by Ann Omasta
Gage took my arm and led me to his truck. We remained quiet during the drive, since the nervous energy practically crackled in the air as he took me to our secret destination. After he stopped and parked the truck, he gently guided me as we walked, being careful to make sure I knew when any potential tripping hazards were in our path.
It was easy to completely trust the gentle, thoughtful man with my safety. I knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to me, even though I didn’t have any idea where he was taking me.
Once we reached our destination, he stopped walking and reached over to loosen my blindfold. With a flourish, he removed it and said, “Ta-da!”
I didn’t know why we were at the empty shell of a building that had been Mimi’s Diner before it burned down, but one glimpse at Gage made all curiosity about that fall away. Staring with wide eyes at the gorgeous, smooth-faced man before me, I asked, “Gage? Is that you?”
He chuckled as he ran his hand along his freshly-shaved jawline. His voice actually sounded nervous when he asked, “Do you like it?”
“You’re still you, aren’t you?” I asked with a smile. Hoping to ease his concerns, I added, “I’d love you whether you were completely bald or had hair and a beard that hung down to your knees.”
“Is that so?” he asked, seeming surprised by my open, accepting answer.
I moved to press my front into his before answering, “Yes, but this clean-cut version of you is damn sexy. I like being able to see more of your handsome face.”
After enunciating my words with a lengthy, breathtaking kiss, I reluctantly pulled back and asked, “What are we doing here?”
He seemed nervous about my reaction as he answered, “I used some of my inheritance to buy the place from Mimi Dawson. She seems to have taken a liking to me ever since Meg spread the news that I wasn’t behind the recent petty crime spree in town. When Mimi told me that she was planning to sell this place, so she can travel the country and stir up trouble in her recreational vehicle, I jumped at the chance to buy it.”
I raised my brows, wondering what in the world he was up to, but remained silent to let him explain in his own time.
His tone was filled with enthusiasm, like a kid on Christmas morning, when he said, “I’m going to open a flower shop!”
He spent the next fifteen minutes excitedly showing me his ideas for where the coolers would go, how he would display the brightly-colored blossoms and plants, and what he would do to make a comfortable seating area for him to chat with clients about the perfect flowers to express their emotions.
His plans made perfect sense, and I didn’t know why I hadn’t thought of it. I tried my best to keep the disappointment out of my tone that I hadn’t received a proposal when I said, “It looks like you’ve thought of everything, and Brunswick Bay Harbor needs a local florist. I’m sure it will be a smashing success.”
His downcast expression let me know that I hadn’t been successful in my quest to hide my hurt feelings. Trying to drum up more enthusiasm, I asked, “What will you name the shop?”
“I was thinking of calling it Flower Power. It has a nice ring to it, plus it alludes to the meaning each different flower conveys. My plan is to include a fancy printed card with each type of flower purchased to explain to the recipient precisely what message it is sending.”
“Brilliant,” I answered honestly.
Showing a bit of insecurity, Gage asked me, “Do you think it’s silly for a man to open a flower shop? It’s not exactly a masculine occupation.”
I couldn’t believe this was what he was worried about. “Nothing that you are this passionate about could ever be silly. Besides, you’re the most masculine man I’ve ever met.”
My words seemed to set his worries completely at ease because he gave me a wide grin before asking, “Really? The most masculine man you know?”
“Yes,” I answered, before smacking lightly at his chest as he gloated.
My light chastisement worked because his expression turned sincere just before he said, “I’m so glad you approve of my ideas. Your opinion means the world to me, Avery.”
“Of course, I will support you and stand by your side no matter what.” If he wasn’t going to propose, I could at least plant the seed in his mind that our relationship was permanent.
It dawned on me then that we were a modern-day couple. There was no reason we had to stick with the old-fashioned tradition of the man proposing to the woman. I knew we were meant to be together forever, and I didn’t want to delay the start of our happily ever after.
Making a snap decision, I realized that I needed to call Molly as soon as Gage took me home. She and I needed to plan an epic, if non-traditional, proposal.
With that settled in my mind, I turned my full attention back to Gage and his plans. “I can almost picture this place thriving with gorgeous blossoms and happy customers.”
“Me too,” Gage agreed, sounding relieved that I was fully on board with his idea.
“It will be such a wonderful environment for our kids to grow up in and learn some business skills.” The dreamy words slipped out without my express permission.
Talking about our future children was a bit of a leap forward in our still relatively new, but loving and passionate relationship. I refused to be embarrassed, though, because there was no denying that marriage, babies, and growing old together were the direction we were headed. That’s why the wind was completely knocked out of me when the color drained from Gage’s face just before he said, “I can’t have children.”
29
Gage
To say the ride back to Avery’s parents’ house in my truck was chilly would be the understatement of the year, despite the heat blasting from my truck’s vents. My statement about not being able to have kids had the same effect as a bucket of icy water being dumped over our heads during a wicked winter blizzard.
Avery was leaning against the truck’s passenger door as if she couldn’t get far enough away from me––a stark contrast to her usual warmth and nearness to me.
