“Hungry.”
“Why don’t I make you some chicken soup?”
“Okay. Do we have the kind with stars in it?”
“I think we do.” I heated up some soup for him and gave him some crackers to go with it. The relief was more than I could’ve asked for when he emptied the bowl.
Milly handed me a deli sandwich, some pasta salad, and slaw she’d picked up, and I gobbled every bite down.
“Well, wild man, it looks like we were all hungry.”
After we cleaned up, we watched TV until Milly decided to leave. Wiley hugged her goodnight and then it was just the two of us.
“Daddy, do you wike Miwwy?”
“Yeah, why do you ask?”
“Cuz I wike her awot. Can she be my mommy since I don’t have one?”
“Oh, Wiley.”
“You know, how Kinswey got a MarnieMom. Could I maybe get a MiwwyMom?”
Shit. Shit. Shit. How did it come to this? I had not planned for this conversation at all.
“Wiley, Milly is my friend. My good friend. But in order for her to be your MillyMom, we have to get married.”
“What does married mean?”
“That’s when two people love each other and live together.”
“You mean wike us?”
“Kind of, but it usually happens between a couple when they’re older, not a daddy and his son.”
“Oh, wike Aunt Marewin and Uncle Grey. Are they married?”
“Yes. Remember when we flew on the plane to see them get married and then went to Disney World with Kinsley and Aaron and Gammie and Bebop?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“That’s married.”
“Why can’t you and Miwwy get married. Then we could all go to Disney World again.”
This was an epic fail. How could I explain this to a five-year-old?
“We don’t have to get married to go to Disney World, little man. We can go this summer if you’d like.”
“We can? With Aaron?”
“What about Kinsley?”
“No, she can stay home. She only wants to dance with her clicky shoes.”
“Bud, we can’t go unless we invite the whole family.”
“Awwwright. But can we teww her she’s gotta weave those shoes at home?”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Glad I’d gotten the conversation diverted from marriage, I relaxed a little.
But then Wiley asked, “Can Miwwy come too?”
“We can see, but now I believe it’s bedtime for both of us.”
The little guy brushed his teeth and then he kneeled down for prayer time.
“Dear God, pwease make Big Dick better again and pwease bring me a MiwwyMom. Amen.”
His sweet, thoughtful words brought an ache to my heart. Such innocence. All he wanted to do was help and have some motherly attention. I knew I’d been right to have been worried about him getting attached. I’d been focused on the damn dog and Milly, and hadn’t paid attention to him. Now I had a bigger issue to deal with because marriage was not close to being in my plans. Not even remotely close.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Milly
My phone woke me up. It was still dark. “Hello.”
“It’s Hudson. Can you stay with Wiley?”
“Sure. What’s up?” I was still half asleep.
“I have to go. Now.”
The urgency in his voice had me springing out of bed. It had to be Dick. Fuck.
I threw on some clothes and was out the door. He met me at his own with a negative shake of his head. “I’ll let you know as soon as I can.” And he was gone.
My heart thudded, and I was sick. I had managed to push all the emotions aside for the past day, and focus on other things. Only now I knew there was a good chance Dick wasn’t coming home.
The Manhattan skyline twinkled with lights, and any other time I would’ve found joy in the view. Not tonight. In the time I’d had Dick, he’d become my best friend, my roommate, my constant companion. What would I do without him? Grief punched me in the gut and I couldn’t stop the tears. I cried like a baby and didn’t care.
That’s how Hudson found me—sitting on the couch, my head in my hands, sobbing my heart out.
When he pulled me in his arms, I said, “You don’t have to tell me. I already know.”
“Milly, he’s fine.”
“Was he in pain?” I needed to know.
“Did you hear what I said? Dick is fine. He’s gonna make it. I was worried there for a minute, which is why I ran out of here, but I’m fairly certain, he’s going to be okay. He still has a ways to go, but Dick is okay.”
“Oh, God, I’m going to miss him, Hudson. He was my friend, my buddy.”
“Milly, look at me.”
I clung to him, grabbing onto his shirt, my tears soaking it. I had no idea what I’d do, because this left me with such a hole inside.
He grabbed my chin, forcing me to lift my eyes to his. “Dick is fine. Can you hear me? He’s going to be fine.”
“What did you say?”
“I’ve been trying to tell you … he’s gonna make it. That’s why I rushed out of here. I was afraid, but he’s okay. He’s one tough pup, but he’s going to be fine.”
“Really? You’re not just sugarcoating things?”
“I would never do that.”
Now I was crying for a completely different reason. I threw myself at Hudson and wept tears of joy.
“Hey, let’s go to bed. We have a couple of hours before we have to get up,” he said.
“Okay, but I’m so happy now, I’m not sure I can sleep.”
“Then you can scratch my back for me.” He grinned, and I did too.
I was sure sleep would be elusive, but I was wrong. After a few minutes, I conked out like someone hit me on the head with a hammer.
When Hudson woke up, I was shocked I’d been asleep. “I never thanked you last night for what you did. I have no idea what I would’ve done without you.”
