Chapter 13

CHAPTER

THIRTEEN

Blakely

Isla is home when I get back to the house. She’s sitting on the couch, and her smile is wider than I’ve ever seen it.

“Sit.” She pats the couch cushion next to her.

“I really need a shower.” I do, but I’m also not ready to wash his scent away.

“What you need to do is sit your ass on this couch and tell me everything.” She gives me a look that only a best friend can pull off. She knows me too well.

“There’s not much to tell.” There’s not, at least not as far as last night is concerned. This morning, well, that’s altogether different.

“Lies. I am your best friend, and I can read you like a book. Sit.” She stares me down, but it’s unnecessary. We both know I’m going to sit and spill all. Well, maybe not all, but most.

“Explain to me why I got this message.” She taps the screen of her phone and shoves it into my face.

Blakely: Hey, this is Oliver. Blakely is with me. She fell asleep when we were watching a movie, and it’s too late for her to drive home. She’s safe here. This is my number and my address if you need us.

He follows that up with another text message of his phone number and his address.

“That was nice of him. I did fall asleep when we were watching a movie.”

“How did you end up at his place?”

“My family sent me home with all those leftovers and an entire pumpkin pie,” I remind her.

“Oh no, mine did too.”

“Well, we’re safe. I took the long way home, just to see if he was home. I found myself pulling into his driveway and knocking on his front door with the pie in hand.”

“And? Come on, Blake, you’re killing me, woman. I need details.”

“He invited me in. He was home all day on his own—his parents were out of town—and so I ended up going back out to my car to give him the leftovers. He ate, we talked, then we watched a movie. I was exhausted and ended up falling asleep. I woke up to a dark house in his arms. He was behind me on the couch and told me that he had already texted you that I wouldn’t be home and asked me to stay.”

“So you slept with him… beside him on his couch all night long?”

“Yeah. I woke up the same way I remember falling asleep.”

“I like this one, Blakely.”

“Yeah, I do too. He’s got some baggage. He’s not interested in a relationship or anything permanent. And he’s older than me. Ten years older than me.”

“So, we’ve all got baggage. Do you know what it is? It is something that’s a deal breaker?”

“No, not really. He’s just not looking for forever. He got his heart broken, and he’s still dealing—or not dealing, I guess.”

“Okay, not the worst thing, but, Blake, that’s not you. You’re not a fling kinda girl.”

“I know.”

“How do you feel about his age?”

I shrug. “It doesn’t bother me. I don’t notice it when we’re together. He’s got his shit together. He’s a doctor, for goodness’ sake. Most guys I meet are still in the party, sleep-around stage of their life. It’s nice that he’s not.”

“So, where is this going?”

“Nowhere.” I exhale deeply. “He’s concrete in not wanting anything long term. He hates the holidays because of his ex. It’s not my story to tell, but he opened up to me this morning. I didn’t even have to ask him.”

“So, what? You’re thinking that he might change his mind?” Concern is written all over her face.

“Honestly, Isla, I’m not sure what I’m doing. I know I want to show him that he can enjoy the holidays and not let her take that from him. I know I enjoy spending time with him. I know I’ve never felt this kind of attraction in my life.”

Isla studies me, and I know what she sees. I can feel the heat on my cheeks. “Did you…?” Her voice trails off.

“No. I wouldn’t. As you said, I’m not a fling kind of girl, but I might have straddled his lap for a kiss and ended up with… more than just a kiss.”

“Yes, girl!” Isla pumps her fist into the air. “How was it?”

“Our clothes were still on. Well, he was shirtless, but it was… the best of my life. That’s pathetic, right?”

“No, not at all. That ten-year age gap comes with experience.”

“He’s not even kissed someone in four years,” I confess. “Please keep that to yourself. I shouldn’t have told you.” I slap my hand over my mouth.

“You know I won’t say a word. It sounds to me like you’ve got this man all tied up in knots.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not exactly knot-free,” I confess.

“So, when are you going to see him again?”

“I don’t know for sure. He said he wanted to see me again soon. He made it sound like before work on Monday. I told him where he could find me today and then told him to text me and we could figure it out.”

