Small Town King: A Single Dad Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 3)

by Fabiola Francisco

  “I know, but I need more, and the doctor says the pump is the best option so I have a more constant flow.”

  I take a deep breath, wishing I had waited to get home before calling so I’m not agitated while I drive.

  “Will the insurance cover it?” I dread asking this question because we’ve been hit with so many financial challenges in the course of the last few years that I’m afraid she’ll say they won’t. It’d be our luck.

  “They will.”

  I let out a relieved breath. Thank goodness.

  “We have to pay a high deductible, but the doctor is providing information for financial help and a payment plan.”

  I pull into my parking spot in my apartment building and close my eyes, shutting off my car and picking up my phone to put it to my ear.

  “I can send you more money. Honest. I have enough to pay for what I need here, and I’ll send over a little extra.”

  “No, Magnolia.”

  “Yes, Mama,” I fight back. “Let me help, please. I can now.”

  She sighs, and I can imagine her shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

  “Please,” I add again for good measure.

  “I don’t want you to limit things that bring you joy because you don’t have enough money.”

  “I won’t,” I add quickly. “Willow Creek is affordable, thankfully, so I can still self-indulge and help you.” Truth is, my idea of self-indulging is buying a bottle of wine, a new book, or having a coffee and pastry. I’ve never been high maintenance or into pricey brands or shoe collections.

  I hear her breathing and know she’s giving in. “Okay, but on one condition.”

  “Yeah?” I’m almost nervous to know what her condition is.

  “You promise me that if you want to buy something or go on a trip someday, you do it. I don’t want this to hold you back.”

  “I promise,” I say quickly because that won’t happen. My parents have provided for me, and now it’s time for me to help them. It’s what family does. Ours may be small, but our love is strong.

  My mind wanders to Brett and his family. He’s got help all around him, and yet it seems he struggles to accept it. I could be wrong. What do I know? What I do know is that I shouldn’t be thinking about him as more than my clients’ guardian.

  “Tell me about your day,” my mom requests.

  I walk into my apartment, kicking off my shoes and untucking my shirt from my black pants. Sitting on the couch, I tell her about my day without going into details about my clients. I tell her about the spring festival this weekend, and she insists I go.

  “It’s hard, you know? Working in my field in a small town makes it difficult to make friends and still keep a distance from clients. It seems like everyone is connected in some way.” I hope my mom can offer some insight.

  “Have you made friends?”

  “Kinda, but one of the women—she’s the one that owns the bookstore I told you about—she’s engaged to the uncle of two of my clients.” I chuckle nervously. “If you can connect those dots. Anyway, she’s super nice and someone I’d be friends with, but I’m technically not supposed to interact with family members. How the hell do I do that while living in a small town? Maybe I should’ve moved to another town and commuted.” I throw myself back on the sofa.

  “Well, that wouldn’t have been very smart to have to drive so much to get to work. It’s a tricky situation, but you’ll figure it out. Besides, as long as you keep the line divided, I’m sure it’ll be okay. I can’t imagine that the other therapists aren’t familiar with family members.”

  I sigh because I’ve thought about that as well. There are only so many people you can avoid for so long.

  “I’d never talk about any of my clients. I take confidentiality very seriously,” I tell my mom as if she didn’t know me and how adamant I feel about that.

  “I know that, Magnolia.”

  I blow out a breath. “Anyway, how’s Daddy?”

  “He’s great. Let me put him on.”

  My mom hands the phone over to my dad, and I smile when I hear his voice. I can tell he’s worried about my mom, but I reassure him things will be okay and tell him all about my week.

  I start to relax, releasing my constant worry about balancing life and work, and almost laugh to myself because that’s the exact advice I gave Brett not so long ago. Talking to my parents always helps put my life into perspective. Whenever I’m feeling down or defeated, I know they can turn my mood around by loving and supporting me.

