Finally, after a hundred tries it seemed, she was on her feet. The door opened just as she reached for the handle and Michael stood there, wide awake and concern on his face.
“Are you ok? Is it the baby?”
He must have heard her struggling. How embarrassing. “I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” She dropped her hand from her back. “I need to get to the shop.”
“Now? It’s only five.”
“Yes, now.” She hadn’t meant to sound short, but between her backache and her anxiety over not having her work done she was feeling a bit wound.
A slight frown pulled Michael’s brows down, but wise man that he was, he didn’t argue. Instead he nodded and said, “I’ll get the car started.”
They rode in comfortable silence. More comfortable than they’d been in days. Even her anxiety had calmed. Last night had been like a fantasy dream and the effects were still there. Somehow, she knew Michael felt it, too. She wouldn’t go as far as saying they had turned a corner in their relationship, but she would admit something had changed.
It was the holiday season after all. A time for miracles.
Maybe, just maybe, she would get her miracle for Christmas.
Chapter 8
Lizzie worked with renewed energy that day. She made extra batches of chocolates, in flavors special to the holiday season like dark chocolate peppermint and eggnog rum spice. The wonderful night she’d had with Michael pasted a permanent smile on her face. Even Gina noticed her light mood, but Lizzie didn’t share the details of the sweet things Michael had done for her. They were hers to keep close to her heart forever.
With only seven days till Christmas the shop was busier than ever. By time Lizzie closed that day she’d sold out of nearly everything in her display case.
Exhausted, she locked up, too tired and achy to do the nightly deposit and shuffled up the stairs to her apartment. Warm Christmas lights and the scent of pine welcomed her. She loved this time of the year. Despite what a wreck her personal life was, she still embraced the holidays.
After a quick bite to eat and a shower, she curled up in her favorite chair with a cup of cocoa and turned on the television. One of her favorite Christmas movies was playing so she pulled the quilt around her and snuggled in to let the aches in her body relax until she had to do it all over again tomorrow.
The sound of glass breaking brought her awake with a start. Momentarily confused she looked around. A new movie was playing on the television and her full cup of cocoa had cooled. She must have fallen asleep.
What had broken? She thought maybe she’d knocked her mug off the table, but it still sat where she’d left it. Picking up the remote, she turned the television off and sat up straight, a frown on her face.
She looked around the apartment looking for the source of the sound and found none.
Something banged below her and she jumped. A chill ran down her spine when she heard more noises come from downstairs. Her shop. It sounded like someone was tearing it apart.
Fear rushed through her. Would they come upstairs next?
Fumbling for her cell phone, she punched in Michael’s number with a shaking hand as the sound of glass breaking made her heart pound. She put her other hand on her belly, as if to shield her baby from harm.
Michael answered on the first ring. “What’s wrong? Is it the baby?”
Just the sound of his voice made her feel less alone and afraid. In a quiet voice, as if they could hear her downstairs, she said, “Michael? Someone is in my shop. I can hear them breaking stuff.”
“I’m on my way. Go into the bathroom and lock the door. Do not open it for anyone except me.”
“Okay,” she whispered, her voice wavering. She’d never been so scared in her life.
“Go. Now. I’m calling the police.”
Lizzie gripped the phone in her hand as she rocked to her feet and hurried for the bathroom. It was the only room in the apartment with a lock on the door.
She did as Michael instructed and perched on the edge of the toilet, trying not to tremble. Her baby didn’t need the stress or anxiety from her fear so she did some relaxation breathing.
Didn’t help.
“It’s going to be all right,” she said quietly to her stomach, rubbing it with both hands. “Michael is on the way. He’ll know what to do.”
For what seemed an eternity she sat there, staring at the door, breathing slowly in and out, waiting for the police and Michael to arrive.
A bang in her living room startled a scream out of her. She clamped a hand over her mouth. Oh, God, they were in her apartment.
Footsteps outside the door.
A loud knock. “Lizzie? It’s me. Open up.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding. Thank God. Michael. Not burglars.
She pushed to her feet and unlocked the door. It flew open and she was in Michael’s arms, shaking like a leaf, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Michael held her, rocked her, stroked her hair. “It’s all right now. You’re safe,” he murmured against her hair. “The police are downstairs. They caught the perps.”
“I was so scared,” she whispered into his chest.
Michael cursed. “I should have been here. I never should have let you stay here alone.”
Lizzie lifted her head, her tears subsiding. “This isn’t your fault.”
Anger clouded his face. “I’m supposed to protect you and our baby.”
Our baby. She wasn’t sure he even realized he’d said it. And she certainly didn’t point it out. “You called the police. You came over when I called. What else could you do?”
His eyes met hers, churning with fury. “You’re moving in with me. My place is bigger. Safer. And, there’s a spare room for the nursery.”
Lizzie’s eyes widened, her tears dried up. She wanted to do it so badly. Just pack up her stuff and move in with him. But, common sense won out. Michael was angry, reacting to the situation, not because he was ready to be a father. Or be in a serious relationship. Did he really think he could live his nonchalant lifestyle with a baby and another woman in the house? It was laughable. And heartbreaking.
