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

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Hi…Magnolia,” Mrs. Holloway, my old boss, says with a surprised tone.

  “Hi,” I squeak and take a deep breath. “How can I help you?”

  She looks around the book store, before her eyes land on me again. “I’m looking for a book, but I’m not sure it’s carried in the store.” She walks further in, heading toward me.

  “Tell me which one, and I can help,” I smile tentatively. Our encounter is so awkward that I’m tempted to make up an inappropriate joke. I bite my tongue instead and listen to what she tells me.

  “Thank you,” she nods. She gives me the title, a book I recognize since it’s on my shelf at home. I bought it when I was in college, wanting to read as much material about childhood psychology.

  “I haven’t seen it, but let me double check the inventory on the computer. If not, it can be ordered for you.” I walk around the counter, moving the mouse to wake up the computer. Typing the book title, I look up at Mrs. Holloway as she scans the store while I wait for the information to pop up.

  My eyes look at the screen, and I press my lips together. “It’s not in stock, but I can order it, and it’ll arrive by Saturday.”

  She looks up at me. “That’d be great. Thank you. I can pick it up on Monday if that’s okay.”

  I nod. “Of course.” It’s a reminder that she doesn’t live in Willow Creek, something she emphasized when she fired me.

  “I’ll take this one now.” She places a book on the counter.

  While I ring her up and get her information for the book order, she says, “I’m glad you were able to find a job so quickly.”

  I tilt my head and smile sadly. “It’s only temporary while my friends are on their honeymoon. I’m lucky to have met great friends here.” I say so she knows that interacting with people in this town wasn’t a waste if it meant losing my job. It’s a small jab although I’m not angry with her decision. I understand it. However, it’s also understandable that living in a small town makes it difficult to separate your life into compartments.

  She nods quietly. “That’s good.”

  I don’t know Mrs. Holloway well. In the months I worked for her, I only spoke to her briefly or for my monthly meetings to update her on my clients. She was always nice and cordial, so I can’t even be angry at having a bitchy boss because that’s not the case. She also didn’t report me, which could’ve resulted in me losing my license for fraternizing with a client’s family.

  Before I can say anything else, the chime rings again and I freeze. Mrs. Holloway looks at the door and back at me with wide eyes I’m sure match mine. Brett stands there, holding a coffee cup. I almost want to laugh at the situation because if Mrs. Holloway had doubts before, they were just confirmed. Not that Brett and I have spoken much since the wedding. I actually haven’t seen him since, trying to get some sort of grasp on my life.

  Mrs. Holloway looks at me, collecting herself. “I hope he’s worth it.” There’s no remorse or judgment in her voice. She smiles, thanks me, and walks out of the store, leaving Brett and I standing there. We stare at each other for a beat too long before he walks to me.

  “I brought coffee.” He holds the cup with a smirk. “That was your old boss, right?” He scratches his stubbled chin, looking at the door and back at me. Of course he knows Mrs. Holloway, it’s who he had to speak to in order to set up therapy for Charlie and Chloe.

  “Yeah,” I nod. “She was looking for a book. I think she was surprised to see me here.”

  Brett nods, handing me the cup.

  “Thank you,” I press my lips together in a smile, eyes roaming around the place.

  “How are you?” he asks, rocking back on his heels.

  “Good and you?” God, why are we so awkward?

  “Good, good,” he nods. “I wanted to come and see how things were going, see if you needed any help.”

  “I’ve got it all under control,” I glance around the empty space.

  He blows out a breath, running a hand through his wavy hair. “Okay, fine, I wanted to see if you want company.”

  My eyebrows lift and I purse my lips to stop my smile from covering my face. Brett watches me silently, waiting for a reply.

  “Don’t you have to work?”

  He shrugs. “I took the afternoon off.”

  “Gasp, Mr. Workaholic took the afternoon off?” I tease.

  Brett gives me a pointed look. “I’ve learned to enjoy life a little more.”

