Cherish Her

by Johnston, Andrea

  “Just about. Go on and find your shoes while I start the car.”

  Skipping away she begins singing a mixture of various Christmas songs as she heads toward her room. Looking down at my baby, I smile at the way she’s rolled onto her back, still panting like a dog.

  “Okay, you, up and at ’em. You don’t want to be late to see Uncle Owie, do you?”

  Morphing instantly from pretend dog to adorable toddler, Cali jumps to her feet at the mention of her favorite person. Owen, or Uncle Owie to Cali, has been an absolute blessing to my girls and me but the bond he’s established with Cali is something all of its own. Sometimes I wonder if he’s secretly a distant cousin because the two of them are so much alike.

  I’m forever grateful my sister dumped her asshole ex and moved to Lexington with me. That jerk wouldn’t give my girls the time of day let alone take them on ice cream dates and learn how to braid hair by watching online videos. Tapping the new watch on my wrist, I check the time before shouting, “Arizona Jennings, move it, or we’ll be late!”

  A grunt from near the front door snags my attention and I turn to find Cali fussing with her new knit cap, trying to pull it on her head. Shaking my head at her wardrobe choice for the day, I giggle as she becomes frustrated. If anyone wonders which of my children is the wild child, they’d only have to look at Cali’s holiday outfit. A cream-colored sweater with a blingy crown on the front and her favorite fuchsia tutu wouldn’t be complete without the lime green leggings patterned with unicorns on her legs.

  And no shoes.

  “Cali, where are your shoes?” I ask as I scan across the living room.

  “I wanna wear my boots, Mama,” she replies from the floor where’s she’s now peeking under the couch.

  “Cali, your boots aren’t under there. Look by the back door, please.”

  “Arizona!”

  “What?”

  Screeching, I jump and turn, hand on my chest. With a huge smile on her face, my little girl is standing in all her put-together glory. Wearing a pair of red jeans and a white T-shirt with a little buffalo-plaid Christmas tree on the front, she’s holding a gift bag in one hand and her tablet in the other.

  “Ari, no tablet today. This is about family.”

  “But—” She stops herself from arguing when Cali stomps in the room, boots on the wrong feet and the hat pulled down almost covering her eyes.

  I bark out a laugh while Ari just rolls her little eyes. With a raised brow, I wait for her to return the tablet to its spot before I kneel and fix Cali’s boots. Thankfully I took everyone’s gifts over to my sister’s house yesterday when we were baking. With everyone ready, we start for the front door when both girls stop abruptly.

  Tugging my keys from my purse I tap the remote start and look down at my daughters, who are now best friends again. Holding hands, both of their gazes are cast downward at my feet.

  “Oh crud.”

  “Mama, where your shoes?” Cali asks with her chubby toddler face scrunched in confusion.

  Where indeed?

  Chapter 4

  Grant

  “Why don’t I stay home with Nick and the two of you go out? A date night or whatever.”

  “Not happening, Cap.”

  Taylor and I have been having this same discussion for the past twenty minutes. New Year’s Eve has never been a big deal to me, and tonight is no different. I’ve enjoyed the week I’ve been here with my friends but what am I going to do at a party with all their friends and their kids? Yep, we’re going to a family friendly New Year’s Eve party.

  Don’t get me wrong, hanging out with friends is more my speed than a bar with a bunch of drunks on a “holiday.” I use the term holiday loosely. Christmas is a holiday. A fun one at that. Nick didn’t have a clue what was happening but loved ripping the wrapping paper and all of the toys he got that made noise.

  Taylor did not have the same response, especially with the firetruck and it’s blaring siren. That made the purchase more enjoyable for me. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a major part of the godfather and honorary uncle handbook. Loud annoying toys.

  “Look, we’re going to eat some grub, play a few games and watch the ball drop. It’s family friendly, not a kegger or anything crazy. That’d be at the bar and why Connor is working and I’m not.”