  Before we hang up, my mom steals the phone and says, “Go to that festival this weekend. I’ll be asking about it. Have fun, Magnolia. Live your life, laugh, dance, show the world how great you are. They all deserve to see it.”

  I blink back tears before hanging up. I don’t know what I’d do without my parents, and lately, I’ve been worried my mom’s health is deteriorating, which is exactly why I’ll do anything possible to help.

  Chapter 13

  Magnolia

  I walk around Main Street, looking around in awe at all the booths spread around, the road blocked off in order for everyone to wander without worrying about traffic. The sun shines brightly in the late morning sky. People talk excitedly all around me while children run and play together.

  I hoist my purse further on my shoulder and feel a bit overwhelmed and intimidated. Despite living here for two months, I still don’t know many people. I return the smiles of the people I pass as I make my way to where Lucy pointed out The Grind booth would be set up.

  You’d think they’d place it near the coffee shop, but that’s not the case. Apparently, it’s on the other side, so that they hit the entire crowd. If it were near the coffee shop, people would choose one or the other. Like this, they get double the sales. At least that’s what Lucy told me after I looked at her with confusion when she pointed out the location.

  “Magnolia!” I hear a shout and turn toward it. Lucy is waving at me from behind the booth, and I sigh in relief. As much as I’ve become familiar with this town, seeing it like this, full of people and booths blocking the landmarks I use as a guide, I feel lost.

  I smile at her, heading toward the booth.

  “Hey,” I say when I reach her.

  “Hey, did you just get here?”

  “Yeah, a few minutes ago.”

  “Great! I’ll tell you a few stops that are musts.”

  “Thank you. Can I have a latte first, please?” I point to the cups stacked on the tabletop.

  “Comin’ right up,” she singsongs.

  I gaze around again. Pastel-colored pennant banners float above, tied from oak tree to oak tree lining Main Street. Every booth is decorated in pastel colors and spring decorations. It’s bright and comforting at the same time. A clown is off on one side doing magic tricks while kids gasp and stare wide-eyed, trying to guess how to do it. A bounce house bobs with children bouncing. Adults stand in groups and talk while others look at the items the booths are selling.

  “Most booths bring specific items for the festival, so make sure to look around,” Lucy tells me as she hands me my coffee.

  “Thanks. This is pretty amazing.”

  “Go check Mrs. Jenkins’s booth. She has adorable hand-made jewelry. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon sell fresh pastries that are to die for.” Lucy practically drools.

  I hand her a napkin. “Here, clean up the drool.”

  She laughs, throwing the napkin at me.

  “We’ve also got fresh flowers, food, and accessories.”

  I take notes of the certain ones she mentioned and follow her directions, watching where she points.

  “Go have fun. I’ll be here until one, and then I’ll be free.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  With my coffee in hand, I begin to roam, stopping at a few booths that draw my attention on the way to the ones Lucy recommended.

  Business owners ask how I’m liking Willow Creek and introducing themselves. Everyone seems nice, which makes me like
this town more. I stop in front of Mr. and Mrs. Cannon’s booth, where the pastries alone would’ve made me pause even if Lucy hadn’t suggested it.

  “Hi, there,” the woman I assume is Mrs. Cannon greets me.

  “Hi,” I smile, looking at the assortment of pastries, understanding now why Lucy practically drooled.

  “My friend, Lucy, told me to stop by here,” I tell her.

  “Ah, she’s a sweetheart. Can I get you anything?” Mrs. Cannon smiles.

  “It all looks so good.” I scan the wooden displays where the pastries sit.

  “Take your time. You’re new, right?” she asks politely.

  “I am. It’s that obvious, huh?” I chuckle.

  “Well, we notice a new face around here rather quickly since most of us have been here since our ancestors,” she laughs quietly.

  “I get that.” A cherry and cream cheese pastry topped with powdered sugar calls to me, and I can’t resist. “I’ll have this.” I point to the sweet.

  “Great choice. Do you want me to wrap it up, or are you going to eat it now?”

  “You know what, I’ll eat it now. Thank you.”

