At first Nick looked like he would say no, but then he took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. But only to the vendors, then right back here. I want you at the table by the time the food’s ready, yeah?”
“Yeah!” Connor took off. “Thanks, Dad!”
“A hot dog and fries for me too, please,” Belle said, taking some money out of her bag to hand to him.
“No, Belle. Keep it. My treat this time.” He turned to head for the food line.
Belle sat by herself watching the crowds and thinking how far Nick had come in the past week. She knew what an effort it had taken him to let Connor go off on his own to the vendor booths just now and she was proud of him. Chances were slim anything would happen here in Santa’s workshop, but just in case she kept an eye on the shops across the way, spotting the red pom-pom on the top of Connor’s hat as he made his way around inside one of the handmade ornament shops, though she couldn’t see what he was buying. Probably something for Nick.
A few minutes later, both Marlowe guys were back at the table, safe and sound.
“Here we are.” Nick set everything out, including condiments and napkins, then took a seat beside Connor at the table, across from Belle. “Did you get what you needed, son?”
“Yep,” the kid said, keeping a protective hand on the small bag he’d carried back.
* * *
“Time to see Santa yet?” Connor asked once they had finished their food.
Nick checked his watch. “Still got a half-hour. How about we visit the reindeer now and take some pictures?”
“Cool!” Connor took off down the path ahead of Nick and Belle. Once they were alone, Nick slipped his fingers through Belle’s, warming her chilled skin. An older couple passed them, laughing and snuggling.
“Hello, Dr. Marlowe,” the older man said, greeting Nick as they walked by. “Great to see you and Belle back together again.”
“Oh, we’re not—” Belle started, stiffening, but it was too late. The older couple was already lost in the crowd again.
He did his best to hide the prick of disappointment her denial had caused, even knowing it was silly. He’d known this was all temporary when he’d started this crazy whirlwind affair. This thing between them would end soon. No matter how perfect it might feel to him now.
He squeezed Belle’s hand and pulled her into his side as they neared the pens where the reindeer were held. The smell of wet fur and animals was stronger here. Connor’s voice echoed from nearby as he talked to one of the reindeer, but all Nick could focus on at the moment was the woman beside him.
They stopped near the corner of one of the enclosures and Nick slid his arms around Belle’s waist, turning her to face him. She kept her head lowered and her gaze averted. “Hey, don’t worry about what people think. Today’s just for fun.” He used the same tone he did to soothe his patients through a crisis. “Let’s enjoy the time we have left.”
He rubbed her back as people wandered past them. Connor was still making his way through the reindeer, petting each snout as he watched Nick and Belle through the fencing.
Gradually, Belle relaxed and Nick pulled back slightly to brush a few loose strands of hair from her face. “Okay?”
“Okay.” She nodded, her cheeks flushing pink. “Sorry. I guess the stress got to me.”
“You don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone, Belle.” He took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “You helped relieve my burden of guilt over Vicki. Let me repay you now by helping you relax. Ready to see some reindeer?”
Belle gave him a tremulous smile. “Yes. I’d love to.”
They joined Connor near a wide pen with the name “Vixen” painted on the wall behind it. The reindeer inside sported a fancy leather collar bedecked with silver bells. Two volunteers stood nearby as the animal nuzzled Connor’s hand through the slats, the reindeer’s pink tongue reaching for the carrot on his son’s palm.
“Dad, take my picture!” Connor called.
Nick pulled out his cell phone and snapped a few photos. When he’d finished, Belle gave him a nudge. “Go over there with him and I’ll take a few of the two of you.”
Once those were done, Connor piped up again. “I want pics with Belle too.”
Nick motioned for her to switch places with him. All of it felt so easy and right. He hated to think about Christmas arriving and this all being over, but he also had to be strong. If not for himself, then for Connor. He’d sworn to keep things in perspective, no strings, no heartbreak. But the more time he spent with Belle the harder his vow was to keep.
“Is it time yet, Dad?” Connor bounced up and down on the heels of his sneakers.
Nick checked the time once more. “Yep. Almost time. Let’s get in line.”
“Yes!” Connor led them down the fake-frost-covered path. In the distance, Santa’s cottage was visible. The sound of a train whistle echoed and through the front entrance to the barn Nick saw a small tractor-pulled locomotive chugging to a stop. He’d read they had one set up around the perimeter of the farm.
Connor noticed it too. “Can we go on the train when we’re done?”
“We can,” Nick said.
Once they were in line, things moved along fairly quickly. An elf escorted Connor over to a large book on a pedestal and checked whether his name was on the naughty or nice list, then led him toward Santa’s cottage. He kept the bag with whatever he’d bought with him the whole time, not allowing anyone else to hold it. While he talked to Santa, Nick and Belle wandered through the vendor booths until Connor emerged from the red and white striped cottage, looking quite pleased with himself.
“Did you tell him everything you wanted?” Belle asked, as they headed back toward the front entrance once more.
“I did,” Connor said, walking backward ahead of Nick. “I think it’s going to be a great Christmas.”
Outside, they took the train around the farm, the snow-covered landscape beautiful, then they stopped for hot cocoa before walking back to the SUV.
