Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection

by Gianna Gabriela

  And here we go.

  Rayne

  Travis drops his head and sighs. “Please don’t judge me, okay?” The vulnerability in his voice strong.

  Wow.

  I never thought I could find him more attractive, but in this moment, I do.

  “I won’t judge, Travis,” I reply sincerely. “If it makes it easier, I can get a different nurse.”

  “No. That’s okay.” He pulls the half-empty bottle from Riley’s lips and burps him. “I don’t know his past medical history because I don’t know who his mother is and when she left him, she left no history.”

  “What?” Stunned, my mouth drops open.

  “Riley was left outside the County General Emergency Room with a note stating his name, his birthdate, and listing me as the father, as well as, my company’s name. A social worker showed up about six weeks ago to inform me and conduct a paternity test.”

  Holy shit.

  “You have no clue?” I question, not sure what else to say in the moment.

  “Honestly, I have an idea who she is, but I don’t have a name. Cass was telling the truth when she said I hadn’t been with anyone in a while or had been in a relationship.”

  “I...” Travis holds up his hand, cutting me off.

  “We can talk about it later, after I finish this story.” He takes a deep breath and releases it. “I’m no saint and I indulged in the occasional one-night stand. That’s what Riley’s mom was. A night of release for both of us. We never exchanged names, but obviously she knew who I was. The paternity test was the easy part. It took six weeks, a slew of attorneys, and multiple court dates to get a new birth certificate and social security card issued, and to get him added to my insurance.”

  I’m speechless. As a woman, I could never imagine abandoning my child. This situation sounds like it’s been a nightmare for him.

  I obviously read him entirely wrong.

  “I’m so sorry, Travis.” I enter a few notes into the computer for future reference. “You’re an amazing man for stepping up like this. I know many men who wouldn’t”

  “It was an easy decision to make. He’s a baby and didn’t ask to be in this fucked up situation.” He removes the now empty bottle from Riley’s mouth and lifts him to his shoulder. “And regardless, if I knew who his mother was and she’d come to me, I would still want to be a part of his life.”

  And that’s what makes him a good man.

  A man I could love with all my heart.

  A man I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

  When Cassidy sent me the pictures, I relived each emotion as I scrolled through. Regardless of the shot, one thing always stood out. The chemistry between us was off the charts. Some of the pictures looked like they came right off one of the covers of romance novels I read.

  We tackle the remaining questions I need to ask, and by the time we’re done, Dr. Schaeffer’s finished with her last patient and ready to see Riley. I relay the back story before she enters the room and emotion clogs her throat when she asks me to get a new parent bag for him and pack it with some extras.

  I laugh at Travis’s expression when I hand him a bag full of freebies and coupons. Like the CEO of Emerald City Corp. would use coupons.

  And, yes, I Googled him after our photo shoot.

  “Alright. We need to give this little man his vaccines and you can be on your way.” I set the syringes on the exam table where Travis currently has Riley laying down.

  Travis squats and gets eye to eye with his son. “You got this. Us Dawson men are tough, but if you need to cry, you go right ahead.”

  My ovaries have left the building, ladies and gentlemen.

  “You’re too cute.” I throw Travis a wink and place my hands on Riley’s chunky thigh. “And you are too, little guy.”

  After the vaccines have been given, I dispose of the syringes and wash my hands. “That’s it. You can make his next appointment on your way out or you can call in and schedule it. Whatever’s easiest for you.”

  “Rayne.” Travis places his hand on my wrist, stopping me from making the exit I hoped for. “Can we talk about the shoot and what I said?”

  “What’s there to talk about, Travis?” I question. “You were clear about what you wanted as was I. Did your stance on having a relationship change at all?”

  “No.” He shakes his head.

  “Mine didn’t either.” I place my hand on his, which still holds my wrist. “I wasn’t lying when I said I wasn’t looking for a relationship either. I was burned by my last one and it’s not something I’m wanting to repeat.”

