Saved by the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle Book 3)

by Whitley Cox

  The mood in the room shifted, and everyone grew quiet and still. Mason stopped playing his guitar, and they all just sat there, watching Liam and Scott.

  Finally, Liam hung up. His mouth was in the saddest, deepest frown Paige had ever seen.

  “Fuck,” Mitch murmured beside him, “I hope nothing happened to Jordie.”

  Scott and Liam spoke with their heads drawn down. Scott’s eyes went wide, and then he brought his brother in for a hug. It was odd to see the Dixon brothers looking so serious. For the entire night, they’d been chatty and kept everyone in stitches.

  Once again, everyone exchanged curious and concerned glances across the studio.

  Without a word to anyone, Liam left, his head hung low and his whole body shaking.

  Scott rejoined the group, his own eyes a touch watery.

  “Jordie okay?” Mark asked, standing up and approaching Scott.

  Scott swallowed. “Yeah, he’s fine. It’s just a friend and colleague of Liam’s just died.”

  Mark hung his head. “Oh no.”

  Murmurs of sorrow and condolences filled the room.

  “He’s got to go deal with a bunch of shit now. They were like best friends.”

  “Fuck.” Zak ran his hands through his dark red hair. “It was Dina?”

  Scott nodded.

  Zak blew out a breath and hung his head, shaking it. “She belonged to the gym.”

  “Liam is her in-case-of-emergency person, seeing as her brother was a SEAL and often away on a mission. Liam’s gone to call Aaron now.”

  Silence fell among everyone as they took in the gravity of the situation. They didn’t know the woman that had died, but it was the friend of a friend, and given how much loss Adam, Violet, Mitch and Paige had been through over the last few years, the news of any death was jarring.

  That was the cue for their night to end.

  Slowly, the studio emptied, leaving just Mitch and Paige to clean up.

  Mitch locked the front doors and turned up the music, and Paige put a doorstop between the studio and the restaurant so that she could come and go between the two, and then they went to work.

  They worked in a companionable and comfortable quiet. Once in a while, he’d stop her mid-stride as she carried a tray back to her restaurant and plant a kiss on her lips or grab her butt cheek. It was these small touches of intimacy that meant the most to her, that she found herself craving and looking forward to, each time they caught each other’s eye across the room.

  She was excited for the days when they worked next door to each other and he would pop by for a kiss or she would bring him lunch and they could cuddle up on his couch and eat together.

  The countdown was on, and she couldn’t wait.

  It was nearly eleven o’clock by the time they finished tidying up, and both collapsed on the couch, limp-limbed, tired-eyed and pleased as punch. Mitch handed her a glass of white wine and then grabbed her legs and draped them over his lap, pulling her shoes off and running the pad of his thumb up the length of her instep.

  “Holy mother of God.” Paige shut her eyes and melted into the couch. “That feels incredible.”

  He kneaded her heel and the ball of her foot, working his long, nimble fingers in between each of her toes and working out the aches and cramps she didn’t even know she had.

  “You did it, baby,” he purred, trailing one hand up her ankle and calf to massage those tight muscles. “Everyone loved your food. There was nary a crumb left over.”

  She didn’t bother to open her eyes. She wasn’t sure if she could. She simply hummed a reply. “Mhmm. I’m glad.”

  Mitch’s warm, throaty chuckle swept over her. “And the way you stood up to—”

  She cut him off. “Don’t say her name. She’s Voldemort. She who must not be named.”

  “But then you give her power.”

  “You can’t give power to nobody. I just don’t want the discussion of her to harsh my buzz right now. Her name is a total downer. I’m close to an orgasm from what you’re doing right now, the wine is flowing through my veins, and I just successfully completed my first catering gig. Let me enjoy this.”

  The rumble from his laughter vibrated through his fingers and into her feet. She was closer than ever to coming. How did he do it?

  “You earned every orgasm, every buzz, every bit of happiness flowing through you, baby.” He switched to her other foot and delivered the same exquisite torture he’d given to the other one.

