On the Mend (Carolina Waves Series Book 1)

by Tina Gallagher

  “I was with the girls, so I’m sure someone had a phone on them.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “Daniel, I’ve survived most of my life without having a phone on me every minute of the day.”

  “I just worry about you.”

  She sighed. “I know you do, but I’m fine. Really.” Before I could reply to that, she said, “But something must be up with you since you called me so early. Is Lexi okay?”

  I flipped the French toast, then checked on the bacon in the oven.

  “Lexi is fine,” I said. “And everything else is good. Great actually.”

  “Oh?”

  “I uh, I asked Sabrina to marry me last night.”

  “Oh my God,” she screamed. “Oh honey, I’m so happy for you.” I heard her gasp through the phone. “She did say yes, right?”

  “She did.”

  “Oh honey,” she said again, then I heard a telltale sniff and knew she had started crying. “I’m so happy for you. Have you made any plans yet?”

  I chuckled. “No, I just asked her a few hours ago.”

  I pulled the bacon out of the oven and set it on the counter next to the plate of French toast I was compiling.

  “We need to celebrate,” she said. “Can we set something up for this weekend?”

  “Would I be able to stop you?”

  “If it was just me maybe, but not once your sisters find out,” she said. “Speaking of your sisters, are you calling them today?”

  I placed a few more slices of French toast on the growing stack.

  “Give me a couple hours. I want to tell Lexi first.”

  “When are you doing that?”

  “As soon as she wakes up,” I said. “And, of course, today is the day she sleeps later than usual.”

  The words were still hanging in the air when the topic of conversation entered the kitchen, followed by Sabrina. I couldn’t help the goofy smile that made its way across my face when I spotted her. I still can’t believe I asked her to marry me, or that she actually said yes. It’s like a dream.

  “And here she is.”

  “Can I talk to her a minute?”

  “Sure.” I held the phone out. “Lex, grandma wants to talk to you.” She ran over and took the phone from me and ran out of the room. “Did you two plan your entrance?” I asked Sabrina, who had settled at the island.

  “We met in the hallway,” she said, then looked over at my handiwork. “It smells good in here.”

  I put the last of the French toast on the rest of the stack, shut off the stove, and made my way over the island opposite Sabrina.

  “I figured a celebration breakfast was in order,” I said. “Unless last night was a dream.”

  “No, it just feels like a dream.” She ducked her head, but not before I saw the blush spread across her face.

  Reaching out, I ran my thumb down her jaw, bringing her gaze back to mine. “It does feel like a dream. Thank you.” I leaned forward and kissed her, but pulled back before things could get of hand.

  “Did you tell your mom?” she asked.

  I nodded. “She wants to have a party this weekend to celebrate. Do you think your family would be able to come?”

  “I’m sure they’ll make themselves available,” she said. “They’re thrilled.”

  “Really?”

  She nodded. “My mother said she’d always hoped we’d find our way back to each other.”

  Before I could respond, Lexi came back into the kitchen and handed me my phone.

  “You made French toast!” she said and hugged me, then looked at Sabrina. “He usually only makes it on my birthday or for holidays.”

  “If I made it all the time, it wouldn’t be special,” I said.

  “So why are we having it today?” she asked and settled onto the chair beside Sabrina.

  “Because we’re celebrating,” I said.

  “Celebrating what?”

  I looked at my fiancé and smiled. “I asked Sabrina to marry me.”

  Lexi’s eyes widened and she looked at Sabrina, who held her hand up, exposing her ring. “And I said yes.”

  “So you’re getting married?” She looked back at me and I nodded. Then she screamed…loudly…and launched herself at Sabrina, who reacted just in time to keep her seat. “I’m so happy you’re staying,” she said.

  I figured I better save Sabrina from my daughter’s death grip.

  “Why don’t you grab some dishes, Lex, and we can get this celebration started?”

  30

  Sabrina

  “To Dan and Sabrina.” Jeff held up his glass, prompting everyone else to do the same. “May they have a long, happy, and healthy life together.”

  A chorus of “congratulations” followed just before the crowd, which consisted of Dan’s family and mine, took a token sip of champagne. I did the same, feeling as though a tornado had taken me up, spun me around, and plopped me right in the middle of the life I’m currently living. Dorothy Gale from Kansas has nothing on me when it comes to being overwhelmed and confused.

  My feelings for Dan are rock solid, and I trust we’re going to have a wonderful life together. I still have to tie up some loose ends back home, but other than that, I’m ready to start over again with Dan and Lexi. Everything has just happened so fast, it’s going to take me some time to catch up.

  “Sabrina, I’m so happy for you,” my mother said with a 1000-watt smile plastered on her face.

  “Thanks Mom.”

  “You both look so happy,” she said. “It’s nice to see.”

  “I’m very happy.”

  “And that Lexi is such a sweetheart. It’s about time you made me a grandmother.”

  “She’s wonderful and I know you’ll have fun spoiling her. She loves shopping, by the way.”

  My mother’s eyes brightened. “A girl after my own heart,” she said, placing her hand over her chest. “Unlike my daughter, who would rather be out slopping in the mud.”

