Snowed in with the Doctor Read online

  “It’s important,” Sarah said.

  “I didn’t say it wasn’t. If you want us to leave, we will.”

  Sarah grabbed his hand. “We don’t want that.”

  “She just had a bad experience with her family and I won’t expose her to another.”

  “We don’t want that, do we?” Sarah said turning to Maureen.

  Maureen folded her arms. “I still don’t like it.”

  “I like her.”

  Maureen sighed. “I do, too, which is why—”

  “You should let me deal with things my way,” Justin finished.

  “All right.”

  “Good, that’s settled,” Sarah said. “Now we have to come up with a reason for our disappearance.”

  “I already have one. Stop looking so worried,” Justin said. He left the kitchen and returned to his seat beside Lora, who had been chatting with Ann. “What’s going on?”

  “We were just discussing where you are going to spend Christmas. But I wasn’t sure you’d go for it.”

  “What?”

  “We’d like you to spend it with us,” Sarah said, catching on. “If you want.”

  “I’d love to. Thank you.”

  On the trip home, Lora couldn’t stop raving about his sisters. “You all get on so well. I mean Maureen seems a little fierce at times, but I really like her and Sarah and Ann.”

  “And they like you.”

  “I can’t believe I’ll get to spend time with you, your sisters and your parents.”

  “You’ll love it. You’ll spend Christmas Eve and then wake up and open gifts, and you’ll get to see what the day can really be like.”

  “What do you want for Christmas?” Lora asked.

  “You wrapped in a ribbon lying under the tree.”

  “Besides that.”

  “Okay, you don’t have to be under the tree. You can be on my bed.”

  “Be serious.”

  “I am. I’m not that hard to please.”

  “That’s okay. I already have an idea and I have four days to figure out how to get it.”

  * * *

  This was only their fifth date together, but it seemed like Carla had known Griffin a lifetime. She was helping Griffin complete his Christmas shopping, and with only his daughter and his mother and father to buy for, it was simple. Carla thoroughly enjoyed showing him some of her secrets to shopping so that he could minimize his spending but get items that would impress.

  Once they were finished shopping, as part of their routine, they would go back to Carla’s apartment for a cup of hot chocolate and biscuits. Ariel had gotten used to Carla’s place and was perfectly content amusing herself with the selection of baby toys that surrounded her in her playpen. Carla had decided to buy one for when Griffin came to visit.

  “You know, you’re beginning to grow on me,” Griffin said as they sat in front of her fireplace.

  “Same with you. I hope you haven’t made any plans for Christmas because I’d love to spend it with you.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Come over on Christmas Eve. I’ll cook a special dinner for you.”

  Neither knew at that moment that his stay would last through the New Year.

  * * *

  Lora was finishing her breakfast that Sunday morning when Belinda called. “You are in so much trouble. I don’t know if Mom and Dad will ever forgive you.”

  “I didn’t do anything.”

  “You left with him.”

  “He was my date.”

  “You can make it up on Christmas Day.”

  Lora hesitated.

  Belinda pounced. “What is it?”

  “I won’t be there,” she said in a rush.

  “What do you mean?”

  Lora adjusted her glasses, gaining courage. “I won’t be spending this Christmas with you. Justin’s family invited me to spend time with them.”

  “You’ll have to say no.”

  “I already said yes.”

  “But we always spend Christmas together.”

  “And we’re always miserable,” Lora added. “Dad hates the holidays and lets everyone know it. Mom will be disappointed with the gifts we give her, although she’ll pretend to be pleased—”

  “I know it’s not fun, but it’s family. At least Dad allows gift giving now that we’re grown. It’s tradition, and family always comes first. What if you and Justin don’t work out? He may not be around next year, but you have us forever. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but it’s what you’re supposed to do.”

  “I’ll see everyone on New Year’s Eve.”

  “You’re making a mistake.”

  “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

  Although Lora said the words, the guilt still lingered in her mind days later as she lay with Justin in Ann’s guest bedroom. It was the night before Christmas and too late to turn back now. She wondered what she would do if all her joy faded away.

  Lora slipped out of bed and went downstairs to the living room, where the large tree was still lit. Brightly colored presents sat underneath. Six red Christmas stockings hung by the fireplace, and fresh fern draped the mantel. Ann really went all out for the holiday. She had even exchanged the throw cushions on the couch with red and gold ones and the bathroom now had holiday towels and a Christmas rug, along with pine cones and scented candles.

  Lora sat on the couch and looked around in wonder. It was like a dream. She’d already met Ann’s husband and her two daughters, Monique and Jayla, when she’d first arrived. Monique was the oldest at seven, and Jayla had just turned three. Tomorrow Justin’s parents would arrive. As wonderful and welcome as they made her feel, she knew they belonged to Justin, not her. What if their relationship didn’t make it to next year? Would another woman be sitting here? Would she be forced back to the bickering and the sadness of spending Christmas with her family?

