Chapter 29
CHAPTER 29
M allory
“Dr. McGregor. There’s a delivery for you.”
Groaning, I’d yet to figure out why I needed to be involved with the deliveries. I had an amazing staff. So why… No, I wasn’t going down that road. It had been a long day. Very long. With two surgeries. Thankfully, both had had excellent outcomes.
“Okay, Sally. I’ll be right there.” I dropped my head into my hands, unable to keep a smile from my face. All week long, I’d done nothing but think about Beckett.
I’d rushed around all day, scheduling the appointments so I could take off early. Another veterinarian was working so there wouldn’t be a problem. I’d realized over the years I was a control freak.
My thoughts returned to the rugged man with the killer smile. He’d been so kind, taking me to lunch and fixing a couple of boards that had come loose on the barn. And Brady adored him, Sampson as well. But Beckett hadn’t been pushy, just sweet. I was still having a difficult time thinking of him as sweet, not dangerous, but I was getting used to it.
Besides, the notion was sexy.
As long as I put aside my thoughts about all the terrible things he’d done in his life. There was no need to get into that. Was there?
I typed in the last details of my latest client before heading into the reception area. That’s when I noticed a huge bouquet of roses on the desk.
“What in God’s name?” I asked.
“They’re for you.” Sally grinned. I’d already heard the scuttlebutt about my relationship with the mysterious man. Most hadn’t put any pieces together and I was thankful for that. They just thought I had a new love interest. The two dozen red roses would fuel their gossip.
“Wow,” I said as I moved closer, taking a deep breath. They had an incredible scent, the fragrance close to being intoxicating.
Tiny tremors skated down my spine as I tugged the card from the holder.
“Flowers. That mystery man of yours is serious,” Dr. Wallace said as soon as she entered the room. “Maybe you’ll get off the naughty list after all.”
“Very funny.” The woman was happily married to her personal Prince Charming and had two adorable, well-mannered kids. And she was a year younger than me. What had this girl done? Pined away for memories, wallowing in guilt.
Maybe that was the significant difference. I’d already been pretty good at shoving aside bits and pieces from the past. Maybe not all of them, but I was working at it.
The entire team suddenly appeared in the reception area. Didn’t we currently have patients to attend to?
I found myself turning my back so they couldn’t possibly read what was on the card.
There are few in my life who have brought any sense of joy.
Only you have bridged the gap in hunger and need.
You are the brightest star in the sky.
Looking forward to tonight.
Beckett
Tiny quivers continued to course through me. He had a way with words even if he’d deemed himself nonromantic.
“What does it say?” Sally teased.
“Oh, no, you don’t.” I turned around to face them, laughing since the bouquet took up half the counter space. That just wouldn’t do. “I’m getting ready to leave. Brady is more excited about this carnival than he’s ever been about Christmas.”
The two women looked at each other while I slipped the card into the pocket of my scrubs. I breezed by them, blowing a kiss for the heck of it. We’d become quite the little family in the last few months.
After jerking on my coat and grabbing my purse, I returned to the reception area, noticing we had two more patients waiting. The business was booming. I couldn’t be happier.
I grabbed the flowers, struggling to hold them as I maneuvered my way to the door.
“Let me help you with that,” a male customer I’d never seen before told me. I could barely see the man’s face behind the roses, even almost dropping the expensive crystal vase.
“Thank you!” The sound was muffled as he opened the door, allowing me to venture onto the porch. I shifted enough to say a proper thank you, noticing he had scars on both sides of his face. If he was self-conscious, he certainly didn’t act like it. His smile was huge and his eyes were boring into mine.
“You’re very sweet.”
“My pleasure,” he said and as I carefully walked down the stairs, I could feel his eyes on me. Maybe he was watching to make certain I didn’t drop them.
What a gentlemanly thing to do.
I was still struggling, but made it to my truck, gingerly placing the vase with the box it had come in on the seat. I even belted it in. I couldn’t have it flying across the cab after picking up Brady.
Before I made it to the other side, my phone rang. At least it was one of my besties. “Marjorie, darling. How are you?”
“When you’re in a chipper mood, that means that man of yours did something spectacular. Right?”
“Try the most beautiful roses in the entire world.”
“Wow, girl. You got it bad. I think he does as well. Just checking if you guys will be at the carnival later.”
I stood outside my door, casually gazing across the parking lot to the random business that shared the same space. “Do you think Brady would let me live it down?”
She laughed. “I doubt it. Demanding kid like his mother.”
“Batting zeros today, my bestie.”
“I can’t wait to spend time with Beckett. That is if you’re not afraid Jenny and I will stick our claws into him.”
I snorted and finally opened my door, noticing the man who’d been so kind was heading in front of the clinic toward one of the vehicles. “You know what would happen if you tried to touch him.”
“Ha. I do. Can’t wait. We’ll be there around six-ish, I guess.”
