I don’t blame her for ignoring my calls. But she can’t hate me more than I despise myself for deceiving her.
Here I am in Candy Cane, parked in my driveway, hoping for another crack at the joy I felt these past two weeks. I gaze up at my large house that should feel like home, but it doesn’t because the woman I desire isn’t here. Leaving the car, I head inside. The house is still, with only the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights illuminating the darkness. Exhausted, I’m about to head upstairs when I hear giggling coming from the back porch.
At least they’re getting along.Pushing open the glass door, I stiffen at seeing my baby on Mason’s lap, her arms draped around his neck. “What the hell is going on here?”
Charity launches to her feet to stand in front of me. Seething anger replaces my earlier tiredness and my fist snaps, connecting with Mason’s jaw.
“Daddy!”
“For fuck’s sake, Mason, I trusted you with Charity.” He doesn’t hold his jaw, or dodge my next blow, or try to land a punch of his own, though I want him to. I want to feel as much pain as I’m dishing out.
“How long?”
“Daddy.”
“We’re best friends. How long have you kept it from me?”
“Could you stop talking like I’m not here?” Charity pleads.
I level my frosty gaze on her. “This is my fault, isn’t it?” Pain erupts in my chest. “Somehow it’s my fault.”
“Stop it!” Charity hammers her fists against my chest. There are tears in my baby’s eyes and it’s my worst nightmare, seeing her in pain. “Daddy, please don’t make me choose between the two of you.”
I clench my teeth.Choose?With her words, what’s left of my heart crumbles into nothingness. “I trusted you and you betrayed me,” I say to Mason. “Get the hell out of my house.” On one vacation, I lost everything, my friend, my little girl, and the woman I want to spend my life with.
As Mason passes me, he slams a yellow envelope against my chest before walking into the house. Eighteen years of friendship and he says nothing, but I’m not sure I will hear anything either.
“What’s this?”
“Naomi sold her house privately through the real estate agent. Mason received the call and bought it, knowing you wouldn’t want anyone else owning Naomi’s.”
Mason’s right.
“He only picked up the purchase agreement tonight.” Charity heads for the door.
“Charity, we need to talk about tonight.”
“I love him, Dad.” The longing in her voice is earth shattering.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m guessing for the same reasons you didn’t tell me you are in love with Naomi.”
Pulling her into my arms, I hug her against my chest as she cries. I’m at a loss for words, not knowing what to say just yet. Everything’s jumbled and messy and I don’t know how to fix it.
“Go to her dad.” She eases away from me and wipes her eyes. “Find Naomi before she leaves Candy Cane for good.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
NATHAN
My fist hammers against the door. “Open the door, Charity.”
No answer. And I wait.
But I swear I feel her on the other side. “I fucked up and I’m sorry.” I rest my head against the cool wood. “I’m not going away.” More than anything, I need to know she hasn’t left Candy Cane. It wasn't until Mason handed me the document for her house that I realized just how sharp the pain of losing her would be.
I’m sure the shuffling I hear is movement and I wait for Naomi to say anything. “Did you have a hand in my applications being denied?”
