Chapter 3
Chapter Three
“Sweetbriar Ridge town limits,” Hailey murmured as she drove past the sign. Her heart was racing with equal parts excitement and nerves.
Ever since she had gotten the official news that she was pregnant—which was really only days ago—she’d been nearly frantic to get here and see Max. She’d been silently willing him to reach out now that she knew he had her number, but when he did, it was just an awkward conversation about her coming to town. Not that she would have told him over the phone—or maybe she could have—but telling him was her top priority. Unfortunately, she didn’t know him well enough to know how he was going to react.
She thought about the first time she saw him. He was walking out onto Levi and Jade’s deck the day before the wedding. They were hosting the rehearsal dinner—which was really just a massive gathering of the Donovan family—and Hailey had been sitting by herself, just people watching. Max had stepped outside, and her heart had kicked hard in her chest. He was so handsome, and he was smiling like he was having the time of his life. It was crazy how drawn to him she felt, even as she was too shy to get up and introduce herself.
Luckily, Max didn’t have that same issue.
“Great night for a rehearsal dinner, don’t you think?” he’d asked as he casually sat down beside her, almost as if he was drawn to her too.
She’d felt herself blush as she awkwardly combed her blonde hair behind her ear. “It is. I’m glad the weather’s cooperating.”
Lame, Hailey. Talking about the weather is just lame.
He nodded. “Oh, Mother Nature wouldn’t dare put a damper on this weekend. This wedding is long overdue, and I think the universe is breathing a sigh of relief that it’s finally happening.”
She looked at him oddly. “That’s an awful lot of attention on Marcus and Billie. You must think highly of them.”
Another nod. “Marcus is my brother,” he said casually. “And I’ve known Billie almost my whole life. If things had gone the way they were supposed to, this wedding should have happened about ten years ago.”
Her eyes went wide. “Really? I had no idea!”
“Yup. They were high school sweethearts who had everything going for them. Until…well…that’s not my story to tell.” Then he leaned in close. “But thanks to me, they’re back together.” He playfully nudged her shoulder. “I try not to brag, but…I figured you might want to know.”
He was adorable and charming on top of the whole handsome thing.
“Well, I hope they’ve given you all the praise and credit,” she said solemnly. “After all, it’s only fair. You’re kind of a hero.”
When he smiled, she saw dimples. “They promised to name their firstborn after me, but I told them it was too much. I mean, don’t get me wrong; it would be awesome, but could the world really handle another Maxwell Calloway?” He sighed dramatically. “The poor lad would have such a hard time living up to the man, the myth, the legend…”
The giggle was out before she could stop it, and fortunately, he laughed with her. “You’re too kind, Maxwell Calloway. Sparing that poor child. I’m sure you’ll be the favorite uncle.”
He glanced around. “Well, I don’t want Levi to get jealous. So maybe we keep that part to ourselves.” Then he winked, and Hailey swore she was ready to sigh dreamily. “It would be an unfair advantage, and I think Levi’s a great guy, so…” He shrugged.
“I have to agree about Levi, but then again, I can’t let the rest of the Donovan men know that.”
Max arched one dark brow, and she already knew what he was asking.
“I’m Hailey Donovan, Billie’s cousin. I’m not sure you realize how big this family is, but there are easily over a dozen male cousins. If I openly admitted that I thought Levi was awesome, a brawl could break out. Trust me.”
“Interesting. I was not aware of how large the family was, but now that you mention it, there are a lot of people here that I’ve never met before. I thought this was just supposed to be a small and intimate dinner for the bridal party.”
“You think this is a lot?” She laughed softly. “Silly man. This is just a fraction of the Donovans who will be at the wedding tomorrow.” Then she pointed out all her relatives and told him who they were.
“I hope I’m not going to be quizzed on this,” he teased. “I’m terrible with names.”
She didn’t think it was possible for him to be terrible at anything. He was handsome and funny, and he smelled freaking delicious. It took every ounce of self-control for her not to lean in and simply inhale.
How awkward would that be?
“So, tell me, Hailey Donovan, did you have to travel far to come to this joyous event?” he asked, interrupting her thoughts.
“I live down in Fort Lauderdale, so…not too terribly far. Just a five-hour flight with a layover. No biggie.” She smiled. “What about you? Do you live here in Sweetbriar Ridge?”
“Actually, I just moved back. Not that I lived too far from here—just an hour away—but I missed this little town and felt like I needed to come back. Well, that and my dad’s had some health issues, and it was just better for me to live closer. Of course, when I decided that, I had no idea that Marcus was moving back, so…it’s going to be great having our family all in one place again.”
“I’ve lived in Fort Lauderdale my whole life. My parents are still there, and I have one sister and three brothers who are all still there too. I wish we were closer to some of our cousins, but we all try to get together at least once a year. Sometimes more in the last few years because so many of them got married.”
