“Actually, it was good for me. You helped me see that I was stronger than those memories. So thank you for helping me see Christmas Present instead of Christmas Past.”
“Your father... Do you ever see him?”
“No.” That was another story of its own. “My mother refused to testify against him. But I refused to let him hurt us again. I got up on the stand and I sent my father to jail.”
Pepper pulled back. “You are the strongest person I’ve ever known.”
“My mother didn’t think so. I don’t think she ever forgave me for sending him to jail. And then when he died during a riot, it was my fault he died. My mother and I had a very strained relationship after all of that.”
She might have been there physically for the milestone moments of his life, but she hadn’t been there emotionally. They didn’t speak to each other about the important things in life. He never wanted to be like that with his child.
But with his parental role models, he felt doomed. Except there was Pepper. She was filled with sunshine and rainbows. With her to help him, maybe he could be the type of father he’d always wanted—patient, understanding and loving.
“Your mother seemed happy about the baby.” Pepper’s voice drew him from his thoughts.
He nodded. “She did, which surprised me.”
“Maybe it’s a chance for you two to reconnect.”
“I wouldn’t get your hopes up. I’ve been taking care of her financially and I thought it would make a difference, but there’s still this chasm between us.”
“Have you tried talking to her about it?”
He shook his head. “The past is best left alone.”
“What about just opening up to her about what’s going on in your life now? Maybe she isn’t sure what to say to you. Maybe if you took the first step...”
He’d never tried because he didn’t think his mother cared. But could Pepper be right? Was his mother waiting for him to make the first move?
“I don’t know,” he said. “I think she still blames me for his death.”
“The woman I saw, who got so excited about her future grandchild, didn’t look at you with anything but love in her eyes.”
“Really?”
“Really. Give her a chance. You might be surprised.”
He turned so he could look directly at Pepper. “And what about you? Do you regret getting involved with me now that you know just how damaged I am?”
She reached out and cupped his cheek, her fingertips brushing over his face. “I think you are strong, kind and resilient. You are not damaged. You are the perfect man to be a father to our baby...”
“But what if I turn out like my father?”
“You won’t.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because of the way you’ve cared for your mother, even though you think she blames you. And for the way you’ve cared for me, even before you knew about the baby. You have a good and honest heart. This baby will be all the better for having you in his or her life.”
Her words were a balm upon his scars.
He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. How had he been so lucky to have Pepper in his life? She didn’t see him as a rich man with connections; she saw him as he really was, warts and all. And still she was here in his arms.
Her mouth moved beneath his with a hunger of her own. Why exactly had he been holding her at arm’s length? The reason totally eluded him now.
And so with the heavy snow falling outside and the puppy cuddled with her teddy on the couch, Simon and Pepper moved to the nest of blankets and pillows in front of the fire. It was there that he held her in his arms and made tender love to her, showing her just how much she meant to him.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THIS WAS A bad idea.
A very bad idea.
And yet Simon let Pepper talk him into inviting his mother to the grand opening of the first Ross Pet Playground. He’d tried to tell her that his dysfunctional relationship with his mother was better left in private, but Pepper had looked at him with that pleading look in her eyes.
What was it about her that got to him? If it had been anyone else, he would have shut them down immediately. But Pepper, she was so optimistic, so caring. Except for the woman she called Grinchy Greta.
His people were uncovering every shady thing in her past. They were also tracking the generous donation he’d made to the shelter. It sounded like the Grinch would be dealt with in time for Christmas. He knew keeping the animals safe from that woman would be the best Christmas gift for Pepper.
Simon waited inside the new store as invited guests lined up on the sidewalk just on the other side of the giant red ribbon. A hired car pulled to a stop. His mother stepped out of the back seat of the black sedan with tinted windows.
She looked particularly pleased, especially when the press recognized her. They took her photo, which she posed for, smiling brilliantly.
Simon inwardly sighed. His mother was no shrinking violet. Once she’d got out from under his father’s thumb, she’d shown a surprising amount of spunk. Over the years, she’d made a point of putting herself out there, trying new experiences and meeting new people.
Simon glanced at his watch. Only two more minutes until the ribbon cutting. Even the news crews had arrived. But there was no sign of the one person who he really wanted to be here. Pepper.
She was the one who’d helped him take this pet shop to a new level with its gourmet bakery. With her recipes, it was going to be a huge success. He’d really wanted her to stand up here and cut the ribbon with him, but she’d refused.
But later, they’d share a private celebration with a glass of sparkling grape juice and a kiss beneath the mistletoe. He couldn’t wait. He had an early birthday surprise for Pepper.
Ninety seconds to go.
“Are you ready?” his assistant, Elaine, asked.
He nodded.
Another car pulled up. It was a business associate. Simon restrained a frustrated sigh. Behind that car was another. Would it be Pepper?
No.
