Page 20 of His Candy Cane (Sweet Treats 1)

I squint at him.

“What? They’re not paying you money to date me, are they?”

He threw his head back and laughed.

“No of course not. Your parents are just protective of their daughter, that’s all. They want what’s best for you, and that means marrying their daughter off to a man who will take care of her financially.”

I shake my head.

“Yes, but isn’t that so old-fashioned? We’re not living in eighteenth century England where women don’t have jobs anymore. In fact, I’m going on my fifth year as a vet tech now.”

My lover grinned.

“Of course your parents’ thinking is outmoded, but it’s just a reflex. Plus, it doesn’t help that they likely believe that I’m a pauper literally selling my body and know-how in order to make money. I did pose as a fitness model for Men’s Muscle last year, remember.”

I shivered hotly, seeing the spread in my mind’s eye.

“Yes, but you looked amazing in the magazine, Patrick. You look incredibly yummy now, and what’s wrong with being a male model? You’re studly and muscly, and I love it so much.”

Patrick arched his eyebrow at me, grinning.

“Can’t get enough of my candy cane, can you, Maisie?”

I shake my head enthusiastically.

“Definitely not. Who could resist?” I tease. “So why don’t my parents appreciate my hunky stud muffin?”

Patrick makes a funny face.

“Well, I hope they don’t see me as a hunky stud muffin because that would be gross. But in general, people don’t want their daughters dating a male model. It’s just not seen as a “man’s job.””

I nod.

“Another outmoded idea.”

He shrugs.

“Yes, but what can we do? Your folks are the products of another time and age.”

I smile sassily.

“We could tell them about your new supplements line, and how you’re going to take over the world selling them.”

He grins and rubs my back affectionately.

“I appreciate your support Maisie, but I haven’t told anyone about my new business venture, not even my parents. So let’s keep it on the downlow, otherwise there will be too much pressure. I want to do well, don’t get me wrong, but there are no guarantees in the business world. It’s competitive out there, with a lot of sharks looking for prey.”

I nod in agreement, but inside, my heart is bursting with joy. I’m so proud of this man, and I support his hopes, dreams, and aspirations. I never thought I’d be with someone who dreams such big dreams, and I’m ecstatic that he’s going to be the father of my child.

Smiling still, I sit down on a hard bench in the packed school auditorium, looking around. There’s Mrs. James chatting with the elderly Mrs. Peckham. There’s Mayor Jones, scribbling something on a piece of paper at the front. Then the door opens, and my parents enter. What? I wave, a little surprised. Why are they here?

But Lorraine and Henry don’t see me, and they move somberly to a bench at the front, taking their seats with their backs to me. Hmm, weird. Maybe they’re planning on renovating the house, and need to get a permit? I have no idea. I’ve been so caught up in my own life recently, that I haven’t noticed much outside of the little bubble that Patrick and I exist in.

Suddenly, the banging of a gavel sounds and Mayor Jones takes a seat at the front of the hall. The City Council members walk to the front of the auditorium as well, and take their seats along a long, narrow table fitted with mics.

“Hi everyone,” Mayor Jones greets. “Thanks for joining us at our monthly City Council meeting. There are a few things on the agenda tonight, and we’ll be going through them one by one.”

The crowd nods and I zone out as the Council discusses various zoning changes, the flow of traffic near the Tremont intersection, and the new children’s wing of the library. I smile to myself, rubbing my belly absentmindedly, as if saying hello to my baby. He or she will be born in my hometown, and I can’t wait to meet him or her.

But then the gavel strikes with a bang, and I jerk a bit.

“The next item on the agenda is a business permit for a new business downtown called Mr. P’s CrossFit Supplements. Patrick Walker is here to give us an overview of his plans and to explain how this business will add value to our downtown.”

My heart bursts with pride as Patrick appears from a side door and strides to the front of the room. He’s so handsome in a blue blazer and fitted trousers, with those arresting azure eyes, chiseled jaw, and incredible physique. His voice is low and deep as he begins speaking.

“Mr. Mayor, City Council, thank you for having me. As you know, I’m already the proprietor of Mr. P’s CrossFit gym on the east side of town, and we’re doing quite well. I’m here to apply for a business permit to open a related business which will sell vitamins and supplements, also branded with the Mr. P name. My new shop will add value to our town because—”

---