What Makes A Father (HQR Special Edition)

by Teresa Southwick

  “I’ll toss the salad and warm the potatoes.”

  He shook his head. “You worked today. And this is our first—This is a...” He hesitated then finally said, “This is my chance to pamper you.”

  “And I appreciate it.” More than she could say. “But I think you worked harder today than me. Like a wife.”

  His eyebrows rose. “That’s high praise.”

  “I mean it.” And she was grateful, from the bottom of her heart.

  “I’m happy to do it.” Intensity glittered in his eyes. Even though no part of their bodies touched, she felt as if he was touching her everywhere.

  “And I’m happy to help. But before I do, I’m going to peek in on the twins.”

  She saw the baby monitor on the counter and they would hear if there was a problem, but she needed to see them. They grounded her and she needed grounding after Mason’s sweet thoughtfulness. That made her feel like an ungrateful witch and she didn’t mean to be. But she had a hard time trusting the good stuff.

  She looked in on Charlie first and smiled at the soundly sleeping boy. He was on his back, arms and legs outstretched as if he appreciated having space all to himself. She couldn’t resist brushing a silky blond strand off his forehead and, fortunately, it didn’t disturb him.

  Then she tiptoed into Sarah’s room. The little girl was a tummy sleeper, no matter how they tried to keep her on her back. Annie put a kiss on her finger and touched it gently to the little girl’s round cheek. When Sarah moved, Annie froze. After all Mason’s efforts, the last thing she wanted was to wake up this baby. She waited a few moments and all was peaceful, so she quietly backed away.

  Annie headed to the kitchen, where the French door was ajar. Through the glass she could see Mason watching over the gently smoking grill. The hunter/gatherer, she thought. Today he’d hunted and gathered the heck out of their survival and she didn’t know what to make of it.

  By the time the steaks were ready she had the salad bowl and potatoes on the table along with the flowers and wine. It suddenly felt very romantic, in spite of the bright, canned light shining down. They sat across from each other and smiled.

  “No candles?” she teased.

  “Damn, I knew I forgot something.” He actually looked upset with himself.

  “Oh, my gosh. I was kidding, Mason. This is amazing. I love it.”

  “Really?”

  “Are you serious? I didn’t have to cook it. That makes everything fantastic, like going out to dinner.”

  “Medical school was no culinary institute, so I didn’t learn how to serve elegantly. My service in the army neglected that, too.”

  “Now you’re just fishing for compliments,” she said.

  “Did it show? And I thought I was being subtle.” He grinned then said, “Try your steak. I wasn’t sure how you like it. I did both medium-rare and figured I can cook yours more if you want.”

  “No. Medium is good.” She made a cut and looked at the warm, pink center. “This is perfect.”

  The meat practically melted in her mouth, it was so tender. Suddenly she really was starving and practically inhaled the food and the rest of the wine in her glass.

  Feeling the need to explain, she said, “I didn’t have time for lunch.”

  “As a doctor I have to tell you that’s not good.”

  “I was on a creative roll. Doing the last tweaks before we present our concept to the client.” She shrugged. “I don’t like all my eggs in one basket, which doesn’t help.”

  He refilled her wineglass and she was reaching out when he set it down. Their fingers brushed. The touch was electric and she was sure something sparked in his eyes, too.

  He cleared his throat. “What does that mean? All the eggs in one basket?”

  “I don’t put my creative energy into one concept. It’s important to have a choice. So the team brainstorms two or three and we work them up. If we get the contract, the client will choose a direction and we’ll put all the detail into that. But there will be enough that they can visualize each one.”

  “That’s two or three times the work for you.”

  “It’s an investment in our reputation. ‘The company that works twice as hard for you.’” She rested her arms on the table and smiled.

  “Something tells me you’re a girl who puts maximum effort into everything, not just the job.”

  “I always try my best. Even when I was a little girl.”

  “And your parents didn’t see the effort.”

  “You remembered,” she said. A man who listened. It might be his most attractive feature.

  “It’s their loss. In case I haven’t said it before.”

  She sighed. “Someday maybe I’ll believe that. In the meantime, I don’t want to lose out on moments with Charlie and Sarah. But I have to find balance. Being able to work remotely helps. And what you did tonight.”

  “Just pulling my weight,” he said modestly.

  Of which he had a lot, all muscle and temptingly male. And this change in him just might be leading somewhere exciting. Was she a fool to hope?

  “Speaking of cooperation, I’ll do the dishes since you cooked.”

  “Not in my restaurant,” he said.

  “At least let me help. It’s the least I can do.”

  He thought that over. “Okay.”

  Together they cleared the table. Since there were no leftovers, it was only plates, utensils and a salad bowl. They finished wine while working and Annie was super relaxed and hyperaware. When their hands brushed exchanging plates, her breath caught. Their shoulders touched and her heart started to pound. She saw his eyes darken with something sexy and wild and she was almost positive it wasn’t just her feeling this.

  Should she jump his bones?

  Fear froze her. If he didn’t want her, she could lose even this, and she couldn’t bear that. It was selfish, but also for the babies. Together they could provide a stable environment. More selfish, she didn’t know what she would do without him or the family she finally had because of him. No, if a move was going to be made, he was the one who would have to do it.

