Just Like the Ones We Used to Know

by Brenda Novak

  “Will you accept the charges?” the operator asked.

  He cursed silently to himself but agreed. Then Stephanie’s voice came across the line.

  “Matt, don’t listen to her,” she said in a rush. “It’s a lie.”

  He expected to feel a wave of intense hatred, especially now that he knew the real consequences of what she’d done to him, but he didn’t. A variety of other emotions surged through him instead—anger, pity and disgust. He’d never imagined Stephanie as part of his future. Had he just stepped into some alternate reality?

  “What’s a lie?” he asked, pacing in agitation. Sampson whined, obviously sensing something wrong, but Matt ignored him.

  “You don’t need to give Kayla any locket. She’s not yours. She’s from…someone else, a—a guy I met after I left Virginia City.”

  Matt wished he could believe her—so his life would return to normal. He almost asked her for Kayla’s birthday so he could compare the dates. But he didn’t need to. The hard edge of desperation in Stephanie’s voice told him she was the one who was lying. And now that he’d heard the truth, there was no hiding from it. “What are you hoping to gain by telling me that?” he asked.

  “I’m doing you a favor. You’re off the hook. You’re not the father. Tell Angela she has to come home now. She—she can’t leave me here. She can’t take my child away from me.”

  So he wasn’t the only one frightened by recent developments. They were all scared, he realized. His involvement upset the delicate equilibrium. And yet Angela had risked it.

  “Where are you?” he asked.

  “None of your business,” she said, but he could hear others talking in the background—“Get off the phone, bitch. I get to make my call, too”—and imagined her in jail or some sort of community shelter.

  Briefly, the temptation to take Stephanie at her word, skip the paternity test and pretend he’d never met Kayla reasserted itself. He didn’t need to be part of this mess, did he? It wasn’t his fault. Angela would take care of Kayla. She’d be fine.

  And yet…

  He focused on the statue he’d brought home from the station, the one Kayla and Angela had given him for Christmas. It was a fireman rescuing a child. Safe from imminent danger.

  With a mother like Stephanie, what child needed him more desperately than his own?

  “I’m sorry, Stephanie,” he said. “But there are going to be some changes.”

  “What changes?” she cried.

  His eyes still on the statue, he drew a deep breath. “If Kayla’s mine, I’ll be taking care of her from now on.”

  * * *

  ANGELA’S HEART BEGAN TO RACE the moment she heard Matt banging on her door. What now? She’d managed to avoid his calls, but she could hardly let him wake all the other hotel guests at one o’clock in the morning.

  Dropping his quilt, which she’d been hugging around her since she’d finished packing Kayla’s and her belongings, she hurried across the room and opened the door to find a rumpled-looking Matt.

  “Let me in,” he said, his voice terse, his eyes intense.

  Angela didn’t want to. She regretted telling him about Kayla and longed to go home, to pretend that what they’d said and done here in Virginia City had never happened. Tomorrow night was Christmas Eve, but she’d drive straight through. She couldn’t wait.

  “Matt—”

  He peered over her head at the luggage. “It’s too late to run,” he said.

  Someone across the hall peered out, wearing a disgruntled expression, and Angela quickly waved Matt inside.

  “I’m not running. I’m—”

  “Heading home.” He glowered at the bags. “Two states away, which probably sounds like a pretty safe distance.”

  “I thought maybe we should…you know, take the next few weeks to consider the situation. You can call me in Denver when—”

  “I’ve considered it,” he interrupted.

  The determination in his voice sent terror shooting through Angela. He had something to say already? She’d only left his place a couple of hours ago. “What have you decided?” she whispered.

  He reached over to run his thumb along Kayla’s name, which was embroidered on the backpack she’d brought for her beloved books. “I want her. She’s mine. I’ll take care of her from here on out.”