“Perfect.” The stranger dressed in all black unlocked the doors of a huge black SUV, getting inside. From what I could tell, he didn’t have anything in his hands, but he could have been checking on his fur baby and nothing more. “Talk then.” I jumped inside, immediately starting the engine.
Days like today I was thankful Brady’s preschool was only a couple of miles down the road and on the way to my house. I headed out, no longer surprised at the amount of traffic. We had all kinds of tourists in for the carnival, which I’d always found fascinating. Ours was tiny but well run, old-fashioned in highlighting games and rides for the young and young at heart.
Finally, my sweet son was old enough to appreciate it all. I made the turn, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. There was no reason for me to glance into the rearview mirror, but I did. A tiny shiver coursed down my spine. The SUV was three vehicles back.
“Don’t do that,” I told myself. I hadn’t experienced the heebie-jeebies in a while. I didn’t like the feeling. The guy had seemed perfectly normal, simply sitting in the waiting room as other clients did every day.
Then why was his presence bothering me so much?
I made a turn, my breath skipping as I glanced several times into the rearview mirror. The shortcut I’d taken only locals knew, yet there he was a few car lengths behind. Immediately, I had the sense I was being followed.
Every few seconds I glanced into the rearview and side mirrors, certain the man in the SUV was the one who’d opened the door for me. From what I could tell, the vehicle was registered in Vermont. However, that meant shit. It could be a rental.
I debated contacting Beckett, but he might think me nuts. I couldn’t go off the rails every time it seemed someone was following me. When I neared the daycare and preschool, I decided to turn into the convenience store located just past the entrance, doing my best to act as if what I was doing had been planned. I even exited onto the pavement, grabbing my purse so I appeared ready to make a purchase.
While it seemed that the SUV had slowed down, none of the man’s movements were covert or out of the ordinary. He drove by without looking in my direction. I waited until the vehicle was out of sight before letting out a deep breath.
I was merely terrified my happiness would be taken away.
Again.
At least a laugh bubbled to the surface as I chastised myself. How long would it be before I stopped looking and wondering?
Before I stopped being terrified?
“Mama. When are we going? I’m weady!” Brady was dancing around, enticing Sampson to do the same.
I had to laugh at my little man. He was so happy, his eyes twinkling. It had been tough to get some food into him so he wouldn’t beg me for junk food the entire time we were at the carnival.
Well…
“In a couple minutes, bud,” I told him as I checked my watch. Just then, I noticed headlights outside the front window and for a few seconds, I stiffened. The crossbow was now hidden away in my closet, which was ridiculous. Did I really think I’d shoot anyone?
What I did know instinctively is that I’d protect my child at all costs.
It wasn’t quite dark so when the vehicle slowed near the house, all I could do was smile.
“Almost, buddy. Guess who just arrived?”
“Yay!” Brady was clapping and jumping and I had to pray my little man wouldn’t throw tantrums during our trip.
I opened the front door, gazing out the glass of the storm door as Beckett and Jax approached.
Sampson was already barking up a storm, even pawing the glass, he was so excited to see his buddy. As soon as I opened the door, he flew outside, both dogs doing zoomies across my lawn.
Beckett offered a hard, heated look all the way to my boots before inhaling. Every look he gave me brought another wave of excitement.
“Hey, beautiful girl,” he said before whistling to Jax.
“Hey, yourself. The roses are just beautiful.”
He grinned and beckoned for the two dogs. He had a magical way of controlling them that I was envious of. When they rushed inside, they almost knocked Brady over. He couldn’t care less. He was all wiggles and happiness.
The truth was, so was I.
“Are you certain you want to leave the dogs alone for a few hours?” Beckett said as he crowded my space.
“I’m going to risk it. Plus, we’re blocking them into the living room and kitchen.”
“Smart woman. I knew there was a reason I tolerated you.”
“Oh, you just tolerate me?” I punched him playfully in the chest. “For that, you need to win not one, but two stuffed animals at the carnival. One for your… One for Brady and one for his mother.”
Beckett’s eyes clouded over briefly. I’d yet to feel comfortable telling my son his father was now in his life. Did that make me a terrible person? I wasn’t certain, but I’d know when the time was right.
“Why not four?” Beckett growled.
“You’re on, buddy. Let’s get going. Oh, warning. The girls will grill you tonight. Trust me. You’ll leave exasperated and feeling like you’ve been interrogated by thugs.” I caught myself after making the statement, slowly lifting my gaze. I knew he’d been tortured over the years even if he hadn’t told me so.
He lowered his head, pressing a kiss on my forehead. “I think I can handle them. If I can do so with you, I’ll be just fine.”
“Hey! Careful there, buster. I guarantee their questions will start in less than ten minutes.”
“I say less than five,” he countered.
“That’s a bet. If I win, you’ll be forced to endure every ride Brady wants to go on.”
“And if I win?” He rubbed his fingers down my arm.
“What do you want?”
“Every. Single. Inch.”
I shuddered from the thought. “You’re on.”
