Page 50 of Claimed by my Bestie's Dad

“I think sometimes people expect to be treated like royalty when they don’t feel well. The problem is that everyone here is in the same boat.”

“So, back to my original question.”

I frown at Janine, not sure what she means. “What original question?”

“Who’s this woman you’re dating who’s keeping you so happy?”

“It’s no one you know.”

I think of Madison. I don’t know if I would call what we’re doing dating. Part of me would like to do something to make it official, but I know we can’t. But wouldn’t it be nice for a second to pretend like we have a genuine relationship?

I could pretend that Madison and I really are a couple. Janine is so eager to talk to me about it.

“Her name is Madison, and she’s gorgeous.”

The Janine smiles in her gossipy way. “That’s sweet. How long have you two been together? I’ve been noticing the extra stride in your step for the last few weeks.”

“It’s been about that long. Just a few weeks.”

“I’m happy for you, Dr. Taylor. I wish you and Madison the best.”

“Now, if you don't mind cutting the gossip short. We need to check on our cardiac arrest patient.”

As I drivethrough town after my shift, my thoughts drift back to Madison. It’s strange how quickly she’s become a constant in my head—like a song I can’t stop humming. I’m not complaining, though. Just thinking about her has a way of making me feel lighter.

And then, it hits me. I want to do something for Madison. We’re not in a relationship, but there are no rules about what gifts we can and cannot give. I’ve been thinking about how Madison wants to open a surf school.

It’s one of her biggest passions. I could tell by the way she lit up when she talked about it. She laughed it off, like it was just some pipe dream, but I saw the way her eyes became all dreamy. That dream’s real to her, even if she doesn’t quite believe in it yet.

I pull into the parking lot of a small surf shop just on the other side of the bridge to Oak Island. The salty breeze hits me as soon as I step out of the car. It’s nearly seven at night, and the breeze is chilling. The smell of it reminds me of summer though.

Inside the shop, I find exactly what I’m looking for. A custom surfboard, Christmas-themed. It’s playful with the red-nosed reindeer on it, and I like its uniqueness. I talk to the shop owner to ask about personalization, and he agrees to paint her name in swirling red paint on the top.

By the time the customization is done, it’s perfect. I add a few other things to the mix—a wetsuit and some gear she could use if she ever decides to go all in on this surf school idea.

It’s not Christmas yet, but I don’t want to wait. I want her to know I believe in her, even if she’s not ready to believe in herself yet.

With everything loaded in the car, I head over to her place. My hands tighten on the steering wheel as I think about how she might react. Madison’s not the type to expect anything from anyone, and that’s exactly why I want to do this for her. She deserves someone in her corner.

I know that money is tight with the dog-sitting business, and I have more than enough to spare. But I’m not trying to flaunt my money. I’m just trying to do something nice for her, and I hope she’ll agree.

When I pull up outside her house, I hesitate for just a moment. What if she thinks this is too much? But no—Ipush the thought away. This isn’t about me. It’s about showing her that I’m standing behind her dreams for a surf school.

I grab the surfboard first, propping it carefully under my arm, and then pick up the rest of the gear. I feel a little ridiculous walking up to her door with all this stuff, but there’s no turning back now. And I’m not about to try to wrap the surfboard. That is too much work.

I knock, my heart beating a little faster than it should.

After a few moments, the door swings open, and there she is—Madison, looking effortlessly beautiful in that way she does, her hair pulled up in a messy bun. She’s wearing an oversized sweater that hides her curves and very short shorts, so short that I almost don’t see them peeking out from under the sweater. She blinks at me, her eyes darting from my face to the surfboard and back again.

“Ethan? What is all this?” She tilts her head to the side in a way that is adorably cute.

“If you let me in, I’ll show you.”

“Hold on, let me get Tigger in his cage so he doesn’t slip out.” The door is closed on me, and I hear Madison working her magic inside to get everybody in a safe spot.

Then, she opens the door again, and I’m allowed inside. I can feel her admiring the gift as I bring it into the living room. Samson runs up and starts running his nose over everything.

I smile, setting the surfboard down against the couch. “It’s for you. Consider it an early Christmas gift.”

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