by Tia Wylder
Elizabeth channeled her restless energy into finally getting her things in order. Box after box was emptied. The items were stowed in proper places. Taking control of her surroundings gave her a confidence boost. She needed to be a more reliable person, not just for Derrick, but for Charlie, too. Keeping her stuff boxed up was a poor example to set for him. Derrick had trusted her enough to let her spend time with his son, and she wanted to prove she was worthy of that. Once all the boxes were unpacked, Elizabeth looked around her surroundings. A sense of accomplishment radiated from her. Until now, she had dreaded coming home even if she hadn’t realized it before. The boxes made her feel claustrophobic and overwhelmed her. That was why she had put it off for so long. On larger projects, it was hard to know where to start, but spending time with Derrick and Charlie gave her the motivation to tackle anything.
Satisfied with the outcome, Elizabeth curled up in the pile of blankets on the floor. She fell asleep with a smile on her face. She had come so far since first moving in. Finally, the stars were aligning in her favor.
It felt as though she had only been asleep for a few minutes before there was a loud knocking on her door. Elizabeth jolted out of the blankets and plodded over to the door. Sunshine streamed through the doorway as she opened it. A lady with a clipboard handed her a slip of paper to sign.
“What’s going on?” Elizabeth glanced around her to see a moving van parked in the driveway.
“We’re here to deliver your furniture.”
Shielding her eyes with her hand, Elizabeth squinted at the woman. “I never made an appointment.”
Derrick stepped out of the shadows with two cups of coffee in his hand. He passed one to Elizabeth. “I called them. I’ve had you running around so much at work that you haven’t had time to set it up yourself. I didn’t want to have to worry about you sleeping on the floor anymore, so I just set up the delivery myself. All you have to do is tell them where you want it.”
“Really?!” She was moved by his thoughtfulness. “Thank you.” She sipped her coffee as the moving crew prepared to unload her things. “Where’s Charlie this morning?”
“His mom already picked him up.”
Two men hefted a large sofa towards the door. “Where do you want us to put this?”
“Just put it in the living room.” Elizabeth pointed out the way to them.
After about an hour, all her furniture was in the house. She waved goodbye to the moving company as they pulled out of her driveway. Derrick followed her inside. The empty echo that had been there earlier was gone now that the furniture was in place.
“I see you finally unpacked.”
“Yeah. Finally made myself do it last night. I had no idea how much stuff I had until I had to pack and unpack it all.”
“It feels more like a home now.” He smiled in approval.
“It only feels like a home because you’re here.” Her heart pounded as the words slipped out of her mouth. She quickly averted her eyes in embarrassment.
“Maybe I should come over more often then.” He smirked and turned her head back to face him. She was cute when she got flustered. “Oh, I almost forgot. I got you a housewarming present.”
“Really? You didn’t have to do that.” Derrick handed her a package wrapped in plain brown paper. A piece of twine was tied in a bow around it. “What is it?”
“Open it and find out.”
Slowly, she pulled the twine. The package unwrapped itself. Underneath the parchment was a picture frame with two portraits inside. On one side, the picture from the photoshoot stared up at her. The other side had a candid photo of Derrick, Charlie, and herself at the zoo. “How did you get this?” She stared up at him in amazement.
“There was a newspaper there taking pictures for a story about the new baby monkeys. They contacted me and asked for permission to use it. I said they could on one condition. They sent me that late last night after you left.”
“Thank you.” She traced her finger across the images.
“Elizabeth, it’ll not always be this easy to be with me and to be involved in Charlie’s life. I want you to keep this picture as a reminder of something good when things get more difficult.”
“What do you mean? Are you expecting something bad to happen?”
Derrick chuckled, “No. I’m just being realistic. At some point, I will have business setbacks. I want you to know that even if I get upset, I will do my best not to take those worries out on you. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to confide in you.” He sighed, remembering the past. “During my marriage with Catherine, I kept my personal and business relationships separated. I thought I was protecting her from worrying, but in the end, it pushed her away. I don’t want to make that mistake with you. If you’re willing to be with me, I would like to include you in all parts of my life. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us, and sometimes that might mean I put too much pressure on you. If there ever comes a time when you need a break, or you feel overburdened, I need you to tell me. Elizabeth, I don’t want to have any regrets this time around.”
She took his hand in hers. “I want you to tell me whatever you need to tell me. I don’t care if it’s work problems, or family problems. I’m here for you. I can’t promise I won’t make mistakes, but if you’re patient with me, I think we can work out any issues we might face. I don’t expect this to be all sunshine and roses, Derrick. I know I come across as a little flighty sometimes, but I understand that real life isn’t a fairytale. I’m here for the tough times, too. Whatever you need. I’m here.”
Derrick smiled and cupped her face in his hands. Elizabeth placed the pictures on the counter and tilted her head up. He leaned his forehead against hers, taking in the smell of her perfume. It was a scent he had started to associate with happiness. Her fingertips wound into his dark curls. They shared a smile. Their breath and the beating of their hearts fell into the same rhythm. When Derrick closed his eyes, it wasn’t darkness or a hole that he found but hope. Elizabeth felt her walls melt away at his touch. She felt more vulnerable and yet somehow brazen at the same time. Their personalities meshed into one another like pieces of a puzzle. For the first times in their lives, home was less of a place and more a sense of belonging brought out by being close to each other.
