Christmas With The Houstons (Acceptance #4) Read online

  Christmas with the Houstons

  Copyright © 2015 D. Kelly

  Editing by - Tiffany Fox

  Cover design by – Regina Wamba, Mae I Design, www.maeidesign.com

  Formatting by – Brenda Wright, Formatting Done Wright

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  Trademark brands and items belong to their respective owners. No trademark infringement is intended.

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information contact Dee Kelly www.dkellyauthor.com

  This book contains mature subject matter and is not appropriate for minors. Please note this novel contains profanity, sexual situations and alcohol consumption.

  ISBN-13: 978-1-944247-34-8 - eBook

  Dee Kelly

  P.O. Box 940123

  Simi Valley, CA. 93094

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  www.dkellyauthor.com

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Books by D. Kelly

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Sneak Peek – Chasing Cassidy

  Sneak Peek – Waiting for Us

  About the Author

  For my friends – Family is not only assigned to you by birth but also given to you by choice. You are my family, my choice, and the light in my darkest of days. Thank you for choosing me, too.

  April

  October

  “April, are you sure you want to do this? I mean, isn’t this exactly what Amazon was created for?” I’d laugh at my husband if he wasn’t being completely serious.

  “Jake, I hardly think Amazon was invented so pregnant women wouldn’t have to go shopping for Christmas.”

  He looks at me skeptically then flashes me one of the biggest grins I’ve ever seen. “Fine, maybe not exclusively for pregnant women. I’m sure it was also created so we don’t have to go to the seedy porn shops in the valley to get the good toys.”

  “Jake!” I exclaim with a laugh. “You are too much. Can you please indulge me? I’m seven months pregnant and as big as a house. There’s no way I’m going to be able to battle the mall in December, and I really want to be able to put thought into the gifts we give. I’d rather not just randomly point my mouse on something and have it delivered.”

  As he wraps his arms around me and nuzzles my neck, I relax in his arms. Jake is the only man I’ve ever loved and not only will this be our first Christmas as parents—as long as I’m not overdue—but it’s also Hope, Zayden, Haven, and Grant’s first Christmas. Plus, Hailey and Lucas are both at ages where they’re excited about the holidays. It’s going to be so much fun.

  “I always indulge you and if Christmas shopping the first week of October makes you happy, then that’s what we’ll do. But while you’re decking the halls, I’m going to be keeping an eye out for some fucking cool-ass Halloween stuff for Hailey and Lucas.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I reply, placing a soft kiss on his lips. “Now, let’s go. If we get there soon, the only people who will be there are the mall walkers.”

  Jake chuckles and shakes his head. “God forbid we miss the mall walkers.”

  As we get into the car and I struggle to get the seatbelt around my giant belly, I explain my rationale, “I’m seven months pregnant and it’s going to be over a hundred degrees today. The mall gets hot when there are a lot of people there. The best time is to go in the morning when all the senior citizens are doing their mall walk. It’s still cool and not one bit crowded.”

  “Got it. Easier to waddle with the oldies.”

  “You’re so lucky I love you. You’ve been teasing me all morning. Actually, you’re in a really good mood today. What gives?” Jake’s eyes are focused on the road, but I can tell from the way they narrow slightly he doesn’t like the fact I indirectly accused him of being a grump. The fact of the matter is he has been on edge lately.

  “Does something have to give for me to be in a good mood?”

  “Well… normally, no. But honestly, Jake, you’ve been on edge for the past few weeks. I tried chalking it up to my hormonal state but even Kate noticed.”

  His hands grip the steering wheel and I feel his mood plummeting. This was not what I was hoping to accomplish today.

  “So you and Kate are gossiping about me now?”

  “Jake Houston! Get off your high horse for just a damn minute. Kate is not a gossip and you know that.”

  I reach over and peel one of his hands from the steering wheel, lacing my fingers with his. “Babe, I’m just worried about you. I’m happy you’re in such a good mood today but it’s not hard to put two and two together. You took today off from work and you’re happy, relaxed, more like your normal self. Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me. What’s going on at work?”

  With a sigh, Jake turns into the mall parking lot and pulls my hand to his lips. “It’s nothing you need to worry about.”

  “That’s not fair and you know it. I do worry. Even more so lately. You’ve been shutting me out for weeks, Jake. Talk to me... Please.”

  With a shake of his head, he gets out of the car and walks around to my side to help me out. As he pulls me from the car and into his embrace, his tension is palpable. I feel it throughout his back and shoulders. This isn’t like Jake at all.

  “Between us, April, I mean it. You can’t talk about this to anyone… including Kate and Connor.”

  “You know you can tell me anything, Jake. If there’s one person in the world you need to trust it has to be me. For better or for worse, remember?”

  A small smile cracks through his rough exterior. “One of the best days of my life. I could never forget that.”

  “Then talk to me and let me help you figure out how to deal with whatever it is you’re going through.”