“Thanks for today,” Belle said, looking over at Nick, her green gaze warm.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, his words emerging gruffer than he’d intended.
She frowned. “I hope you’re not coming down with a cold.”
“No, no. I’m good.”
“You sure?” Belle tilted her head, watching him closely, her expression concerned.
The fact she was worried about him touched Nick more than he could say. He was used to taking care of everyone else. Having the roles reversed for a change was nice, even if it was only for a short while.
“I’m sure.” He leaned over and kissed Belle again. “Let’s go back to Bayside.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
THE DAY BEFORE Christmas Eve, Belle was back in the clinic early to scrub down the exam rooms one final time. They were already spotless, but after the supplies had been put away and the front desk readied for patient check-ins, Belle had needed something to keep her from obsessing over the situation with Nick. It seemed like the more she tried not to think about him, the more she did. Their time together was rapidly coming to a close.
Yesterday at the farm had been magical and afterward they’d gone for a nice dinner in town, then Nick had dropped Connor off at home with his sitter so he could rest up for his big game today. Nick and Belle had spent the night together at her house again, but it had been different. The intensity of their lovemaking, the meaning, the poignancy was almost too much, too overwhelming. Especially since they’d say goodbye again in less than forty-eight hours.
She’d been honest with Nick when she’d told him Bayside wasn’t her home anymore, no matter how she’d loved revisiting and how much she’d miss the place after she’d gone. She’d built a new life for herself in Beverly Hills, with new opportunities and new responsibilities.
And he had a thriving practice he
re in town. He loved Bayside. Neither of them should give up what they’d worked so hard to achieve.
And trying to do the long-distance thing seemed doomed to failure.
Right?
Right. Rock, meet hard place.
After finishing up, she shut off the lights in the exam rooms then wandered down the hall to the reception area. It was quiet here all by herself, but Nick would arrive soon to pick her up. He was handling things in his clinic this morning before taking her to Connor’s hockey game in Manistee. She had no idea what she’d be watching, but it would give her more time with her Marlowe guys, so she was happy.
She took a seat behind the reception desk and closed her eyes for what felt like a second. Her lack of sleep was catching up with her, what with the work here to get the clinic reopened, on top of cleaning out all of her aunt’s things. Add in the late nights with Nick and her phone calls with Dr. Reyes and she was well and truly exhausted.
“Sleeping on the job?” Nick’s deep voice jolted her awake and Belle snapped upright, blinking under the bright fluorescent lights.
“What time is it?” she asked, yawning and squinting at the clock on the wall. “I was resting my eyes and...”
“It’s nearly noon. We need to get a move on if we’re going to make Con’s game on time.”
“Oh.” She ran a hand over her hair then down the sweatshirt and jeans she’d worn. “Do I look all right?”
“You look perfect, as always.” Nick kissed her quick before straightening and handing Belle her coat. “C’mon. Let’s get moving.”
Thankfully, traffic was lighter today and they made it to the arena in Manistee with time to spare. They walked inside the cavernous concrete and granite structure and past the ticket booths, up a ramp and into the ice arena. The air was chilly and the shushing sound of skates on ice filled the space. From what Belle could see, both teams were practicing out on the rink on their respective sides before the game. She and Nick took seats near the front row, behind the protective shield of plexiglass, and he helped her off with her coat.
“Where’s Connor?” she asked, scanning the names on the backs of the kids’ jerseys.
“Over there,” Nick said, pointing toward the far side of the rink. “He’s playing right defense today.”
“Okay.” She did her best to get comfortable on the hard, plastic seat and rubbed her icy hands together to generate heat. Connor seemed good at his position from what she’d been able to see in practice, stopping the puck and keeping it from reaching the goaltender behind him. A vendor came by, selling hot chocolates, and she bought one for herself and Nick as the seats around them filled with other parents, including Eric’s.
Nick put his arm around Belle again and snuggled her into his side. She was grateful for his heat, though she was still wary of them being seen as a couple. With her returning to California the day after tomorrow, she didn’t want to leave him behind to deal with a lot of uncomfortable questions about what had happened. He had too much on his plate as it was. It would be hellish enough to leave. Best to rip the bandage off cleanly, as the old adage went.
She gave him a small smile then pulled away, not missing his frown at her action.
The game began as a referee sailed onto the ice and the national anthem played. They all stood, hand over hearts, to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner.” When it was over, she hazarded another glance at Nick and saw those faint lines of tension had returned around his mouth and eyes and her heart sank. She didn’t want to hurt him, but this was for the best.
A whistle sounded and the ref dropped the puck and the action increased.
Soon her distress over things with Nick was lost in the cheers of the crowd and rooting for Connor and his team. The kid was good. Even a casual observer like her could tell. Belle vaguely remembered going to Nick’s games with Aunt Marlene when they’d been kids, but she’d never really been into sports and hadn’t followed that part of his life as much.
