“What’s wrong?” Charlie’s eyebrows pull down and her lips press together in a frown.
I smile and wrap an arm around her, pulling toward me.
“Nothing’s wrong,” I assure her. How do I explain to a six and four-year-old that their father has a girlfriend? I inhale deeply and look at each one. They stare at me with confusion.
I blow out a breath and dive straight in.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with Ms. Magnolia. You know how I’ve gone out a few times?” They nod. “I’ve been with her. She’s…she’s my girlfriend.” I cringe to myself.
Smooth delivery. I can conduct meetings in front of groups of men with professional degrees and can’t tell my daughters I’m dating someone.
“Girlfriend?” Charlie asks, her face all scrunched up.
“Yes, but I want to make sure you’re both okay with that. I like her a lot, but your happiness is more important.”
“I like her, too,” Chloe says. “She’s nice and pretty.”
I smile. “She is.”
“Is this how Aunt June was Uncle Miles’s girlfriend before they got married?” Charlie asks.
“Exactly.”
“I like Ms. Magnolia, too.” She smiles, leaning back on the couch.
“You’re both okay with this, then? Sometimes I’ll go out with her like I have, but I thought maybe we can have lunch all together one day so you girls can spend time with her, too.”
“That would be fun,” Charlie beams.
“Are you okay?” I look at Chloe. She nods, biting her lip. “If you need to tell me anything, you can.”
“I know, Daddy.” She smiles.
“Good.” I kiss the top of her head and do the same to Charlie. “Let’s get dressed and go to the park.”
Thankful that the conversation was easier than I thought, we get ready and head out. Spending time outdoors while the girls play will be good for us.
After running around the playground, watching my demanding girls go down the slide, and pushing them on the swing, I take a break on a bench. Charlie and Chloe continue to play. They have so much energy.
“Daddy, watch!” Charlie calls out, waving her arms in the air. She begins to swing, getting higher and higher. Her giggles sound all around us. The few people in the park with us watch her with smiles. A few have even commented how happy they seem.
Chloe walks my way, her face blotchy and sweaty. I pull out a small water bottle and sit her on my lap while Charlie continues to swing. After a few quiet beats and some drinks of water, Chloe turns her head toward me.
“You are gonna get married like Uncle Miles and Aunt Madison,” she surprises me.
I furrow my eyebrows and look at her. Then, I remember when they asked me this question a few months ago.
“I’m not sure, sweetie. Magnolia is my girlfriend, but it’s not that simple.” I hold her to me.
“I like Ms. Magnolia. Does this mean we’ll see her again?”
“Yeah, but not like your therapist. More like…” I search for the right word. “A friend,” I settle on the easiest description.
“I wanna be her friend,” Chloe nods.
“Good.” I kiss her cheek and look up to see Charlie talking to another child before skipping our way.
“Can I have some water?” She’s breathless and sweaty. I hand her a bottle and she takes a fast chug.
“Slow down,” I warn her.
She nods, capping the bottle.
“What’s wrong, Chloe?” She runs a gentle hand down her sister’s back. I love these girls more than my own life. Pride fills my heart.
“Nothing,” Chloe responds. “I asked Daddy if he’s gonna get married, too.”
Great, just lay it out there. I look at Charlie and gauge her reaction.
“That’s what grown ups do when they fall in love,” she shrugs, and I chuckle loudly.
“Goodness, where’d you learn that, Charlie?”
“It happens in movies. They kiss and get married and live happily ever after.”
I shake my head in amusement.
“He already did that with Mommy,” Chloe catches me by surprise.
“Yeah, but Mommy died,” Charlie says sadly.
Fuck. I breathe out and look at them.
“I did get married to your mommy, and we were very happy and had the both of you.” I want them to know I’ll always love their mother. “Ms. Magnolia won’t replace her, but she’ll be someone special in our lives.” I look at them, holding myself together.
“Your mom loved you both very much, and she’s your special angel.”
“I know,” Charlie nods.
