“This is good.” I hold up the glass with the last sip of a red blend.
“That’s my favorite. I like white wine, too, but red is my love language, and this blend has everything I love in a wine.” June gushes with bright eyes.
I can’t help but giggle. “Wine, in general, is my love language, too.”
“I think we’re gonna be friends. I’m declaring it right now,” June smiles, and I can’t help but return it, feeling not so alone at the moment.
After trying the last wine in the tasting, I decide to order a glass of the red blend I loved and grab the copy of the book to read the synopsis on the back. I’m not usually into thrillers, but this is intriguing. I place the book back down, deciding to spoil myself with wine since I have other books at home I can read—keeping things in moderation—and turn around when I hear louder voices.
When I look toward the front of the store, I tense.
“That’s Madison and Brett. They’re Miles’s siblings. Madison is his twin. You may recognize her since she’s a country singer. Brett is their older brother.” June is talking beside me, but I’m only half-listening as I watch Mr. Carlisle, Brett, whatever, stand tensely next to his sister.
I turn to June. “I should get going.”
“What? Why? You just ordered a glass. Stay for a bit.” She pouts, pleading.
I can’t exactly tell her a client, her future brother-in-law, is here since that’s against my confidentiality rules, but it’s also not right to socialize with him.
Before I can come up with an excuse, Brett looks our way, and our eyes lock. Shit. June waves and grabs my arm.
“Come on, let me introduce you. They’re great people. Don’t let their status fool you. People in town treat them like royalty because of their father’s success as a football player when he was younger and then building the winery, but they’re down-to-earth.”
When she mentions this, I realize why the last name sounded familiar. My parents are big football fans. Wow, I can’t believe I live in the same town as Nathaniel Carlisle. My dad’s going to flip when I tell him.
“Hey, y’all,” June smiles at her family. “I want you to meet Magnolia. She’s new in town, so I invited her to come and get to know people.”
I don’t miss the subtle way Miles glances at Brett, who has his jaw set tight.
“I’m Madison,” Miles’s sister reaches her hand out.
“Hi… Oh, wait,” recognition dawns on me. “The singer.” That must be what June meant, but I was too caught up on Mr. Carlisle’s presence. That, and she went by the name Rose instead of Madison.
She nods slowly.
“It’s so great to meet you,” I add with a smile, not wanting to gush like a silly fangirl, but holy hell, I love her music. I didn’t recognize her from afar because of her red hair.
Brett is looking at me funny, and before he can say anything that may put my new job at risk, I shove my hand out and say, “I’m Magnolia, nice to meet you.”
My voice is high-pitched, but I clear my throat and offer a semblance of a smile. I thought June and I could be friends, but socializing with a client’s family might not be the right thing to do.
His eyebrows quirk, and then he shakes my hand.
“Brett.” He leaves it at that. No more words and his greeting isn’t anywhere as warm as his siblings.
Pulling my hand back, awkwardness sits between us. Miles’s odd expression when he met me must’ve been because he put two and two together that I am Charlie and Chloe’s therapist.
“I’m gonna go talk to Lucy,” I point behind me, looking at June.
Heat prickles my skin at the discomfort of standing here. I’ve always wanted to help people, specifically children, but I never actually put thought into being a therapist in a small town and the complications that it could bring. It’d almost be easier if I lived in a different town from where I worked to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Noticing Lucy is in the middle of a conversation and not wanting to interrupt since I barely know her, I continue past her to a smaller shelf near the bar that has a combination of books. They look used, and I read the sign above it that says: Grab a book and take a seat. These are free for your enjoyment. If you’d like to order your own copy, let us know.
I smile at the brilliant idea. Then, I scan the shelf, grabbing a book I loved when I was younger. An idea brews in my mind, and I flip through the pages. I’m going to ask June if she has this in stock or can order it for me. Having this in the office would be helpful with the kids. I’ve always believed reading builds empathy in people, and this can help children understand their own emotions through empathy with the character.
