Stay with Me [Brook Hollow 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lee Rose

  Mia gave him a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Maybe it was for the best, Abel. I had stars in my eyes and if it had gone on for any longer, I would have been more devastated then I was.”

  “You are not listening to what I am saying,” he said with frustration. She thought he was noble. He wasn’t. He wanted Mia and his baby in his life. “My feelings for you consumed me, but I was weary, too. There was a battle inside my head but finally I feel clear headed. I am happy about this baby, but I want you in my life, too, Mia. How can I convince you I am sincere and not noble?”

  “Maybe we can become friends for the baby’s sake, but there is no us, Abel,” she said firmly, looking stubborn.

  He could seduce her in a second and wear her down, but he didn’t want to get a yes out of her that she would regret later. For this to work she had to want him, too.

  “Me and relationships just don’t mix. I let myself believe Frank loved me and he hurt me physically. I let myself believe you were falling in love with me and you hurt me emotionally. I can’t handle all that mess and concentrate on being a mom. I am so nervous I will mess this up. I never had a mom. What do I know about being motherly?”

  Abel saw it was going to be an uphill battle to get Mia to believe him now, but this was a mess of his making. He was not going to get mad. Patience was the key here. He took in a deep breath and exhaled. He wasn’t giving up. “Fine. Friends it is. As for motherhood, I know you will be good at it, Mia. You are smart, loyal, and sweet.”

  “You make me sound like a dog,” she muttered, grouchily.

  Abel let out a laugh. She never failed to make him smile. When he was with her he didn’t feel old and lonely or stuck in a rut. “You are way sexier than any dog. Especially my Roscoe.”

  She threw a pillow at his head but laughed with him. He would take the friendship for now but he had plans. Beware, Mia. You have no idea how stubborn and determined I can be.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Abel stood in front of his mom with his arms folded across his chest feeling like a schoolboy getting lectured. She had that stern look on her face. “I don’t understand all these modern ways of dating, Abel, and I don’t like it at all. You tell me Mia, Becky’s niece, is pregnant with your child but you are not together as a couple. And what about Jane? She is so intelligent and she goes to church every Sunday. I had high hopes for the two of you.”

  Abel had not explained why Mia was really in Brook Hollow. One thing at a time. “You like Jane, but I don’t, Mom. I don’t feel one ounce of attraction for her. Sorry. Mia had my attention from the first second our eyes met. She keeps my interest. But I broke up with Mia because I was scared of my growing feelings. I had to deal with issues from the past. Now she thinks I am wanting her out of obligation. I am trying to fix things, Mom.”

  She stopped mixing the chicken dish she was making for his brother’s wedding tomorrow. She wiped her hands on her apron and pointed a finger at him. “Well, I don’t know this Mia. Becky doesn’t say much about her so I will reserve judgement for later. So fix it and soon. I want my grandchild to be a Ramirez.”

  “Grandchild? Jessy is pregnant?” Melanie walked into the kitchen and grinned. She took off her jacket and set it on the back of a chair. She kept her scarf on. “Lily never said a word. Not cool.”

  “She is not pregnant. At least I don’t think so.” Abel shook his head. There was no such thing as privacy in his family. He should just have ordered a family meeting and told them all at once so they could plan his life out for him. His dad would stay quiet and just nod to whatever his mom said. Lincoln and Jessy knew about the baby. Abel was angry with his brother for not telling him, but he understood when he said Mia asked for time to adjust to the news. She was scared to death Lincoln told him, reminding Abel why she was so fearful of him.

  “Oh, who is pregnant then?” Melanie looked confused, opening the fridge and grabbing a can of soda and opening it before she even sat down. “I’m hungry, Mom. Is that Mole’? Can I have some?”

  “Don’t you have your own place and food?” he teased his sister. His mom was cooking a traditional Mexican dish for the wedding. It smelled so good his own stomach rumbled.

  “Yes, but I can’t cook as well as Mom. I burned the rice yesterday and our neighbor complained about the smoke.” Melanie looked grouchy. “He is such an uptight ass.”