  I pay her and grab the pastry, my mouth watering.

  “We have a store off Main and First. If you’re ever craving some sweets, we’d love it if you stopped by.” She hands me a card, which I gratefully take.

  “I’ll make sure to do that.” I take a bite of the pastry and moan.

  Covering my mouth, I nod at her. “Yeah, definitely will be by,” I say after swallowing, and Mrs. Cannon laughs.

  “Happy to hear that. Enjoy your day.”

  “You, too,” I wave as I begin to walk away.

  “Oof… Careful,” a voice calls out.

  I begin to look up when I hear the warning, but my attention is instantly drawn to another voice.

  “Ms. Magnolia!” I look down and see a smiling Charlie. When I finally glance upward, I see Brett.

  “Oh, sorry.”

  “It’s okay. You stopped before disaster occurred.” I can’t tell if he’s joking or not.

  “Daddy, let’s go to the bounce house,” Chloe tugs at his hand.

  “Y’all have fun,” I smile carefully, trying not to show much emotion. Ugh, trying to keep things compartmentalized in my life is hard when you’re in a town like this.

  As I continue to wander the festival, I take in the groups of families and friends. I can feel the camaraderie, the playful teasing, the memories being made. The energy is palpable.

  I haven’t had that in a long time. Sure, when I was younger, I had a group of friends. Eventually, everyone went their own way, but I miss that sense of belonging, of having a group of people who get you, support you, and are there through the good and bad. It seems the older you are, the more difficult it is to build that.

  Sighing, I spin around, looking for the next thing to do. When I spot a garbage can, I throw away my cup and napkin from the pastry and follow the road. It’s amazing how vast the festival is, going beyond Main Street with smaller booths selling all sorts of things, some offering arts and crafts for kids, and painting activities.

  Despite how amazing it is, I realize that I need to get to know more people in town. It’s lonely walking around by myself, smiling at random strangers who are probably whispering about who I am. I like this town, but I need to get out more. My mom’s words about enjoying more of my life resonate loud and clear in this moment.

  “Magnolia,” I hear someone call out.

  I turn around and see June waving at me. I wave back with a smile.

  “Hi.” I head toward where she stands near a cornhole game.

  “How are you? Are you enjoying the festival?” she asks when I approach her.

  “Yeah,” I nod. “It’s cool.” I take in the game, noticing Miles is playing against someone.

  “It is. I forgot how big it was,” June sighs, taking it all in the way I was not too long ago.

  “Is this your first time since you moved back?”

  “It is.”

  “Watch this, Junebug,” Miles calls out, looking our way. “Oh, hey, Magnolia.”

  “Hi.” I give a half-wave.

  He throws the bag, landing it straight through the hole in the board.

  “Yes!” He cheers. “That was for you, babe.” He winks at June, who bites her lip and shakes her head, all the while a blush creeps up her cheek.

  “What have you done so far?” June asks.

  I tell her the different booths I’ve visited and the cherry pastry I tried.

  “Oh, yeah. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon have a bakery that’s frickin’ amazing. It’s called So Fresh & So Sweet.”

  “She gave me a card. I had no idea. I guess there’s still a lot for me to explore in this town.”

  “Little by little,” she smiles. “Where were you going to now?”

  I shrug, shifting on my feet and slinging my purse across my chest. “I have no idea. I was just looking around. Lucy said she’d be done with work around one, and I’d meet with her then.”

  “You can hang out with us if you want.”

  “I don’t want to intrude.” I shake my head.

  “Oh, please,” she rolls her eyes. “You’re not intrudin’. We’re hanging out waiting for Madison to sing. That’s Tate,” she points to the man on the other cornhole board. “He’s Madison’s fiancé.”

  He looks familiar, probably from seeing him around town.

  “We’ve probably been playing longer than necessary. Well, they’ve been playing, I’ve been watching. I’m not the most athletic person and would probably hit someone with the bag instead of landing it near the board.”

