Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
CAROLINA
E ver since I ran into Joey at the Christmas tree on the second-floor landing, I hadn't been able to fully process that he was Oliver's. I suspected he was hiding something, but I never thought about a child. It made sense that his evenings were busy and he couldn't stay the night. I just couldn't figure out why Oliver hadn't told me about him.
It was one thing to say you didn't want to introduce your fling to your son, but another never to mention him at all. I'd shared the details about my father's affair and how devastated it made us feel. It hurt that Oliver hadn't felt like he could share the details of his life with me.
Joey had a ton of energy but was content to spend the evening at the lodge. He seemed like a good kid.
"I was thinking of making chocolate peppermint popcorn. Who wants to help?" Marcus asked once we were all finished with our hot chocolate.
"I think I'm going to head up. I'm tired," Arthur said.
"Do you need anything? Extra towels?" Oliver asked.
Arthur shook his head. "I'm good."
"The front desk number will be forwarded to my cell tonight if you need anything," Oliver said to Arthur .
"I'm sure I'll be fine. I've been stuck in bigger storms than this in my lifetime." With a parting smile, he headed toward the staircase.
I gathered the mugs and placed them on the tray. When I went to lift it, intending to carry it into the kitchen, Marcus said, "You don't have to do that."
Oliver lifted it out of my hands. "I've got it."
"I want to make chocolate popcorn," Joey said as he tugged on Marcus's hand.
Marcus chuckled. "I thought you might."
"I'd love to see how you make it," I said,.
Marcus took Joey's hand, and we followed him into the kitchen. Oliver cleaned the mugs while Marcus grabbed a container of popcorn kernels from the pantry along with chocolate and peppermint shavings.
I sat on one of the stools to watch. I wondered if I should have headed to my room when Arthur did, but I wasn't ready for this night to be over. I was enjoying getting to see Oliver as a father, and Joey was a delight.
Marcus melted the chocolate in a pan on the stove, and let Joey slowly stir it. Then Joey helped Marcus scoop the kernels into a large popcorn machine that looked like it belonged in a movie theater. "This time we're not going to add butter because we're going to drizzle it with melted chocolate and peppermint."
Joey nodded from his spot on the chair.
It seemed like Joey had a good relationship with Marcus. As if he took the time to teach him things in the kitchen. It was sweet.
Oliver stood back, letting Marcus take the lead with his son.
When the popcorn was popped, Marcus dumped it on the baking sheets. "Make sure the popcorn is all one level so they get covered when we drizzle the chocolate over it. "
Marcus patiently showed him how to pour the chocolate over the popcorn.
Joey was so excited just to help. It was hard not to get caught up in the joy of the moment. I turned on some holiday music on my phone, and Marcus smiled. "It's hard to believe Christmas is in a few days."
"Can we stay here for Christmas Eve, Daddy?" Joey asked.
"I don't see why not. Eli is staying with Scarlett in the penthouse."
"Will Uncle Xander stay overnight too?"
"He might if you ask him."
"I want him there to open presents with me." Joey's eyes were bright with excitement.
"You can ask him," Oliver said tightly.
I had a feeling Xander was a source of contention with the brothers. Maybe he wasn't as involved with the business, and the other brothers resented his disinterest.
Once the popcorn was drizzled with chocolate, Marcus dropped peppermint shavings over it, then poured the confection into separate bowls. We grabbed one, and headed into the great room to watch a holiday movie. Joey picked one of the ones where the boy is left home alone. It was a newer one I'd never heard of before. Joey was cuddled up with Oliver on the couch, and by the time the credits rolled, Joey was asleep.
"I'm going to take him upstairs."
Marcus waved a hand at him. "Don't worry about cleaning up. I've got this."
"I can help too." I gathered the empty bowls and picked up the dropped kernels, then took everything into the kitchen. "Where do you stay when you're stuck in the lodge?"
"I get one of the rooms. I love being snowed in, and the Wildes are a great family to work with."
"That's good to hear. I've had a good experience running the conferences here . This is the first time I've ever been snowed in. "
"The storm will start overnight, and then tomorrow we can go play in the snow."
"That sounds wonderful." We quickly finished cleaning up our snack. Then I said, "Have a good night."
"You too," Marcus said warmly. "I'll sanitize the kitchen, then head up shortly."