  The joy she felt scared her. And her feelings for Justin scared her because her love for him had become a part of her. How could she make sure it never went away? That he never went away?

  “Waiting for Santa?”

  She quickly wiped away tears. “No.”

  Justin sat beside her and gathered her close. “Hey, hey, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” she said with a little laugh. She pushed up her glasses. “I’m just so happy. It’s incredible. I’ve never been this happy during the holidays.”

  “I’m glad.” Justin pulled her to her feet. “Let’s start a tradition all our own.” He led her over to the mistletoe. “Starting now, we’ll kiss under the mistletoe every Christmas Eve.” He lowered his lips to hers.

  Lora kissed him back, her heart jubilant. If he was thinking of next Christmas, that meant he saw a future with her.

  Chapter 12

  It was like one of the holiday movies they’d watched. Lora gazed in awe as the Silver family opened gifts and hugged and kissed each other with delight.

  She opened her gift from Justin: a red silk robe. She’d gotten him season tickets for the Baltimore Ravens.

  She saw the delight on Monique’s face when she opened her Digital Dilly. She raced over to her uncle and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. Monique was nothing like Warren had described. Unlike her younger sister, Monique was reserved and quiet but polite. She’d greeted Lora with a soft greeting but Lora hadn’t found it off putting. And as time passed the little girl warmed up to her, offering her shy smiles.

  “Ms. Lora,” she said. “You haven’t opened any more of your gifts.”

  “I don’t have any more. The one from your uncle is enough for me.”

  The little girl frowned and looked at the remaining packages under the tree. “But there’s a bunch more here for you.” She picked one up and
handed it to her. “See? It has your name on it.”

  “But I didn’t get anyone else gifts.”

  “Doesn’t matter,” Justin said. “Just open them.”

  “Who are they from?”

  Lora read the label. “Maureen.”

  “But I didn’t get anything,” Maureen said.

  Sarah nudged her. “Yes, you did. Remember, we went shopping.”

  “Oh, right.”

  Lora opened the present and found a purple woolen scarf. “This is amazing. Thank you all so much.”

  She also received a new set of dish towels from Ann, an expensive bottle of perfume from Sarah and a slow cooker from his parents.

  Lora looked at all the gifts. “I don’t know what to say. I can’t thank you enough.”

  “We’re so happy you’re here,” Ann said, clearing up the used wrapping paper strewn around.

  Once all the presents had been opened, Justin went to help Monique set up her Digital Dilly account and Mr. and Mrs. Silver went to the den to watch a holiday movie. Ann went to prepare lunch, and Lora went into the bathroom in the hallway to wash her hands when she overheard Maureen talking to Sarah.

  “Did you know that Justin was going to do that with the gifts?” she said. “Pretend that they were from us?”

  “Yes, and I helped him.”

  “My God, how much did he spend?”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Shouldn’t she know he planned everything? She needs to know what a great guy she has.”

  “She does. Stop being so suspicious. She’s not like the other one.”

  “It’s like he’s buying her affections because—”

  “He cares about her. There’s nothing more to it.”

  “Still, I think he should tell her.”

  “Maureen, be quiet.”

  “I can’t believe everyone’s agreed to keep it a secret from her. Even Mom and Dad. I think it’s a terrible deception.”

  Lora came out from hiding. “What should I know?”

  The two sisters turned to her, stunned.

  “It’s something for Justin to tell you.”

  “Is it bad?”

  “Depends on how you view it.”

  “Just tell me.”

  “It’s not our place to,” Sarah said. “Ask him.”

  Lora waited for lunch to end and then motioned to Justin to follow her into the den. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “What?”

  “I overheard your sisters Sarah and Maureen talking about you.”

  He swore. “Let’s talk about this later.”

  “I want to talk about it now.”

  “I want this day to be perfect for you. Please, let’s talk tomorrow.”

  “No.”

  He sat back and sighed. “I was going to tell you...Damn, this is harder than I thought.”

  “Just say it.”

  “I have sickle cell anemia.”

  Lora shook her head. “No, you don’t.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “How bad?”

  “Severe.”

  “And how old are you?”

  “Thirty-six.”

  “Congratulations. When was your last crisis?”

  “Lora, don’t do this to me. Don’t treat me like I’m a disease. I’m still the same man.”

  “No, you’re not. Excuse me.” She raced out of the room.

  Justin didn’t follow her; he just sat in a daze. His perfect day had gone all wrong. His sisters approached him.

  “Did you tell her?” Ann asked.

  He nodded. “Yes, and she left the room.”

  Maureen folded her arms. “Fine, then you can return all those gifts. I hope you kept the receipts.”

  “Maureen, have a heart,” Sarah said. “Can’t you tell he’s upset?”

  “It’s better he found out about her now.”

  “I’m fine,” Justin said in a hollow voice.

  “You’re not fine,” Ann said. “And I think I should go talk to her.”

