Christmas Tempest (Holiday Heartwarmers #12)

Chapter Eleven

Painful or not, Dex had her over the seat and into his arms faster than either of them knew it could be done. By forcing Pretty Girl over to the passenger side, he slipped Jasmin onto his lap with bare inches to spare.

“Come here.” His husky voice made tingles of warmth burst all over her body. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her like one would a baby. Then he pulled the quilt over them both, cuddling her close.

His first kisses mopped up the tears and the next one landed smack dab on her mouth. By the time he’d finished exploring her lips, she’d regained her equilibrium, and they’d both become warmer.

“Your plan with the suitcase is working. You did good, Jasmin. I’m proud of you and so glad we found each other.”

She reached up to run her hand over his cheek, caressing his face gently. “Me too.” She sniffed to stop more tears. “I know you might find this hard to believe but I’ve never felt so comfortable with any man before. It’s like we’ve known each other forever.” She gazed up into his face, and in the darkness, she saw his teeth gleaming white in a big smile. “What?”

“Your big eyes are all globby with tears and very sincere. It’s such a turn-on, and there’s very little I can do about it right now. So you know, I intend to take care of it as soon as possible.”

“Good.” Catching her breath after his kisses, she murmured, “I believe you, because that’s how I feel.”

“I can’t imagine life without you being a part of it now. And I’m not even sure I have the right to tell you that. Lordy, we just met. I’ll soon be fathering an eight-year-old runaway, and I have no idea what I’m facing.”

“Whatever it is, don’t worry. I’ll have your back.” She kissed him one last time, and then snuggled her face against his chest. Thankful that the worst of the storm seemed to have passed, she closed her eyes and drifted into a dream.

Dex held her tenderly, pushing her hair away from her face so he could kiss her skin. He’d never felt this way before… so involved with another or soft-hearted towards them. Even the few times he’d had breakthroughs with Dillon where the boy had shown his vulnerability, it hadn’t been this powerful. Not that he didn’t love the boy, of course he did. But in a responsible way one does when faced with one’s duty.

Over the years, he’d spent as much time as possible with his brother’s family. They’d managed get-togethers for some holidays and had even vacationed on a ski trip last winter. Yet he couldn’t say he knew Dillon well.

During those days, Dillon tended to be more of a mama’s boy. Probably because he spent more time with women. Max had a lot of assignments that took him away from the family so the male influence had been lacking. It didn’t help things when Dex moved to Carlton Grove. That separation just divided them even more.

Understanding that the boy really didn’t know him other than through memories and their periodic visits, Dex had done his best to talk with Dillon. Neither of those occasions had gone well. Dillon appeared to be scared of his own shadow, and a boy of very few words.

When Margot told him that Dillon had run away, it had been a huge shock. He’d never have pegged the kid with a personality for such strong behavior. If the truth were known, he thought him weak and a whiner who’d need to be looked after. And… because he had no experience with youngsters, that had scared him silly.

While they’d been talking about everything under the sun, he’d mentioned his misgivings to Jasmin, and she’d said something that came back to him now.

“We didn’t know each other either but see how well we’re doing? I believe it’s the fact that we needed each other. There’s nothing that will bring people together more than that kind of trust. So, let Dillon believe you feel that way about him. That he’s fulfilling some emptiness in your world. Give him chores like helping you take care of Pretty Girl and looking after the new house. It’s important for him to have a place in your life that’s his alone.”

“You figure it’ll work?”

Jasmin let his words sit for a few seconds and then asked, “How would you feel in his place? If it was you having your whole world ripped apart and being ordered by courts to behave the way they say? What if you had no voice in your own future? I’ve no doubt based on what I heard on the phone and what you’ve told me, he wouldn’t want to stay with Margot. But have you ever asked him if he wants to be with you? He’s eight now not a baby. He has thoughts and feelings and maybe even goals. If he thinks that you want and need him, would that make a difference? It would to me.”

Dex pictured his tall, skinny nephew with two crooked front teeth and a thatch of shiny, wild brown curls. Thinking back, Dex remembered telling Dillon about his pursuits to adopt him and the boy’s lack of excitement. He’d watched his blue eyes shield emotions from grief and shyness to curiosity and worry.

Yet he’d never addressed those feelings let alone asked the boy to share his desires or his needs. Pictures he shared of Pretty Girl had been the only time Dillon had reacted. “Can I take her for walks?”

“Sure. She’d like that.” He remembered saying those words and after his discussion with Jasmin, he realized it hadn’t been enough. What he should have added was, “And I’d be really happy for you to help me with her walks. I don’t always have the time myself, and I need someone who I can trust to step in.”

Thinking back over their recent visits, he could see many times where he’d missed an opportunity to make the boy feel not only welcomed but wanted.

Making up his mind to be more thoughtful when dealing with Dillon in the future, he found himself praying he’d get the chance. That they’d find him, and he’d be okay. And that he’d know what to say the next time they were face to face.