I’ve always talked to them about Ella. I’ve never shied away from telling them about her, wanting them to know who their mom was. Ella is the reason I have these two beautiful girls with me. She’s the person who gave me love and who I built a life with. I won’t forget that, but now there’s another woman who is showing me that it’s okay to have enough room in my heart for more than one person.
“She’s always going to be your mommy, okay?” I want them to know that. “I’ll make sure you always know about her as you grow up.”
The girls nod quietly.
“I wish I remembered her,” Chloe says, and I clear my throat, choking up.
“We have a ton of pictures we can look at and Daddy will tell us about her,” Charlie comforts her, and it takes everything in me not to cry like a baby.
“I love you girls more than anything,” I hug them to me, my eyes wet with tears. I take deep, even breaths as I control myself.
“Love you, too,” Charlie whispers.
“I love you, Daddy,” Chloe says right afterwards.
I look back at them with a smile, rubbing my eyes. “What do you want to do next?”
“Can we go see Ms. Magnolia at the bookstore and tell her she’s your girlfriend?” Chloe asks.
I laugh and nod.
“She knows she’s his girlfriend,” Charlie says in exasperation, rolling her eyes as if her sister didn’t get it.
“Come on.” I let Chloe land on her feet and stand. Holding their hands, we head toward the bookstore to see Magnolia.
Chapter 29
Magnolia
A wide smile takes over my face when Charlie and Chloe skip through the door of the bookstore, followed by Brett.
“Hi, girls,” I bend to see them.
“Hi, Ms. Magnolia!” Charlie squeals, a conspiratorial smile on her face.
I look at Chloe, whose smile is smaller, and back at Charlie.
“How are you?”
“You’re our Daddy’s girlfriend,” Chloe blurts out.
My eyes widen, and I freeze, glancing up at Brett. He’s standing with his hands in his pockets, wearing an easy smile.
“Daddy told us,” Charlie pipes in.
I look between the girls and nod. “I am,” I say slowly. “Are you okay with that?”
“Yeah, you’re pretty and nice.” Chloe smiles.
I chuckle. “Well, thank you, pretty girl.” I turn my eyes to Charlie. “How about you?” I lift my brows while I wait for her response.
“I’m okay with it.”
I blow out a deep breath and nod.
“Okay,” I say, standing.
I wasn’t sure what they’d say when Brett told them. I’ve been nervous since he mentioned it this morning, but it also means that our relationship is going in the direction I hope it will.
“Hi,” Brett finally speaks.
“Hi,” I smile shyly.
I glance at the girls and catch them looking at us with smiles and wide eyes. Brett leans in and kisses my cheek, and I breathe him in.
“The girls wanted to come say hi. How’s your day going?” His smile is peaceful, and his eyes are lit with joy. The vibrant green sparkles as he looks at me.
“Good. The morning was busy, but it’s calmed down now.” I got a rush of people earlier, and I’m glad it’s quiet now so I can take a breather.
/> I’ve been distracted all day between my conversation with Brett earlier and the knowledge that Miles and June will be back in a few days. I haven’t heard back from the summer camp director yet, so I’m not sure if I’ll have another temporary job in a few weeks or not. The stress of the uncertainty is driving me crazy, but then I think about Brett and know it’s worth sticking it out here. Ideally, I’d find another job as a therapist in a nearby town.
“Ms. Magnolia, can I look at the books?” Charlie asks.
“Of course, sweetie, but only if you call me Magnolia. No need for Miss.” I look at Chloe. “You, too, okay?” They both nod and head toward the children’s book section, leaving Brett and me alone by the register.
“They took the news well,” he says, reaching for my hand and tangling his fingers with mine. I sigh, my skin tingling at the feel of his touch. Soft giggles sound behind me, and I turn to see the girls looking at our hands and whispering at each other. I laugh along with them. Children’s innocence can turn any mood around.
Brett smiles, shaking his head, and looks at me again. “Any news from the summer camp?”
