Accidentally Family

by Sasha Summers

  “Felicity?”

  She turned, spying Graham a few feet away. Seeing him provided instant relief. “Graham.” It was a squeak.

  Rob was on his feet, extending his hand. “Graham, good to see you.”

  “You, too, Robert. Felicity. Let me introduce you to Dr. Veronica Luna. She’s just joined the practice.” He stepped aside so Dr. Luna could shake hands.

  Veronica Luna was breathtaking. Tall and curvy, a dimple peeking out of her cheek, and a solid fall of thick black hair. “Very nice to meet you both.”

  “Congratulations. Are you new to the area?” Felicity asked, seeing Graham and Dr. Luna as the perfect buffer between her and Rob. “Why don’t you join us?”

  If Rob was bothered by her suggestion, he didn’t let it show. “Yes, please.”

  “Are you sure?” Veronica asked.

  “Yes. Absolutely certain.” Please. For a split second, she thought she’d actually said the please out loud. The other three were looking at her wearing a variety of expressions. Robert Klein looked confused. Veronica looked startled. And Graham?

  He was trying not to laugh.

  They pulled up chairs, and conversation turned to Veronica. Where she’d moved from. Her single, no-kid status. The best neighborhoods for house hunting. And what single, kid-less adults did in Pecan Valley. She and Graham were no help, but Rob was full of suggestions.

  Graham’s whispered, “Didn’t mean to interrupt your first date,” made her choke on her ice water. He was enjoying this far too much.

  “You okay?” Rob asked.

  She nodded, pressing her napkin to her mouth and stepping firmly on Graham’s toes. He was having a hell of a time covering his laugh. “Fine. Water.”

  “What’s the house specialty?” Veronica asked, scanning the menu.

  “How hungry are you?” Rob asked, leaning closer to Dr. Luna.

  “Starving.” She smothered her yawn. “Dr. Murphy didn’t take a lunch—”

  “Which is common for me, and the nurses give me grief about it,” Graham argued, shaking his head. “So, save yourself the nagging and headaches and take a lunch.”

  There were dark shadows under his brown eyes.

  You should be taking better care of yourself.

  “I’ll remember that. If the nurses aren’t happy, the office isn’t happy.” Veronica Luna smiled. “I’m guessing the Cobb salad is a no?”

  Felicity stared down at her barely touched salad. “No, it’s really good. I’m just not that hungry.” She’d been planning on meeting Robert Klein at his office, but he’d called shortly before their meeting to change the location. Food hadn’t been part of the equation—she had a roast slow cooking for a family dinner. And the word “date” had never, ever been mentioned. If it had, she wouldn’t have come.

  Hopefully, Rob was joking. But a quick glance at the white-teethed lawyer had her shifting in her seat. His smile was back—all male appreciation. And, in case that wasn’t enough, he added a wink.

  …

  There was nothing more awkward than two adults trying to one-up each other. But Veronica and Rob Klein were going toe to toe. And it was exhausting. While he made his way through his burger and fries, the two of them plowed through their academic career, academic accomplishments, and who was youngest upon graduation. Over dessert, they moved on to their favorite travel destinations and why.

  Graham noticed how quickly Felicity drained her glass of wine. She seemed to relax—a little. Not enough to look like she was truly enjoying herself, but he could tell she was trying.

  When Rob excused himself to take a phone call, Veronica blew out a deep breath and said, “He’s super competitive. That has to be exhausting. How long have you been going out?”

  Graham watched as Felicity went from pseudorelaxed to ramrod stiff.

  “We’re not.” Felicity’s tone was firm. “This…is a meeting. Only a meeting.”

  “Oh?” Veronica grinned. “Does he know that?”

  “Absolutely.” But she was chewing on her lower lip.

  “Good to know.” Veronica’s gaze bounced between Felicity and Robert, who was animatedly talking on his phone across the restaurant. “Excuse me.” She pushed back her chair and headed toward the restrooms.

  When Felicity’s green eyes met Graham’s, he couldn’t stop the laughter.