  Unable to control the moan that slid up her throat and past her lips, Paige let her hand wander until she felt Mitch’s hard-on beneath her thigh.

  “Do you have a condom?” she asked, rubbing his length and enjoying the feel of him growing beneath her palm.

  “Feeling like we need to keep this celebration going?”

  “Mhmm.”

  “Front pocket.”

  She didn’t open her eyes. It was more fun going on a blind hunt in search of the treasure. In search of the golden foil packet.

  She was scheduled to meet with her doctor shortly after Labor Day to finalize everything for her surgery. Once it was done and she was through the recovery period, she and Mitch could throw away the condoms and go without.

  Now that would be a day to celebrate.

  She couldn’t wait to feel just him inside her. No barrier, no protection. Because the last thing she needed protection from was Mitch. Mitch would never hurt her. Mitch had done nothing but save her. He taught her how to love herself again, how to go after her dreams and face her nightmares.

  She wanted him to come to her doctor’s appointment with her, be her rock, an extra set of ears and the hand she knew she’d need to hold.

  He released her foot, and she suddenly found herself beneath him. She pressed the condom to his chest at the same time she finally opened her eyes.

  His smile stole the oxygen clear from her lungs.

  “Be proud of yourself, Paige.” He wedged her knees apart and settled himself between her legs. They were both still fully clothed, but she knew they wouldn’t be for long. Besides, there was something erotic and fun about making out on a couch completely dressed. It wasn’t just the extra layers of fabric between them but also the anticipation, the frustration, the tease of slowly undressing the other person to reveal another patch of bare skin.

  His lips fell to her collarbone. “Be proud of yourself and all that you’ve accomplished. And I’m not just talking about opening up the restaurant or the successful catering gig tonight. Be proud of everything you’ve done.” He lifted his head and stared directly into her soul. “Since meeting you, I’ve watched a transformation like nothing I’ve ever seen. It was a privilege to see you regain your confidence, to see you find your footing, find your zest and passion again. I love watching you with Mira. You’re an incredible mother, and you spoke up for yourself and asked for shared custody. You’re moving out of the pool house, and you faced your demons. Or should I say the demon. You put Voldemort in her place.”

  A tear slipped down the side of Paige’s head into her ear. “I love myself again,” she whispered. “And it’s because of you.”

  He shook his head. “It wasn’t me, baby. It was all you, and don’t you forget that. All I did was show you the way the world sees you. Your beauty, your confidence, and everything you have to offer. It pained me when you couldn’t see it for yourself, when you viewed yourself with such blinders on.”

  “But you pulled off the blinders. You saw something in me that I thought was lost, that I didn’t think anyone else could see anymore.”

  He pulled at the fabric on the shoulder of her black T-shirt and planted a kiss on her bare skin. “And now the world can see it. Now the world can see how much you are loved and how much you love.”

  She brought his mouth down to hers, but before they kissed, her tongue stole out and slid across his lips. “I hope the world can see how much I love you. Because I do love you, Mitch. So much.”

  She felt him smile against he
r lips. “It can, and so can I. But right now, let’s keep the world out and just focus on us.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  23

  Paige’s doctor stopped typing on her laptop and leveled her gaze at Paige. “How did your consultation with the surgeon go?”

  Paige nodded. “It went well.”

  “He went over everything you’re to expect? Your recovery time, how to take care of the incision?”

  They’d been through all of this. Why did they have to rehash it all? Sighing, she nodded again. “He did. But I have been through two cesarians, so I know how it goes.”

  Dr. McKinnon’s head bobbed. “Right. Okay, well, a tubal ligation is different than a cesarian. Similar recovery time but very different surgeries.”

  “They’re removing something either way,” Paige said blandly, frustrated that they had to keep talking about this.

  Dr. McKinnon didn’t seem fazed in the least with Paige’s impatience. She just kept talking. “You’re on the list for the surgery, but Sandy in reception said she’s having issues with your insurance company. Could you please update her with any new information before you leave?”