  When they were finished, he looked down at her. “I had a really nice time tonight.”

  “Me, too.”

  He looked away for a moment then met her gaze. “Would it be okay if I kissed you good-night?”

  That was sweet and gentlemanly, almost as if they’d just met and... Was this a date? She smiled and nodded.

  The corners of his mouth curved up as he cupped her face in his big hands then touched his lips to hers. The contact was soft and sweet and perfect. Tender and gentle, a gesture of promise.

  He pulled back and there was a dash of regret in his eyes when he let her go. “I’ve got paperwork to do, so I’ll say good-night. Sleep well, Annie.”

  All she could do was nod. She was breathless and wanting and more than a little disappointed. But she knew rejection and this wasn’t it. Mason was up to something.

  * * *

  After working three days in a row at the hospital, Mason finally had two days off and planned to put Operation Courting Annie into high gear. He had taken the twins to his parents’ house and, after carrying them inside, had gone back to the SUV for diaper bags, favorite blankets and stuffed animals they couldn’t get along without.

  He put the provisions in the room where the cribs were set up, the same one where Annie had slept. The thought of her sent heat rolling through him. Dinner and flowers had gone well and he had every reason to hope that tonight would, too.

  Back in the family room, the babies were on a blanket and Lulu sat patiently between them while they awkwardly patted her furry back. His mom and dad sat on the floor with the kids and the dog; it was a modern Norman Rockwell moment.

  Flo stood and walked over to stand beside him. “It feels like forever since I’ve seen thes
e babies.”

  “You see them almost every day.”

  “But it’s not the same as having them here,” she said wistfully.

  Mason watched his daughter crawl over to her grandfather and into his lap. Watching the man who’d raised him cuddle and interact with his own little girl tugged at his heart. He’d been too young to really remember this amazingly gentle and patient side of his dad, so it was cool to see now.

  “Mason?”

  “What?” He reluctantly looked away and focused on what his mother was saying.

  “I said, where is Annie?”

  When he’d called to make sure it was okay to bring the kids over, his mom had been on the phone with someone else. She’d confirmed they weren’t busy and would love to babysit the twins. Then she’d cut him off. Now she wanted details.

  “Annie is at the office, working.”

  “So why am I watching your children? Not that I mind.”

  “No, you’re just nosy.” He appreciated the fact that she didn’t interfere but was deeply committed to knowing whatever was shared willingly. “The thing is, I’m going to surprise her at work and take her out to dinner.” When you were raised by Florence Blackburne, a guy knew when he messed up and when he did good. This time he’d definitely done good.

  “Oh, Mason, that’s a wonderful idea. Very sweet and thoughtful of you.”

  And selfish. But he hoped it would be positive for both him and Annie. He also chose not to share that he’d actually taken his brother’s advice and searched the internet for romantic gestures. Since he couldn’t sweep her away to Fiji, surprising her at work followed by a dinner out, with candles this time, would have to do.

  “I’m glad you approve, Mom.” He looked at his father, who had been listening in. “Any objections, Dad?”

  “Nope.” He let Sarah pull the cell phone from his shirt pocket and grinned at her. “Say hi to Annie for us.”

  “You know it’s Friday. Your father and I aren’t working tomorrow. We can keep Charlie and Sarah overnight. If you’d like.”

  He had been hoping she would offer. Another piece of the plan clicked into place. “I’d appreciate it, Mom. And I know Annie will, too. Thanks.”

  “Anytime.”

  Lulu barked once and drew Mason’s attention to Charlie pulling himself to a standing position right in front of the DVD stack.

  “Red alert,” he said.

  “We’re going to have to move those.” His mother hurried over to grab up her grandson. “Come to think of it, babyproofing this house is now a major priority.”

  He kissed her cheek. “I have to go or my plan to intercept her before she heads home will be a dismal failure.”

  “Don’t you worry. We’ll take good care of these little angels.” She gave Charlie loud kisses on his neck and he giggled.

  “I’m sure the three of you will do fine with them.”

  “Who’s the third?” she asked.

  He pointed to the dog. “Lulu. In fact, Annie and I would like to borrow her.”

  “That dog does love these little ones,” his mother agreed. “Now go. We’ve got this.”

  “Roger that.”

  He shook his father’s hand and kissed the kids. And, this was a first, he got them to imitate his farewell wave. One of them said what sounded like “Bye-bye” and he’d swear on a stack of Bibles that it was first words.

  Part two of his plan was officially in motion, he thought as he drove to Annie’s office. It didn’t take long and he parked in the lot that had more cars at this hour on a Friday night than he’d figured. Probably not all of them worked at C&J Graphic Design, but that didn’t matter. The very definition of surprise meant you had to be flexible in the execution of the plan.

  He walked into the lobby, pushed the up elevator button and the doors instantly opened. After getting inside and selecting the floor where her office was located, the nerves hit. What if she thought this was a stupid idea? What if he embarrassed her? And the worst: What if she had no desire to be anything more than what they already were?