  “I never slopped in the mud, Mother.”

  “Well, you couldn’t tell that by the condition of your clothes when you came inside. They were always a mess. I swear, I don’t know how I ever got them clean.”

  Before I could defend myself, Dan sidled up next to me.

  After my mother nearly squeezed the breath out of him, and told him of her utter joy of our impending nuptials for the gazillionth time, he turned to me. “Bri, Megan wants to talk to you. I told her I’d send you to her so she didn’t have to haul herself off the couch.”

  “I still can’t believe she’s here. She looks like she’s going to have that baby any minute.” Dan’s sister, Megan ventured to the impromptu engagement party eight and a half months pregnant.

  “Maybe that’ll be you next year,” my mother chimed in.

  “One thing at a time, Mom,” I said. “I’ll go see what Megan wants.”

  Dan’s sister wanted nothing more than to congratulate me in person…again. We sat in a semi-quiet corner and talked about everything from the impending birth of her first child to my wedding. Dan and I had agreed that we didn’t want a huge affair, and I even talked him into holding everything at the house. We were planning on having an outdoor ceremony and reception, but the house would be prepared in case of inclement weather.

  I looked around the now-deserted living room. Those who weren’t spending the night had driven off a couple hours ago, and everyone else was tucked into their rooms. Dan had gone upstairs a half hour ago to make sure the kids weren’t doing too much damage in Lexi’s room. I was wondering if they’d decided to hold him hostage when I heard him come up behind me.

  “Whatcha thinking about?” Dan asked as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

  “I don’t know. Nothing. Everything.”

  “Well that narrows it down.” Dan kissed my cheek and rested his chin on my shoulder. His warm breath caressed my face when he spoke. “Still nervous?”

  I felt the tension in his body despite his soft tone. �
�No more than any other bride-to-be.” I turned in his arms. “It’s all happening so fast. Give me time to catch up, okay?”

  “But you do want this?” His apprehensive look tore at my heart.

  I leaned forward and brushed his lips with mine. “More than anything.”

  31

  Sabrina

  “Are you sure you have to go?” Dan asked, looking way too appealing lying in my bed clad only in a pair of black boxer briefs.

  “I’m just going to pack up my apartment.” I kissed his cheek. “Then I’ll be back to stay.”

  “But I’ll miss you.” Dan’s exaggerated pout was so adorable.

  I stuffed the shirt I’d just folded into my duffel bag before laying down next to Dan. “I’ll miss you too, but I have to go tie up all my loose ends.”

  “Did you see Lexi yet?”

  “Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first.”

  “About?”

  “I was wondering if you’d mind if I took her with me.”

  “Really?”

  “I know you can’t come along, but if Lexi doesn’t have anything going on, there’s no reason she can’t.”

  Due to an addition being added onto Lexi’s school, classes were starting two weeks later than usual. Since Dan’s leg was on the mend, his agent had set up several local events for him to attend and the Waves have a fundraiser planned at the stadium. Of course, they correspond with my trip home. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure,” I said around an exasperated chuckle. “It’ll give us some time to get to know each other better one on one. I think she’ll have a good time.”

  Dan pulled me into his arms. “Good time? I think she’ll have a great time and she’ll be thrilled.” He kissed me breathless before pulling back. “You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of, you know that?” I felt my face heat. Dan ran his index finger down my cheek. “And you’re adorable when you blush.”

  That was the last thing either of us said for a long while.

  “What else should I bring?” Lexi asked.

  I looked at the suitcase on her bed then shifted my gaze to the full one resting on her floor.

  “Is there anything left in your closet?”

  “I just want to make sure I have everything I’ll need.”

  “Lex, we’re only going for a few days. I only packed a duffel bag.”

  “Yeah, but we’re going to your apartment. You have stuff there.”

  How could I argue with that logic?

  “All set?” Dan asked from the doorway.

  “I think so. But Lexi has other ideas,” I said.

  Dan surveyed the suitcases and chuckled. “That’s my girl.” He kissed the top of Lexi’s head.

  “I’m missing the gene that makes women over pack,” I said. “In fact, I’m missing several female genes. I hate shopping, I don’t wear make-up most days, and it only takes me twenty minutes to get ready, and that’s from shower to door.”

  Dan’s green eyes surveyed my body from my toes to the top of my head before lowering and meeting my gaze straight on.

  “But all the important genes are there.”

  His voice sounded slightly husky and my body reacted accordingly. If Lexi wasn’t in the room, we’d have been all over each other by now.

  “Why thank you,” I said, using my best southern belle voice, trying to cool the room down a little.

  “You’re more than welcome, ma’am.”

  Lexi found our performance amusing and giggled, as only an eight-year-old could. Dan moved over and wrapped her in his arms.

  “How long do you girls plan on being gone?” Dan asked.

  “Three or four days,” I answered. “It shouldn’t take longer than that.”

  “Then you’ll be here to stay.” Though he said it like a statement, it was definitely a question. The longing I saw in his eyes tugged at my heart.

  “Then I’ll be here to stay,” I said.