  Justin stood. “No, don’t do that. I’ll talk to her.” Justin went upstairs to the bedroom they shared, not knowing what he should say. Would he be met with anger? Disdain? Could he explain why he’d deceived her? He had to prepare himself for her cutting remarks. He stood in the doorway and watched Lora rummage through her suitcase.

  He leaned against the door frame, feeling as if he had no strength left. She was leaving him. “If you want me to take you home, I will.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want to go home yet.”

  He straightened, surprised and hopeful. “You don’t?”

  “No.” She upended her suitcase, then searched through the contents. “I don’t know why I can’t find it.”

  Justin cautiously walked toward her. She didn’t look angry. “But...aren’t you upset with me?”

  She stared at him, confused. “Should I be?”

  “Yes. Downstairs you left because I’m not the man you thought I was.”

  “Careful. Are you about to jump to conclusions?”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Lora smiled. “You’re right. I’m not being fair. Oh, here it is.” She came around the bed and stood in front of him. “It’s true. You’re not the man I thought you were. You’re even more remarkable than I thought. I wanted to find something to show you.” She opened his palm and placed a stone inside. “I was going to give it to you along with your gift, then I changed my mind. But I think you deserve it. It’s a good-luck stone given to warriors before they set out to battle. I’ve always thought of you as a warrior, and now I know I was right. I admire you more than ever.”

  “As a man or as a scientist?”

  “Both,” Lora said as she hugged him and held him close, trying to ignore the whisper of fear that swept over her heart.

  Chapter 13

  A fierce early-March wind pounded against the café windows. Carla barely noticed it as she sat inside nursing her drink. So this is what love feels like, she thought as she watched Griffin get a refill of his coffee. She glanced down at Ariel, who was asleep in her stroller. How had this happened? How had she become so attached to them so quickly? Her relationship with Griffin was still a marvel to her. They were different in so many ways—she was more take-charge, and he was more laid-back. He liked leisurely drives; she liked having a destination. He was a father; she’d never even thought of having kids.

  Yet they got on well. She’d known him now for three months, and after the play they attended in December, they hadn’t been able to get enough of each other. They never ran out of things to say. She loved being with him. No matter how stressful her day was, Griffin made her forget it all. For Valentine’s Day he’d given her a diamond sapphire bracelet, which she thought was a very risky move, considering they hadn’t been dating long. But she’d accepted the bracelet and wore it every day.

  She knew he’d be leaving the café soon to drop Ariel off at the babysitter before he went to class. She wished there was a way she could guess where their relationship was heading. They’d held hands and he’d kissed her on several occasions, but she still wasn’t sure he felt the same way about her as she did him. As an older woman, she held firm to ninety days before sex, but most men didn’t last that long. So far he had. She had also grown close to Ariel. She loved playing with her, and Griffin had been so pleased when she’d offered one day to braid Ariel’s hair. And when they went to a toy store, she’d loved watching Ariel’s excitement and awe looking at all the toys and stuffed animals. Of course, Carla had bought her two large stuffed bears—she couldn’t resist. But now she wanted him to become a bigger part of her life. So far he’d been somewhat of a secret—never meeting any of her family
or friends. But she was ready to change that. She’d asked him to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new pain clinic project next Thursday afternoon and he said he would come. It was a start.

  Griffin returned to the table and grabbed the jacket he’d thrown over the back of his chair. “I really wish I didn’t have to go yet.”

  Carla stood and helped him with his collar. “It’s okay,” she said. Both of them had busy schedules—his busier than hers—and savored the time they were able to squeeze in to be together.

  He caught her hand and looked at her bracelet. “I wish I could have gotten you something flashier.”

  “I don’t need flashy.” She smiled at him. “I love it.”

  He kissed her, and not with one of the light feathery kisses he’d given her in the past. This was something more—the kiss of a man who wanted a woman. It was quick but intense and full of meaning. When he drew away his eyes burned and at that moment Carla knew he felt the same way she did. If they’d been alone she would have stripped him naked and had her way with him. They were definitely ready for the next level.

  His gaze searched hers. “Carla?”

  “Yes, I want it, too,” she said, answering his silent question.

  Griffin released a sigh of relief. “It’s just the timing.”

  “We’ll make time.”

  “Is that a promise?”

  “Don’t you trust me?”

  He kissed her again. “Yes,” he said. “I really want this to work.”

  “It will.”

  He bit his lip. “I don’t want to go.”

  “But you have to.”

  “I could skip class.”

  “You’re paying too much money to do that. Now go.”

  “All right.” He took Ariel’s stroller and reluctantly left.

  Carla sat down hard on her seat, tasting his kiss on her lips. Yes, she was in love, and she wouldn’t fight it. It was a wonderful feeling. She glanced up, and her heart stopped when she spotted Lora’s sister, Belinda, sitting at the counter staring at her. Carla inwardly groaned. Bullet Belinda, as Lora called her, would no doubt have an opinion on what she’d just seen. Belinda made her way over to Carla’s table.