A knock on the front door saved her from responding.
“That’s the police,” Michael said. “Come on, you need to sit down. I’ll handle them.”
Take charge Michael was definitely a turn on. He made her feel safe and taken care of. Less worried about things. Which was good for the baby. Not good for her. She couldn’t start relying on him. As easy as it would be, she couldn’t let it happen. He’d made it clear he didn’t want to be part of her or their baby’s life and she needed to accept that. The sooner the better.
He led her into the living room with an arm around her waist. Helped her lower herself into her favorite chair and even tucked her quilt around her. Then he went to answer the door.
Head spinning, Lizzie watched a tall, slender, young officer come in to ask her questions. Michael stood by her side the entire time, a hand on her shoulder. It comforted her more than she dared admit.
After she told the officer what she’d heard and seen he nodded and put his little black notepad away.
“I won’t keep you any longer,” he said. “The good news is you’ve caught a ring of thieves we’ve been chasing for months. They’ve been breaking into businesses to steal cash and anything they can pawn. I’m sorry about the damage to your shop. The perps liked to vandalize the businesses after they rob them. Unfortunate for them, but fortunate for us, that gave them a calling card. Now, we know every crime they committed and can convict on that evidence. You won’t need to testify.”
Lizzie sighed in relief. “So it’s over? I don’t have to worry about it anymore?”
Michael squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.
“No, ma’am. Nothing to worry about. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.”
Michael walked him to the door where they spoke quietly for a moment before the officer left.
“I need to go look at my shop,
” she said. “Assess the damage.”
Michael knelt in front of her and took her hand in his. “Babe, it’s trashed. I’ll call the insurance company in the morning and they’ll take care of it. For now, you need to rest. This stress isn’t good for the baby.”
Her temper rose. Who was he to tell her what was good for her baby? He didn’t want to be part of their life. He didn’t care enough.
“Get out of my way, Michael,” she said, pulling her hand away. “You did your civic duty, now go home and leave us alone. We don’t need you.”
He jerked back as if she’d slapped him. Immediately, she regretted the words. Her stupid temper always managed to get her in trouble.
“Michael—”
He rose abruptly to his feet, a mask slamming down over his face, hiding his expression. Blocking her out.
“Goodbye, Lizzie,” he said and stormed out of the apartment.
What had she done?
New pain and fear washed through her and Lizzie hung her head and cried.
Chapter 9
More bad new came the next day. Not only was her shop destroyed to the point she had to shut down for repairs, her parents were snowed in in Michigan and all flights had been cancelled until the storm passed. They weren’t going to make it for Christmas. Or her babies birth.
Michael hadn’t contacted her since she’d chased him away the night before. Did it surprise her he had run so easily? Yes. In all her life he had never turned tail and ran. He’d do the exact opposite. Taking the brunt of the punishment for her stunts. He’d always protected her. Always stood by her side.
Until now.
Until the baby.
Broken-hearted, Lizzie curled up in her chair and stared, numb, at her television. Christmas movies played around the clock but now they had lost their joy. Which made her even sadder. She’d lost her Christmas spirit. That had never happened before.
The wives dropped in periodically to check on her. Tried to cheer her up. It worked most of the time, but the dark cloud hanging over her head always came back as soon as they left. She’d pushed Michael away and he wouldn’t be back. She would be a single mom in every sense of the word. It would be her last name on the baby’s birth certificate. Not Michael’s as she’d hoped.
She would go through the birth alone. Her parents weren’t going to be there. Michael hated her. The wives promised to be there and she knew they would, but it wasn’t the same as having the ones you loved at your side. She didn’t want to have this baby alone.
What a mess. She never should have moved out here in the first place. What a fool she’d been to think Michael might love her and want to be a family.
A silly, romantic fool.
This had to stop. Moping and whining about it wasn’t going to help anyone. Certainly not her baby. Darci’s Christmas Eve party was in a few days and Darci wasn’t letting her get out of coming. Might as well make use of her time and make some chocolates for the party. With her shop closed she felt idle. Maybe some baking would make her feel better. Or distract her.
Rising to her feet, Lizzie headed for the kitchen and some baking therapy.
Life had to go on. She had a baby on the way. Lots to do and prepare for.
Time to get her mind straight and move forward.
As painful as that was.
The days flew by until it was suddenly Christmas Eve and her due date were upon her. She’d had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and was only dilated one centimeter. This baby wasn’t coming anytime soon. Could be days or weeks. Part of her wished for a little more time, even as she longed for her baby to be in her arms. Her life wasn’t where she’d hoped it would be. She wasn’t ready for this baby to come into the world yet.
She and Michael had run into each other a couple time over the past few days, but their interactions had been informal at best. So many times she’d wanted to apologize, but the words wouldn’t come.
