Tempting Meredith (29 page)
Authors: Samantha Ann King
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Meredith cuddled James Jacob Anderson and filled her senses with his fresh baby scent and his soft baby skin. Tears pooled in her eyes, blurring her vision, but they weren’t tears of sorrow, and they didn’t spill. They were tears of love and gratitude. Nikki had weathered labor better than Meredith or Jake. She was sitting up in her hospital bed, her fond gaze on the baby in Meredith’s arms. Jake was passed out in a recliner under the window. Landon was sitting in a chair next to the bed, flipping through TV channels. Charlie, Blaine and Ty were making a burger run.
Landon switched off the TV and tossed the remote on the bedside table behind his chair. “I like him,” he said. “
Them.
Charlie and Blaine. Both of them.”
“Glad to hear it, because I’m keeping them,” Meredith said. She should put James in his bassinet or let Nikki or Landon hold him. But Nikki and Jake would have him all to themselves when they left the hospital. And Landon was afraid of breaking him and had said he’d wait until the baby was bigger, less fragile. He crossed his arms over his chest, closing himself off every time she ventured near him with the baby, which she did frequently. The pesky little sister in her enjoyed tormenting him. Hmm, it was probably time for more torture, so she strolled toward him. When she stood in front of him, he looked up at her and grinned knowingly. The gig was up.
“They’re sweet,” Nikki said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I was worried.”
“Why?” Meredith asked. “I thought you were thrilled I’d found someone.”
“I was afraid you’d get involved with someone who might—” She shrugged. “I don’t know, take advantage of you. You know—to punish yourself.”
“Not likely.”
“Yeah, I guess you were doing a decent job of punishing yourself all by yourself.” She paused. “When do you think we’ll get to meet her?”
Cassandra. Fresh tears pricked her eyes. She got them under control before answering. “I think slow is better. Let her adjust to me first. This family can be a little overwhelming.”
“Just a little,” Jake mumbled from the recliner. His eyes were still closed. “Especially the women.”
“Oh, please,” Meredith said. “You overpower any room you enter.”
“I think she should meet Landon before me,” Nikki said.
That surprised Meredith. She thought Nikki would be first in line. “Really?”
“She’ll be in Houston. Landon’s in Houston. It makes sense.”
Landon cleared his throat and sat up straighter. “I’ve got some news.” A nervous smile played across his lips. “Ty’s moving in with me.”
Meredith blinked. She hadn’t expected that. They hadn’t been dating very long. Four months. Although they’d been friends for years. There had been so many changes in all their lives this year, she was having trouble keeping up. Falling in love with Charlie and Blaine. Reuniting with her daughter. Her nephew’s birth. Nikki stepping back from meeting Cassandra. Ty and Landon dating and now living together. “How? What about his job?”
“He’s transitioning from state politics to political commentary. He says he’ll be able to write his columns in Houston.”
“That’s wonderful,” Nikki said, her face radiant with joy. “I’m happy for you.”
“Me, too,” Meredith said. Knowing that her brother had someone to share his life with was such a relief. Six months ago, she’d thought he was destined to spend it alone. For that matter, six months ago, she was convinced she would spend
her
life alone. And she’d been content. Or so she’d thought. But now. Well, now she couldn’t imagine life without Charlie and Blaine.
James began fussing. His face scrunched up, suggesting that the sounds should be bigger than his kittenlike mewling. Definitely didn’t have his father’s vocal cords. And speaking of Jake, his eyes popped open, instantly alert. Meredith handed the baby off to his mother. Nikki checked his diaper then put him to her breast. The tiny, distressed sounds quieted.
Meredith heard the masculine voices before the muted knock on the door. Burgers, fries and drinks were distributed, and then Meredith joined the men in the waiting room to eat and leave her sister’s new family in peace. It was eleven when they’d finished dinner and conversation had slowed. Ty and Landon left for Ty’s apartment. Charlie, Blaine and Meredith were alone. After the confusion and excitement of the day it felt odd, ungrounded. But nice, too, that they could sit quietly, content not to speak, to just be.
Meredith tucked her arm with Blaine’s and leaned against him. He was warm in the chilly hospital waiting room. Comforting. “Thank you. Both of you.”
“For what?” Blaine asked.
“Everything. I don’t know what we would have done without y’all today.”
“Happy to be of service,” Charlie said.
She was bone tired. They had to be even more exhausted. After all, they’d had the added stress of meeting the family. “Y’all should spend the night.” They’d planned on going back to the ranch earlier this evening, after having dinner with her family. James’s unexpected arrival had interrupted them. She hated the idea of them driving back so late but knew they needed to get back to work.
