“You should get real rest. Why don’t you sleep at your parents’ house tonight?” His voice is full of concern.
“I’m okay. She’ll be going home soon, and I’ll sleep on a bed then.”
“Magnolia…” he warns softly. He thinks I need better sleep, and I keep arguing I’ll be home soon. We’ve gone back and forth about this for days.
“Anyway,” I change subjects. “I spoke to a nurse, and she’s going to give me more information about the organizations that offer financial help. I hope one of them approves us, and my parents can get some relief.” I close my eyes, soaking up the sun rays beaming down on me.
“You know…” Brett hesitates. My lips pinch to the side while I wait for him to speak. He’s usually more forward.
“What?” I ask.
“If y’all need help, I can help.”
My eyes snap open. “What?”
“I can help. I have the means. Let me do it. Think of it as a donation.” He cuts off quickly.
My heart pumps wildly. “We are not charity, damn it.” My eyes burn. It’s bad enough that my emotions are all over the place. Now, this?
“I didn’t mean it like that. Shit.” He curses under his breath.
“We’ll figure it out on our own.” It’s what we’ve always done, and Brett and I haven’t been dating long enough for him to offer this.
“I just…” he blows out a deep breath. “You lost your job because of me. I want to help.”
“You’re kidding… You feel guilty? Is that what this is? A way to ease your own mind?” My head is spinning, and tears sting, threatening to spin.
“Jesus, no. This isn’t about easing my mind, but I can help.”
“I gotta go, Brett.”
“Magnolia,” he jumps in. “Don’t. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it the way you’re taking it. Please,” he pleads.
“I’ll talk to you later. I just need…to be alone.” I hang up before he can say anything else and rub my eyes.
The stress and worry are getting to me, but I can’t believe he’d think I’d expect this from him because I lost my job. I don’t blame him for getting fired, not at all. I knew that becoming acquaintances and friends with people related to my clients would be messy, let alone with their father. For Brett to think he has to do this because of remorse hurts. I thought we were more than that.
I sit outside for a while longer, attempting to collect myself before I worry my parents. It’s hot, but I appreciate it in comparison to the frigid hospital. My phone buzzes with text messages, but I ignore them for now. I ignore the world and close my eyes, looking up into the sky so the rays can dance playfully behind my eyelids. I start to relax and think clear-minded.
I don’t think Brett is with me because of guilt, but I don’t want him to feel responsible for this because he feels guilty. Sighing, I stand from the ledge and stretch my back. I head up to my mom’s room and find my parents both asleep. Inching backward, I stop at the nurse’s station to grab the information and head down to the cafeteria for a coffee.
Once seated, I begin to sort through the pamphlets the nurse handed over. As I read the requirements to apply and get accepted, I feel hope blossom. My parents check off most if not all of these. For once, I feel like luck may be on our side.
Chapter 32
Brett
“Fuck!” I growl after calling Magnolia for the third time and her not answering. I didn’t mean it the way she took it. She and her family aren’t charity. I know that. She should know that. But I have the means to pay for their bills, so why can’t I help?
“What’s goin’ on?” Miles peeks his head into my office.
“Nothing,” I snap.
“Ohhhh… Lady trouble?” He smirks and walks in, taking a seat without asking.
“Not in the mood, Miles.” I drop my head in my hands, and my fingers comb through the top of my hair.
“I’m only kidding. How’s Magnolia’s mom?” I peek up at him and watch him lean back in his chair without a care in the world. I know that’s not really him, though. Miles has this cool energy about him, but he’s more than that.
“She’s better. I offered to help pay their bills, and Magnolia got pissed and hung up on me.”
“Ouch,” he cringes. “Yeah, I learned the hard way with June that you don’t do that.” He shakes his head.
“Great,” I mumble.
“Give her some time to calm down, and she’ll understand your offer was honest and harmless.”
“Yeah,” I blow out. “Can you pick up the girls today and take them to Mom and Dad’s?”