  “Do you mind me asking what happened? I aired all my dirty laundry; it only seems fair to know yours.” He pulls me further into the room and I retake my seat on the stool while he places Riley in his stroller.

  “It’s not an unusual story.” I sigh in resignation. “I have a thing for older men. Don’t ask why, because I really can’t tell you. I met a guy while I was in nursing school. We dated for two years and while I thought I was in love and he was the one, he was apparently screwing half the co-ed population during some early mid-life crisis.”

  “Wow. Really? Who would be stupid enough to cheat on you?” Travis blurts out.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” I giggle. “It’s why I’m a little gun shy at pulling the trigger on another relationship. I’m content with my career and watching Netflix with my cat.”

  Travis stands up and positions himself behind the stroller, getting ready to leave. “Can we at least be friends? I know you and Cass have hung out a couple times.”

  I nod. “Yeah. Friends I can do.”

  He places a kiss on the top of my head and pushes Riley through the door I’m holding open.

  But what if I really don’t want to be only friends?

  4

  Travis

  “Cass, I don’t know what to do.” I’m sure my panic resonates crystal clear across the line. “Riley’s fever’s already up to one hundred three and it’s still climbing. I don’t want to take him to the emergency room in an Uber. They’re probably full of all sorts of germs and he’s already sick. I don’t need him catching something else, but my car’s still in the shop. I should’ve taken them up on the damn loaner car.”

  “You have money, Travis. Can’t you pay a doctor to make a house call?” Cassidy asks.

  “I tried that too, but when I called the nurse line, she wouldn’t even put me through to the doctor because his fever isn’t alarmingly high, and he hasn’t been running a fever long enough.” I pace my living room while I continue with my rant. “I thought about finding someone else, but another doctor wouldn’t know our history and I’m not in the mood to explain it again.”

  “First, you need to calm down. If I wasn’t out of town, I would come over. My suggestion’s to call Rayne. I will text you her number. She’ll know what to do.” Cassidy pauses to talk with someone in the background before getting back on the line. “Shit, Travis, I need to go. I’m texting you the number now. Swallow your pride and call Rayne or get your ass in an Uber.”

  “Thanks, Cass.” As I disconnect the call, the chime of a text echoes in my silent apartment.

  Cassidy: Call her. 555-437-9864

  The fact of the matter is an Uber scares me less than Rayne, but that’s my issue to deal with. Riley didn’t ask to get sick and he’s miserable.

  It can’t hurt to call for advice, right?

  Decision made, I click on Rayne’s number and wait. After three rings, I’m convinced she’s not going to pick up and I find myself suddenly disappointed.

  Why? She’s too young for you, Travis, and she doesn’t need to be tied down by your baggage.

  “Hello,” Rayne’s husky voice catches me by surprise and pulls me from my internal debate.

  “Hey, Rayne. This is Travis.” Taking a breath to slow down my rambling, I continue. “Cass gave me your number. Riley’s sick and I don’t know what to do.”

  “Why don’t you take him the e
mergency room?” Rayne asks.

  “My car’s in the shop and I opted against getting a loaner. I don’t want to pack him up in the middle of the night and put him in a germ-ridden Uber. I figured I would call you first and maybe you could help me over the phone, and I could avoid leaving the house with him all together. But it sounds like I’m interrupting you, so I can…” I spew my words in a rush. My anxiety grows with each syllable leaving my lips.

  “Slow down, Travis,” Rayne speaks slowly. “I get it. I’m happy to help. Tell me what’s going on and I can help you come up with a game plan.”

  “His fever’s up to one hundred and three. It’s still climbing, and I gave him acetaminophen, but it’s not helping. He’s fussy and won’t eat. I don’t know what to do.” I shift Riley on my chest, and he releases a pathetic whimper.

  “Poor baby. Do you have any infant ibuprofen? You can alternate between the two.”

  “No. I don’t. Do I need to bring him in?” I resign myself to the fact leaving the house may be unavoidable.