  Tears sprang to Angela’s eyes. “Matt, wait. Please, I…” The lump in her throat choked off her words. She wasn’t sure what to say, anyway. She knew Kayla wanted her father more than anything and that Matt would be good to her. She also knew he could offer her a loving extended family, the roots she craved and greater protection from the influence of her mother. The distance alone would be a plus, because Stephanie couldn’t stop by every time she was down and out and wanted money for drugs.

  Angela should let Kayla go, shouldn’t she? But the thought of driving home without her, of packing up all her belongings and shipping them off, broke Angela’s heart. She’d hoped to convince Matt that they could share Kayla, despite the thousand miles that separated them, but the words wouldn’t come. It wasn’t a realistic idea, anyway. One of them would have to play a very minor role in Kayla’s life. And she knew which one that should be.

  She breathed deeply, trying to absorb the pain, and felt his hand at her elbow.

  “You okay?” he murmured.

  Fresh tears fell as she looked up at him. “No,” she said. Then his arms went around her, as his quilt had a few minutes earlier, and his mouth touched hers in a kiss that spoke of warmth and comfort—but quickly changed to driving passion and escalating need.

  * * *

  MATT WOKE UP IN Angela’s bed. He could smell the clean scent of her hair, feel the softness of her bare skin as she continued to sleep with her body curled into his side, and knew that he’d gained more than a daughter last night. He wanted Angela, too. He wasn’t sure how they were going to work out the logistics—where they’d live and who would change jobs—but he was hoping she’d marry him so they could become a family.

  He smiled wryly at the thought of that. A family? A week ago, he hadn’t even had a girlfriend.

  He adjusted the quilt they’d used to cover themselves, the quilt he’d given Angela for Christmas, and his smile widened. Just when he’d begun to think it would never happen…

  “You’re awake?” Angela murmured.

  He’d been cautious with his movements so he wouldn’t disturb her, but now he slid his hand up over the curve of her hip to her breast, as he’d wanted to do ever since he’d opened his eyes.

  “Aren’t you tired?” she asked, covering a yawn. “We were up all night.”

  “I feel good. What about you?”

  She gave him a sexy smile. “Fishing for compliments?”

  He chuckled. “You kidding? Your screams were enough. I’m surprised our neighbors didn’t complain to the management.”

  “I didn’t scream that loud!” She tried to sit up in mock outrage, but he pressed her back, too busy enjoying what his fingers had found.

  “Okay, but you groaned a lot,” he said. “I loved it. And the way you looked at me right before you—”

  She tried to brush his hand away. “Do we have to go over the details?”

  “Why are you embarrassed?” He laughed as he moved her beneath him. “I told you I loved it. And the marks on my back will heal.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I didn’t leave any marks on your back!”

  “Yet,” he said. “There’s always this morning.” He kissed the indentation beneath her ear. “And the morning after.” He kissed the pulse at her neck. “And the morning after that.” He let his mouth drift lower, enjoying the fact that he could so easily make her quiver.

  “No, I’m going home today…remember?” She gave a little gasp on that last word because he’d hit his real target.

  “It’s the holidays,” he said, blowing cool air on the breast he’d just suckled.

  She was getting lost in his lovemaking. He could tell. B
ut she fought it. “So?”

  “So you’re spending Christmas with me.”

  “Trying to get another gift out of me?” she teased.

  Leaving her breast, he kissed a trail down to her navel. “No, something better.”

  “What’s that?” she asked, but he knew she was having a difficult time concentrating. He was making sure of it.

  “A promise.”

  “What…kind…of promise?”

  He didn’t answer. He was too busy.

  “Matt!” Her hands clenched in his hair.

  He wasn’t sure if she’d said his name by way of question or encouragement. But she seemed pretty interested in holding him right where he was, so he guessed she’d been encouraging him—and waited until just the right moment to answer. When her eyes closed, and her muscles tensed, she said his name again, only this time with power and more than a little urgency, and when the moment passed, he told her what he really wanted.

  “Marry me.”