  I nod slowly with a smile. “That’s important.” I cock my hip, leaning it against the counter separating us. I take a sip of coffee, closing my eyes at the welcomed bittersweet coffee that warms me from the inside.

  “Thank you for the coffee. You didn’t have to.”

  “I wanted to. I guess I was looking for an excuse to pop in and see you.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking unsure. I wish we had talked, discussed more about what this is between us after the wedding.

  Brett walks around the counter, and my heart slams against my ribs, attempting to make its escape. I take a deep breath, willing it to slow down. He stops in front of me but doesn’t reach out to me.

  “I’ve given you some days to yourself, but I meant what I said at the wedding.” He reaches for my free hand, lacing our fingers together. “I hate that you got fired. You have no idea how guilty I feel, but if it means I can see you freely now, then I’ll grab onto that.”

  My chest rises and falls. I search his eyes seeing only sincerity and the guilt he mentioned.

  “Do you think after everything we can still…” I search for the right words. “Still have something without it being tainted?”

  “Yes,” he says confidently, squeezing my fingers.

  “And the girls?” I ask. “It might be confusing to them.”

  “Don’t worry about them. They’ll be ready when we tell them. I want to do this the right way, take you out and get to know you as Magnolia, not their therapist. Then, we’ll tell them. Step by step.”

  I can’t imagine how hard this must be for him, and I have to ask if he’s ready. “Brett, are you sure you want this? That you’re ready?” We’ve never talked about his wife, but he must assume I know what happened considering my position with his daughters.

  He nods. “I’ll admit that I’ll need patience. This is new to me, and I wasn’t always open to having another woman in my life. But you, you bring out something in me. A dormant feeling I thought I lost a long time ago. I want to explore that.” He steps closer. His other hand moves to cradle my cheek, and I lean into his palm, closing my eyes and feeling.

  “What do you say? Do you want to explore this with me?”

  I blink my eyes open, staring up at him. A slow smile covers my mouth, and I nod. He grabs my coffee cup, placing it on the counter, and wrapping his arm around my waist. I hold on to the counter to steady myself.

  “Good,” he whispers so close to my lips I feel his breath tickling my skin. “Will you go out with me?”

  “Yes,” I breathe out.

  Brett roams his hand up from my lower back up to my neck. He holds me, his lips descending, and I hold my breath. When his lips touch mine, I relax and get lost in the feel of his soft kiss.

  It’s tentative and sweet. He lifts his head and smiles. I can see a hint of sadness in his eyes and realize I may be the first woman he’s kissed since his wife. That thought paralyzes me.

  “We don’t have to rush anything. We can go slow.”

  Brett nods. “We will…” His words trail off as he moves his fingers back and forth over the top of the hand he’s holding. “But I think I’m ready.” He sighs. “Not think, I am. It’s just…”

  “Brett,” I stop him. “I understand.”

  He pulls my head toward him, kissing my forehead. “I appreciate that,” he murmurs against my skin.

  I move my arms around him in a hug. “I don’t want you to push more than you’re ready for.”

  “I’m ready for this. I’ll always love my wife, but it’s time I live again
. You’re who I want to start living again with.”

  My lower lip trembles, and I take a stabilizing breath. I know he’ll always love her, and I don’t feel like I’m fighting against a ghost. She’s the mother of his girls. She was special to him, and seeing his daughters and meeting her parents, I bet she was a great person.

  Somehow between sessions and helping Charlie and Chloe, Brett and I created something that was beyond the professional help I offered. Maybe things were meant to be this way. Maybe losing my job is an opening for me to have more in my own life. My mama might be right, things will work out how they should.

  “I want that, too,” I tell him, looking up into his green orbs. This is just the beginning for us, and I’m excited about seeing Brett in a different light and getting to know every piece of him.

  Chapter 25

  Brett

  “Where are you goin’, Daddy?” Chloe looks up at me with those big, green eyes. I sigh, running a hand down my face, and smile.

