For The Love of Easton : A Single Parent Romance and Sequel to For The Love of English

by A. M. Hargrove

  “How?” Would he kiss me again?

  “I’d look you straight in the eyes and you’d be able to tell I wasn’t lying.”

  “Oh.”

  “Don’t sound so disappointed.”

  Embarrassment wrapped itself around me in the form of a hot oven. My face must’ve appeared sunburned. “I’m not. It wasn’t what I expected you to say.”

  “What did you expect me to say?”

  I couldn’t very well tell him what I was thinking, so I answered with a lame, “Not really sure. But something with a little more snark.”

  “Nope. I left all my snark at home.”

  By then we pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and he went directly to valet parking. The door was opened by an attendant and I got out and waited for Tristian. We entered and were quickly escorted to our table.

  “I’ve wanted to eat here forever. My parents love this place.”

  “Then I’m happy I chose it.”

  During dinner our conversation ranged from photography—of course—to where we’d traveled. He had a keen desire to see the world, as did I, and he was interested in photography of animals, like my father.

  “I remember as a little kid when Dad went off to do a polar bear shoot. Mom tried to explain that they weren’t all fuzzy and cute. I wouldn’t hear of it. Now I know how dangerous and freezing it was.”

  “I’d love to go out there and do a shoot like that.”

  “He took me once when I was older, a teenager. We sat in the cold for a week, waiting for them to show up. They finally did, but I froze my ass off.”

  His mouth curved up as he said, “I sure can’t tell by the looks of you.”

  I was confused momentarily, until it smacked me in the head. “Haha, funny.”

  When he took me home, I expected him to come inside. We’d had such a great evening, I didn’t want it to end, but unfortunately, he was too much of a gentleman. After walking me to the door, he waited for me to unlock it, then kissed my cheek and left. I’d never been so disappointed in my life. Only the thought of dinner tomorrow night made my spirits lift.

  But on Saturday my crazy-as-hell dad ruined everything. What was going on in his head? When did the father ask the guy to marry his daughter in the twenty-first century? This was bumfuck insane.

  “Dad! What did you just say?” I shouted.

  “Beck! I thought we were both going to talk to Tristian privately.”

  “Mom! Are you in this too?” I was furious. My mom, who had always backed me up in everything, was obviously a part of this insane scheme.

  Then all eyes turned toward Tristian as he stood there looking gobsmacked. It could not have been worse. How had this all gone so wrong?

  “Tristian, I’m so sorry my parents have both lost their minds. Maybe we should leave and start this evening all over.”

  “Um, er, actually, English, I was going to talk to your father tonight about something.”

  I did not care for the sound of his tone. “Oh? About what?” He shuffled his feet, unsure of things. “Spit it out. It can’t possibly be as bad as what Dad said.”

  “It was on that same subject. I was going to ask him about marrying you.”

  Now I was the gobsmacked one. “Wait one minute. Why is this discussion taking place between you two? Don’t I have a say in the matter?” I crossed my arms and tapped my toe. Since I was the one who would be getting married, had it not crossed either of their idiotic minds to explore this with me? “What the hell is wrong with all of you?” I didn’t wait for an answer. I grabbed my purse and stomped out of the house.

  “English, wait.” Tristian followed me. I ignored him. I didn’t live far and it was within walking distance. But I wasn’t going home. I was going to Banana and Geepa’s. They were the best to talk things over with, and maybe they would take my side, as it seemed everyone else in the Bridges household had jumped on the crazy train.

  When he tugged on my arm, I had no choice but to stop. “Tristian, we have nothing to say to each other. I’m appalled that you didn’t consider talking to me first.”

  “I wanted to ask for your hand. And besides, I wasn’t sure what your reaction would be.”

  Humph. “Now you have your answer. Apparently I’m not… honestly, I don’t know what I am, but you must not think highly enough of me to consult with me on our marriage!” By the time the sentence ended I was shouting.

