Never Christmas Without You

by Nana Malone

  Chapter 6

  Unable to sleep, Dash went to the kitchen. “What are you doing up, Mama?”

  “Making you a plate.” His mother grinned as she opened a container that held the remaining pot roast. “What do you think?”

  Dash chuckled and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Nice to come home to a beautiful woman who knows me so well.”

  “Been in the same spot since you left.”

  He sat at the table. “Me staying away...it isn’t a personal indictment.”

  “Isn’t it?” She piled meat, potatoes and carrots on a plate. “Sure feels like it when my son won’t step foot in my house or the town he was raised in unless he’s coerced.”

  “Ma—”

  She pointed an accusatory finger at him. “Not even for your own sister’s wedding.”

  “I paid for her destination wedding in Barbados, didn’t I?”

  “So you wouldn’t have to come back here.” The pain on his mother’s face made his chest ache.

  Bitter and angry about his father, he’d acted out. A lot of folks in town had believed he’d never amount to anything.

  Their hushed whispers and looks of pity for his mother had prompted two determinations. First, he’d make something of himself and prove them wrong. Second, he was out of Pleasure Cove first chance he got.

  He hadn’t understood the pain it had caused his mother until now.

  “Me rejecting this town...it isn’t a rejection of you. It was something I needed to do for myself. Besides, don’t I take good care of you whenever you come to New York?”

  “Spa days are nice. Having you home is a lot nicer.” She reheated his plate and put the rest of the food away.

  “Try to understand how I feel.”

  “You’re angry at some old biddies who said something negative about you. To be fair, you’d earned it.” She sat and squeezed his hand. “You were a handful back then.”

  True.

  “Been nearly twenty years. Half those women are dead. The rest are too worried about their own hot-mess kids and grandkids to care about you. And here you are allowing them to dictate your life. Makes no sense.”

  He shifted in his seat. “A lot of bad memories here. Dad leaving us. My mistakes. Meeting Jess.” His voice trailed. “Nothing good comes from me being in this town.”

  “So you’ve had some bad experiences here. You’ve had lots of good ones, too.” Sadness crept into her voice.

  “Of course we did.” Dash hadn’t intended to make his mother feel bad.

  She’d pulled a lot of double shifts as a nurse to take care of them. She couldn’t always be there, but she’d been a good mother then, and she was one hell of a grandmother now.

  “Don’t let a few bad experiences taint your view of the entire town. Take off those murky lenses and you’ll see the beauty and light here. Maybe even bask in some of those happy memories.”

  “Those memories are of you and Kendra, not this town.”

  “A town is made up of people, most of ’em good folks like the Johnstons,” she said, referring to his sister’s in-laws. A family he’d known his entire life. “Besides, Pleasure Cove has changed quite a bit since you were last here.”

  “I noticed.” On the drive into town he’d passed at least half a dozen new hotels, including the one owned by the family of his half sister Maya’s fiancé, Liam Westbrook. Several new restaurants, clubs and other businesses had also arisen.

  He’d never move back to Pleasure Cove, but maybe he could lift his moratorium on visiting for his mother’s sake. “I’ll think about what you’ve said.”

  “Good.” She smiled. “Maybe you’ll also give some thought to the lovely friendship you and Mikayla once had.”

  “That was a long time ago.” Dash’s jaw clenched. He’d spent the afternoon politely ignoring Mikayla. A sacrifice made for Maddie, who adored her. “A lot of mistakes have been made since then.”

  “None bigger than the one you’re contemplating.”

  “Ma’am?”

  Voice lowered, she hunched closer. “You’re not seriously considering taking that baby away from her mother?”

  “How’d you—”

  “You’ve forgotten how thin the bedroom walls are, son.” She folded her arms. “Heard you talking to that lawyer friend of yours.”

  “I’m grateful for everything she’s done for Maddie.” He fought back the anger. “But I can’t overlook the harm she’s done.”

  Mikayla was no better than the town gossips who’d believed the worst of him.