He shoved aside his thoughts of Pepper, who would be here soon, just like she’d said she’d be. Instead, he needed to focus on this moment. Today was about... What was it about? It was more than a new store opening—much more. And it was no longer about conquering yet another challenge. His thoughts came full circle.
Today was more about Pepper. As she was the one who had given him the drive to make this a success—for more than himself. And Pepper would see that, if she would just show up.
“It’s time,” his assistant said.
He forced a smile to his lips as he kept checking to see if she’d arrived. He was so disappointed that she was going to miss this, because he had a surprise for her. One he was certain she would approve of.
But with the cameras rolling, he couldn’t stall. The show, as they said must go on. He stepped outside. A round of applause rolled over the crowd.
“Thank you all for coming.” All the while, his gaze scanned the crowd, searching for Pepper. “It seems like forever since we did something special like this for Ross Toys. And thanks to all of you, it’s going to be a huge success.”
Again, there was applause.
“But this moment is even more special for me because this accomplishment isn’t just for me.” Simon paused. He’d thought he saw Pepper. He scanned the faces again. Yes, there was she was, toward the back.
Simon placed his hand over the microphone in order to speak to Elaine, who was standing off to the side. “Pepper arrived. She’s in the back. Please escort her here.”
Elaine didn’t say a word but instead nodded and set off to take care of the task.
Simon turned back to the crowd. “Sorry about that. A special guest has just arrived. This person has helped me take Ross Pet Playground from just
another pet store to something extra special. I have a surprise announcement that hasn’t been released to the public.”
A hush fell over the crowd as they waited to hear the news.
“Within each and every Ross Pet Playground there’s going to be a gourmet bakery.” An excited murmur moved through the crowd. “We will be starting out with dog and cat treats that are not only tasty and cute, but also baked right in the store with top-of-the-line ingredients.”
Pepper appeared off to the side of the stage with Daisy in her arms. He gestured for her to join him. She hesitated and shook her head. He gestured again.
“And you have this wonderful baker to thank for the tasty treats.” When Pepper stepped forward, he said, “I would like to introduce the Polka Dotted Baker, Pepper Kane.”
Another round of applause. Questions were shouted from the press, but Simon ignored them. He wasn’t answering any questions until the ribbon cutting was complete. And he still had a surprise for Pepper.
“Pepper has a bakery right here in Manhattan.” And then he gave the address. “It is going to reopen in the New Year. I hope you’ll stop by and give her your support. Just wait until you try her coffee and pastries. They are out of this world.” He glanced over at Pepper, who was now blushing. She looked so adorable.
His assistant handed him a giant pair of scissors. When Pepper started to move away, he reached out to her. “Stay. You’re really going to want to hear this next part.” He turned back to the microphone. “Before I cut the ribbon, I have one more thing to say. With every purchase that’s made at Ross Pet Playgrounds, a portion of the profits will be donated to Daisy’s Friends. And if you’re wondering who Daisy is—” he moved next to Pepper and gestured to the puppy “—this is Daisy. She’s a rescue from a local animal shelter. She left behind lots of cuddly friends who need our help. Funds are limited and Ross Pet Playgrounds want to help by supporting local animal shelters.”
The loudest applause of all filled the air.
He gestured for his assistant to come forward. “Can Elaine hold Daisy for just a moment?”
Pepper’s brows drew together. “Simon, what are you doing?”
“You’ll see.” He helped transfer Daisy from Pepper’s protective arms to his assistant’s, who appeared to instantly fall in love with Daisy. He couldn’t blame her. That little dog had a way of worming into the most resistant heart.
He spoke into the microphone again. “Pepper, you’ve been so instrumental in making this opening a success that I’d like you to cut the ribbon with me. What do you say?”
Her cheeks were rosy as she nodded her head. He gripped one side of the scissor handle and she gripped the other. Together they snipped the ribbon.
And then they moved to the side as the doors swept open and all the guests were ushered inside the store, with its shelves filled with dog and cat toys and Christmas stockings stuffed with pet toys. The shop was decorated with Christmas decorations. In the center was an area for dog training, and along with the bakery expansion there was going to be an adoption center.
“You did a really great job,” Pepper said.
Elaine moved up to them and handed the docile Daisy back to Pepper. “I agree, boss. You really outdid yourself.”
“But it wasn’t me.” He was uncomfortable with taking the praise when it was Pepper and Daisy that had inspired the additions to the store.
Elaine turned to Pepper. “I don’t know how you did it, but I definitely like the change.”
His assistant walked away and Pepper wore a smile.
He was confused. “What did she mean?”
Pepper looked amused. “I think she was referring to you.”
“Me? I haven’t changed.” Had he?
“That was marvelous, darling.” His mother stepped forward and gave him a feathery kiss near his cheek. “I must say that I was surprised by the invitation.”
“You can thank Pepper. It was her idea. She thought you might enjoy it.”
“And I did.” Her gaze met his. “Thank you both for including me.”
For the first time in forever, he truly believed his mother. She wasn’t saying this to impress anyone. Maybe Pepper was right that his mother wanted a chance to mend their relationship.