  Paige nodded and frowned. “I switched insurance providers because I left Narcissus. This new insurance company is putting me through the wringer.” She growled. “It’s ridiculous.”

  The doctor’s eyes turned worrisome. “You quit your job?”

  “I was fired, actually.”

  The doctor paused from where she’d bent her head to type something on her laptop again, and a look of confusion but also worry passed behind her dark gray eyes. “Well, this is new news since the last time we spoke. What’s changed?”

  “I’ve started my own restaurant. I’m renting a small space. We’ve been open for less than a week, but we’re already really busy.”

  Dr. McKinnon’s mouth drew down into a small frown. “Are you going to be able to take time off for recovery? New businesses can be hard.”

  Ever since that night where she’d told ol’ Marcy Voldemort Thibodeaux to take a hike, Paige hadn’t let a damn thing fluster her. She was like a new person. Confident, calm and in control. She glanced at her lap, where Mitch’s fingers were laced with hers. “I have hired incredible staff. My manager will take over where I need him to, and my kitchen staff are like family. They have my back one hundred percent. I’m not worried at all.” She lifted her eyes back to Dr. McKinnon’s. “I need this surgery.”

  Dr. McKinnon pressed her lips into a thin line. “I understand. Just know that it has a long recovery time, so you may have to miss work.”

  “No, she doesn’t,” Mitch blurted out.

  Paige spun in her chair and faced him. What on earth was he talking about?

  Dr. McKinnon said it for her. “Excuse me? What are you talking about?”

  “She doesn’t have to get the surgery,” he said.

  Paige pulled her hands free from Mitch’s just as frustration flooded her veins. She thought she had his full support. They’d been through this. He was on board. Why the heck was he switching gears now?

  “That’s not your decision to make,” Dr. McKinnon said slowly, her gray eyes turning hard as they lasered in on Mitch. “Perhaps you should step outside if you’re not going to be supportive of Ms. McPherson’s decisions.”

  Mitch shook his head. “No, that’s not what I mean.” He turned his body and reached for Paige’s hands again. Reluctantly, she let him take them. “What I mean is, you don’t have to make the choice. Let me make the choice.”

  Paige’s eyes darted to Dr. McKinnon. Neither of them was following his train of thought, though neither of them was a fan of the direction it was heading, either.

  Mitch let out a sigh. “Let me get the procedure.”

  Dr. McKinnon’s face split into a big smile. “You want a vasectomy?”

  Mitch pinned his gaze on her. “I’m willing to get one, yes.”

  The doctor’s eyes softened, and her smile grew wide. “That’s quite generous of you.”

  Paige could feel her hackles beginning to rise. Was the doctor flirting?

  “You do realize that there is a bit of a recovery time,” Dr. McKinnon said.

  Mitch nodded. “Yes, but it’s like three or four days with a bag of frozen peas on my nut sack and a jock strap keeping my balls from swinging, right? Nothing like what Paige would have to go through.”

  Dr. McKinnon stifled a chuckle. “In a manner of speaking, yes. Your recovery time is far less. It’s also an in-office, non-invasive procedure. No scalpel, just a bit of freezing and then pain medication afterward. More and more men are choosing to go this route to save their partners from having to have major surgery or continue to take hormonal birth control. If you’re finished having children, it’s a very safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy.”

  Paige’s mouth opened in awe, and her eyes were wide. She lifted her head and fixed Mitch with a look she hoped he interpreted right. “You don’t have to do this,” she said softly. “I would never ask you to go through with something like this.”

  He was all smiles. “Baby, I am happy with Jayda. And now I also have Mira. Two perfect little girls. That’s all I want. That’s all I need. I’m done having children.”

  She stroked her thumb over the back of his hand. “You might change your mind later.”

  “I won’t. I don’t need any more kids. But what I do need is you. You’re it, babe. You’re my forever. And if you want me for forever, I’ll hop up on the doctor’s table right now and pull my pants down. I’m not afraid to get it done.”

