Page 52 of The Cold Ride

Because he stepped into fatherhood like he’d been doing it forever. He hadn’t dropped the ball or taken a back seat. And he couldn’t know what it meant to me. I’d been laden with fear that Amelia would wind up disappointed, that James wouldn’t be interested in being her dad. But those were my hangups because of my experience with my father.

In between grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry, I’d seen them out in the backyard together. He’d been teaching her how to rake leaves. And Amelia had been soaking up everything he was saying like a sponge. She had a huge case of hero worship with her dad.

And well, he was the best man I’d ever known and more than deserving of that worship. I had a slight case of it myself. I couldn’t be near him without wanting his hands on me.

At the sound of the doorbell, I said, “Amelia, go get your coat and bag that I packed for you. I’ve got the snacks right here.”

“Okay.” She raced down the hall to her bedroom. She came sprinting back with her coat on but unbuttoned, her pack slung over her shoulder and her stuffed pig.

“I’ll be right back. And then I’ll get dinner cooked.”

“I’m going to hop in the shower. See you tomorrow, squirt. Maybe tomorrow you can help me get the inn ready for the snowstorm.”

“Sounds great, Dad. Bye.” Amelia hugged him quickly. The bond they were building gave me a smattering of hope. Because we might really be able to make a go of it.

My heart light, I walked her out, then waved her off as she climbed into Jenna’s mom’s SUV. Those two had met in preschool and had been friends ever since.

Back in the kitchen, I finished prepping the meatloaf and popped it in the oven. It’s a recipe I used a time or two with guests that had gotten great reviews. While the meatloaf cooked, I worked on the mashed potatoes and peas.

“You really are going all out tonight.” James padded into the kitchen, and my entire being lit up. It had been this way from the moment I met him.

“I want to thank you.”

“For what?” James asked as he leaned back against the kitchen island, watching me work. His feet were bare. His hair was still wet from his shower. He wore a simple pair of jeans and a long-sleeved Henley. And he was the sexiest man I’d ever known. If I wasn’t in the middle of cooking, I’d be tugging him into the bedroom to have my way with him.

“Being so good with Amelia. She loves you.” And she’s not the only one.

James flashed a warm grin. The lines around his eyes crinkled, and I found it sexy as hell. “The feeling is mutual. She’s a phenomenal kid. You’ve done a wonderful job with her.”

I flushed at the unexpected compliment. “Thanks.”

“You’re a great mom, Rory. I only wish—”

“I know. As long as I live, James, I’ll always regret not telling you sooner.” He dropped his head down. I didn’t know what else I could say or do to help him, to show him how sorry I was. And I knew nothing I did would ever be enough, that my excuses and reasons behind my actions would never atone for the hurt I’d caused. I shifted my focus back to the meal. If nothing else, I could give him a great dinner and show him how much he meant to me tonight.

And then, we would see.

“Can I help with anything?”

“If you want to set the table, that would help. There’s a bottle of wine in the fridge. If you wouldn’t mind opening it and pouring me a glass, I’d appreciate it.”

“Coming right up.”

Dinner took a hot minute. This was one of those meals where coordinating the side dishes took finesse to get everything finished at roughly the same time. But once I did, we sat and ate, just the two of us.

“You know, I was just thinking that we’ve never been on a proper date,” James murmured as I dished up the mini meatloaves onto our plates.

“No, we sort of skipped that phase. If it is a phase. But then, I’ve never been any good at dating.” It was kind of hard to date when you’re carrying a torch for another man.

“No?” James took a bite of the meatloaf and groaned, emitting a deep rumbling sound of satisfaction. “Holy shit, Rory. This puts my mom’s meatloaf to shame.”

“Ah, thanks. It’s a recipe I’ve used for inn guests. It’s always a hit. But I’m thrilled you like it.” And his pleasure over the meal made all the work worth it.

“I can see why. Thank you for doing this for me.”

“You’ve been helping around here since you arrived. And since you’re spending your leave time here with us and can’t get down to Tennessee to see your folks, it’s the least I can do.”

“I appreciate it. Truly.”

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