  “Melanie. Watch your language.” His mother continued to stir the pot and chastise her daughter all at once. Abel hoped he was a tenth of a good parent as his parents had been to him and his siblings. They had loved the three of them and led them down a good path.

  Abel sat across from his sister, knowing he might as well tell her. “Mia is pregnant with my child.”

  Melanie sat up straight and grinned. “Awesome, bro. She is a sweetheart. When is the wedding?”

  “I’d like to know that, too,” his mother muttered, looking angry with him all over again.

  Abel sighed. “I’m working on it. I didn’t treat her well and I broke up with her. Now I have a long road ahead of me to fix things. I could use your help. She likes you. Put in a good word for me, sis?”

  She gave him a sympathetic smile. “Sure. Mia, Lily, and I are decorating the hall in the morning. I’ll list all your good points. All two of them.”

  He threw a napkin at her, making her giggle. His mom just shook her head but said nothing. He was lucky to have a family, warts and all. Mia had grown up so alone and he hated that. He wanted to spoil her rotten if she would let him, make her part of his family. She deserved that, too.

  * * * *

  Mia sniffed into a napkin. The wedding was beautiful and the vows made her cry. When Lincoln kissed his bride, everyone cheered. Why did she feel so weepy? It had to be the damn hormones making her feel so unsettled. She and Abel were on good terms now. He was kind and gentle. He teased her, made her laugh as any friend would. Just what she asked for, so why did she want more? He went to the doctor with her and made it clear he was the father of her baby. She was happy he wanted to be involved. He had come by her house last night and told her his family now knew and they were all thrilled about the new upcoming Ramirez family member. She was relieved. She was scared they would hate her, especially his mom. She had her eyes set on a woman perfect for Abel and it was not Mia. Not that Mia had any intention of marrying Abel. If things had been different, she would want a marriage just like this one. The newly married couple walked down the church aisle so obviously in love and glowing with joy that every person got tears in their eyes. Mia stepped out of the pew once it was clear. She heard her name being called. Abel looked so handsome in his dark suit with a red rose on his lapel. His shaggy hair was ruthlessly gelled back neatly and she wanted to undo it.

  “You riding to the hall with me?” He grinned.

  Mia nodded, ignoring the flutters in her stomach, and the heat between her thighs. Melanie had picked her up early this morning so they could decorate the hall. “I think Lily and Melanie went ahead to make sure things were going smoothly for dinner.”

  He put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close just as if they were a couple. He kissed the top of her head affectionately. She felt all warm and gooey inside. “Good, I am starving. All this work made me hungry.”

  “What work? You stood there and handed your brother a ring.” Mia laughed, walking outside into the cold air. People were talking and some were leaving, heading for the reception. There was a very light film of snow covering the steps and ground. She looked down at her heels and frowned. “Not good shoes to wear today.”

  Abel swooped her up in his arms, making her scream. He carried her down the church steps so easily. “Abel. I’m too heavy.”

  “You are too light. I am going to make sure you eat tonight. No excuses, Mia.” His voice was firm.

  “Yes, sir.” She could see people looking at them with curiosity. She didn’t show yet, but what would people think once she did? This was a small town and gossip spread like wildfire.
Would they hate her for not doing the right thing? She didn’t want a marriage out of obligation or duty. If Abel loved her, she’d leave skid marks on the way to the altar.

  * * * *

  “I love this stuff. What is it called again?” Mia asked Abel, savoring the spicy dish.

  He looked down at the chicken covered in brown sauce. “Mole’. It’s a tradition to have at weddings. My mom made enough to feed an army.”

  “Mmm.” She took another bite, looking for Becky. She had told Becky she would sit with her and her book club friends, but Abel had practically kidnapped her and found them a small table in a dimly lit corner. He had already finished his plate and was saying he was going back for seconds.

  “You have sauce on your chin.” He took a napkin and wiped her chin for her. Mia set her fork down, feeling her cheeks heat up. “Sorry. I am eating too fast. I overslept and skipped breakfast. Melanie was waiting for me.”