  Entwining my fingers with his, we walk slowly through the parking lot. I love how he slows his pace to match my waddle. As he opens the door, he places his hand against my lower back, guiding me in ahead of him.

  That move right there is the sign of a man who has feelings for a woman. There are so many things men do to show their affection but when he puts his hand against your lower back and walks with you, it’s a small way of staking their claim on you. It’s my favorite thing in the world. Well, aside from his kisses, and his smile, and the way he fucks me. Hell, I’m getting turned on; we need to shop and get home.

  “You’re glowing,” he says softly.

  “Oh, please don’t start.” I’m flushed because I was thinking of sex, but I’m not about to tell him that in the middle of the mall.

  “Oh, I’m going to start. See that guy over there? The one who’s standing over by the coffee shop? He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since we walked in.”

  His comment makes me laugh. “He’s probably watching me waddle and thanking his lucky stars he’s not saddled with a pregnant woman.”

  Jake’s hand moves from my back to the side of my waist as he pulls me closer to him. “No, he’s wondering if you’re really taken.”

  Now I laugh even harder. “Please. No man wants a pregnan
t cow. I’m damn sure my waddle doesn’t turn him on. Stop being so possessive, Jake. I’m yours, remember?”

  “Damn straight you are, and when we get home I’m going to make you scream it. Once again, for the record, you’re not a cow, April. Fucking hell, I want you more than I want my next breath.”

  Him and his dirty mouth; he always knows just what to say to turn me on. But we have shopping to do. As I lead him into Baby Gap and begin sorting through some of the cutest clothes I’ve ever seen, I turn to him and smile. “Talk, Jake. Tell me what is going on.”

  “Connor sucks at his job.” He’s finally breaking his silence as I continue to load his arms up with all the clothes I’m buying.

  “How can he suck at his job? Isn’t he doing amazing things for Kate over at Lila’s Place?”

  “Yes, he is, and that’s exactly why he sucks at his job. He half-asses everything because he’s always doing something for Kate and her business.”

  “Well, in all fairness, it’s not as if she’s turning a profit. Every dollar coming in goes right back into running the place. You’ve been there, Jake, and you know she’s doing amazing things.”

  His mood instantly becomes colder. “I’m not trying to be the bad guy, April. I love Kate, she’s like a sister to me. But the way things are going right now, I won’t even be able to take time off when our baby comes.”

  Oh, hell no, he did not just say that.

  “Listen, Jake, you have to talk to Connor, your dad, or both. There’s no way in hell you are missing your paternity leave because Connor can’t do his job. You’ve got two months to fix this, so I suggest you get started.”

  Why would he even think not taking time off is a possibility? I gave into getting a freaking puppy three months ago because he wanted a dog to grow up with our son. I can’t, no, I won’t deal with a puppy and a newborn all by myself. That was not the deal.

  After putting my purchases up on the counter, I flash him a glacial stare of my own. He pays the bill in silence and I storm out ahead of him. Jake slowly follows behind me while I lead the way. Stopping in front of a store filled with Halloween decorations, I let him know I’ll be back after I use the restroom. Maybe if he can act like a kid for a few minutes, we can have a more reasonable discussion.

  I just don’t understand why he hasn’t confronted Connor or told his dad what is going on. Connor virtually got the job with no training, unlike Jake who worked with his dad through a year-long internship. Maybe everyone involved needs to remember that and help Connor out.

  On the way back from the restroom, I stop off in the bookstore where I’m immediately lost in all the children’s books. By the time I finally come out—arms loaded with bags—Jake is waiting on a bench outside holding up a bag from Godiva as a peace offering. This is why I can never stay mad at him; he always puts me first.

  “I’m sorry,” we both say at the same time and laugh. He takes my bags from me and I notice he’s got quite a few for himself from the Halloween store and shoot him a look with a raised brow.

  “I know, I got carried away, but I found some really fun stuff. We’re going to make brains from Jell-O and I got a fog machine, a couple of scary masks, and some really cool sound effects. We’re going to have a blast on Halloween.”

  His smile is genuine and I’m so happy he’s in a better mood.

  “So how are we getting all of this to the car? We still have a few more stores to hit.”

  “Well, I thought maybe you might like to be my lunch date down in the food court. We can eat at The Cheesecake Factory.” Jake flashes me a killer smile and I know he’s trying to make amends. “Let’s go sit by the kids play area. I’ll get you a fresh-squeezed lemonade and run these out to the car. When I come back, we’ll talk. Sound like a plan?”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  While Jake is taking the bags out, I sit and watch the kids playing in the mall playground. It’s hard to believe in a few short months we’ll finally have one of our own. When Jake returns, he places a kiss on the top of my head.

  “Daydreaming?” he asks softly.

  “Sort of, just imagining our future. I’m sorry I picked a fight with you earlier. It just makes me angry to see you so stressed out over something that seems so easily fixable.”

  As Jake sits down next to me, he pulls me close. “I love my brother but we’re not ten years old anymore. I’m not going to go tattle to Daddy. It’s not that Connor doesn’t do a good job, he’s brilliant at his job. The way his mind works is truly incredible.”