“Dick has a ways to go, Milly. I was thinking that maybe when he’s a little stronger, we should send him to my parents. They love dogs and it might be easier on him since they have a huge backyard. I’m not sure how you’ll manage him in the city.”
“I hadn’t thought about that. I’d hate to put them out. It’s not like Dick is a Chihuahua, you know.”
He quirked a brow. “I do realize that. Let me at least talk to them. At this point, he really wouldn’t be a problem because he’s not very mobile and won’t be for another couple of weeks.”
It was awfully kind of him to think of this. But I wondered about the imposition it would be on his parents.
“I’ll consider it only if you’re honest with me about their reaction to it. The last thing I want is to be an imposition.”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry about that. My mom is the most honest and forthright person ever. If she doesn’t want to do something, she’s not going to do it.”
“Perfect. Then let me know what they say, and I also wouldn’t want him to overstay his welcome either.”
“Agreed. I’ll check, and keep in mind that he won’t be ready to leave the clinic for at least another week.”
I went home to shower and get ready for work. It was going to be another long day since we’d gone to bed so late and I’d not gotten much sleep. But I had the board meeting to get through, and then I’d be home free.
Ava saw me walk in and hurried over to ask about Dick.
“Good news. Looks like he’s going to make it.”
“That’s great!” She hugged me and told me how happy she was. “I was so worried for you.”
“Yeah, because you’d have to put up with me if he hadn’t. There would only be one Dick. You know?”
She let loose a giggle.
“I just knew he’d pull through. Big Dick was too large to give up.”
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if he hadn’t pulled through though. He’s like my big goofy baby.” A
nd that reminded me of the one I’d lost, and I totally broke down. Ava shuffled me into her office and sat me down in one of the chairs. “Hey, it’s okay. Here.” She stuffed some tissues into my hand.
“Thanks,” I sniffed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me.”
“Don’t worry about it. This has been stressful. Do you think you can manage the board meeting today?”
“Yeah. I have to.” The truth was, I needed to pull my shit together. Ava was my good friend, but no one knew everything about my past and I wasn’t about to open up that little piece of history. “I can do it.”
“Okay. You just needed to let off a little steam.”
“Thanks, Ava. You’ve been a big help throughout this.”
“That’s what friends are for. And think of the bright side.”
“The bright side?”
“You got to know Dr. McFoxy.” She winked.
“Oh, right. But Dick sure had to pay a lot for that.” I frowned.
The board meeting went well. I pulled myself together and managed a huge grin when I told them about my dog’s progress. Everyone expressed their happiness over it. We pushed forward and then they announced our bonuses. That made it worth attending. Our team had done so well, they deserved the accolades.
Afterward, Rick West approached me. “Milly, Hudson told us about your dog. I’m thrilled he’s going to be fine.”
“Thanks. The last few days have been rough. But I don’t know what I would’ve done without Hudson. He’s been great.”
“I’m glad he was there for you. He told me how you helped him with Wiley too. Thank you for that.”
“Wiley is adorable.”
“He is. I feel terrible for him. He’s never known a mother and … well, that’s a story for another day. I only wanted to tell you how happy I am for you.”
“That’s kind of you. Thank you again.”
I watched him walk away and wondered what he meant about Wiley. It almost seemed like he was going to say something else, but then decided not to. Maybe I was reading too much into it. Wiley seemed well adapted to me. Hudson worried about him. I couldn’t blame him after what he’d told me. I was certain though that everything was fine.
My phone buzzed, and speak of the devil, it was Hudson calling.
“Hey. I just saw your father at the board meeting.”
“Yeah, he said he would see you today. Uh, I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“Dick. We have to decide on what to do with him after I discharge him next week. I talked to Mom. She’s good with him staying out there, but she won’t do it unless you stay with them first for a few days.”
Oh, hell. Talk about weird.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Hudson
I sort of dreaded the phone call, but it had to be done. The clinic couldn’t keep Dick forever. Mom was cool with it, but she wanted to get to know Dick with Milly there. I didn’t blame her, but I was worried how Milly would feel staying out there. I knew Mom would try to play matchmaker too. I finally got the nerve to call.
“Milly, are you there?”
“Um, yeah. Did you say stay with your parents?”
“Yes. Mom doesn’t want to keep him until she’s comfortable and I really can’t blame her.”
“Oh.” Then I heard a nervous laugh. “I didn’t even think of that, which was pretty stupid, wasn’t it?”
“Not stupid at all.”
“Um, er, so when would this be?”
“I feel pretty certain he’ll be ready by next weekend. That would give you Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”
“Yeah, okay. Uh, is this weird? I mean, you don’t think …”
“No, Mom is great. We had all sorts of pets growing up. How do you think I decided to become a vet?”
“True. It’s just that she’s your mom. And your dad will be there too. He’s kind of like my boss in an indirect way.”
“I understand, but it’ll be fine. I promise.”
“Um, Hudson?”
“Yeah?”
“Will you be there too?”
“Of course. Wiley and I both.”