Max noticeably looked down at her hand before asking, “And what about you, Hailey? Any husband or boyfriend lurking around the party?”
Her blush was back as she shook her head. “I was about to say sadly no, but to be honest, I’m not sad about it. Especially not right now.”
Gah! That was bold! Was it too bold? Did I just ruin this fun, flirty conversation?
“I’m not sad about it either,” he murmured huskily. “Now I feel like I can relax and really turn on the charm.”
She didn’t think it was possible for him to become more charming, but…he did.
They got up and walked around the yard, enjoying the appetizers and sipping wine. Max told her about his job as a cybersecurity analyst and how he owned his own small firm, and she talked about her career as a nutritionist and how she also taught yoga and Pilates.
That last part really piqued his curiosity, and he made some rather mildly naughty inquiries about her flexibility.
When they were far enough away from anyone who could hear them, she replied, “I started taking ballet when I was three years old. I kept it up until college and then put all my attention on yoga. Let’s just say I can easily bend in half as well as wrap my legs around my neck.”
His arm banded around her waist and his breath was warm on her cheek. “Is it wrong that I want to find out for myself if that’s true?” he whispered.
She hummed sweetly. “You could come down to Florida and take one of my classes.”
His laugh was low and thoroughly masculine. “If that’s the only way I can see it, I’ll book my flight now.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to invite him to her hotel room right now, but this was his brother’s rehearsal dinner, and it would be wrong to ask him to leave. Plus, they didn’t even really know each other.
Yet.
Making the turn onto Main Street, she slowly drove along until she reached Books there were plans forming for a bar, he was taking on some new clients for his cybersecurity firm, and he was excited to start actively looking for a house to buy. Now, all those plans were going to change or at the very least, shift. And as much as he genuinely liked Hailey and regretted how logistics kept them from becoming more seriously involved, he wasn’t sure how to make it all work. There was the co-parenting thing whether she lived here or stayed in Florida, but the thought of the two of them being single when there’s clearly still a major attraction there almost felt like it was going to be the elephant in the room.
Raking a hand through his hair with a shaky sigh, he turned onto Boulder Street and slowed down. It was a great block. The lots were big, with tons of mature trees, and everyone kept their property pristine. Plus, everyone Max met was super friendly. Hopefully she’ll look at the area and realize it’s a nice place to live and raise a child. This wasn’t the only block in town, and it wasn’t like she was going to move in with Billie and Marcus or with him in the apartment over the garage, but this could be just laying the groundwork. It was a completely different way of living compared to Florida, so maybe she’d find it appealing.
Fingers crossed.
Pulling into the driveway, he parked near the detached garage and then climbed out as Hailey pulled in behind him. He walked over to her and helped her from the car.
“Thanks,” she said, tucking a strand of long blonde hair behind her ear. “Wow! This house is amazing!”
Nodding, he agreed. “I know, right? Marcus bought it hoping to win Billie back. He had a lot of work put into it to make it just right. Actually, they’re still working on it, but it has four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, an office, a full basement, living room, dining room, and a massive kitchen fit for a baker. Wait until you see it. It’s amazing. The yard’s fenced in—which is great since they have three dogs.”
“Three dogs? Oh my goodness!”
“Another part of my brother’s strategy to convince Billie to give him another chance,” he explained. “And then there’s a two-car garage plus the detached two-story, two-car garage with a guest suite on the second floor. Which is now where I’m living, so…”
“This is all just gorgeous! I love all the mature trees! I bet this place looks almost magical when it snows.” She laughed softly. “Don’t laugh, but I’ve only seen snow in person once. If I ever left Florida, I’d be that crazy person standing out in the middle of a snowstorm loving every minute of it.”
“I’ve never lived anywhere that didn’t have all four seasons, and I still love a good snowy day.” Leaning in, he playfully nudged her shoulder. “It’s a great excuse to sip hot cocoa and then snuggle up under the blankets together.”
He loved the way she blushed. “Mmm…cocoa sounds yummy.”
Another little nudge. “And the snuggling?”
“Max…” But she was smiling and giggling, and he hoped he painted a tiny picture of what could happen if she moved here.
“Come on. I’m sure Billie saw us pull up and is wondering why we’re not inside yet. Where’s your suitcase?”
“In the trunk. It’s just a small one. I can get it.”
“Please,” he said, stepping around her. “I got it. Just pop the trunk for me.” She did, and a minute later, they were heading into the house.
“Hey, you two!” Billie called out. “We’re in the living room!”
“I’m guessing they’re going to give you the guest suite upstairs. There’s a back staircase here off the kitchen, so I’m just going to put your suitcase there for now.”
“Thanks.”
They found Marcus and Billie sitting on the sofa and the dogs napping nearby.
Until they heard guests. After that, it was chaos for a few minutes with the puppies jumping to get his and Hailey’s attention. Marcus eventually got up and let them out so they could sit and relax.