When she finally broke the silence, her voice was strained with emotion. “Did you mean you can’t have children or that you won’t? Because we could explore adoption or other options.”
“I can’t because I won’t,” I answered, knowing that my words would obliterate the ray of hope that had tinged her words when she offered the alternative solutions.
She huffed out an exasperated breath before asking, “Even if it’s incredibly important to me?”
I pulled to a stop in front of her parents’ home and put the truck into ‘Park’ before turning to face her. “Avery, I love you beyond reason, and I would do anything in my power to make you happy.”
When her expression brightened, I quickly continued. “Anything, but that.”
“I’ve always known that I wanted a big family. I love you so much, Gage, but I don’t see a future for us if children are not even an option.” Avery stared down at the truck’s floorboard as she spoke.
I watched a giant tear trail down her cheek. As much as I longed to reach out and comfort her, I forced myself to refrain. Instead, I said quietly, “I understand.”
Without another word, Avery slowly got out of the truck and went to her parents’ front door with her head hanging down. I hated the brokenhearted sadness evident in her posture, and I especially despised knowing that I was the one who had caused it. I loved Avery with my whole heart, but she was asking me for the one thing I couldn’t give her.
Beyond frustrated, I tried to blast away the pain in my chest by pounding on the truck’s steering wheel. When that didn’t work, I wheeled my truck back onto the road to head to my apartment, so I could suffer in solitude.
I paced my small place like a caged animal. Scamp tried to get me to play, but even his silly antics couldn’t distract me from my miserable heartache.
When the firm rap sounded at my door, I ran to answer. I didn’t bother to hide the significant relief in my tone as I flung the door open and
said, “Avery!”
Disappointment made my shoulders sag when I saw a man I didn’t recognize standing on the other side of the threshold.
“No, I’m her older brother, Alex,” the stony-faced man informed me in a harsh tone.
I took an involuntary step back, unsure if he was here to punch my lights out. He was smaller than me, but I wouldn’t fight back, since I deserved whatever punishment he was about to dole out.
Avery’s brother took the newly-created opening as an invitation to storm into my apartment. Once inside, he whirled on me and half-shouted, “I don’t know you, but you’ve broken my kid-sister’s heart, so I think I deserve an explanation.”
His angry voice set Scamp’s nerves on edge. The kitten bounced on his toes before attacking one of Alex’s expensive-looking leather loafers.
The man’s demeanor immediately softened when he stooped to greet the angry little puffball. “Well, aren’t you a feisty little protector?”
His sing-songy words calmed the animal, who immediately rolled over for a belly rub. Alex complied with the silent request and the two became fast friends. The happy grin melted from Alex’s face when he stood back up and looked at me.
Unsure how I was going to talk my way out of this mess, I said, “Look, you’re right. You deserve a proper explanation and so does Avery. I love your spectacular sister more than words can say.”
“Well, what’s the problem, then?” Alex interrupted, sounding beyond exasperated.
“We have different visions of what our future can be. To put it simply, she was made to be a marvelous mother, while I’m the last man who should ever become a father.”
“Why?” Alex narrowed his eyes in my direction as if squinting would help him determine my suitability to be a parent.
I stalked across the room before turning to attempt to explain. “Look, I had a shitty childhood. My biological father left before I was born and my stepfather was an abusive asshole.”
When I paused, expecting to see a horrified look on Alex’s face, he looked perplexed when he asked, “So?”
“So… I don’t want to be anything like either of them!” I yelled a bit too loudly.
“You won’t,” Alex’s voice sounded confident, even though he’d just met me.
I glared at him. “How can you say that? You don’t even know me.”
“I know enough.” Alex asserted.
I gave him a disbelieving look, so he expanded. “I know that you’re the first man who has managed to win my kid-sister’s heart. That couldn’t have been an easy task because she’s a tough cookie. But she’s also a terrific judge of character.”
When I merely shook my head, Alex continued. “What’s even more impressive than that is the fact that my normally standoffish, often judgmental parents sing your praises. I love them both, but they can be rough on their kids’ love interests. In fact, my wonderful wife, Claire, didn’t win them over until we gave them their first grandchild. I don’t know how you managed to get them on your side after such a short amount of time, but either you’re a magical wizard or a phenomenal guy. I’m guessing it’s the latter.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the ridiculous suggestion that I may have ingratiated myself to his parents with witchcraft. Turning serious, I said, “Winning over your family doesn’t give me any qualifications to be a father.”
“None of us have any real qualifications to become parents. We just do it and figure it out as we go.” Alex assured me.
“But you have an excellent example of how to be a great dad from your own father. I don’t have anything like that,” I admitted.
Alex bugged his eyes out as if he was shocked by my statement. “You don’t?!? Look around you, man. You are a part of this town now, and we stick together. You are surrounded by fantastic fathers, who will be there to guide and assist you when you need help.”