  He gave her the look that usually followed a lecture. “Mia. You and the baby both need to eat. You lost five pounds.”

  “I know.” She picked up her fork and continued to eat. Soft instrumental music played over the loud speakers as dinner was served. The hall was simply decorated, but still looked classy. The hall was filled with family and friends. Jessy and Lincoln sat center of attention at a long table where Abel should be sitting.

  “Is something bothering you?” He read her easily and she hated it.

  “I guess I was feeling nervous about today. I was afraid your family wouldn’t like me for being pregnant. I am afraid people will find out and talk about me. In New York it wouldn’t even be a thing, but Becky says most people here are traditional and don’t like unwed couples with children.” Her words came out rushed.

  Abel grabbed her chin and tilted her face toward him. His expression was serious. “I don’t care what people think and you shouldn’t either, Mia. We are both thrilled to be parents. My family likes you and knows our break up was my fault. My mom might try to nag you into marrying me tonight, but she does it out of love. She thinks you are too sweet and kind for an old grouch like me.” He winked teasingly.

  “I’m positive she didn’t say that. She thinks the world of her babies as she calls you all.” Mia giggled, knowing he was trying to cheer her up. Why did he have to be such a nice man? He’d be easier to dislike if he wasn’t. “She brags about your high school football record all the time. She thinks Melanie could be a famous fashion designer, but she doesn’t want her only daughter away from home. She says Lincoln could run for mayor.”

  “What? Why can’t I be mayor? Lincoln is not the most patient person,” he grumbled. “I’m the elected official in the family.”

  Mia laughed at his outrage. She wanted to soothe his wrinkled brow and kiss him until he was happy again. Geez, she had it bad and all he felt was responsible for her and the baby. “Oh and you are so easy going and mellow?”

  “Yes.” He watched her finish her food and nodded with satisfaction.

  “Oh, there you are.” A tall, thin woman with dark hair came up to their table. Her hair was twisted up in a fancy hairdo with curls hanging down. Mia recognized her from the pizzeria. Jane Lopez. She was so well put together and sophisticated, all the things Mia wasn’t. Her green dress was silky and expensive looking. Her jewelry looked real, not fake like Mia’s. “Why are you hiding back here? Your mother is looking for you, Abel.”

  “I’m sitting with Mia.” He rolled his eyes at Jane. “Mom knows where I’m at, Jane.”

  Jane gave her a look and deemed her unimportant. “You’re the coffee girl, Mary. I am sure your aunt is looking for you, too.”

  Mia wasn’t sure how to respond. She realized Abel did need to mingle with his family and friends and not make sure she ate. He was being the responsible man again and that took out some of the joy at his attention she had been feeling just a minute ago. Abel had the ability to make her feel special and like she was the only one. She stood up, feeling embarrassed. “Thanks for keeping me company, Abel. I better go find Becky. She is saving a seat for me.”

  “But, Mia—” He started to say standing up, too. Jane grabbed his arm. “Let her go. You promised me a dance remember?”

  “Go and dance, Abel. I will be fine.” Mia walked off, feeling jealous. She refused to look back and see them dancing close together. They probably looked great together.

  * * * *

  “Why does it feel like they are staring at me?” Mia whispered to Lily and Melanie. Three women were a few feet away and Mia caught them whispering to each other and glaring at her. She had never seen them before so what was their problem? “Am I being paranoid?”

  Lily frowned at the women and turned back to Mia. “Ignore them, Mia. They are Jane Lopez’s snobby friends. They could be judging our clothes or something equally stupid.”

  Melanie nodded, her cheeks turning pink with anger. “I had a run in with two of them a few days ago. They were trashing the quality of clothes we carry at the store. I got fed up and told them to go shop in Paris where they would not be paying thirty dollars for a dress. More like thirty thousand.”

  Mia looked down at her red dress. She thought she looked really good in it but it wasn’t fancy or expensive. She wasn’t showing yet and the red material was soft and warm and clung to her. Her black heels added to her confidence. She left her curls loose. “Oh wow. Jane did give me a snotty glance earlier when she went to dance with your brother. She called me the coffee girl.”

