"Night, Caro."
"Good night." We hung up, and I couldn't help but think that tonight almost topped our nights alone. I got to see Oliver as a caring dad. The fact that he was so protective of Joey made him even more attractive. He was a family man, and he wanted everyone around him to be happy. I was getting to know Oliver in a different light, and I realized I liked all sidesof him. The sexy man in my bed, the caring protective father, the savvy business owner, and the responsible man that took care of everyone around him.
He was the perfect catch. I couldn't believe Joey's mother didn't see that. But it sounded like she only cared about herself. I cuddled in bed watching a holiday movie, wishing I was with Oliver and his son. If we were together, we'd be curled up on the couch watching this very movie while his son slept in his bedroom.
I never thought about having kids, not after my dad left. I figured I'd just mess a kid up with my family trauma. But Oliver and Joey made me want something more for myself.
We hadn't made any promises beyond this particular visit. For the first time, the draw to go home and create the perfect Christmas for my family wasn't there. They didn't need me.
I was free to do whatever I wanted. I just wasn't sure what Oliver was thinking. Did he assume we'd break things off after the snow melted?
The next morning, there was a knock on my door. I pulled on a robe and tied it around my waist before I opened it.
Joey bounced on his toes. "Dad said to invite you down for breakfast."
"Is he cooking?" I asked, pleased he'd sent his son to get me.
"He's clearing snow on the walkways. But Marcus said it's a waste of time because the snow is still coming down. You should see it. It's huge flakes." Joey rushed past me into my room, toward the windows.
"I just woke up. I didn't realize." It was just white outside, and the snow was coming down hard. "It's beautiful."
He ran toward the door. "Daddy said I have to eat before I can go play in the snow."
I wasn't sure if I was ready to go out in that. It was a serious storm. The wind was blowing the flakes sideways, and everything was covered in a fresh blanket of white. "I'll be right down."
"Hurry before the food is gone." He opened the door and then was gone.
I waited until he closed the door behind him with a slam, then rushed to shower and get ready. I had a feeling Marcus cooked more than enough food, but I didn't want to miss out on his cooking.
I dressed in comfortable clothes, assuming that we'd be outside, either shoveling or playing. I was looking forward to the day, and I had no work planned. I'd dealt with the unhappiness of my client and vendors yesterday and wanted to relax and enjoy the storm.
Arthur was drinking his coffee at the table, but the couple was nowhere to be seen. He lifted his gaze. "Amy and Dean haven't been down yet. Marcus took a tray to their room."
I grabbed a plate and piled it high with pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit. "This is quite the spread."
"Marcus overdid himself. I think that's just his way," Arthur said warmly.
I sat down and lifted my fork.
Marcus bustled out of the kitchen with a carafe of coffee, pouring it into the mug to my right. "How did you sleep?"
"Great, actually." I was tired from the previous night with Oliver. The thought of the impending storm and spending the day with Oliver and Joey had me sleeping hard.
Marcus smiled at me. "Was your room warm enough? The power went out, but the generators kicked in right away."
"I didn't notice being cold."
"Good. That's good. There's nothing like being snowed in but still having good food and electricity."
I laughed as Marcus disappeared into the kitchen again.
Arthur set aside his book and nodded toward the doorwaywhere Marcus walked through. "He seems to enjoy taking care of people."
"He does." Everyone who worked at the lodge was so nice.
"What are your plans for the day?" Arthur asked me.
"I figured I'd pitch in and help if they need it. Otherwise, no plans."