I sigh and throw the blankets off. I was hoping to fall back to sleep for a bit before Zoey wakes again, but my mind is spinning.
I look over at the monitor that sits on the side table next to our bed, and she’s still snoozing away, making adorable little noises with her mouth. God, I love that little girl and her stubborn ass daddy. I know I shouldn’t be too upset with him, but he can’t act like this.
I go to the bathroom to relieve myself and brush my teeth and then slip my robe on. As I’m heading to the kitchen, I hear Evan snoring from the couch. I start some coffee, knowing he’ll need caffeine once he rejoins the land of the living. He’s been out cold since soon after he got home last night.
Once the pot is finally done brewing, I grab my favorite mug and pour a cup and add a little bit of cream. I lean up against the counter and roll my neck side to side. There are so many emotions running through me at the moment, but I think that sadness overrules the rest. I’m sad because Evan and I never let shit like this get to us. We never let it come between us, and I feel like that’s what happened last night. Don’t get me wrong. We’ve had our fair share of arguments over the years, but I think this was only the second time we slept apart by choice. The night before our wedding, my mother said to me, “Never go to bed angry at each other.” And that has always been something I’ve thought about, especially since Sierra lost Miles.
“Hey.” I look up at the sound of Evan’s gravelly voice, and he looks worse than I feel.
“Hey. I’ll get you coffee and a couple of ibuprofen.” I turn to get him what he needs, but I’m halted when I feel him wrap his arms around my waist.
“Av, I’m fine.” He presses his face into my hair, and I hear him inhale. He’s always loved the smell of my shampoo. Crazy man.
I sigh and then turn toward him.
“Look, I’m sorry for fucking up last night.” I hate seeing him look so defeated. Since being married to him, I’ve started to better understand the term soul mates. When he hurts, it feels like someone is reaching inside of me and crushing my soul with their bare hands.
I don’t answer him with words, but instead wrap my arms around his waist, and I immediately feel him relax.
“I shouldn’t have been so dumb and come home like that. It was stupid, especially with Zo here.”
I look up at him.
“She’s fine.” I give him a small smile as I rub at the day-old scruff on his face. “But next time, just talk to me, babe. I know you’re disappointed about not getting the job, but it’s okay. Something will come through for you.” He starts to interrupt, but I put my finger to his mouth. “I don’t want to hear any more. Okay? I know you’re worried, but for now, you have a job.”
He nods. “How the hell did I get so lucky?”
I stand on my toes and kiss his cheek. “I’m the lucky one. Now, do you want some coffee?”
“Sure, but why don’t you go take a shower and get our girl dressed. I want to take my wife out for breakfast.”
I frown because we’ve never taken Zoey out, besides to my parents’ house and the pediatrician.
“Zo will be fine.” Damn, how can this man always read my mind? Soul mates.
I sag into him and nod. “Okay, I’ll go shower. Will you listen for her?”
“Of course.” He kisses the top of my head before I head to the bathroom.
* * *
Finally, an hour and a half later, we are sitting at Rise ‘N Shine, our favorite breakfast diner. Evan had to remind me that we were only going to be out for an hour, not a week, when I started packing Zoey’s diaper bag.
“What can I get you two?” an older lady with gray hair up in a messy bun asks.
“I’ll take a decaf and water,” I say, and Evan orders the same, minus the decaf. I’ve already exceeded my caffeine limit for the day.
Once our waitress walks away, Evan reaches across the table and grabs my hands.
“I really am sorry.”
I smile at him. “I know you are. I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we go home when we’re done eating and I’ll help you look online for job openings?”
“I’ll handle it.” He sags back in his seat.
“Why do you have to handle it on your own? You don’t have to do everything yourself.”
“I’m supposed to take care of you, Avery. Not the other way around,” he mumbles.
I stand from my side of the booth and slide into his and wrap my arms around him. I’m sure we look ridiculous, but frankly, I don’t care. I want him to know how serious I am. He’s told me several times how his father always thought he had to do everything himself. And he taught him that he shouldn’t rely on other people. Well, damn it, I don’t give a shit what he thought. I want to help my husband, so I am.
“You do take care of me. Of us, but it’s okay to need help sometimes. I know this is really hurting your ego right now, but please just let me in. Don’t shut me out, okay?”
He pulls me into his side. “God, I fucking love you,” he whispers into my ear.
“And I fucking love you.”
I go back to my side of the table so I can be next to Zoey if she needs me, and then we enjoy our breakfast of scrambled eggs and Belgian waffles. This place has the best waffles in Phoenix.
Zoey continues to sleep, so we spend the next hour laughing and chatting about nothing and everything. I love how we can still discover new things about each other.
“I think I’ll go into work this afternoon for a few hours,” he says before taking a sip from his mug.
I nod. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. I called Flynn last night to let him know you probably wouldn’t be in this morning.”
He smiles and then lightly kicks me under the table. “Thanks for that.”
