Page 8 of Mistletoe Meet Cute
He shakes his head as I turn away and carefully march toward my car.
If I slip on the ice and fall on my ass right now, I’ll never forgive myself.
And as I drive home, I act like embarrassment is what has me flushing at the memory of what’s possibly going down in history as the most disastrous trip to the drug store ever, instead of the brush of hot dad, golden-boy gladiator’s hands against mine.
If I ever see him again, I’m definitely coming up with a better nickname.
CAMDEN
“I’m sorry, Camden,” Emmie pleads with me to understand through the other end of the call. “We were up all night with Rosie. Her fever spiked to 102, and I have a bad feeling it’s the flu. The poor thing can’t keep anything down. I’m taking her to the pediatrician later today, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to expose Sophie to all those germs. I’m not sure what we should do with you guys leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow.”
Sophie’s soft breaths even out as she sleeps against my chest, calm and safe, not a care in the world. Me, on the other hand, I’m pacing my fucking kitchen, trying to make peace with the inevitable after the bomb Emmie just dropped.
It was bound to happen.
Shit.
“I can ask around to see if anyone can help. Maybe Mav’s mom or grandmom? I could call a friend—” she offers, and I crack my neck to relieve the building tension. “Or I could see if the agency has anyone who could fill in, in a pinch.”
In a pinch . . .
“Don’t worry about us, Em. Tell Rosie Uncle Cam hopes she feels better, okay?”
“What are you going to do?” she asks, sounding exhausted, and I know I’ve played a part in that. Time to man the hell up. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
“I’ll figure it out.” The words come out low and flat. A promise I’m not sure how to keep. But, like I said, I’ll figure it out.
What did Luke say yesterday?
His sister might be a good optionin a pinch...
I pull up his number and stare at it for a minute.
Man, I hate asking people for help, but I’m out of options. We leave tomorrow for Pittsburgh, and I can’t exactly bring a baby with me to the game.
That’s why I slide my finger over Luke’s number and wait for him to answer. “Camden? What’s up? You good?”
Am I good? Fuck no. “I’m kind of screwed, and I was hoping you might be able to help me out. Rosie’s sick, and Em thinks it’s the flu. We’ve got walk through in what, three hours?” Even thinking my next words sucks.
“You want me to ask my sister?” Luke offers.
“Not really. But I’m pretty much out of options.” I sound like an ungrateful dick. “Are you sure about this?” I ask, my frustration with the whole situation bubbling over.
“I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t. She’s great, and I’m pretty sure she’ll jump at the chance. How about you meet me at my family’s winery, and I’ll introduce you.”
“Winery?” There’s only one local winery I can think of.
“Cherry Creek Vineyards. My family owns it. Holly’s helping out there until she can find something in her field.”
Fuck... I hope I’m not making a mistake.
But I’m out of options.
“I appreciate it, man. Thank you.” I lay Sophie down in her car seat and buckle her in. “I’ll see you soon.”
Cherry Creek Vineyards looks like Christmas threw up. Strings of colorful lights are wound through every tree. Wreaths hang from barn doors. Hell, even the fence posts are wrapped in red-velvet ribbons and tied in perfect bows. It’s like something out of a movie.
It’s the kind of place that should feel warm and homey, but this kind of Christmas has never been my reality.