  “I’m as hurt as you are about the time we’ve missed with her, but none of us can change the past.” His mother heaved a sigh. “All we can do now is work together to give Maddie the best life possible. One that includes both her parents.”

  “Mikayla isn’t her mother.”

  “She is as far as Maddie’s concerned.” She tapped the table. “Can’t you see how much that little girl loves her? Do you have any idea what it’ll do to Maddie if you take her away from the only mother she knows?”

  “So what am I supposed to do, Mama? I’m not like Dad. I won’t settle for holidays and birthdays with my daughter.”

  “You need to be part of Maddie’s life,” she agreed. “But there has to be a way you two can compromise.”

  He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and opened it. “There isn’t.”

  “I can think of one.” Her eyes lit up and the edge of her mouth curled in a sly grin.

  Dash gulped the icy water, one eyebrow raised. “You’re not suggesting we live together?”

  She shrugged. “Can you think of a better solution?”

  He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Can’t think of one much worse.”

  Chapter 7

  Mikayla had tried everything to soothe Maddie, but the little girl was panicked.

  All she wanted was her father.

  “We’ll find your dad, but just for a minute. Then it’s back to sleep. Okay?”

  Maddie hiccuped, wiping her face on her sleeve as she followed Mikayla down the stairs.

  Creeping to my high school crush’s bedroom in the middle of the night. Not weird at all.

  The lights suddenly came on.

  “Mick?” Dash stood in the kitchen doorway. “Were you headed to my room?”

  As if he needed more reason to hate me.

  “I was...but only because...”

  “Daddy!” Maddie ran to her father and wrapped her arms around his leg.

  “I’m right here, baby girl.” He lifted her in his arms and kissed her cheek. “Everything okay?”

  “No, I had a bad dream.”

  “You did? Tell me about it.”

  “I dreamed you left and I couldn’t find you.”

  Dash shot Mikayla a cold stare that sent a shiver down her spine. “I’m right here, and Daddy isn’t going anywhere, all right?”

  Mikayla wrapped her arms around herself in response to the arctic chill radiating from Dash in icy waves. “Okay, sweetie. You’ve seen your dad. Time for bed.”

  “Can Daddy come with us?”

  “Daddy’s got his own bed. We’ll see him in the morning, I promise.”

  “I wanna go with Daddy.” Maddie wrapped her arms around Dash’s neck.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Mikayla felt exposed by the short, swingy, jersey sleep shirt that exposed her upper thighs. “Daddy’s tired. He needs his rest.”

  “Daddy, please.” Maddie trained her sad, brown eyes on Dash and he was toast.

  Ms. Anna emerged from the kitchen. “Dash, take her upstairs and lie down with her, just until she goes back to sleep. Plenty of room in that big bed for all three of you.”

  Dash narrow
ed his gaze at his mother. A look that clearly said, I know what you’re doing here, lady, and I don’t like it.

  Ms. Anna seemed oblivious to his expressive stare. “Go on. I’ll clean up down here. Maddie needs her rest. She’s got a big day ahead tomorrow.”

  “I do?” Maddie looked to her grandmother.

  “Yes, but only if you go to sleep.”

  “That okay with you?” Dash addressed Mikayla directly for the first time since he’d met Maddie.

  She shrugged. “Like your mom said, there’s plenty of room.”

  Mikayla gestured for him to go first. He already thought she was stalking to his bedroom in the middle of the night. Flashing him a peek of her tiny, black panties on the way up the stairs wouldn’t help her cause.

  Dash carried Maddie upstairs and tucked her beneath the covers in the middle of the bed. He lay on top of the comforter, facing her.

  “All right, li’l bit. Time to go back to sleep like Gram said.” He tucked the blanket underneath Maddie’s chin.

  “We have to wait for Mommy.” Maddie pointed at Mikayla, hovering near the door.

  Mikayla’s face heated when Dash’s gaze dropped briefly to the large, wet stain of Maddie’s tears covering her right breast.

