Christmas with the Best Man

Helena couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Why should I believe you? Are you sure you’re not just missing the sex?”

For a second he looked ashamed. “I deserve that. I hurt you and I realize that. What I suggested we do was wrong. But, because of you, because of us, I have grown. You are a gift. One I didn’t think I wanted but one I certainly needed. You’ve shown me how to move past the guilt I’ve carried to see the world in a fresh new light. With you I can look to the future, not live in the past.”

She liked what she was hearing. Yet that fear of being hurt again still nagged at her. “What changed your mind?”

Elijah took her hand. “Fear made me make the biggest mistake of my life. When you left, all the happiness and fun in my life went with you. After you told me what you had been through, and delivering Marcy’s baby, I saw your fears though her. It helped me to better understand you. And I learned new things about myself.”

“Like what?” She watched him intently, not wanting to miss a word.

“Like how to care about someone other than myself. How to share my feelings. How to forgive others and myself. To look forward instead of back.”

“It sounds like you’ve been busy.”

“I have. And I spoke to Charles.”

“What did he say?”

“That you’d better grab love when it comes your way because it’s too hard to find.” His look held hers. She saw his heart reflected there.

“Are you sure?”

He pulled her to him and kissed her. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I can prove it. I couldn’t even get rid of that ridiculous Christmas tree.”

She laughed. She couldn’t believe how her life had changed in just a few minutes. “Remind me to thank Charles.”

“I’m sure he’ll be glad to hold that over me for the rest of our lives. So, can you forgive me?”

She cupped his cheek. “Yes, and I want to thank you.”

Elijah gave her an incredulous look. “Thank me? Whatever for? I would’ve thought you’d be wishing me dead for how I’ve treated you.”

“Well, that too, but because of you I’ve really faced up to my loss. I’m no longer just putting a bandage over it.”

“How is that?”

“I went to the nursery. I even held and fed the baby you delivered. Her name is Olivia.”

“Oh, honey, that had to have been hard.” Elijah gave her a squeeze.

“It was but it was good also. I realized that I need to give to heal.” It felt good to tell him about what she had done.

Elijah hugged her close. “I’m so proud of you.”

“I was pretty proud of myself. I would like to help Marcy get back on her feet when she gets out of the hospital. I’ve been thinking I need to use my experience to help other vulnerable mothers. I don’t know how I’m going to go about it yet but I’ll figure it out.”

“I think you’ll be a real inspiration. At my friend’s clinic there’s an extra meeting room. Maybe you can start there. I could put the Davenport name to good use and see about raising some funds to help out. What do you think?”

“I think you’re the most wonderful man I know.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

“Would you still like to have a baby of your own one day?” Elijah said softly.

She looked at him. “I’ve always hoped I would. But I have to admit the idea is scary. I don’t want to go through what I did before.”

“That’s understandable. What if I was there by your side?”

Helena’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think you wanted children.”

“I didn’t until you came along.” His voice held all the assurance she needed.

“I’d only have them if I was married.”

He smiled. “I think that’s only fair.” Elijah reached into the basket and pulled out a small blue-green box that was too large to belong to a ring. He handed it to her.

She held it in the palm of her hand. “You went into Tiffany’s?”

“It’s a little early Christmas present,” Elijah said.

“You don’t do Christmas.” Helena slowly opened the top. Nestled in white velvet was a pin of a knight riding a rearing stallion.

“People change. I don’t know if I can make all your dreams come true but if you’ll let me be your knight, I promise to always treat you as my princess. I love you, Helena.”

“Oh, Elijah, it’s perfect. I love you too.”

Grabbing her, he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her. His heart beat next to hers. This was what she’d been missing. She was where she belonged.

“When we get ready we’ll go to Tiffany’s and pick out an engagement ring.” He gave her another kiss.

She smiled. “I can’t think of anything more wonderful.”

“I can.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I have one more question. Would you go with me to my family Christmas Eve dinner? I think with you beside me I can do more than survive.”

“Just try to keep me away.” She hugged him tight and kissed him softly before it turned deeper.

Later they sat snuggled under the blanket, with the snow gently falling around them.

“So when did you know you were in love with me?” Elijah asked.

“I think it has been building for a long time. I watched as you interacted with your patients, the staff. I knew there was someone special under that devil-may-care attitude. How about you? When did you fall in love with me?”

A grin came to his lips. “When I saw you twirling around in the snow like a winter princess. I knew then you were the person who could bring happiness to my dark life. And you have and will forever.”

* * * * *

Welcome to the CHRISTMAS IN MANHATTAN six-book series

Available now:

SLEIGH RIDE WITH THE SINGLE DAD

by Alison Roberts

A FIREFIGHTER IN HER STOCKING

by Janice Lynn

THE SPANISH DUKE’S HOLIDAY PROPOSAL

by Robin Gianna

THE RESCUE DOC’S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

by Amalie Berlin

CHRISTMAS WITH THE BEST MAN

by Susan Carlisle

NAVY DOC ON HER CHRISTMAS LIST

by Amy Ruttan

Keep reading for an excerpt from NAVY DOC ON HER CHRISTMAS LIST by Amy Ruttan.

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