  “Hush,” she hissed, shoving his shoulder. “It’s not funny.”

  “It sort of is,” he argued.

  “Nope, not in the least.” Her hands toyed with the paper straw wrapper on the table. “We were meeting to talk about Jack, the whole guardianship thing. Period.”

  “Well, that’s good. He’s located someone for Jack?” It would make life ten times easier for Felicity and her kids.

  But she was shaking her head. “No. That’s the problem. There’s now a question about whether or not Amber has any family. Finding someone to take Jack might be more difficult than expected.” She went back to chewing her lower lip.

  “Seems like the sort of thing he could have shared over the phone?”

  She nodded. “I know.”

  But he knew exactly why Rob hadn’t left her a voicemail. He wanted time with Felicity. Not exactly an ethical or professional way to go about it but definitely effective. But the tension bracketing her mouth made him think laughter might be in order. “I thought I heard him say something about a date?”

  “This is not a date.” The drop dead look she shot him faded when she realized he was teasing. “Seriously, Graham, it’s been a while, but I think you have to ask someone out for it to be considered a date.” She waited, a crease forming between her brows. “It still works that way, doesn’t it? Or have I been in mom survival-mode so long the rules have changed?”

  “You’re asking me? I’m pretty sure that’s still the way it works.” He shrugged. “I’ve played enough golf with Rob Klein to know how he works. He wants something, he goes for it. Like a human bulldozer.” He shook his head. “In a charming, nonthreatening way, of course.” From the proprietary smiles Rob had been sending her way through the entire meal, there was no misunderstanding the man’s interest. And why not? She was…Felicity. She deserved a man who’d see her for the incredible woman she was.

  But Rob Klein? Graham didn’t like it. At all.

  She blinked, those emerald green eyes going wider. “I’m sorry. Was that supposed to be helpful?”

  He wasn’t sure. Was he trying to warn her away? Why? Rob wasn’t a bad guy.

  But Rob returned before Graham could say anything else. “As much as I’d like to stay and have coffee, there’s been a hiccup in a deposition I’m working on. I’ll see you in a few days, both of you, to finalize as much of the paperwork as possible.”

  “Sounds good.” Graham nodded.

  Veronica joined them. “You leaving?” she asked Rob. “I should go, too. It’s been a long day. You can walk me out.”

  “I can do that,” Rob agreed—while looking at Felicity.

  Graham was always fascinated by human nature. Sometimes it was amusing; sometimes not so much. At the moment, it was a toss-up. Now that Veronica knew Rob was available, she was turning on the charm. But Rob only had eyes for Felicity. And Felicity… She looked ready to crawl under the table.

  “See you tomorrow, Graham.” Veronica waved, collecting her purse. “It was nice to meet you, Felicity.”

  “You, too. I’m sure I’ll see you around. Pecan Valley isn’t that big a town.” Felicity smiled.

  “Sorry to run out on you, Felicity.” Rob edged around the table to stand by her chair.

  Either the man was clueless about Felicity’s level of interest or he was determined to win her over, Graham wasn’t sure. But if she leaned any farther away from Rob Klein, she would end up on the restaurant floor.

  “No problem.” She held her hand out. “I
appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.” She swallowed. “To discuss my…Matt’s…the case. I appreciate the work you’re doing.”

  “I appreciate you having dinner with me. Let’s do it again soon.” Rob cradled her hand in his. “I’ll call you.”

  Once Rob and Veronica were out of earshot, Graham said, “That was awkward.”

  Felicity nodded. “Yes. It was.”

  “No second date?” he asked, smiling.

  Her brows rose. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”

  “Maybe.” He chuckled. “A little.”

  “You’re not. Not in the least.” She sighed, propping herself on her elbow and smiling at him. “Do I smell an office romance in the works?”

  He frowned.

  “Graham, she’s gorgeous.” Her gaze searched his. “Veronica. Don’t tell me you hadn’t noticed.”

  “She was by far the most qualified.” His frown grew.

  “Yes, I heard all about her credentials over dinner tonight.” Her nose wrinkled. “Qualified and gorgeous.”