  She slid beneath the covers. “I’m here. No more stalling. Go back to sleep. Got it?”

  “Yes, Mommy.” Maddie puckered her lips and Mikayla leaned down to give her a good-night kiss. “You, too, Daddy.” She turned to Dash for a good-night kiss. “Now kiss Mommy.”

  Mikayla and Dash surveyed Maddie’s expectant little face then each other’s.

  “That’s enough good-night kisses for one night,” Mikayla said. Dash seemed relieved.

  Way to stroke a girl’s ego.

  “My friend Sarah says when her mommy and daddy didn’t kiss good-night anymore he went away. I don’t want Daddy to go away again.”

  “Honey, I never left you, and I won’t.” Dash’s voice was low and patient. “You don’t need to worry, okay?”

  Unconvinced, Maddie frowned.

  Dash groaned then leaned over to plant a quick kiss on Mikayla’s cheek. Surprised by his sudden movement, she turned her head.

  The kiss landed squarely on her lips.

  “There,” he said after a brief, awkward silence. “Everything is fine. Now, go to sleep.”

  Maddie sighed in relief as she cuddled in her father’s long arms.

  Mikayla turned off the television and burrowed under the covers, her back to Maddie and Dash.

  She’d spent countless nights imagining what it’d be like to kiss Dash Williams and share her bed with him.

  Neither involved the knees of a five-year-old poking in her back.

  So why was her heart beating so hard that she was afraid Dash could hear it, too?

  Chapter 8

  Dash blinked against the harsh sunlight. His arm, trapped beneath Maddie, was numb.

  Yet he’d slept soundly.

  Maddie’s wiry arms clutched him. Her head pressed to his chest as she snored softly.

  Dash was still lying on top of the comforter, but a quilt lay over him.

  The sound of running water came from the bathroom. He glanced toward the door as Mikayla emerged with a fluffy, green towel wrapped around her well-proportioned frame.

  I should close my eyes or at least let her know I’m awake.

  Mesmerized by her form, he did neither.

  Instead he lay still, barely breathing, as she searched her luggage.

  She bent over, giving him a generous glimpse of her curvy bottom.

  An inadvertent gasp escaped his throat, causing her to turn around.

  He screwed his eyes shut, exaggerating his breathing in a phony snore until the bathroom door clicked shut.

  Dash cracked one eye open and two brown eyes narrowed in response.

  Damn.

  “You are awake.” Mikayla folded her arms, one brow raised. Suddenly she seemed self-conscious, standing there in only a towel. She secured the place where the edges of the towel barely met at her hips. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “That’s rich coming from you.”

  Her cheeks reddened in response.

  Dash sighed. He wouldn’t apologize, but he’d change the subject, in case Maddie was playing possum, too.

  “I woke up as you were coming out of the bathroom. Pretending to be asleep seemed like the most gentlemanly thing to do.”

  “Well, thank you for being such a gentleman.” Her tone was incredulous, but then she sighed. “I mean that. It was gracious of you to lay down with Mads and to give me a good-night kiss when you’d obviously rather take me to the woodshed. I appreciate you doing it for Maddie.”

  Dash swallowed hard, the thought of taking Mikayla over his knee and spanking her full bottom circulating in his brain.

  Don’t forget what she’s done. Hold on to that anger.

  “I’d do anything for my daughter.”

  “I believe that.” Her tone was somber. “And I know you’re probably already tired of hearing this, but I truly am sorry. I don’t blame you for hating me. I just hope, for Maddie’s sake, you’ll one day be able to forgive me.”

  “I’m sorry, too.” His words surprised both of them.

  “Why?”

  “For torching our friendship. I handled things badly with Jess. You were the best friend I’ve ever had. I shouldn’t have let anyone ruin that.”

  “You were in love with her.” Mikayla shrugged. “It was hard not to fall in love with Jess. She could be so sweet and vibrant one minute then...” Mikayla sighed. “Doesn’t matter. It’s water under the bridge. Maddie is the only thing that matters now.”

