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

by Fabiola Francisco

  The rest of our breakfast is relaxed as we catch up. I’ve taken the last couple of years for granted, taken my family for granted as I’ve hidden inside of myself. If I want my girls to admire me for more than my work commitment, I’m going to have to make some changes, but work has been such a big part of my hiding that it’ll take a conscious choice to shift. Hell, maybe I need a therapist more than Charlie and Chloe do.

  Chapter 8

  Magnolia

  Last night was weird. Seeing Mr. Carlisle, or Brett as June introduced him, out in public. Realizing that the kind bookshop owner is his sister-in-law puts a damper on my excitement of making friends in this town. As I walk down to the bookstore to ask June about the book I saw yesterday, I notice three familiar faces. Brett, Charlie, and Chloe stand on the sidewalk outside a diner with Madison and another man.

  From what Charlie and Chloe have told me, their dad even works on the weekends, so seeing him with them makes me think that something I said last week triggered him. I love seeing progress in people. I smile wide as I walk into the bookstore.

  “Hi,” Miles says from one side of the store. “How can I help you?”

  “Hi.” I walk further in. “I saw a book here yesterday on the used books shelf that people can read while lounging, and I was wondering if you stock it or could order it.”

  “Which one is it? I’m sure if we don’t have it, we can place an order.” Miles follows me to the shelf, and I search for the book. I hand it over to him when I find it.

  “Let me check the computer.”

  I nod as someone else says, “Hey.”

  I turn to see June coming out from a hidden section of the store I assume is storage.

  “Hi,” I smile awkwardly, sure that they both know I’m Charlie and Chloe’s therapist after last night, and knowing that puts me in a professional predicament.

  “Did you have fun last night?” She walks around, fixing books.

  “I did, thanks. It was a cool event.” I head toward the counter. “I actually came in hoping y’all have a book in stock that’d be great for my job.”

  Miles peeks up at me, and that’s when I see a burn scar down the side of his jaw and neck I missed yesterday. “We can order it. It’ll arrive later this week.” He holds up the book.

  “That’s perfect, thanks. I’ll pay for it now.” I reach for my wallet.

  “Nah, you can pay for it when you pick it up,” he waves me off and places the book on the counter.

  June peeks over, seeing the cover. “I love that book. It’s one of my favorite children’s stories,” she comments.

  “Mine, too.”

  “It should arrive by Thursday, so you can come any day after that,” Miles tells me.

  “Great, thank you so much.” I look around the store before nodding my head once. “I’ll see y’all later this week.”

  “Hey, Magnolia,” June calls out as I open the door.

  I turn to look at her with raised eyebrows.

  “I’m heading to The Grind for a cup of coffee. Do you want to come with me?”

  “Oh…” I wasn’t expecting that. “Umm…”

  “If you want, you don’t have to.” June interrupts me.

  I take a deep breath. “It’s not that,” I say as she approaches me.

  “Is this because I’m engaged to Miles, and he’s Charlie and Chloe’s uncle?” she questions quietly.

  I grimace and bite my lower lip.

  “I won’t ask you anything, promise. I know how important confidentiality is. Brett told us last night that you’re working with the girls, so that’s how we know. Actually, the girls mentioned you to Miles, so when he met you yesterday, he put two and two together.”

  “Ah, that explains the awkward introduction,” I chuckle.

  “Yeah,” June nods with a laugh as well. “Anyway, it’s just a cup of coffee, and I promise not to ask you about your job.”

  “Good because I would ignore your questions if you did. Coffee sounds good, thanks. I was unsure as to what to do now.” I head out of the store with June.

  “How long have you been back in Willow Creek?” I remember she mentioned returning to her hometown recently.

  “About nine months.”

  “Oh, wow… That’s great that you’ve settled in so quickly.”

  June laughs. “Don’t let it fool you. I had my share of struggles when I moved back here, but everything turned out all right.”

  I smile, finding comfort in her words. “That’s good to hear. Starting new is always scary, but I hope that this move is for the best.”

