by Dani René
“It’s okay, Mrs. Bryson, we’ll have him checked out soon. Follow me.” I offer a calming smile, hoping it will alleviate her stress about her son. The little boy looks as if he’s proud of the fact that he probably has a broken arm, giving me a toothy grin. “Come on, little man.” I open the door, allowing him and his mother to enter first. Once the door is shut, I turn on the computer to pull up his files.
“It hurts,” he mumbles when I step over to the bed where his mom has propped him up.
“That’s definitely going to happen when you fall out of a tree. Now can you tell me what you did?” I ask, hoping to distract him as I touch his arm tentatively to figure out how bad it is.
“I was playing with my friends and they dared me to do it.” He shrugs nonchalantly, causing me to chuckle. “Ow!”
As soon as I lift his arm at the elbow, he flinches. It seems the shoulder has taken most of the fall from the way he cowers when I move it.
“Okay, little man, we’re going to do an X-ray and then we’ll fix you up. You may need a cast, and no more climbing trees. You got that?” I ruffle his hair, and he nods in response with a sad pout on his chubby face.
I turn to set up the X-ray machine. This will ensure that I know nothing is broken or fractured. Offering a smile to his mom, who looks like she’s about to pass out from stress, I ensure everything is ready before turning back to her.
“He’ll be fine,” I assure her.
Boys can be hard work. I remember myself as a child. I was a handful. The thought makes me wonder if I’d ever have another child. Perhaps a son. The image brings Lily to mind and I can’t help smiling at that. I’d love to see her pregnant with my baby.
“Let’s go, little man, I need you to stand really still. Can you do that?”
He nods at my question. A challenge for him because I can tell he’s ready to head back up that tree. One thing about boys, they tend to be stubborn.
“Thank you, Doctor,” his mom murmurs behind me, and I cast a glance toward her, relief painting her features.
This is what I love about my job, making people smile, treating them so they feel better, heal, and stay healthy. It’s always been a passion of mine to make someone smile. Whether it’s from relief that you’re giving them good news, or just from the fact that you were there for them in their time of need.
“It’s a pleasure. That’s why I’m here.” I focus on getting the X-rays done and ready for examination while she waits for her little boy to get his arm in a sling. And my mind is once again on Lily.
The hours pass quickly and when I glance up at the clock, I note it’s been four hours since I rushed out of the house this morning. Guilt settles in my chest when I realize I left in such a rush, that I didn’t tell Lily I’d be this long. I know she’s finished with her studies, and even though she’s on vacation for the holidays, leaving her and Chelsea alone so close to Christmas causes me to worry. She might think I’m taking advantage of her, or perhaps she has plans with someone. That thought has jealousy skating through my veins. I don’t want her to have anyone else but me.
Also, I haven’t had the courage to call her since I arrived. Even though I had a few moments to spare, I wasn’t sure a phone call would suffice what I want to say. Also, to be honest, I’m fearful of her telling me to go to hell.
This morning when I left, it was the most natural thing to plant a kiss on her full lips as I headed to work, and I didn’t miss my daughter’s little rhyme. Cringing, I sigh as I rise from my chair and shrug my coat on. For Chelsea, this isn’t something trivial. Having another woman replace her mother in that way is not something I wanted to put her through till I was ready to move on. At least, till I was sure there was a chance for me and Lily.
Making my way out the door, I head to the parking lot and unlock the car. When I slip into the driver’s seat, I inhale deeply before starting the engine and making my way home. The town is quiet since it’s two days before Christmas and we haven’t had a snowfall yet.
My mind is replaying what to say to her when I see her in a few moments. The girl I want more than I ever thought I would, and also, there’s something I want to talk to her about before I chicken out.
Even being away from her for a few hours, busying myself with work and patients, hasn’t diminished the image of her on my bed, spread open to my hungry gaze.
The drive home is a few minutes longer than normal because I’m stalling, but not near enough time for me to figure out what I’m going to say to Lily when I finally see her.
