Once Upon a Christmas (Kismet Bay Book 1)

by Dawn Brower

  “Uh…” Reese continued to stare at Nolan. Dane had the urge to use his fists again due to that look alone. Please don’t let her be fooled by his perfect façade too… She cleared her throat. “I’m Reese.”

  That was probably his cue to make himself scarce, but he couldn’t move. This was his luck rearing its ugly head once again. He’d never be the one to get the girl, and he shouldn’t have tried. What in the world had he been thinking? He hadn’t been, and that remained a problem where his heart was concerned. Reese blinded him to reality, and he had to stop living in a fantasy. She’d never look past all the charm Nolan presented and actually see Dane.

  “Reese,” Nolan said carefully. “I’d love to chat with you more, but I’m busy taking out the trash. Perhaps we can find time later to become better acquainted.”

  Reese glanced at Dane again and frowned. “Actually, I’m going to have to decline. I have a boyfriend.” She gestured toward Dane and smiled. “If you’ll excuse me, I did promise him a dance.”

  He couldn’t have been more surprised if she’d declared him a better man than his brother. In a way, she’d actually done that. He couldn’t have loved her more than in that moment. The scowl on Nolan’s face was worth a thousand days of bad luck because, for once, he had a moment of good fortune. He was going to dance with the girl he loved and make that memory he’d hoped for when he decided to attend the prom.

  “Are you ready?” Reese held her hand out to him. “I love this song.”

  He couldn’t have picked a better song to dance with her to if asked. Dane had nothing without Reese, and he didn’t actually have any claim to her. How sad was that? He swallowed the lump in his throat and held out his hand to her. “It’d be my honor.”

  They walked to the floor hand-in-hand. He couldn’t think of a damn thing to say, but sometimes words weren’t needed. If he could declare his love for her he would; however, she didn’t care about him in the same fashion he did her. Reese would always think of him as someone she had to help, and a friend she could lean on at best. He’d have to accept that their relationship would never reach the level he wanted. A small part of him cried out in frustration at what he’d never have, but for the most part, he was all right with at least being able to have something with her. Just because he wanted her to love him wouldn’t make it happen. Some things weren’t meant to be, and he and Reese were one of them.

  “Are you having fun?” she asked.

  That had to be a joke—he wouldn’t call what he’d done with Nolan anything near to fun. “Not until now.” After their dance, he’d make a quick exit and avoid his awful brother. Even if he had another altercation with him, he’d be all right. He’d gotten what he came for, and that was all that mattered.

  “I’m glad you came,” Reese told him. “I thought you wouldn’t. Everyone should go to their prom even if it’s for a few moments. High school doesn’t last forever, and some of the memories will be even more appreciated as we get older.” Her lips tilted upward into a warm smile. “Or so I’m told.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” At least in this one instance. “But high school hasn’t exactly been pleasant for me. I’m anticipating graduation and never looking back.” Some things were best forgotten, and the years of hell at Shelton Academy were at the top of his particular list.

  “I’m sorry for that.”

  “Why?” he asked. “You’re not responsible.”

  “I know.” She frowned. The music continued to float around them as they swayed to the beat. “But I’m sorry all the same. I hope that, in time, things won’t be so hard for you.”

  “It’s fine.” An uncomfortable sensation took root at the center of his stomach. “I have a plan, and one day none of this will matter.”

  “That’s good.” Her face nearly lit up when she smiled. “I want to help people, and I am going to be the best doctor in the whole state. Having a plan set in place is going to help me achieve that, so I’m especially glad you have one too.”

  “Why?” he couldn’t help asking. “What does it matter what I’m going to do with my life?”

  Her smile faltered a little. “Because I see you and how hard you’re working at the diner—you might not think any one notices, but I do. No one should have to be as tired as you are this young. Someday I pray it’ll be easier for you.”

  “Don’t,” he replied. “When it gets easy then things will surely fall apart. I’m all right—I promise.” He didn’t want her worrying about him or his future. “Concentrate on your goals and be that amazing doctor you have planned. Maybe one day we’ll cross paths again and we can compare notes.”

  “That would be wonderful, and I’m going to hold you to it.” The strands of music started to dissipate. “But it’ll take me a little longer than you since I don’t graduate for a couple years. Don’t forget about me while you’re off achieving your dreams.”

  “I’d never do that.” How could he ever forget about her? “The song ended. I suppose I should escort you back to your date.” He wished he didn’t have to, but reality had a way of creeping in when he least wanted it to.

  “I can find my own way. Thanks for the dance.”

  “It was my pleasure.” A lump was forming in his throat again. He hadn’t anticipated how hard it would be to let her go. She nodded at him and headed toward her boyfriend, not once turning to look back at him. Dane envied her boyfriend more than he could ever say. To have the benefit of being with her—to openly love her… His heart would be forever waiting for her to claim it, and he was afraid she never would.

