Mistletoe Baby: A Crescent Cove Bite

by Taryn Quinn

  He toyed with the sash. “I like the idea of that.”

  I turned in his arms. “You’re easy to please.”

  “You naked is pretty much my favorite amusement park.”

  I laughed as I cupped his cheek. “I love you, Cal.”

  He straightened up a little and caught my wrist. He swallowed thickly. “You don’t say it a lot, but I know you do.”

  “Saying it isn’t easy for me, but this past year has shown me what it’s like to love. I’m so grateful for you and our little girl. And that you’ve given me so much time and patience to figure it out.”

  He dropped a light kiss on my lips. “You’re worth waiting for. Besides, I’ve got a ring on it.” He brushed his nose along mine. “I know you’re not going anywhere.”

  “How about we put another ring on? You too, this time.”

  A smile spread across his face. “Are you asking me to marry you? Didn’t we already do that?” He picked up my left hand and kissed my ring.

  “Yeah, but I think we should do the real deal. The ceremony and the family, the dress and all the crazy that goes with it. Though I’m thinking more of a small thing. Maybe in our backyard in front of the lake.”

  “Yeah?” He cleared his throat. “I could get behind that.”

  “I’d say Valentine’s Day, but it might be a little chilly. So, how does May sound to you?”

  “I say it sounds like a damn fine Christmas present. Do I get to show you mine now?”

  “Could it be on the easel?”

  “Maybe.” He flicked the tail of my robe. “Might want to close that though, or I’ll never get through the unwrapping, because I enjoy unwrapping you way more.”

  I cinched my belt and followed him to the tree. I touched the tip of a mockingbird ornament I’d found in Kinleigh’s shop. She always had the best ornaments. I’d never really had a reason to buy them until now.

  Cal grabbed my hand and dragged me over to the easel. “Okay, open it.”

  “No ceremony or ritual this time?”

  “No. Just nerves.”

  I hooked my finger around his pinky. “I always love your paintings.”

  “I know. Just I worked hard on them.”

  “Them?” I moved in front of the easel and carefully untied the ribbons from the corner. I laid the long streamers and carefully constructed bow on the chair in the corner. Then I pulled the washi tape from the back of the package. It was so lovingly wrapped that I had a feeling I shouldn’t rip into it.

  Even if my guy’s impatience practically vibrated through the room.

  But I was rewarded for the careful attention. On the inside of the kraft paper were little pencil drawings of Faith and I through the last few months. Me breast feeding her, us going for a walk around the lake, Faith sleeping on her daddy’s desk, and even a few of her nestled in blankets on his dropcloths.

  I laid the little treasures on our bed. Those would be going in my family book.

  I went back to the painting and peeled back the muslin covering. My heart tripped out of my chest at the soft focus portrait. Callum’s beloved white dress shirt had another starring role. This time, our daughter was cradled in my arms. My hair was gathered on top of my head, with a few tendrils teasing my neck and cheeks.

  Faith’s newborn face was pink and healthy and full of serenity as she gazed up at me.

  “Is this what you see?”

  “Every time.”

  My eyes misted as I touched Faith’s sweet face and the absolute awe on mine. “It’s beautiful, Cal. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

  “I’m glad. The two loves of my life right there.” He came up behind me. “And a little something extra back there too.”

  I lifted the canvas off the easel and found another painting. It was larger and more square. I tugged away the covering and laughed. “That’s so perfect.”

  The white shirt was pooled around Faith and a mass of Christmas lights on top of a pile of dropcloths. She was on her tummy and had the corner of the shirt collar in her mouth.

  “I figure we can have this less intimate painting for the downstairs.” He pressed the side of his cheek against mine. “A little painting history of our mistletoe baby every Christmas sounds like a perfect holiday tradition.”

  I spotted the tiny sprig of mistletoe in the corner of the painting with Cal’s signature.

  “Our mistletoe baby. I like the sound of that.”

  “So, what’s next? A firecracker baby?”

  I spun around and wrapped my arms around his neck. “What happens if the next baby is conceived on a Wednesday?”

  “So, you do want a next baby?”

  I shrugged. “Maybe. And I guess a firecracker baby sounds good to me too.”

  “And maybe a Valentine’s Day heart?”

  “Don’t push your luck.”

  He grinned. “I’m never going to stop doing that.”

  Thanks so much for reading Ellie & Callum’s story set in our baby crazy town of Crescent Cove.

  If you’d like to hear more about the MacGregor clan and those triplets we teased, make sure you sign up for our NEWSLETTER : https://geni.us/TarynQuinn-nl

  Thanks for reading MISTLETOE BABY. All we had was one seductive night, New Year’s Eve. No names. No phone numbers. No second chances. Then I accidentally ended up working as his nanny…and I just found out I’m pregnant.

  One-click CEO DADDY now.

  As Sheriff, I’m used to being in charge. But handling changing diapers and two a.m. feedings? Not so much. Luckily, my best friend Gina stepped up when someone left a baby on my doorstep. Now I can’t seem to remember we’re supposed to be just friends...

