Page 181 of Forgot to Tell You Something

Tally’s mobile rings, startling us both. She glances at the caller ID before answering the phone. “Hi, Beth. How are you?” She climbs off the bed, walking into the kitchen. Meanwhile, I’m trying to keep my dick from breaking in two. It doesn’t matter that I just got my rocks off two minutes earlier. I need inside Tally. Now.

“Everything okay?” I ask when Tally returns to the room.

Tally shrugs, chewing her bottom lip. “Earl stopped by the shelter earlier. Apparently, he wasn’t aware that Marla no longer lives there.”

Shit. Some people can’t take no for an answer. “Did he get violent?”

She shakes her head. “He threatened to cause trouble, but the cops arrested him.Again. He was less than happy at the turn of events.”

“I’ll bet. I’m glad he’s behind bars.”

“For the interim, at least. Unfortunately, they never stay there long. But that’s not all Beth told me.”

I bite back the smile threatening to break across my face. “Oh, no?”

“You sneaky bastard.”

I chuckle. Typical Tally response. “What did I do now?”

She pushes me back on the bed, straddling me. “Beth just got a visit from Santa, in the form of a check. Ahugecheck for $50,000 from one Tally’s Trust. Care to explain?”

“What is there to explain? Santa came for a visit. It is Christmas time.”

Tally shoots me a mock glare. “Spill it, Owen.”

“I’m in awe of you and your dedication to these women. Even more so, now that I know how you suffered. I knew the shelter needed money for repairs, and I knew that if you had the money, you would give it.” I run my fingers along her arms. “So, I established a charity in your name, to help women like Beth and Marla.”

Tears brim in her eyes, and she pulls off her glasses, wiping her face. “That’s likely the third best gift I’ve ever gotten.”

“What are the first two?” I question with a grin.

“You and Nugget.”

I thumb away the tears from her cheeks, pulling her mouth down to mine. “You two are definitely my greatest gift.”

“You didn’t have to give them that money, Owen.”

“Yes, I did. You help protect these women. I protect you.”

40

Tally

My soon to be mother-in-law left for Asheville this morning, with a promise that she’ll be back within the month. My handsome soon to be husband is dropping her at the airport, before heading to Memorial to round on his patients.

I know it’s the holiday season, but I don’t think the hospital units are full because of an overconsumption of food and drink. I swear it’s to catch a glimpse of Man Candy Stevens. Yes, that is an actual nickname, one I personally approved.

Hey, they can look. They just can’t touch.

We had a beautiful Christmas, surprising considering the loss of my father earlier in the year. But Owen and his mother went above and beyond to make the holiday special for me. It didn’t hurt that we had an engagement and baby to celebrate.

The best part? I was right—Nugget is a little boy.

Owen is beyond excited at the prospect of having a son. He’s bought all manner of baby sporting attire, so the kid will have his choice of jerseys. Yep, that man’s smile at our most recent sonogram was the best one yet, and I know they’ll keep getting brighter.

But now, it’s back to reality, aka Memorial Hospital.

I stand in front of the bathroom mirror, clad in only my panties, and realize I’m going to have to buy bigger bras soon. This will make the second time in four months. At the rate I’m going, Dolly Parton and I will have more than a nickname in common.

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