Charmed: A Small Town Enemies-to-Lovers Romance (Willow Springs Series Book 3)

by Laura Pavlov

  “That’s true. And I’m glad you’re reaching out to Sarah. Piper is pretty awesome. I know she’d like to meet you. She has a dad, she isn’t looking for emotional or financial support. She just wants to meet her biological father.”

  He nodded and chewed his food. The restaurant was buzzing, but I’d tuned everyone out from the moment I walked in.

  “I understand Lyle and Wes have met her. They’ve encouraged me to take the next step with her.”

  “You didn’t know she existed. She doesn’t hate you for that. But the fact that you turned your back on her after you were informed about her—I think it definitely hurt.”

  “I’m sure it did. I wish I could rewind the past few weeks and start over. I’d do things very differently,” he said.

  “Well, you can just do things differently from here on out.” I shrugged. I wanted to mend my family. My mother was very saddened by the state of her marriage. My brothers were angry at my father for all the things that had happened. And I wished we could find a new normal where we could be a happy family again.

  “I plan on it. I heard you took a job at Carlisle Ad Agency,” he said, and I didn’t detect any anger in his tone.

  “I did. I actually struggled to decide what to do because of the media attention you caused at the time. But in the end, I wanted to work there. They trained me well during my internship, I love everyone who works there, and they are the best ad agency in Dallas.”

  “I’m sorry about that. Making that ridiculous call. All this anger toward a family that doesn’t deserve the hate I’ve shown them. I’ve been doing weeks of intensive therapy and I’m learning a lot about myself. A lot of things that I’m not proud of. But I want you to know that I didn’t know that Belle was in the hospital when I pushed that lawsuit. I never knew that he didn’t say goodbye to her until your mama filled me in. We didn’t hear until days later that Belle had passed. My attorney had never shared any information with me that the Carlisles had reached out to postpone things. I was being petty at the time, but I’d never wish anyone to miss their last moments with their child. Not even my enemies. I intend on reaching out to Davis and apologizing. I’m also meeting with Crew for coffee.”

  I set my fork down. “He told me you were meeting. Are you going to be pleasant?”

  “I’m going to do whatever it takes to earn his forgiveness.”

  “Why the sudden change of heart?” I raised a brow, studying him to see if he was being genuine.

  “Because you love him, and I love you.”

  Fair enough. At least he had a plan.

  “I hope you mean what you say. What do you think is going to happen with you and Mama?” I asked.

  “I don’t know. I’m going to do whatever I can to win her trust back. But it’s ultimately up to her.”

  I nodded and took another bite of my salad. The lump in my throat made it difficult to swallow.

  “I’m sorry I missed your graduation. I am so proud of you, Maura.” His hazel eyes were wet with emotion. I could feel his sadness.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “Of course, darlin’.”

  The rest of lunch was filled with small talk. He told me about the home he’d bought in Willow Springs temporarily and how he hoped to rent it out later, if Mama ever let him move back into our family home. My chest squeezed for him, but then I reminded myself that he needed to do the work if he wanted to fix things with his family.

  I sat on the edge of Crew’s desk after everyone had left the office. He moved forward in his rolling chair and stopped when he positioned himself between my legs. I’d been quiet after he’d picked me up from lunch and I’d come back to the office and buried myself in work. Crew always gave me the time I needed.

  “You ready to talk about it?”

  “Yeah. He’s more humble than he’s ever been. He apologized. Wants to earn everyone’s trust back. He’s going to go talk to your father about what happened when Belle passed away. He said he didn’t know she was that sick at the time.” I winced, waiting for him to get angry. I doubted he’d believe anything my father said at this point.

  He nodded which surprised me. “Maybe he’s telling the truth. It’s possible. And I think having our fathers speak is not such a bad idea.”

  I cocked my head to the side. “Really? Why is that?”

  “Because you love the man. And if I ever get the opportunity to put a ring on it, I know I’m going to need his blessing.”