  One-click DADDY UNDERCOVER now.

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  CEO Daddy

  What was happening here? We weren’t even talking. Was this what occurred when under the influence of a lonely holiday meant for couples and some expensive champagne? I’d had a couple more sips in between rounds of Asher feeding me. Big, bolstering sips. The kind that made a normally shy, awkward woman feel bold.

  “No ring,” I said casually—or so I hoped. I’d had plenty of time to see his hand as it came closer to my mouth. “You’re single?”

  “Very. The kind of single that means I’m alone on New Year’s Eve, just as you are.” He lifted his thumb to his lips and licked off a stray crumb from the piece he’d just fed me. The movement was far more sensual than it had any right to be. “You are alone tonight, aren’t you, Hannah?”

  Something about the question and his use of my name made my throat tighten to the point that if I hadn’t gulped more champagne, I might’ve choked. This time, I didn’t mind the floaty feeling that overtook my body, or the resulting wave of warmth.

  “I’m alone far too much these days. But right now? No. Neither of us is alone.”

  He nodded, lowering his head for an instant while his jaw locked. He finally took a few sips of coffee before he met my gaze once again. “I have a room upstairs. Just for tonight.”

  Questions flitted through my mind.

  Who are you, Asher?

  Why did you pick me to talk to?

  Was it just that I looked lonely, so I must be an easy target for sexual advances?

  In the end, I didn’t really care. We were both alone, and no one was waiting for me at home. What did it matter if I chose this handsome man to spend the evening with? No one would be hurt. And I would finally be able to cross one thing off my bucket list.

  Sex with a gorgeous man, ch
eck.

  Sex, period.

  But that didn’t mean I’d make it easy on him.

  “Who were the flowers for?” I stroked the downy soft petals of the pink tulip on top of the bouquet in my lap.

  “My grandmother.” He smiled wryly. “She thinks I need to get out more, so she’ll approve that I gave them to the most beautiful woman I’ve seen since…” He trailed off, looking uncharacteristically unsure. Even with only knowing him a very short while, I was quite certain Asher rarely faltered. “Ever.”

  “I believe you don’t get out much after that statement.” I rested my cheek on my fist. “My hair isn’t really blond, by the way. I put in a rinse today. Truth in advertising and all that.”

  “It doesn’t look blond. Not exactly. More like the color of honey.” His voice deepened. “Rich and luxurious.”

  “Glorious Tones hair color thanks you.” I toyed with the stem of my now nearly empty champagne glass. “When is the last time you approached a woman with that line about your room upstairs?”

  “Never. I’ve never had a room upstairs here before.” His lips twitched. “And to be honest, I don’t have one now. I wasn’t planning on staying until I saw you. Writing so furiously in that.” He nodded to my abandoned journal. “What were you writing?”

  “Where were you going after this?” I countered.

  “To my grandmother’s. She was going to be who I counted down to midnight with.” He finally reached for his champagne and took a single sip. Easing back in his chair, he licked his lips, slowly and surely. “I’d much rather kiss you once the ball drops.”

  “Which balls are we referring to?”

  I didn’t know if he’d find me funny or crude. It was usually half and half, depending on my company. But his laughter was quick and appreciative. “You’re different than I expected.”

  “Oh, really? What did you expect? A meek little mouse who’d trot after you and hop right into bed?” Okay, this had to be the champagne talking, because this was next level, even for me.

  “No. I wasn’t even thinking about bed when I came over here. I just wanted to hear your voice. To see if you ever smiled. You still haven’t, you know. Not at me.”

  “Smiles are earned. Keep trying. You might get there.”

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  Daddy Undercover

  Gina

  Working at the diner gave me a pipeline into the Cove. I was privy to all the town goings-on, and the hours had given me the freedom to play with a few side hustles over the years. Between working here and bartending at my sister’s bar, I didn’t want for cash. I preferred a simple life.

  “Mija!”

  I shut my eyes. Of course my family made that nearly impossible, but there was always hope in my heart.

  I set my tray down on the counter before turning around with a bright smile. “Mami.”

  Bonnie Ramos came at me like a freight train, enveloping me in her Lily of the Valley scent and freakishly strong arms. My mom was on a health kick which included food, yoga, and essential oils. I was pretty sure she was driving my father to his backyard garden oasis more each day. I only hoped he survived the winter since upstate New York meant snow as high as the rooftops some seasons.

  She pushed me away and squeezed my upper arms. “You’re melting away to nothing, nena.”

  “I am not, Ma.”

  She tsked then turned her attention toward my very pregnant sister. “Ahh, corazoncita, come sit down.” My mother shooed me away and hauled my sister, Erica, up the aisle and toward a booth.

  “Ma, I’m fine.” Erica huffed out an exasperated breath as she waddled in our direction.

  She’d given up the pretense of closing her jacket. Instead, she used colorful scarves to keep warm. I knew because I’d crocheted three of them for her in the last two weeks. Along with a bunch of baby things she’d find out about soon enough.

