'Tis The Season

Preston blinks. “An animal doctor?”

“That’s usually what a veterinarian is, yes.” James nods.

“Well, then I suppose I owe you my thanks for finding the runt. Faye was quite upset about his disappearance.” His features smooth over seamlessly as he hides the demon that lurks inside of him.

“Right,” James says dryly. I want to jump for joy. A person other than me has seen the dark side he keeps hidden. “If you’ll step aside, we’re going to get Monty settled in.”

“I thought the days of house calls were over,” Preston snarks.

“It all depends on the area, but believe me, this one is on the house.” James wraps his arms around my waist, and I allow it. For once, it’s nice to not fight this never-ending battle on my own.

Preston looks from James to me. “I see.”

“I hope so. Because I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

If only he meant that. James is a catch. Eventually, he’ll get tired of me, the drama I come with, and the responsibilities that will always take precedence over him. Enjoy him now. Don’t expect more.

“You’ve always been engaging. Even for your charms, this is a bit much for someone you just met. What did you do to incite such loyalty?”

“The same thing that keeps you unable to let her go, I’d imagine,” James drawls.

“I’ll be sure to let your parents know you were too busy with company to come by.”

I grit my teeth. “You’re going to say what you want regardless.” I shrug, feigning a nonchalance I don’t at all feel.

Preston’s eyes darken. “I leave in two more days. We will talk before then.”

“What’s left to say? You were at the appointment, and you don’t want to sign any paperwork. Hanging around, trying to figure out who is in my life, and what I’m choosing to do with my time off isn’t part of the co-parenting plan.”

“So brave and brazen, aren’t we?”

“No. I’m tired. Flora is constantly resting on my bladder, I’m carrying fifteen extra pounds, and my body is rapidly changing to expand to house her.” I sigh. “I want to get things settled, so I’m prepared to focus all my attention on her.”

“You’re the one keeping that from happening,” Preston says coolly.

I shake my head, saving my breath. “Let’s get inside. Monty looks cold.”

I finish unlocking the door and let James step inside. “Preston, we don’t have anything to talk about unless you change your mind. Because I can promise you, I won’t be changing mine. I hope you have a safe flight home.” Once I move inside, James stares Preston down and closes the door in his face.

James remains at the door. “I don’t like him.”

“I’m not particularly fond of him myself these days.”

“You need to have a plan for the day your words aren’t enough. Bullies don’t stop until they’re made to.” I shift my weight. He isn’t saying anything I haven’t thought of before, but hearing it from a third party is disconcerting.

“I’ll handle it if it comes to that.

”

Not if, when.

JAMES

“Hey, bro. I’m glad you could make it out,” Daniel says, clapping my back after I sit beside him at the bar.

“Me too. How was Christmas?”

“Shelly and Jackson had a blast. Laura and I used gratuitous amounts of coffee to stay awake after being up all night assembling items Santa will take credit for.”