  “Then I don’t get it. What’s the problem?”

  “The problem is he doesn’t even work on half the accounts he should be. I’m picking up all of his slack. At first, it was expected. He was new, never interned, but he’s so fucking smart, April. We didn’t think it would be such a learning curve.”

  I nod in understanding and squeeze his hand. Our hands have always fit together so perfectly. Jake is a big guy and I’m not a petite girl. I’ve always been self-conscious of my size and my hands and feet are huge for a girl. When we first got together, Jake would always stare at our hands together and I would try to pull them away but he wouldn’t have it. He said one of his favorite things about me was the fact my hands never got lost in his. He never had to worry about squeezing too hard or being too gentle. I always thought it was weird but over time, I realized I loved it, too. I loved the feeling of reassurance we could give each other with just the squeeze of our hands. And when I placed his wedding ring on his finger, it was the sexiest fucking moment of my life. Knowing we were bound by our hearts, by our vows, with those rings on our fingers—the same fingers he entwined with his every day and kissed with such reverence—was almost more than I could bear.

  “I don’t need my job, April, you know that. I love my job and that’s why I keep dealing with it. I want the company to succeed so I’m over-extending myself. Something has to give soon because at this rate, I’m going to burn out.”

  “What were you doing before Connor came? Why are you suddenly drowning in work?”

  “Well, we fired someone, and because Connor was coming on we never hired anyone to replace him. But I’ll admit, all this work Connor has been doing for Lila’s Place has brought us a shit ton of new investors. People are paying attention to his brilliance and it’s paying off in spades for both businesses.”

  “Jake, talk to Connor and tell him how you’re feeling. Or maybe talk to Kate. If she can get him to leave willingly, you might not even have to talk to him.”

  He shakes his head vehemently. “No, I’m not bringing Kate into this, and I’ve tried to talk to Connor, but maybe I need to be more direct.”

  “It’s not like you to be indirect, so why are you tiptoeing around him?”

  “Because he’s a new dad and recently married. He’s juggling work and helping Kate. Not to mention trying to juggle his time between Jess, Hope, and Zayden. I’m trying to give him a break and let him find his groove, get acclimated, but it’s driving me into the ground in the process.”

  “Jake, you have to talk to him and work this out. He’s not the only one with a family. Daniel and Mike make it work. Kate’s making it work, and we’re going to have to make it work.”

  “I know, babe, I know. Come on and let me feed you and my son so I can take you home and lose myself in you for the rest of the day.”

  As we exit the restaurant after lunch, I notice a few officers at the playground. My heartbeat accelerates and I silently pray all the kids are safe and no one is missing or hurt. As we approach them on our way to the exit, my eyes lock on my friend Derek. Derek notices us at the same time and briskly walks over.

  “April, I’m so glad they sent you today. This one is really delicate and she needs to be handled by the best and we all know you’re the best.” His dazzling smile does not go unnoticed by my husband who, as usual, pulls me closer to lay claim to me.

  Derek eyes Jake up and down with a cocky smirk and I suddenly feel as if I’m in the middle of a
pissing match.

  “Derek, we were just here doing some shopping and having some lunch. I’m not working today. This is Jake, my husband. Jake, meet Officer Derek Martinez.”

  Both men begrudgingly shake hands.

  “April, I hate to impose on your day off, but there’s a little girl over there whose grandma was found dead in the bathroom. She’s five years old and from what the other members of the walking club tell us, there is no other family.”

  This part of my job will never get easier. She must be terrified.

  “We were told DCFS was sending someone for her but it’s been about forty minutes since we called it in and no one is here yet. Do you think you can talk to her until they arrive?”

  That worker—whoever it is—better get here fast. We’ve recently been implementing thirty-minute or less response times and it’s been working wonderfully. We have lots of new on-call workers so there is always someone in the vicinity to get to a case when needed; these kids are in enough emotional distress as it is. If we can get to the scene fast enough, they can leave with us instead of with the police. Although, in some cases, a police escort is the best option.

  I look to Jake and he smiles. “Go on, Mother Theresa, do your thing. I’ll be here waiting.” Derek places his hand on my back to guide me but I quickly pull away. Derek doesn’t get to touch me there or anywhere else, for that matter. Only Jake gets to touch me there. I’m sure he’s watching us like a hawk already; there’s no way he missed that. He’s going to flip out on the way home, I just know it.

  Derek shoots me a sly smile and leads the way. Immediately, I see her—her chest heaving rapidly up and down, tears streaming down her cheeks, and her arms wrapped tightly around a stuffed polar bear.

  Carefully, I lower myself down to the step she’s sitting on and turn to face her. She’s a beautiful little girl with dark hair and eyes so deep blue they’re almost purple. She’s wearing a frilly yellow dress, black Mary Jane’s, and has a Build a Bear box at her feet. I bet she built the bear she’s clutching this morning. My heart absolutely breaks for her.