Pulling into the garage, I shut off the engine and exit the car. A small body bounds into me as soon as I step into the laundry room, which is just off the kitchen.
“Daddy! Lily made me lunch! And she made shortcake!” Chelsea screeches loudly and excitedly as I lift her up.
The aromas coming from the kitchen would bring a grown man to his knees and I’m almost there. I’m tempted to keep Lily here with me and my little girl forever.
The thought stills me for a moment before I manage a response to Chelsea. “Did she, now?” I question as I step into the kitchen and find the beautiful woman sitting at the table about to devour a piece of sweet dessert. Her long, wavy hair is tied in a messy knot on top of her head, thin tendrils of strawberry-blond hanging around her face making her look angelic. Her large doe eyes peek up at me under long lashes.
“Mr.—”
“Austin,” I interrupt her, causing a gorgeous blush to warm her cheeks.
A swift nod of understanding, and she smiles. “Hello, Austin.” Her voice is timid, with a slight tremble.
There’s emotion rolling off her in waves and it matches the way I’m feeling about her. Nervous, excited, and enamored. I can see it in her eyes, affection so deep and pure it steals my breath.
“Daddy,” my little girl murmurs in my ear conspiratorially. “Are you going to kiss Lily again?”
Darting my surprised gaze to my daughter, I open my mouth to respond, but I can’t find the words. Setting her down, I straighten and glance at my babysitter, who is now blushing furiously. Chelsea may be young, but she’s picked up on the tension between the two adults in her life. And that’s what Lily is, an adult.
“Munchkin, can you give me a minute to talk to Lily about something? I’ll come find you after, okay?” I say, giving her a kiss on the top of her head.
“Okay, Daddy.” She nods, her pigtails bouncing as she races into the living room.
Now that we’re alone, the air shifts and there’s evident desire hanging between me and the beauty at my table.
“I’m… I made something to eat. I don’t know if—”
Closing the distance between us, I grip her face in my hands and crash my mouth to hers. I don’t care what I’m doing. Every risk and rule flies out the window when my lips touch hers. A soft whimper falls from her lips and I swallow it. I want all her sweet sounds. I want to taste her essence. Everything this woman is, I want it all.
She rises, her hands snaking their way around my neck, and her body molds to mine. Her mouth is warm, sweet, and so fucking delicious. Her arms twine around my waist, holding on to me as if I’m her lifeline, but I don’t think I am, because in this stormy ocean, she is mine.
Each day I watched her grow closer to my daughter. And every moment she spent in my house as my babysitter, she burrowed her way into my heart. Nothing is going to stop me having her now. She feels perfect, utterly perfect in my arms.
“Austin,” she mumbles against my lips. “My parents.”
Two words and I’m stepping back. I know we need to tell them, to let them get to know me and Chelsea. And what better time to do it than Christmas.
“I’ll go with you. I want you, Lily. Nothing is going to stop this.” I’m earnest in my words. She needs to know this isn’t a one-night stand. I’m here, and if she’ll have me, I’d like to keep her for far longer than just a night.
“Let me talk to them first,” she pleads and I know why. Her father, the sheriff, is not
an easy man to please, and I don’t blame him. I’d be the same with Chelsea.
“Okay. But then I want to be by your side after. I need to be. To show him I’m worthy of you, Shortcake,” I mumble against her pink lips.
“Always.” Her murmur is a promise. A heartfelt, honest vow, and I nod.
Lily
“Lily.” My mother looks at me with emotion shimmering in her eyes. “This man, he’s too old for you. And he has a child,” she implores me, telling me everything I already know. Her voice is thick with confusion and as much as I love her, she doesn’t realize this is something I’ve thought of for a lot longer than she can imagine.
“Mom, he’s a good person. I’m not running out to marry him. We’re taking things slow. Please trust me?” This time, I’m the one begging her. I need her to understand. To see I’m not an immature child. I’m not going to do anything stupid, and I know Austin better than he sometimes knows himself. He’s a responsible person. He would never do anything to put Chelsea in harm’s way, whether it’s physical or emotional.
