Small Town King: A Single Dad Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 3)

by Fabiola Francisco

  “That has to be normal,” Miles speaks up. “Honestly, I still wake up startled in the middle of the night, and I’m a grown man.” He was the worse off. We thought we’d lost him when no one could find him.

  “What are y’all talking about?” Madison asks as she leans into Tate. June follows, and Miles wraps his arm around her waist. I watch my siblings, feeling a pang of envy. I miss Ella more than I care to admit. I miss her smile and her scent. I miss holding her.

  Finishing off my beer, I turn toward the garbage so I can grasp my emotions before they notice something’s wrong.

  “I mentioned talking to Charlie and Chloe,” Tate tells Madison.

  “That’s right,” she nods. “I think it’s a good idea, Brett.”

  “Yeah.” I shift, crossing my arms. “I’ll mention it to their therapist tomorrow, too. I’m sure she’d agree.”

  “They’ll get better.” Madison squeezes my arm with a small smile. “They’re strong like their daddy.”

  I nod silently, needing to switch the conversation.

  “What’s going on with your career?” I point my direction at Madison, hoping she’ll distract me with talk about new music, her new label, and anything that isn’t related to my personal life.

  The last thing I need is for my siblings and their partners to witness the way I break down because I feel so out of control. It’s easier to turn on the stoic indifference, focus on work, and pretend everything is okay. In reality, nothing’s been okay in a long time. And each day, it feels like it gets worse instead of better.

  Chapter 3

  Brett

  Holding Charlie and Chloe’s hands, I lead them into the center where their therapy takes place. It took me some time to make the decision to bring them to talk to a professional because I wanted to help them myself, give them the love and support they needed. However, as their stress worsened, I knew they had to talk to someone who could help me support them in a different way.

  “Mrs. Colleen!” Charlie waves at the counselor across the lounge area, who smiles and waves.

  “Shhh…” I peer down at Charlie, reminding her that other people are talking in different offices. She grimaces with an apology before scooting closer to me.

  After I sign them in with the receptionist, I lead the girls to the sofa in the waiting area. Charlie brings out a book she’s been reading, and Chloe pulls out her coloring book while we wait for Colleen to call them in.

  I check my phone despite leaving work an hour ago. Thankfully, the construction crew has been working with no issues, but we still have months of loss to make up for.

  “Mr. Carlisle.” I look up to find Colleen standing near the sofa.

  “Hi,” I stand to greet her. “How are you?”

  “I’m good. I’d actually like to talk to you before I begin my session with Charlie and Chloe.” Her eyes look over to the girls before coming back to mine.

  “Sure, what’s going on?” I stick my hands in my pockets.

  “In my office,” she smiles kindly, but my worry grows.

  “Girls,” Colleen kneels before them. “I’m going to talk to your daddy a moment. Can you wait here? You’re doing a great job already.”

  They both nod quietly, and I follow her to her office, wondering what the hell she has to tell me.

  “Please take a seat.” She points to the love seat against a wall.

  I sit in silence, looking at her with raised eyebrows, my heart fighting to leave my chest.

  “The girls are doing better,” she nods, taking a seat across from me. “I need to discuss something with you. I’ll be leaving at the end of the month. My husband’s company is transferring him, and we’re moving.” Her lips press together as I process her words.

  “Wait…” I shake my head when I realize what she’s saying. “What happens with Charlie and Chloe? That’s only two weeks away.”

  “We’ve already found someone to replace me. She’s great, and I’m positive she’ll be able to continue to guide Charlie and Chloe’s healing. She’s here, so you’ll be able to meet her. Of course, it will be your choice to continue with her or not. We’d understand your decision since therapy is such a personal experience, although I’d love to see Charlie and Chloe continuing to get the help they need. If it’s okay with you, I’d like the girls to meet her and have her sit in on today’s session so she can get to know them.”