  * * *

  ANGELA SAT IN THE living room of Matt’s parents’ home, enjoying Christmas morning. Outside, sunlight glistened on the snow and the world around them appeared crisp and bright, silent and peaceful. Inside, Christmas music played softly in the background as Sherry handed out mugs of hot chocolate and Kayla helped Matt’s two younger cousins sort the Christmas presents, which they planned to open in a few minutes. Angela had brought some gifts for Kayla, so Kayla had a small pile of her own, but Matt had something far better waiting for her. Today was the day she’d get exactly what she wanted for Christmas: She’d learn the identity of her father.

  “You nervous?” Matt murmured. He’d been sitting next to Angela since she and Kayla had arrived a few minutes earlier.

  Angela nodded. “Dying. You?”

  “Yeah.”

  He seemed excited. He also seemed intent on making them a family. Angela had asked him not to mention the possibility to Kayla. She needed more time to think. She had a home and a career in Colorado. Pulling up stakes and moving back to Virginia City was a big decision. Especially so soon. And then there was Stephanie…

  When Matt had told Angela about his conversation with Kayla’s mother, Angela had made some calls, trying to locate her. It was so difficult to give up hope. She’d thought maybe Stephanie was ready to get clean at last. But when she’d finally made contact with the shelter where Stephanie had been staying, she’d been told that a man named Jaydog had picked her up late last night.

  That was where the trail had gone cold. Stephanie was probably right back on the streets, doing anything she could to feed her addiction. Angela had been through the cycle enough times to know that—and yet she felt so guilty for loving Matt, for wanting to be with him. Could she really move back to Virginia City with Stephanie’s daughter and agree to marry the boy Stephanie had wanted so desperately?

  She didn’t think so.

  “He’s asked her to marry him,” Angela heard Sherry whisper to Ray, Ray’s wife and Claudia, her sister, in the kitchen. “Can you believe it? He’s in love!”

  Angela glanced worriedly at Kayla, afraid she might overhear. But Kayla didn’t even look up. She was too busy burrowing under the tree.

  “What did she say?” came Ray’s murmured response.

  “She’s thinking about it.” Sherry lowered her voice, but Angela could still make out the words. “So be really nice to her.”

  Evidently, Matt had heard his mother, too, because he squeezed Angela’s hand and Angela couldn’t help laughing softly to herself.

  “So where would they live?” Claudia asked.

  “I’m praying it’ll be here. What good is getting my first granddaughter if I never get to see her?”

  Matt’s mother had a point. If they got married, they’d live in Virginia City. Angela knew that already. But even if they didn’t marry, Kayla would stay with Matt. Angela felt certain she’d be happier here than she’d been in Denver. The only decision left was whether or not Angela could allow herself to be part of the idyllic picture. Could she say yes? After everything Betty had done for her, did she have that right?

  “We’re ready!” Kayla shouted.

  Sherry ushered in the group from the kitchen, while Claudia’s children rounded up their dad and Matt’s father, who’d been checking out the new computer in the other room.

  Matt let go of Angela’s hand and leaned his elbows on his knees, watching Kayla as she sat next to her presents.

  “Do we take turns like before? Or do we all open at once?” she asked.

  When Matt stood, Angela knew he couldn’t wait any longer. “Before we get too carried away with all the gifts, I have something to say.”

  Sherry grabbed her husband’s arm excitedly, Ray grinned at his wife and Claudia motioned for complete silence. Obviously, except for the children, they all thought they knew what he was about to announce. But this would be a surprise.

  Angela clasped her hands tightly in her lap.

  “I have a special gift for Kayla. One I’d like her to open now,” Matt said.

  Kayla sat up straighter. “But you already gave me a gift, Matt.” Her hand went to her throat in search of her locket but, finding it missing, she turned worried eyes to Angela. “My locket! It’s gone!”

  “You haven’t lost it,” Angela said. “I took it last night. Matt’s giving it to you again.” She cleared her throat to help steady her voice. “Only this time it has your father’s picture in it.”

  Silence as thick as the snowdrifts piled outside descended on the room as everyone stared at Kayla, who was still gazing in shock at Angela. “That can’t be true,” she said.

  “It’s true,” Angela said.