  He shrugged. Whether or not his new hire was attractive hadn’t factored into his decision to hire her. “Her résumé was all that mattered. And her references. Besides, my only competition in town is an all-female clinic. Hiring a woman was a smart move.”

  “Graham.” Felicity sighed. “What is wrong with us?”

  “What do you mean? There’s nothing wrong with us.” He paused. “With me, anyway.”

  “Ha ha.” She glanced at the door. “Rob’s a nice guy. Let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of men to choose from for a woman my age. So what’s wrong with him? Rather, what’s wrong with me?”

  You have standards? Shit. She was right. Rob might be a little pushy and not in the least bit intuitive, but he was decent. “If it makes you feel any better, the same thing happened to me.”

  She burst out laughing. “Rob Klein tricked you into going on a date with him?”

  “Now who’s the comedian?” He grinned. “Two words: Widow Rainey.”

  “Ooh.” She leaned forward, waiting. “I can’t wait to hear this.”

  He snorted. “She gave my cell number to Romi Takahashi—told her I was too nervous to call and ask her out for coffee.” He leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs out under the table.

  “Are you?” Felicity studied him.

  “No.” He met her gaze. “I’ve never thought about getting coffee with her.” To be completely honest, he hadn’t thought about going out with any woman. And, until now, he hadn’t stopped to ask himself why.

  “Is there something wrong with this Romi Takahashi?”

  “Aside from the fact that she expelled Diana from St. Thomas?” Not that she had a choice. When a student was caught with marijuana at school, action was required. But, besides her name, he didn’t remember a thing about her. Maybe he’d been too preoccupied with Diana. Or maybe he wasn’t interested in the woman.

  Hell, in dating. How could he be when every one of Adelaide Keanon’s warnings were burned into his brain. His daughter was a danger to herself. She needed help.

  “Maybe… Maybe we should go.” She wrinkled her nose again, looking young and uncertain. “You take Romi for coffee, and I’ll, maybe, try this date thing with Rob. If he calls.”

  Oh, he’ll call. And it bothered him. That she was considering officially dating Rob bothered him. He swallowed. “Why?”

  “Because I don’t want to be alone for the rest of my life. And I don’t think you do, either. I’m not saying you’ll wind up with Romi or I’ll elope with Rob—it doesn’t even have to be Romi. What about Dr. Luna? Or ask Widow Rainey, she’d love to help. I’m just saying we have to start somewhere. We have to put ourselves out there, right?”

  From first dates to eloping? Where the hell had that come from? That was some leap. One he wasn’t ready to contemplate.

  “Right?” she pushed.

  “Right.” What the hell was the question?

  Chapter Eight

  Charity sat on the front porch, sipping her peppermint tea. Felicity was all about the peppermint tea being great for nausea and indigestion. Charity was more than happy to give it a try, since she had serious “indigestion”—an assumption Felicity had come up with that Charity saw no reason to correct. For the time being, anyway. From her seat on the porch swing, she could see the large inflatable being set up at the end of the street. Tonight was the annual Welcome Summer Nights for their neighborhood—Old Town. Cake walks, dunking booths, face painting, karaoke, and a whole slew of other booths and activities the whole family could enjoy.

  In true Otto family fashion, her mother had signed them each up for volunteer hours.

  Honor helped with face painting.

  Nick worked the karaoke machine.

  Felicity had been baking most of the day but, knowing Felicity, she’d flit from booth to booth helping out.

  Grams was the lucky one. She’d complained of a stiff knee and gotten off easy—sitting at Jack’s bedside.

  Charity was supposed to man the fishing booth. It was a thrilling activity. Each fishing rod had a magnet attached. If you got lucky, you’d catch a duck with a number on its belly and win a prize. News flash, all the ducks had numbers—so the odds were definitely in the fisherman’s or fisherwoman’s favor.

  The festivities had kicked off when the fire truck showed up to drive around the neighborhood, sirens blaring. The kids loved it. The dogs of the neighborhood? Not so much.

  “You ready?” Felicity asked, her trusty wagon piled high with baked goods for the cake walk.