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt, honey. I don’t doubt that he’s a good man. I’ve seen him with his little girl. He’s caring and loving, but becoming a step-in mom for her is not going to be easy.”
I nod in response. This is something I’ve mulled over in my mind for a few days since Austin asked me to go out on a date. It’s a fear that’s kept me up at night. I don’t want to be a replacement, but I feel so at ease with her and she seems comfortable with me around.
“Why don’t we all have dinner together? I’ll make my famous roast with those rosemary herb potatoes you love so much. We can get to know Dr. Bailey and his daughter.” She smiles kindly, offering me an alternative.
My father, who’s been quiet all this time, looks serious as he considers my mother’s suggestion.
We both look at him for any acknowledgement that he’s not going to kill Austin if he walks in here. I’ve always been my father’s little girl. He’s cared for me, supported me, and now that I’ve fallen in love, I think it’s the idea that I’ll no longer be under his care that bothers him the most.
“Come on, Dad. It’s almost Christmas and I don’t want us at odds over the holidays,” I ask, my voice a mere whisper, because if I have to be honest, he has always scared me. His strict upbringing has been good, but deep down, I wish he’d trust that I’m grown-up enough to make a decision that will be good for me.
“Lilypad.” My dad sighs, using my nickname he gave me when I was a kid. “I’ve always believed you were a strong, independent, beautiful woman, and I know when you decide on something it takes a lot to sway you. I’m not trying to. All I’m going to say about this is that I hope and pray he doesn’t break your heart, because I will have to kill him.” My father is dead serious. Being the sheriff in town has had its drawbacks growing up, and now, as an adult, it’s still the bane of my existence.
“Dad, you can’t kill him because he won’t break my heart.” As I say the words, I’m sure of them. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Austin will not hurt me.
“Fine. Then he and his daughter can have dinner here tomorrow night.” He huffs, pushing off the chair. He stalks toward me, leaning down and planting a soft kiss on my head. “And I wasn’t joking, Lilypad. I have a gun,” he tells me earnestly.
“Go to work. You’ll be late,” Mom chastises him for his grumpy remarks. “The man is insufferable.”
I can’t help giggling at the two of them. Even after all these years, they’re still in love. Happy together that when they’re apart even for a few hours, you can tell they long for each other. I hope one day I have that, and I wish it’s with Austin Bailey.
“Do I look okay?” Austin asks as he fiddles with his black tie. He’s dressed in a suit for dinner tonight and I laugh at how nervous he is.
“You do realize it’s an informal dinner?” I quip, watching him in the mirror.
His eyes meet mine. I can tell he’s nervous as he offers me one of his sexy smiles. “I do, but your father isn’t impressed I’m stealing his daughter. If he kills me tonight, at least I’ll look good.” Once he turns to regard me fully, I’m breathless at how handsome he is.
“He is not going to kill you. Besides—”
Chelsea comes leaping into the bedroom dressed in her princess gown, which sets off my giggling. “I’m ready!” Her squeal echoes off the walls.
Shaking my head, I narrow my eyes at her mischievous smile. “Come on, princess, you need to dress in something a little less formal,” I tell her, shooing her into her room.
“I like this dress.” She pouts up at me, her face the picture of innocence.
“How about you wear it for Christmas? Today, you can wear this.” I pull out her Frozen jumper with matching sweatpants. Her trainers are blue with silver sparkles. For a girl, she loves blue.
“Okay, I love Elsa,” she tells me confidently. “Like Daddy loves you.” The words fall easily from her mouth, causing me to halt in my movements.
“What?”
“Daddy loves you,” she says in her innocent way.
Shaking it off, I help her dress, and moments later, we’re all in Austin’s SUV heading to my parents’ house. My heart patters against my ribcage at the thought of my dad meeting Austin, but I know deep down, he’ll see the good man inside. The father, the doctor, and the man who, according to Chelsea, loves me.
We pull up to the house, exit the car, and the little munchkin is already at the door while her dad and I follow up the steps. The door swings open and my mother is all dressed up in a beautiful pencil skirt and white blouse. Her hair’s been done and I can tell she’s even wearing makeup.