  My head fell back in laughter. “You did not just say put a ring on it. You stole that from Ivy.” That was one of the names Ivy was throwing around to name the new event planning company she was starting up.

  “Hey. I’m hipper than you think, Benson.”

  “So, you really think someday you’re going to put a ring on it, huh?”

  “No doubt about it, baby.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his face in my neck. “Just waiting for the thumbs-up from my girl.”

  “And you’re really going to meet with him next week?”

  “I am. You did it, so I can do it too.” He reached up and traced my cheek with his thumb.

  “Never thought I’d see the day.” My voice was all tease, but I really was surprised that we were here. I never thought my father and Crew would be willing to get together. Life was full of surprises.

  “I’m learning.”

  “What is it that you’re learning?” I leaned forward and grazed my lips against his.

  “I’m learning that grief and anger are cruel beasts. You can either stay there and drown, or you can come out fighting. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, or everyone would do it.” He chuckled. “But you make me want to be a better man, Maura Benson. So, if I have to have coffee with your father, so be it.”

  “You’re already the best man I know.”

  “Charmed, baby,” he said, tugging me down onto his lap.

  No doubt about it.

  I truly was.

  Epilogue

  Three months later

  Maura

  I was the first to arrive at The Chocolate Fountain in Willow Springs. It was the Magic Willows’ favorite hangout when we were all back home ever since we were young. Ivy was going to take her lunch break, as she’d opened the doors to her event planning business, The Wedding Bells, three weeks ago and she’d been slammed. She was helping Loraine Applebee with the details for Coco’s sister, Whitney Radcliff’s wedding as her last task before the older woman was officially retired. Addy and Jett had come back home after graduation. She’d been hired by the local news station as the lead reporter, and he’d been offered a partnership at the accounting firm in town. Apparently, Wren Straub, who was dating Jett’s mother, had an uncle who was ready to retire as well. So, they were both getting settled into their new lives.

  “Hey,” Gigi said as she hugged me before dropping to sit down beside me.

  “Hi. Did Gray give you a hard time about leaving?” I asked. Gray and Gigi were still back in Austin as he was finishing up his last year of law school. Gigi had been hired at a local art gallery as the gallery associate, and she’d started dabbling in portrait paintings herself.

  “Oh my gosh. That boy is crazy. He came home with me. He’s with Cade now.” She laughed. Her brother and Gray had been friends forever.

  My head fell back in laughter. They were always together ever since they gave in to their feelings for one another. We all teased them about their endless PDA, and I was so happy that my friend had found her happily ever after.

  “He can’t handle being away from you, can he?” I asked.

  “Says the girl whose boyfriend flew her home in his helicopter and is currently eating lunch at the Rusty Pelican next door while he waits for her.”

  “Touché.”

  Crew and I spent a lot of time together. We worked together. Spent every night together. And
if one of us needed to come home, we both went. And I couldn’t be happier about it.

  “He and your dad are still being civil, right?”

  I couldn’t hide the smile on my face. “They are. I wouldn’t say they’re best friends, but they’re not enemies anymore. I think Crew actually looks forward to their monthly get-togethers.”

  Part of my father’s plan to turn his life around included winning over my boyfriend. He and Crew had coffee once a month, and they were making progress.

  “And how’s your mama?”

  “She’s good. She actually seems really happy. I don’t know what’s going on with her and Dad, but that’s between them. I support whatever she wants to do.”

  My parents were still living apart. But they attended marriage therapy together and they went to dinner once a week. My mother was calling the shots and my father was jumping through hoops, so time would tell.

  “I’m so glad. And your dad and Piper finally met. Are you relieved about it?”

  “I am. It meant a lot to her. And I’ve never seen my father cry, but the man actually broke down. I think the reality of it all has finally settled in.”

  She nodded. “I’m so glad.”

