Perfect Bastard (Mason Creek)

“The nurse is receiving additional training and we don’t foresee any additional problems in the future. We apologize for any distress that call caused.” She’d covered the basics. I didn’t see a need for an in-person meeting. “Is there anything else?”

“There is. This has nothing to do with what happened, but I plan to move my father back home by Christmas. We’re paid through the end of the year. If for any reason it doesn’t work out, I will bring him back.”

“Well, we would hate to see him go, but for a lot of our clients, they would prefer to be at home. I’ll make a note. You can let us know at the first of the year if you will need his apartment.”

“Thanks.”

After we hung up, I met with the plumber. It would be another total replacement job, which was fine as the walls would be opened for the electrical work. Then I headed to Aiden’s for a quick stop before making my way to Mountainside in Aiden’s truck, which I borrowed.

I found the shop Jane had referred me to easily and went inside. The space was filled with an eclectic mix of items, mostly wood furniture that looked old but gently used.

The bell on the door sounded and a woman who reminded me of my mom, with her welcoming smile and warm demeanor, came from the back. “How can I help you this fine morning?”

“I’m looking for a crib,” I said and opened my phone to the picture I’d snapped before coming. “A friend referred your shop and said you sold new items as well.”

“Yes. We don’t sell used cribs, though I have a few antique bassinets. But they are mostly for show. As for this”—she tapped the picture—“I don’t have one quite like that, but I do have something else I just got in stock. I try to have a few on hand. Lots of babies being born these days. Follow me to the back.”

We wove our way through the store to a back room. It wasn’t large and there, perched against the wall, were two large boxes. I could only see the picture on the front one. The crib was similar to the one I’d taken a picture of, but different.

“That other one wouldn’t be the same model, would it?”

“Actually, it is. Two. That’s generally all I keep around. They don’t fly off the shelves.”

“I need two. They had twins.” Though Aiden and Emma already had one, I wanted a matching pair for the room.

Her eyes twinkled. “How nice. I can sell them to you both. I might be able to buy the one in the picture off you if it hasn’t been used. Though I wouldn’t be able to buy it at full price.”

“It’s new. These are their first kids, but I’d need to ask them first. Anyway, I’ll take those two. Do you have dressers that might match?”

She took me around the store and showed me some things that might work. I didn’t have a flair for design, but she did.

We were at the counter as she rang me up when I spotted a familiar little girl staring at something in the window from outside.

“Oh, that’s Zoe,” the woman said, noticing me watching. I’d learned the girl’s name when her mother had called for her last night. “Every time they are in town, she stops to look at the dollhouse. I would love to give it to her, as I know her mother can’t afford it. Haley does her best. But I wouldn’t have a shop if I gave everything away.”

So that was her name. Haley. I couldn’t stop looking at Zoe and the longing in her eyes with one hand pressed on the window as she leaned in. “Add the dollhouse too.”

Mrs. Greene, as I’d learned her name was while perusing the store, looked up at me. “Really? It’s quite expensive. The dollhouse itself is over a hundred years old and not everything inside comes with it.”

“Charge me for everything and send it to Zoe. I assume you know where she lives.”

“I do. Do you want to add a note?”

“No. Just send it to her and say it’s from Santa. Don’t mention me to her mother at all.”

Mrs. Greene laughed. “Sure. Zoe will be one happy little girl.”

I was counting on it. Once the bill was paid, I moved the cribs one by one into the truck. I wouldn’t be able to get the dressers, so we settled on them being delivered later that day. I’d just finished sliding in the second crib when a voice sounded behind me.

“Now we know why you don’t want to be a stepfather.”

I turned to find Haley behind me.

NINE

Avery

Two cribs. Nathaniel Bowmen was a piece of work—a total jerk, jackass, bastard, whatever label. They all worked.

Feeling triumphant, I gave him a winning smile as he turned and spotted me.