“Do you think he’ll show up at the Tree Lighting Ceremony?”

“No. He hates the holidays. She ruined it for him.” I can hear the anger in my voice. Cheating is a hard no. It kills me that he’s been hiding away behind what his ex and his ex-best friend did to him. He’s missing out on time with friends and family. If anything comes out of this, I hope I can convince him of that. I hope, during my time with him, I can make him fall in love with the holidays again.

“I need a shower, and then I’ll be ready to go.”

“I’ll be here,” she says, picking up her Kindle and diving back into whatever romance she was reading.

The Willow River Tree Lighting Celebration is well underway by the time we make it to that side of town. People are milling around everywhere. There are craft vendors, food vendors, a Santa, a gift-wrapping contest, and a snowman-decorating contest just to name a few of the events going on before the lighting of the tree at dark.

“Oh, this is cute.” Isla holds up a small ceramic package that’s been hand-painted. “Do you think Mom would like this?”

“Yes. I can see that being added to her Christmas décor collection.”

“Me too. I’m getting it.” She pulls money out of her wallet and hands it over to the lady running the booth.

We move on to the next booth. It’s full of handmade wreaths. They’re all beautiful. One stands out. It’s made with different red and green ribbons with lights entwined. “Do you think this is manly?” I ask Isla.

“Um, why are you asking that?”

“I think I’m going to buy this for Oliver’s house.”

She grins and points her index finger at me. “I like the way you think, Blake. It’s perfect.”

“You think so?”

“I do. It’s festive without being over the top like this one.” She points to an adorable wreath with little Santas and elves all over it. “That would be too much for someone who isn’t fond of the holiday.”

“Agreed.” I look up at the teenage boy running the booth. I recognize him as one of my little brother’s friends. “Hi, Zac, I’ll take that one, please.” I point to the wreath I want.

“Sure thing, Blakely.” He takes my money, pulls the wreath down, and puts it in a large brown paper bag.

“Thank you.” I smile at him, and we move on to the next booth. Isla and I both make a few more purchases before taking everything back to her car, so we don’t have to pack it around the rest of the day and night.

We run into my parents and younger siblings when we reach the center of town. “Hey,” I greet them.

“We were looking for you,” Dad says, pulling me into a hug.

“What’s up?”

“Mom wants a picture,” Beckham grumbles.

“Oh, hush.” Mom swats his arm. “Yes, I want a picture of all my children with Santa this year.”

My mouth falls open. “Mom, we’re all way too old for that.” I lean in close. “Santa isn’t real,” I whisper.

She chuckles. “I know, but I’m feeling nostalgic. Come on. Just one picture.”

“It won’t hurt to give her this one request,” Dad says, smiling at Mom.

He looks at her as if she is his entire world. That’s the kind of love I want. That’s the kind of love I grew up watching, and I won’t accept anything less than that. I know it’s out there. I’ve witnessed it with every couple in my family. Oliver comes to mind, and my heart aches for him. For all that he could be missing. Not with me, but with life, because he’s letting someone else’s past decisions dictate his life.

“I’m in,” I tell Mom.

“Can we do it now?” Beckham asks. “I told the guys I’d do the snowman-decorating contest with them.”

“I can do it now.” I glance over at Isla, and she shrugs.

“You and I should get one, just the two of us too,” she suggests.

“Perfect.” Mom claps her hands, and as a group, we head down the block to take our picture with Santa.

As we approach and stand in line, I’m shocked at who I see. Standing right in front of us is Oliver with a man and his wife and two kids. He’s here. He actually came. Giddiness washes over me.

“Isn’t that Dr. Thompson?” Mom asks.

At the sound of his name, Oliver turns, and when he sees me, his face lights up. I’m not just imagining it because Isla leans in close and says, “Holy hell, Blake.”

“Blakely,” he says, his voice velvety smooth.

“Hi.” I wave, offering him a smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Me either,” the man says.

“We were shocked when he invited us,” the woman says.

My eyes go back to Oliver, and he shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You mentioned it.”

“Hi,” a small voice says. I look down at a little boy tugging on my coat. “I’m Abe.”