  Matt crossed the room and pulled the plush blue box from his pocket.

  “Are you sure I should open it here?” she asked him.

  He knelt down beside her so everyone could see. “It’s okay,” he murmured. “Go ahead.”

  Kayla’s trepidation showed in the stiff set of her shoulders. With a final glance at the people watching, she slowly, carefully withdrew the locket.

  Angela’s pulse raced as Kayla opened the tiny clasp. Then the girl’s jaw dropped and her gaze flew to Matt, who was watching her with so much hope that everyone in the room could feel the poignant emotions inside him.

  “You’re my dad? I mean, my real dad?”

  Tears glistened in Matt’s eyes. He kept blinking, obviously struggling to hold them back, but he nodded. “I just found out myself the day before yesterday. I’m glad I know,” he said and gathered her in his arms.

  Angela didn’t realize she had tears rolling down her own cheeks until they began to drip off her chin. She wiped them as Kayla squeezed Matt tightly.

  “Merry Christmas, Kayla,” he said. Then he released her and turned her to face all the others in the room. “And these people—they’re your family, too.”

  Sherry had nearly fainted at “You’re my dad?” Now she leaned heavily on her husband and waved a hand in front of her, as if she couldn’t get enough air. “Does that mean you’re going to marry him?” she asked Angela hopefully.

  She still believed what she’d originally been told—that Angela was Kayla’s real mother. They could explain the details later, Angela decided. She had enough going on right now. Everyone’s attention had shifted to her, even Kayla’s.

  “Marry him?” Kayla murmured.

  “That—that’s one option,” Angela admitted. “We’ve been…talking about it.”

  “And what are the other options?” Kayla asked.

  Everyone’s eyes cut back and forth between them. Angela hoped no one could tell how badly she was shaking. “You could live here with…with Matt.”

  Some of the excitement fled Kayla’s face. “Without you?”

  “I don’t know yet, Kayla. I have a house in Denver—”

  “We’re selling the house, remember?”

  “And a job.”

  “Can’t you work here?”

  “You wouldn�
�t have to. I can support you,” Matt said.

  His mother moved closer to him. “He’d make a good husband.”

  “And you’ve seen the calendar,” his aunt added. “You know what kind of fires he can put out.”

  Angela didn’t have a chance to answer any of them. Kayla’s eyebrows were drawing together in hurt and anger. “You said I’d always be a central part of your life, and no one would ever change that. Now you’re giving me away?”

  “I’m not giving you away,” Angela said. “I—I’m letting you live where I think you’ll be happiest.”

  “I can’t be happy without you!”

  Angela turned to Matt, expecting him to help her defer answering. But he didn’t. “I can’t be happy without you, either,” he said softly, honestly.

  “Do you love him?” Sherry asked.

  Angela didn’t want to admit the truth. She knew what would happen. But Matt was watching her so intently, she couldn’t lie. “I do.”

  “So say yes… Marry him…It’s Christmas,” everyone said, pressing closer.

  Angela let her uncertainty show in her expression. “What about Stephanie?” she asked, seeking Matt. “Kayla’s her daughter. You’re the man she wanted.”

  This threw the others, but not Matt. “We’ll do what we can for her,” he promised. “When she’s ready.”

  Kayla’s arms slipped around Angela’s waist. “Leaving us won’t help her!” she said, hugging her tightly. And it was those words that finally made sense to Angela. Denying herself the joy of being with Matt and Kayla wouldn’t help anyone.

  The tears started to come again, but Angela brushed them away. “Yes.”

  “You’ll do it?” Kayla cried. “You’ll marry him?”

  Angela smiled through her tears. “I will.”

  Matt’s arms went around both of them, and he kissed Angela’s temple. “I’ll make sure you never regret it,” he whispered.

  The rest of the group hugged and congratulated her one by one, and Angela smiled as she realized that Kayla’s new family had just become her own.

  Maybe this Christmas wasn’t like the ones she used to know. But she knew there’d never be a better one. Except for next year. And the years after that…