by Rhodes, Beth
They landed in a huge drift of snow at the back of the yard, the house beyond, a snow-covered castle. She took a deep wheezing breath and turned in his arms, aware that he’d, again, protected her by taking the brunt of the fall.
The winter wonderland surrounded her. Snow covered the ground and trees. His house stood tall in the short distance and lights twinkled from the windows. “Geez, David. No wonder you love it here.”
“I didn’t always. For a long time.” He brushed the hair off her cheek, and she found his gaze on her, warming her. “Magical, though, isn’t it? I’ve left plenty of times, but I always find my way back.”
Maria kissed him gently. “I’m glad you left.”
“Come on.” He stood and held out a hand.
They walked in silence toward the house, with the sun shining down on them. She felt like they’d come to a better place. The uncertainty of the last weeks had disappeared in such a short time. They’d made love, and he’d spoken words that she’d only dreamed of hearing from him.
In time, they would both get to a place where they didn’t even think of the awkward start to this marriage. And maybe at some point they’d be able to have their union blessed by a priest, too. “I think I’m going to go down to St. Anne’s this week.”
David tensed, and she wanted to laugh. “Hey, no worries. I won’t make you go. I just—feel disconnected.”
“Okay.”
“Okay—”
“Maria!” Mrs. Kraus stood at the edge of the patio, waving a kitchen towel.
Maria sent David a hesitant smile then ran up the last bit of the hill and into the housekeeper’s arms.
“You fool girl. But you look all right, I guess.” She pierced David with a look over Maria’s shoulder, and then brought that knowing gaze back to her. “I’d say you look better than all right. You look downright happy, but I’m not surprised.”
David came up from behind and followed them, as Mrs. Kraus took her arm and led her back into the house.
“I’ve got a nice soup on. I want you to sit right down. I’ll get some decaf coffee brewing, too.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Kraus.”
Maria blew out a breath and made her way across the kitchen to the little nook in the corner and sat down. She sat with her legs out in front of her and, feeling the stretch of her belly, rested her hands on top. The bump was growing. It actually fit in her palms. Her heart pounded at the thought of their baby. It still seemed unreal at times.
David came up behind her and massaged her shoulders. “I’m going to call my mom and set up an appointment for you.”
She leaned her head back, resting it on his arm. He leaned over her and kissed her forehead.
“Thanks. If you go up to my room and get my wallet, I’ve got my insurance card in there.”
“You’re on my insurance now.”
Maria rolled her eyes, but let it go. She’d take care of business when she was at the office.
He squeezed her shoulders, let her go, and left the kitchen.
She hated that he still struggled to let his mom back into the picture. On the other hand, he’d been with his father since he was nine. So it made sense. She couldn’t blame him for it.
Deep down, she wondered if this baby was a way to help heal the wounds of the March family and bring them back together. Not that it was fair. No, and she’d never use him or put such a large burden on her baby, but…she could hope.
“The soonest appointment I could get was with Dr. Pelts, my mom’s partner.” David said on his return. Not his mom.
Maria nodded. “Okay. He or she?”
“She,” he said, looking at her funny. Then he blinked off a scowl and shook his head at her. “You can have a woman doctor.”
Mrs. Kraus snickered from her spot in front of the stove.
“Oh.” Maria giggled, actually giggled, and she never giggled. “Right. Because…”
“Because, it’s just better that way.” He scowled, his gaze pinning her and then Mrs. Kraus. “I’m outta here. Gonna go find my dad.”
He hurried out as they laughed.
Mrs. Kraus brought over a bowl of soup. “So you met Tanner March.”
Maria took a spoonful and nodded. “I actually met him when I went to town, at the bank.”
“He always was a bit of a recluse, but don’t let that fool you.” Mrs. Kraus tapped the ladle on the side of the pot. “He’s sharp as a tack.”