  “That’s not it. Can I be honest?”

  “By all means, because until now, I’m not sure what you’ve been.”

  He paralleled his hands. “It’s difficult to explain and you’re going to think the worst of me.”

  “I already think that.”

  “I understand, but this is different.”

  “Fine. Go ahead.” My clipped tone should’ve been an indication my patience was at an end. Only he still took his time.

  “My brothers and I have sort of been estranged. My mother and sister are… let’s just say they’re a different breed altogether.”

  “Tristian, what the hell does this have to do with us?”

  “Please, bear with me. I’m getting to that.”

  I put a hand to my forehead and took a long cleansing breath. Why did this conversation remind me of when I’d been in labor? “Okay, go on.”

  “My father and I were never close, never saw eye-to-eye. I wanted to be a photographer and he wanted me in the family business, so I left and he disowned me. I made it on my own, obviously, but at the reading of his will, I was the one who inherited it all.”

  “Tristian, this all is very interesting, but again, what does this have to do with marriage?”

  He finally dropped the bomb and it was an atomic one. “In order for me to inherit, I have to be married or everything goes to charity.”

  The fucker wanted to marry me to save his family fortune. Money. That was what I amounted to. The lousy dollar.

  “No, thank you.” I turned and headed toward my grandparents’.

  “But you haven’t heard everything.”

  “I’ve heard enough. If there’s more, I’m not interested.”

  “My family will lose everything it’s worked for. I don’t give a damn for me as I’m not in the business. It’s my two brothers I’m concerned about. Wouldn’t you do the same?”

  “Yes, I would be concerned. No, I would not throw anyone under the bus for money.”

  “Dammit, that’s not what I’m doing, and if you’d give me some time to explain everything, I’d fill in all the blanks.”

  “Know what? Save your breath. I’ve heard as much as I need to know. I’m not anyone’s bargaining chip. I had you pegged for an ass and you’ve certainly lived up to it. Find some other woman to fill the role. No doubt they’re falling at your feet.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? And I don’t want just anyone. I want you.”

  “Too bad. Looks like you’re shit out of luck.”

  “What if I told you I was head over heels for you?”

  “You think I’d fall for that? Too late.”

  “Then what about this?” He moved into my space, crowding me, and before I could back away, I was in his arms as he kissed me. Seemingly, every emotion he owned was poured into that kiss as flames licked my belly and ignited my blood. My body pressed against his from head to toe as he consumed me. I fought, fought hard not to respond, but it was an epic failure. It was trying to pretend like I hated ice cream, which simply wasn’t possible. When he released me, I had to find my footing since my legs were now spaghetti. Not only that, I panted like a fucking cat in heat. Why couldn’t I control myself around him?

  “Deny it if you will, but it would be a lie. You’re into me as much as I am you. And I am going to make it my life’s mission to make you see how much.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Tristian

  My kiss and what I said that followed hit the mark. She was silent as she gawked at me.

  “Are you going to stand there and stare
, or can we go back to your parents’ house so we can have a true conversation?” I winked at her. That should get her going.

  It didn’t. She was still frozen as she blinked, not once but several times. Fuck that. I kissed her again and she moaned. This time I wanted to strip off her clothes, but we were on the sidewalk and that wouldn’t work out too well. Instead, I picked her up and carried her back to Beck and Sheridan’s house. When I got to the front porch, I set her down.

  “Can we please go inside and discuss this like two adults?”

  She nodded instead of giving me a verbal response. We walked inside to an empty house. I led her to the sofa and we sat.

  “We both have a dilemma and it’s going to get solved one way or another. Here’s what I propose. We get married, and I’ll have my attorney draw up a contract for three years. If, at the end of that three years, you and I decide to part ways, you can walk away, no questions asked, with an agreed-upon sum of money to do whatever you want with. Put it in a fund for Easton, use it for college education, whatever. I realize you don’t need the money, but wouldn’t it be nice to have her education paid for? As I see it, marrying me could also afford you and Easton some protection now when you need it the most. You could move in with me, I could move in with you, or we could build or buy something out here. I would be around if that asshole tried to bother you again. I am sincerely worried about you and your daughter. It’s a win-win for both of us.”