  “I’m sure it is.” She pats my arm, and we continue our walk to the coffee shop.

  Lucy smiles widely and waves when we walk in.

  “I approve of this friendship,” she says when it’s our turn to order.

  “I’m taking a break, and Magnolia came in to order a book, so I thought coffee would be a good idea.”

  “Coffee’s always a good idea,” Lucy shrugs with a playful eye-roll. “What can I get ya?” She smiles.

  We place our orders and pay before taking a seat at one of the few empty tables. “You mentioned you moved here for your new job, right?”

  “Yeah,” I nod. “I studied mental health therapy, specializing in children’s therapy, and jobs in small towns are scarce in that department. This was a godsend.”

  “That’s great. I’m glad you found something in your career choice.”

  “Me too. It’s my dream job, and to be honest, the money came in perfect timing.”

  “Doesn’t it always? I felt that way when I first moved here. I worked at the winery before it burned down.”

  I gasp and then cringe. “Were you in the fire?”

  “No, actually.”

  “That’s good,” I nod.

  “Yeah,” she smiles sadly, and I have a feeling there’s a story there, but I won’t pry.

  Instead, I blurt out, “My mom’s sick, and her insurance won’t cover one of her medications, so I needed the job in order to buy the medicine each month.” I slam my mouth shut with wide eyes.

  June looks at me with furrowed brows and frowns. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “God, I don’t know why I said that.” I slam my forehead with my hand and thank the Lord when the other barista calls my name for my drink. I stand and grab it, getting June’s as well since they’re both ready at the same time.

  “Thanks,” she says when I hand her the coffee. “Anyway, don’t feel bad. We all blurt things out at odd times,” she says genuinely.

  “Phew,” I wipe imaginary sweat from my forehead and settle in my seat. I blow on the coffee until it’s drinkable.

  “What does your mom have? If you don’t mind me asking,” June finally speaks up.

  “Diabetes. Her medical bills have piled up after a complication, and one of the prescribed medicines isn’t covered, so I figured a higher paying job would be helpful during this time.”

  “Definitely, I’m glad that worked out.”

  “Same here. I mean, winning the lottery would be grand, too,” I joke.

  June chuckles. “Don’t I know it.” She nods.

  I lean back on my chair, drinking my coffee and getting to know June with less heavy topics of conversations like our favorite books and my thoughts on the book I bought a couple of weeks ago from her bookstore. For the first time in a long time, I feel like a normal woman with friends. Maybe this move will be a good thing, and I can have friendships with people while keeping my professional life separate from my personal one.

  With my mom’s health scare, Lord knows I’ve put my own life on hold for a good reason, so I can take care of her and help my dad. Now might be a good time to do both—be there for my parents financially and live my life. Who says you can’t have it all?

  Chapter 9

  Brett

  I haven’t taken a full weekend off in a long time. I’ve had days off here and there, afternoons where I pick up Charlie and Chloe and head home or to
the coffee shop. But a full weekend dedicated to my family? I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t. And it’s a damn shame because this weekend is exactly what we needed. I’ve let pressure and stress from work interfere in my personal life and affect my relationship with my girls. I won’t be winning the Father of the Year award this year, but maybe the next one?

  After breakfast on Saturday, we went to my parents’ house, where Tate talked to the girls. They seemed to be receptive and asked questions. It was a relief to see Chloe open up a bit to him, even if I couldn’t exactly hear what they were talking about.

  We ended up staying longer than planned, baking, playing games, and catching up with my mom, who was happy to see me out of a suit and work mode. By the time we got home, the girls were exhausted and happily slept together in Charlie’s room.

  They woke up and insisted we do it all over again, so we’re sitting at a booth at the diner again as Chloe eats pancakes and Charlie talks around a mouthful of waffles. I lift my brows, and she cringes.

  “Sorry,” she mumbles as she swallows and takes a drink of her orange juice. “Can we do something fun today?”