Charlie yawned and stretched. “I’ll take you up on that.”
“Sounds good to me,” Blaine added.
“You don’t need to go home?” she asked, then realized how rude that sounded. “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out right. I’m glad you’re staying.” That was an understatement. “I’m just surprised you don’t have to get back.”
“We’re gonna have to hire more help,” Blaine said. “It’s not fair that you do most of the commuting.”
“I don’t mind. It’s nice to get away from the city. I enjoy my time at the ranch.”
“We’ll make a country girl out of you yet.” Charlie winked. “Might even get you to go camping.”
“You’re dreaming. I love y’all, but I’m
not
going camping.”
Both men froze.
She swiveled back and forth between them. “What? Come on. That can’t possibly be a deal breaker.” She poked Charlie in the chest. “I told you before our first date I didn’t like camping.”
“No,” Charlie said. “That’s not it.” He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and touched his forehead to hers. “Do you mean it?”
“Read my lips,” she said slowly. “No. Camping.”
“Not that. The love part. You said you love us. Did you mean it?”
“Of course, but I told you that in Boston.”
“Yeah, but I thought it might just be the circumstances. You were emotional and half-asleep. It didn’t count.”
“Of course I was emotional. Love
is
an emotion.” That couldn’t surprise him, the all-knowing, all-seeing, amazing Charlie. “Read my feet. See for yourself.”
“Huh-uh. I’d rather read your lips.”
She rubbed her nose against his and lightly kissed him. “I love you.” She lifted her head so she could see Blaine. “I love you, too. In the kitchen, on the shooting range, over a game of pool, nursing bruised ribs, sitting on the front porch or sobbing in a hotel room, I love y’all.”
Chapter Thirty
Nine Months Later
Five months after Blaine won the election and a week after Meredith was awarded tenure, she, Charlie and Blaine stood outside Cassandra’s home, waiting for the door to open. They’d waited outside so many doors this last year, both literally and figuratively. They’d opened some of the doors themselves. Others, like Charlie’s parents, they were still waiting for someone to open for them. Charlie’s mom and dad were slowly warming to them, so it had cracked a little.
One door had slammed in her face. After Blaine’s paternity test, Meredith knew with one-hundred-percent certainty that Dylan was the biological father. She didn’t know who’d been more disappointed. Her, Blaine or Cassandra’s dads. Afraid that Dylan might actually claim his rights after all these years, Larry and Chris had opted not to approach him unless they needed to for health reason or Cassandra wanted to meet him when she was older.
Chris and Larry’s door had been wide open when they’d met Meredith’s loves in preparation for introducing them to Cassandra. They’d faced too many of their own barred doors to close theirs to Meredith’s unusual relationship. One thing was certain. Her daughter would grow up knowing that love came in all kinds of combinations. More importantly, she’d grow up knowing she was loved.
And then there was the door to Meredith’s heart. She’d thought it had been locked up tight. Lucky for her, she’d been wrong. Charlie and Blaine had held the key.
Meredith nervously squeezed their hands.
“Hey,” Charlie said. “I love you.”
Blaine returned her squeeze. “I love you, too. Relax. If she’s anything like you, this’ll be a piece of cake.”
She snorted. He couldn’t be serious. But before she could argue, the door opened and Cassandra launched herself into Meredith’s arms. “Mom!”
Meredith caught her. Her laughter was pure joy as she hugged her daughter’s warm, slightly sweaty, seemingly weightless body. “Hey, sweetie. I missed you.” Cassandra always felt so right in her arms, so complete. When Cassie wiggled to the ground, Meredith took her hand and said, “Cassandra, these are my very special friends, Charlie and Blaine.”
“Hi,” Cassie said cheerfully. Without taking a breath, she plunged ahead. “It’s nice to meet you. I have a new puppy. Dad got him because I’m gonna be a veterinarian when I’m old enough. Come see.”
Another door opened wide.
* * * * *
About the Author
Samantha Ann King was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After receiving her BBA in finance from Texas A&M University and marrying her high school crush (notice she didn’t say sweetheart), Samantha relinquished her “native Texan” status and moved to Baton Rouge. She has called Albuquerque, New Mexico, home since 1985.
As a mother of three, Samantha has volunteered in the community as an advocate for children’s issues ranging from education to health care. In 2010, as her nest started to empty, she began writing erotic romance. Thanks to her win in Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight contest, Samantha signed her first publishing contract in 2011. Her first book was nominated for RT’s Reviewers’ Choice Award.
Learn more about Samantha at
www.SamanthaAnnKing.com
.
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ISBN-13: 9781426898471
TEMPTING MEREDITH
Copyright © 2014 by Julie Laub
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