  Scarlett walks in the room, securing her earrings and a huge smile on her face. “Don’t be a sourpuss, Grant. You’re coming. But, unless you want to hang with the kids, you should probably put on real pants. Only the littles are wearing pajamas.”

  I look down at my legs and laugh. They aren’t pajamas but they certainly are more for lounging than going to any sort of social engagement. Resolving the fight isn’t worth it, I ascend the stairs to the guest room and give myself grief for not heading back to Fayhill yesterday.

  Once I’ve changed out of my preferred attire for the evening and into a pair of jeans and a charcoal button-up shirt, I roll up the sleeves before securing my watch on my wrist. With a spray of cologne, I hustle out of the room and back down the stairs.

  I pause as I watch my friends laugh and play with Nick. That tug of loneliness strikes me again, but I push it aside to focus on the happiness rolling off each of them. With her hand on Taylor’s back, Scarlett looks up at her baby who is flying high above them both like Superman as both his parents coo and smile at him.

  Catching my eye, Scarlett steps aside and approaches me. “You look very handsome,” she says while adjusting the collar of my shirt.

  “Have I told you how pleased I am to see you this happy, Red?”

  “Hmm,” she hums, looking at her wrist as if she’s checking the time. “It’s been about five minutes so you’re right on schedule.” I shake my head while she giggles. “I’m kidding, but thank you. It means the world to me, and I want you to know I really am happy. I miss Henry and hate that he’s missing out on being a father, but I wouldn’t give up this life with Taylor for anything. I truly believe this is where I’m supposed to be.”

  Clearing my throat, I push away the emotions that threaten and pull her to me, wrapping my arms around her. “I agree. Now,” I say, stepping back, “tell me more about this food.”

  I hate to admit it, but Taylor and Scarlett were right to drag me to this party. The food is as delicious as they promised, and their friends are welcoming and have embraced me like one of their own. It isn’t as if they were strangers, but before tonight, the only other time I’ve spent with them was at that sip-and-see party a few months back. I’m still not sure where that party name comes from but according to Taylor’s sister, Addison, it was an opportunity for family and friends to meet Nicholas. Truthfully, I think it was more a celebration that Taylor had finally found someone to love. It’s why none of us were surprised when he proposed that day.

  Staring at the beautiful artwork hanging on the wall, I take a pull from my beer bottle. I don’t deter my eyes when Taylor steps up beside me.

  “Amazing isn’t it? Landon is crazy talented.”

  “Landon made this?” Crazy talented is putting it lightly.

  “Yep. Gave it to Ben and Piper for their wedding gift. He has a custom furniture business, but if you ask me, he’s an artist. And, like a true artist, he doesn’t share it often so that makes this even more special.”

  I think back to Taylor’s house and don’t recall seeing anything this spectacular. “Your brother-in-law doesn’t think you’re special?” I tease.

  “Technically he’s not my brother-in-law, he’s just living in sin with my sister,” he teases. “I’m sure if I wanted something, I could ask him, but it almost seems like a once in a lifetime gift. I’d rather wait and get something epic for Scarlett.”

  Nodding, I look around for his fiancée before asking, “Where’re Red and Nick?”

  “With Ashton and the twins in the other room. I think my son has a crush on Ash’s daughter. Of course, she’s so much like her mother she mostly scowls at him.”

  We both laugh and p
ull a draw from our beers. I open my mouth to say something when a loud roar of greetings and a high-pitched squeal from the kitchen draws my attention and I look at Taylor.

  “Sounds like the last of the group has arrived. You might want to prepare yourself for the noise,” he says through a chuckle.

  “This is a good look on you.” He quirks a brow in question, so I say, “Peaceful and happy. It was a long time coming, Sug.”

  “You can say that again. Scarlett and Nick saved my life. I hate to think about the grumpy bastard I’d still be if it weren’t for them. For everyone. My sister moving here so I have my family nearby, watching my nephew mature, it’s all been . . . healing, I guess.”

  “And your friends. They’re really great.”

  “Agreed. Just think. If you quit being a martyr, living all alone in Fayhill, they’d be your friends too.”