  “What do you want to do?” I take a bite of my homestyle potatoes.

  “Oh! We can go to Uncle Miles’s bookstore.” Her eyes light up.

  “Sorry, kiddo, but they’re closed today.” Charlie frowns.

  “Can we call ‘em?” Chloe asks.

  “Yeah, after we finish.”

  The girls cheer and shove food into their mouths.

  “Slowly,” I warn.

  Charlie looks at Chloe. Chloe meets her eyes, and they both burst into laughter at seeing the other’s face full of food and maple syrup. Pieces of food splatter, and I grab a handful of napkins. Chloe’s hands cover her mouth as the cutest giggle leaves her, her small nails painted pink yesterday courtesy of Madison, and her eyes shimmer with mischief.

  Seeing her this way fills my heart with so much hope for her mental and emotional health. I hate to admit that Magnolia was onto something when she suggested I work less and be with my girls more. If this is after one weekend, I can’t imagine what more time with them would do.

  “Girls,” I attempt to chastise, but I chuckle.

  Hell, if messy eating and bad manners are making them this happy, then we can bend some of the rules for a bit.

  After they finish chewing and swallowing, their grins blind me. I blow out a breath, feeling some of the weight lifting, even if inch by inch. It’s possible that I’ve been missing out on their progress by getting caught up in my own problems, worries, and preoccupations with work.

  “Can you call Uncle Miles now?” Charlie asks, swaying in her seat as she takes another bite of her breakfast.

  I pull out my phone and shoot him a text asking if he’s free today. The girls won’t stop until I do so. If he’s got plans, I’ll think of something else to keep their mood like this.

  As we finish up, Miles responds, saying they’re free and at home.

  Brett: The girls wanted to see you. You up to doing something?

  Miles: Come on over.

  Once I pay, I grab the girls, putting their jackets on, and leading them out of the diner. Winters in Texas aren’t freezing like up north, but a slight chill fills the air.

  “Ms. Magnolia!” Charlie waves and I turn my head to see Magnolia sitting at a table.

  “Hi, girls,” she smiles kindly but not overly friendly. “How are you?” She smiles from them to me.

  “Good, we just had breakfast, and now we’re gonna see Uncle Miles,” Charlie blabbers. She’s so talkative, it makes me laugh. So much like Ella in all aspects.

  “Have fun.”

  “Come on, girls. Let’s leave Ms. Magnolia to enjoy her breakfast.”

  They wave their goodbyes, and Magnolia gives me a subtle nod as if approving that I’m spending time with them. I’m their father, of course I spend time with them. I may work late and almost every Saturday, but I make time for them. I may feel helpless most days, but I love my girls with every ounce of myself.

  Each girl swings one of my hands as we walk to the car, wondering what we’ll do once we get to Miles and June’s house. The guesses continue as I drive to their house. When I pull up to their driveway, Charlie unbuckles her seatbelt and then Chloe’s in her booster chair.

  “Excited?” I ask as I swing her door open.

  “So much!” she squeals. “This is the best weekend ever.”

  Chloe nods in agreement as they jump down, and Charlie holds Chloe’s hand. I once again smile proudly at how much she cares about her little sister.

  The door swings open, and I burst out laughing when I see Miles. The girls yell and laugh with their heads tossed back.

  “Uncle Miles!” Charlie giggles. “What are you wearin’?”

  “Ahoy, I’m Pirate Miles today,” Miles says in an awful pirate accent. He’s got on eyeliner, a red bandana around his head, a white dress shirt with the first few buttons undone, and what looks like one of June’s scarfs around his waist like a belt.

  June appears at the door, attempting to hide her amusement. “Hi, girls.”

  “Hi, Aunt June. Are you a pirate, too?” Chloe’s eyebrows raise.

  “Nope, just Miles today.”

  “Arrrggh… Yes.”

  I snort a laugh at his pirate talk. Miles glares at me as if saying, Play along, dude.

  “I have me a treasure hunt, and I need yer help.”

