AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When Melody came to pick Elijah up after school that day, it was all I could do to keep from going to her and pulling her into my arms. She gave me a soft smile that stole my breath and made my chest tighten.
“Ms. Barrett,” I greeted.
“Mr. Phillips.” Her voice was low and sultry and sent a shiver up my spine.
“I need to see you tonight,” I said quietly so no one else could hear. Concern filled her gaze at my serious tone. “Please,” I added, and she visibly relaxed.
“Okay.”
That night, we made it official. We were dating, exclusively. I wasn't about to share this incredible woman with anyone, and she made it clear she felt the same about me.
The way our relationship progressed since had been quite unexpected. Once we finally gave in and admitted we both felt something for the other, everything seemed to move at warped speed. It was like we were making up for lost time, as though we were condensing those few months between our one-night stand and our next kiss into weeks. And I wasn’t complaining. We spent every spare moment we had together. The nights that Elijah was with his dad, she spent in my bed. During the week, her grandparents encouraged her to go out, offering to watch Eli while she “socialized.” Some evenings, she was with me, others she spent with Brynlee. Her circle of friends had welcomed Melody with open arms. It was great seeing her acclimate to her new life here. It meant she was more likely to stay. I originally had my doubts about her sticking around, but now that she finally seemed settled, I was certain she wasn’t going anywhere.
Melody was everything I was looking for in a woman. She was kind and patient, had a great sense of humor, and loved fiercely. I knew it was fast, but I could see forever with her. I didn’t want to rush this thing between us. We had plenty of time, and I didn’t want to scare her off. But damn if I wasn’t already falling.
Epilogue
Melody
Gavin’s arms slid around my waist, his hands settling on my bare midriff as he pressed his damp chest against my back. He’d just emerged from the lake where we were having Eli’s birthday party. Our friends and family had joined us for a cookout and a day of swimming. As I looked around at our loved ones, I couldn’t believe how much things had changed in the last year. I moved to Willow Brook Falls thirteen months ago, unsure if it would be for good or just temporarily until I helped my grandparents revive their business. I didn’t know if I’d like small town living, or if Eli would do okay in an unfamiliar environment. Much to my surprise, we were both thriving and happier than ever, and I knew that had a lot to do with the people surrounding us.
“Are you going to tell them?” Gavin spoke into my ear, nodding toward the crowd that had gathered for the celebration, his hand splaying over my still flat stomach.
“Not yet.” The news was still fresh, and I wanted to keep it between us for a while. “It’s Eli’s special day. I don’t want to detract from that. Besides, it’s still early. We have time.”
Gavin and I got quite the surprise earlier today when, after a week of vomiting every morning, I finally took a test. I nearly passed out when that little plus sign popped up. Tears filled my eyes as I drew in a shaky breath.
I didn’t plan on having another child yet, if at all, but when I looked at Gavin, all my doubts faded away. Pure joy filled his expression as his wide eyes took in the results. His misty gaze met mine, and he cupped my face before crashing his lips down on mine. Elated laughter disrupted our kiss, and he pulled away, pressing his forehead to mine.
“I’m going to be a dad,” he proclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. He reached down, gripped me by the backs of my thighs, and lifted me into the air. I clung to his shoulders, wrapping my legs around his waist. “I’m going to be a dad!” he repeated, spinning me around as laughter bubbled up my throat. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only thing that came up.
I covered my mouth with my hand as I fought back a fresh wave of nausea. “Oh, shit. Sorry!” He set me on my feet and stepped back just in time for me to heave into the toilet. Handing me a cool washcloth, he bolted from the room. Wimp.
To my surprise, he returned a minute later with some saltines and ginger ale. Guilt twisted my already roiling gut for thinking he had punked out on me when really, he’d left to find something that would help me feel better.
He pushed the damp hair from my forehead and pressed the cool rag to my skin. “Here, sip on this. It should help settle your stomach.” I did as he instructed and thanked him. His care and consideration was one of many signs he’d make a great dad. Besides, he’d already had some practice.
It didn’t take long for Elijah to come around to the idea of Gavin and me dating. He won my son over the day he placed a Spider Man Band-Aid on his skinned knee. Plus he was used to seeing him every day at school. It made the transition a little easier. Now the two were thick as thieves. Elijah adored Gavin and vice versa. After years of experience working with children, Gavin had the patience of a saint and didn’t take himself too seriously—something I learned the day he let Harper polish his nails and “fix” his hair. I didn’t know you could get that many rubber bands in hair that short. Or that much glitter in one beard. Gavin would make a great father one day, and I couldn’t wait to see him in that role.
A feather light kiss to my shoulder brought me back to the present, and I leaned in to Gavin. “I better fire up the grill,” he said, giving me one final squeeze before stepping away. I watched as the kids splashed in the water, taking turns using Macon as a human catapult. They giggled and squealed with delight as he tossed them in the air, plugging their noses as they hit the water again.
Later that night, after Elijah was in bed and all his new toys were put away, I joined Gavin on the deck and plopped down in the chair beside him, kicking up my feet. He pulled my legs into his lap and trailed his fingers down my calves, kneading the muscles as he went. I sighed in relief and let my head fall back, my eyelids drifting closed as his thumbs reached my arches.
“Eli had a blast today,” he said, rubbing my aching feet.
“Mmm, hmm,” I agreed, my entire body relaxing into his touch.
“He’s a great kid.” A smile curved my lips. I certainly agreed with him there. “How do you think he’ll take the news that he’s going to be a big brother?” My stomach fluttered at the thought. Gavin and I were having a baby. I didn’t have much of a chance to process that information with Eli’s party taking up most of the day, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little excited.
“I don’t know. He’s been the only child for so long. He might not like the competition,” I joked.
“You never know. He might surprise you.” I hoped so. I always dreamed of him having a sibling, but I never believed it would happen.
Silence fell over us as Gavin switched to the other foot, and I let out a soft sigh. His hands were magic.
“He asked me the other day if I was going to adopt him.” My brow furrowed in confusion, but I didn’t open my eyes.
“Why would he ask that?”
