Love at First Laugh: Eight Romantic Novellas Filled with Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After

by Krista Phillips

  Was she staying the night? She’d had a strict policy about that, but she’d broken it about half the time, falling asleep in the nursery or on the couch with Cora Lee after he’d called her in the middle of the night. But tonight, tonight he wanted to try to get something right. “Go home, Kate. Sleep in your own bed. Pet your dog.”

  “Lord knows you won’t pet him.”

  He grinned, itching to brush her hair from her cheek and kiss her goodnight. This had to stop. Immediately. “Truth spoken right there.”

  She passed Cora Lee into his arms. “I’ll stick around in case she doesn’t cooperate and fall asleep. She’ll need teething gel again in about an hour.”

  “Kate.” He sighed. “You’re exhausted.”

  “I’m getting paid to be.”

  “Well, you do have a point there,” he quietly teased. “Guest room is made up. I had Delinda put those down pillows you like in there. Just in case.”

  She tilted her head, frowned.

  “The ones you saw when we picked out bedding for Cora Lee.” She’d gone on and on about them.

  “You remembered that?”

  “You rambled about them for forty minutes.”

  “I did not.” She grinned. “Well, I might have. Thank you. Maybe I’ll take a little nap.”

  Griffin couldn’t remember his father ever buying special pillows for the nannies who lived in their home. Not good. Falling for Kate was out of the question. She wanted a big family. Small-town life. An animal lover for a husband.

  Everything he couldn’t give her.

  “You’re welcome. See you in a few hours.”

  She closed the door with a quiet click and Cora Lee wailed. He stroked Cora Lee’s head. “I’ve had a bad day too, pretty girl.”

  Emma Kate awakened to the strumming of a guitar. With heavy legs, she forced herself upstairs. To listen. Through the cracked nursery door, Griffin sat in the rocking chair playing one of the acoustics he’d built. He sang Cora Lee a lullaby about all the pretty horses. Coaxing her not to cry but to go to sleep. When she woke she’d have all the horses. Some dappled. Some gray. It tugged Emma Kate’s heart and brought hot tears to her eyes.

  This man could be the dad Cora Lee needed. If his dad would take the screws out of Griffin, and if Griffin would believe it for himself.

  Cora Lee stopped crying. He sang it twice more until the room fell into peaceful silence. She peeped inside. Griffin rocked, his eyes closed. Cora Lee lay asleep in her bed. Dreaming of all the pretty little horses. Emma Kate entered the room, removed Griffin’s guitar and laid it on the floor. He didn’t stir.

  What if he did decide to adopt Cora Lee? He would still need a nanny during the day, possibly at night until he was confident enough to tackle it alone. Emma Kate would love to do it, but she had a job, and at some point Griffin would meet someone and fall in love. A mom would step in and take Emma Kate’s place. Maybe the woman she’d seen Griffin with on several occasions. Evie.

  Emma Kate was already getting too attached to Cora Lee…and if she were honest, to Griffin. Best to heed Briley’s words and be more careful. Guard her heart better. She slid down against the wall and watched Griffin and Cora Lee sleep.

  A hand woke her. Griffin. Light spilled through Cora Lee’s window. “This doesn’t look like the guest room.” He smirked. “It’s almost seven.”

  She blinked, disoriented. “What day is it?”

  He lightly snorted. “Saturday. I’m going into the office for a while. I’ll be home by mid-afternoon. Do you have clothes with you?”

  She rubbed her brow. “Yeah.” She’d brought a bag each day and had left a toothbrush and toiletries. This gig was unpredictable. After coffee together, Griffin showered and dressed casually in jeans and a golf shirt, then left for the office. Cora Lee still slept so Emma Kate took advantage and rushed through a shower. She hadn’t shaved in two days.

  By noon, Cora Lee was on in full form, destroying a basket of toys in the living room. Emma Kate had made cookies. No-bake because who had time to bake everything with a nine month old? By four o’ clock Griffin came through the door, irritation forming a crease in his brow.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “This resort is killing me. We have amazing amenities, including your ideas, but I’m not sure it’s going to stand out enough according to my dad.” He tossed his papers on the kitchen table and plopped in the living room floor with Cora Lee. “We’ve brainstormed, stalked other resorts. I don’t know what I’m missing—if anything. Give me a wow-factor Cora Lee.”

