The Hero and the Fat Girl (New Hampshire Bears #3)

by Mary Smith

  I truly can’t believe Remington would go so far as to intentionally lie to me. I trust him. Yes, he loves his daughter and would go above and beyond for her. Hell, I love her, and I am doing the same thing.

  He told me he had to see his attorney soon, and even though he said I didn’t have to go, maybe I should make a point of it. I mean, I’m going to have to go anyway, right? Plus, it’s almost the middle of July, which also means I’ve been here a while now and not met the attorney yet. I’ll let Remington know I’ll go with him.

  But I’m still going to do my part of researching family law attorneys and policies on child custodies.

  “Max, are you almost done?”

  Arabella’s question pulls me away from the plan formulating in my mind. “Yes” I answer, even though I’ve not really touched my food yet. “I’m not really hungry,” I inform Remington who nods. He seems to be nervous.

  “Let’s get going.” Claire smiles.

  Arabella cheers and races up to her room to wash her face free of bacon and eggs. I’m grabbing my purse when Remington steps up to me.

  “Let’s talk for a second.” It’s not a question as he nods toward the TV room.

  I follow him in and wait.

  “Mom and Dad want to take Arabella to a movie tonight and maybe we can go to dinner. Just the two of us.” He takes my hand in his. “I heard you come in last night, but I figured talking would be out of the question. I knew how tired you were.”

  “I was.” My voice cracks, and I can feel tears building.

  Why?

  There’s no need for me to be emotional right now.

  “So, dinner sound good?”

  I nod. “Sure.”

  He relaxes. “Great. I really hope you have a fun day.” He leans in and kisses my cheek.

  Our kiss yesterday is the best moment of my life. His touch is soft, real. It doesn’t scare me. Well, unless I let my mind wander, and then I just screw it up.

  “I’ll see you later.” I rush away from him to join Claire and Arabella, who are both waiting for me by the front door.

  On the way to the salon, Arabella talks about her dance class tomorrow, and she can’t wait to show off for her grandparents. I continually smiles in the mirror at her bubbling personality. I love her. She’s a perfect being and reminds me of how good the world can be. I want to do everything in my powers to keep her away from her mother.

  My views are jaded at times toward some types of parents. Rickie, for one. I know how they were and she reminds me so much of her. Who calls their child a paycheck? Obviously, someone who isn’t a parent. Look at the Rosin’s: these are parents. Are they perfect? They seem to be, but I’m not naïve; I know there were ups and downs in their family, but nothing compared to mine.

  When we reach the nail salon, I tell Claire and Arabella to go in, and I call Harlow.

  “I need a favor.”

  “Name it.” I can hear her typing in the background and I know she’s working.

  “You might be right. Might be,” I reiterate the words. “But I need to know for sure. Can you call around to find out? I’m busy today, but now I can’t stop thinking about it.”

  “I know a few people I can contact. Give me a bit.”

  She ends the call, and now I wonder what I’ll do if she’s right.

  Chapter Six

  Remington

  Firmly, I hold my nine-iron and line up my shot. I used to hate golf, but somehow it’s grown on me, and I enjoy it more, especially with Dad. More than once in my life, he’s told me how many deals have gone down on a golf course. As I take the swing, the whoosh of the power and connection sends the small white ball into the air. I watch it as it plops down on the green, just shy of the flag.

  “Good shot.” Dad pats my shoulder. “Are you trying to show me up, son?”

  I chuckle. “I promise I’m not.”

  We hop into the golf cart and make our way toward the green. We haven’t talked much about me…thank the hockey gods for that…it’s mainly been about Dad. He seems to be enjoying his retirement, patiently waiting for next month when Mom is officially done and will start hers. I’m excited they are both finishing work. I know they want to travel and not because work sent them. They also want to come to more of my games. I know their schedules haven’t always allowed them to see a lot of games. They try their best, and it’s all I can ask. I’m not naïve of their careers, but with both being retired soon, they want to see more.