  Mikayla wiped a finger underneath her eye. “I know I have no biological link to Maddie, but she really does mean everything to me. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”

  An uneasiness settled in Dash’s chest as his eyes met hers. “Same here.”

  “Glad we’re on the same page.” Mikayla gestured toward the bathroom. “I’d better hop into the shower. If you need to go, go. Maddie’ll be fine. I’m sure your arm is probably asleep by now.”

  Dash glanced down at the little girl holding him tightly, even in her sleep. She’d likely wake in a panic if both he and Mikayla were gone, just as he had in the weeks following his father’s departure.

  “I’m fine, but I promise to keep my eyes closed this time.” He couldn’t help the smirk that lifted the corner of his mouth.

  Mikayla rolled her eyes then returned to the bathroom.

  Rod had warned him not to burn any bridges with Mikayla, and he wouldn’t. Not until he knew exactly what his legal options were to gain custody of his daughter.

  He needed to be cordial and play nice. So why couldn’t he stop thinking about how incredibly sexy Mikayla was now?

  Dash propped his free arm behind his head and stared at the ceiling, trying to scrub the image from his brain. He failed miserably.

  Doesn’t matter how fine she looks in that damn towel. Mikayla Mitchell is the enemy.

  Mikayla was no different than any other opponent he faced off with across the negotiating table. But the stakes had never been higher.

  He’d do whatever it took to ensure he’d be in his daughter’s life every single day.

  Chapter 9

  Dash and Maddie were gone, but Maddie’s adorable giggle carried up the stairs. An involuntary grin tugged at the corners of Mikayla’s mouth.

  Maddie is so happy.

  A twinge of guilt stabbed her chest. How many happy memories like this had she deprived Maddie, Dash and Ms. Anna of?

  Mikayla followed the aroma of pancakes and bacon down the spiral stairs to where Dash stood in fresh clothing,
smelling of soap and looking even more handsome than he had the day before.

  Had he been waiting for her?

  “Hey.” He fiddled with the button on his cuff.

  “Hey.” She reached for his wrist. “Let me get that.”

  “I’ve got it.”

  “I know, but I don’t mind.” She fastened the button then smiled. “There.”

  “Thanks.” He reluctantly allowed her to button the other sleeve, too. He gestured toward the kitchen. “After you.”

  “Surprise!” Maddie threw her arms up in a flourish when they entered the kitchen. “We made breakfast for you, Mommy and Daddy.”

  It was still surreal hearing Maddie call him that. It was odder still to hear her address them as a unit, as if they belonged together.

  “Everything looks fantastic.” Mikayla surveyed the table loaded with pancakes, crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, homemade Southern biscuits and jars of strawberry and peach preserves. “Did you make this all by yourself?”

  “No!” Maddie laughed as if that was the silliest thing she’d ever heard. “Nana helped me.”

  “Well, thank you, Nana, and thank you, Maddie.” Mikayla smiled. “Can I help?”

  “No, darlin’. Just have a seat.” Ms. Anna accepted a kiss on the cheek from Dash then flipped another pancake.

  Mikayla had forgotten how incredible Southern breakfasts were. She reached for the nearest chair but Maddie halted her.

  She tugged on her father’s pant leg and whispered loudly, “Daddies are supposed to pull out the chair for mommies.”

  “Thanks,” he whispered back. “I’m new at this daddy stuff, so I could use the help.”

  He helped all three of them into their chairs and Ms. Anna said grace.

  Mikayla hadn’t eaten so much since the last time she was at Ms. Anna’s table. It wasn’t just hospitality that had her reaching for another biscuit, which she lavished with peach preserves.

  Ms. Anna could throw down in the kitchen with the best of them.

  Mikayla missed the woman’s cooking and her warm spirit. She had a gift for making people feel welcome. Something Mikayla had needed sorely as the only child of a busy, single mother absorbed with her own grief.