  She bonked him on the head with a toy phone. “Ow!”

  Emma Kate smiled but her insides twisted. She had an idea but she wasn’t sure Griff would go for it, and if he did…he’d land the pitch. 100%. And if he landed the pitch, then he’d give up Cora Lee for sure.

  “What’s with the serious face all of a sudden?” he asked.

  “What? Oh. Nothing.” Her cell phone rang. Saved. But guilt nipped at the heels of her heart. She grabbed her cell and answered. “Mary Ellis! Girl, it’s about time you called me.” She covered the speaker and whispered, “My baby sister.”

  Griffin nodded and dangled lit-up toy keys in front of Cora Lee.

  “I know it’s been awhile, Emma Kate, but I’ve been swamped with work and well…I have good news.”

  Emma Kate’s stomach dropped as she paced in front of the fire place. Mary Ellis had been seeing David Scarboni for over two years since he’d moved to Sweet Gum and opened a small gym. Emma Kate had a good idea what the news was. “Well, don’t make me sit on it.”

  “David proposed last night. It was amazing. He sent me on a scavenger hunt to all our key places and it ended with me at the look-out tower. Our place. Don’t tell Honey.”

  Make-out city.

  “Anyway, it was covered in flower petals and lit up with scads of white Christmas lights. Emma Kate, it was a dream come true.”

  Emma Kate blinked back tears. She was happy for Mary Ellis and David was a great guy. But this meant everyone but her was engaged or married. What a failure. “Congratulations, sis. I’m happy for you.” She collapsed on the couch and held it together.

  “We’re having a big engagement party next Saturday and you have to come. Honey says bring your boyfriend.”

  “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

  “But Honey—”

  “Is mistaken. I’ve got a job, and I’m not sure I can take time off.”

  Griffin’s brow knit.

  “Emma Kate,” Mary Ellis whined. “I need you. All the family will be there and Honey is having a tea party for us. Okay, don’t let that keep you from coming.” She laughed.

  Emma Kate chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “I have one more favor.”

  What now? A bridesmaid? Of course. “I was up in the attic and found that old white trunk. Inside were these lovely pastel paper lanterns and white lights. I fell in love with them but Mama said they were…”

  Her decorations to be used at her engagement party. The white trunk had been her hope chest. Hope had failed. They were up there collecting dust. Someone might as well get some use out of them. “Of course. Use whatever you’d like. They’re going to waste anyway.” Dreams down the toilet.

  “Are you sure? If you say no, then it’s a done deal.”

  Yeah right. No way she could say no and what would be the point keeping them forever? None. “Use them Mary Ellis. I promise it’s okay. I don’t promise to make it.”

  “The whole town will be there, Emma Kate. You don’t bail on blood’s milestone achievements.”

  Another Honey-ism.

  “We’ll have dancing and Daddy’s going to barbeque. Pork Shoulder. Boston Butt. Some ribs. Fresh lemonade and homemade ice cream.”

  Everything Emma Kate loved. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Come in on Friday. I won’t take no for an answer, and besides, Honey is praying you into Mississippi by Friday noon.”

  “Well, if Honey�
�s praying.”

  Griffin sliced his hand across his neck and Emma Kate laughed.

  “One last little nugget.”

  Dread hit her like an anvil. “What?”

  A beat of silence.

  “You know since David came to town his best friend has been—”

  “Travis.” Yes. Travis had always been a gym rat. Nothing like Hercules sitting in the floor and pretending not to eavesdrop on the conversation.

  “I’m sorry. I was opposed and we had a big ole fight about it, but Travis is his closest friend and he wants him as his best man.”

  Her decorations and Travis would all be there. It had been a little over five years since they’d been finished with each other. She should be mature enough to handle seeing him. But part of her screamed for a place to run and hide.

  “I’ll try. Thanks for the heads up about Travis.” She talked a few more minutes and hung up.

  “What’s going on?” Griffin asked.

  She told him about the engagement party and all the festivities. She left out the décor was coming from her hope chest. False hope chest. “I can’t leave you. You call me four out of seven times a week to see about Cora Lee. She’s teething.”

  He studied her. “If you didn’t have this nanny gig, would you go?”

  No. “Depends.”