  I study Dad as he easily taps his ball in the hole for the birdie.

  “That’s how it’s done,” he jokes.

  “Let’s see you on skates, old man,” I quip back at him.

  “I’m not trying to break a hip, Remy.” He glares at me.

  This time I laugh out loud and grab my putter. I take a couple practice swings before tapping the golf ball, which rolls right past the hole.

  “It’s not a puck, is it?” Dad smirks.

  I roll my eyes. “I know. It’s a good thing this is just for fun, right?”

  “Oh, I’m keeping score.”

  I groan. He wonders were my competitiveness comes from? “I figured you were.”

  We continue to play the last few holes before heading up to the clubhouse for a beer.

  “You talk to Maxima, yet?” Dad asks as we sit down.

  “No. I heard her come in last night, but I knew she was tired, and I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.” I take two large gulps of the ice cold beer.

  “Remy, I can’t believe you gotten yourself into this mess.”

  I rub my forehead. I have tried my whole life not to disappoint them and here I am, doing that very thing.

  “I’m going to talk to her tonight while you all are at the movies. I figure I’ll make dinner and lay it all out.”

  Dad remains quiet, and I stare off at the luscious green view in front of me. I wasn’t a wreck like this even when I originally approached her about this plan the first time.

  “Remy, you just need to rip off the Band-Aid. Don’t stall or beat around the bush. Tell her and be prepared for all that might come afterward.”

  I nod.

  Oh, it’s going to be a shitty night.

  I sit at the kitchen table, my leg bouncing to help counter my rattled nerves. I’ve downed two beers, thinking it would help, but I was sorely mistaken.

  “I thought since we were staying in, I wouldn’t need to dress up much.”

  My eyes first land on her plump pink lips as she speaks to me. Second, on her beautiful silvery-blue eyes. And lastly, her stunning body. She had on tight jeans and some type of flowy gray top.

  “You look perfect.” She truly does. I get up from the table and kiss her. I don’t touch her anywhere else, only her lips.

  “Thank you.”

  I smile at her. I want this moment to last. Her with me, beautiful and worry free, but I need to take my parent’s advice and talk to her. I have to do this.

  “Remington, may we talk before dinner?”

  “Sure.” I nod.

  She brushes past me and sits across from the chair I’d been in. It’s where I placed her wine glass. I really wanted to talk to her first, but I’m sure she doesn’t have anything as big as I do to say.

  Man up! I tell myself.

  “I’m going to tell you something, and then I’d appreciate it you answer my questions honestly.”

  I nod.

  “I overheard you talking to your parents last night.”

  My heart stops.

  “I didn’t hear everything, but I know you lied about something.”

  I can’t blink or breathe at this moment.

  “I’m sorry I eavesdropped. It’s not something I normally do, but I did last night.”

  Silence falls around us, and you could hear a pin drop. She’s sitting tall and hasn’t broken eye contact with me once.

  “When I went to Harlow’s last night, she reminded me of something. The first time you brought this up, Harlow told me no attorney woul
d ever suggest what you proposed to me. I didn’t believe her because I trusted you. You have to understand I don’t trust people easily. I never understood why it was so easy with you. It’s almost like I thought of you as a superhero.”

  My heart is breaking. I know this is going to end badly.

  “Today, Harlow and I called and inquired with several attorneys in New Hampshire and Maine. Every single one I spoke to told me a father doesn’t need to be engaged or have a women living with him to prove to the court he’s a worthy parent and an ethical attorney would never suggest it.”

  And there’s the final nail in my coffin. She knows. The question is how bad is she going to kill me?

  “Here is my first question is: did you lie to me?”

  She already knows the answer; she just answered it. I don’t even hesitate. “Yes.”

  She closes her eyes for a beat, and when she opens them, there are tears building. “Why?”

  “You may not believe me, but I was desperate to date you. I wanted you in my life full-time.”

  “You’re not serious, are you?” Her jaw falls open.

  “I am.” I nod.

