His fingers slipped between her legs, stoking the fire within her until he was dragging pleasure from her in hard, hot waves. He thrust his fingers into her as he continued to wring more pleasure from her core with his thumb.
“I need you inside me. Please…”
He slipped his hand away and moved to hover over her, angled between her spread thighs, then he glided his shaft over her opening, coaxing a moan from her. Slowly he glided the length in, just a little at first as he worked his way inside her tight passage. Halfway in he stopped and slid out, even as she clung to him trying to force him to stay. Once he was out, he gripped her hips and slammed his length into her, filling her completely. Rocking their bodies back and forth, each thrust gained momentum. He gave her no time to catch her breath.
She leaned back, grabbing the edge of the headboard, her body arched toward him. With every thrust, her breasts bounced with appreciation, calling to him. Without losing his rhythm, he dipped his head and drew his tongue along each nipple, blowing gently on them.
“Faster.” She lifted her hips to meet his as he pumped into her.
“So demanding.” With each stroke he brought it up another level, slowly intensifying the tempo until she was ready to roll him over and do it herself. When her control was almost at its limit, his hips slammed into her as she met each thrust.
“Come for me, Ella. I want to feel your muscles tighten against me.”
Minutes later, an orgasm coursed through her. Her body arched into him, nails digging into the soft skin of his back.
Seconds later he buried his head in her shoulder, growling her name as his own release followed. Kissing her neck, he stayed buried deep within her. “I love you, Ella Carmichael.” He kissed a line along her neck, working his way to her ear.
“If you keep doing that, I’m going to be ready for round two.”
As if agreeing, his shaft twitched, hardening against the walls of her core. “I think we can arrange that.”
“Umm.” She moaned, teasing her fingers along his sides. “You might be Doctor Eveready, but I do need a little recovery time.”
He slipped off her to cuddle next to her as their breathing began to return to normal. In his embrace she was content, safe, but most importantly she’d found love. Everything was perfect. It was more than she could have asked for. He was amazing with her daughter and he loved her. Love. Her heart fluttered until she thought it would fly away.
“Ella…”
She turned her head just enough to look at him. “What’s wrong?”
“Stay with me.”
“I told Abbi we’d spend the night here. Remember I’m making macaroni and cheese tomorrow.”
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “No, stay here permanently.”
“What?”
“Dale mentioned that the place your grandfather had before he built the cabin you’re living in has a bigger plot of land. It’s closer to town, and I checked…there’s cell reception in the area.”
She leaned on her elbow to look at him. “I don’t understand. That cabin has been unlivable for years. What does it have to do with anything?”
“I want you to stay here while we build a house on that land. I want to be with you but your cabin doesn’t make that easy without the cell reception. We can start what we need to do tomorrow and if we hurry maybe they can break ground for the house before winter. If we get a large team working we might be able to get started before winter freezes the ground and puts off building a house until spring.” He teased his index finger along the curve of her jaw. “I want you to marry me, so we can build a life together with Abbi.”
“Marry…” She leaned back from him and tried to remember to breathe. She couldn’t believe what he’d said. He wanted her to leave her sanctuary, to be thrown back into Clearwater life full-force, but also to marry him. Was he asking too much? Marriage to a doctor—she had an idea what that meant. She couldn’t have the private life she wanted, not in Clearwater. He’d always have to be in town, he’d be on call day and night.
His career hadn’t been an issue until that moment when she realized that he’d be a center point in Clearwater. He’d have to be a part of the town, events, and so much more. She wasn’t sure she was ready for that. That didn’t even included the fact there were hospital functions he’d have to attend, the biggest being the hospital’s Christmas party.
She loved him, but she wasn’t sure she would ever be the woman he needed for his career. Could she be a socialite so she could have love? She wasn’t sure, especially if she had to be surrounded by people in social functions again. What if they mentioned her past? It wouldn’t let her go, wouldn’t let her have a life again—or love.
“Whoa, Ella. I can see the fear in your eyes.” He pulled her close to her. “Fine, we don’t have to discuss marriage right now. Just stay here with me. We’ll take it one day at a time and go from there.”
“James, I love you.”
“Why do I feel like there’s a but coming?”
“Oh, James!” She ran her hand over his chest. “Have you thought maybe I’m not the woman for you?”
“Why would you say that?”
“I’ll never be a socialite and that’s what you need. You need someone who can be on your arm for the hospital parties, to attend town events with you. I’m not sure I’m that person. Your social life will be rich because of your position but I’m not sure I can handle that.”
“You’ve done fine with everything so far. What about going to Winterbloom the other day? You glowed while we visited with Chloe and her friends. That’s what matters, not parties.” He rubbed his hand over her back. “I’d give it all up for you and Abbi, but there’s no reason we can’t have everything we both want. We’ll build a house where we can have the privacy you want and I can still be reached if there’s an emergency.”
“I don’t know.”
