Christmas Down Under (Single Wide Female: Happily Ever After #1)

by Lillianna Blake

  “No!” Abby stomped her foot.

  “Pick it up, right now.” He lowered his voice and set his jaw.

  “No.” She crossed her arms and stared at the floor.

  “Max, she’s just tired.”

  “Sammy, that’s part of the problem right there. Now I’ve told her to do something, and she’s going to do it. I mean it. No one is moving from this spot until she does what I tell her.” He looked back at Abby. “Now pick up the book!”

  Abby threw herself down on the floor and began to cry.

  My heart ached for both of them. I knew this wasn’t what either of them wanted. She was tired, he was cranky, and the night was going to end in a horrible argument and lots of tears.

  I walked over to Max and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Just calm down.”

  “Me?” He pointed to Abby, who continued to wail. “She’s the one who needs to calm down.”

  “Do you think she’s going to calm down if you’re barking at her?”

  “Don’t make me out to be a monster.”

  “I’m not.” I looked him straight in the eyes. “I agree with you that she needs to pick up the book, but if you don’t get control of yourself, we’re going to be standing in this living room until two in the morning. You don’t want that, do you?”

  “No.”

  “Well, you told her no one’s going anywhere until she picks up the book.”

  “Right.” He cringed. “Don’t make a threat you’re not going to follow through on. I forgot.”

  “Okay, so let’s figure this out. The calmer you are, the calmer she’s going to be. Wait until she settles down, then try again.”

  “Alright.” He sighed. “But this is really getting out of control.”

  “Just give her a minute.”

  Abby’s sobs finally subsided. She peeked up from the floor at us. “I’m tired.”

  “I know you are, sweetie. We’re all pretty tired. But that’s no excuse for throwing the book. You’ve got to pick it up and apologize to Daddy, so we can all go to bed.”

  “But I don’t want to.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because.”

  “That’s not an answer.”

  “Because he’s mean!”

  “Daddy’s mean?”

  “Yes! He didn’t want to read me the book. He just did it because you said so.”

  Max swallowed hard and looked away from both of us.

  “Abby, you know Daddy’s not mean. He plays with you all the time, he loves you and he takes very good care of you. Does that sound mean?”

  “No.” She sighed.

  “Max?” I looked over at him.

  “Abby, it wasn’t nice to throw the book. Please pick it up.” He looked back at the red-faced child still lying on the floor.

  “Okay.” She crawled over to the book, then crawled over to him and held it up to him.

  “And?” I raised an eyebrow.

  “I’m sorry.” She frowned.

  “Okay, into the bath.” I scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom.

  Later, after Abby was settled into bed, I found Max in the living room with two glasses of wine already poured.

  “I’m sorry, Max, it was a rough night.” I sat down next to him and rested my head on his shoulder.

  “I feel terrible.” He took a sip of his wine.

  “Why? You didn’t do anything wrong.” I took his hand in mine. “I support you, you know that, right?”

  “Yes, I know. But maybe you shouldn’t have. She was right. I didn’t want to read her the book. I was annoyed. I wanted to walk with you on the beach and then we couldn’t. From the start I didn’t want to read her the book, and she knew that.”

  “Kids are very perceptive.”

  “See, I’m a terrible father.”

  “No, you’re not.” I laughed and picked up my glass of wine. “I’ve never met a better father than you.”

  “How can you say that?” He shook his head and finished his glass. “I was annoyed with her because she was tired. That’s not her fault.”

  “No, it’s not, but it’s also not your fault that you’re annoyed. Life isn’t perfect; neither is parenting, neither is being a kid. So we have our ups and downs, no big deal.”

  “Are you sure about that?” He frowned.

  “Trust me. You didn’t scar her for life. You did the right thing by drawing the line and making her pick up the book. After the reports I’ve gotten from her teacher, I get the feeling we need to do a little bit more of putting our foot down. Otherwise she’s not going to do well in school.”