  With my elbow on my thigh, I rub my forehead. I was not expecting this. I thought maybe she’d tell me one of the girls wasn’t doing too good, but not that she was leaving and someone new would step in after the girls have gotten to trust her.

  “Can I think about it? I’d like to talk to the girls and let them be a part of the choice.”

  “Of course, I understand. I’d still like to introduce you to her.” I nod in agreement. If I don’t meet her, I won’t be able to make a decision. I have to choose what’s best for my daughters, not myself.

  We stand, and I head back to the sofa where the girls are waiting.

  “Charlie, Chloe.” I wait for them to look at me. “Come ‘ere.” I bring them over to sit on my lap and explain what Colleen just told me. She joins the conversation, taking advantage that no one is in the waiting room with us.

  “You’re leaving?” Charlie frowns.

  “Forever?” Chloe’s small voice asks.

  Mrs. Colleen nods. “I’m sorry, girls, but this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to help you. Ms. Magnolia will be taking over for me, and she’s really nice. And she’s younger than me,” she winks, causing my girls to giggle.

  “You’re not old,” Charlie says.

  “Thank you, Charlie, but Magnolia is much younger, and she’s got all these cool ideas to work with you.” Colleen looks at me with a reassuring smile. “Would you like to meet Ms. Magnolia?”

  Charlie nods hesitantly while Chloe leans into me, seeking protection.

  “It’s okay,” I whisper into her hair.

  “Great, I’ll be right back.” As Colleen goes to find the new therapist, I look at my girls.

  “I told Mrs. Colleen you’d both decide if you want to work with Ms. Magnolia. If you want me to find someone else, I will. What’s important is that you feel safe.” They both nod without saying a word.

  “Charlie and Chloe,” Colleen says as she returns. “Mr. Carlisle,” she addresses me after. “This is Ms. Magnolia. Ms. Magnolia, these are Charlie, Chloe, and their father, Mr. Carlisle.”

  The younger woman smiles kindly at my daughters before making eye contact with me. “It’s nice to meet you all. I’m sure this is unexpected, but I’m committed to continuing to help the same way Mrs. Colleen has. I’m happy to answer any questions.”

  “I like your shoes.” Charlie points at her flats. They’re covered in brightly colored donut drawings.

  “Thank you,” Magnolia smiles. “I love donuts. Do you have a favorite dessert?” She bends down to give Charlie her full attention.

  Charlie nods. “I love ice cream.”

  “Oh, yummy. How about you?” Magnolia asks Chloe, who leans into my hip, her arm wrapped around my leg.

  Chloe shrugs, hiding part of her face. Magnolia’s smile doesn’t waver. “You can tell me another day.”

  “She likes ice cream, too,” Charlie says for her.

  “I’m sure she’ll tell me more about it another day.” Magnolia stands.

  Nodding, Colleen guides the girls into her office and leaves me standing with Magnolia.

  “I know this is a surprise, but I just want to let you know that I’m happy to work with Charlie and Chloe, and I have experience with children. I’d love to get to know them and help them. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them.” She smiles tentatively as I blink at her, nodding.

  “I told Mrs. Colleen that I’d talk to Charlie and Chloe about it. I want to make sure they’re okay with it. Trust doesn’t come easy, and they’ve warmed up to her. Please don’t take that as an offense, but I want to guarantee they f
eel safe and their sessions are productive.” I press my lips together, taking in the woman before me. She can’t be older than thirty. Despite her funky shoes, she’s dressed in black slacks and a white satin top. She’s tall, with long brown hair pulled up into a ponytail that falls in waves.

  “Of course,” she nods. “Again, if you have any questions about my training or skills, I’ll be happy to answer them.”

  “Thank you.”

  When she walks away, I drop on the couch, scrubbing my face. I hope I can make the right decision for Charlie and Chloe. One thing I’m sure of is that I want them back to being the happy-go-lucky girls they were before. I’d like them to feel safe to return to the winery instead of fearing it and begging me to stop working there. I want to hear their laughter more often and get rid of their pain.