“Come in you, beautiful little angel,” she coos at Chelsea, who revels in the attention. As soon as we reach her, she glances at my hand interlinked with Austin’s and smiles. “It’s a pleasure to properly meet you, Dr. Bailey.”
“Please call me Austin, Mrs. Abrams,” he tells her, shaking her hand and leaning in to peck her on the cheek.
Ever the gentleman.
“Call me Sandra, please.”
“Sandra it is.” His smile is beaming bright as we enter my childhood home.
“Welcome.” Dad’s deep, gruff tone comes from behind us.
I watch in awe as he shakes Austin’s hand without being too rude.
“I take it you like my daughter?”
The question stills everyone. We’re all waiting for Austin’s response. I’m holding my breath, when he finally nods.
“I care for her very much, more than I’ve even admitted to her.” His hazel eyes meet mine, then he gifts me a smile. “I may be in love with her, sir,” he says, turning back to my father. “But I’m not rushing this. I wanted to meet you both to tell you that I have her best interests at heart and I promise to keep her heart safe.”
My father is silent, his eyes giving nothing away. No emotion. My heart leaps into my throat, for more reasons than I care to admit, because deep down I know I’m in love with Austin as well.
“I’ll be watching you, closely,” Dad says, leaning in. “And don’t for one second think I won’t use my gun.”
“Dad!” I admonish my father.
Everyone starts laughing and the tension in the air dissolves easily. Chelsea is curled up on the sofa watching television when we enter the living room. Once we’re all settled, the conversation flows easily and happiness envelops me, my heart, and my mind.
Austin
The lights of the tree twinkle, causing Lily’s hair to shimmer like golden honey. She’s dressed in a pair of pink sweatpants that match Chelsea’s. They’ve grown closer over the past few weeks and I couldn’t be happier.
She’s smiling at something my daughter has told her and I can’t help staring. Her face is lit up with happiness I haven’t ever seen in her expression. They giggle and I stroll over to where they’re seated on the plush carpet.
“Girls, you do know that whispering while we have company is r
ude?” I crouch down, tapping Chelsea’s nose with the tip of my finger.
“We weren’t, Daddy.” She pouts, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Lily is going to make us cookies,” Chels informs me with a bright smile. Her happiness means more to me than anything and the excitement on her face fills my heart with more love for the woman beside me.
Dragging my eyes to hers, I wink. “I prefer Lily’s shortcake.” I chuckle.
The woman I’m dying to devour blushes a beautiful soft pink. She’s wearing a bright red Santa hat that has a white trim and bauble attached to the end, which jingles each time she moves.
“Daddy, cookies are yummy.” Chelsea tries to convince me, but nothing will ever change my mind from the decadent taste of Lily and her baking.
“Why don’t we go get you some, Munchkin?”
My daughter runs to the kitchen, but I grab Lily before she can disappear and plant a soft kiss on her full lips.
“Tonight, I want you wearing just that hat,” I tell her in a husky whisper that causes her to shiver.
“And what will you be wearing, Santa?” she quips playfully.
“Nothing. You can take a ride on my candy cane,” I coo in her ear, earning a gasp from her at my naughty innuendo.
“You’re insufferable. Can you behave for just a few hours?” Her playful swat on my shoulder has me chuckling. She passes by me, the scent of strawberries following her as I watch her padding toward the kitchen.
Flopping onto the sofa, I breathe deeply as I recall the gift I have hidden in the bedroom for her. We’ve opened everything under the tree, but I have a special surprise for her when we get to bed tonight.
It’s been a long time coming, and now that we’ve made our relationship official, I need to ask her the question that’s been on my mind for weeks, probably months if I’m being honest.
She’s mine and I want her with me all the time. There’s no longer a choice in the matter. The girls return with plates of sweet treats. I scoot up, allowing Lily to curl up beside me with one of her romance novels, and Chelsea climbs onto my lap, holding out a choc chip cookie.