  “I told you I was going out with a friend. I’ll pick you both up when I’m done, okay?” I haven’t told them that my friend is Magnolia. I want time to figure this out. Magnolia feels like the right person to take this step with, but that won’t stop me from having my moments of doubt about what will happen. When you lose someone you love, the pain of loss if ever-present no matter the years that have passed.

  “You promise?” Chloe whispers.

  I smirk, hugging her to me. “I promise,” I say with conviction. “I’ll grab you both before heading home, and we’ll have pancakes for breakfast. How does that sound?”

  “Good,” she smiles.

  “Chloe! Grandma said we can make brownies,” Charlie barges into the living room with my mom trailing her.

  “Would you like that?” I push her hair away and smile.

  “Yeah.” She nods excitedly, her eyes lighting up.

  When I stand from the couch, I look at my mom.

  “Go on,” she says. “They’ll be okay.” She pats my arm with a small smile, looking at my daughters.

  After the wedding where my family saw me dancing with Magnolia, it didn’t surprise my mom when I asked her to babysit and the reason behind it.

  “Thank you.” I kiss her cheek and then drop a kiss on top of Charlie and Chloe’s heads before leaving.

  As I drive to Magnolia’s place to pick her up, my heart pounds and different thoughts pass through my mind. In a way, I feel like I’m living two different lives—the single father widower, and the man interested in a woman. It’s odd yet exciting. For so long, I’ve kept to myself. If it weren’t for Magnolia, I’m sure I wouldn’t be taking this step. It’s about her and the way she makes me feel.

  I park the car and step out, finding her apartment and knocking on the door. Her smile blinds me when she opens. My eyes travel down her body, taking her in. She’s wearing a short blue dress with tiny white flowers and thin straps. It’s fitted on top and then the skirt opens a bit, landing above her knee, and a white jean jacket hangs from her arm.

  “Hey,” I say. “You look beautiful.” I lean in and kiss her cheek.

  “Thank you.” She smiles up at me. “Hi.” Her blue eyes brighten.

  Magnolia locks up behind her, and I lead her to my car with my hand on the small of her back. “How was the store today?” I ask.

  “It was good. Busier today since it’s Friday, which was nice. June and Miles are doing a great job with it.”

  “I’m happy to hear that.” I nod, opening the car door for her before walking to the other side.

  Magnolia and I catch up on our day as I drive to the outskirts of town and toward the river that passes through. I was unsure how it’d feel to go out on a date again, but Magnolia puts me at ease. She laughs and talks, telling me about her hometown. When I pull into the large parking lot, she leans forward and peers out the window.

  “Wow,” she breathes out. “What is this place? I mean, I know you said we were going to dinner, but I assumed you meant in town.”

  “This is the oldest restaurant in this area. We’re just outside of Willow Creek,” I say, sliding into a parking spot.

  “That’s incredible.” She stares at the old, worn wood and brick combination.

  “It doesn’t look like much, but their food is amazing and they’ve got a view of the river. We’ll be able to admire it before the sun sets.”

  “I can’t wait.” She smiles over at me.

  Magnolia and I walk toward the restaurant, and she gazes all around, taking in our surroundings. Tall oak and pine trees surround us and the flow of the river is heard from here. The same rustic feel follows the interior with worn wood, washed out bricks, and big windows allowing natural light to enter the space.

  “This is amazing.” I watch Magnolia take in every detail with a smile.

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  She nods as she looks at me.

  “They have a beer garden, too,” I add.

  “That’s nice.”

  I itch to hold her hand, but I hold back, unsure as to why. It must be the unfamiliarity of this all. Once we’re seated, Magnolia asks what I recommend.

  “I love the sirloin. Their chicken fried steak is good, too. It’s topped with homemade gravy.”

  Magnolia tosses her head slightly back. “My mom makes the best gravy.”

  “Really?” I lift my brows.

  She giggles and nods. “It’s so good. I haven’t been able to master it, and I’m convinced she adds a secret ingredient she’s kept to herself.”