  I giggle at her and nod. “I’ve never been good at cornhole.”

  “Do you wanna grab something to drink? I could so go for a smoothie,” June asks.

  “Sounds good,” I nod.

  After she tells Miles we’ll be back, I follow June, and we weave through the crowd. She’s telling me how amazing the smoothies are and about the new books that arrived at the store this week.

  “We have our next wine and book pairing event next week. You should totally come again.”

  “Thanks, I may. I need an excuse to get out and meet more people in town. I’ve been working, reading, and drinking coffee, but I haven’t done much more outside of that.”

  “It’s hard starting over in a new place, so I get it. Come to the event, and you’ll be able to meet more people.”

  I nod with a smile, telling myself I can have one night a month that’s all mine.

  “Aunt June,” a screeching voice halts our steps, and a racing girl jumps up at June. She catches her without missing a beat and grins.

  “Hey,” she kisses Charlie’s cheek. “Are you having fun?”

  “Uh, huh,” she nods enthusiastically. “We bounced a lot in the bounce house and ate cotton candy.” Charlie looks at me and furrows her eyebrows. “You know Ms. Magnolia?” She looks at June again, framing her face with both hands.

  “I know Magnolia, yes,” June nods, not giving anything away about my job.

  “We do, too,” Charlie smiles. “She’s nice.” She speaks as if I’m not standing next to them, and it makes me chuckle. She and Chloe are sweet, adorable girls, so it makes me even happier to see the smile on her face.

  “Hey, there, cutie pie,” June looks down at Chloe when she and Brett reach us.

  “Hi.” She curls into Brett’s arm and looks up at June through her lashes.

  “Did you also have cotton candy?” Chloe nods. “What color?” June’s voice hitches in excitement.

  Chloe giggles. “Pink.”

  “Duh,” June says. “It’s your favorite.”

  Chloe nods, getting more comfortable and open. “We’re gonna have lunch now.” She rubs her face.

  “Yeah, and take a nap,” Brett says. I glance his way and find his eyes slightly narrowed. Then, he looks at June.

  “Naps are good. I could go for one, too,” June says on a yawn and lau
ghs, causing Charlie and Chloe to giggle.

  “We’ll see you for Madison’s performance?” June asks them.

  “Yeah,” Brett says at the same time that the girls yell, “Yes!” I can’t help but laugh, enjoying seeing them happy.

  We part ways, and June and I continue our trek to the smoothie booth. “God, I love those girls,” June murmurs with a smile.

  “They’re sweet.” I leave it at that.

  The truth is that their story tugs at my heartstrings, making me feel for them. It’s horrible to go through what they did.

  After grabbing smoothies, having lunch once Lucy finishes working, and spending time getting to know June and Miles better, we’re standing near the front of the stage, waiting for Madison to sing. I’ve always loved her music, so this is an amazing experience.

  Lucy grabs my hand as she sings a verse, laughing when she mixes up the words. She’s made me feel welcome, and I’m so grateful she’s been so kind.

  My gaze wanders to where Brett is standing. I know it’s wrong to think about him since his daughters are my clients, but I can’t seem to get him out of my head. Not only have the girls shifted, but he has as well. At least in regards to the way he treats me. He was so closed off and almost angry, but trust does take time to build.

  I smile when Charlie stretches out their linked arms and dances wildly, uncoordinated, to the song her aunt sings. Brett laughs, and it’s glorious. Chloe is more timid, but he looks down at her with so much love before picking her up and spinning her around until she’s in a fit of giggles, hugging his neck. Ovaries explode. Heart bursts. Goodness, that’s sexy.

  I look away before I get caught, tucking the image into a private folder in my memory to fantasize over later.

  Damn it. I should not be fantasizing about a client. Regardless of his daughters being the ones I’m working with, he is their father, and therefore, my client by default. I have to stop thinking about Brett in any way but professionally if I want to keep my job and a steady paycheck to help my parents with their bills.

  Chapter 14