  “Liar.” Griffin pointed a set of toy keys at her. “You don’t want to go because of the ex.”

  “Travis.”

  He grimaced. “Whatever.” He scooted to the edge of the couch, sitting at her feet. “We’ve had this conversation before. Remember? Don’t go home with your tail tucked between your legs. Go home with the boyfriend everyone wants you to have. Be happy. Be in love. Flaunt it with the ex.”

  “Travis.”

  “Whatever.”

  “I don’t have a boyfriend. I’m not in love. I have nothing to flaunt.” She wouldn’t admit she might be having some feelings for Griffin.

  Griffin pursed his lips. “Pretend, Kate. I’ll be your boyfriend and we can bring Cora Lee. Problem solved.”

  Worst plan ever. “Nope.”

  “What? That’s a brilliant idea.” He laid his hands on her knees, his blue eyes drilling into hers. She was about to cave.

  “Yeah, if I was writing the next best seller romance. Bringing Home the Boss’s Baby.”

  He chuckled. “You don’t have to be alone, Kate. And you can use me. In any way you want,” he teased. “Make the ex rue the day he lowered his standards.”

  “Travis.”

  “Whatever.” He sat beside her on the couch. “Honey will think all her prayers are answered. I won’t be alone with Cora Lee with zero help, and you have a catch by your side. It’s a win-win, woman.”

  She snorted. “Think pretty much of yourself, don’t you?”

  He cracked a smile that turned her insides to pudding.

  He was a catch. Gorgeous. Smart. Funny. Sweet—on occasion. And yes, rich but that wasn’t the factor for her racing heart. “I can’t say you’re my boyfriend. It’s a lie and if I do, they’ll hound me about wedding dates.”

  “Say I’m a friend, but then give that knowing look females are good at giving each other. The one most men are clueless about but cause other women to look at them and nod and grin.”

  She shoved his shoulder. “I know no such look. Why don’t you show me?”

  “Kate, come on.” He dipped his head and eyed her before giving her the silliest smirk she’d ever seen.

  She fell backward, cackling. “You look like a deranged monkey.”

  He playfully covered her face with a throw pillow. “You know what I’m talking about. Innuendo. Chicks are great at that.”

  She shoved the pillow off and peered up at him as he hovered over her on the couch. Her mouth turned dry and her pulse skittered. “Your case for being a weekend boyfriend is failing miserably.” But the thought of belonging to someone and having their heart forever…someone like Griff…

  “Give me a test drive. Kick the tires.” He inched closer, his hands resting on either side of her head, hemming her in.

  “Um…” Couldn’t. Think. Straight.

  “Let me take you to dinner. We can get Delinda to watch Cora Lee. You and me. A bottle of wine.”

  “I don’t like wine.” But I like you. Too much.

  “A pitcher of sweet tea,” he drawled in a ridiculous southern accent, his mouth close enough for a kiss if she rose up a fraction. “Fried food romance. Does it get any better? I can be a great weekend boyfriend.”

  Emma Kate didn’t want a weekend boyfriend. She wanted permanent love. But this offer…she was tempted. “I do like fried food,” she murmured.

  “I’ll even buy you a pink oversized T-shirt. I know you love them.” He held her gaze, sending a spray of wildfire through her middle. “So let’s call Delinda—”

  The door bell rang. He frowned. “I’m not expecting anyone. Maybe it’s my dad.” Hope filled his eyes.

  Stupid door bell. Way to ruin a moment. “I’ll get it.” She shoved him off the couch and rushed to the door. Evie the dark-haired vixen with legs longer than pine trees and a perfectly symmetrical face stood on the stoop.

  Emma Kate probably looked like crap on a cracker compared to her. No, she knew she did.

  “I’m here for Griffin.”

  Of course she was.

  The exhilarating moment from the couch petered out. Who was she kidding? Griffin Noble didn’t date women like Emma Kate. He certainly didn’t marry them. He dated and married women like Evie.

  Griffin came to Emma Kate’s side, Cora Lee on his hip. “Evie.” Confusion filtered through his eyes.

  A pout formed on her fresh-from-the-botox-clinic mouth. “You’ve forgotten. Dinner. I have tickets to the theatre.”

  Recognition popped in his eyes and he darted a glance at Emma Kate. “I did. Some crazy things happened in the past two weeks and I didn’t even think to call.”

