Christmas in Pine Island: A small town holiday romance Read online

  It doesn’t matter that I’ve cleaned up my image since Stacy stole my heart. Every time we go out, one of them still bombards us, always quick to bring up my reputation as the Hartbreak Kid.

  There might’ve been a time when I was a bit of a womanizer, but now my whole world centers around my fiancée and my nephew. I’ve always adored that little boy, but I’ve been raising him as my son since my sister, Jenny, died.

  But even that’s not enough to get the vultures to back off. I can only imagine it’ll get worse once news of Stacy’s pregnancy breaks. I know I can’t hide it forever. Hell, I don’t want to hide it at all. If it were up to me I’d yell it from every skyscraper in the city. But I know it’s not worth the risk.

  All that matters to me is keeping my family safe.

  Even being at Club Thorn, which used to be one of my favorite haunts, has me on edge.

  I'm constantly aware of anyone pointing a phone or camera in our direction. This is the first time Stacy and I are announcing our pregnancy to anyone outside of Ryan, and I don’t want it leaking to the tabloids before we get a chance to fully process the news ourselves.

  I'm looking forward to becoming a full-fledged parent. I always knew I wanted to play football, but fatherhood is newly appealing to me. As much as I adore the kid, being a father-figure to Ryan hasn’t been without its ups and downs. I had to change my life completely so that he could have a chance at happiness. Even though I was willing to do it, I really couldn’t grasp the depth at which I needed—wanted—to change so I could be the best version of myself.

  That is until Stacy came along.

  As far as I'm concerned, I’d still be struggling to parent Ryan if that angel of a woman hadn't crossed paths with me when she became Ryan’s first-grade teacher last year.

  Ryan and I both adore her. She’s our whole world. She’s the one who helped pick up the pieces of both of our broken hearts after my sister’s death.

  Ryan still loves and misses Jenny, but Stacy has helped mend his tiny heart. Stacy found a way to help us talk about my sister without all the sadness seeping in. She helps us keep Jenny alive in our hearts, while taking up her own prominent spot there as well.

  Now, with another little one on the way, I have to be even more careful. It’s a blessing for sure, but I can’t help worrying about the paparazzi. They’ve caused some real trouble for me and my NFL friends in the past. I won’t have them hassling my pregnant fiancée. She doesn’t deserve that, and neither does our baby.

  I’ll do everything in my power to keep my family safe from the prying eyes of the tabloids, which is probably why I’m having such a hard time sitting still. Everything about this crowded club makes me want to scoop Stacy up and run all the way back to our penthouse.

  Next to me, Stacy shifts, her brown hair spilling against my shoulder as she gives a little sigh. Naturally, she’s been extra tired lately.

  “Hey,” I murmur into her ear.

  She looks up at me with a faint laugh. “Hey, yourself.”

  “You doing alright? You need anything? You want to go home?” I ask, lacing my fingers with hers.

  She gives a small shake of her head. “I'm just fine. Let’s enjoy this moment.”

  I nod, but that’s easier said than done. It’s hard to enjoy much of anything when I'm constantly vigilant of our surroundings. I feel like an eagle-eyed papa bear. It’s not unpleasant. I kind of like the idea of being the protector of our little family, but my worries intensify each day that Stacy’s pregnancy progresses.

  Across the VIP booth, I see faint movement as Eric nudges Donovan in the ribs and nods his head toward Stacy and me. It’s only then that I realize the dark-haired business mogul has been strangely quiet this whole time. Donovan’s always a little stiff and straitlaced, but usually a nice scotch is enough to get him to loosen up a bit.

  I nudge him with my foot under the booth. “So, how’s it hanging, Dunn?”

  He shrugs, offering a slight smirk. “Oh, you know. Same as always; dominating the business world. Nothing as exciting as your news.”

  I can’t help but grin wildly. I’m just so damn happy this is happening.

  “You two look excited,” Donovan offers formally. “This is good news?”