  Chapter 1

  Present Day

  Reese pushed a stray strand of hair back behind her ear and took a deep breath. It had been a particularly rough day at the hospital. She loved her job, but some days were harder than others. Working in pediatrics had been a carefully made decision. She wanted to save kids so they could live long and full lives. Sometimes she couldn’t do the one thing she’d set out to do, and when she lost one of those innocent souls, it gutted her even more than before. The loss of little Amanda though… A toddler no more than three years old—should be alive and happy. Why could the world be so damn cruel? She couldn’t shake the anguish that settled deep inside of her.

  She pushed open the nearest door and flipped on a light. Somehow, she’d managed to find the family waiting area in the PICU. There were no more family members waiting to see if their little girl would live or die. Silence and a vacant room greeted her. Tears fell down her cheeks before she’d realized she had given into the emotions ruling her heart. How had she ever believed she’d be able to do this? Her inner strength couldn’t take many more beatings like this or she’d never survive.

  Maybe it was time to re-evaluate her life goals. She needed some peace and quiet, so she did the one thing she’d never done since she’d become a doctor. She shut her phone off, then slid it in her pocket so no one could contact her for a little while, and finally she could breathe and make a decision about her life.

  Without thought, she slid into the nearest chair and considered everything that had gone wrong, and yes, even right in her life. She’d finished medical school at the top of her class, aced her internship, and then made it through the first year of her residency at Envill East. If she kept on her current path she’d be at the top of the program and eligible for a fellowship. She should be ecstatic, yet she was far from it. Her career was on track; however, her personal life was completely in shambles.

  A knock echoed through the room, bringing her out of her melancholy. “Dr. Jackson?”

  She wiped the tears from her cheeks as fast as she could and turned to the sound of her name being called through the room. “Yes?”

  “You’re needed for a consult in the ER—you weren’t answering your phone…” the nurse told her. Damn it. She’d shut it off for five freaking minutes. “There was an accident, and Dr. Souza requested you—it’s a little girl around five.”

  Another child, another chance to make a difference
—or another chance to fail… Which would it be, and at the end of the day would she still be able to live with herself? “I’m on my way.” Reese pushed past her and headed to the emergency room, leaving behind the pediatric ICU and the bad memories. She owed this new child her best, and she couldn’t do that with images bombarding her.

  Once she reached the emergency room, she headed to the nurses’ station. Lana Kelly—Brady—leaned against the counter, staring at the tablet in her hands. Reese wasn’t used to her new last name. She’d married Sullivan Brady faster than anyone anticipated, and they were already expecting their first child. Reese would say one thing for Sullivan—once he found what he wanted, he worked fast.

  “Ren needed me?” Reese nodded at Lana. “Where’s the patient?”

  “She’s in room four,” Lana said. “Halie Morris, five years old. Multiple contusions, unconscious, and broken fibula, but that isn’t what Ren’s concerned about.”

  “That’s not bad enough?” What else could have befallen the little girl to have Ren so concerned? “She was in an accident, correct?”

  “Yes,” Lana replied. “A drunk driver ran a red light and right into the vehicle the little girl was in.” She rubbed her belly as she spoke, probably thinking of her own child. “The mother is already in surgery. Preston is taking care of her.”

  She was glad Preston was in charge the little girl’s mother’s surgery. That meant her chances of survival had gone up exponentially; however, she still didn’t quite understand what the problem was. “Explain Halie Morris’s situation. What has Ren concerned?”

  “I’ll fill her in, Lana,” Ren said as he approached. “Can you check on the drunk driver? He’s waking and will be disoriented.”

  “Right on it,” Lana said and rushed to do as Ren had ordered.

  “So?” Reese lifted a brow. An answer to her questions would be nice... Her impatience was growing thin.

  “The injuries from the accident aren’t serious enough to cause worry,” Ren began. He scrubbed a hand over his face and glanced toward the room the little girl was in. “It’s what I discovered after I examined her. There were already numerous bruises on her that weren’t quite healed.”

  That didn’t sound good, but it could be any number of things. She could have a disease or… “Do you think she’s abused?” What a horrible thing if she had been. Reese couldn’t imagine what that might be like for a child. Her own mother was harsh, but she’d never harmed her or either one of her siblings. Rachel Jackson could be demanding, and it had certainly driven Reese to be the best.

  Through all her years growing up, she’d never questioned her mother’s love though. Of course, that didn’t necessarily mean an abused child did. Some of them actually believed they deserved the treatment they received. Reese clenched her fingers into her palm and attempted to keep her composure. She hated the idea that any child would be hurt, let alone abused.

  “I certainly hope not.” He sighed. “That’s why I called you. I’d like for you to examine her and rule out any medical reason before I call protective services. I don’t want to assume someone is intentionally hurting that little girl.”

  “I understand.” Ren was married to a woman who’d spent a lot of time in foster care. All those different homes, and not all were good. The better ones had been indifferent. If this little girl was being hurt, then his wife would want to help. She’d started a foundation for children in need. This case was potentially something that could hit close to home for the Sousas. “I’ll go examine her now.” Reese spun on her heels and headed to check on the child. No time like the present to determine if a little girl needed to be saved from more than her injuries…

  Dane stood inside the exam room, staring at the little girl on the bed. She was so tiny—like a doll, albeit a broken and bruised one, but a doll nonetheless. He hoped the drunk driver who had caused her injuries was brought to justice. His job was to serve and protect, and he couldn’t have prevented this. No one could have foreseen what this little girl would go through, yet he couldn’t help feeling somehow responsible.