  “You’re a fool.” She jumps up and begins to pace the kitchen. “I came over here on Valentine’s Day without any other thought but to date you. I like you, Remington. I like you a hell of a lot more than any other man. How idiotic are you?” she shouts at me.

  “Well, I—”

  “No,” she shuts me down. “It’s a rhetorical question.” She continues her pacing. “I can’t believe you.”

  “Maxima,—”

  “You used your daughter as a pawn. You’re not much better than Rickie.” She cuts me a mean glare.

  “Hey, I’m much better than her.” I’m completely offended.

  “Are you sure? Arabella is her ticket to money, and she was your ticket to me. Am I wrong?”

  I open my mouth to argue with her, but no words come out. “Shit.” I drop my head into my hands. “You’re right. I’m a horrible parent.”

  I can’t say anything bad about Rickie because I am doing the same thing. Right here, in my kitchen, an anvil of truth slams right on top of my head. I’m truly ruining and disappointing everyone in my life.

  “You’re not a bad parent, Remington. Unlike Rickie, you’re trying to better Arabella’s life, but you have a very strange way of going about it.” She comes back over and sits down at the table. “Explain to me why you truly concocted this absurd plan.”

  I rub my temples before finally connecting with her eyes again.

  “I know there’s a part of you that’s locked up tight, but I’m drawn to you and it. It’s cliché, but I’m a moth and you’re my flame. I have never felt this way about anyone. Ever. Fuck, I’ve never lied before, but somehow this kept snowballing until we reached this point. I’m sorry for lying to you, Maxima. I truly am, but I’m not sorry for spending time with you; I have fallen in love with you.”

  She softly gasps and breaks our eyes contact. She’s shaking her head back and forth, hugging herself as if she’s in a protective mode. I don’t want her to have another panic attack, because I’m sure if I hold her now, it’ll only make it worse.

  “You can’t love me, Remington. It’s just you overthinking and protecting your daughter.”

  “No,” I state firmly. “It is what I truly feel. You are who I want in my life, in Arabella’s life. You’re smart, beautiful, and…and…just fucking perfect.”

  “Obviously, you’re looking through some sort of beer goggles or some type of tinting, because beautiful and perfect are two words I’d never use to describe me. Fat and below average appeal would be more precise.” She gets back up and starts pacing again.

  This time I follow her. It’s not anger I’m feeling, even though she just criticized herself in front of me. I want to hold her, protect her, save her from the pain searing in her eyes.

  “You don’t even look in the mirror, Maxima. If you did, you would see all this greatness I see in front of me. All of it. I am in love with you.”

  She groans loudly. “Stop saying that please.”

  “It’s how I feel.” I step right into her path. We’re close enough I can feel her body heat against my skin. “Had I told you yesterday before you figured out the truth, what would you have said then?”

  She shakes her head.

  “Tell me.”

  “I like you too.” Maxima’s voice is low I almost miss it.

  “Like or liked?”

  She is now shifting from foot-to-foot. “I like you, but it doesn’t mean I’m not infuriated with you right now. I turned my life upside down for you, and I fell in love with your beautiful daughter.”

  I reach for her, but she backs up. She may as well have kicked me in the balls. “Please forgive me. You’re the one person I can’t let down. I’ll get on my hands and knees until you do. I swear, I’ll never lie to you again.”

  The tears finally fall from her elegant eyes.

  “Please,” I beg some more.

  “You have to know something about me. I’ve never loved anyone, especially a man. I have severe trust issues. You can see it, feel it, and I’ve said it before. I’ve never allowed any person, any man, to get this close to me.”

  The words she says kick me in the guts and even burn my soul. I’m losing her. Hell, I’ve lost her already.

  “Please just forgive me.”

  “Saying it over and over isn’t helping at all.” The tears fall faster, and it causes me to back away from her.

  “I’m sorry for everything.” I have to repeat it again.

  “I need to think.” She rushes off.