  Chloe just rolls her eyes and pats Donovan’s arm. “It’s not a merger, hun, it’s a baby.”

  Stacy laughs, nodding shyly.

  “It’s great news,” I answer honestly before pulling Stacy against my side. “I'm the happiest I’ve ever been.”

  As I speak, I notice a few camera flashes from within the chaotic crowd on the dance floor. It could be anything, it could be nothing, but it makes my heart rate spike all the same.

  Nothing is ever easy . . . but I wish that Stacy, Ryan, and I could spend these next few months in our own little bubble, where I could keep them safe and protect them as fiercely as I yearn to. Especially now. The holidays should be a time of peace.

  Stacy Davis

  While Jake is distracted, I rub my fingers against my aching cheeks.

  I’ve been forcing smiles so hard and so long during this conversation that the muscles in my face are getting tired.

  Everyone seems so thrilled about the big news that Jake and I have just shared, but anxiety is still bubbling in my veins.

  Motherhood is going to be such a big change. I’ve already begun to read book after book about what to expect over the next few months, but I still don’t feel prepared in the slightest for this new chapter. Jake is so confident that it’s going to be the most wonderful time of our lives, but I'm not so sure. What about the hard parts of parenthood that we can’t anticipate?

  I’ve been a teacher long enough to know parenting won’t all be amazing and joyful. There will be tough times too. How do we prepare for that?

  I’ve certainly stepped up to the plate when it comes to helping raise Jake’s sweet young nephew, who I met last year while teaching him at St. James Academy. But this is different. Ryan was a self-sufficient first-grader when I met him. This will be an infant—a tiny little life completely dependent on Jake and me in every single way imaginable.

  Plus, it’ll be the first baby of our friend group. We’re breaking new ground here. And I know that means things are going to change.

  It’s already hard enough to get time for ourselves and to connect with our best friends. What if we never see them again after the baby arrives? What if we lose touch with the people nearest and dearest to our hearts?

  They’re my family as much as they’re my friends, and I can’t bear the thought of losing them.

  This will be the last Christmas that we spend together before we add one more to our group. I just want it to be special. I want, for a little while, to pretend like nothing at all will change. Like we’ll always be this close, free to dress up and grab a drink at whatever hip new place the city has to offer.

  But that’s impossible.

  Nothing this perfect can last forever . . . can it?

  Chloe, Morgan, and I have always been so close. We met here—three wide-eyed transplants to New York City with stars in our eyes and big dreams in our hearts. Somehow, we made it. We found our way together. It wasn’t easy but living with them in that crappy Brooklyn apartment as we all struggled to find our footings in life was bonding.

  I adored every minute of that struggle. At the end of the day, we had each other to fall back on. They’re sisters to me, and if we start to drift apart . . . I'm not sure my heart can take it. I feel like I need them more than ever now. But I know they have busy lives of their own—lives with their own amazing fiancés.

  Donovan and Eric are such special people in their own right. Donovan might come off a little guarded and aloof, but he’s got a real heart of gold underneath the expensive suits he always wears. Eric, too. He’s warm and gentle despite his mischievous smile and rocker tattoos. After meeting Morgan, Eric was finally able to face his demons and kick the bottle. He’s flourished ever since. He’s become the kind of man that Mo
rgan needs. He may be a rockstar, but I know to her, he’s just her rock.

  I love that both of my best friends have found such amazing men. They’ve become my family just as much as Chloe and Morgan are. And they truly melt my heart every time they interact with Ryan. It surprised me how open they were to having a kid around and all the changes that come with that. But what about a baby?

  Will they accept that change so easily? Will they love my child like they love me and Jake and Ryan? Will they still want to spend time with us once we have a baby who needs our constant attention?

  I just don’t know how the dynamic between all of us will survive such a big change. It doesn’t make me any less excited about this incredible blessing Jake and I are about to welcome into the world, but I’ve always been an over-thinker and a problem solver.

  But this situation? I’m not sure how to navigate these uncharted waters.