  “Will you fit?” I winced. “Sorry.”

  “Hateful,” Erica muttered and slid into the booth, but no, her belly definitely didn’t fit. Rather than crying about it, she just inched back and put her feet up on the bench-style seat. “My feet are swollen anyway. Might as well put them up.”

  “I can’t believe Jake let you out of his sight.” I hurried around the counter for a black coffee for my mother and a large glass of iced water for my sister. Thankfully, it was just before the lunch rush was due to start.

  I skirted around the other waitress working today. “Polly, I’m going to take ten.”

  “Okey doke.” She thumbed off a Lifesaver and the familiar clack of the candy rattling in her mouth followed me as I headed back to my family.

  I set down their drinks and slid in next to my mom. “What brings you guys in?”

  “I’ve been craving gravy fries.”

  “We were shopping at Kinleigh’s and August’s for a bassinet, and she dragged me over here.” My mom pulled out a single Splenda from the small dish near the window and dumped it into her mug. “That’s too much salt for you.”

  Erica rolled her eyes at our mom. “I don’t care.”

  “Nena, your ankles are already softballs.”

  “I don’t care,” she repeated. “I want fries with extra gravy and extra salt. And ice cream.” Erica made a big mound with her hands. “Maybe some fudge and extra cherries.”

  I laughed. “Ivy’s truck is only open on weekends, but I can probably get some from the café. The kind we have here isn’t exciting.”

  She grabbed my arm. “Could you?”

  My mom pointed before she lifted her coffee to her lips. “Do not encourage her.”

  Erica collapsed back against the wall. “I am—”

  My mom’s mug snapped on the Formica table. “You are not the only woman who has been pregnant. Just look around this crazy town, mija. Jacob indulges you too much!”

  Erica shoved on her sunglasses, but not without a quick eye roll that I was pretty sure our mother didn’t see.

  Good thing. We both had a healthy fear of our mother—and for good reason. Being an amalgamation of Italian and Spanish meant she was definitely the hothead of the household. Our father could hold his own, but she viewed his behavior as similar to my brother-in-law’s.

  We also had our dad wrapped. Put a little Elvis on and sit with him in the garden and we could pretty much get what we wanted. Not that I knew that from prior experience or anything.

  Erica rested her hand on her belly. “Jake realizes that a happy wife means a happy life. That and he doesn’t like the couch.”

  “I’ll remind you of that when it takes three extra months to lose the baby weight.”

  Erica’s finger tapped on the red sweater stretched to capacity, but she didn’t bother replying. We could never win an argument, so it wasn’t worth trying. Especially this one. My sister was glowing with health, but she was indeed a bit more swollen than usual.

  I knew she’d curse my name later when she was in the bathroom about eleven times, but it would cover us both. “Drink that whole glass of water, and I’ll make you a batch of my poutine.”

  Erica’s eyes widened as she sat up straighter. “What?”

  I shrugged. “I convinced Mitch to let me do the ordering for this week. I changed up the menu a little.”

  She lifted the water glass and drained it, and then pushed it my way. “Well, hurry up.”

  I swallowed a laugh when my mother gave me a narrow-eyed look. “What is this poutine?” My mother’s accent slid out like she was saying something disgusting.

  “Heaven,” Erica said with a smile.

  Welcome to the Ramos family of crazy. There’s so much more to come in the book. Sheriff Brooks has no idea what he’s in for!

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  Other Holiday Stories

  I hate Christmas. For years, I’ve avoided the holiday entirely. Until Kandy Kane enters my life—the same seductive mystery woman I danced with at a club last night. When she sho
ws up at my company the next day as our Christmas party planner, she’s desperate for help with her little problem. My hot elf in striped tights needs a last-minute Santa. Making deals is my specialty. And tonight, my terms are…her.

  One-click FILTHY SCROOGE now!

  Darcy Tucker hates Christmas. Ben Hartley, loves the holiday. Now they’re trapped together working on an important project, and he’s determined to make her holiday merry…and hot.

  One-click Holiday Sparks now!

  Three business partners and best friends—two male, one female—all tangled under the Christmas tree. But it’s only until the holiday, or is it?

  One-click UNWRAPPED now!

  Crescent Cove World

  What started out as a duet about twin brothers has now evolved into a small quaint town full of hot DILFs and baby mamas…P.S. watch out for the water.

  The who’s who of Crescent Cove

  Crescent Cove World Character Chart

  Crescent Cove Reading Order

  Crescent Cove Reading Order

  Sometimes our worlds collide…

  Rockstars & Babies Reading Order (no spoilers)

  Rockstars you say…

  Oblivion World Character Chart

  Taryn Quinn

  Have My Baby

  Claim My Baby

  Who’s The Daddy

  Pit Stop: Baby

  Baby Daddy Wanted

  Rockstar Baby

  Daddy in Disguise

  My Ex’s Baby

  Daddy Undercover

  Wrong Bed Baby

  Coming Soon

  Baby Be Mine

  Crescent Cove Standalones

  CEO Daddy