  “Crazy things like a baby attached to you?” She gave a weak smile. “She’s your spitting image. Something I should know?” She turned on Emma Kate and a smidge of misinterpretation reflected in her gaze. “Aren’t you the dog-walker that let that Great Dane loose on us?”

  “I didn’t technically let him loose. But yeah, that’s me. I’m the dog-walker/nanny these days.” And kidding herself about Griffin. Big deal that he knew the kinds of pillows, food, and Tshirts she liked. It didn’t mean anything. She wasn’t sure what happened between them a minute ago, but reality was standing at the door wearing Chanel No. 5.

  Griffin cleared his throat. “This is Kate. And this is Cora Lee. My sister’s daughter.”

  “Giselle?” She stepped inside and laid a hand on his arm. Emma Kate swallowed her jealousy. “She has your middle name. How precious. Are they visiting?”

  “No.” Griffin squeezed Cora Lee tighter. “Giselle passed away. I’m keeping Cora Lee. For awhile. It’s complicated.” He shrugged. “Kate is nannying for me. She’s been a real lifesaver.”

  Evie eyed Emma Kate. “Well, I can take Cora Lee while you go get changed.”

  “I can’t go.”

  “But your nanny is here.”

  And being talked about like she wasn’t.

  “We have dinner—”

  “You’re right,” Emma Kate interjected. Going on a test drive date would only end up in a fatal crash and burn. Time to come out of the fog. “I’m here.” She looked at Griffin. “Go get changed.”

  He glanced from Emma Kate to Evie in her cocktail dress. The choice was a no-brainer. Frozen dinner and a soft drink or filet mignon and merlot.

  “But what about…” He pointed to the couch. “I thought…”

  Emma Kate shook her head. “You’ve had this night planned.” She choked back the lump in her throat. “You should…you should go.” Emma Kate would be out of his life in a couple of weeks whether he chose to adopt Cora Lee or not. She needed space. Air. Get her act together.

  “She’s right. This has be
en planned for ages. Hurry up, Griff. I’ll wait.” Evie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

  Griffin held Emma Kate’s gaze.

  She put her best smile on. “Have a good time.”

  “I…okay,” he said, his tone resigned. He handed Cora Lee to Emma Kate and whispered, “But this weekend we are going to Sweet Gum. No negotiating.”

  She wasn’t going to get into it here, not in front of Evie. “Fine.”

  Fifteen minutes later Griffin entered the room smelling fresh, masculine, and looking like a movie star. He made his way to Cora Lee who was sitting on a play mat banging toys. As usual. He picked her up and walked over to Emma Kate. “I wanted to take you to dinner.”

  “I know. But I probably have a 75% blockage in my arteries already. I should eat oatmeal more.”

  He chuckled.

  He had no idea how much havoc had been wreaked on her heart being here with him. With Cora Lee.

  Rubbing Cora Lee’s head, Griffin leaned in. “Be good for Kate.” He placed his focus on Emma Kate. “And you be good for Griff. I’m sorry,” he whispered.

  “Don’t be.”

  “Griff, we’ll be late for our early dinner reservations.”

  He sighed and brushed Emma Kate’s hand before making his way toward Evie. One glance back and he shut the door behind him.

  “Cora Lee, I’m about to introduce you to ‘The Notebook’ and instant creamed potatoes. Never say I didn’t teach you how to manage stress or disappointment. Now, let’s have us a good cry.”

  Chapter 7

  Griffin sat in his music workshop sanding all his frustrations out on this guitar. The work week had passed since he’d gone to the theatre with Evie.

  What was happening between him and Kate? Not much since she’d all but thrown him at Evie. Evie was smart and attractive. They used to have intelligent conversations and enjoy each other’s company, but he wasn’t planning to marry her. That whole blasted night he’d thought about Cora Lee with the toy telephone and Kate.

  Kate in her messy clothes. Kate cooking food that would kill them both before they turned fifty. Kate’s smile, laugh, encouragement. Kate’s lips. That moment on the couch when he’d offered to take her out on a date. What had he been thinking? He couldn’t give her what she wanted. Didn’t seem like he could give anyone what they wanted. Not his father, Cora Lee—maybe not even Surf N Turf Resorts.