  Jake strokes my arm as he chats with Eric about whether or not our future baby will be a football player like him. My fiancé has been such a champ since finding out about the pregnancy. He’s so devoted and loving, always making sure I'm okay and happy and healthy. I know he worries a lot about Ryan and me, especially because he’s still grieving the loss of his sister. I think, because of his loss, he fears losing Ryan or me, or the future baby much more intensely than I can imagine.

  He’s always been protective, but that defensive impulse of his has been in overdrive since the pregnancy test flashed that fateful little plus sign.

  “Have you thought about any baby names yet?” Chloe asks as she fidgets with her engagement ring.

  “It’s way too early for that!” I laugh. “Besides, we’ve chatted enough about us. What’s everyone else been up to?” I glance around at the faces of my friends eagerly, not so subtly trying to drive the conversation in a different direction.

  Eric lifts Morgan’s hand and noisily kisses it before smirking at the rest of us. “Well, you all know what my muse and I have been up to—but if you need a refresher, I’d be happy to oblige. I'm rocking every radio station and Morgan is on every magazine cover, which you should all know unless you’ve been living under a rock.”

  Even Donovan cracks a grin from over his glass of scotch. “Humble as always,” the business mogul quips.

  The whole table descends into laughter as I nestle against Jake’s side. I take my time watching all of my best friends, trying to ingrain this moment into my mind so that I never forget what it’s like to be this close to them.

  Change is upon us, and there’s no turning back now.

  Eric King

  It’s been so long since I last had a drop of alcohol that I don’t even crave it anymore, even while watching my best pal chug his expensive scotch. Donovan’s not typically a heavy drinker, but right now, he’s definitely hunting for the bottom of his glass.

  What’s going on with him?

  I stifle a yawn and shake my head. I’ll interrogate him later. Right now, I'm way too exhausted. It’s a battle just to keep my eyes open. Even though I want to celebrate with Jake and Stacy over their happy news, I’d rather just be home, snuggled in my bed with Morgan.

  It’s been so long since we had a night off. We haven’t even been home yet. I vaguely wonder if I’ll even recognize our Manhattan apartment.

  We came straight from Teterboro to the club and we were still late. That expression, ‘burning the candle at both ends’, is starting to make sense to me. I never thought I’d be sick of performing in front of sold-out crowds roaring for my music. And I’m not. It’s just there’s not enough of me to go around. Being on the road is exhausting and I don’t get to see Morgan nearly as much as I’d like.

  But it’s not just me living this lifestyle. Morgan is killing it on the runway and I’m so damn proud of my girl. Our life is pretty freaking great. I know I shouldn’t complain. I’m engaged to my dream girl, who just happens to be the hottest model on the planet and we get to travel the world—just not necessarily together.

  I take a sip of my tonic and crunch the ice, hoping the cold sensation will keep me awake. I turn my attention back to the group. I can’t help but notice the exuberant joy glowing from Jake and Stacy.

  A new baby for the group—it’s exhilarating! I love playing around with Ryan. A new kiddo means one more person to love. Hell, maybe I’ll even compose a rock lullaby album with my band. That’d certainly be something new and interesting for Social Kingdom to pursue.

  My head starts to swim with ideas and notes gather in the sharp corners of my mind. Yes, this could be just the thing I’m looking for. And bonus, Jake and Stacy can play my music for their sweet kiddos so they don’t forget me and Morgan while we’re away.

  That thought brings my enthusiasm to a screeching halt. Contemplating being away from my friends and their kids . . . it makes my heart abruptly wrench in my chest.

  I clear my throat, a little startled by my visceral reaction to the passing thought.

  Donovan cocks his head so he can give me an intrigued side-eye, but I wave away his concern. It’s crazy how well he knows me. Then again, we grew up practically next door to each other.

  Before he was a billionaire, Donovan was a dorky kid with skinned knees just like me. Despite his cold exterior, he’s a good guy. He was there for me when my mom up and left, and my deadbeat, drunken dad took it out on me.

