“Hi, I’m Corey.” He shakes Magnolia’s hand as well, carrying Chloe.
“I think it’s time for me to go,” Magnolia announces.
“What? Why? You said you were staying for the whole wedding,” Charlie whines.
“You girls have done such a great job. I’m so proud of you. You’re capable of being here on your own, with your family.” She smiles up at Peggy. “You don’t need me to be here in order for you to feel safe.”
Charlie frowns. “But we want you here.”
Magnolia blinks rapidly and nods.
“June and Miles have a seat for you,” I add.
She smiles, but it’s fake and nods again. “I’ll leave after dinner, then,” she whispers. “If you’ll excuse me. It was great meeting you.”
I watch Magnolia walk away with confusion. I’ve never seen her like this in the months I’ve known her, not even when I snapped at her in the beginning for telling me exactly what no one else dared to.
“Daddy, is Ms. Magnolia okay? It looked like she was cryin’,” Chloe’s soft voice asks.
“Yeah,” I assure her. “Let’s go find Uncle Miles and Aunt June.” I go in search of them with my daughters while my in-laws find my parents. I’m not sure what’s going on with Magnolia, but I won’t stop asking until she confesses to me.
As luck would have it, I find her talking to June. I walk with sure steps in their direction and take advantage that my girls have raced up to their aunt and uncle for me to pull Magnolia to the side.
“I know something is wrong.”
“Brett…” Her nostrils flare with her warning.
“What is it? Your eyes were rimmed red when you arrived, and you were a mess.”
She shakes her head, casting her eyes downward. I lift her chin, the action intimate and foreign while consuming me when her blue eyes slam into mine, sadness brimming out of them.
She motions to the girls with her eyes. “Not now.”
Furrowing my eyebrows, I look at Charlie and Chloe. “Girls, I’ll be right back. Stay with Aunt June and Uncle Miles a moment, okay?” I look at my brother with a nod. “I need to talk to Ms. Magnolia for a second.”
“Okay, Daddy,” they say, and I lead Magnolia away from the crowd with my hand in the small of her back.
As soon as we walk into the building, I demand, “Tell me what happened.”
Magnolia sighs. “I was fired yesterday.”
“What? Why?” My eyes widen.
Magnolia tilts her head with raised eyebrows. “Why do you think, Brett?”
I scrub a hand down my face and expel a deep breath. “Because of us?”
I notice her body relaxing and a small smile tilting the corners of her lips. “Not just you. I’m not allowed to become friends or acquaintances with anyone related to my clients. People noticed I was friends with June. And then they saw you and me together a few times. Small towns talk, and word got back to my boss. Following our code of ethics, she had to let me go. Although she understood it’s difficult in a small town and didn’t report it, so I still have my license to practice, just not here.” She shrugs.
“That’s ridiculous. Do they expect you to be a recluse because someone might have a relationship with a client?” I shake my head.
“I could practice in a town I don’t live in, so I don’t have a social life where I work. That’s what my boss does.”
“I’m so sorry, Magnolia.” I step forward.
“It’s not your fault. I knew what I was doing, but like you said, I didn’t want to be a recluse, and June’s really nice. She’s totally someone I would be friends with regardless. And as for the girls and working out of hours, I wanted to help them so badly, and I don’t regret doing that. Look at them. They’re here, Brett, and they aren’t afraid.”
“Thanks to you,” I say.
She shakes her head. “You’ve done a lot. You’ve realized they need you, switched your priorities so you could be there for them—emotionally and physically.”
“Again, thanks to you.” I reach for her hand and wrap my palm around her fingers. Her breath catches, and she looks up into my eyes.
“I’ll probably move back home.” Her words are a blow to my fragile heart, and I take a step back, releasing her hand.
“What?” I boom.
“I need to find another job, and I doubt I’ll find something that will pay me enough to live here and help my parents. Back home, I won’t have the extra bills renting a place does, so a lower wage will allow me to help them.”