“I do,” he assured her. “You’re the only woman I want. Building a house on the other property will give us a place outside of town. While it’s being built we can divide our time between here and your cabin. When we’re there I’ll have Michael cover emergencies and maybe Ryan has an extra one of those radios I can keep as back-up. There aren’t many emergencies here in Clearwater, but when they do happen, Michael might need help.”
“Okay, let’s build the house.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
“I thought you said we could take this one day at a time? The house will be common ground where we can both have what we want. It will allow me to be with you, and that’s what I want. Marriage…well, that’s a big step. Can I think about it? I still think I’m not the right person. After years of being on my own, I’m not sure how much I can stand being around people.”
“Okay. Michael and Jessi’s Halloween party is just around the corner, that will give you an idea of what you’re getting into. It will also prove you’re going to be amazing.”
“Damn, I forgot about that party.” She leaned back against the pillows.
“It’s going to be fine. We’ll go shop for Halloween costumes for all of us and we’re going to have fun.”
She snuggled against him, trying to absorb his confidence, while the idea of marriage played through her mind. For a brief moment she wished she could have met James before Josh had come into her life and destroyed her.
No, she couldn’t blame him for everything.
She had been the one who chose to cabin, away from everyone and everything. If she’d met James years ago, she wouldn’t have had any hesitation when it came to marriage. Years ago, that was what she’d wanted, marriage and children.
But meeting Josh had brought her one thing should wouldn’t change, not in a million years—Abbi.
Her daughter was the best thing that happened to her because of that union.
Everything happens for a reason.
Chapter Fourteen
The days flew by in a blur, and each
day Ella and Abbi got used to their new life. Living in James’s rental house held some unusual surprises; the biggest was the change in her daughter. Each day held new delights as they crept closer to Halloween and the party. Marriage still weighed heavy on her mind, and each day she gave it a stronger consideration.
“Mommy! Someone’s coming up the drive.” Abbi called out from the window seat where she was playing with the new baby doll James had brought home the evening before.
She forced herself to swallow the lump that was forming in her throat and look out the window. She had hoped to see James’s truck approaching, but it wasn’t him. A bright red SUV came to a stop near the front door.
“Sweetie, I’ve got your lunch on the table,” Ella said absently. “Go eat and take your medication that’s sitting in the cup by your drink. I’m going to see who’s here.”
“Can’t I come?”
“No.” She tried to keep the fear out of her voice. “Go eat your lunch and I’ll let you have a cookie when I’m done.”
With that Abbi jumped off the window seat and dashed toward the kitchen. Now that she was feeling better, her energy level had returned with a vengeance, keeping Ella on her toes. With her daughter safely out of the way, she went to the door to face this unannounced visitor. She opened the door just as a woman stepped out of the SUV.
“You must be Ella.” The woman’s blonde hair was pulled up into a messy clip. “From the way you’re looking at me I’m assuming James didn’t manage to give you a call. I’m Jessi, his sister.”
“Umm, no, he didn’t call.”
“He was dealing with a sick child who vomited on him when I called so I’m not completely surprised that he wanted to change before he called. I guess my lead foot got here too soon.”
Ella rubbed her arms trying to chance the chill around. “It’s cold so why don’t you come in and tell me why you’re here.”
“Mommy, phone.” Abbi called from the doorway holding the phone out.
Ella took the phone and checked the screen, sure enough it was James. “Thank you, sweetie. Now go back inside and eat.” She hit the talk button and brought the phone to her ear. “Do you have something to tell me?”
“That damn sister of mine made it there already, didn’t she?”
“Yes.” She smirked at Jessi and she was surprised to find she wasn’t upset at all. Actually, it was kind of nice to finally meet his sister. “So she can fill me in, and you can get back to your appointments. I’ll see you when you get home.”
“I’m sorry, hon.”
“There’s no need to be. I love you.”
“Love you too. Also, I’ll be home early, only two appointments left unless something comes up.” With that he ended the call and got back to his day.
She shut the phone off and gestured to the open door. “So, come on in. I was just feeding Abbi. Can I offer you something?”
“Just your refrigerator.” Jessi opened the passenger door. “Ours died, but I’ve got all this food for the party tomorrow night. Our housekeeper Betty is watching the girls while I see if I can get this stuff somewhere cold. I’m meeting Michael and we’re going to get a new one, hopefully we can get it delivered it tonight. Any chance you’d let me put this stuff in your refrigerator? I’ll do my best to get it out of here tonight.”
“Sure. We can make room.” She shoved the phone in her pocket and crossed over to grab what she could from the SUV.
“Thank you. I’d have hated to waste all this food.” Jessi gathered a load. “Not the best way to meet, but I’m glad to finally meet you. I’ve been asking James to bring you up for dinner.”
“Funny, I mentioned you should come for dinner a few times but he said you were busy with the twins and getting ready for the party.”
Jessi let out a laugh as they carried the food inside. “I think that brother of mine has been trying to keep you all to himself. Not that I blame him. What I can gather from my tightlipped brother, it sounds like he’s in love. There’s a happiness in his voice I don’t think I’ve ever heard before.”