“Not yet.” I shake my head. “I need to start creating my website for my services. I hope that will help. Lucy said she’d help me. Apparently, she used to have a blog and knows the basics in building one, which I’m glad because I have no idea where to even begin.”
“I’m sure that will help. If you need me to do anything, let me know.”
I lift one side of my lips and look at him with softness.
“Thank you,” I whisper. The feeling in my chest is growing, my heart pounds, and I want to hold him.
What I feel for Brett has definitely developed and grown. I like him—a lot. I may more than like him, but I’m keeping that to myself. I need time to process. I need to give him time to catch up. I like how our relationship is going.
His hand moves from my hand to my hip, holding me tightly. “You’re welcome. I mean it, too. I can help.”
“I know,” I say after a moment of silence passes between us, staring into each other’s eyes.
“I need to see you again,” his husky voice washes over me.
“Maybe this week,” I suggest. We’ve gone out a few times, but every time I spend with him makes me crave more time.
“I’ll make it happen,” he says confidently.
Suddenly, the door opens, and Brett steps back, winking. “I’ll be with the girls.”
I nod and greet the customer. I help her find the book she’s searching for, and more customers walk in. I help them while Brett looks through books with the girls. He sits with them in the armchairs and reads to them instead of rushing out when customers crowd the store. Throughout the afternoon, we share secret glances and smiles. With him, everything else melts away, and I’m left with happiness.
By the time I close the shop, Brett and the girls are still here and haven’t left once. I thought they’d go home after a couple of hours.
“Let’s have dinner.” Brett walks my way, Charlie and Chloe behind him.
“Yeah, we wanna have dinner with you!” Charlie gives me her best puppy-dog eyes and deep pout.
Chloe walks to me silently and holds my hand, looking up at me. I smile down at her. “Okay, let me just finish here.”
A few minutes later, we’re walking down the sidewalk, Chloe’s hand back in mine, as we head to the diner a few minutes away. People look at us with curious glances and nosy smiles, but they are all sweet to Brett, Charlie, and Chloe. I question if they think I’m good enough for them, but I brush it off just as quickly.
Once we’re seated in a booth at the diner, Charlie begins talking animatedly about what they did at the park. Chloe adds in her own thoughts in the middle of her conversation, and I look at them in amusement.
This moment feels surreal. I never thought I’d be sitting with them in public, enjoying a meal, be anything more than their therapist. Watching Brett respond to Charlie, comment on her conversation, and be a hands-on dad makes that tick in my heart pick up speed.
To think that a few months ago I told him he needed to be more present. I now realize he was also dealing with their situation the way he knew how. We sometimes forget that adults don’t always have the answers. Brett’s there for his girls through and through, and I’ll admit he got even better at being present throughout the past months.
We order our food, and the girls get distracted playing the games on their kids’ menu. I look at Brett and smile. The girls have taken center stage since we arrived, and now that it’s quieted down, we have a chance to talk.
“Are there any updates on the restaurant reconstruction?”
“It’s all about the same, slowly progressing. They’re projected to finish in early July, and I hope it’s true. I’m ready to get it back up and running. It’s been stressful, and I feel guilty that my dad is still working some days instead of enjoying his retirement.”
“That’s understandable. From what you’ve told me, though, it seems your dad may always check-in since he enjoys the winery.” I lean forward on my elbows, taking a sip of water from the straw in my cup.
Brett chuckles. “That’s true.” He nods, scanning my face before landing on my eyes again. “It will help us financially as well, and we’ll be able to give people their jobs back.”
“It’ll happen soon. A month and a half will fly by, and you’ll be re-inaugurating the place.” I tilt my head toward the girls on the inside of the booth and lower my voice. “And they’ll be there.”
“Thanks to you.” He squeezes my hand on the table.
“Don’t forget to give yourself credit,” I wink with a smile.
“Magnolia, will you play with me?” Chloe asks, interrupting the moment, but I’m not one bit upset. Her eyes stare up at me. She’s sweet and innocent and deserves to have a good life and feel safe.