  “My mom handpicked out Jane, but Abel doesn’t like Jane like that. He is nice to her for Mom’s sake. He does like you, Mia. I saw it in his eyes that day when you two were together in the store. That’s why I pushed you to have lunch with him,” Melanie assured her. “He looks at you with desire and real affection. He looks at Jane with impatience.”

  Mia felt a tinge of hope and ignored the women staring at her. She smiled widely, wanting to flip her hair over her shoulder. “Really?”

  Melanie nodded and smiled. “He needed a push but I know he really thinks a lot of you, Mia. He can be stuck in the past but be patient. He has a good heart.”

  “Thanks, Melanie.” Mia picked up her fork and started eating her cake. Becky was off mingling and talking to people. Mia didn’t know anyone besides Lily and Melanie. Stacy was around but she was with her husband Jack and Mia didn’t want to intrude. Lincoln and his bride had just left the hall and were off on their honeymoon.

  A fast-paced song came on and Lily looked at them. “I love this song. We all have to dance.”

  Melanie didn’t give Mia a choice. She dragged her by the arm to the dance floor. Mia had a good time and found herself looking for Abel. Maybe she’d be brave enough to ask him for a slow dance. She felt disappointed when she couldn’t find him or Jane. Were they together?

  Toward the end of the night, Mia found Becky and Delores cleaning up. “Can I help?” Mia asked, wanting to get to know Abel’s mother better. This would be her future baby’s grandmother.

  Delores looked up with a polite smile. It wasn’t rude but it wasn’t very friendly. “That’s okay, dear. Jane is helping me and Becky, too.”

  Mia’s feeling were a little hurt and she looked at Jane’s smug expression. Jane was putting the rest of the cake in a box. Mia looked away from Jane. “Have you seen Abel? I wanted to see if he could give me a ride home.”

  Delores looked up as if just remembering something. “Oh yes, sorry, Mia, he had to leave. He asked Melanie to take you home. It’s been so crazy around here I forgot to tell you.”

  “I ‘m ready to go, Mia.” Becky yawned. “I’ll give you a ride. The snow is falling fast and most people are clearing out anyway.”

  “He just texted me. The accident he went to check out was a minor one. He was exhausted and is going home.” Jane kept her eyes on Mia as if she wanted to let Mia know she was in contact with Abel and not Mia. Mia felt her heart cave in. Every time she thought there was hope for them something reminded her it was false. Maybe fate was
trying to tell her something.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Reva pulled Mia to the side Monday at work. It was early in the day but the snow kept most people at home. Becky asked them to close early and go home. She had a yearly check-up with her doctor and was going home afterward. She didn’t want anyone stuck there if the weather conditions worsened. “Are the rumors true, Mia?”

  Mia felt confused. So many rumors floated in and out of the shop every week. “What rumors? About Mr. Hill cheating on his wife with that young cashier at Food Mart? I have trouble believing that.”

  Reva shook her head with a slight laugh. “I know that is not true. Mr. Hill adores his Helen. Jealous people like to cause trouble. I heard Jane Lopez is telling people Abel was thinking of popping the question to her until you told him you were pregnant. Now he feels sorry for you and he told Jane he had to do the right thing.”

  Mia gasped and felt herself get dizzy. She hung on to the edge of the counter. “Who told you that?”

  “My cousin Hannah heard people at the beauty salon talking about it.” Reva looked down at Mia, her mouth forming an O. “It’s true, isn’t it? I told Hannah she was stupid for believing it. I didn’t even know you and the sheriff were dating seriously like that. I thought it was a mild flirtation.”

  “We weren’t exactly.” Mia hated that people knew in this awful way. This was not how she envisioned the news about her baby coming out. “We had sex a few times, then he ended things between us right before Thanksgiving. Now that I am pregnant we are trying to be friends, just friends. I am not trapping him into anything. He told me his mom picked Jane out as a future bride but he doesn’t feel anything for Jane. She is such a liar. I can’t believe her.”