I thought of Avery’s father, Alex, Grant, Levi, Dean, and all of the other dependable dads in Brunswick Bay Harbor. One thing I wouldn’t be short on while living here was terrific examples of how to raise a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted child.
“Speaking as one of this town’s fathers, who didn’t have a clue what he was doing at first, I can promise you one thing. You’re one of us now. We have your back, and we won’t let you fail.”
I let Alex’s reassuring words sink in. For the first time in my life, I began to consider the possibility that perhaps I could figure out how to be a great dad––with the right help. After pondering the tempting idea for a long moment, I shook my head and said, “I’m not ready to have kids, and I don’t know if I ever will be.”
“No one ever feels ready for that kind of life-changing responsibility, but holding your child in your arms for the first time makes you ready. In fact, I would say that feeling equipped for the job would be a sure sign that you weren’t actually prepared. Having a baby is a scary prospect, so it’s a good thing to be cautious and frightened. It shows that you’re realistic about the work required.”
Alex’s expression brightened as he continued, obviously thinking of his own children, “But it’s some of the most rewarding work you’ll ever do.”
I looked down at my living room carpet as I said, “I don’t know. It’s fun to think about the possibility, but I don’t want to ruin a child’s life.”
“The fact that you’re so worried about messing up proves that you won’t.” Leaning in as if he was sharing a big secret with me, Alex asked, “Do you know the best way to make sure your children grow up nurtured and feeling loved?”
“No.” I blinked at Alex, anxious for him to share his insight with me.
“The key is to make their mother happy, and you already have that mastered.” After uttering those sage words of wisdom, Alex left and closed my front door behind him.
30
Avery
I could kiss my older brother’s cheek, but chances were high that he would cringe away and dramatically wipe it off. Somehow, Alex had managed to talk some sense into Gage.
While Gage wasn’t ready to start trying to make a baby right now, he was no longer completely closed off to the idea. That was all the opening I needed. I would wear him down, and having kids would make us both happier than either of us could imagine.
We were naked in his bed when Gage said, “I just hope I don’t turn out anything like the cruel monster that made my childhood miserable.”
I assured him with complete confidence. “You’re nothing like that awful man, and you never could be.”
The hope that sprang into his expression at my confident words was undeniable, so I added, “Would Jack have ever worried about his suitability to raise a child?”
“No,” Gage admitted with a sad chuckle.
“See?” I asked, splaying my hands at the obvious proof. “You’re the exact opposite of him, and you’re going to make a wonderful, caring father––right after you become my loving, adoring husband.”
It was a bold hint, but I didn’t want to leave any doubt in Gage’s mind about where I wanted our relationship to go. We couldn’t have him falling over in shock when I executed the big proposal.
Gage answered me with a tender, breath-hitching kiss. After we reluctantly pulled apart, I continued my case. “Besides, you are the best dad imaginable to sweet little Scamp.”
The energetic kitten chose that moment to pounce on my feet, which had wiggled under the covers to tempt him. Gage leaned forward to scoop up the tiny animal and placed him higher on the bed between us before admitting, “I guess this pint-sized cutie-pie is teaching me a thing or two about the patience and enduring love required to be a parent.”
“He sure is,” I agreed, running the backs of my fingers along the five o’clock shadow on Gage’s jawline.
“Do you prefer my face smooth or with a little bit of scruff?”
It was completely endearing that he seemed to care about my opinion on this topic. Beaming at him, I answered honestly, “I love looking at your handsome fac
e and sexy body, but they aren’t what truly matter to me. It’s your caring soul that makes my heart try to beat its way out of my chest whenever I so much as think of you. You could be covered in hair from head to toe like Bigfoot, and I would love you just the same.”
The warm look he gave me could have melted the iceberg that sank the Titanic. He sounded elated when he said, “You are the first person to know the real me and stay firmly by my side. I’m so thankful for your unwavering love, Avery, and I promise to always give you mine.”
His fervent, private pledge meant just as much to me as marriage vows would have, but I still wanted us to stand up in front of all our friends and family to declare our everlasting love for each other. I couldn’t keep the secret smile from emerging as I pondered the idea that our wedding day was coming––likely much sooner than Gage knew.
After deciding to completely clear the air between us, I said, “There’s just one last hurdle for us to jump.”
“Oh?” Gage’s eyebrows snapped together in obvious surprise, edged with concern.
Gage stiffened but didn’t object when I said, “We need to hash things out with Noah.”
31
Gage
The large, black dog that greeted us with a toy in her mouth when we entered my half-brother’s office was adorable. She shoved the pink cheetah toward me, but shied away when I moved to accept it.
“She just wants to show it off, not hand it over. Isn’t that right, Bella?” Noah ruffled the dog’s fluffy ears.
Avery and I had scheduled the last appointment of the vet’s day, in hopes of having time for an unrushed, private conversation with him.
Noah’s eyes traveled from me to Avery and back again before he asked, “Where’s Scamp?”
Avery jumped in to answer, “We left him at home. He’s doing just fine, but we need to talk to you. Are we alone?”