  The driver—it wasn’t his first time in trouble. He’d arrested him in the past, and the way things were going he would probably have to do it again and again. Sometimes it couldn’t be helped. Especially, when the person in question had a problem—Abel Roberts was an alcoholic. He fell off the wagon so many times one day he’d fail to climb back on. The door clicked as it opened.

  He turned and found the one woman he’d always loved in the entrance—Reese Jackson. She still didn’t pay him much attention. Not much had changed in the last decade. They’d moved on past high school and into their chosen careers, but they remained in the same social sphere. Hell, she’d even dated his rotten brother. That had been the worst thing he’d ever lived through. Even all the taunts and hardship growing up wasn’t as painful on his heart as that had been. He couldn’t understand what she’d seen in him. He was evil incarnate, and thankfully, the whole world knew it now. Nolan was locked up for murdering several women and attacking Reese’s sister, Claire. He’d realized a long time ago that Nolan was a narcissistic asshole, but he’d never thought he’d turn out to be a sociopath.

  “I didn’t realize anyone was in here.” Reese didn’t meet his gaze. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave. I need to examine her.”

  “I didn’t realize Dr. Sousa called in a specialist. Does he think there’s something else wrong with her?” He hoped not. If she’d been even more seriously injured than he believed…

  “What are you doing in here?” She evaded his question with one of her own. “I would have thought a regular patrol officer would have handled the little details of this case. It isn’t big enough for a detective to look into.”

  Dane frowned. Why was she acting like she wanted a fissure to open in the floor and swallow him whole? They might be barely acquaintances, but she’d always been cordial toward him. Now, she could barely meet his gaze, and her voice had taken on a chilly air that froze him where he stood. He didn’t like this new Reese. He wanted the warm and caring woman he’d always known to come back.

  “I’m familiar with all the parties involved and wanted to check in on them personally.” Halie’s mother—Paige—had lived next door to him when he was a kid. They had helped each other out more times than he could count. There were plenty of times it had been the two of them while their mothers’ both worked two or three jobs. Paige was the closest person he could call a friend besides his partner on the force—Carter.

  “Is that so?” she lifted a brow. “How well do you know them?”

  “I don’t know what you’re asking me here. Perhaps you should come out and say what’s on your mind.”

  “Are you her father?” she gestured toward the girl on the bed—her voice was almost emotionless as she spoke.

  Dane stared at Halie and frowned. She did have his coloring, but he wasn’t her father. She looked a lot like his father though—where Dane had gotten his dark hair and equally dark blue eyes. Come to think of it, he didn’t know who Halie’s father actually was. Did it bother Reese that he could be Halie’s dad? She seemed to be unsettled by something. Her hand shook when she entered the room. She’d tried to hide it, but he’d noticed it all the same. He might not have if it was any one else but her…

  “No,” he said calmly. “Halie isn’t my daughter. Her mother is a good friend of mine.”

  Reese ignored him and went over to the bed. She began to look over the little girl, but didn’t actually touch her. “How good a friend?” She still didn’t meet his gaze. Dane didn’t like the tone of her voice either—it was borderline accusatory.

  “I hear a question in a question again. We can play this game all night doctor, but I can’t answer what you’re thinking without knowing what it is.” He folded his arms over his chest. “I’ve known Paige since we were in middle school—before my father paid to send me to hell. She’s a good person.”

  “Some people would have been grateful for
the education they’d receive at Shelton Academy.”

  He didn’t like the insinuation behind that statement. She’d dated Nolan and had inside knowledge of how rotten he’d treated him. “Only those that don’t know what stuck up assholes they all are.”

  “I didn’t have any problems with them—maybe it was you.”

  “Yeah,” he said sarcastically. “You’re absolutely correct. It was all me, and I deserved to be their verbal punching bag every day for four years.” Had he seen her wrong all these years? Why would she suddenly be defending them and picking a fight with him? What had he missed? Had Nolan warped her mind while they’d been together? He shook his head, wiping the questions from his mind. It didn’t really matter. She would never see him as her equal, and he’d accepted that fact a long time ago. “Why do you keep staring at me as if I’m about to hurt you or someone?”

  “Are you?”

  “I’d never…” He swallowed hard. She actually thought him capable of harming someone. “I’m going to assume you have a reason for asking me that. Why don’t you tell me?”

  “Because this little girl has some bruises that resemble a large fist—probably a male.” She lifted her chin up. “So, tell me again how well you know Halie’s mother.”

  Fuck. She thought he’d abuse a little girl. She didn’t know him at all if she believed that. Hell, who was he kidding? Reese hadn’t ever bothered to figure out who he was deep down. She’d always looked at him as a charity case. At least she no longer had pity reflecting in her hazel eyes. He didn’t manage to answer her though. He’d been saved by the bell, or another open door as it were.