“We had a nice visit. It’s not as grand as here, of course, and David’s home is more than comfortable but I love it. Being there was…different. Small, intimate. Like going back in time. We played games.”
Mrs. Kraus stared at her.
“What?”
“David played games?”
“Sure.” When they first met last year, she’d loved how he slipped right into her family circle. They’d hang out at the bar or sit in the kitchen and shoot the shit for hours on end. At first she’d been sure he was from a big family and then was surprised to find out he was an only child.
“We have a closet full of games and movies. Some of the games still have the plastic wrap on them.”
“I’m sorry.”
Mrs. Kraus waved away her apology. “I should have stopped buying those things years ago.”
Maria finished the soup and stood, stretching her back. “Well, we’ll use them now, won’t we?” She took the bowl to the sink then leaned against the counter to watch as the housekeeper bustled her way around the kitchen cleaning up, spices went back in the cabinet, measuring cups and spoons went into the sink.
The older woman stopped and really looked at her. “He never brought home anyone like you before; that’s for sure. The more you’re around, the more he reminds me of his grandfather…and his mother, too.”
“Wow. I—” She didn’t know what to say to that. “What happened with his dad? Why—?”
“Why is he such a hard ass?”
Maria bit back a smile. “Maybe.”
Mrs. Kraus shrugged, and Maria could tell her housekeeper etiquette was bugging her, like she might even be sorry she’d started the conversation.
“The March men had it rough. And they avoid pain at all costs.”
“It must have been hard when Mrs. March left.”
“Hardest thing for a family to go through.” The older woman agreed.
“Happens so much these days.” Maria frowned. “He’s never found anyone else?”
Mrs. Kraus’ brow rose. “Well, not permanent, anyway.”
Maria couldn’t help the blush that rose on her neck. She had no right to be shy at this point, living as she was—uncertain in her own relationship, but this was her father-in-law they were talking about.
It made her want to look over her shoulder and make sure he wasn’t there. He did have a way of showing up unexpectedly. And he could be quite loud when he was upset.
“I think I’m going to take a nap. I feel like such a lazy bum lately, but there are parts of the day I would kill to sleep.”
“Good. You get as much sleep as you need. Soon enough you won’t be sleeping at all. If that baby is anything like his father, he’ll keep you up all hours of the night.”
“David was an ornery baby?” Maria slowed on her way toward the door. She craved knowing more about him, even little anecdotes about his babyhood.
“Oh, his poor mother. Paced the hallways, rocking him, and boy, could he squall.” She was grinning though, and her smile softened, her eyes glowed a little. “I miss those days. It’ll be nice to have a baby around here again. New life. New family…You and David. You can make it right.”
Her words felt like a challenge, one she wanted so much to win, or even just survive.
Nerves came to life in her stomach like a cloud, covering the sun. And she shivered as she made her way down the hall. So many expectations. She didn’t know if she had it in her to meet them. She couldn’t change the world.
She passed David’s office when a loud crash stopped her, her hea
rt jumping into her throat, her pulse thumped in her veins. The murmur of voices rose then came to an abrupt halt.
“Son of a bitch!”
Maria took two hurried steps, trying to escape—what? She didn’t know, but she didn’t want whomever it was behind that door to think she was eavesdropping.
“Hey,” David spoke, and she came to an abrupt stop and turned.
Her hands shook and she took a step back. “I was just on my way upstairs. I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t worry about it,” David said, with a frown. “It’s not the last time you’ll hear my dad yell around here.”
“Oh.” Reality check.
“He’s going out of town for a few days, so we’ll have a break.” He spoke matter-of-factly. “I’m sorry to ditch you, but I do need to go to the office today.”
She knew it was the truth, but it felt more like he was running away from her again. Standard operating procedure, as her sister would say. Every time Mr. March appeared, things got uncomfortable and weird.
“Hey.” He sent her a pointed look and walked up to her. He cupped her face with his warm, gentle hand. “I’ll be back for dinner.”