  While I wait for them to finish with Colleen, I do some work on my phone and take notes of things I need to check up on tomorrow. I’ve been cutting work short this week. Before, I’d pick up the girls and take them back to the winery with me while I finished up for the day.

  Unable to focus, I stretch my legs out and lean back on the couch, resting my head on the cushion behind me with closed eyes. I’d like to quiet my mind for a few seconds. Unfortunately, I never seem to find a way to do that.

  “Daddy…” Charlie’s sweet voice breaks through my mind, and I blink my eyes open to see them walking toward me. “Were you sleepin’?” She giggles.

  Reaching my arms out so she walks into my hug, I shake my head. “No. How was it today?” I kiss the top of her head as she scoots closer.

  “Good.” That’s what she always says. It was good. Neither of them tells me what happens in the session, and I don’t push it either, giving them their space.

  Chloe makes her way to me slower, leaning into my side. I put my arm around her, smiling.

  “All good?” I raise my eyebrows.

  She nods silently.

  “I’ll see you next week. If you’d like for Magnolia to sit in that session so she can get to know the girls, that’d be great. The decision is yours.”

  Nodding, I thank Colleen, and we head home. I’ll talk to Charlie and Chloe once we’re at the house to see if they’d like for Magnolia to be there with them. I’m not particularly fond of change, which is ironic considering how much change my life’s had in the last few years, but I won’t throw that on my girls if they want to work with Magnolia. My dislike for disruption won’t interfere with their well-being.

  Once we’re home, I sit the girls in our living room, looking around the big, pristine space while I collect my thoughts.

  I kneel in front of them. “How do you girls feel about Mrs. Colleen moving?”

  “I’m gonna miss her,” Charlie says.

  “Me too,” Chloe chimes in.

  “Ms. Magnolia will be taking her place. Do you think you want to talk to her like you do with Mrs. Colleen?”

  “I liked her shoes,” Charlie bites her lower lip. “Is she nice?”

  “I only spoke to her a moment, but she seems nice.”

  “Will she do the same things Mrs. Colleen does?” Chloe asks.

  Since I’m not exactly sure what techniques Colleen uses, I can’t answer that explicitly. I get updates from her, but the actual sessions are kept confidential unless something major is brought up.

  “I’m sure she has similar skills. Everyone works differently, but if you want, she can sit with Mrs. Colleen next week, and you can get to know her better. I don’t want to make this decision for you. I want you to feel safe and trusting.”

  Chloe looks at Charlie, who nods.

  “I think that’s okay. Do you too, Chloe?” She smiles at her younger sister, always her protector.

  “Okay,” she whispers.

  “Are you sure?” I look at Chloe. “You don’t have to agree just because Charlie does. We can talk about it. If you’re not sure, I can find someone else for you, and Charlie can work with Magnolia.

  “No, I wanna keep going with Charlie.” She leans into her older sister, who puts her arm around her.

  I watch them with soft eyes and a sad smile. The way they love and take care of each other astounds me each day. They’re amazing and strong, which is why I have to believe they’ll overcome this.

  I don’t want them to have a phobia of fire or enclosed places. I want them to be able to turn on candles when they’re older, sit by a fire pit, and be in enclosed places without gripping fear that they’re going to get hurt because of it. What they lived through was a horrific experience, and I’d go through it it a million times for them if I could, but I want them to be able to live and enjoy things without limitations.

  “Okay, we’ll let Mrs. Colleen know next week.” They nod in unison. “I’m going to make dinner then.”

  While I cook, the girls tell me about their day. I love hearing them talk about their friends and teachers and what they’re learning in school.

  “Carlos got in trouble at school because he pushed Claire when he was running,” Chloe’s story is background noise as I flip the chicken breasts.

  When I turn around, the girls are quietly talking as they sit at the counter. Crossing my arms, I ask, “What are you whispering about?”

  “Nothing,” Charlie shakes her head, looking guilty.