“We’re a team. You take care of me, but I want to do the same for you.” I shake my head. “God, I sound like a cheesy Hallmark card.”
He chuckles. “Well, you’re my cheesy Hallmark card.”
I already feel better after spending the morning out with him.
17
Evan
“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy holiday schedules to join us tonight. It has been crazy around here for the last month or so, and I know you all could use a break and maybe a nice drink.” Flynn jokes as he holds his wine glass in the air.
I didn’t want to leave Avery and Zoey tonight to come to this boring as hell Christmas party for work, but I felt like it probably wouldn’t look good if one of their top lawyers didn’t show up. There’s around forty people here between everyone from both offices and their significant others. Only a few of us are here alone, which makes me not want to be here even more. Avery has always come with me in past years. Having her on my arm at least made it tolerable.
The banquet hall Howser & Bowman rented out for the occasion is decked out with Christmas decorations. Each large table that seats ten people is covered with gold tablecloths and in the center sits a clear vase with a red candle in it. Garland wraps around the banister leading up to the next level and white lights are strung from the ceiling, which give the room an inviting feel with the overhead lights turned down. In the center of the room sits a large, white tree covered with more white lights and red and green ornaments.
“Evan.” Flynn greets me.
“Hey, Flynn. This is a nice party you’ve got here.” I wave my hand around the room. “Avery told me to tell you she’s sorry she couldn’t be here tonight. She didn’t want to leave the baby.” Which isn’t a complete lie, but she had offered to come tonight. I told her I’d rather her just stay with our daughter. I’m hoping it gives me an excuse to bail early.
“Please tell her not to be sorry.”
“Thank you, sir.” I take a swig from my bottle, trying to fill the uncomfortable silence between us. It has been nothing but awkward around him since he told me about the firm closing.
“I wanted to talk to you about something.” He looks around the room, seeming to make sure nobody e
lse is within earshot.
“Sure. What’s up?” I’m wondering what’s so important that it can’t wait until later.
“I got a call from the firm in Dallas today, and Gerald’s partner has decided to retire earlier than he had originally planned. They’re really interested in you.”
“Okay?” I question, hoping I don’t sound like an ass but wondering why he’s telling me about this, after I already told him I wasn’t interested.
The next words out of his mouth surprise me. “How would you feel about transferring? They’d pay for your moving fees and put you up in an apartment or hotel until you’re able to find a new house.” When I raise my eyebrows at him, he continues. “I know you said you didn’t think Avery would want to move, but I think this could be really good for you. And you’d be a great addition to the firm.”
I feel like I can’t turn this opportunity down again, when I still haven’t had any luck finding anything here.
“Can I talk to her before I give you an answer?”
“Yeah, sounds good. Don’t take too long though because they need to know.”
I nod, and he leaves me to my thoughts.
I spend the next hour pretending to enjoy myself as I roam around the room, talking to different people. I’m introduced to several I’ve never met. I hate these things with a strong passion, but when you work in one of the largest law firms in Phoenix, you’re expected to attend any and all events like this. I’ve never quite understood the purpose other than to pull me away from other things I’d rather be doing. Tonight, that is spending time with my wife and newborn daughter.
My phone dings in my suit jacket, and when I pull it out, I see that it’s a text from Avery. I smile like an idiot before opening it.
Avery: Hey, handsome. You enjoying yourself?
I chuckle before responding.
Me: No, this is boring as hell. I’d rather be at home with you and Zo.
I make my way toward the bathroom because I’m feeling the repercussions of the two beers I’ve had tonight. I won’t drink anymore since I have to drive home, but I had to have something to ease the pain of being here. Malcom somehow got out of coming tonight. Shit head.
Once I’m finished, I pull the door open and run smack dab into Mallory.
“Oh, hey, Mr. Porter.” She gives me a half hug, which makes me uncomfortable. Tonight, she’s wearing a low-cut green dress with black knee-length boots. Avery always complains that she’s flirting with me, so I try to be careful with what I say to her. Apparently, I’m a dumbass and don’t notice shit like that.
I decide not to correct her for calling me by my last name again. There’s no point, since she doesn’t listen anyway.
“Hey, Mallory. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?” I decide that since I’ll most likely be stuck here a little longer, I might as well make a plate of food. Tonight, they went all out with several different types of sushi, fruit dishes, and a bunch of different desserts.
“I am. I’ve met a lot of great people too.” She giggles and then takes a sip from her martini. “How are Avery and the baby?” She’s only met Avery a few times.
“They’re good.”
She nods her head. “Please give her my best.” She gives me a megawatt smile and then looks out at the crowd.
“Will do.” I give her a small smile in return.
Without turning back to me, she says, “You know? There’s a new bar in town. We could leave this shitty party and go have a drink, and no one would probably even notice we left.”
I chuckle. “I think I’m going to head home, but try to have a good night.”
“Oh, come on. Just one drink.”