I walked out of the kitchen, the lodge quiet now that everyone was in their rooms for the night. I wondered if Oliver would come back down, then decided he'd probably stay with his son. Was he staying in the penthouse or one of the family condos he mentioned?
In my room, I was pleased to see that my sheets had been changed and the bed made. I wasn't sure if I could handle it if the bed was still rumpled. Especially remembering what Oliver and I shared last night.
My heart ached for the night we wouldn't get, but I understood that he had a child. That his days and nights weren't his own. I just wished he'd told me.
Oliver: I'm sorry that we lost our night together.
Carolina: I am too. But I understand.
The phone rang. It was Oliver.
"I wanted to check in and see how you were doing. Do you need anything?"
"Is this the lodge owner talking to me or my sometimes fling?" I teased lightly, not wanting him to know how much I enjoyed our time together. It certainly hadn't felt temporary.
"The man, actually."
"Mmm. I'm fine. I was a little surprised to meet Joey, but not in a bad way. I guess I was just upset that you didn't tell me earlier. I shared intimate details of my life with you, and I'm sorry you didn't feel like you could do the same."
Oliver let out a sigh. "I have this strong desire to protect Joey. I didn't think you needed to know at first. It was just that one night. Then there was the second. But there were long months in between. We weren't necessarily developing a relationship. It was supposed to be temporary."
"I know."
"But you're right. I probably should have told you earlier. I was worried about how you'd react. Not everyone wants to be with someone who's a dad."
"You could have let me make that decision."
"I messed up, and I'm sorry."
"I understand why you were hesitant. You're protective of your son, and you should be."
"You're welcome to join us tomorrow. I'm sure we'll spend some time in the snow. Marcus likes to bake cookies every time we're snowed in."
"That sounds lovely." I was looking forward to spending the day with Oliver, his son, and everyone who was snowed in with us.
"I really am sorry we missed our night together, but I actually feel relieved that you've met Joey."
"It doesn't change anything for me." It just solidifies the fact that Oliver's life was here, and mine was in Maine. He couldn't travel with me even if I wanted something more from our relationship.
"I'll see you tomorrow. Joey gets up bright and early, and I can't promise that he won't want to knock on your door to wake you up."
I laughed at that image. "Thanks for the warning."
"Night, Caro."
"Good night." We hung up, and I couldn't help but think that tonight almost topped our nights alone. I got to see Oliver as a caring dad. The fact that he was so protective of Joey made him even more attractive. He was a family man, and he wanted everyone around him to be happy. I was getting to know Oliver in a different light, and I realized I liked all sides of him. The sexy man in my bed, the caring protective father, the savvy business owner, and the responsible man that took care of everyone around him.
He was the perfect catch. I couldn't believe Joey's mother didn't see that. But it sounded like she only cared about herself. I cuddled in bed watching a holiday movie, wishing I was with Oliver and his son. If we were together, we'd be curled up on the couch watching this very movie while his son slept in his bedroom.
I never thought about having kids, not after my dad left. I figured I'd just mess a kid up with my family trauma. But Oliver and Joey made me want something more for myself.
We hadn't made any promises beyond this particular visit. For the first time, the draw to go home and create the perfect Christmas for my family wasn't there. They didn't need me.
I was free to do whatever I wanted. I just wasn't sure what Oliver was thinking. Did he assume we'd break things off after the snow melted?
The next morning, there was a knock on my door. I pulled on a robe and tied it around my waist before I opened it.
Joey bounced on his toes. "Dad said to invite you down for breakfast."
"Is he cooking?" I asked, pleased he'd sent his son to get me.
"He's clearing snow on the walkways. But Marcus said it's a waste of time because the snow is still coming down. You should see it. It's huge flakes." Joey rushed past me into my room, toward the windows.
"I just woke up. I didn't realize." It was just white outside, and the snow was coming down hard. "It's beautiful."
He ran toward the door. "Daddy said I have to eat before I can go play in the snow. "
I wasn't sure if I was ready to go out in that. It was a serious storm. The wind was blowing the flakes sideways, and everything was covered in a fresh blanket of white. "I'll be right down."
"Hurry before the food is gone." He opened the door and then was gone.
I waited until he closed the door behind him with a slam, then rushed to shower and get ready. I had a feeling Marcus cooked more than enough food, but I didn't want to miss out on his cooking.