Pepper elbowed him. He cleared his throat. “I’m glad you could make it on short notice.”
“I’ll always make time for my family.” His mother turned to Pepper. “I’ll be seeing you again soon, at the wedding.”
“Wedding?” Pepper sent him a distressed look. She was just as appalled at the thought of marriage as he was, which made him all the more certain that what he had planned for that evening was for the best.
“Mother—”
Before he could say more, a reporter made a beeline for them.
“Gotta go, darling.” His mother blew him a kiss and then conveniently slipped out to the waiting car and rode away.
He was jealous of his mother. He wanted to slip away from this crowd with Pepper, but he couldn’t do that. This was his brainchild and now he had to see that it was a success. And so he put on his best smile and did his best to dodge any personal questions, while attempting to keep the interview focused on the new store.
By the time he finished with the one reporter, there was another lined up. With the temperatures dipping, they moved inside. Simon looked around for Pepper but didn’t see her anywhere. He wondered where she’d gone off to. They had things to discuss.
* * *
What had just happened?
Pepper entered the penthouse with Daisy in her arms. “Did you hear that, Daisy? You have a charity named after you! That’s pretty cool, right?”
Arff!
Pepper smiled. She loved how Daisy tried to have a conversation with her.
“This means other puppies and kitties that are still looking for their ‘fur-ever’ homes will have funds for food, blankets and stuffed animals.”
Daisy appeared to be done with the chat, squirming in Pepper’s arms, wanting to be put down. She released the leash from Daisy’s collar and then placed the puppy on the floor. Daisy took off toward the bedroom as though on a mission.
Pepper headed for the kitchen. Her thoughts were all about Simon and how he hadn’t acted any different since they’d made love the other night. She thought it would have changed things between them. It’d changed everything for her. She couldn’t hide from the truth any longer.
I love Simon.
The breath hitched in her throat as she acknowledged this truth. If it wasn’t for the baby opening up her heart again to love, she didn’t know if she’d ever have had the courage to admit her feelings for Simon to herself or anyone else.
And she wanted him to love her too. But as more time passed and he acted like they were nothing more than roommates, she worried that he didn’t feel the same way. Or maybe she was just letting her nerves get to her.
She moved around the kitchen, placing the sponge cake layers on the island to frost with mascarpone frosting. She wasn’t sure when Simon would make it home, but when he did, she’d planned a small celebration. She just hoped it wouldn’t be too small.
She whipped the mascarpone cheese and then added the powdered sugar a little at a time. This was one of her favorite frostings, as it was so light and delicate. It was sweet without being overpowering. It enhanced the cake without taking over.
Daisy, dragging her teddy bear, entered the kitchen. Placing the teddy bear next to Pepper’s feet, she lay down. In just a few moments, Daisy’s eyes drifted closed. It’d been a big day for all of them.
As Pepper added the frosting to the top of each of the four layers, she thought about how things had changed between her and Simon. He’d come to accept Daisy, in fact, she’d caught them having a conversation the other morning when Simon thought she was still in bed.
He got up early and
took Daisy for her morning walk. He even fed her breakfast so Pepper could sleep in. For a man who didn’t like dogs, he was wrapped around Daisy’s tail.
Was this the beginning of the family that she’d always wanted? Her heart swelled with hope. After losing her family one by one, she was finally ready to build a new family. Her hand pressed to her slowly growing midsection.
With the cake completed, she positioned it on the kitchen island. And then she retrieved the card she’d picked up. It was a Christmas card, but she’d written him a note on the inside. And then to make the scene complete, she added two champagne flutes and an ice bucket with some sparkling grape juice.
She moved to the living room. Pepper turned on the tree lights and that was all. She loved the soft glow that filled the room. It’d grown dark even earlier than normal.
She moved to the tall window that gave an amazing view of downtown. The overcast sky led her to believe that there was more snow on the way. As if in acknowledgment, a lone snowflake fluttered past the window. She hoped Simon made it home before it got bad out.
She’d just curled up on the couch and turned on the remainder of An Affair to Remember when the front door opened.
“Simon, in here,” she called out.
He walked in and joined her on the couch. He glanced at the large screen television. “You didn’t get enough of this the other night?”
“Well, it is one of my favorite movies.” She arched a brow. “And we didn’t get to see the end. Remember?”
“Hmm... I might remember getting distracted.” His eyes sparkled with merriment. He was having fun with her.
With the way he was looking at her, with her own desire reflected in his eyes, her face filled with so much heat that she thought her hair would spontaneously catch fire. She remembered every single last delicious detail of what had happened the other night. The thing she didn’t know was where it left them. They’d been so busy and so distracted that they hadn’t had time to talk—until now.
As she turned off the television, she had the distinct feeling she wouldn’t see the end of it tonight either. Though she couldn’t complain. This distraction was definitely so much better than the movie.
Her Christmas Pregnancy Surprise Page 15