She covered his hand with her own and then kissed his palm. “I’m okay.”
A noise down the hall drew her attention and they both turned to where Mr. March stood in the foyer. He scowled at them and huffed as he left the house, slamming the door behind him.
Maria couldn’t help be relieved that he was gone.
~*~
By the time David left work, his neck hurt from sitting at the computer all afternoon.
Usually good about getting up and moving around, he kept a baseball bat and glove in his office. But not today. He’d just wanted in and out as quickly as possible.
He pulled up into the garage, glad to see his father’s car wasn’t parked on the end.
As he got out and walked toward the door, the murmur of music came through the exterior door, pulling him forward. Into the hall, the music—something upbeat and Latino—grew louder. He followed it to the kitchen as anticipation rode the blood pumping in his veins.
He stopped short in the doorway.
Maria and Mrs. Kraus danced across the hardwood floor in front of him. Maria’s feet moved quick and sure under her, and the older woman’s barely kept up. The ache in his neck eased when he laughed. “Not bad, Mrs. Kraus.”
“It’s the salsa,” she answered as the two women did a little turn. Maria’s hips—holy mother, don’t even think about sex right now—moved to the rhythm and then her shoulders dipped and shook as she lead Mrs. Kraus into another twirly turny thing.
He rubbed a hand at the back of his neck with a smile.
Sex. Sex. Sex.
Stop thinking about sex!
“You try it!” Mrs. Kraus let go of Maria who did another twirl and landed in his arms.
“I’m not much of a dancer.”
Maria kissed him lightly, laughing. “Everyone can dance,” she said, taking both his hands and moving him over the floor.
He watched her feet, which happened to be bare. Toes painted a dark red.
Sex. Sex. Sex.
I’m not thinking about sex.
Liar. He lifted his gaze to her face, her pretty brown eyes, and found her grinning at him and wagging those eye brows. Like she knew what he was thinking—the little devil.
He focused on the actual dance moves as she talked him through it, ignored her hands on his hips, trying to get him to do something, he wasn’t sure a man should be able to do with hips—cha, cha, cha, or something. And he laughed at himself when he could finally do the steps without stepping on her feet.
The song ended, and Maria clapped. “Excelente! Before long, you’ll both be experts.”
Mrs. Kraus stood at the counter, leaning over it with her chin cupped in her hand. “That was wonderful,” she said with a dreamy look in her eye that made David roll his eyes.
“I’m starving,” he added, for good measure. “What’s for dinner?”
But he stopped Maria when she moved to help, and pulled her back into his arms. He kissed her, hoping she understood.
There hadn’t been this kind of life in his home for too long.
She grinned…
And grabbed his rear.
He chuckled.
She totally understood.
17
This was as official as it got. Having a baby. Marrying this woman who seemed almost too perfect. Seeing his mother by choice. He’d ignored her for so long, never being available when she called, her emails conveniently lost in cyberspace…
But you read them, asshole!
Colleen, showing up in his driveway last fall before he’d left for California had shocked the hell out of him. He’d done his best to shove her existence from his mind, but after so many years, time had changed something in him.
Raphe had been right. He needed to get over it.
Now that he was about to be a father—
Holy shit. A father. He hadn’t said that out loud yet, either. Had he always been such a feels-burying douche, hiding his head in the sand? As if keeping silent would make the feels go away.
But he’d been ignoring the issue of his mother over the past few weeks, partly because of Maria. What if she freaked out? What if she objected to his mom’s lifestyle?
Could he lose her?
No. Maria wasn’t like that, and she wouldn’t leave him. Besides, maybe she knew… she had been spending more time with his mom. More time than he had in the last ten years.
He drove them past the town sign into Englewood where his mom’s practice was located. Englewood wasn’t as wealthy as Lynnbrook, and it showed in the faded storefronts and the cracked sidewalks that were still mostly covered with snow. No white picket fences here. The town itself lacked luster.