“Boo!” Nick stood, shouting as the ref called a penalty against Connor’s team. He sat back down, his expression disgusted. “Totally uncalled for. The ref called a body foul on Eric because he bumped into that other kid and tripped him, but it wasn’t his fault.” Nick cupped his hands around his mouth again. “Bad call!”
Okay. She’d not really seen this side of Nick before, growling and aggressive and alpha, and she had to admit it was kind of a turn-on. Belle grinned and focused on the game once more, doing her best to get into the spirit of things. After Connor’s team scored a goal, she jumped to her feet and cheered alongside Nick. “Yay, Connor! Go, Mighty Pucks!”
Nick gave her a side glance, his crooked grin warming her from the inside out.
“You sure you don’t want to stick around Bayside?” he asked, laughing. “You make a heck of a cheerleader.” He leaned in to kiss her again just as a warning buzzer sounded and everyone on the ice from both teams swarmed to the middle of the rink.
A murmur spread fast through the crowd and Belle looked at Nick. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure,” he said, scowling. “I wasn’t paying attention. Looks like someone’s hurt.”
Eric’s parents were on their feet and heading down onto the ice and it felt like a pit opened up in Belle’s stomach as she searched the names on the jerseys, none of them Marlowe. “Where’s Con?”
A glance at Nick showed all the color had drained from his face as he stood and raced down onto the ice as well, leaving Belle to follow on his heels. As they pushed closer to the center of the circle of onlookers, the coppery scent of blood filled the air and dread constricted her lungs. Scarlet splotches colored the ice beneath their feet and Belle’s pulse kicked into overdrive.
“I’m a doctor, let me through,” Nick yelled, shoving parents and coaches aside to reveal Connor flat on his back on the ice, blood gushing from his left wrist as he held it close to his chest and screamed. Nick dropped to his knees beside his son, his voice brittle with shock. “I’m sorry, son. I’m so sorry. What happened?”
Belle pulled out her cell phone to call 911 while one of the coaches fashioned a tourniquet out of gauze.
Nick gently tied it around the gash on Connor’s wrist, applying pressure while yelling, “Will someone please tell me what the hell happened to my son?”
“I don’t know,” Eric said, crying in his mother’s arms. “Con covered it right away.”
“It was an accident,” the coach said, clearly shaken by the amount of blood everywhere. “Con slipped and fell and another kid was right there. The skate blade caught him across the wrist.”
After relaying the information and location to the dispatcher over the phone, Belle moved in beside Nick. “EMS is on the way. What can I do?”
Nick didn’t answer, just stared down at his son.
Within minutes, sirens wailed through the arena and two EMTs barreled onto the ice with a gurney, rushing over to where Connor was, in the center of the rink. While one first responder took over the tourniquet from Nick and made an initial assessment, the other talked into the radio mic attached to his collar, sending stats directly to the ER at Manistee General. Once they had Connor stabilized and loaded onto the gurney, one of the EMTs patted Nick on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, Doc. We’ll take good care of him.”
They rushed Connor off the ice and back toward the entrance while Nick ran alongside them, stopping only long enough to toss Belle the keys to his SUV. “I’m riding with my son in the ambulance.”
Belle nodded then watched as the group disappeared down the ramp. She quickly ran back to their seats in the arena and grabbed their coats and her bag then hurried to Nick’s vehicle, her blood pounding and her heart beating triple time. It was one thing to be the doctor in control, to have emotional distance from the events taking place. It was quite another to have the son of the man she loved in peril.
* * *
The ambulance ride to the hospital passed in a blur for Nick.
Dammit. He should’ve been watching Connor, should’ve been paying attention. Maybe then he could’ve warned his son about the impending danger about to strike.
But instead he’d been focused on kissing Belle.
He’d allowed himself to be distracted and everything had gone straight to hell.
I’m sorry, Connor. I’m so sorry.
He’d failed. The final promise he’d made to his dying wife, the woman who’d given up so much for him, and he’d failed her. All for a fling that would be over in days anyway.
No. Belle was more than a fling. Always had been. And damn if that didn’t mean he’d let her down too. She’d been up front that what they had was only temporary and Nick had gone ahead and fallen off the deep end for her all over again, heart and soul.
While his world crashed down around him, the EMTs continued to assess Connor’s injuries. His son, at least, had stopped crying in agony and now seemed comfortable, an IV of pain meds hooked up to his right arm.
“Can you tell me what you remember happening?” the EMT asked Connor, as he checked his vitals. “Did the blood squirt out or did it ooze?”
Never one to shy away from gore, Connor looked at Nick before answering. “Squirt, I guess. The left winger from the other team was right behind me when I slipped. I hit the ice and his blade went right down my wrist. I covered it as soon as it happened, like my dad taught me.”
“Good job, son,” Nick said, his words thick, picturing his precious little boy hurt out on the rink. He cleared his throat and blinked hard against the sting in his eyes. This was ridiculous. He was a trained physician. He handled emergency situations with his patients every day. He was supposed to be the calm, rational one. One more area he was screwing up, apparently. He was a horrible father. Familiar guilt descended once more, stealing his breath. This was his fault. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer. If Connor was okay, he’d do better. He’d not shirk his responsibilities again.
A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad Page 13