  “Try not to stress. I know it’s easier said than done,” Rayne reassures me. “It’s common for babies to run high fevers. He could have an ear infection, but that’s also nothing to be concerned with.”

  “Tell me what to do, please.” The desperation in my voice clear as day. “I’ll do anything.”

  The sound of Rayne releasing a sigh of defeat echoes in my ear. “I’ll tell you what. You need to put him in a lukewarm bath. He’ll fuss, but it will help with the fever. While you give him a bath, I’ll head to the twenty-four-hour pharmacy and pick up some supplies and head over.”

  “Thank you so much, Rayne. I’ll leave the front door open. Let yourself in, in case I still have Riley in the tub.” Before disconnecting the call, I rattle off my address and head into the bathroom.

  After stripping him down, I put an unhappy Riley into the infant bathtub. I gently cascade the cool water over his overheated body with a washcloth and try to soothe him the best I can.

  “Travis,” Rayne yells from the living room, catching my off guard.

  “Hey. I’m in the bathroom. It’s the first door on the left down the hall. Come on back,” I reply as I continue to pour cooling water over Riley.

  The bathroom door creaks as Rayne pushes it open. “Have you had him in there the entire time since we talked?”

  “Yep, but the water’s getting cold now.” I turn my head and the expression on Rayne’s face confuses me.

  She shakes her head, seeming to clear it of whatever trance she was in. “You can go ahead and take him out. We can’t bundle him up too much, but a diaper and a thin onesie would work great.”

  “Are you ready to get out little man?” Riley’s red-rimmed, watery eyes and flushed cheeks break my heart.

  I gently lift him from the bath and lay him on the towel draped against my chest. Wrapping him up, I stand and make my way into the nursery, while Rayne follows behind.

  “Let’s get another temperature on him and see if the bath helped.” Rayne grabs the thermometer sitting next to the changing table and swipes it across his forehead. “One hundred two point three. That’s great news, munchkin. Isn’t it? We’ll have you right as rain in no time.”

  Rayne scoops Riley up as soon as he’s dressed and brushes her cheek against the downy fuzz atop his head.

  She would make a great mother.

  Whoa. Slow your roll, Travis.

  Clearing my throat gets Rayne’s attention. “Should I try feeding him again?”

  “Not yet. I bought some ibuprofen and an infant electrolyte solution.” She turns toward the nursery door. “Let’s get him some more meds and see if he’ll drink a little first.”

  As she leaves the room, I can’t help but wonder what if.

  Rayne

  I flee down the hall into the kitchen to put some distance between Travis and myself. My libido needs a cold shower.

  I find nothing sexier than a father taking care of his child. Add in the fact Travis is one sexy specimen of male and fireworks ignite in my body like a Fourth of July display.

  Holy hormones, he’s damn fine.

  F. I. N. E. With a capital F and a gazillion exclamation points.

  I turn and find Travis hot on my heels. “Can you take him from me while I get some meds drawn up and a small bottle filled?”

  “Of course,” he answers as he removes the precious baby from my arms causing an empty feeling to overcome me.

  One I’m nowhere near ready to explore yet.

  I pretend to be reading the dosing on the back of the ibuprofen box, even though as a pediatric nurse I have the it memorized. Stalling even a couple minutes will hopefully allow me to refocus.

  Fingers crossed.

  With the meds drawn in the syringe and the electrolyte solution in a bottle, I head into the living room where Travis holds Riley on the couch.

  “Here you go, little man.” I place the syringe in Riley’s mouth, and he takes the dose like a champ. “Why don’t you see if he won’t suck a little of this down?”

  Taking the bottle from my hand, Travis places the nipple against Riley’s lips, and he latches on, guzzling the liquid greedily. “What is this stuff?”

  “It helps with dehydration. When babies run such high fevers, it’s always a risk. This will help prevent it.” I absentmindedly stroke the top of Riley’s head with my fingers. “If he can keep this down, we can go ahead and try some formula. Do you remember what time you gave him his last dose of acetaminophen?”

