Daddy's Christmas Date: A Single Dad Romance

by Piper Sullivan

  “I don’t know Hunter, I understand risks, but this is a little absurd.”

  “Craigslist, or better yet, mail-order-brides,” he said, looking at Adam, “It’s simple, they all want money, it shouldn’t take you long to find one that’s willing to play the part.”

  Adam rubbed his forehead, “You’re making a mistake, and besides, we can’t just take any woman, she will have to look the part, and women on these sites are desperate women with low self-esteem not at all your type and if Gregory finds out you’re duping him, you’ll lose more than just Old Stone. You’ll lose your credibility and honor, Gregory has a lot of contacts in high places, a stunt like this, can ruin you.”

  Hunter was aware of the risks, and perhaps he was acting too impulsively but he was determined to make Old Stone his, even if it cost him his freedom for the few months while he pretended to be the loyal husband. How hard could it possibly be, he thought to himself, four months, maybe six, give the woman an offer she cannot refuse just to keep the façade believable, and by the time Old Stone is his it will be a simple matter of divorcing.

  “Let me handle the fall out, you get the girl,” he said and left the boardroom.

  Chapter 2

  Paige was snuggled up in her bed with her laptop on her lap and her son Joshua still fast asleep next to her. Over two months ago, her best friend Jess convinced her that being single is not going to get her a ticket out of Lakewood, and on top of that having a child, made it even more difficult. After countless failed attempts at dating, and disastrous blind dates, she finally gave up on hunting and placed herself in the firing line. She decided that she would no longer go out to clubs and places hoping that she would find prince charming, no sir, this time they can find her. After much contemplation and weighing up the odds she went ahead and registered on Rose Brides, a website where in her opinion, desperate women – like her – offered themselves to become brides for similarly desperate men, who are too lazy to find the right woman to marry. There was an upside to this, she got to scrutinize each one herself, and if she didn’t like what she saw, she could simply move on to the next.

  She signed in and while she waited for her profile to load she glanced over at Joshua. He was her life, and all she really wanted was to be able to provide for him, give him everything his little heart desired, but working as a waitress, living on tips, there were nights where they had nothing but dry bread to eat. Sure she could go to her mother, try and make amends, but it was her mother who kicked her out of the house after she had fallen pregnant, and that day she vowed to never set foot her mother’s house.

  The page loaded and like every other day there were at least four messages in her inbox, she clicked on the first one and like so many others the profile pictures was missing. She hated those, if she couldn’t see the person’s face, and see if there was at least some attraction towards that man, she didn’t even bother with a reply.

  She was about to click on the next message when a chat popped up at the bottom right corner of her screen.

  S&S: Hello

  Paige bit her bottom lip, she was always very careful to respond to live chats and by the sound of the name it sounded like one of those sickos who were into dodgy sex fetishes. She hovered over the X with her mouse cursor, but then the next message popped up again.

  S&S: My name is Adam, how are you?

  At least he introduced himself, she thought, and click on the message box and replied.

  PaigedLit: Hi there

  The next message popped up almost immediately.

  S&S: I like your screen name.

  She quickly muted the sound to prevent it from waking Joshua. She sat for a second and contemplating if she should respond. He seemed sincere and normal in a way, but then they all do at first until you get to know them, she thought but responded anyway.

  PaigedLit: Thanks, I like to write.

  S&S: Lit=Literacy?

  Well at least he wasn’t an idiot, he quickly caught on what the Lit in her screen name presented, she thought and replied.

  PaigedLit: Something like that.

  S&S: Nice wordplay.

  Oddly she found herself smiling, but now was her turn.

  PaigedLit: What does S&S stand for?

  S&S: Company name

  Paige frowned at the response and replied.

  PaigedLit: ??

  S&S: It’s the company’s name.

  She stared at her screen confusedly for a moment, why on earth would someone want to sign up with his company name, she wondered, but then Googled it and found Stanton and Son exports of Beef. She found it a bit odd that he signed up with a company name profile; it’s almost like inviting a stalker into your living room by giving away your physical position.

  PagiedLit: Not very clever to give away your place of work, what if you picked up a stalker.

  A big LOL popped up on her screen and again she couldn’t help but smile. There was something about this person that made her feel comfortable and exited at the same time.

  PagiedLit: I could become a stalker.

  S&S: I highly doubt that. I have to go unfortunately, but I will be in touch.

  And just like that S&S was gone.

  Chapter 3

  Paige spent the rest of the day working at the bistro, and by the time she picked Joshua up from her neighbor and got home she was too tired to bother logging into Rose Brides, although she spent all day thinking about the stranger she chatted to earlier that day.

  “Mommy,” a little voice broke through her thoughts, and she smiled at the little replica of herself curling up next to her.

  “Hey sweetheart, did you have fun today?” she asked tucking a finger under his chin.

  “We played games,” he said and yawned, “I also want games like that.”