“Careful, Doc. I never lose.”
The time spent with the man felt amazing, natural.
It was times like this that I knew in my heart I’d fallen in love with him years before.
Was it a fairytale?
I guess time would tell.
“What are your intentions with our friend?” Jenny was the first to throw out an interrogation-style question. I checked my watch and sighed.
“Six minutes and twenty seconds,” I said, grinning from the look on Beckett’s face.
“What does that mean?” she chided.
“It means I had a bet with Beckett and I won. Less than ten minutes, but over five.” I grinned as I glanced in his direction.
Meanwhile, Brady was already becoming overwhelmed with the sights and sounds. The kid had an adventurous spirit.
“Well, we need answers,” Jenny added.
“Let’s see,” Beckett said in his usual husky voice as he rubbed his stubbled jaw. Why did he need to be so sexy tonight? I was having a difficult time concentrating on anything but how hot he appeared.
Tight jeans, a Henley shirt that fit every chest muscle as if molded for the man, and a leather jacket. I was in lust.
“I think I’ll keep her,” he added.
Marjorie fanned her face. “Now we just need to find our own personal heroes.”
“Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. Can we ride dat?” He was pointing toward the teacups, a favorite ride when I was a kid.
“I think we can. Beckett is coming with us.” I gave him a sly look, even blowing him a kiss on purpose.
“Get a room,” Marjorie said under her breath. “We’re going to get an adult beverage. You sure you don’t want to join us?”
“Uh, no. I think I’ll have my hands full. We’ll join you later,” I told her.
“You’re missing out!”
I laughed and grabbed Beckett’s hand like Brady was doing with mine, dragging the man toward the ride.
Beckett grabbed Brady’s other hand, even joining in lifting the little man off his feet and swinging him back and forth as we moved toward the ride. While it was already getting crowded, we only had to wait in line for a few minutes before the attendant pointed to one of the teacups.
“Dis is fun!” Brady was so happy and sitting between the two of us seemed as natural as the conversations I’d had with Beckett the last few days. Sadly, I continued to worry about the bubble being burst.
“Yes, it is, baby. Now, hold onto the metal bar. Okay?” I snuggled closer, ensuring he was strapped in. I glanced at Beckett and my entire body felt a wash of heat from the way he was looking at me.
“You have something on your mind,” he said over Brady whooping and hollering. The kid was never quiet. Kind of like his mother.
“So, I was wondering. Did you purchase the construction firm?”
“May-be.”
“You’re a mean man.”
“How many times do you need to tell me that?”
I smacked his arm and Brady gasped as he stared up at me. “You hit him, Mommy. You told me that was bad.”
“It is bad, Brady,” Beckett piped in. “Violence never solves anything.”
Leaning forward, I made faces at Beckett and Brady wasn’t able to see. Beckett was having a tough time not laughing.
“Are you really curious about the company or if I plan on staying?” Beckett pushed as the attendant started the ride.
“Well, both.”
“Let’s just say the contracts are signed and I pulled the house off the market. Does that answer your question?”
Every nerve ending was on fire.
“When were you planning on telling me that?” I was also breathless.
“My, oh, my. You have no patience.”
“None!” The ride started in earnest, the cups spinning and Brady already screaming with delight.
Only a couple of minutes into the ride and both Beckett and I were laughing our butts off. I’d never heard Brady giggling so much and it made my heart sing.
As the ride started to slow, I laughed at myself for being out of breath.
The cups were still shifting back and forth and I took a deep breath, glancing out at the crowds of people.
And something caught my eye.
The same man who’d been in my clinic. Was he staring at us? It was just getting dark enough that I wasn’t one hundred percent positive. However, my instincts were almost never wrong.
Almost.
A cold shiver trickled down my spine. I said nothing to Beckett as we were allowed off the ride, moving away from what I’d seen. With Beckett holding Brady’s hand, I found myself pushing my way through the crowd, attempting to see if I was correct. The odds of the man being in the same place, same time as the three of us seemed slim to nil.
I continued pushing, finally making it to a clearing close enough to where I’d thought he was standing I could get a better look.
He wasn’t there.
“What is going on?” Beckett flanked my side, his hackles instantly raised. I could smell it on him.
“Nothing. I just thought I saw someone.”
“Mommy! Mommy! Can we play a game?”
“Sure, honey. Just a couple minutes.” I remained breathless.
Beckett moved in front of me, keeping his voice low. “Talk to me. What did you think you saw?”
“Nothing really. Just a guy, but he’s nowhere.”
“Just a guy.”
I nodded. “He was scarred all over his face. I don’t know. I think I’m just jumpy, which is ridiculous. Come on. Time for you to win a teddy bear or two.” While I linked an arm with his, I continued to have very bad feelings.
He didn’t take kindly to what I’d said, immediately turning around in a full circle, but to his credit, he didn’t force us to leave.
The bad feeling remained pooling in my stomach.
The past was never going to leave us alone.