  Before I’m able to respond, something hits the back of my leg as it races past us. A blur of blonde hair and giggles whisks by at the same time I hear a groan behind me and turn. Her hair is shorter than the first time we met, but her beauty is no different. Tall with legs for days, she’s curvy in all the right places. Her smile is warm and inviting, but it’s her eyes that fascinate me. I know there’s a story there. No matter how hard she tries, I recognize the look she masks.

  “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. Girls stop running! I swear if they break something . . .”

  “Did you sugar them up before you got here?” Taylor teases.

  “Not at all. In fact, I threatened to ban all sugar for the foreseeable future if they didn’t behave. Clearly I’m not as scary as I think.”

  We all laugh before she points a finger and says, “It’s all your fault, Taylor Cain. One mention of Nicholas and they’re both full of energy.”

  Puffing his chest, Taylor smacks his hand on my shoulder, a huge grin on his face. “Look at my boy, a ladies’ man already. I’m a proud daddy.”

  This time, it’s me who groans. Throwing my head back, I close my eyes and shake my head. “Don’t be jealous, Cap. Dakota, you remember my friend, Grant, right?”

  Smiling she holds her hand out, and I take it in my own. At least whatever awkwardness we had the first time we met is gone.

  “Hi again.” When she drops my hand, I ignore the loss.

  “What’s this I hear that we may have two weddings to attend this year?” Taylor asks, drawing my attention to Dakota’s left hand. No ring.

  “Yep. I talked to Minnie this morning. I can’t believe he flew her all the way to Bora Bora and couldn’t stick to his plan.”

  I must look confused because Dakota turns her attention to me and explains, “Owen surprised my sister with a trip to Bora Bora for Christmas. He was supposed to wait until midnight tonight to propose but couldn’t wait so he popped the question on the airplane. Can you believe it?”

  “Yes,” Taylor says with complete seriousness while Dakota and I both laugh.

  “Dang it. Girls, that’s it, no cupcakes for you! Excuse me, I need to wrangle some little girls.” Without another word, she rushes around us in the direction where two little blonde heads are rolling on the ground.

  My eyes follow her until she’s out of sight. A chuckle from next to me has me spinning to face my friend.

  “Like I said, they’d be your friends too.”

  Without another word, he walks away, leaving me standing with an empty beer bottle and a quiet room.

  Chapter 5

  Dakota

  I’ve never been so happy that Ben and Piper live out of town. While I may have banned sugar as their punishment, I can’t say the same for the rest of our friends. Mostly Jameson. He’s a sucker for the puppy dog eyes and pouty lip. He’s in for a world of hurt when his own daughter grows up and pulls that act.

  With two cupcakes each, I needed the extra time in the car to let them unwind. The vibrations of the tires on the road and low music lulled them to sleep and now I can finally breathe. And think. Or try not to think is more like it.

  Or maybe that was because Grant isn’t nearby, making me nervous and feel things I have absolutely no right to feel. I wasn’t expecting to see him, and I surely wasn’t expecting for him to still be this attractive. Which is silly because it’s not like he was suddenly going to be hit with an ugly stick. I don’t think that’s possible.

  His beard was a little longer and a smidge grayer than it was a few months ago when we met. I must admit, I prefer this version much more. Dark as ink, his eyes probably have women falling to their knees while his smile causes them to offer up a part of them, they normally wouldn’t.

  Who knew I’d find a silver fox so sexy? I mean, is that even a thing outside of books? It must be. Not letting myself go there, I push down the thoughts and focus on the realization that I have to carry both girls into the house. I may complain before each class, but yoga has made it possible for me to carry my sleeping children from the car to the house with minimal struggle.

  As I turn onto our street, the flashes of fireworks from people continuing their celebration brighten the night’s sky. A new year means new possibilities. I’m not one to declare resolutions, but I do like to set goals for myself. Self-care has been something I’ve struggled with these last few years, and this year I’m determined to make it a priority. Of course, an hour grocery shopping without a child often feels like self-care so I’ve had to redefine the meaning for myself as part of my goal.