  “Me too. I mean, they have a long way to go. I don’t think Piper’s parents are going to be best friends with my father, but I’m glad that he and Piper are making progress. One step at a time,” I said, as Coco and Addy strolled through the door.

  Lenny ran around the counter and hugged Addy. He owned the Chocolate Fountain and we’d grown up coming here. He and Addy had always had a special friendship.

  “Don’t worry about me, Len. I’m totally fine being ignored,” Coco said, as she crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes at the older man.

  “Well, with you dressed like that, I was afraid you’d kick me wearing those military boots and all,” Lenny said as he pulled her in for a hug.

  “Does no one in this town understand fashion?” Coco shrugged. She wore jean cut-off shorts, a white tank top, a black and gold Gucci belt, and her signature black combat boots. She called her style urban chic.

  “I’m guessing you haven’t heard the story on the news about the woman who had to get her legs cut off because she got skin cancer all over them from wearing the hoochie shorts,” Lenny said, and we all fell back in laughter.

  “You made that up, Lenny.” Addy shook her head. “I have heard no such thing.”

  “Did you seriously just call me a hoochie? These are fingertip-length. I have to face Cricket Radcliff after all. You should see what I wear to the clubs in Houston.”

  Coco had been hired by a popular women’s fashion magazine as a stylist. It was her dream job, and she was born to do it.

  “You’re not a hoochie. But ripped up, cut-off denim is a bit hoochie where I come from,” Lenny said, raising his brows at her.

  “Lenny, you come from Willow Springs just like the rest of us. And cut-off denim is as popular here as fried chicken and sweet tea. Bite your tongue right now.” Coco smiled and winked at the man.

  “Fine. Where’s the other troublemaker? Do you want five cocoas, extra sprinkles?”

  “Yes, please,” we all said at the same time. Fall was in the air, and there was nothing I craved more this time of year than Lenny’s hot chocolate.

  The door flew open, and Ivy hurried in. “Coco Radcliff. Your sister is the bridezilla from hell.”

  “Welcome to my world. It’s nice to have you here.”

  “She is so freaking bossy. And the fact that she talks in third person, Whitney Gitney will not approve those cotton napkins. She prefers silk,” Ivy mimicked Whitney in her most obnoxious southern accent. “And my favorite of today would be when she said, Mama, Whitney Gitney needs a fluff. I kid you not… and your mother walked around her and literally fluffed her hair in every which way. Ridiculous, I tell you.”

  We all burst out in laughter, aside from Coco. “This is the epitome of my idea of hell. Whitney Gitney needs a swift kick in the ass from these magic combat boots.”

  More laughter, as always.

  “So, when is your fitting for the bridesmaid’s dress?” Addy asked.

  “Whitney Gitney scheduled that for later today after she takes a nap, you know, beauty rest is crucial,” Ivy mocked, and we all fell back in a fit of giggles.

  “She’s the devil. She plans a fall wedding just so she could torture me and make me wear this ugly pumpkin-colored gown. My father is spending enough money to rival a Kardashian wedding, and the girl chooses the world’s ugliest bridesmaids’ dresses. You know she did it to spite me.” Coco has a hatred for the color orange and has since we were kids. She doesn’t mind it on pumpkins or sunsets, but she doesn’t believe it should be part of any wardrobe.

  “You will rock that dress,” I said. “I can’t wait for the big day. Have you secured your date yet?”

  We’d all be coming home for Whitney’s wedding.

  “I haven’t found the right guy to bring to this magical event,” Coco said, her voice oozing sarcasm. She dated often but hadn’t been in a serious relationship, well, ever. She wasn’t ready to settle down. But she was determined to bring a date that would make her mother and sister’s heads turn. “He needs to have an edge. Some visible tattoos. And enough wit to take them on when they grill him. Oh, and he needs to pretend we’re madly in love. I’ve been building up this relationship to my family for weeks.”