“Don’t.”
Tears fill her eyes, and it kills me.
“I’ll hire you to keep working with the girls,” I blurt out.
“I can’t accept that.” She shakes her head, a tear rolling down her cheeks. Before she wipes it away, I bring my hand to her cheek and swipe it.
“Why not?” I whisper, keeping my hand around her cheek.
She tilts her head and looks at me with meaning. “Because it’s different now, Brett. You know it. I can’t let you pay me when…” She looks away.
“When what?” I ask as I cradle her cheek, brushing my thumb over her smooth skin.
“When…when…” Her eyes avoid mine.
I step closer, toe-to-toe, forcing her to look at me. Her lips part. “When you feel the same thing I do?” Magnolia shivers.
“It’s wrong.”
“Why?” I challenge. “I hate that you got fired, and we’ll figure something out, but I’m also selfish because it gives me the opportunity to get to know you better.”
“Brett…” she whispers. “I—”
“Shh… Enjoy tonight, and everything will clear up.” I press my lips to her forehead and smirk when she sighs. “Come on.”
My mind works overtime throughout the night as I try to think of a plan for Magnolia. I don’t want her to leave. I want her here, in town, getting to know her.
“Let’s dance,” Peggy interrupts my thoughts when she approaches my seat after dinner.
I glance up at her and nod. “Sure.”
Taking her hand, I begin to dance with her on the dance floor, and I’m flooded with memories of my own wedding years ago. That was the last time I danced with Peggy. We’re both silent, probably thinking about the same person.
As if confirming my thoughts, I’m not surprised when she says, “I wish Ella were still here to watch her girls grow up, make a life with you.” Peggy smiles sadly, her eyes brimming with tears when she leans her head back to look at me. “I hate that she’s not.”
“Me too,” I tell her as we sway. “I miss her every damn day.”
“But you do need to keep living. She’d want that.”
I furrow my eyebrows and look down at her.
She smiles. “I saw the way you looked at Ms. Magnolia.” My eyes widen, and she chuckles. “Don’t look so surprised. Anyone with half a brain could tell, Brett,” she places her hand on my cheek like my mother has done so many times. Like she still does, although I’m an adult.
“It’s okay to move on. Ella would want you to be happy, and I think Magnolia might do that. The girls love her. They talked about her nonstop when they stayed with us. Maybe it’s time you let go and live more. Be happy, love again. You’ve got too much to offer someone to keep it all to yourself. That’d be selfish.”
“Would you really be okay with that? Seeing me with another woman?”
A tear trails down her face as she nods. “My Ella isn’t coming back. I wish she were. I’d love nothing more, but it’s time. It’s been over two years, Brett. If you meet someone who makes you happy, who makes you want to try again, don’t let that go.” She kisses my cheek.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Thank you for still allowing us to be a part of your life. I can imagine it’s easier to push us away.”
I shake my head. “I’d never do that. For you, for my girls, and for myself. We’re family regardless.”
She nods silently, smiling at me. “Tell her how you feel.”
�
��It’s a bit more complicated than that, but I will.”
She squeezes my shoulder and steps back despite the song still playing. “No better time than the present. Ask her to dance.” Right on cue, Corey comes over and pulls her into his arms. I watch for a moment as they dance.
Turning around, I see Magnolia’s eyes on me. My feet move toward her on their own, and she tenses when she realizes she’s my end goal.
“Let’s dance,” I extend my hand, hoping she’ll grab it. Her eyes move from my hand to my face and back down. Lucy nudges her with her elbow, and Magnolia finally reacts, placing her hand in mine.
I hold her in my arms when we reach the dance floor, moving us to the soft music. I inhale her sweet perfume, a type of flower that lures me in. The side of my head rests against hers, and I close my eyes briefly.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I whisper into her ear.
She nods silently.
“Are you okay?”
Magnolia leans her head back to look at me, our faces inches apart. “Yes and no.”
“Elaborate,” I demand.