Miles lifts his brows. “Yeah, sure. I can keep them, too. Where are you going?”
“Cedar Springs. You’re more patient than I am. It’s not far, so I’ll be back to put them in bed.” I stand.
Miles wears a knowing smirk. “You really like her.”
I cock my head and glare at him. This just causes him to laugh.
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t spend time with her.” I stack some papers in a neat pile and leave them in the center of my desk to go over tomorrow.
“That’s good,” he nods, still sitting. I lift my brows, urging him to get up, but he ignores me.
“I came in to give you an update on the restaurant. I can tell you about it tomorrow.”
I give a terse nod. “That’s better.” Miles has been overlooking it, and I know it’s coming along as planned. They’re already working on the inside. Most of the big things are complete. We’re right on track to open in early July, and our marketing team has been busting their asses to get our grand opening advertised.
“Okay. Go get ‘er, Tiger,” Miles slaps my back.
“You really are the obnoxious middle child.” I shake my head. Although he and Madison are twins, he was born a few minutes before her and loves rubbing it in her face that he’s her older brother, making him the middle child. It’s ridiculous.
Miles laughs. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll let the girls know you’ll be back.”
“Have them call me when you pick them up, and I’ll tell them where I am. They know Magnolia’s mom is sick,” I tell him as I close my office door.
After Miles agrees to have them call me, I hop in my car and turn on my navigation system, searching for Cedar Spring’s hospital and turning on the directions. I’m not usually impulsive in this way, but the idea of Magnolia misunderstanding my feelings or thinking I’m only with her because I feel like I owe her something is a punch to the gut. She should know by now that I don’t open up to many people. She should trust that what I feel is real and deep and something unexpected but perfect.
Before Magnolia, I was moving through life, focusing on my daughters, working long hours, barely sleeping as I replayed the past—a useless pastime since no matter how much I remembered it, it wouldn’t change my present. It’s taken me a long time to accept that my wife passed. I’ve been angry with the world, with God, with everyone.
Magnolia started to peel through the layers of anger and frustration. Whether because she works in the field of psychology or it’s just her nature, she knew where to push and pull. She smiles, and I feel it in my chest. Her blue eyes look beyond the layer of skin. God, I miss her. She’s only been gone a few days, and I miss her.
I can’t risk waiting for her to come back, whenever that might be, and letting this confusion stir unnecessary doubt and create distance. As it is, I’ve felt helpless not being there to help and support her. My feelings for her are strong. I never thought I’d feel remotely close to this again. The more I get to know Magnolia, the more I think Ella would’ve liked her, that she approves of her from her place in heaven. It brings me peace.
I focus on the road, getting to Cedar Springs as fast as possible without being reckless. I’m not sure how Magnolia will react to seeing me there. For all I know, she’ll kick me out for intruding on her family time, but this is something I need to clear up in person. It may also be an excuse to see her, even if for a coupl
e of hours. Hug her, kiss those sweet lips.
Not seeing her every day is proving how much I care about her, how quickly she’s invaded my life. Charlie and Chloe miss her too, asking when she’ll be back.
Magnolia has entered our lives, and I hope it’s to stay. I can’t handle losing her. I won’t lose her.
After finally arriving at the hospital and pulling into the parking garage, I search for someone who can help me locate Magnolia. I don’t know her mom’s name, but I can’t imagine with her last name and description of her illness that someone won’t be able to point me in the right direction.
“Excuse me,” I stop at the welcome center. “I’m looking for a patient. The last name is McBride, and she’s being treated for hyperglycemia. She has diabetes, but I’m afraid I don’t know her first name.”
The woman behind the counter chews her gum loudly as she eyes me with a raised eyebrow. “I need a first name.”
“Look, it’s my girlfriend’s mom. I don’t know her mom’s name, but my girlfriend is Magnolia. Maybe you have her listed there,” I lift my chin to her computer screen.