  I narrow my eyes, but she gives nothing away. Assuming they’re talking about school, I finish dinner so I can get them into the bath and ready for bed.

  They’re growing up really fast, and I can imagine them as teenagers, gossiping about classmates and getting ready for parties. I hope they’re always this close, always best friends.

  Setting their food in front of them, I look at the girls a moment before sitting and eating with them. My chest constricts, knowing I have a piece of their mother with me, but not all of her is here sharing this with us.

  Chapter 4

  Magnolia

  I weave through the people walking down the sidewalk while trying to keep my phone wedged between my ear and shoulder.

  “How’s it going?” My mom asks on the other line.

  “Good…” I say distractedly as I avoid bumping into someone. Who knew a small town would have this much foot traffic?

  “Is this a bad time? You can call me when you’re free to talk.”

  Guilt hits me. “No, Mama. Sorry, I’m walking around town and almost bumped into someone, so I had to focus. Everything is good here. The town’s cute.”

  I look around Willow Creek’s Main Street, taking in the quaint beauty. It feels like it’s pulled out of a television show. I hope people are as welcoming of the new girl in town as they are in those shows. Well, I guess there’s always a villain, but I’m hoping that’s not the case in Willow Creek.

  “How is the town?”

  “It’s beautiful. There’s a coffee shop I’ve already fallen in love with. I’m hoping to explore a bit this weekend since I already finished unpacking and have some time.”

  I moved here last week after I got offered a children’s therapist position, and the timing couldn’t have been better. It was hard to leave Mama and my home, but I know this is for the best. We need the money, and I’ll do anything, even if it means moving to a new town.

  “How’s work? Do you like it so far?” She’s been asking me every day.

  “It’s the same as yesterday,” I tease. “It’s good. So far, most of the clients that worked with the other therapist are okay with me taking over. There are a couple who are hesitant, but I hope that they’ll give me a chance before completely dismissing me.”

  “I’m sure they will, sweetie.” I smile at her soft voice, wishing I were back home with her.

  “Thanks.” I blink away tears, giving myself my usual pep talk. Any new beginning is rough. Change is bittersweet. We need the money.

  “What are you doing now?”

  I tell my mom about my errands, more details about the coffee shop and the nice barista, and how packed town seems to be today. When we’re done, I hang
up, feeling a bit somber. It’s lonely moving to a new town where you don’t know anyone. I’ve been holed up in my small apartment all week, getting settled. I thought coming out for a walk would help, but it’s just made me realize that I have no one in this town.

  Walking down the street, I smile when I see a bookstore. The barista at The Grind mentioned it when I asked what I should check out around town. I cross the street after making sure no cars are coming and pull open the door to Beauty and the Books. I smile instantly, seeing the shelves full to the brim with books. What surprises me is seeing a bar at the far end of the shop. I guess that’s why the barista said it was a unique bookstore. Go figure, drinks and reading—two of my favorite things.

  “Hi, welcome to Beauty and the Books.” I look to my right to see a young woman with curly hair, probably about my age, behind the counter.

  “Hi.” I return the smile.

  “I’m June. If you need any help, let me know. I’ll let you browse a bit.”

  “Thanks.” I hoist my purse higher on my shoulder and start at the first shelf, looking at all the different titles. My fingers brush the spine of a book before taking in the rest of the shop. It’s airy despite all the shelves with a cozy seating area and a table holding new releases. Literary decor fills the wall behind the counter.

  “Are you looking for a specific genre?” June asks, now on the other side of the counter.

  “Honestly, I just love to browse even when I know I’ll end up with a romance novel. It’s relaxing.” I shrug, smiling at her before turning my attention back to the lines of books.

  “I know what you mean. I’m the same way. Our romance section is on that shelf.” She points to the third one down from where I am. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like.”

  “Thank you.” I keep looking through the titles, moving from the shelves to the new release table and back again.

  “What’s the bar for?” I tilt my head and furrow my eyebrows.