  The doors opened and across from him there was nothing but glass, the center etched with the words “C&J Graphic Design.” He exited the elevator to get a better look at her office. He could see wood floors and cubicles divided by more glass. A doctor could do delicate surgery in this room what with the excellent track lighting overhead. All the workspaces were empty, except two.

  Mason saw Annie standing just outside her cubicle, talking to a man who was outside the one next door. He looked to be in his early thirties, black hair and dark brown eyes that kind of smoldered. Surprise. Mason could have gone forever not knowing she worked with a guy good-looking enough to be on the cover of GQ magazine.

  “No guts, no glory,” he mumbled as he pushed open one of the heavy doors and walked inside, moving toward the twosome.

  “Who are you?” Smoldering Eyes asked.

  Annie turned and her eyes widened. “Mason!”

  “Hi.” He lifted a hand in a wave and stopped beside her.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I wanted to surprise you and take you out to dinner.” He met the other man’s dark, curious gaze, then looked back at her. “Surprise.”

  “Mission accomplished. I’m definitely surprised.” There was a pleased expression on her face before it slipped a little. “Where are the kids?”

  “At the house. They’ll be fine by themselves.” He grinned to let her know he was kidding. “I had you for a second.”

  “No.” But she playfully slugged his arm. “Seriously, where are they really?”

  “Three guesses.”

  “Your parents’.”

  “Right in one,” he said.

  “So there really is a husband?” GQ asked.

  “Yes.” Annie looked apologetic. “Sorry. I should have introduced you. Mason Blackburne, this is Cruz Wright, one of my coworkers.”

  Mason shook the other man’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise. So you’re the twins’ father, the dad who got Annie to say yes.”

  Was there a hidden message in those words? Had this guy been planning to move in on her when Dwayne the Douche was out of the picture? Unclear.

  “I am that man, yes.” Mason moved close enough that his arm brushed Annie’s. Meeting her coworker gave him one more reason to be glad that she could do a lot of work remotely.

  Just then an attractive young woman joined them and looked him up and down. “So, who’s this?”

  “Mason Blackburne, my husband.” Annie looked up at him. “This is Ella Lancaster, my boss’s assistant, and the woman who keeps things running smoothly around here. And she does it with extraordinary grace and good humor.”

  He shook her hand. “A pleasure, Miss—”

  “Ella.” She smiled. “Annie’s been through a lot in the last year. We were happy for her when she told us she was getting married. It’s about time someone lived up to Annie Campbell’s rigorous standards.”

  “She doesn’t suffer fools,” Cruz explained.

  “I suffered Dwayne.” Annie glanced up at him and made an “eek” face. “Calling him a fool is an insult to fools.”

  “Right on.” Cruz studied Mason. “Points to you for sticking around.”

  “He came to surprise me,” she explained to Ella.

  The other woman sighed and said to him, “Are there any more at home like you?”

  “As a matter of fact, there are,” Annie said. “He has two brothers. And a sister.”

  At the end of the row of offices, a door opened and a man emerged. He was in his fifties. Blond hair with gray at the temples, the lean body of a runner. He joined the group.

  Before he could say anything Annie said, “Bob, this is my husband. Mason, this is Bob Clemens, our boss.”

  The man h
eld out his hand. “Glad to meet you, Mason.”

  “Same here, sir.”

  “Annie says you were in the army. Deployed overseas recently.”

  “Yes, sir. I was assigned to a medical unit in Afghanistan.”

  “Thank you for your service.” Bob looked around the group then settled his gaze on Mason. “To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?”

  “I’m here to surprise Annie and take her to dinner.”

  The man nodded his approval. “She’s been working a lot of hours and deserves some quality downtime. The campaign for the client is ready and she needs to relax and have some fun.”

  “R and R, that’s my plan,” Mason said.

  “Then what are you waiting for?” Bob asked. “Get her the heck out of here.”

  “Yes, sir.” Mason looked down at her and held out his arm. “Let’s go.”

  There was no hesitation or awkwardness when she put her hand in the crook of his elbow. She looked luminous and happy, and that gave him hope that he wasn’t messing this up beyond repair.

  Now for the next part of his plan.

  Chapter Twelve

  Annie was literally quivering with excitement as she walked out of the office on Mason’s arm. Whatever was going on with him, she was giving this new attitude two thumbs-up and a double arm pump. Inside, of course. It took a lot of concentration to not giggle like a schoolgirl and walk normally. And he looked so sexy and handsome in his jeans, white dress shirt and sports coat. He was out of her league, but she would deal with that insecurity at another time.

  Waiting for the elevator, she could feel her coworkers staring through the glass. Mason hadn’t picked her up and carried her out in front of every employee, but it still felt like An Officer and a Gentleman moment.

  She started to slide her fingers from his arm, but he put his hand over hers to keep it there. She smiled up at him.

  “This is a very nice surprise.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “To what do I owe—?”

  Before she could finish her question, the elevator doors opened and they walked inside. Mason pushed the button for the first floor and the ride down was fast. When they stepped out into the lobby, it was as if happiness made her see everything brighter and more clearly. Nothing was there that hadn’t been there this morning, but that was before Mason had made the effort to surprise her at work.