can, son. You can take care of my baby and make sure she’s happy. Daisy is one of a kind, but we believe you’re exactly the man she needs.” Brian shakes my hand before lifting one of the large suitcases and placing it in the back of the vehicle.
Taking care of Daisy isn’t a burden in any sense of the word. Fulfilling his request is my pleasure. With that thought in mind, I know exactly what I have to do when I get home. The only way to ensure she’s safe, sound, and secure is to prove I’m all she needs. Even though I’m confident this trip has sealed our permanent couple status, I need to make sure no other guys are sniffing around. I’m not much one for sharing.
Then I’ll pay a visit to someone from the past. Someone I thought I’d washed my hands of years ago.
The SUV is packed to the brim with our suitcases and all the gifts the kids received for Christmas. Daisy’s family walks out to say their final farewells before we leave for Georgia. Marlee holds onto Daisy longer than usual. I know they miss each other and don’t have the opportunity to spend a lot of time together, but this feels different. Marlee whispers something and Daisy’s knuckles turn white from her tightened grip.
There’s something going on I haven’t been told about yet. I’m sure Daisy will confide in me when the time is right. For now, I’m grateful she’s giving me yet another chance to prove my mettle. I’m working on the rest of our relationship goals one at a time. Over the ten days we’ve spent at her parents’ house, we’ve moved past the awkward stage. Our comfort level grows daily, and for once in my life, I’m not running. I’m an oak—my roots run deep and my resolve to stand firm is strong. I won’t let her get away again.
Before we depart, I hug more necks in the driveway than I have in the rest of my life combined. This enormous family is what I longed for my entire childhood. When I became an adult, I put those childish dreams away, resigned to having Juliana and Isa as my only family for the rest of my life.
I’ve regressed to my childhood again. I want a large, extended family like this one. Scratch that—I want this family. They’ve welcomed my small one into the fold so effortlessly, making us feel as if we’ve always been a part of it. Watching Daisy tear herself away from her aunts and uncles tugs at my heartstrings. Why do we all have to be so far apart?
With our goodbyes behind us, we head toward the private airport and back to our normal lives. But my life will never return to what it was before. This trip has changed me irrevocably. We board the corporate jet and take our seats without the awkwardness we had during the flight down here. The kids choose to sit together, sharing their toys as though they’ve been friends for life. Daisy sits next to me and rests her hand on my thigh as if showing affection is the most natural act. I’m not sure she’s even conscious of her actions. But I am.
That small act of intimacy would’ve sent me running for the hills in pre-Daisy days. Today, I slide my hand over hers and lace our fingers together. The symbolism doesn’t escape my notice. They say a chord of three isn’t easily broken. Ours is greater than that. The chords that bind us will never be broken. I’m invested and fully committed to this woman at my side.
My gaze strays to Juliana, and my heart drops to the pit of my stomach. The ghostly pallor of her skin strikes fear in my heart. She’s suffering and declining right before my eyes. There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t give to reverse the course we’re on, the one I don’t want to acknowledge or face, but can’t deny in moments like this. The potential of losing her is unimaginable. Madeline sits beside her and gives me an understanding look. The slight nod of her head is meant to reassure me, but I feel it’s to pacify me instead.
Then I turn my attention back to the lady beside me, and I’m calmed once again.
“You’re being uncharacteristically quiet and reserved. What’s going on in that handsome head of yours?” Daisy squeezes my hand as she peers up at me.
“I’m just thinking about my how much my life has changed in the last few months since we met. You’ve ruined me for any other woman. There’s no way I could go back to a bachelor's life now. I’ve gotten used to spooning with you all night. I’d never get a wink of sleep without you beside me.”
Panic flashes across her face for a split second before she quickly masks it again. Which part of my impromptu confession spooked her, and how do I fix it?
“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re stuck with me.” The smirk on her face reassures me the moment of alarm has passed.
“You’re the one who’s stuck with me. I’m lucky to have you. What did I say just now that scared you?”
She fidgets in her seat and picks at invisible lint on her pants for a minute before answering. “The part about not getting any sleep at night without me. For a second there, I took your words a tad too literally. We have separate houses and it’s a little early to consider changing that.”
“I wasn’t exaggerating. You can keep your place as long as you want. Just don’t be surprised when you wake
to find me in the bed with you. Besides, I have to make sure that other guy doesn’t swoop in and take my place.” I can’t tear my eyes away after dropping that statement. Th expression on her face will tell me everything I need to know.
“There is no other guy, Rod. Cam is a very nice man, but he’s only a friend. Nothing more. There’s no need to rush into new living arrangements simply to keep him away.” There’s not even an ounce of deceit in her eyes.
“I’m not rushing into anything because of him. This is all your fault. If you weren’t so perfect for me in every way, I wouldn’t be in this predicament at all. You can’t leave me on my own now.”
“It’s my fault, huh?”
“Damn skippy. This isn’t on me. I’ve never snuggled with anyone all night before, but your body fits so perfectly against mine. Add to that, I’ve never wanted to spend more than a couple of nights with any one person, but you’ve addicted me and put me under some kind of spell. It’s all your fault you’re stuck with me now, like I said.”
“You’re a closet romantic. You’ve just kept it hidden all these years.” She leans forward and gawks at me as if she’s in shock, utter disbelief laces her tone.
“I’m not sure if I should be offended because you think I am a closet romantic or because you can’t believe I could be.”
“You’ll find a way to cope. I have faith in you.”
We laugh together and it feels good, like the release on a pressure valve that’s subject to blow at any time. Daisy puts me at ease and riles me up. She soothes and stimulates me. She’s my rock and my place of comfort. My mind and gaze drift back to Juliana, returning to the same concern I pushed away only minutes ago.
She’s reclined in her seat, eyes closed and sleeping soundly. But her face doesn’t show the peaceful rest I’d hoped she’d have. Her grimace, even in slumber, leaves no doubt she’s in pain. I feel Daisy’s eyes on me and shift my gaze to meet hers.
All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) Page 13