I laugh. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m pretty tired.”
“Oh, okay. See you Monday.”
I spot Flynn across the room talking and decide not to interrupt him, but to take this as my opportunity to leave. I’m dying to get home to my wife.
* * *
By the time I finally make it home, the house is dark other than the lights glowing on the Christmas tree. I slip my shoes off at the door and then make my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water as I undo my tie. I hate wearing the damn things.
“Hey.” I turn toward the sound of my wife’s sweet voice, and the vision of her steals my breath.
“Hey, beautiful.” I set my glass in the sink and then wrap my arms around her. “How was your night?”
She smiles up at me. “It was good. Zo went down a couple hours ago, and I’ve just been reading.” She snuggles into my chest. “How was the party?”
I moan, “Horrible.” I hear her laugh into my chest.
“I’m sorry, baby. I know you hate those things, but at least you showed up so nobody can complain now.”
“True.” I pause. “I almost forgot. Flynn told me about a job in Dallas tonight.”
I feel her stiffen in my arms. Fuck, I didn’t think that through very well.
“What?” she rasps out as she looks up at me, and I know that I have to turn it down, again.
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell him no. There’s no way we could leave Arizona. We just had a baby and all our family and friends are here.” I feel bad for lying, but there’s no way I can tell her that I think we need to make this move. Her and Zoey come first, but it looks like I’ll be searching harder now for something here. “I’ll find something here.” I kiss the top of her head.
I feel her sag into me as she relaxes.
“I made a list of openings I found online tonight while you were gone.”
“Great.” I give her a weak smile. “I’ll have a look.”
18
Evan
“Let’s go get Daddy.” I hear Avery say while I still have my eyes closed. It’s Christmas morning, and I’m eager to spend the day with my girls. We spent yesterday with her family and Ryke and Claire, but today, we plan to have a low-key day at home.
I peek one of my eyes open. “Merry Christmas,” I croak out, still half asleep. I sit up with my back propped against the headboard and reach for Zoey. “Come see Daddy, baby girl.”
“Merry Christmas.” My wife places a gentle kiss on the top of my head before handing me our daughter.
I cradle her in my arms as Avery rounds the bed to join me under the blankets. It’s a bit chilly in the house this morning. She snuggles into me, and I drape my free arm around her.
“Merry Christmas, princess. What did Santa bring you this year?” I hear Avery giggle beside me.
“I don’t think she cares about Santa yet.”
I gasp in mock horror. “What? Doesn’t care about Santa?” I look down at Zoey. “That’s not true, is it Zo? Your momma has lost her mind.”
She playfully swats at my naked chest, and I grab her hand.
“I’m gonna go make some coffee and breakfast.”
“Sounds good. We’ll be out soon.”
A year ago, our Christmas wasn’t as enjoyable as this one. Don’t get me wrong. We were happy as a couple. Head-over-heels happy, but we had once again gotten a negative pregnancy test the night before. Avery had cried herself to sleep that night and told me she didn’t want to try again. The heartache was becoming too much for her. It was for me as well. A few months later, we started the adoption process, but then soon after found out we were expecting our own child. We had considered continuing with the process, but we decided that another family should have the opportunity to have what we had wanted for so long.
I kiss her little head and then lift us from the bed.
“Come on, Zo. Let’s go find your momma.”
We get to the kitchen, and my gorgeous wife is dancing around the kitchen while she sings along to Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. She wiggles her ass to the music, and I’m starting to have very inappropriate thoughts. I walk out of the room so I can put Zoey in her swing and then make my way back to the kitchen.
She doesn’t hear me as I approach her and grab her hips. She jumps at first but then settles into my arms.
>
“You’re teasing me.” I nibble at her earlobe and then kiss along her neck.
She turns in my arms so she can look up at me.
“Whatever do you mean?” She bats her eyes at me and then turns back toward the stove where she’s scrambling eggs in one pan and frying bacon in another.
I get close to her ear.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. I can’t fuck you for a month, but I’m about to take you back to bed so you can pleasure me.” I see the hair on her bare arms stand at attention, and I know I’m affecting her as much as she is me.
“You’re an ass.” She moans as she leans into my chest.
“No. You’re the one teasing me over here by looking all sexy.” I run my hands up and down her sides. “I’m trying to be a gentleman, but I’m just a man, Av. A man who is starving for his wife.”
Despite my raging hard-on, I walk away from her, leaving her panting.
“Asshole!” she hollers at me, and I chuckle.
Damn. I’m in desperate need of a cold shower.
We spend the morning eating breakfast and then exchanging the gifts we got for each other. I got her a gift card to get a massage and her nails done. She got me the new Star Wars DVD and a dress shirt I had mentioned I liked when we were at the mall.
Now, we’re sitting on the couch with all the lights in the house off but the Christmas tree and the glow from the fireplace. Above it hangs three stockings. The little pink one with glitter between our larger two.
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