“I’m okay because I have to believe things will work out, but I loved my job and the kids I was working with. I won’t even get a chance to say goodbye, which is a problem because I’m not supposed to get emotionally attached. I’ve been struggling with that lately, questioning if I’m right for this career because it’s obvious my heart gets in the way.”
My fingers on her lower back stroke her body in soft motions as I look at her. “You’re great at what you do. Charlie and Chloe are proof of that, and I’m sure other parents would say the same. There are other options, like find a place outside of Willow Creek to avoid this situation. Or, I can ask if the school needs a counselor if you’d be happy working in that type of environment.”
She looks at me with wide, overwhelmed eyes.
“Are they going to replace you? I don’t know how good it’ll do for those kids to give them a third therapist in such a short time. It’ll look bad. If they don’t, then you can open your own practice in town. I was already considering slowing down the girls’ therapy, depending on how tonight went. I think they’re ready for less session and more independence.”
“Tonight’s been a success for them,” Magnolia nods in agreement. “As long as you keep fostering their healing and emotions, I think they’ll be okay.”
“They’ll be sad if you go.”
“Don’t guilt me, Brett Carlisle.”
I smirk. “It’s the truth, though. I’d be sad, too.”
“Ugh, stop it.” She shakes her head. “I still have to find out about my apartment. I have a twelve-month lease, and it may cost me more to leave it than finish it off.
“Then, stay. At least for a bit. I’ll help you find a job.” I’m putting myself out there. It’s not easy, and if she turns me down, I’m not sure how I’ll react.
Magnolia nods. “I’ll see what I find here.”
I hug her tightly and lean down, staring into her eyes. I want to kiss her, but not here with so many people watching us. The song transitions into something more upbeat, and Charlie and Chloe crash into my legs, taking my hands.
“Let’s dance, Daddy,” Charlie squeals.
As Magnolia steps back, Chloe takes her hand and dances, stopping her from escaping. I wink at her and nod. She won my girls over a long time ago, and now she’s threatening to win my heart. I can’t let her go without a fight.
Chapter 24
Magnolia
As soon as my boss told me we needed to talk on Friday, I knew it wasn’t to sing my praises. The firm footing I had slipped away, and I felt like I was walking on quicksand, or a waterbed, or attempting to walk on water though I’m not Jesus. Basically, I was drowning and upset with myself.
I considered not going to the wedding, but I refused to disappoint Charlie and Chloe. It’s not their fault that I befriended their aunt, or that I started to feel something for their father, or that… I shake my head. Counting all the ways I screwed up this opportunity won’t help me think of a solution.
Brett… When I think about him I smile and cry. He doesn’t want me to go. There’s still so much to know about him, but I have learned he doesn’t open up quickly or easily. He wants me to stay. No, he asked me to stay. He wants to get to know me.
I meant it when I told him I believe things will work out, but I have moments where I feel unsure about how I’m going to make ends meet. I don’t exactly have a ton of money saved for a rainy day, or for getting fired. I’ve never gotten fired in my life, and it’s a blow to my pride. I’ve always thrived to be great at any job I’ve had, a model employee.
I’m not sure where this leaves me. Working at another grocery store? Or maybe at a bakery. I could search and see if there are any places hiring a therapist outside of Willow Creek. Then, guilt seeps in and I think I should move back with my parents, save on rent when I’ll be making less money and help them.
I jolt in surprise when someone knocks on my door. Looking down at my leggings and oversized t-shirt, I comb a hand through my hair and toss it in a bun before answering the door.
“Hey…” I look between June and Miles. “What are y’all doin’ here?”
“Hi.” June steps forward and hugs me. “We wanted to talk to you.”
“Um, okay… Come in.” I open the door wider and let them in, grateful I had washed the stack of pots and dishes that piled in my sink over the weekend. They take a seat on the couch, and I sit on a chair, positioning it across from them.