  “But she’s so smart, you know she is.”

  “I do. But she’s in a class with a bunch of other children, who are just as smart, and her teacher needs to be able to focus on all of them.”

  “I guess you’re right. Hopefully she’ll wake up in a better mood tomorrow.”

  “I hope so. Right now she’s sound asleep.” I grabbed my phone and did a quick search. Then I turned the volume up and set it on the coffee table in front of us.

  “That sounds like waves.” Max smiled.

  “It is. We can’t go for a walk on the beach, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend we’re out there together under the stars.”

  “You’re so creative.” He took my glass of wine from my hands and pulled me close. “But I’m too tired for walking.”

  “Oh? Maybe I should let you rest then.” I reached for the phone to turn it off.

  He caught my hand and rested it on his shoulder. “I’m more interested in other things.”

  “Ah, I see.” I grinned as he nestled his lips up to mine, then eased into a sultry kiss.

  With the sound of waves surrounding us it was easy to believe that we were sprawled out on the sand, with nothing more to think about than pleasure and moonlight.

  Chapter 8

  The next morning, Abby was as excited and energetic as ever. She pounced on Max before he could even open his eyes. “You’re the best, Daddy!”

  “Oh?” He smiled as he looked at her.

  “Yes! Get up, get up! We’re going surfing!”

  “Oh, that’s right.” He stretched and yawned. “But I’m pretty sure we have to wait until sunrise.”

  I opened my eyes in the dim dawn light and wished that I hadn’t. My entire body buzzed with a deep desire for more sleep. “Abby, why don’t you come snuggle with me? It’s not time to get up yet.”

  “But I’m awake!” She stretched her eyes wide open. “See?”

  “Maybe if you close your eyes, you’ll get sleepy again.” I patted the bed beside me.

  She plopped down beside me and closed her eyes.

  I sighed with relief and closed my eyes as well.

  A moment later I felt her cold toes poking my leg. I pretended I didn’t notice. Then her cold feet pushed against my knees.

  “Abby, be still.” I yawned.

  “I can’t. I’m all wiggly. See?” She wiggled her whole body from head to toe.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Yes, I do see. Alright, let’s get up and let Daddy sleep a little longer, okay?”

  “Okay.” She crept out of bed as quietly as she could.

  I made her breakfast, then we sat on the patio and watched the sun rise together. It was a nice moment to share, as she described the way the sky changed and questioned me about the movement of the sun, the earth, and everything else she could come up with.

  I loved the way her mind took off from one point to another as fresh ideas launched. By the time we’d finished our breakfast, we’d discussed the earth’s rotation and why it was different times of day in different parts of the world.

  “Good morning.” Max joined us on the patio. “Was anyone going to wake me up?”

  Only then did I realize how long Abby and I had been talking. “Oh no, we’re going to be late for the surf lessons!”

  “Not if we’re in a different country!” Abby giggled.

  “Hm?” M
ax rubbed his ruffled hair. “Just give me two seconds and I’ll be ready to go.”

  “I’ll get Abby in her swimsuit.”

  “Don’t forget yours.” He winked at me.

  I smiled back. But the thought of putting on a swimsuit was a little unnerving.

  My body had been on a bit of a yo-yo pattern. One month I’d lose five pounds, the next I’d gain ten. It was frustrating. Not only that, but my weight was shifting. Parts of my body I used to consider slim were pudgy, and my trouble spots were gone in others. It would have been a good thing if my wardrobe weren’t designed around flattering the positive and hiding the less pleasant.

  Once we were changed, we all headed down to the beach. I noticed that Abby skipped ahead of us with a rhythm of her own.

  “You should have heard the questions she asked me this morning. She wants to know about everything, Max.”

  “Sure she does. Don’t you remember being a kid and wanting to know how everything worked?”

  “Maybe I saved that curiosity for adulthood.”

  “Maybe. Or you just might not remember. It sounds like you two had a great morning together.”

  “We did. Sorry for getting you up so late.”