But, David knew from his clients that Englewood was still a decent town with hardworking individuals. And it had a Walmart as well, which people from Lynnbrook tended to frequent, even if they wouldn’t admit it.
He smiled at Maria and pulled into the small clinic, the two-story brick home that had three windows across the front and a porch. He remembered talk about it opening, how his mom’s goal had been to create a home-like setting.
Yeah, the woman who’d left her family. What a joke.
But, he had to be fair to Maria. He was throwing her in the middle of his mess.
“Uh, so…there’s something I might need to tell you. Actually, maybe I don’t, but maybe I should. Hell—I don’t know. It’s not like it’s going to matter in there, but still… Shit,” he finished.
Maria paused before opening the door and turned to look at him. She smiled and it stole another little piece of his heart from his chest. “Well, that’s a lot of words for you.”
He chuckled, nervously. “Um, yeah, well, my mom is a lesbian.”
“What?” Her frown was merely confusion. Or that’s what he told himself.
“She left my dad and me when I was nine.”
Again with that frown. “But she should have had rights. She might have taken you with her—” Maria cut herself off. “Oh, poor Colleen. Your dad was an ass, wasn’t he?”
David’s laugh turned to a snort of relief. “Probably…” His hand went to the back of his neck and he quickly recognized the nervous tick and dropped his hand back down. “Actually, I don’t know much of the real story. I’ve always blamed her.”
“But now it’s different,” she said for him, taking it all to the bottom line.
“Yeah. Actually.” He glanced her way, loved seeing her profile next to him. “She’s been sending me letters since I was eighteen.”
“You saved them.”
Heat rose on his neck as he lifted a brow. “Do I seem like the sentimental type?”
Shaking her head no, she took his hand and ran her fingers over his palm. “I found them, actually. And I’m sorry I read one. It was open. It was uncalled for, and I meant to tell you. Really I did. I fe
lt horrible. But then I forgot. And— I’m sorry.”
“Oh,” he laughed. “Okay.” But having her hands on him wasn’t okay right now. It made him want to take her, right here, in the car, in the parking lot. He brushed his thumb over her lip, floored that his past mattered so much to her.
He rubbed a thumb over that bottom lip again.
Her hand came up and gripped his wrist; his hand cupped her neck, felt the hot beat of her blood. She was so beautiful. He watched her eyes carefully, saw the slight tightening of her pupils as he leaned in and took her lips with his own in a slow, languid caress.
All the uncertainty fled in an instant as the spark of her arousal dragged him in. Her mouth opened to his, and he delved in, wishing each touch could tighten the bond he wanted to deny.
Her tongue bandied with his, left trails of heat across the roof of his mouth.
The lifeblood pumping through her incited him.
He’d never had anyone like her—not in his life, not in his home…hell, not in his car. He was stiff with wanting her, and when her palm came down and rested on his thigh, he groaned. Her hand slid higher, as if she knew exactly what she was doing. He dragged her into his lap so she straddled him. The soft skin of her forearms brushed against his ears as he sucked her tongue into his mouth and drove his hands up under her shirt.
Her hips moved over him and the jolt of lust that zapped through his veins threw him from the moment. He broke from her tempting, hot mouth and took a deep breath. “Stop.”
She was breathing just as hard as he was when she rested her forehead on his. “Doctor’s appointment.”
He smoothed her hair back with hands that trembled. “Right.”
“I like kissing you, David March.”
His laugh came, surprising him and relaxing him. That was her doing, too.
Gently, he kissed her again and then reluctantly let her go when she slid back over to her side. “We’ll finish this, Maria.”
“I hope so.” She got out before him, and he gave himself a few more seconds to cool off before getting out and following her across the parking lot. Maria took his hand as they approached the front porch. A very pregnant woman sat with her hands resting on the giant bulge of her stomach on a swing off to the right. David quickly looked away. Holy moly. Was Maria going to get that big?