  I want to chase after her and hold onto her curvy, amazing body until she’s no longer upset with me. Instead, I stay rooted in place. I wait for the front door to slam, but it never does. The oven beeps, causing me to jump. Well, dinner is ruined, even though the food is perfectly cooked. I pull it out, but leave it on the counter. I have no appetite at all.

  I grab another beer and chug it halfway down. I know she hasn’t left, but right now, she’s somewhere in this house, certainly crying and pissed. And it’s all because of me.

  How did I get this so screwed up?

  How do I fix it? This is the number one issue right now. I have to fix this.

  I finish my beer and head off to find Maxima. My house isn’t huge, so I know she’s not too far away. I head for the bedroom first. I can hear the whimpering from the hallway, and I feel like the worst person in the world. I have to do something.

  I carefully open the door and see Maxima sitting with her back against the wall on her side of the room. The second she sees me, she quickly wipes her face free of the tears. I say nothing, but I go over and sit next to her. It’s possible she’ll run away from me, but she stays still. I want her to know I’m here for her. If she wants to yell, hit, or whatever, I’ll be right here and I’ll take whatever she tosses at me.

  Nothing is said between us, and the only sounds are the sniffling echoes in the room. I’m itching to hold her, touch her, anything to let her know how much I care.

  “Remington, you can’t lie to me.”

  My head is resting against the wall, and I turn to her.

  ‘I don’t think you intentionally meant to hurt me, but you most certainly did.”

  “Are you leaving?”

  “I gave you my word, and I don’t go back on it. But you can’t mess with my head. You can’t go around saying you love me. You will stop it now.” Her tone tells me this isn’t up for negotiation.

  “When your parents leave, I’ll go back to the guest room.”

  “I enjoy you in my bed.”

  “Well, it’s a comfortable bed,” she jokes with me.

  “You don’t have to move back; we’re both adults.”

  She waves her hand, and I know she wants to drop the topic. It’s not something we need to discuss right now anyway.

  Maxima’s is about to say something, but we hear the door opening and Ara
bella calling for us. Leaving Maxima isn’t what I want to do right now, but I need to.

  “Tell her I don’t feel well, please. Technically, it’s not a lie.”

  I nod and shut the door before I head downstairs.

  Arabella and my parents don’t question anything about Maxima, and I do my best to be as normal as possible, but it’s the hardest thing to do right now.

  After Arabella finishes her bath, I grab the book from the nightstand, but Arabella shakes her head.

  “What’s wrong, honey?”

  “You don’t have to read.” She sounds utterly disappointed.

  “I don’t mind.”

  She takes the book from my hand and puts it back on the table. “It’s what Maxima and I do.” She crosses her arms and pouts.

  Never, in her eight years of her life, has my daughter been cross with me. Right now, if looks could kill me, I’d be dead.

  “Honey, she’s not feeling well. Can’t I fill in for tonight?”

  Arabella huffs. “I guess.”

  She has an attitude, but I don’t address it. Actually, it makes me see how much she loves Maxima. I knew she did, but right now it’s more than a realization.

  “Why don’t you go ahead and sleep? I’m sure Maxima will feel better tomorrow to read.”

  “Okay.” She seems happier and reaches up, hugging me around my neck.

  “Go to sleep, honey.” I kiss her cheek and tuck her in.

  I open the bedroom door as Maxima comes out of the bathroom freshly showered. We make eye contact, and she remains quiet. Her silvery-blue eyes are blood shot and her face blotchy, but she still has the ring on her left hand.

  My dream is to properly ask her to marry me and give her the wedding she deserves. I want to be the man she has always wanted. I’m such a shit because she clearly told me she came over here on Valentine’s Day to date me, and I ruined it by lying to get her to date me.

  “Are you okay?” Yes, it’s a dumb question because she is far from okay.

  She simply nods and climbs into her side of the bed. Maxima, obviously, won’t say anything else. I go to the bathroom and take several deep breathes. I need to get a plan together to win her trust and get her back into my life.