Lizzie smoothed a hand over her dress and looked at herself in the mirror. God, she looked like a beached whale. The soft fabric of her holiday dress fell gently over her curves and made her feel a little less pregnant. She’d spent a pretty penny on it, but it was worth every penny. The red lace and scalloped neckline made her feel better. And it was perfect for the party.
Which she was going to be late for if she didn’t get moving. She grabbed her shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders before picking up her tray of chocolates and purse. Slowly, she made her way downstairs to the Uber waiting for her.
The driver, a middle-aged woman with a happy smile, greeted her with a merry message and helped her into the car.
Lizzie settled in the backseat, her heart pounding. In a few minutes she would be in the same room as Michael. Stuck together for the night. What if he brought a date? That would mortify her.
She straightened in her seat. Didn’t matter. He was free to date whomever he wanted. She had no claim on him. And he made it clear he didn’t want her.
Christmas lights flew by as they drove toward the beach. But it just wasn’t the same as a white Christmas. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to not seeing snow during the holidays.
Jack and Darci lived in an adorable little gingerbread house as Cloe called it. And she was right. The cute Victorian home looked like it had come straight out of the pages of The Nutcracker. It didn’t fit Jack at all, but it was all Darci.
When the Uber pulled up and she saw all the cars parked in the driveway she almost chickened out. She couldn’t do this. Couldn’t bear to see Michael with another woman. Couldn’t do a holiday party when nothing in her life was settled. This was her favorite time of the year and she was a mess.
The driver pulled into the driveway. Lizzie opened her mouth to tell her to take her home, but the nice woman was out and helping her out of the car.
She handed Lizzie her tray of candies and smiled. “Enjoy this season of miracles,” she said before getting back in her car and driving off.
Feeling awkward, Lizzie stood there in the driveway, holding her tray of delights, uncertain where to go.
“Lizzie! You made it. Get in here.”
Darci’s happy voice drew her toward the house where Darci stood in the doorway, waving her in.
“You look amazing,” Darci said, closing the door behind them. “That dress is stunning.”
Stunning seemed more appropriate for Darci, not her. Did the woman ever gain a pregnancy pound?
“Thank you. You look incredible.”
Darci waved her off. “Wish I felt it. My ankles are so swollen I can’t wear shoes.”
Lizzie glanced at her stocking feet and they laughed. It felt so good to laugh she gave the tall, gorgeous woman a hug. Darci hugged her back and whispered in her ear, “Don’t give up on him. He’s worth the effort.”
Lizzie got lost in the festivities before she could reply. The wives surrounded her, fawned over her dress, rubbed her belly. She didn’t mind. It felt good to have friends around her with her family so far away.
She couldn’t help but seek out Micheal. She saw him standing by the Christmas tree talking to Brogan, who still seemed a little intense for her. He didn’t appear to be with anyone. Thank goodness. She didn’t go over. Instead made her way to the beverage table for a glass of punch.
Darci’s house was decorated beautifully. Christmas cheer everywhere she looked. Everyone was here, laughing and having a good time. Yet, Lizzie felt like an outsider for the first time.
When her back started to ache she went to sit on the sofa. It felt good to be off her feet, but her backache didn’t ease any.
She sat and watched her friends. They were a close-knit group in which she really didn’t belong. SEAL Team 5 and their wives belonged at this party. Not pregnant singles.
Deciding she didn’t belong, she set her glass on the coffee table and started to rise to her feet.
A hand appeared in front of her face. “Let me help.”
She looked up to see Michael standing there. Handsome as all
get out in his jeans and festive green shirt. Her heart broke a bit more.
“I was just leaving,” she said.
“Without saying hello or goodbye?”
She sent him a look. “Seriously? We haven’t spoken more than ten words to each other in days.”
A grin spread across his face. “I’m kidding. Just trying to lighten the mood.”
Oh. Oops. She was definitely off her game tonight. Normally, she could tell when he was joking.
“Sorry,” she said, putting her hand in his and letting him pull her to her feet. God, he smelled good. The heat from his body radiated into hers and wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
He wanted to talk? Yes. There were so many things she wanted to say to him.
“I’d like that,” she said and let him lead her out the back door and onto the beach. She wished she could take off her shoes but she’d lost the ability to see her feet months ago. Besides that, it was a bit chilly out tonight.
Michael stopped just short of the ocean, not that the walk from Darci’s house to the water was all that long. Christmas lights twinkled around them, waves lapped the sand. It was incredibly romantic.
Michael took her hands in his. “I owe you an apology.”
She frowned. It was her that owed the apology.
“I shouldn’t have walked away from you like I did. I don’t know why I did. I hate myself for it.”
She melted. “I said some pretty mean things.” She squeezed his hands. “I didn’t mean them. I’m coming to terms with your decision to not be part of my life in the way I’d hoped. It’s hard for me, but, I’ll get there—”
Michael put a finger on her lips to shush her. “Would you let me finish?” Humor tinted his tone. “I never told you what I decided.”
Her brows lifted. Hope filled her chest. Could it be? Was this her Christmas miracle?
A SEAL's Christmas Surprise (A SEAL Team Alpha Novella) Page 5