“What’s going on? Aren’t you leaving for you honeymoon like…”
“Tomorrow,” June smiles. “We heard what happened…with your job.” She frowns. “I’m so sorry if I made it worse.”
“Oh, my goodness, June. Absolutely not. This isn’t your fault at all.” I shake my head. “I’m glad I met you. You’ve been so sweet and helpful with adjusting to this town.”
She nods, not fully convinced, but gives me a small smile.
“Anyway…” she says, looking at Miles. He smiles and nods. “We wanted to propose an idea.”
“Okay.” I furrow my brows, looking between them.
“Would you be interested in working the bookstore while we’re on our honeymoon?”
“What?” I scrunch up my nose and widen my eyes.
“It’s perfect. You’ll work for three weeks while you figure out your next step, and we won’t have to close and lose potential business for those three weeks we’ll be gone.”
“Oh, my God, you’re serious.”
“Of course,” June’s eyebrows pinch together. “Why wouldn’t we?”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I’m just surprised, is all. I mean, it’s a lot to trust me to run your bookstore.”
Miles speaks up now after remaining silent this entire time. “Magnolia, anyone who works with as much passion and conviction as you do to help others be happy is the kind of person I know I can trust.”
I lean back on the chair, staring at them. My mouth opens but nothing comes out. I hold back tears because I may have lost my job in part for becoming friends with them, but they’re not abandoning me. They’re proving to me they’re the good kind of people, and their friendship might be worth losing a job.
“Are you sure?” I lift my brows.
“Yeah. Madison was going to help, but she needs to travel throughout that time, so she won’t be able to keep it open continuously.”
“I hate to ask this, but can you afford to pay someone so soon after opening?” I know their store has only been open for a few months, and the first year of any business is challenging.
“Of course. My husband is rich,” June teases, places her left hand on Miles’s shoulder, showing off her rings. I chuckle.
“You only married me for my money,” Miles deadpans jokingly, shaking his head.
“Why else would I marry you?” she retorts.
“Because you love me.” He raises his eyebrows, and I can’t help bu
t smile at their back and forth.
“Oh, yeah, that…” June shrugs.
I laugh at their witty exchange. I hope one day to have that. My mind wanders to Brett, but I quickly swipe that away. Now’s not the time to go there.
“If you’re sure, I’d love to. If anything, it’ll give me something to focus on instead of stressing and obsessing.”
“And you’ll make some extra money. Why don’t you come to the store now, and I can show you how it all works?” June asks.
“Yeah. Let me shower and I’ll meet you there in fifteen?” I smile gratefully.
“Perfect.” June and Miles stand. I hug them both, so glad that I met them when I first moved here. I like them independently from being related to Brett and his girls.
After a quick shower, I head over, excited about the chance to work the bookstore while they’re away. Nerves flutter around, but it won’t be the first time I run a register. I have no idea how much they’ll pay me, but I’ll take anything I can get. With this and my last paycheck from the center, I’ll be able to hold off a month and buy me time to find another job.
I finishing ringing up a customer with a smile and thanking her for stopping by. I’ve only been working at the bookstore for three days, but I really love it. It’s such a fun job, staring at books all day, helping people find their next favorite read, or help nurture the love of reading to kids that come with their parents. It’s also helped to get to know more people in town. I hadn’t realized how busy June and Miles were, and it makes me happy that this is so successful for them.
Madison has stopped by to make sure I’m okay and don’t need a break, and Lucy’s delivered coffee in the mid-afternoon. Mostly, it’s helped me avoid my current jobless state.
I move around the store, putting back a few stray books that were left strewn throughout the store. I hum to the quiet song playing through the store, feeling at home here. If I ever decided to give up my dream of working as a therapist, I’d beg June for a job. Smiling to myself, I look at one of the books in my hand, reading the description in the back, before placing it in the non-fiction section.
The chime over the door rings, and I look over to greet the person. I freeze with my mouth halfway open, no words coming out.
Small Town King: A Single Dad Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 3) Page 17