I crouch down so that I’m close to his eye level. “Hi, my name is Blakely.” I hold my hand out for him.

“Do you know Uncle Oliver?”

“I sure do. We work together.”

“He’s not really my uncle, but he’s my dad’s best friend, and Dad says that’s uncle status.”

All the adults laugh at his explanation. “I agree with you.” I wink at him.

“I’m Marisa, and this is my husband, Brad, and this little one is Carrie.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“What are we, big sis, chopped liver?” Beckham asks.

“Sorry.” I laugh. “This is my family. My mom, Kennedy, my dad, Declan, my little brother, Beckham, my little sister, Brooklyn, and my best friend, Isla,” I explain.

“Are you going to sit on Santa’s lap?” Abe asks me.

“I am. Are you?”

“Yep. My baby sister might be scared, but I’m going to help her.”

“That’s what big brothers are for. You know, maybe Uncle Oliver will get a picture with Santa too.”

“Yes!” Abe jumps, pumping his fist in the air. “Will you, Uncle Oliver?”

I glance up and expect a scowl from my grumpy doctor, but I’m surprised to see the corner of his mouth tilted in a smile. “Sure thing, bud. You know, I think Blakely should take one with us.”

“Oh, she is,” my mom chimes in. “I’m dragging all three of my kids up there.”

Abe’s eyes widen. He looks up at Beckham. “Are you sitting on Santa’s lap too?”

“You know it, little man.” Beckham holds his fist out for him to bump, and Abe wastes no time bumping knuckles with my little brother. Then he looks over at his coach. “Hey, Coach,” he says, and Brad nods his greeting.

Everyone makes small talk as the line moves forward. Finally, it’s Abe and Carrie’s turn. They both do amazing. Carrie isn’t sure at first, but when Abe reaches over and takes her hand, she smiles and calms down. Brad and Marisa, and even Oliver, join in, and then it’s Abe and Oliver’s turn.

“Blakely.” Oliver waves to me.

I step forward and kneel next to Abe, who is perched on Santa’s knee. The elf takes the picture. Then Abe says, “Now you two!” He runs off, and I turn back to the camera and smile.

Oliver winks as he steps to the side, and my siblings move in for our picture. Mom and Dad join us for one, and then Isla and I get ours. By the time we leave, we’ve all spent way too much money on pictures with Santa, but I’m smiling. We’re all smiling, even my grumpy doctor.

“We’re going to grab some hot cocoa before the lighting ceremony. Are you all staying?” Mom asks.

“What’s that?” Abe asks.

“They’re going to turn on the lights on that big Christmas tree,” Mom explains, pointing out the tree.

“Oh!” Abe’s eyes grow wide. “Can we?” He turns toward his parents.

“You good with staying?” Brad asks Oliver.

I can’t help it; my eyes go to him, only to find him watching me. “Yeah, I’m good to stay.”

My chest feels warm at the soft look in his eyes and his willingness to be here. He said he would let me bring Christmas back into his life, and he’s holding up his end of the deal.

“Right,” Dad says, snapping me back to the moment. “We better get to it. The sun is starting to set.” He gives Oliver the side-eye but doesn’t say anything else. I’m certain I’ll be getting a phone call with lots of questions. He’s not used to seeing me with anyone. Not that we’re together, but he knows he’s not just a friend. I can tell that from the look in his eyes and the furrow of his brow.

Our group, bigger now, moves down the block to grab hot cocoa. Marisa hangs back with Carrie on her hip. Isla notices and moves up, placing her arm over Brooklyn’s shoulders, giving us some space. We’re at the tail end of our group.

“I guess we have you to thank for him wanting to be here?” Marisa asks.

“I’m not sure. I did mention it to him.” This morning as I rode his lap like a cowgirl.

“Thank you. He’s been so distant the last few years. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up.” She winks.

I laugh. Oliver stops and turns to look at me, and my dad almost runs into him. Oliver gives me a small smile and apologizes to my dad for almost causing a pileup of people on the sidewalk before scooping Abe up into his arms and leading the pack toward the hot cocoa.

“So, it’s like that, huh?” Marisa laughs.

“Honestly, I don’t know. He’s…. It’s complicated.”