  Paige smiled and kissed the top of Joshua’s head, “I will make a plan to get you one, maybe for your birthday,” she said, even though she knew that at the current state of affairs, she’d be lucky if she could buy him a cake.

  Joshua turned onto his side, and fell asleep again, and Paige was left staring at the ceiling. Sleep was going to avoid her tonight, simply because of the fact that she had no idea how she was ever going to make her son’s dreams come true.

  She was about to go to the kitchen to make some coffee when her phone pinged with a message alert and when she read the text she was a little unnerved.

  I hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly, but I would like to propose something to you. Adam.

  How the hell did he know her contact number? She wondered slightly panicky and replied.

  How did you get my number? She texted back, and bit her lip.

  Can I rather call you to discuss the proposal?

  Before she could respond, her phone vibrated and she quickly answered.

  “How dare you call me when I have not agreed to anything?” she whispered annoyed.

  “Miss Carr, I’m Adam Muller, from Stanton and Son in Dallas, I’m calling you in connection with your online profile on Rose Brides,” he said casually.

  “I, yes, um, I didn’t really…” she started but was soon cut short.

  “I’ll get straight to the point, the request is somewhat unorthodox, but my boss would settle for no less,” he started, and continued to tell her about the proposal, explaining in detail that his boss needed someone to play the part of a wife for a few months, and then after that she would be free to live on her own, with all expenses paid until she eventually decided to marry someone else.

  Paige was dumbstruck and quite confused by the request, she stared at her phone for a brief moment and then said, “I think you may have the wrong candidate, you see Mr. Muller, I have a child and I doubt your boss would be keen on me filing the shoes of being his wife.”

  “On the contrary Miss Carr, you are exactly the candidate he insisted on, you see, you are whole package, and for the purpose of the deal, it’s nothing short of perfect,” Mr. Muller stated almost excitedly, “and believe me, if M
r. Stanton promises to see that you are well taken care off once the deal is concluded, there is no doubt that you and your child would have more than enough. What’s even better, your son will also be schooled at a private institution here in Dallas, and that alone will open many doors of opportunity.”

  For a moment Paige had no idea what to say, this was all just too surreal, what man in his right mind would make such an offer, it sounded like something out of a movie. She glanced over to where Joshua was asleep on the bed they shared in the shoddy one bedroom apartment. What if this was in fact, her ticket out of here, she wondered quietly.

  “Miss Carr, I know it’s sudden and under normal circumstances, a decision like this would require much thought, but Mr. Stanton would like to have our answer urgently,” the man on the other end said derailing her train of thought, “If you accept the offer, I will arrange for someone to collect you at your home in two days, and take you straight to the airport.”

  “T-two days?” she asked nervously.

  “Yes, and based on your social security number, I am also able to ensure that we will settle all your outstanding obligations once you have signed the contract, so you will be able to start on a clean slate, so do you accept?”

  “Well, I do…” she started wanting to ask for more information, like how they knew what her physical address was, or how they got her contact number in the first place. She was certain there was a privacy disclaimer she opted in for when she joined on the website.

  “Marvelous, I will start the necessary arrangements,” he said answering part of her question.

  “Excuse me, but how did you get my contact number?” she asked curiously.

  “Your number was registered under your profile,” he said sounding a bit confused.

  She could have kicked herself, she had this awful habit to spot read things, and miss critical details such as ticking the box to hide her personal details.

  “Very well, but how do I know you’re not one of those traffickers who lure unsuspecting women with an attractive offer only to sell them off as sex slaves?” she asked almost defensively. There was simply no way she was willing to risk her son’s life on some silly business just for the sake of false promises.

  “My apologies Miss. Carr, I can assure you this is nothing dubious, and no harm will come to your or your child, it’s a good and honest business deal, all you would have to do is play the part of a dedicated wife in the public eye,” the man paused and then continued, “If you’d like I am more than happy for you to arrange to have someone of your choice, perhaps a close family member or a friend escort you?” the man suggested.

  Although he sounded honest and legit in a peculiar way, she was still in two minds about this offer and although she often trusted her gut feel; it was currently as confused as a fish in a dishwasher.

  “I tell you what Mr…”

  “Adam,” he stated.

  “Mr. Muller,” she stated tautly, “I will arrange for my own transport to the airport, and if, in any way I feel threatened or uneasy, I will simply not get on that flight.”

  There was a brief silence, and then Adam agreed, “Of course Miss Carr. Now,” he continued, “you will be welcomed by our pilot, Jonas Bridges, who will take you and your son to our branded company jet, once boarded, my assistant will give you the contract to sign, there will be enough time during the flight to go through this contract, and any questions you may have, my assistant will be more than happy to answer. And once the contract is signed, we will release the funds of your first installment, part to cover your bills, and part for spending.”

  “Agreed,” she said still feeling uneasy, but with the fact that they will be getting on a branded company jet had to mean something, after all, she highly doubted a criminal organization will go through such extremes as to brand their mode of transport for illegal trafficking.