  The girls scream, “Yes,” in excitement and clap their hands.

  “Come in, come on…” He wobbles as if he had a peg leg, and I’m wondering why he never took theater or considered a career in acting.

  “Here is ye treasure map. I need ye lassies to help me find my lost treasure.” When we walk into their living room, things are moved around and tossed about.

  Miles hands the girls’ a hand-drawn treasure map of their living room and different things they need to search for, like the remote control, a paper cup, and rocks.

  “How did he do this?” I whisper to June.

  She shakes her head in amusement and shrugs. “He’s Miles. As soon as he read your message, he got to work drawing up a map and hiding the different things.”

  “And you helped,” I state.

  She nods silently, looking at my daughters. “It’s fun.”

  “Thank you.” I don’t know what I’d do without my family, and my life would definitely be boring had I been an only child, even with the six-year age difference.

  “You don’t need to thank me. Now, let’s go see how this works out. It can either be genius or a train wreck, and we got it put together in under an hour, so chances are there’s a loophole in that map.”

  I laugh at June’s comment and follow her further into the living room, standing away from the scene to not interrupt their search.

  “When ye reach the X, you’ll find the treasure,” Miles informs them.

  “What’s the treasure?” Charlie looks at him with wide eyes.

  “Gold?” Chloe asks, just as surprised.

  “Ah, work, and ye will find out…” Miles nods his head, and the girls work together to find the first item on the map, following the instructions.

  “Here!” Charlie calls out, holding up a hairbrush. “We found the first item.” She holds it under her arm, against her ribs, and keeps going, guiding Chloe since she’s older.

  “Charlie!” Chloe points. “The remote control.”

  “Yessss!” Charlie hisses, and they both reach for it.

  Chloe holds it since she found it, and they continue like this throughout their living room and part of their hallway, carrying different unexciting household items and those rocks, but since they’re magical, according to Pirate Miles, the girls see them as such.

  It’s fascinating to observe, actually. All it takes is a little imagination, lots of dedication, and time—things I’ve been neglecting. I kick myself for letting go and ignoring all the good that I could have with my daughters and vow to make
weekends like this one more and more possible.

  I hear a gasp and look up to see Charlie and Chloe with their hands covering their mouths.

  “Aye… Ye found me treasure,” Miles says, waddling toward them. June giggles next to me, and I shake my head, biting back my own laughter.

  “We did!” Charlie hollers. “What’s in it?” Her wide eyes look up at Miles as if he were a king in the most beautiful kingdom.

  “Open and find out.” He nods toward a music box I assume is June’s that has a big X cut out and taped over it.

  Charlie holds the box while Chloe lifts the lid. A paper sits inside, and Chloe’s eyebrows furrow.

  “What does it say?” Charlie whispers.

  Chloe holds the paper and shows it to Charlie so she can read it.

  “Sweet and pretty, you get ice cream!”

  They both gasp and look at Miles and then at June and me.

  “Ice cream?” Charlie asks in excitement.

  “Aye!” Miles continues with the pirate talk. “We’re going for ice cream.”

  The girls jump up and down, clapping their hands and chanting, Ice cream, ice cream. Despite having had breakfast an hour ago, they’d eat a million gallons of ice cream.

  “Will you join me, m’lady?” Miles holds a hand out to June in a half-bow as if he were asking her to dance in the seventeen-hundreds. She giggles and nods.

  “Good sir,” he nods toward me.

  “Daddy?” Charlie looks at me with wide, hopeful eyes.

  “Of course,” I smile.

  Once again, the jumping and cheering begin as they hold each other’s hands.

  “Are you gonna go like that?” Charlie looks at Miles.

  “Aye, I’m Pirate Miles all day today.” He nods.

  “Seriously?” I lift my brows.

  “You doubt my commitment, big bro. You should know when I stick to a role, I commit one-hundred-percent.”

  “All right, let’s go.” I clap my hands, ready to see the town react to Miles’s get-up.