Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

“I can’t say I understand your situation completely, but I can relate in some ways. When I first started my practice, plenty of people thought I was foolish for putting my life on hold. It was a lot of man-hours and focused attention. I missed out on other opportunities.”

Her fingers caress my cheek. “Someone hurt you?”

“Clare and I dated for four years and were engaged for another. It was understood we’d marry once things settled down at the vet’s office—” The memories rush back, clogging my throat.

“She got tired of waiting?”

I nod. “Clare wanted the white dress and babies sooner than I could give it to her. I wasn’t content to be a dad who never saw his children. I want to be hands-on like my father was. We parted ways. It wasn’t the happiest time of my life.”

“I’m sorry.”

I lean down, close enough for our breaths to mingle. “I like to believe things happen for a reason.”

She licks her lips. “Same.”

Pop. She jumps, and I mentally swear. “Well, now you know why we call it Bangers and Mash.”

“I didn’t realize the process was so violent.”

“You know us Brits. We like to do things with flare.”

“All you have to do is talk for that to happen,” she mumbles.

“Like my accent, do you?”

Her cheeks darken slightly. “Who doesn’t?”

I plate up our food, and just as I slide hers in front of her, a knock sounds on the door.

“Go ahead and dig in. I’ll be right back.” I enjoy seeing her eat things I’ve prepared. It wakes some ancient instinct inside of me, providing for a woman growing a baby. I want to keep her comfortable and happy. Don’t forget, she’s not yours. I open the door and find the gray-haired city worker bundled in his brown work gear with neon reflective tape stripes, a badge, and the city’s emblem on his chest.

“Good evening, sir. We’ve been working our way through the cars involved in the incident outside, collecting all the necessary information.”

“Please come in. Faye’s the owner of the SUV She’s pregnant, and I don’t want her out in the cold for longer than is necessary.”

“Oh, of course.”

“I’ll go get her if you don’t mind waiting here, please.”

“Sure thing.”

I walk down the hallway to the kitchen. The bliss on her face as she dips a piece of sausage into the mashed potatoes and brings them to her lips has me dry-mouthed. I clear my throat. She peers up.

“There’s a city worker here to talk to you about the accident and get your information.”

“Oh, of course. Crap.” She sighs. “My purse is still in the car.”

“I’ll get it.”

“No. No. I’m not an invalid.” Her chin tilts stubbornly, and I opt to back down. I hold my hands up.

“All right.”

She smiles and nods, satisfied. “Thank you for the meal. It was amazing.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” I walk over and offer her my hand, helping her stand as I guide her to the front door.

“Hi,” Faye says brightly.