“I think we make each other happy. I love him.”
“Good. He might be my big brother, but I can be a little protective. He works hard and deserves to have someone who loves him to come home to at the end of the day.”
They made small talk as they filled the refrigerator with party food, quickly hitting it off, which was something Ella had worried about. She’d been concerned that Jessi wouldn’t think she was good enough for her brother. She didn’t think she had to worry about it any longer.
With the last of the food put away, Ella leaned against the counter. “I don’t think you have enough food,” she joked as she took a long drink of the coffee she had poured while she was making Abbi’s lunch.
“That’s only about half of it. There are things coming from Express Ohh’s tomorrow and more that doesn’t have to be cold.” Jessi shoved her hands into the front pockets of her jeans. “Hey there’s nothing worse than running out of food. Plus, Betty goes crazy when we throw get-togethers and end up with too much food.”
“I think you could feed every resident and still have leftovers.”
“Is your Mom always so negative?” Jessi plopped down on the chair next to Abbi.
“Not really.” Abbi chewed the last bite of her lunch. “Cookie?”
“Go ahead.” Ella nodded to the tray of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. “Jessi, want one?”
“Thanks, but I’ve got to get on the road. I’ll call and let you know when I’ll be by to grab the food. Thank you for this.”
“No problem. Plus, it’s James’s house, I couldn’t tell you no.” She walked through the house toward the front door.
“Oh, I think you could have done anything you wanted. James is head over heels in love with you.” She pulled open the front door. “I’m glad he’s found someone like you and I look forward to getting to know you better.”
“How about dinner sometime next week? I know Abbi’s excited to meet the twins.”
“Sounds like a plan. I hear both of our men are knocking off early today so enjoy your time with James. Once the party is out of the way we’ll do lunch too, just us girls.” Jessi stepped outside and the wild rushed around them. “It won’t be long before winter has reclaimed its hold on this town.”
Ella took a deep breath of the cold air and nodded. She loved winter, and this year she was looking forward to snuggling with James on the sofa, sharing afternoons of hot chocolate chats with Abbi, and building snowmen.
This year is going to be a season of new beginnings for all of us.
* * *
Halloween was Saturday and it seemed like every child under ten was sick and had been into James’s office. Each parent had asked for the strongest antibiotics so their son or daughter would be well enough to attend the Halloween activities the town put on every year and of course to trick-or-treat. He had done his best, but it seemed like cold and flu season started earlier this year, and some children would be missing out on all the fun.
Though he knew one little girl he would personally make sure had the best Halloween ever. Abbi had never experienced the joys of trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples, carving the pumpkin, and his favorite…eating the pumpkin seeds. He was looking forward to the holiday activities with Ella and Abbi. Christmas also promised to be quite joyful as Abbi experienced all the first time joys of that season.
Parents got to experience this during the first year of the child’s life, even the second, but Abbi was older now and could experience them with a whole different excitement. He felt like a first time parent and couldn’t wait to show Abbi all the things he’d enjoyed growing up. There was only one thing missing—a wedding. It would make this complete, and would give them both his last name. With a few legalities out of the way, he could officially adopt Abbi.
“We’ve been expecting you.” Ella stood next to the bar in the kitchen, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Will you come pla
y with me?” Abbi’s head popped over the top of the sofa to look at him.
“He just got home from work, Abbi. Leave him be for a bit.”
“It seems like I have to make something up to your Mom, then let me change and I’m all yours until dinner. Okay?” He placed his shoulder bag with his laptop and other paperwork he’d try to get to this weekend and went to Ella. “I’m sorry I—”
“There’s no need, Jessi explained it. She called when you needed to change after an accident with a patient. I wouldn’t have wanted you to wallow in it just to call me. It was just a surprise when her red SUV came pulling up the drive.”
“Jessi drives too fast, always has, so I should have known she’d get here before I could call. I could have had Tonya call.”
“You can’t have your office manager making personal calls for you.” Ella shook her head. “Plus there was nothing to worry about, Jessi is great. She’s only looking out for her big brother.”
“It’s my job to watch over her. Well, maybe not so much now that she’s married but it’s hard to give up that role even if she is too old for her brother’s concern.”
“You’re never too old and that’s what family is all about. Being a pain in the…” She glanced at Abbi who seemed to be playing and ignoring them before whispering, “Ass. Something about love, or some other crap. Which you and Jessi have in spades. I guess if I’m honest, I’m a little jealous of that. I always wanted a sibling. Heck, I wanted to give Abbi a few brothers and sisters.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. “There’s no reason we can’t. To be a pediatrician you have to love kids, I think I’ve shown that with Abbi. We could have our own.” A fear crossed through her eyes, sending a tremor down her body that he tried to soothe away by rubbing his hand up her back. “If you’re worried that I’d treat our own child differently than I do Abbi, then maybe you don’t know me as well as I thought we knew each other.”
“I didn’t think that.”
“Then what?” He pulled back enough to get a better look at her.
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