I dressed in comfortable clothes, assuming that we'd be outside, either shoveling or playing. I was looking forward to the day, and I had no work planned. I'd dealt with the unhappiness of my client and vendors yesterday and wanted to relax and enjoy the storm.
Arthur was drinking his coffee at the table, but the couple was nowhere to be seen. He lifted his gaze. "Amy and Dean haven't been down yet. Marcus took a tray to their room."
I grabbed a plate and piled it high with pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit. "This is quite the spread."
"Marcus overdid himself. I think that's just his way," Arthur said warmly.
I sat down and lifted my fork.
Marcus bustled out of the kitchen with a carafe of coffee, pouring it into the mug to my right. "How did you sleep?"
"Great, actually." I was tired from the previous night with Oliver. The thought of the impending storm and spending the day with Oliver and Joey had me sleeping hard.
Marcus smiled at me. "Was your room warm enough? The power went out, but the generators kicked in right away."
"I didn't notice being cold."
"Good. That's good. There's nothing like being snowed in but still having good food and electricity."
I laughed as Marcus disappeared into the kitchen again.
Arthur set aside his book and nodded toward the doorway where Marcus walked through. "He seems to enjoy taking care of people."
"He does." Everyone who worked at the lodge was so nice.
"What are your plans for the day?" Arthur asked me.
"I figured I'd pitch in and help if they need it. Otherwise, no plans."
"I'll let you young people do the shoveling. I'm going to read my book in front of the fire."
I smiled, my hands wrapped around the warm mug. "I'm sure Marcus will keep you warm and fed."
Arthur grinned. "This vacation is turning out better than I thought it would."
"Do you have plans to be with your family for the holidays?" I asked him, unsure what that looked like for him now that his wife had passed away.
"This is my first Christmas without Abigail. My son, Jeff, wanted me to stay with him for the holidays. He lives in Denver. But I needed a few days to myself first."
"It's going to be hard without her," I said, my heart aching for him.
Arthur's eyes were shiny. "I'm grateful to be able to travel on my own and to have a few days of quiet before I see my family. Jeff has twin boys, and they are rambunctious."
"You're worried you won't be able to be joyful around them?" My heart clenched when he nodded. I reached over to squeeze his hand. "You don't have to be anything you're not ready for. I'm sure your family understands that this will be hard for you. They just want to spend time with you." That made me wonder about my own expectations for the holidays. I put so much pressure on creating the perfect day and carrying on traditions. What if time was all my family wanted? Spending the day together? No expectations. No elaborate meal.
Oliver cleared his throat as he entered the room. "The sidewalks were clear, but it's coming down hard. "
I pulled my hand from Arthur's and sipped my coffee.
Arthur leaned back in his chair. "It's probably a waste of time until the snow slows down a bit."
"If we can't clear it, I guess we should go play in it." Oliver grinned, and he looked so much younger. Playful and carefree. Is this how he was with his son? I loved this side of him.
Joey came skipping out of the kitchen. "Can we go outside?"
Oliver looked down at him. "Did you eat?"
Joey scowled. "I was helping Marcus in the kitchen."
"Sit down and eat," Oliver said as Marcus came out of the kitchen with syrup.
"Ugh. Fine," Joey grumbled as he climbed onto the seat next to me.
Oliver placed a pancake on his plate, and cut it up before pouring the syrup on top. Then Joey dug in.
Oliver stacked his plate high with pancakes, then sat across from us. "Shoveling makes me hungry."
I smiled. "I can see that."
It was the best kind of morning. I didn't have anywhere to be. Even if I did, I couldn't go anywhere. It was a forced relaxation which suited me perfectly.
When we’d finished eating, I helped clean up. Then we headed down to the locker room area where Oliver stored my snowsuit and skis from the other day.
"I thought you rented these," I said when Oliver pulled them out for me.
"I bought them for you to use whenever you're in town."
Surprised, I said, "But the next time I'm supposed to visit will be in April."
Oliver cleared his throat. "You’ll have another conference in the winter."
"I can't get my boots on," Joey cried from his spot on the floor, and I resumed putting on the extra layers.
When we were dressed, Oliver led us to a storage locker loaded with all kinds of fun stuff. He handed me a sled, then a smaller one to Joey.