  “No worries. At least you remembered your hat.”

  “Do you like it?” I tipped it to the side and smiled.

  My latest philosophy was to protect my skin from the sun. I’d bought a wide-brimmed hat that I thought was rather fashionable to wear with the cover-up I’d put on over my bathing suit.

  “I do.” He lifted the shoulder of my cover-up, then let it go. “This, on the other hand, has to go.”

  “It’s just to keep the sun off my skin.”

  “But you are going to take it off, aren’t you? The whole reason I came to Australia was to see you in a bathing suit.”

  “Oh yes, I’m sure.” I rolled my eyes.

  “I’m serious. In the States I’d have to wait months to get to see this.”

  “Max, you’re ridiculous—in a good way.” I squeezed his hand.

  “I’m also serious.” He pulled me in for a quick kiss. “Did you wear the new one? The red one? With the straps?”

  “Yes.” I laughed. “Now stop, we’re here to learn how to surf, not to ogle each other.”

  “Ogling is always included.” He winked at me.

  I had to admit that I loved the fact that he was always open about how much he admired and enjoyed my body. He’d built up my confidence so much that I almost thought about taking the cover-up off. Then I remembered how I’d looked in the mirror that morning and pulled it further down along my thighs instead.

  I vowed to myself that I would exercise more, but just that uneasy feeling of being unacceptable to look at reminded me that I’d been letting more than my exercise routine slip. I’d somehow been letting go of my self-confidence as well.

  My body was beautiful. Max thought so, Abby thought so—it was only me that found flaws with it, which meant that I hadn’t been spending enough time loving myself.

  Chapter 9

  By the time we reached the beach, my heart fluttered at the thought of taking off the cover-up. I decided to leave it on.

  “Hi, welcome.” A young man in bright blue board shorts walked up to us.

  “Sorry, we’re a few minutes late.” Max offered him his hand. “I’m Max, this is my wife Samantha, and our daughter Abby.”

  “Hi there, Abby. I’m Nick.” He crouched down in front of her. “Are you ready to learn how to surf?”

  “Maybe.” She dug her toes into the sand. “Will there be sharks?’

  “Nope, no sharks. If you see any, you tell me, and I’ll wallop them right on the head like this!” He swung his hand down through the air.

  “No!” Abby gasped. “They’ll bite off your arm!”

  “No, they won’t. Those mean sharks know I’m boss.” He winked at her.

  “Don’t worry, Abby.” I smiled at her. “There won’t be any sharks.” My voice sounded very confident, but underneath I was now worried about sharks.

  Nick walked us through standing on the boards in the sand. Then he showed us how to balance and some movements that would help us keep our balance if we started to lose it.

  As I spread my arms out and wobbled back and forth Max looked over at me and grinned.

  “You’re doing great, honey!”

  “Thanks. So are you!”

  He really was. He looked like a Greek god with the sun glistening on his sunscreen-covered skin. I, on the other hand, felt more like a beached whale as I stumbled and tried to get my body to cooperate.

  Over the past five years my world had revolved around Abby. I came up for air now and then. I remembered to meditate, do yoga, take a little time for myself, but it was still chaotic and so easy to lose sight of myself and my own needs.

  As I nearly lost my balance again, I felt a warm firm hand on my upper arm. I looked up into the deep brown eyes of our young instructor.

  “Don’t worry, once we get out on the water it will be easier.”

  “Oh—right—okay.”

  His touch only made me more off-balance. I slipped to the side and felt another warm, firm hand—on my lower back this time. I looked up to see Max’s beautiful eyes meet mine.

  “Steady there.”

  “Thanks, Max.” My cheeks burned with embarrassment.

  Had he noticed how flustered I’d been when Nick had touched me? I was close to twice his age.

  “Abby, let’s get you a life jacket.”

  As Nick fitted her with a life jacket, Abby wiggled and jumped. It wasn’t until I paid attention to her that I noticed she really did have a problem with being still. She was almost always in motion. Either she was running, jumping, or wiggling.