THE END
Dr. Single Dad’s Fake Marriage
Chapter One
It was picture perfect if Melody wasn’t in it.
Daniel Brookes sighed deeply and stopped staring at the family photo that was taken almost three years ago. Though the life of a doctor was far from glamorous in most cases, this rang especially true when it came to pediatrics. He was rather gifted with children, having a daughter of his own who was crazy about him. Just because his previous relationship with her mother hadn’t worked out didn’t mean he couldn’t give his daughter the life she deserved. He had a supportive family, and with his job, his pride, he would never want for anything. At least nothing, maybe, aside from a bit of stability. As much as he struggled to make things work with his ex-wife, the woman was simply being unreasonable. If he could just convince the courts to give him full custody, or at least the majority… he sighed once more, shaking off these thoughts. His next patient would be due at any moment, and he would be lying if he denied being excited to see them. His sister, Danielle, was bringing in her son to get a routine checkup. As was always the case when he thought of his sister, he couldn’t help cursing his parent’s poor sense of humor. Daniel and Danielle always got remarks everywhere they went, regarding how they were nearly identical down to their names even. Danielle’s son and Daniel’s daughter thankfully broke the trend. He refused to name Amanda anything that even started with the letter D, and knew his sister felt much the same about Troy.
He sorted through some papers, waiting for his nurse to fetch him and announce the arrival of his next patient. He smiled as the portly older woman peeked in his office door, offering the handsome doctor a broad smile.
“Troy Brookes
is here, Dr. Brookes,” she blinked her eyes with a faint smile. He returned her grin, rising from his feet and slipping out of the office. He went to the room the nurse had relayed, peeking inside to see his young nephew rummaging through the various drawers full of supplies.
“Hey, what are you doing!?” He growled in a gruff voice, and Troy jolted upright before turning to face the doctor. The young man’s face was the picture of relief when he realized it was only his uncle who had caught him, and he stepped up to Daniel for a firm hug. Daniel kissed the top of his nephew’s head, jolting when he heard an unfamiliar voice coo about how cute the situation was. He turned, seeing his sister Danielle as expected. However, what he hadn’t expected was the beautiful woman who sat at her side. The woman offered him a bashful grin, and he grinned toothily in turn. “Danielle, you didn’t mention you were bringing a guest,” he teased, and Danielle rolled her eyes.
“What would you have done? Tidied up the place? It sure could use it,” Danielle snapped, receiving a loud guffaw in turn.
“You can always go see a doctor that would charge you. I’m sure they would see that your meticulous needs are taken care of,” Daniel grinned. He offered his hand to the other woman, smiling as she turned wide eyes upon him. “Daniel Brookes, as I’m sure you’ve heard. You are…?” He prompted, receiving a giggle and the faintest of blushes in response.
“I’m Tiffany Aegis, Danielle’s friend,” she crooned, gripping his hand and shaking it firmly.
“Best friend, who will soon be out of a house,” Danielle announced, much to Tiffany’s apparent chagrin.
“Danielle, you don’t have to tell everyone,” she sputtered, and the other woman rolled her eyes.
“As if any of us in this room are without dirty laundry. Some more than others, I’m talking about your sock drawer Troy,” she bit out, and the boy jolted upright with a bright blush.
“She’s right, Tiffany. I have my share of troubles as well. A custody battle over my daughter has gone unresolved for months, and I’m beginning to suspect it’s because I would be a single father,” Daniel muttered, going about the boy’s usual checkup. Tiffany sighed, propping her chin up in her hands.
“If a dreamy doctor has problems, what hope do the rest of us have?” She mused aloud.
“Dreamy?” Daniel repeated. He smirked, patting Troy on the head. “Danielle, Troy’s fine. The nurse will see about his vaccinations, and then you should be able to go. Miss Aegis, I must say, it was a pleasure to meet you,” he grinned. Tiffany returned his smile, rising from her seat and quickly jotting something down on a piece of paper.
“Call me if you ever need to talk, Daniel. I’m always willing to offer an open ear,” she hummed, and Danielle looked between the two with quirked lips.
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. You ladies have a good day, and of course, you too Troy,” Daniel murmured, taking the number and gently placing it in the pocket of his scrubs. Tiffany offered him a final lingering glance before following Danielle and Troy out of the room. Daniel felt himself exhale a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding, slumping slightly against the exam table.
He realized belatedly that he hadn’t given the gorgeous woman his number, but soon after she left, he received a simple text message explaining that she’d gotten his number from his sister. He quirked his lips in a smile, musing how such a thing might have made him angry in the past, but now he’s fortunate to have his sister as a wingman of sorts. He texted back again once he was in the privacy of his office, telling her that he hoped she would keep in touch. She answered with a single emoticon, it’s lips pursed into a kiss. He chuckled to himself, shoving his phone back in his pocket. He knew he would continue the text conversation later, but the present time required he invest his full attention in his work at the office.