She rolls her eyes and starts typing, the clicking of the keys making me more impatient.
“Sorry,” she says, popping her gum.
“No problem,” I say dryly and slap the top of the counter, leaving the desk and heading to the elevator. Someone on another floor will be more helpful.
I’m anxious as I ask again, hoping I’ll find someone who can help me. After asking a third person, someone was finally able to answer me. I follow the nurse’s instructions and head to the other side of the building. I slow down as I look for room 350B and pause when I stand before it.
Shit, was this a bad idea? I should’ve tried talking to Magnolia first, or at the very least calling to let her know I was coming. What if she’s still pissed at me?
Suddenly, the door opens before I can make a decision, and I come face to face with a man that must be Magnolia’s father by their similarities. They have the same eye color and nose.
“May I help you?” His eyebrows furrow as he stares at me.
I clear my throat.
“Yes, sorry, sir.” I reach my hand out. “I’m Brett, Magnolia’s boyfriend.”
Recognition dawns on him, and he shakes my hand, taking me in. Does he think I’m not good enough for his daughter? Lord knows if a man showed up to introduce himself as one of my daughters’ boyfriends, I wouldn’t be too easy on him. Maybe he thinks I’m not man enough because I work in an office instead of outdoors, running a ranch like him.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Dillon.”
“Nice to meet you, too. I’m sorry to show up unannounced, but I have to speak with Magnolia, and I couldn’t reach her on her phone. I wanted to make sure everything is okay,” I explain, probably seeming like some creep.
“Of course, come in. Magnolia went home for a bit, but she’ll be back.”
“Oh… I can wait for her out here,” I swing my thumb over my shoulder.
“Not at all. Like this, you can meet her mother.” He still shows no emotion, but I take it as a good sign that he didn’t kick me out or make me wait outside of the room.
“Only if you’re sure…” I place my hands in my pockets and rock back on my heels.
“Positive.” He nods once, opening the door wide and walking before me.
“Holly, we have a guest,” he announces.
I walk in and see Magnolia’s mom sitting up in the bed with a crossword puzzle on her lap.
“Who… Oh, dear.” Mrs. McBride’s eyes widen as she takes me in, a small smile lifting her lips. I breathe out when her reaction is more positive than her husband’s.
“You must be Brett,” she nods knowingly. “Welcome.” She closes the crossword magazine and adjusts her glasses.
“I am,” I nod. “Like I told Mr. McBride, I apologize for showing up unannounced like this, but I was hoping to talk to Magnolia and make sure y’all are okay and don’t need anything.”
“We’re okay,” Mr. McBride says.
“Why don’t you take a seat. I’ve wanted to meet you.” Mrs. McBride smiles, pointing to a chair.
“Uh, sure.” I sit down on the extra chair. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m much better, thank you. I hope to be going home in the next day or two.”
“That’s great,” I smile.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” she tilts her head. “You’re quite handsome.”
I clear my throat and chuckle. “Thank you, ma’am.”
I get the third degree from both of them, asking about my family, my daughters, my job. Mr. McBride asks if I’ve ever been on a horse and if I’m handy. I assure him I know how to fix things and use a hammer despite the suit. It seems to be going well, and while I wish I had met them with Magnolia, I’m glad I have a chance to get to know them.
We’re laughing as I tell them how Charlie thought the pixie dust we got from Disney World one year was real and tried to use it to fly, and how upset she got when it didn’t work.
“Children are the best; they make things so fun,” Mrs. McBride says through chuckles.
“Uhhh…” We all turn to look at the door when we hear the word. I shoot up from the chair with raised eyebrows.
“Hey,” I say with a tentative smile, hoping Magnolia doesn’t kick me out since her parents didn’t.
“What the hell are you doin’ here?” Magnolia is frozen in her spot, holding the doorknob.
“Magnolia Leigh, be kind and use your manners,” her mom says firmly.
“Leigh?” I ask with a quirk of my brow.