  “Am I ever.” She finished off her tea and stood. “I can’t believe they’re still doing this.”

  “Small towns love their traditions.” Felicity smiled. “How’s your stomach?”

  Charity nodded. “Fine. Much better. I think it’s allergies or something. All the pollen or ragweed, you know?”

  Felicity was staring at her in open disbelief.

  “Well, something,” she went on. There were really only two ways to successfully lie. Option A, keep it as close to the truth as possible. Which, in her situation, was pretty impossible. Or Option B, keep it minimal. The more details, the easier to slip up. Ragweed? Allergies? Really? “Fine, I snuck in and ate a bunch of cookies.”

  Felicity grinned. “You always were a cookie monster.”

  Charity helped her lift the wagon down the steps to the sidewalk. They walked, arm in arm, down the street to the designated cake-walk area. Numbered sheets of bright cardstock paper had been laminated and duct taped to the street in a circle. The table was covered with plastic bunting, the same bright colors as the numbers on the ground. An iPod docking station sat on the table, to start and stop the music each turn.

  Easy, timeless, and familiar… It had been years since she’d been to Summer Nights, years since she’d been home, but these were the times when her memories came rushing back, vivid and strong.

  “This was Zach’s favorite.” Charity smiled, helping her sister arrange the yummy-looking treats on the table. “Mom would get so mad at him for winning everything.”

  “Because she made most of it.” Her sister laughed. “To her, she was taking treats from other kids. To him, he won it fair and square.”

  They both adored their brother, from his quick laughter and warm smile, to his love of mischief and hypercompetitive nature. No matter how much they might drive each other crazy—and they did—they would always, always have each other’s backs.

  Charity stared up into the wide summer sky. The sun was halfway down, casting enough shadows for the crickets to start their evening serenade. In so many ways, everything was the same. In others, it was completely different.

  “I miss him,” Felicity said, sliding an arm around her waist. “Sometimes, I wake up needing to know where he is, right then and there. It eats away
at me until I can’t think straight.”

  Charity nodded. It was easier for her. It wasn’t that she tried to forget her brother, but travel, away from the places full of memories of him, made it easier to hold that sort of panic at bay. Most of the time. “I know. But we know Zach. He’s tough. He’ll be fine.” He had to be. Their family had been through enough, dammit.

  “What are we staring at?” Diana asked, breathless. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Charity smiled. “The pretty sky.”

  “Oh.” Diana glanced up, but she didn’t look impressed.

  “You and your dad here?” Felicity turned, glancing in the direction Diana had come from.

  “Yeah. We are totally crashing your neighborhood party,” Diana whispered. “We’re not supposed to be here, since, you know, we don’t actually live in this neighborhood.”

  “Who knew Graham was such a rebel?” she teased, nudging Filly.

  “My dad?” Diana shook her head and laughed. “Please. What can I do to help?”

  The next fifteen minutes were a blur. Honor and another girl were across the way, their face-painting booth strung with lights, a couple of mirrors, and pictures of past years’ face-painting handiwork. They were excited; she could see it from here. Hadn’t she been when she was their age?

  Once Nick had the karaoke machine set up and the speakers tuned, he and Diana offered to fill the pool she’d use for the rubber-ducky fishing. Which would have been fine if the two of them hadn’t gotten a little too carried away and ended up spraying each other—and her. Soaking wet. Considering the Texas heat, she didn’t mind too much. Until she got blasted in the face.

  “Nickie,” she groaned.

  “Sorry, Aunt Charity,” Nick said. “Gotta go.”

  The blare of the fire truck sounded about the time she was wiping the water from her eyes.

  “Here.” Braden Martinez, in his full sheriff uniform, was offering her a bandanna. As usual, his expression revealed nothing.

  She plucked her sopping wet shirt away from her stomach and wrung the fabric out. She glanced down at her T-shirt, relieved it was gray and not white. That, by Pecan Valley standards, would have been downright scandalous. “I don’t suppose you have a towel tucked into one of your pockets?” she asked, taking the bandanna.