He opened the door to the outside. The wind was strong, the snowflakes biting into our cheeks.
"We'll have to see how long we can last. There's a perfect sledding hill close to the lodge." Oliver motioned for us to follow him. The sleds had strings so we dragged them behind us in the snow. Joey stepped into the footprints that Oliver left in the snow, and the sight of that had my heart squeezing.
I couldn't believe Oliver had kept something so big from me. Especially when it didn't detract from him at all. It only made him more attractive. He was patient and kind with Joey and was stern when the situation called for it.
I pulled out my phone, removing my gloves so that I could snap a picture. When I shoved it back in my pocket, Oliver looked over his shoulder. "You coming?"
"Be right there," I called out, as I pulled my glove back on and continued up the hill. The wind slanted against us, making the trek that much more difficult. When we finally reached the top, Oliver dropped his sled, and Joey mimicked his actions.
"There's a little hill half way down. If you hit it right, you'll go airborne."
"It's super fun," Joey said excitedly, backing away from his sled then running and jumping onto it. He flew down the hill.
"He didn't waste any time," I said watching him fly over the ridge Oliver warned us about, screaming as if it was the most fun ever. Then he hit the ground again with a thud and kept going. His squeals of joy carried with the wind.
"Snow days are his favorite." Oliver raised his voice to be heard over the gusts of wind.
"I don't blame him." My face was cold from the slap of the wind. I pulled my hood up and tied the strings so it would stay on.
"There's nothing better when you're a little kid than an early start to the holiday break." Oliver grinned as if we shared a secret. As if we were in this together.
I smiled, happy to be part of this moment. "No. I suppose not."
"You want me to give you a push?" Oliver tipped his head toward my sled.
"Let's go down together." I wanted to experience this with him.
Joey had reached the bottom, popped off his sled, and waved for us to go.
"Let's do this, then." Oliver sat on his sled and waited for me to do the same. "One, two three."
I pushed off, and we were sailing down the hill, and when my sled struck the ridge, my stomach soared along with the sled. But when I hit the ground, it pitched me to the side, throwing me off. I rolled a few feet before stopping. A little stunned, I stared up at the sky as more snow fell around me. It was quiet except for the sound of the flakes hitting the packed snow.
"Are you okay?" Oliver's face filled my vision.
"I'm fine," I said as I attempted to roll to the side. It was more difficult because of the thick layers I wore.
Oliver helped me up, and I brushed off the snow. He'd left his sled at the bottom of the hill with Joey. "Let's go the rest of the way together."
Oliver didn't give me a chance to refuse, just situated his body on the sled so I had no choice but to fit into the space between his legs. He pulled me tight against his chest with a hand banded around my middle.
Into my ear, he whispered the countdown then pushed off. We were flying down the hill, exhilaration shooting through me. I couldn't remember a time when I felt this free. Not just of responsibilities but of my rules and guidelines. I was breaking all of them, and I couldn't bring myself to care .
At the bottom, Joey was jumping up and down. "That was so cool. You went flying off the sled."
"It didn't feel as cool as it looked." My back hurt where I landed on the packed snow.
Joey waved a hand at me. "You'll be okay." Then he was pulling his sled by the string back up the mountain.
"I can't believe we have to walk up. Where's the lift?" I teased Oliver as we grabbed our respective sleds and followed Joey.
"This is the real deal. Lifts are for pansies." He lowered his voice so that Joey wouldn't hear him.
"Is that so?" I asked him, my heart feeling light.
"And for people from Maine who can't handle the weather."
I smacked him on the arm. He was so puffy I was positive he didn't feel anything through the layers. "We get snow in Maine."
"When was the last time you went sledding?"
I tried to think back through the years as we trudged up the hill. "It had to be before I was a teenager." I knew it was before Dad left. After that, I felt the responsibility of taking care of my family keenly. I would have been the one clearing snow from Mom's car and shoveling the sidewalk. Then I’d be too tired to go sledding.
Oliver nodded solemnly as if he could read my mind. "Well, today we're going to have fun. We'll go sledding, build a snowman, then drink hot chocolate in front of the fire."
"I can't think of a better way to spend a snow day."
Arthur's plan to read the day away was nice too. But I didn't want to miss out on a second of this extra time I was getting with Oliver and Joey.