  Ivy shook her head with disapproval. “You know I’m against this charade. And now you have them calling him that ridiculous name, and he doesn’t even exist yet.”

  “Ridiculous name, my ass. I told them I call him Big Sexy. That alone made Cricket and Whitney’s eyes cross. Hashtag, winning. There’s a guy I’m seeing right now, that really wants to come to the wedding. I just fear he’s getting a little clingy, and there’s still weeks to go before the wedding from hell.”

  More laughter. My girls and I never stopped when we were together.

  “That’s because Jack actually likes you,” Addy said. “And you and I are going to meet and work on your speech soon, right?”

  “Yes. As much as Whit drives me mad, I want to give her a good speech. It’s my duty, right?” Coco said. She liked to act annoyed, but there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her sister and her family. “And Gigi, you’re going to work on that portrait for the Gitneys, right?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Already working on it.”

  “And Maura, you’re going to handle the video montage of the queen herself for the rehearsal dinner?”

  “Yep. Your mother sent me seven hundred and forty-two photos yesterday. That was fun to download,” I said as I tried not to laugh.

  “Of course, she did. I’m sure glad I have my girls to help me to be the best bridesmaid for bridezilla herself.”

  “You’ve got us,” Ivy said. “But she sure is a handful. And finding you the right date is critical. Time’s ticking, girl. It sounds like Jack is on his way out.”

  “You know me. I’m good under pressure. And it’s definitely game time. I need to find me my own Big Sexy to bring to this wedding.”

  “Cheers to finding Big Sexy,” I said, and we all fell back in laughter.

  “Maybe you should take an ad out in the paper?” Ivy teased.

  “Don’t you worry. I’m a girl on a mission. Even if I’ll be dressed in the pumpkin dress from hell, I will have a sexy man on my arm if it’s the last thing I do.”

  Lenny walked over and set down our drinks. We held our glasses up.

  “Magic Willows for life,” I said.

  “Magic Willows for life.”

  Thank you for reading CHARMED, book 3 in the Willow Springs Series. I hope you enjoyed your journey with Maura and Crew! Please consider leaving a review on Amazon/Goodreads!! They help authors SO MUCH!!

  Do you want to see who Coco cho
oses to take to the wedding? Come meet Big Sexy in the next installment of SEALED, book 4 in the Willow Springs Series! Pre-Order HERE: mybook.to/SEALED

  Acknowledgements:

  Greg, Chase & Hannah, thank you for being my biggest supporters and always believing in me and encouraging me to chase my dreams! YOU are the reason that I work hard every day!! I love you ALWAYS & FOREVER!!

  Doo, Annette, Pathi, Natalie, Abi, Caroline and Lara, thank you for being the BEST beta readers EVER! Your feedback means the world to me. I am so thankful for you and all of your feedback! I would be lost without you!

  Thank you, Sarah Hansen (Okay Creations) for working your magic to bring Maura and Crew’s story to life!!

  Sue Grimshaw (Edits by Sue), Thank you for your encouragement, your guidance and your support. Your feedback is always spot-on and I am so incredibly thankful for you! Thank you for believing in me!! This one was a tough one for me, and you helped me find my way!!! I appreciate you more than you know!!

  Ellie (My Brothers Editor), I am so thankful for you!! Your support and your friendship mean THE WORLD to me!! Love you!

  Tamara Cribley (The Deliberate Page), I love the way you bring the story to life with all the little details. Thank you for your patience and your guidance! I appreciate you so much!

  Willow, I would absolutely be lost without you!! Thank you for always making time to read my words and make them shine!! So thankful to be on this journey with you!! Love you!!!

  Danah Logan, Thank you for the beautiful graphics and for bringing this story to life with the teasers!!

  Dad, you really are the reason that I keep chasing my dreams!! Thank you for teaching me to never give up. Love you!

  Mom, thank you for your love and support. Love you!

  Sandy, thank you for reading and supporting me throughout this journey. Love you!