Free Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Joann Durgin Page A

eaten dinner, but he didn’t think so. “If you’re sure. I mean…” He shook his head. “I’d really like that. Thanks. A bowl of my specialty chili’s in it for you as a reward.”
    “Sounds like a plan.” When Julia smiled and started to pick up more of Bailey’s things, his heart softened a little, as it seemed to do every time he was around her.
    “Jake?” Dylan prodded.
    He jumped.
    Dylan chuckled under his breath. “I’m not even going to ask. The stuff for the kids?” he prompted when Jake gave him a blank stare.
    “Yeah, sure. Follow me.” After walking back into the front foyer, Jake opened the coat closet and hauled out the box.
    Dylan whistled as he stepped closer. “That’s a lot of toys, buddy. You been burning the midnight oil? How’d you have time to fix all these?”
    “I made time.” He hadn’t been sleeping that well, but Dylan didn’t need to know or he’d start asking questions or making assumptions. Best not to go there.
    Crouching down, Dylan picked up one of the dolls. “Isn’t this the one Jules called Molly what’s-her-name?”
    “Molly Dolly. Right.” Jake ignored Dylan’s knowing glance. “Penny Granger made her a new dress, and I cleaned her up, brushed her hair, and touched up her face with some paint.”
    Dylan nodded to the shiny red Corvette. “And that one?”
    “Touched up the paint, reattached a door, and shined it up.”
    “Well,” Dylan said, hoisting the box, “you’ve done yourself proud. You’ll make a fine dad someday, Fireman Jake.”
    When Dylan patted his shoulder—the right one—in the usual way, it didn’t make him cringe. “Judging by Bailey, that’ll take some doing. Give me time.” On a whim, Jake reached for Molly Dolly.
    Dylan rested the box on the desk, anchoring it with one hip as he pulled on his gloves. “Guess you’ve got someone picked out for that one, huh?”
    “Yep, or the other way around.” Jake followed Dylan to the front door.
    “Jake, I have a question for you,” Dylan said. “Answer me straight.”
    “Don’t I always?”
    “You’re the most honest man I’ve ever met next to my dad, so yeah. Did you ever tell Nicole about your secret?”
    Jake looked over his shoulder to see if Julia was within hearing distance.
    “We’re alone. I think she took something to the kitchen.”
    “Yes, Mom , I told Nicole.” Jake lowered his voice. “At first, she thought it was kinda sweet, but then I think she got frustrated because of it.”
    Dylan grinned. “No offense, buddy, but I can empathize. You’re a whole different breed, but I have to admire you all the same. You’re a rare man of conviction and moral fortitude.”
    “Thanks,” Jake said, keeping his voice wry. “It’s not what broke us up, but I can admit it might have been a contributing factor.”
    His friend nodded. “Nicole’s probably like a lot of girls in the way she reacted, but keep in mind she doesn’t represent all women.”
    Jake raised his brows. “Oh? You got one in mind, Dylan?”
    Dylan’s gaze traveled to the doll in his arms. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
    “Just take the toys and go already. I need to grab a hot shower before the little terror wakes up and finds something else to shred or mess.”
    “Open the door for me and I’m gone. Oh, oh.” With a grimace, Dylan nodded in the direction of the nearest window.
    Jake slapped his forehead with his palm. “Man, if that puppy wasn’t so cute—” The bottom of his mother’s curtains—the ones with delicate lace she’d bought on a trip to Brussels, Belgium—bore the distinct evidence of Bailey’s tiny teeth marks.
    “All relationships go through some rough spots in the beginning,” Dylan said. “I’m sure you two will be very happy together.” He breezed past him. “Catch you later, buddy.”
     
     
     
     

11
     
    “This is your reward for helping me regain my sanity after the natural disaster known as Bailey. Let me know what you think.” Jake