Page 15 of A Secret Baby for Christmas
I bristle at her words. I don’t know what I expected, but jealousy pierces my heart and I grab a clothing rail for support.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, just looking at these ponchos.” They’re baby-puke yellow, and Allie gives me a quizzical look.
“But he never settled down?” I prompt, wanting to know more about her dad.
Maybe I’m just another one of his dates. Maybe he will never marry again. The thought has me reeling. Because ever since I woke up this morning, my stupid brain has been imagining a future with Mr. Porter, a happy family future that might never exist.
“He told me if he ever married again, it would be for love, the kind of love that blows you away. Or something like that. I guess he’s never met anyone who made him feel that way.”
Her words stick in my chest. Could I be that person for him, or am I just another woman to date? There’s so much I’m unsure of. He told me he wants the relationship out in the open, but that doesn’t mean he’s thinking of a future. I’m inexperienced with men and especially older men. I have to admit that with Mr. Porter, I’m way out of my depth.
One the other side of the shop, I spy a deep red knitted beanie in a military style that would look great on Mr. Porter. But it’s the matching baby one next to it that makes me buy it. The thought of Mr. Porter and Hugo in matching hats is too cute. Despite my doubts of only a moment ago, I’m still going to buy him a gift, because I’m a hopeful fool and I want my happy ending.
“Aww, too cute,” I exclaim, holding up the matching set. “For my Papa,” I add hastily.
Allie looks at me with her eyes narrowed. She knows how volatile my relationship with my dad is, and she knows enough about him to know he wouldn’t wear a crimson beanie.
“So, do you still see the father?”
She’s prying gently, but as my best friend she’s allowed. “It’s complicated,” I say and regret it immediately.
“You want to talk about it over a hot chocolate? There’s a new bakery in town with a cafe attached, and the food is awesome.”
I would love to pour my heart out to Allie, to let her know all my fears and doubts and also my happiness. To tell her how happy her dad makes me.
But I shake my head. “I’m not ready to talk about it.” She looks hurt but only for an instant. Allie’s too nice to hold a grudge.
“I don’t mean to pry. But you don’t need to go through this on your own, Chloe. If you ever want to talk, I’m here.”
She squeezes my hand, and I have to look away as tears spring to my eyes. I just lied to my best friend, and it’s about the shittiest thing I’ve ever done.
6
DAVID
Allie’s taken Chloe and the baby to Hope for some last minute Christmas shopping. While they’re gone, I pace the cabin like a wild animal. Now that I’ve had a taste of Chloe, I want more. I want the world to know she’s mine. But I respect her concerns about my daughter.
They’ve been best friends for a long time, and she doesn’t want to lose that friendship. I’m sure Allie will come around and be sensible about it, but I respect Chloe’s wishes.
I head to the sauna in the resort, but my body’s too heated as it is. A dip in the plunge pool cools my overheated blood but does nothing to quench my longing for Chloe.
Hans is visiting his sister today. In Sweden they traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve, and Allie will join him tonight which gives me the entire evening alone with Chloe. My cock stirs thinking about all the things I’m going to do to her, and I half crouch my way out of the plunge pool before I get reported.
A few hours later, Hans is back to collect Allie. They’re staying the night at his sister’s place in the woods, so we have the place to ourselves. They’ll be there to open presents with Han’s little nephew tomorrow morning, then be back here for Christmas breakfast.
We’ll spend a nice Christmas together, but as soon the day’s done, I’m telling Allie about me and Chloe.
“Take care on the roads.” I give Hans a final warning. It’s been snowing on and off all day, and he’s got my little girl in the car with him.
“I will, sir.”
As soon as the door closes behind them, I lock it and turn to Chloe. She bites her lower lip and giggles.
“Everything okay, Mr. Porter? You look frustrated.”
God, I love it when she calls me that. Like the sassy little girl she is.