  I chuckle, placing the menu flat on the table and leaning forward a bit on my arms. “Even from her own daughter?”

  “Yeah,” she sighs. “One day I’m gonna con her out of it.”

  I laugh because I can’t picture Magnolia conning anyone. After the waitress serves our drinks and we place our food order, Magnolia looks out the balcony to the river.

  “This is so peaceful,” she says quietly. “And this margarita is really good,” she adds after taking a drink.

  “I told you their cocktails were amazing.” I take a drink of my favorite Cardwell Bourbon, Haven’s Hill.

  After a few minutes of silence, each of us observing the area, Magnolia speaks up.

  “How are Charlie and Chloe?” She smiles sadly, and I’m sure it’s hard for her to digest the fact that she’s no longer working at the center.

  “They’re good. They missed seeing you this week, but they’re doing so much better since the wedding.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that.”

  “I don’t think I can ever thank you enough.” I reach for her hand on the table, squeezing it gently.

  “It’s my job. Well, it was,” she scrunches up her nose.

  “I hate that you got fired because of us.” Magnolia shakes her head. “I do,” I press.

  “It wasn’t your fault, Brett. I can’t let you think that or this won’t work out.”

  I turn our joined hands over so our palms are facing up, and I stroke my thumb across her tender skin. Magnolia trembles.

  “I want this to work out.” She nods in response, her eyes volleying between mine. “How’s the job hunting going?”

  “It’s…going,” she nods. “There isn’t much in my field around this area or back home. I’m torn, to be honest.”

  My shoulders tense, and I stop moving my thumb across her palm. “What are you thinking?” I attempt to sound calm, but the idea of her leaving after we’ve come this far sits like a ton of bricks in the pit of my stomach.

  “I’m not sure. You mentioned the school. I may reach out and ask if they’re hiring a counselor.”

  “Have you ever considered working for yourself? Having your own place?” I tilt my head as I study her. Her eyes widen briefly and she chews her bottom lip.

  “I mean it’d be great to be my own boss and run my own place, but a lot more goes into that than just therapy, and I don’t know if I’m up for that.”

  “You could start small. Rent
a small office and start with a few clients. You mentioned they weren’t going to replace you at the center. From what Mrs. Holloway told me when she called to inform me of the change, they were going to have to cease those services for now. Grab the opportunity that there’s no competition.”

  “I don’t know, Brett.” She shakes her head and sighs. “It’s a lot to take in and a big investment. I’d have to double check my terms from my contract at the center. I’m not sure I can do that and take clients that belonged to the center.”

  “But… If they’re not offering the service anymore, you’re not competing with them.” I raise my eyebrows.

  “That’s true,” she nods. “I’ll have to think about it.”

  “Fair enough,” I pause. “One more thing, and I’m done,” I lift my hands. When she nods, I say, “If you don’t want the worry about having to invest up front, you could also offer in-home services. Like when kids get tutored at home. You could give them sessions at home, or in the park where Charlie and Chloe would go.”

  She smiles softly, squeezing my hand. “Thank you,” she whispers. “Now, let’s talk about something else that is not work related.”

  Right on cue, our food arrives and Magnolia and I spend the rest of dinner talking about our hobbies, favorite movies, and dreams we have.

  After dinner, we head down to the riverbank, and we walk quietly under the starlit sky. The rush of water is soothing as I hold her hand. The only other sound is the distant chatter of guests at the restaurant.

  “I feel like I need to get something off my chest,” Magnolia breaks the silence and stops walking. I turn toward her and nod.

  “What’s going on?” The soft glow of the nearby lights cast shadows over her features, and I can see her bottom lip tucked between her teeth.

  Magnolia steps closer, tilting her head back to look at me. Her chest rises with a deep breath before she continues speaking. “I don’t want you to think that I expect to replace anyone. I know you had a life before meeting me, and it must’ve been difficult to lose your wife. I’m not looking to take her place with you or the girls.”