  Chapter 4

  As nervous as Paige was upon her arrival in Dallas, she couldn’t help but appreciate the breathtaking landscape and thankfully it wasn’t much different to home. Maybe coming here was not such a bad idea after all; she thought quietly as she watched how excited Joshua was. He kept jumping from one window to the next in the back of the car just to see the horses and cattle that roamed around so freely.

  “Mommy, look!” Joshua shouted and pointed to the large wrought iron gates and the magnificent house that peeked out from behind them. “Is that where we are going?”

  Paige glanced over at the driver in the rear view mirror and he gave her a slight nod.

  “I believe it is my boy,” she said and ruffled his hair.

  “That is so cool,” he said excitedly and hopped to the window on the left plastering his little hands and nose up against the window to get a better view.

  As they approached, the gates opened automatically and they drove through and for the umpteenth time, she felt that familiar flutter of excitement and nerves wreaking havoc in her stomach.

  “Welcome to the Stanton Ranch Miss. Carr,” the driver said with a friendly smile as he continued along the paved driveway.

  Maple trees stood tall on either side of the driveway, and the house was surrounded by a beautiful green lawn and flower beds that comprised of a variety of different color roses, it was very obvious that the garden was taken care of by a professional botanist. For a moment she wondered once again, who her pretend husband would be, the time she had before her flight, she tried to search for some information on the owners of the Stanton and Son ranch online, but other than their names, there were no other indication as to what they looked like.

  The car pulled up to the front door, and an elderly man who introduced himself as Albert, met them at the stairs and then led them both inside.

  The inside of the house was just as grand, and as Albert took them from one room to the next, she couldn’t help but choke back tears. This was only be a temporary arrangement, but once she paid her dues she would be able to find a small apartment for her and Joshua here in Dallas and start over, she’ll get a paying job that doesn’t require her to work night shifts, and finally be the mother she wanted to be.

  “Right this way Miss. Carr,” Albert said as he headed for the stairs, “I’m sure you will be more than pleased with your rooms.”

  “Rooms?” she asked curiously.

  “Yes, Mr. Stanton arranged for your own room and your son will have his own room too.”

  “Oh no, that won’t be necessary, Joshua can stay with me in my room,” she said smiling.

  “I have my own room?” Joshua chirped in and shot up the staircase. “Can I have my own room please mommy?” he begged as he reached the landing.

  “I assure you he will enjoy the room Miss Carr; the room was furnished for a five year old,” Albert said smiling as he led the way.

  As expected, Joshua was on cloud nine when he discovered that he had his own TV and gaming console in his room, on top of that, he had a double bunk bed that looked like a pirate ship. Paige’s heart cramped painfully for her son, he was so excited, and knowing that this will all be gone in few months, left her nervous, but for now she was going to simply let him enjoy the luxuries. As time goes on she will prep him for when they need to say goodbye to this place, which was bound to happen.

  Her room on the other hand looked like something out of an interior decorating magazine; it was beautifully and delicately decorated. Muted pastel colors and a soft plush double bed contributed to the serenity she felt as she stepped into the cool room.

  “I will send one of our ladies to call you when Mr. Stanton arrives,” Albert said, and with a slight nod he left her alone in her room.

  Chapter 5

  Hunter arrived at the ranch later than expected. He initially planned to meet the woman who would be his key to the Old Stone deal personally upon her arrival, but got held up at the office, thanks to a few last minute meetings, either way he was here now.

  Although on face value he appeared self-assured and resolute, he couldn’t help but feel sl
ightly anxious. He was about to meet a woman he was paying to be his wife, on top of that one with a child. He knew what he was doing was above and beyond reproach, but suddenly he had a very uneasy feeling. Here was a woman, who was desperate enough to sell herself and her dignity and expose her child to a complete stranger, putting him at risk for believing he stood a chance at a normal life, and giving the child false hope of having a father. What kind of a woman would do such a thing, he thought bitterly, and what kind of man was he, to take advantage of such a woman, he thought disappointedly but his disappointment was soon discarded when Albert entered the study.

  “Mr. Stanton, Miss. Carr and her son have settled in, can I bring them through?” Albert asked interrupting his train of thought.

  He looked up at the portrait of his mother, knowing that if she were still alive, she would have been completely turned against the idea of using a woman and a child just so that he could seal the next best deal. For a brief second, shame knocked on his conscience, but he quickly silenced it.

  “Yes, thank you Albert,” he said tonelessly.

  After a while, Albert returned, “Mr. Stanton, this is Paige and Joshua Carr,” Albert introduced and then quietly exited the study.

  Deja vu hit Hunter like a ton of bricks the moment he laid eyes on Paige and memories flooded back like a mental tsunami trying to destroy everything in its wake, and by the look on her face, the feeling was clearly mutual. He looked at her, then at her son, then back at her.

  Paige froze the moment she laid eyes on Hunter; it was as if destiny decided to play a cruel joke on her. The very man who swept her off her feet all those years ago, telling tall tales of love and passion, the same man who left her out cold when he decided to bail without as much goodbye, now stood before her.