  “About two hours before I called you. I meant to write it down and forgot, damnit.” He curses under his breath and I find his frustration endearing.

  Hello, biological clock.

  “Don’t be hard on yourself. This is a tough situation for all first-time parents.” I grab his phone off the coffee table, surprised when he punches in the pin without question. “I’m going to set two alarms. One for in an hour and one in three hours. You will keep alternating the meds back and forth until morning. I’m sure by then, the worst of this fever will be gone.”

  “He’s out,” Travis whispers. “Let me go put him in his crib. I’ll be right back.”

  For the first time since I arrived at his house, I take it all in. I find the place to be a surprise. It’s not as over-the-top as I would’ve expected. Don’t get me wrong. The house screams money with its large size and expensive décor, but it also exudes warmth and a homey vibe.

  Maybe you need to stop judging him, Rayne.

  The couch dips as Travis resumes his place next to me. “Thank you again for coming over. I usually pride myself in keeping it together, but even I’m man enough to admit, I was losing it.”

  “Really, it’s no big deal.” Travis shifts until his thigh rests against mine and I shiver. “I’m happy I could help, but don’t you have a nanny you could’ve called?”

  I assume with his money he has a nanny.

  “I don’t have one. I have an in-office daycare for my employees to use.” He rubs his hands down his face with an exhausted groan. “I take Riley there. That way he’s close and I can check on him whenever I want.”

  I place my hand on his thigh and give it a little pat. “You’re a great dad, Travis. Never doubt it.”

  Reaching up, he brushes a piece of hair away from my face. “And you’re so damn beautiful.”

  “Thank you?” It comes across as a question, unsure of how to respond to his sudden intimacy.

  Travis locks his eyes with mine, fire blazing in his dark blue irises. “Fuck it,” he growls before he firmly places his lips against mine.

  Sweet baby Jesus.

  I forgot how well this man could kiss. He leads, but not in an aggressive way. His tongue and lips coax mine into submission with every movement.

  The way his hand gently pulls my hair revs my body in ways I’ve never experienced. His other hand slightly collars my throat in a way which both leaves me feeling dominated and protected.

  Being this good at kissing should be
a crime.

  As I allow my body to fully surrender to him, he pulls back and I whimper at the loss. “We need to talk.”

  “Okay,” I whisper.

  “Rayne, I’m done fighting this. There’s obviously an attraction and the chemistry’s off the charts between us. I want to explore it.” He takes my hand in his and gives it a little squeeze. “We can take it slow, but we are going to explore this.”

  “Okay,” I reply, nodding in agreement.

  “I’m going to call you and text you this week. Then this weekend I will take you on a proper date.”

  “Mmm hmm,” I agree.

  “Rayne, I need some actual words here other than okay, babe.” He chuckles.

  Doesn’t he realize my inability to speak is his fault?

  Lifting my finger, I non-verbally ask for a minute.

  I close my eyes and take several deep breaths to compose myself. “I thought we already talked about all this. You had a laundry list of reasons why this could never work out. What’s changed?”

  “My list was complete bullshit. I know it and you know it. Just like your reasons were utter crap as well.” He rotates his body slightly to be able to look at me head-on. “I’m the first to admit you scare me. The minute I saw you, I knew you had the ability to bring me to my knees. For a man who maintains control over all aspects of his life, allowing someone to have that sort of effect on me is scary.”

  Whoa. Talk about being honest about your emotions.

  If he can be honest with his, I guess I can be honest with mine.

  “You’re right. My list was crap. Like you I’m running scared. Not only have I been burned in the past, you’re significantly older than me. What do I have to offer you?” Tears clog my voice with my vulnerable words.

  “Just you. All I want is you, as you are.” Leaning in he places a kiss on my forehead. “I want a shot, Rayne. That’s it.”

  “Okay,” I reply, once again rendered speechless.