I heard her sigh and had an image of her sagging with relief.
“Thank you, Hudson. And I need to know how much my bill is for your services too.”
“There isn’t any charge.”
“I can’t do that.”
“You helped out with Wiley. I’ll make that the trade.”
I heard another heavy sigh. “That’s not exactly a fair exchange for what you did.”
“We’ll work something out.”
“We’ll talk about this later then.”
“Okay and stop by to see your fellow. You’ll be happy to know he’s wagging his tail.”
“Seriously? I’ll stop by on my way home from work tonight.”
Marin called that afternoon. “I have an idea. Milly is down because of Dick. Next weekend take her on the date. It’ll give her something to look forward to. We can watch Wiley.”
“You know, that’s actually a great idea. But it’ll have to be the weekend after next because I’m bringing her out to Mom and Dad’s. They’re going to help with Dick’s recovery.” I explained the situation.
“That’s perfect. I’ve taken care of the reservations. I’ll just push it back a weekend. Your limo will pick you up at four on Saturday to take you to the hotel. I made reservations at a great boutique hotel in lower Manhattan. I’ll send you the link. The helicopter ride will leave at six-thirty and last about an hour. Then you’ll go to dinner. How does that sound?”
“You run a tight ship, Admiral.”
I heard Marin laugh. “I know. I’m married to your brother. I have to.”
“It sounds great.”
“Perfect. Have Wiley ready at one. Marshmallow’s training sessions are at one-thirty, so he can come with us. And Hudson?”
“What?”
“I never knew Lydia. But from what everyone tells me, Milly blows her out of the water.”
She didn’t give me a chance to respond before she ended the call. What I was going to say was how did they know. None of them other than Dad had spent much time with Milly. Okay, that wasn’t true. I had spent some time with her and she was pretty damn awesome. So, what was holding me back? This was really a mercy date, wasn’t it? All I was doing was taking her out because I felt sorry for her. If Dick hadn’t gotten injured, this wouldn’t even be happening. And didn’t that make me a dick?
Pushing those thoughts aside, I picked up my phone and called Pearson. I hadn’t spoken to him in a couple of days. The call went to voicemail, so I texted him and told him to call me back. Then I called Milly.
“Hey.”
“Don’t make plans for next Saturday night.”
“Aren’t we going to be at your parents’?”
“Not that Saturday. I’m talking about the one after that.”
“Why not?” she asked.
“Because I’m taking you out on the date I owe you.”
A soft laugh came through the phone. “You really don’t have to do that.”
“I know. But be ready at four and pack an overnight bag.”
“An overnight bag?”
“Yeah, you know something that contains items you need to spend the night somewhere.”
“Haha. And what else do I need?”
“A dress. Preferably one that is sexy. And maybe some sexy underthings to wear with it.”
“Underthings?”
“You know. Underthings.”
“Would you be talking about a bra and panties?”
“Yeah, that.”
“Hmm. What if I prefer not to wear anything?” she whispered.
Fuck. Me. I looked down at my scrubs and my dick was poking straight up in the air. Shit. “Don’t do this to me.”
“Do what?”
“Say those kinds of things.”
“You started it.”
“I said
underthings. You took it much farther. I’m at work wearing scrubs. It’s not a pretty sight.”
“Send me a picture.”
“No. It’s embarrassing.”
“Pretty please,” she begged. Her breathy voice was only making things worse.
Then I had an idea. “Only if you send me a picture in return.”
“What kind of picture?”
“You know what kind.”
“Are you talking…?” she asked.
“Yes. The naughty kind.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“Because.”
“Because is not an answer.”
“What will people think?” she asked.
“I’m not concerned with people. Only with you and me. And I’d love it.”
“Oh, I don’t know.”
Then my phone dinged with a text. I figured it was Pearson. When I looked a picture came through. It was a close-up of a mouth with a finger inside. All I could see were plump pink lips wrapped around that finger and …
“Fuck.”
“Your turn,” a seductive voice said into my ear.
I held my hand against the fabric of my scrubs so it would show the outline of my dick and then snapped the pic. Then I hit send.
“Did you get it?” I asked in a teasing tone.
“Not yet.”
I checked my phone. She should’ve gotten it by now.
“That’s weird. It went through. I don’t know why you didn’t get it.”
My phone dinged again, and I saw a text from Marin. Dread filled my gut. Please tell me I didn’t. I opened the text and all I saw were laughing emojis and then Is this all you got? Not impressed.
“Oh, fuck.”
“What?”
“I sent that pic to Marin instead of you.”
I banged my head on the desk. My ears were filled with the sound of Milly’s laughter.
I texted my sister-in-law back. If you ever tell anyone about this, you’re dead to me. THAT WAS AN ACCIDENT!
“Will I ever get to see it?” Milly asked.
“Honestly, I’m afraid to send anything now.”
“Alright, just show me tonight.”
My stiff dick wilted faster than a dead flower. The thought of my matchmaking sister-in-law having this to hold over my head wasn’t something I was happy about.
From Ice to Flames Page 17