“We’re working on manners,” Billie joked as soon as Marcus shut the sliding doors. “They love meeting new people, but they are very excitable. I hope you’re okay with dogs, Hales. I have a feeling they’re going to love hanging around with you.”
“I love dogs,” she assured them. “Growing up, we had a golden retriever named Boomer.”
“Oh my goodness! I remember Boomer!” Billie said. “He was such a sweet dog!”
“That he was. When he died, my mom swore she couldn’t go through that again and I don’t blame her. But every once in a while, I feel like maybe I want to go to the shelter and adopt a dog that needs a home.” Sighing, she added, “It just feels wrong to do it and then leave the poor little guy locked up in an apartment all day and not have a yard for him to run around in.”
“It was one of the selling points for the house,” Marcus said as he sat back down. “I work from home, so they get to go outside and get out a lot of that puppy energy.”
“This house is amazing,” she gushed. “Max was saying how you’re still doing work on it, but it doesn’t look like it needs anything.”
“I’ll give you the tour!” Billie said, jumping to her feet.
“Awesome!”
Max shifted in his spot on the sofa and watched as Billie led Hailey from the room. Once they were out of sight, he turned and found his brother watching him with a smirk on his face. “What? What’s so funny?”
“I’m not laughing,” Marcus said dryly.
“But…?”
“But…you’re practically drooling. Don’t make things awkward.”
“I wasn’t drooling and I’m not making anything awkward. Hailey and I already reconnected over at Books & Beans and everything’s fine. Plus, I texted her after brunch the other day. We’re good. I swear.”
Liar.
“I wouldn’t say spending fifteen minutes chatting over coffee is really reconnecting, but…”
Shrugging, Max figured it was better to say nothing—less chance of him blurting out the news.
“Did Hailey mention why she’s here in Sweetbriar? Did she get an interview up at Summit Ridge?”
“Interview? Why would she have an interview up there?”
“Damn. I guess that’s not it then.”
“I’m confused. Why would you think she has an interview at the resort?”
“She mentioned that at some point during the wedding weekend hoopla. She said she’d love to work at a resort like Summit Ridge to teach yoga or something. I just thought maybe she inquired and that’s why she’s here. I’m sure my beautiful wife is trying to pump her for information while giving her a tour of the house.”
“Um…maybe…” he murmured. “That does sound like something Billie would do.”
“I know, right? And Hailey didn’t mention anything to you about why she’s here?”
Dude, she mentioned everything to me…
Thankfully, he kept that to himself, and instead shook his head. “Nope. She was pretty vague with me too.”
“Don’t you think it’s strange that she’s being so secretive?”
“Not at all,” he said smoothly. “Maybe she just wanted to see me again and it’s none of anyone’s business. Did you ever think of that?”
“Nope.”
So many snarky comments were on the tip of his tongue, but he stayed quiet. “I hear all the Donovans are coming for dinner this weekend. How do you feel about that?”
“It was a little weird at first because I swear they are together all the time. Now I’m getting used to it and it’s kind of fun. Plus, we have the most space, so we can spread out a bit. I’m looking forward to showing Reid, Tanner, and Levi what I did with the basement.”
Max snorted with amusement. “Look at you wanting to impress your friends. That’s adorable.”
“Shut up. That’s not what this is. I’m taking pride in my home and making it a place my family enjoys coming to. There’s nothing wrong with that. You’ll be the same way when you find a place of your own.”
“I hope so. All the time I planned on moving back to Sweetbriar Ridge, I never imagined I wouldn’t be able to find a house.”
“You were rushing, and that’s never a smart way to make a major purchase.”
“You did it when you bought this place. You bought it and renovated the kitchen in a matter of weeks.”
“Grand gesture, remember? And you were the one who suggested it!”
Chuckling, he nodded. “Oh yeah. That’s right. But it still worked for you. Why can’t it work for me?”
“There was too much going on when you started looking. Now that you’re a little more settled, I’m sure you could find something. Reach out to Patrick and Marissa Donovan again and see if anything new has come on the market.”
“I just unpacked…”
His brother laughed. “It makes no difference to me. You’re welcome to the apartment for as long as you need it.”
In the other room, they could hear Billie and Hailey talking.
“I guess the tour is over,” Marcus said. “I wonder if Billie found out anything.”
“Um…”
There was a loud gasp, followed by, “Oh my God! Are you serious?”
Max was instantly on his feet, and Marcus joined him. “What the…?”
Billie came into the room, gently dragging Hailey behind her. “Maxwell Calloway, what do you have to say for yourself?”
All eyes were on him, but when he looked at Hailey, she mouthed, “I’m sorry,” and he knew the cat was now officially out of the bag.
“So…Hailey’s pregnant with my baby. That’s why she’s here in Sweetbriar Ridge.”
Beside him, his brother groaned, “Oh, for fuck’s sake…”