  He held out his arm, inviting me to join his and Lexi’s hug. It was an invitation I couldn’t refuse. I took the few steps toward them and allowed Dan to pull me into his arms. Lexi wrapped her arm around my waist as Dan’s curled around my shoulder.

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you two,” Dan said. “I’ll miss you.” He kissed Lexi and me in turn.

  “You’ll be busy signing autographs and having people tell you how wonderful you are.” I tried to make light of the situation. I mean, really, we’re only going for a few days. It’s not like we’re moving to another planet. And even as my head knew those facts, my heart still felt like it was being squeezed at the thought of leaving Dan for any amount of time.

  “You’re the only person I want telling me how wonderful I am,” Dan said around a smile.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  32

  Sabrina

  Jodi’s eyes twinkled and her smug smile would have bothered me if I weren’t so happy. “I take it things are working out.” Her gaze fell to Lexi, then to the ring on my left hand.

  “Things are just fine,” I said, not wanting to give her any more details than I already had.

  “When’s the wedding?”

  “We haven’t set a date yet,” I said.

  “Why not?”

  “Jodi, I don’t want to play twenty questions with you.”

  “Then tell me everything so I don’t have to ask.” The look on my face must have warned her to stop. “Okay, okay. What do you need to know?”

  “What’s the deal with this partnership?” I asked. “Is it still going to happen if I’m not working here every day?”

  “We had a deal, Sabrina. Here’s the paperwork you have to sign.” Jodi patted a fat folder that rested next to her right arm. “Just sign and it’ll be official.”

  “That’s it?”

  “That’s it,” she said. “I don’t know why you’re so surprised. Bill’s a partner and he rarely comes in.”

  “Yeah, but Bill’s never been around. He put up his money, and you and Jack brought knowledge and experience. He was never meant to work here.”

  Jodi waved her hand as though swatting a fly. “Regardless, he’s not here every day, and you don’t have to be either.”

  “Thank you.”

  “And it’s not like you’re going far away. I’m sure you’ll be able to make it here for a meeting or two.”

  “Definitely.”

  I couldn’t hide my joy or relief. I love Dan, and I want to spend my life with him, but I’ve worked hard for this partnership.

  Jodi stood and held up the folder that I knew contained the partnership agreement.

  “I’m sure you’ll want a lawyer to look this over.” She handed the folder to me and stepped around her desk. “Now what do you say we take this little girl out for lunch? She’s been so well behaved, she deserves a treat.”

  “Can I call Daddy?”

  “Sure.” I looked at the clock. “He should be home by now.”

  I scrolled through my contacts and found Dan’s name, then handed Lexi the phone. She looked exhausted. We’d spent the day running errands or packing, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she was regretting her decision to come along.

  I folded a pair of jeans and placed them in a packing box. Lexi’s face was puckered in concentration as she held the phone to her ear. “Hi, Daddy. Me and Sabrina are home for the night and I just wanted to call and say hi. Call us back when you can.”

  She ended the call, handed the phone to me, and shrugged. “He didn’t answer.”

  I tossed a pair of socks into the box and closed the lid. “Maybe he’s still at an event and can’t answer,” I said. “I’m sure he’ll call back soon.”

  But my words were false. Dan never called and as moonlight turned into morning light, my phone still hadn’t rung. My stomach knotted and I had to force the niggling doubts that played at the back of my mind from surfacing. He probably got in late and didn’t want to wake us.

  That’s exactly what I told Lexi
when she asked if he’d called after she fell asleep. She seemed so worried I offered to take her home.

  “I don’t want to go home. I just wanted to talk to Daddy.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “I’m having a lot of fun.”

  Though I doubted her statement, I didn’t ask again. “Why don’t you try him now?”

  Lexi did as I suggested, but once again left a message. “You don’t think anything happened to him, do you?”

  Her worried expression tugged at my heart. “I’m sure he’s fine, honey.” I put my arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick squeeze. “Come on, let’s hit the road.” In an attempt to cheer her, I added. “Maybe we can stop at the mall on the way home.”

  I knew she was really worried when even that failed to lift her spirits.

  Lexi and I were sitting in McDonald’s when my cell phone rang. One glance at the caller ID told me Dan was on the other end of the line. “Hi.”

  “Hey, honey. How’s it going?”

  “Great.”

  “I’m sorry I missed your calls. I broke my phone at the signing last night. It fell out of my pocket and totally smashed. Then I ended up visiting the children’s hospital this morning and wasn’t able to get a replacement until now.”

  “I thought maybe your events ran late.”

  “They did, but I still would have answered for two of my favorite ladies,” he said.

  “That’s good to know,” I said, trying to sound like I wasn’t swooning. He really is sweet sometimes.

  “You two getting along okay?”

  “What do you think?” I asked, a smile in my voice.

  “Is she behaving?”

  “Of course, and she’s really a big help. We got a lot of packing done last night. How was the signing?”

  “It went well, but I think I need therapy on my writing hand now.”

  “That many people?”

  “A good amount showed up,” Dan said.

  “Don’t let them run you too ragged. If your leg starts hurting, take a break.”