Magnolia rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Let’s talk outside,” she turns around and walks out.
“Good luck,” her mom whispers.
I smile in gratitude and follow Magnolia, closing the door behind me.
“Leigh?” I ask again, hoping that eases the conversation.
“Long story, kinda. Actually, it’s not a long story. My parents never gave me a middle name, but whenever my mom attempts to intimidate me, she uses Leigh. I don’t know why she didn’t just give me a middle name instead of promoting identity crisis.”
“That’s funny, and I hardly doubt that would cause an identity crisis,” I chuckle.
Magnolia looks at me with a sigh.
“What are you doing here?” she asks in exasperation.
I step closer but don’t touch her yet despite wanting to wrap her in my arms and keep her there.
“I needed to see you. I hate that you’re angry at me. I’d never take you or your family as a charity case. Do you really believe that? After our time together? Magnolia, if I offered to help, it’s because I want to see you relieved. I don’t want this to cause you stress and make life more difficult for your parents. I just want to help.” I drop my arms to the side in defeat.
She looks at me for a long time without saying a word. Her eyes are sad, and her jaw is tense. I don’t want her like this if I can help it.
“I don’t want you to feel responsible for this or act on remorse and guilt. It won’t work between us if that’s the case.” I open my mouth to argue, but she lifts a hand to stop me. “I lost my job, yes, a steady job that provided for my parents’ extra bills as well as myself. I lost it because I made a choice,” she points at herself, “to get to know you and your family. I knew the consequences, and I greedily accepted them. I hate that I can’t have both things, at least not the way I had envisioned them, but I know something else will open up.” She shifts her weight from one foot to another.
“I’m not looking for your money or for you to fix our financial struggles, whether you can or not,” she adds firmly, knowing I’d argue that point. “You’re more to me than that, but if you think, even the slightest bit, that you owe me something because you believe I got fired because of you, tell me now because we won’t work out.” She shakes her head firmly.
“Magnolia, babe, I don’t think that. I promise.” I finally reach fo
r her hand. Her warm touch feels like home. “I’m not with you because of that, and you know it.” I lift her chin with my other hand, so she’s looking at the honesty in my eyes.
“I never thought I’d find someone after Ella passed. But you…you came into our lives and made me reconsider everything. You warmed my cold and angry heart. Everything about my relationship with Ella was easy. With you, it’s been challenges and struggles. It’s been anything but easy. They say the best things don’t come easy. The struggle, the holding back, it’s all been worth it. You’re my second chance, and I can’t screw it up. I’m sorry.”
Her eyes mist over, and she’s trying hard to blink the moisture away, but a tear slips down her cheek. I brush it away.
“I’m here to support and help you because I want to. Anything you need, you tell me. It’s how relationships work. You’re not alone to deal with this and go insane. You don’t have to be worried sick. If you need help filling out financial help applications, then I’ll do that. If you need a shoulder to cry on, I’ll be that.”
She sighs and looks away, brushing the tears. When she looks at me again, I see pain and confusion. “I don’t know when I’ll be back in Willow Creek. I need to stay here, for now, and make sure everything is settled at home.”
“That’s okay. You take your time, do what you need to do for your family. Lord knows I understand that commitment and responsibility but know that you don’t have to handle it alone.” I lace our fingers together and give her a tilted smirk.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” she says hoarsely.
“I’m here for you, babe.” I tug her to me and finally hold her in my arms. Kissing the top of her head, I mumble, “I missed you.”
Her hands grip the back of my dress shirt, and she digs her head into the crook of my neck. Her soft breath tickles my skin, and I breathe a little easier. This woman has cut me open and shown me that the possibility of happiness still exists after loss.
I drop a kiss on the side of her head. When she looks up at me, I kiss her swollen lips. Whatever this feeling is, I have no doubt it’s becoming more serious than I ever thought I could experience again.
Small Town King: A Single Dad Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 3) Page 23