  Until I met Morgan, I think Donovan was the only person who bothered to care about me, though that was because I worked so hard at pushing everyone away. But not Donovan. Turns out the guy’s as thick-headed as he is successful.

  But it was Morgan who helped me see the light. When I fell, she helped me stand. I'm sober and proud because of her. I’ll never drink a damn drop again because I know it’d mean losing her forever.

  Nothing is worth that.

  Even though I'm exhausted, Morgan seems to run on a never-ending supply of energy. I swear there’s got to be fairy dust in that sparkly eyeshadow she’s known for. If I could pull it off I’d ask her to share some with me. I’d sure like to bottle some of her energy for when I’m running low.

  She’s bouncing in her seat now, energetically gabbing with everyone about the last elite runway she walked. I shake my head, grinning even though I’ve heard the story already. I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling as long as she’s by my side.

  I can hardly believe I bagged a supermodel.

  Not only has Morgan got a gorgeous bod, but her heart is even more beautiful than any man deserves. She’s truly the holy grail of girls. At least in my opinion.

  Donovan and Jake would probably think the same of their ladies.

  We’re lucky in that way.

  I catch Morgan’s eye as she talks and shoot her a wink. Her smile deepens and she squeezes my hand as she turns back to her conversation with the girls.

  I take the opportunity to yawn.

  I played to a fully packed stadium across the country yesterday, and Morgan had a stylist fitting this morning in . . . some city. At this point, I’ve lost track.

  We’re on the move so much that we hardly have time to even talk to one another, much less our friends. We do our best to at least share a hotel room when we can, but even that feels far too fleeting. Plus, there’s nothing quite like home. Even luxury tour buses and private plane rides get old eventually.

  I never thought I’d be the guy craving the simplicity of the same bed and roof over my head every night, but I’m starting to see the appeal. Five-star hotels might sound stellar, but even they get stale. Especially when they’re missing one important ingredient—Morgan.

  I don’t care how nice my accommodations are. Without her I might as well be back in my old crummy apartment. It’s not like either of us has a lot of time to indulge in fancy hotel amenities anyway. We work, sleep, repeat.

  Sure, I’ve traveled to a hundred different cities . . . but what have I gotten out of it? I love my fans and I love Social Kingdom, but I’ve started to wonder if there isn’t more that I should b
e getting out of life.

  Chatting about Jake and Stacy settling down and starting a family . . . it makes me wish I could be home more. Ryan’s already changed so much in the last year. I can’t believe he’s already seven!

  I want to spend more time with him, and I want to see this little baby grow up, too. I feel like I’ve missed so much already;Ryan growing up, Jake and Stacy becoming parents, and there’s definitely something going on with Donovan.

  I want to be home more, but I’ve worked damn hard to get to this point in my career.

  Would I be stupid to give it all up now?

  Would Morgan think less of me if I did?

  As I mull over my thoughts, I gently press a kiss against Morgan’s shoulder. She turns her head quickly, cupping my face and stealing a kiss of her own. A soft sigh escapes my mouth as I lean closer.

  Something about Morgan lights a fire deep in my soul. I’ve never cared for anyone the way I care about her. I’d do anything—everything—to make her happy.

  “Get a room you two!” Chloe teases. She grins over at us, but there’s something strained in her face.

  Okay, there’s definitely something going on with her and Donovan.

  No doubt everyone is taking a hard look at the future thanks to Jake and Stacy’s announcement. But what could my billionaire business besties have to worry about?

  Chloe and Donovan have been killing it in the advertising world. And as far as I know, they’re rock solid.

  I pull back slightly from Morgan, but only enough to rest my forehead against hers. I make a mental note to ask her about Donovan. Maybe Chloe has confided in her.

  Sighing, I force myself to stop thinking so hard about what tomorrow will bring. Morgan and I are here now. That’s worth celebrating.

  The future is something that can wait . . . at least until after Christmas.