Thinking about Charlie and Chloe and their sad circumstances, I think it’d be a great book to read and discuss with them. Fear is a heavy burden, and they have it in spades. I don’t blame them after what they lived through, but if I can help in removing those blocks and give children an opportunity to live happily and carefree, I will. It’s why I decided on this career path instead of adults. Children are our future, and if we don’t help them heal, then what’s left for the rest of us?
I finish my glass of wine since it’s already paid for, and wasting a great glass of wine should be illegal. I jot down the name of the book to ask June about it tomorrow. I don’t want to interrupt her event for something like this. Before I can head her way to thank her for inviting me to the event, someone blocks my path. I look up at Brett with a tight smile.
“What are you doin’ here?” He crosses his arms.
“June invited me. Had I known this belonged to your family, I wouldn’t have come since I understand the issues it can bring up. Living in a small town, however, creates situations like this.”
He narrows his eyes, not speaking.
“In order to avoid said issues, I pretended I didn’t know you. I never have and never will speak about a client, even to their family. If you want to tell them that I’m the girls’ therapist, that’s your choice, but I won’t even do that.”
“I appreciate that.” He nods once, dropping his arms from his chest and sticking them in his pockets. His hair is disheveled from running his hands through it, and his green eyes look tired. He’s handsome. I noticed that the first time I met him, but his energy is guarded.
“Anyway, I’m gonna go.” I do a half-wave that makes me look silly, and I roll my eyes.
Walking around Brett, I go in search of June to thank her. She insists I stay longer, but I promise I’ll be back tomorrow to ask about a book, which seems to appease her.
“Bye,” I wave at Miles and Madison before walking out of the bookstore and taking my first relaxed breath all night.
This night took an unexpected turn, and I’m unsure of how to handle a situation like this. It seems as if I’d have to give up certain friendships in order to work with Charlie and Chloe, which sucks because I live in a small town, and everyone’s connected in three degrees of separation instead of six.
And who knows what other residents are related to my other clients. Charlie and Chloe aren’t the only ones I work with. It seems as this job may bring about more complications than I anticipated, and I wish I had realized this before Colleen left so I could ask her how to handle this. I’m sure she had friends who are related to clients she had at some point.
Colleen seemed trustworthy and open. I may need to take her up on her offer to email her with any questions because I’m at a loss right now, and one thing that’s certain is that I cannot lose this job.
Chapter 7
Brett
I watch Magnolia leave the store and walk toward the bar, asking the bartender if he has scotch.
He shakes his head. “Wine only.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I’m sure Miles has a stash hidden somewhere.” The bartender worked in our restaurant, so I’m not a stranger to him.
“Sorry, Mr. Carlisle, not this time. He just ordered wine.”
“Damn it… Fine, serve me a glass of the blen
d.”
He nods and does as I say, handing me the glass.
“Thanks.” I pay and walk back to where Madison stands.
She cradles a glass and smirks. “What’d you tell her?”
When Miles asked for confirmation that Magnolia was Charlie and Chloe’s therapist, Madison was confused. I had to explain that Colleen moved, and Magnolia replaced her.
“I wanted to find out why she’s here. She’s their therapist. Isn’t it weird she’d be at my family’s bookstore?”
“You mean the only bookstore in town that’s hosting a kick-ass event?” Madison arches an eyebrow. “Do you expect her not to go to the bar or any restaurants in town?” Her sarcasm is unavoidable.
“Smartass,” I mumble. “Of course she’d be at those places, but it’s just weird that she’d be here. Anyway, she assured me she had no idea and would never speak about Charlie and Chloe to anyone, not even my family. It’d up to me to tell you that she’s their therapist.”
“Miles already knew since the girls talked to him about it.”
I grind my teeth. I love that my girls have great relationships with their aunt and uncle, but a part of me is envious that they spoke to him about it and won’t talk to me. It just adds to what Magnolia said this past week about me working too much and not being there for them.