  She played with her sleeve and didn’t say anything at first. I was silent, allowing her time to digest this.

  “I don’t know. Marriage is a huge step, even if it is fake. What if we hate each other?”

  “You think we would?” It was an honest question because I couldn’t fathom it.

  “I don’t know,” she blurted out, frustration coating each word. Then she dropped her head into her hands.

  “I promise to treat you well, and if I don’t you can kick my ass.” The comment was meant to be funny, but the salty look she gave me told me she didn’t think it was. “I have an idea. Why don’t you sleep on it? Look at it from all angles, hell, talk it over with Stacey, and see what you think after a couple of days. We can always negotiate things so they are amenable to you.”

  English jumped to her feet. “It sounds like you’re buying a horse. I’m not a horse.” Her actions made me want to laugh as they reminded me of a child’s because she looked so damn cute. I didn’t say a word though because I figured it would further inflame her.

  “I’m sorry. It wasn’t meant to sound like that,” I answered in a calm tone. “What I meant was is that if I came up with a monetary figure that wasn’t agreeable to you, we could discuss it. That’s all.”

  Blue-green eyes met mine and I knew she was caving. Not caving to agree, but caving to consider it. I had to remind myself to take baby steps.

  “Okay, I’ll think about it, but I can’t promise you anything more than that.”

  “It’s all I’m asking.”

  We both heard footsteps running from the stairway and our attention was diverted.

  “Mr. Trishan!” Easton ran full force toward me and flew onto my lap. This kid liked me, so I had that on my side.

  “Hey, sport.”

  “I’m not a sport. I’m a princess.”

  “Yes, you are, and I can tell by your crown.”

  “Silly, it’s not a crown, it’s a tiara. Are you staying for dinner?”

  “I just might. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah. Will you play Cinderella with me? You can be the mean stepmom.”

  “Why should I be the mean stepmom?”

  “Cuz I’m gonna be Cinderella, silly.”

  “Oh. Can’t I be the prince?”

  “Nope. You’re too old.”

  “Hmm. I guess I’m the mean stepmom then.”

  “Mr. Trishan, are you gonna marry my mommy?”

  Oh, man. This was falling right into my lap. I really shouldn’t, but how could I pass up an opportunity like this? “Do you want me to?”

  “Yes. She’s real pretty and she needs a daddy.”

  “I think you mean a husband.”

  Easton clapped her hands and said, “Yeah, that. A hussand.”

  “You know something? I’d love to marry your mommy but I’m not sure if she wants to marry me.”

  “Why not?”

  “I think because she’s not ready.”

  Easton turned to English and asked, “Mommy, why aren’t you ready to marry Mr. Trishan?”

  “Peanut, that’s not something you ask someone.”

  “Why not?”

  “It just isn’t. Where is Rey? You two are supposed to be playing.”

  “She’s on the phone and she won’t play Cinderella with me. She only wants me to kick the ball.” Easton swung her arms back and forth as she stared at English.

  “Maybe that’s what you should do.”

  “But I don’t like it. I want to play princess instead.”

  Maybe if I said something it would help. “Easton, sometimes it helps to broaden your interests. Do you know what that means?”

  Her head moved side to side as she gazed at me with her huge eyes.

  “It means that sometimes it’s more fun than you think to try out different things. Then you find other things that you like. If you never try things, you won’t learn new ideas or activities. Do you understand?”

  “Yeah, but I played the ball with Rey and she doesn’t let me kick it much. She just makes me chase it and bring it back to her so she can kick it.”

  Sounded like Rey was using Easton for a ball girl.