Marisa grins. “He can be, but he’s one of the best people I know. He’s a good man. He’s been through some stuff, and he needs someone good in his life.”

“He told me,” I admit.

Marisa’s eyes widen. “He did?” I nod. “He likes you. I can see it. Just don’t give up on him. He’s stubborn and needs someone who isn’t going to let him push them away.”

“He doesn’t want to be… anything. He’s told me that.”

“Those are just words, Blakely. He wants it. He’s just afraid to want it again. Once bitten and twice shy.”

“We’ll see how it goes,” I tell her as Carrie leans over, holding her arms out.

“Hey, sweet girl,” I tell her as I take her from her momma. She grins and touches my scarf. I carry her the rest of the way to the hot cocoa stand, and when Marisa tries to take her, she buries her arms tight to her body and rests her head on my shoulder. “She’s fine.” I smile at Marisa.

“Looks like you have a new friend.” Oliver’s deep voice sends a shiver down my spine. He hands me a hot cocoa.

“Thank you, and yeah, she’s my new bestie.”

“Hey!” Isla calls out as my dad hands her a hot cocoa. He eyes the drink in my hand and glares at Oliver but turns back to keep passing out drinks.

“Thank you for obliging me,” Mom says, smiling at Carrie. “Your brother and sister are going to watch with their friends, and your dad and I are going to go find the rest of the family and watch with them.”

“You coming?” Dad asks.

“Declan, she’s an adult. She doesn’t have to check in with us,” Mom scolds.

“Can a man not look after his daughter?” Dad asks.

“I’ll be sure to see you again before I leave. I think I’m going to hang out with this cutie a little longer,” I tell them, nodding to Carrie, who is still snuggled up to my chest.

“And I need a turn for snuggles,” Isla chimes in.

My best friend, she’s the best. She read the situation, and she’s helping to bail me out. It doesn’t matter that I’m twenty-three, my dad is protective, and I know he’s picked up on… whatever this is between Oliver and me. I’m sure he’ll be asking me. I better figure out what I’m going to say.

“Love you, Blake,” Dad says.

“Love you too, Dad.” I smile at him, and my mom grabs his arm and pulls him away.

As soon as they turn, Oliver steps close, placing his hand on the small of my back and bending close. His hot breath fans across my face. “I missed you.”

I can’t hide my shock as I turn to look at him. He nods and gives me a small shrug. This isn’t the Oliver I know, but I like this version. Who am I kidding? I like all his versions, even the grumpy, bossy one.

I’m in trouble.

So much trouble.

“Let’s get closer to the tree,” Brad suggests. “You want me to take her?” He offers his hands to Carrie, but she’s not having it.

“She’s fine, really.”

“Let me try.” Isla holds out her arms, making a silly face, and Carrie giggles and holds her arms out, going easily to Isla.

“Care Bear.” Brad places his hand over his heart as if it’s breaking. We all laugh, including Carrie, who pokes at Isla’s Christmas tree earrings. She’s fascinated.

The mayor steps onto the stage and welcomes everyone to the festival. Isla and Marisa are deep in conversation, and Brad has Abe on his shoulders. That leaves Oliver and me. We’re standing next to one another. His hand still rests on the small of my back. The mayor drags on. Old-man Washington has always had a lot to say.

All the lights go out. There’s a murmur through the crowd in anticipation of the Tree Lighting. They’ve done this as long as I can remember. They kill the lights on Main Street, making the street completely dark, to count down from ten for the tree lights. The crowd starts to count, as do I. However, I falter when I feel Oliver move behind me and wrap his arms around my waist. He rests his chin on the top of my head, and I force myself to keep counting.

The lights come on, and everyone cheers. Everyone but me and Oliver. We’re too wrapped up in our own little world. He leans in close, his lips pressing against my cheek.“I don’t think I’d have missed so many events if I could have gone with you.”

It’s a good thing he’s holding me, because I’d be a puddle in the middle of Main Street. I can’t deny it. I’m falling hard and fast for this man. Maybe Marisa is right? Maybe, just maybe, he’ll open his heart again? It’s too late for me. He already holds part of mine.