I stay off to the side and drink my glass of wine as everyone else talks and laughs. I don’t know why I bother coming to these things. They’re usually not my cup of tea. I prefer a strong scotch at home after putting the girls to sleep. It helps to numb the memories faster. Instead, groups of people with their lingering sympathetic smiles remind me of my wife, even after two years. It’s the curse of small-town living.
“Listen, big bro, I love you to death, but you’ve got to switch out the scowl to something happier.” Madison stands next to me, leaning against the wall. I look at her out of the corner of my eye.
“I’m not scowling,” I say flatly.
“You practically were. At least, it’s not a very inviting aura around you. You need to do something else besides work. Let’s go to breakfast tomorrow with the girls. I think they’d like that. Tate will be off, and I’m sure Miles would come. Maybe June can even join us if it’s before she opens the shop.”
I shake my head. I know that when Madison comes up with a plan, it’s almost impossible to deter her, hence why I’m here tonight instead of at home.
“Fine,” I huff out. “Are you ready to go?” I raise my brows, noticing she’s no longer holding her glass of wine.
“Yup. I’m tired.” Right on cue, a yawn breaks through, and she covers her mouth.
“Come on.” I drop the glass on the bar and lead the way, stopping where June and Miles are. “We’re gonna head out.”
“Already?” June furrows.
“Yeah, I’m gonna pick up the girls and get them to bed.”
“We’re gonna have breakfast tomorrow. Y’all wanna come? It can be early before you open,” Madison says, looking at June.
“I might be able to make it,” she says. “Miles, you go for sure.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, you can come by after.” June makes sure that we get our sibling time. She’s been that way since she started dating Miles, more so after the fire. She wants to make sure we don’t lose our bond. It’s appreciated, especially that she’s an only child, though maybe that’s what makes her understand the importance of it more than someone who takes siblings for granted.
“We’ll meet at nine? That’ll give you at least time for some coffee and a quick bite,” Madison looks at June.
“Perfect.” June smiles and then gives us each a hug.
We jump into my car, and I drive toward Madison’s house.
“I can’t get over Magnolia being the girls’ counselor. She seems nice, though she’s a lot younger than I’d expect. Pretty, too.”
“Hmm…” I focus on the road. “Can you call Mom and let her know I’ll be there in a few?”
“Sure.”
Madison calls her, letting her know and then pausing. “Let me ask him.” She covers the mouthpiece and asks, “Do you wanna leave them for the night. They’re already asleep.”
I toss the option around in my head but decide to pick them up. “No, I’ll grab them.”
“Okay.” She relays my message to my mom before hanging up and humming a song. Madison was always like that, humming and singing to any beat. It’s in her veins to share music, and I’m glad she pursued that dream instead of giving it up when times got tough.
“I’ll see you tomorrow. We’ll meet at the diner?” She trails off into a question.
“Perfect. Nine, we’ll be there.”
“Goodnight, Brett.” Madison kisses my cheek and hops out of my car, light on her feet. Once she’s inside and the lights are turned on, I pull away and head toward my parents’ house.
As soon as I arrive, my mom insists we stay the night, but I assure her I’ll be able to carry the girls to the car and will put them straight to bed.
“I’m having breakfast with Madison and Miles. Maybe we’ll come over in the afternoon,” I tell her.
“That would be great,” she smiles softly, sadness in her eyes. I hate that look, the one that pities me.
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it.”
“Did you have fun?”
“Yeah,” I shrug.
She pats my arm and leads the way, grabbing the girls’ shoes as I carry them and head out, careful to set Charlie in her seat first and then Chloe. My mom helps me buckle them before kissing each on their forehead.
“Thank you again. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kiss her cheek and get settled in the driver’s side, heading home.
By the time I park in the garage, I’m yawning and ready for bed. I walk around to the right side of the car and grab Chloe before carrying Charlie.