  “Mommy will talk to Rey right now.” English went outside, leaving me alone with Easton.

  “Are you really going to marry Mommy?”

  “You might need to ask her that. I’d like to, but she has to decide if she wants to marry me.”

  “Can we all marry you?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t think of marrying her and not including you.”

  “Yay.” Easton jumped and clapped her hands again. “We’re getting married to Mr. Trishan.”

  “You better wait and let your mommy decide if that’s going to happen.” I had this adorable girl on my side, but I also didn’t want English to despise me for it.

  Easton patted my knee. “Don’t worry, Mr. Trishan, I’ll make her do it. Like sometimes when she doesn’t want to go and get ice cream, I talk her into it.”

  English came back in with Rey. When they got to where Easton and I were, she nudged Rey.

  Rey looked at Easton and said, “Come on, peanut. I promise to let you kick the ball from now on.”

  “Nope. I don’t wanna. I wanna practice being a princess because Mr. Trishan is gonna marry Mommy and she’s gonna be a real princess and so am I. We’re gonna get us real princess dresses for that day.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Tristian

  English’s mouth pressed into one hard line. I would not have been surprised if smoke blew out of her nostrils. It was understandable. She’d left for five minutes and returned to a wedding planned by her daughter. “Easton, where did you hear that?”

  “Mr. Trishan told me, Mommy. Didn’t you?”

  I wondered what guilt looked like as it was written all over me. “I told her I’d like to marry you, but you’re the one who has to decide.”

  “Say you will, Mommy! Say yes and then Mr. Trishan can be my daddy.” Easton did a little spin and then stopped. “Can I still get Bucker if you’re my daddy?”

  “Bucker?” What was that?

  “He’s only a little Bucker. Banana and Geepa will help.”

  An exasperated huff exploded out of English. “Hold on a minute. I never said you could get Bucker.”

  “Banana and Geepa did.”

  “What’s Bucker?” I asked again.

  “A puppy. A little one and he can sleep in my bed.”

  Easton grinned and honest to God, with her missing front tooth, I had to quench the laugh that threatened
. “I don’t mind Bucker.”

  English glowered at me and Easton yelled, “Yay. I get Bucker.” She spun around the room and said, “Mr. Trishan, I’m under the rainbow. Are you?”

  Not knowing exactly what that meant, I said yes with the hopes it was a good thing.

  “Mommy, me and Mr. Trishan are under the rainbow. Are you?”

  English looked like a grizzly bear ready to growl. “Not exactly.”

  “Why not, Mommy?” Easton tugged on her leg.

  “Because Mommy needs to be asked certain things before they’re agreed upon.” English’s eyes, which had turned into chips of blue ice, froze me in my place, only I happily smiled in return. That would probably piss her off even more, but the child was thrilled. That had to count for something.

  With a growl, English said, “Would you two go play soccer? And Rey, remember your promise?”

  “Right. C’mon, Easton.” They went out, leaving me with a pissed-off English. Fun times.

  Through gritted teeth, she said, “I can’t believe you. You are undermining my authority as a parent.” Spit managed to come out with the p.

  “Me? How?”

  “Bucker. I don’t want a dog. I can barely keep up with things as is.”

  “About that, I think your grandparents were the ones who started it.”

  “While that may be true, you were the one who put the final nail in the coffin. I told her no to Bucker and now you told her yes to Bucker. Not only that, if I don’t marry you, I’m going to look like a piece of shit to her. She adores you, hangs off every one of your words. If I say no to that, how will that make me look?”

  English was right and I knew it. I’d backed her into a corner on purpose, which was the worst thing to do. When the opportunity presented itself, I’d jumped, without looking at it from her perspective.

  “I’m so sorry. Not being a parent, I didn’t think about it like that. But you are absolutely right. How can I correct things?”

  “You can’t! That’s the problem. Once you say something to her, she never forgets it.”

  “What if I take care of Bucker? Would that help?”