  Focusing on building my business is also on my list. The ink on my real estate license isn’t even dry, but I’m chomping at the bit for a sale. Of course, Lexington isn’t hopping with new residents, so the options are slim pickings. Thankfully, I work with one of two real estate offices in town, keeping the professional competition to a minimum.

  Pushing the button to cut the engine, I unbuckle my seatbelt and open the door to exit when my phone signals a text message.

  Piper. She always checks on me to make sure I make it home. Bringing the screen to life, I’m surprised to see a message from an unknown number.

  Unknown: Happy New Year. I have a good feeling about this year for us.

  Oh no. Someone sent their text that is obviously meant for someone special to me by mistake. I would hate to be the person who missed out on such a sweet statement.

  Me: Sorry! Wrong number! Happy New Year!

  With the text sent, I slip the phone in my purse and hit the garage door opener. I ignore the unnecessary boxes and mismatched furniture that takes up the space where I should be parking my car. Being closer to the door would make moving the girls from the car to the house easier. Thankfully, I’ve become quite the pro at moving two little sleeping girls from my car to the house. Walking quickly, not running by any means, I open the door to the house and rush back to the car. As I unbuckle Arizona, she begins to stir, and her sleepy eyes widen.

  “Hey sweetie. We’re home. Do you think you can get yourself to your room so I can get your sister?”

  With a yawn she nods and mumbles, “Kay,” before zombie walking her way into the house. I close the door and round the back of the SUV to the other door and gather up my baby girl before closing the door with my hip and making my way into the house.

  One of my favorite parts of living in a small town is not having to worry about my purse still sitting in the front seat of my car while I settle my girls in their beds. Slipping Cali beneath her covers and making sure she has her favorite stuffed bunny, I place a kiss to her head and ease myself out of her room to peek in Ari’s room. Spread out like a starfish on top of her covers, her soft snores greet me as I tug the blankets down and tuck her legs under.

  Once she’s settled, I make my way through the house and to the garage. The dome light is on in my car, causing me to pause. Weird. I could have sworn I closed the door. I must be more tired than I thought. I approach the car and notice the driver’s door is slightly ajar. I open it and lean across the seat to grab my purse but it’s not on the seat where I usually have it, instead it’s dumped
out on the floor. That’s strange but not surprising, as it happens at least once a week. I really need to put myself to bed.

  Exhaustion hits me like a bullet and I don’t bother plugging in my phone to the charger as I toss my purse on the kitchen counter and head to my bedroom. Even though it’s late, I know my girls will be up early, demanding my attention.

  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  I feel them staring. Both woke up a little cranky, demanding cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Full of sass and bordering on disrespectful, I sent them back to their rooms until they found their manners. Now, standing before me, they’re as quiet as church mice. Their request for breakfast won’t be any different, and even if it would make my life a little easier today, I won’t give them what they want as a reward for poor behavior.

  Slipping my earbuds from my ears, I slowly turn my head to face my girls. Still wearing their pajamas, they look adorable standing together, holding hands with Cali clutching her bunny close to her. Ari’s hair looks like she lost the battle with an electrical surge. They’re a mess and perfectly perfect.

  “Good morning,” I greet them.

  “Morning, mommy.”

  “Are you girls feeling better?” A pair of heads bob, and I step off the barstool and go about pulling ingredients out for breakfast. “Why don’t you both go play for a bit while I whip up some breakfast.”

  “Mmkay. Mama?”

  Setting the eggs on the counter, I turn to face Ari. “Yeah, baby?”

  Rushing toward me, Ari wraps her arms around my waist. With her head buried in my abdomen, I hear a little sniffle. Squatting down to her level, I push her unruly hair from her face.

  “Why are you crying?”

  “I don’t like making you sad. I want you to smile and laugh like Nick’s mom.”

  “Oh, Arizona. I’m not sad. I was frustrated with you this morning because you were a little sassy.” Tapping her nose, I offer her a huge smile.