Charlie stirs as I enter the house, whispering, “Daddy…”
“Yeah, baby.”
“Can I sleep with you?” Her sleep-laced voice is soft.
“Of course.” I head in the direction of the master bedroom, laying her gently and then Chloe.
“Go to sleep. I’ll be back.” I brush away Charlie’s hair from her forehead and drop a kiss.
“Okay…” She turns to her side, cuddling into herself, and closes her eyes. Soon, soft breaths fill the room as I get ready for bed. Staring at my wife’s picture on the bedside table, I shut off the lights and lie down.
When Charlie curls into me, I wrap my arm around her and keep her safe. It’s all I can do for my daughters. Protect them, make sure they know they’re loved, and fight for them. I failed in keeping them safe, and maybe I do put work before them at times, but I need to be able to work and be their father. Sometimes that means that I have to work late and I can’t pick them up from school, or I’ll need to return to work if I do. There’s only so much I can do, and I’m not sure what the right solution is.
I should start by talking to them, have them open up to me so they know they can tell me anything. We need clear communication if I want to help them and support them. I’m their dad. They should feel more comfortable telling me how they feel than a stranger or another family member.
With my daughters sound asleep beside me, it feels like something is right in my world. I’d do anything for them. Relaxing, I close my eyes and pray that we can overcome this obstacle and come out stronger from it.
“How was the rest of the event?” Madison asks as she steals a slice of bacon from my plate. I tilt my head and raise my eyebrows, but she ignores me and looks at Miles and June.
“It was good. Our outcome was much better than we anticipated, and people are excited about coming to more events like that,” Miles explains with a proud smile.
“That’s great,” Madison smiles.
“Can we go to the store?” Charlie asks with wide eyes.
“Another day. I told Grandma we’d go by the house after breakfast.”
“Ya
y!” Charlie squeals.
“Speaking of, I gotta go open. I’ll see y’all later.” June grabs her purse.
“I’ll go by after breakfast,” Miles tells June. He kisses her before she leaves with a wave.
A loud whistle rings around the table. “Whipped with a capital W,” Tate chuckles.
“Look who’s talkin’,” Miles retorts.
“Damn straight.” Tate pulls Madison to his side, kissing the side of her head, and my daughters giggle next to me.
I chuckle, shaking my head, and eat my omelet. It’s good to see Madison and Miles happy.
“Daddy…” Chloe tugs my arm. “I needa pee.”
“I’ll take her,” Madison says quietly. “You wanna go with Aunt Maddy?”
Chloe nods, and I move out of the booth so she can step out.
“I’ll go, too.” Charlie follows them, grabbing Madison’s hand. I watch them, grateful she’s here to take the girls. Taking them to public bathrooms on my own is a mission since I don’t like to take them into the men’s bathroom, and I can’t exactly walk into the women’s bathroom. Blessed are the places with family bathrooms.
“How are things at the winery?” Tate asks.
“They’re good. We’re finally seeing progress, and they’ve started cleaning out the debris in order to build,” I tell him.
“Great. Whenever you want me to talk to Charlie and Chloe, let me know.”
“Thanks,” I nod. “Madison said you’re off this weekend, so maybe you can talk to them today or tomorrow. Whenever you’re free. They’re slowly progressing, but I still see Chloe shut down.”
“It’s a process, Brett. She’ll beat this,” Miles assures me.
“Yeah,” I nod, taking a deep breath.
“How about Madison and I go to your parents’ house, and I talk to them?” Tate suggests.
“Yeah, that’d be great. Thanks, man.”
“Of course. If I can help, I will.”
Asking for help isn’t so bad, and I need to learn to accept more of it when it’s offered. The girls return from the bathroom, talking to Madison animatedly and giggling. I like seeing them this way, happy and carefree. Smiling, I scoot over and let them slide in next to me, hugging Chloe beside me.
Small Town King: A Single Dad Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 3) Page 5