“Dr. Dan… Daniel,” a whispering voice asked, “I am heading to cafeteria, do you want me to bring anything for you?”
Glanced with his baby blue eyes toward the clock on the side of the wall. It was long passed his usual lunch break hours. He sighed knowing the nurse had a crush on him, “No, thanks. I have brought my own.” He quickly immersed himself completely in the next patient record waiting on his desk.
The day was a usual one, filled with checkups and sniffly noses. He could only count down the minutes until he was free to go pick up his daughter from his ex-wife’s house. Though he supposed he should have been grateful that she agreed to watch young Amanda while he worked his busy job, he couldn’t help feeling as though it only harmed his chances of getting custody.
Daniel sighed deeply, pulling his cellphone out to check for any missed called and unanswered text messages.
Nada. Nothing.
He wasn’t a deadbeat by any means, and could certainly afford a babysitter. He simply didn’t see the need for the time being, considering how obnoxious his ex was about seeing that she got proper visitation. He had to remind himself at times that he didn’t have full custody of his daughter yet, and visitation wasn’t an issue he could rightfully press. All the same, he could only hope the woman wouldn’t try and deny him his time with their beautiful daughter. Although he may have regretted some things about being with Amanda’s mother, he would never regret his beautiful daughter.
As the day drew to a close, he found himself pulling his cellphone out of his pocket again with sweaty palms to check once more.
No missed calls.
No text messages.
Nothing from Tiffany.
As he drew a deep breath, a slow pulsating blue signal caught his attention. He quickly opened the text once more, smiling fondly upon seeing a clumsily written text from his daughter. As he was reading how excited she was to have a home, another text popped up. It was a rather melancholy message, with Amanda confessing how she wished her mother would pay more attention to her. Daniel narrowed his eyes, ignoring the other text in his inbox as he shoved his phone in his pocket. He needed to get his daughter, and he needed to get her fast. If her mother wouldn’t give her the proper love and affection she deserved, he would be certain to make up for it in buckets. He slipped into his sporty convertible, fastening his seatbelt before pulling out of the parking lot. He was always one of the last doctors to leave, but fortunately never had to deal with things such as closing the office. That was for the nurses and receptionists to take care of. Though it was a relief that he got to end his day a bit early, he couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry for those who wrapped up in such a thankless job.
He turned up the music on his radio, zoning out somewhat as he drove the familiar path to his ex-wife’s apartment. He could only hope he didn’t walk in on another date night that his daughter was forced to endure. He could sympathize with the fact that Melody, his ex, wanted to move on. Truly, he could. He could not sympathize, however, with the fact that she always placed her daughter secondarily to the men she dated. The music on the radio suited his mood well enough, being an old bluegrass singer balefully regaling a tale of his lost love. While Daniel didn’t consider Melody his lost love, he certainly had felt that way sometimes. There was a time where he wouldn’t have even considered taking a woman’s number. It was funny how time changed things. He had wanted to remain friends, but… well. It seemed it simply wasn’t in the cards. Melody held heaps of resentment towards him, resentment he was well acquainted with. He couldn’t help the long hours he worked, but it seemed that once Amanda was born, he simply forgot to make time for his marriage. He vowed to never make the same mistake, even though it was ultimately for the best.
As he pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex, he could see his young daughter riding her bike back and forth along the sidewalk. She was alone, utterly unsupervised. He jumped out of his car, trying to keep his expression relaxed as he approached the young girl he so adored. She perked up immediately upon seeing him, jumping off her bike and allowing it to crash to the ground as she bolted towards him. He thought to chastise the fact that she’d given her bicycle such littl
e care, but decided it was not worth the potential tears. He swept the girl up into his arms when she was close enough, holding her tenderly against his broad chest. She sighed happily, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.
“Daddy, I missed you,” she exclaimed, pressing a sloppy kiss to his cheek. He smiled, ruffling up her hair before placing her back on the ground.
“I missed you too, honey. Where’s your mom?” He asked, his calm facade faltering slightly. Amanda puffed up her cheeks, looking annoyed as well.
“She brought one of her boyfriends home and told me to come play outside,” she huffed. Daniel quirked a brow, brushing a single curl away from his daughter’s pouting face.
“Well, I suppose I’m gonna have to break up the party to let her know I’m here to get you,” he hummed under his breath, taking his daughter by the hand. She skipped alongside him, and he kept a somewhat slow pace as to not drag her ahead. She took the initiative herself, however, bolting to the door of her apartment.
“Momma get dressed, daddy’s here to get me,” she giggled, bouncing on tiptoe. Daniel narrowed his eyes at the door, listening to his ex’s loud cursing on the other side of the door. He heard a more masculine voice as well, as well as demands for said male to stay in the bedroom. He would perhaps be more bothered if Melody hadn’t begun cheating before they’d even broken things off. He was more upset that his daughter had been left to her own devices. Once he had given his ex sufficient time to get dressed, he began to pound on the door.
“Hold the fuck up, Danny,” a hoarse voice called, and Melody threw the door open. She was clad in a dirty robe, the entire fabric littered with cigarette burns. He narrowed his eyes, glancing over her shoulder and towards her bedroom.