  “Alright, let’s get in the water!” Nick clapped his hands and drew the attention of every woman on the beach.

  I can’t say that I didn’t take a look myself.

  As I followed Nick toward the water, Max grabbed my hand.

  “Wait, you forgot to take off your hat and shirt.”

  “Oh, no; I thought I’d better leave them on. It’s sunny out, and we’ll be out of the water some of the time, so…”

  “Sammy.” He pulled me back toward him. “Is that really what’s going on here?”

  “Max, Abby is already in the water.”

  “Nick is with her.” He met my eyes. “Are you doing okay? Something on your mind?”

  “I’m okay. I just really don’t want to get a bad sunburn and ruin the rest of the trip.”

  “If you say so.” He kissed my cheek, then led me into the water.

  As the water swirled around my ankles and the sand shifted beneath my feet, I felt my concerns wash away. It was a perfect morning, with all of us together, and I was ready to take on whatever the day threw at me.

  Then I tried to get on the surfboard. I was sure that Nick was right and it would be easier for me to get on the board in the water. He had experience, he had board shorts, he knew what he was doing. So why did I keep sliding right off the other side of the surfboard?

  “Just try to find your center.” Nick patted the middle of the board. “See how Abby does it?” He pointed to Abby, who stood on her surfboard as if she was on solid ground.

  She waved at me and grinned.

  Max hovered near her and didn’t seem to have any trouble staying on the surfboard.

  Maybe I’d put on too much sunscreen. I decided to give it another try.

  As I swung my leg over the surfboard, I could see Abby watching me. Pressure mounted within me to show her that her mother could do anything that she put her mind to. I made sure I had my footing, then stood up.

  “I did it!” I laughed and stretched my arms out in the air. “I really did it!”

  As Max and Abby cheered for me, a seagull swooped down and snatched my hat right off the top of my head. I lunged for the bird without even thinking about the surfboard underneath me.

  As my weight shifted tow
ard the back, the board went sailing up into the air and I crashed down into the waves. I spun under the water for a moment, then had to figure out which way was up. As I tried to swim to the surface, the arms of my cover-up tangled and weighed me down. I tore it from my body and swam upward.

  When I emerged from the water, Max was there to wrap his arms around me.

  “Sammy! Are you alright? You took quite a tumble.”

  “I’m okay.” I drew in a few deep breaths. “That bird got my hat!”

  “Yes, it did.” He laughed and held me close. “Maybe surfing isn’t your thing.”

  “No, maybe not, but it sure seems to be Abby’s.” I gazed at my little girl as she coasted with ease over the waves. Nick stayed right beside her, but even he seemed impressed.

  “This is her first time surfing?” he asked.

  “Yes, it is.” I grabbed my surfboard and clung to it as Abby sailed over another wave.

  “She has a great sense of balance and body mechanics. She could be a really good surfer.”

  Max and I exchanged a smile. “Looks like we’ve found a hidden talent.”

  Back on the beach I noticed the bird with my hat. “Hey!” I chased after it. The bird hopped along the sand and flew up into the air just before I could snatch the hat.

  Abby shrieked with laughter.

  The bird flew right up to Max and taunted him with the hat. Every time Max reached for it, the bird zoomed up into the air before he could grab it.

  “Oh, forget it!” I sat down in the sand and laughed. “Let the bird have it.”

  Chapter 10

  I closed my eyes and let the sun warm my skin. I didn’t think about the wrinkles it would cause or the potential damage to my skin or even the chance of skin cancer. I just let it paint my body with its unique natural warmth.

  Just as I’d begun to slip into a peaceful state I felt something drop on my head. I opened my eyes to see the wide brim of my hat. The bird flew off across the water.

  “Look, Mommy, he gave it back!” Abby laughed. “He’s a good bird.”

  “Yes, he is.” I hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “Want to play in the sand for a little while?”