  “Uh, that’s not how it works,” Dr. McKinnon said quickly. “I’ll need to send in a referral.”

  Mitch rolled his eyes. “I’m aware of that.” He turned back to face Paige. “My dad had one. A few of my friends have had them. It’s no big deal. Hashtag real men get vasectomies.”

  Paige snorted. “Is that a trending thing?”

  He was all smiles again as he lifted her hand to his mouth and planted a small kiss to the inside of her wrist. “No, but it should be.” He turned back to the doctor. “Fire up your referral machine and send it off. I’m done with my swimmers. They’ve swum their final lap.” He made the snip-snip motion with his fingers. “I’m ready to go out in the rain without a coat on.”

  Dr. McKinnon’s bottom lip dropped and her mouth opened, but no words came out. Mitch had rendered the poor woman speechless. Paige fought down the chuckle that threatened to flee up in her throat.

  She was speechless too, but for a different reason.

  Mitch was saving her from surgery, from recovery, from missing work and compromising her new business, saving her from getting pregnant again, saving her from heartache. Mitch was saving every part of her.

  Because he loved her.

  He wanted her and only her. Wanted her for his future, for forever.

  A tear trickled down her cheek. “You’re sure?”

  “One hundred and ten percent. Why would I put you through that if I didn’t have to? I love you, Paige, with my whole heart, and I want you to know that I’ll do anything for you.”

  She choked back a hard sob. “I love you too.”

  “Enough to let me do this for you? For us? For our family?”

  Our family.

  “Because that’s what we are. You, me, Jayda and Mira. We’re a family.”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  He leaned forward and wiped away her tears with the pad of his thumb, leaving his hand gently cupping her jaw. “I couldn’t save Melissa, but I can save you. Save you from more heartache, from surgery and pain.”

  Her throat burned from fighting back the tears. She couldn’t fight them any longer, and she collapsed against him, the sobs wracking her entire body as she cried against the soft cotton chambray of his shirt. She heard light footsteps and then the opening and soft click of the door. Dr. McKinnon was giving them a moment.

  “Let it out, baby,” Mitch whispered, rubbing her back. “Let
it out. You put on such a brave front, but you don’t have to with me. Let me take care of you. I could see it in your eyes this morning that you were nervous about the surgery, even though you refused to admit it.”

  She pulled away from him. He already knew her so well. Something had been eating at her for days, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. But now that Mitch said it out loud, she realized he was right. It was fear. She was afraid of the surgery. Afraid of the recovery and taking time off from the restaurant. She’d just been so hell-bent on getting her tubes tied that she refused to acknowledge the fear of everything that came with it.

  With more hot tears running down her cheeks, she shook her head. “How do you know me so well?”

  “I know what I love,” he said with a simple shrug. “And I love you.”

  Epilogue

  Eight LONG months later …

  Paige was just closing the door after putting Jayda and Mira down for the night when her phone in her back pocket began to ring.

  It was Mitch.

  He’d been away for the last three days on a photo shoot in San Francisco and was due home in less than an hour. While the girls were at school yesterday, Paige had run out and gotten a bikini wax, eyelash extensions and her brows threaded. The lingerie she’d ordered online had also arrived that morning, and she was wearing it beneath her clothes, just in case.

  “Hello?” she answered in the sexiest voice she could think of on the spot.

  “It’s official!” he hollered into the phone so loud she had to pull it away from her ear.

  “It is?” Her whole body turned to molten lava from those two little words.

  “Damn straight, baby. I’m sterile. No more sperm. No more condoms. We can raw-dog it for life.” He let out a whoop whoop.

  She rolled her eyes. “Such a romantic.”

  “You better be naked when I get home, and I want to see that box of condoms in the garbage,” he said with humor in his tone. “I’ve waited far too long to feel nothing between us.” He grunted. “Fuck, I’m hard as a goddamn rock.”