“Of course.” I grab the crayon she hands me, and we begin playing a game of Tic-Tac-Toe. Charlie asks Brett to play as well, and we both get lost in the games. I look at Brett out of the corner of my eye and catch him doing the same. I smile, and he winks, and all feels right in the world.
I can picture our lives like this, spending time with the girls, with him, becoming something more. Maybe every bad thing was meant to happen so I could be sitting on this bench with them.
I stir awake to the loud ringing of a phone. I groan and squeeze my eyes tighter as if that will make me deaf for the time being. It’s Sunday, so there’s no reason my alarm clock should be going off. The noise stops and starts up again. Geez, Louise. Who did I anger for this to be happening on my day off when I was in the best sleep of my life?
Reaching out, I finally find my phone inside the pillowcase of my second pillow. How it got there is a mystery to me. I blink my eyes open. My dad’s name is blurry on the screen.
“Hello?” I groan, still half-asleep.
“Magnolia, sweetie, you finally answered.” Something in the deep worry and fear of his voice, I become alert.
“What happened, Dad?” I sit up too quickly, holding to the mattress to avoid falling off the side. My heart thunders as concern ices my veins.
“Your mom…” He chokes up and clears his throat.
My world stops. “Dad, what happened to Mama?” I ask slowly, attempting to stay in control.
“Her sugar levels… We had to bring her to the hospital.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I throw the sheets off my body and almost trip as I race to the bathroom.
“Don’t rush. Be safe,” he breathes out.
My hands tremble as I hang up the phone, and I turn in circles, lost. What do I need? I walk into the bathroom and turn on the water in a daze. Tears burn the back of my eyes, but I take deep breaths to keep them at bay. My mama’s gonna be okay. I know she is. She has to be. This is just another scare. How many scares until it’s the last one?
My breathing is coming in short spurts as I attempt to stay in control while I shower. Eventually,
I give up and cry. Fear grips me that her diabetes has worsened, and I haven’t been there for her. I should’ve visited more often or moved back when I got fired. Pressing my hand against the shower wall, I let the water cascade over me and bow my head while I let it all out. Sobs wrack my body, and fear wraps its ugliness around me.
When I’m done and empty inside, I finish my shower and pack a bag. Searching for my phone, I call Brett. Miles and June are traveling today, so I’m not sure they’ll answer the phone, but I won’t be able to open the store for them tomorrow.
“Hey, beautiful,” his deep voice warms me, and it makes me cry again. “Magnolia? What’s wrong?” His question comes out hurried and full of unease.
“Brett…” I clear my throat and sniffle. “My mom…she’s in the hospital. I need to drive over there. I won’t be able to open the store tomorrow, but I’m not sure if I’ll catch June on her phone.”
“Don’t worry about that. What’s going on with your mom? Is she okay?”
“I don’t know,” I cry. “My dad said it’s her sugar levels but nothing more. I need to go see her, now.”
“I’ll take you,” he jumps in.
“What? No. I have my car. You stay with your girls, spend the day with them. They need you.”
“You need me,” he says gruffly.
“I’ll be fine, I promise. I just need to go. Can you tell June and Miles? I feel terrible.” My voice trembles. I throw random things in a bag without thinking straight.
“Don’t stress about that. They’ll understand, and they’ll be back tomorrow night. Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you?” His voice is laced with worry.
“Yeah, I can do it.” I start to shut down. “Don’t worry. It’s not too far.”
I begin to walk in slow motion, packing the rest of the essentials I’ll need, and feel a heavy weight holding me down. Like when you’re swimming in the ocean and a wave crashes on you, keeping you inside it without being able to find your way back to the surface. It just continues to roll over you.
“If you need anything, call me. I’m here for you, babe.”
Hearing his sweet words brings about another round of tears. “Thank you,” I say meekly.
Small Town King: A Single Dad Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 3) Page 21
