An Unexpected Gift (Insta-Spark Book 4) Read online

  I blinked. “I don’t understand.”

  “I know. But I’d like the chance to explain. We’ve come a long way, and I’m hoping you’ll be open to seeing her—to listening to my story.”

  I was on information overload. I had no idea my sister was divorced. The only information I had heard about my family was my brother had died in a drunk driving accident years ago and my father had retired not long after. Both pieces of news I had discovered via the internet. No one had reached out or let me know. I’d had no contact with anyone in my family since that disastrous trip home at Christmas years prior.

  Holly squeezed my waist. “We’d love to meet her, wouldn’t we, Evan?”

  “Yes,” I agreed, realizing how I must look. “I would love to meet her.”

  Simon smiled, his shoulders relaxing. He walked to the car and opened the back door, handing the bear to Mia inside. “Come on, sweet pea. Uncle Evan wants to meet you too.”

  Mia climbed out of the car. Small, with hair as dark as mine and eyes like her father’s, she clung to his hand, looking nervous. “Hi.”

  Holly walked forward, smiling. She bent down and kissed Mia’s cheek. “Hi, Mia. I’m Holly, Evan’s wife. This is our son, Brandon.”

  Mia grinned, dimples appearing in both cheeks. “He’s cute.”

  Holly winked. “We think so.”

  Mia looked past her toward me. My heart sped up at the look of vulnerability and uncertainty on her face.

  My feet propelled me forward, and I stopped in front of her. “Last time I saw you, I held you on my knee. You were such a little thing. We shared a few moments together on Christmas.”

  She smiled. “My dad told me. We have a picture at our house.”

  “You do?” I glanced at Simon.

  “I snapped it when no one was looking.”

  Huh. Another surprise.

  “He said you came to see me that year.”

  “I did.”

  “I wanted to come and see you.”

  I held out my arms, smiling. “I’m glad you did.”

  She flung herself forward, and I caught her. She barely came past my waist and her arms didn’t reach around me, but she held on tight.

  I bent low and kissed her head. “Hello, Mia.”

  We went inside, chaos ensuing for the next while. Hannah woke from her nap, Angela came home, and there were a lot of questions and activity until things settled somewhat and we could talk.

  Holly made coffee and brought out some of her homemade cookies. The kids were in front of us, talking, playing, and eating their snacks. Angela was fascinated with Mia, staring at her cousin with instant adoration. Hannah was a little shyer but stayed close, making sure she could see Holly from her place on the carpet. Brandon slept in his carrier, not interested in much expect his full tummy and the cookie he gummed, falling asleep with it half eaten and hanging from his mouth.

  “She was so excited to meet you,” Simon murmured.

  “I don’t understand,” I repeated. “All these years. Why now?”

  He ran a hand over his face and studied his daughter with an indulgent smile on his face. He obviously adored her, which made me happy. When he spoke, his voice was quiet.

  “I met Kelsey at a low point in my life. She was beautiful and vibrant and seemed to be what I needed. We got married far too fast.” He met my eyes. “Outward appearances are often deceiving, as I learned the hard way. We had a lot of problems, and just when I was ready to throw in the towel, she announced she was pregnant.” He sipped his coffee. “I wanted to try for our child, but it was no use. Your sister is a viper, Evan, and drains people. I was shocked at her behavior—your family’s behavior—when you visited, and things got worse between us.” He looked sheepish. “To be honest, you were a surprise to me that day. Kelsey had never even mentioned you.”

  At one time, those words would have wounded me, but now, they meant nothing. They had no power over me. I shrugged. “Not really a surprise.”

  He sighed. “We argued bitterly that day and all the days that followed. It never stopped and, finally, I realized I was wasting my life being unhappy and hurting my daughter. We separated later that year, and the custody battle was long and ugly.”

  “I’m surprised she wanted custody, to be honest. She didn’t strike me as maternal.”

  He snorted. “She isn’t. What she wanted was to keep the marriage going. Her business had hit a rough patch. Mine had not,” he stated, his meaning clear. “She wanted my money and used our child to try to get it.”

  “Ah.”

  “Finally, we settled. It took me a few years to come to terms with everything. Single fatherhood, recovering from a disastrous marriage. Kelsey cut off all ties to our daughter. Your parents never see her. I wanted nothing to do with anyone from your family. Even you. I convinced myself all Brooks were cut from the same cloth.”

  I lifted my eyebrows and swallowed a mouthful of coffee. “That’s fair.”

  “No,” he mused. “But it took me a while to figure it out. My one and only focus was Mia—making sure she was okay. Adjusted and doing well. She was, is, the one good thing I got from my marriage.” He stared out the window at the water for a moment, then continued. “Every year at Christmas, without fail, a package would arrive for Mia. I was shocked by the first one—Kelsey and I had just separated so I didn’t know what to do with it. To be honest, the first couple of years, I didn’t even open them, then my counselor told me I should—not to be so fast to write you off since you were obviously trying. So I gave them to her. Every year she looked forward to them—a package from her distant uncle and aunt.” He smiled at Holly. “I assume you had a lot to do with those packages.”

  I squeezed her hand, loving her soft blush. “She did.”

  “Anyway, it wasn’t anything we ever talked about until this spring. You were just a name on a package. A face in a picture. Then her class did a genealogy project—a family tree sort of thing—at school, and Mia started asking me questions. In general at first, then more in depth. Mostly about you. Why she had never met you. What you did. Where you lived. Then one night, she told me she wanted to meet you. She’s asked for months, and finally, I agreed.”

  “Why didn’t you get in touch? Obviously, you had my address.”

  He stared at Mia, winking at her and blowing her a kiss. Then he turned to me. “She’s a child, Evan. Her mother doesn’t even remember her birthday. Her grandparents ignore her. I had no idea how you would react. You seemed decent. Kind, genuine. But I thought that of Kelsey once.” He scrubbed his face. “I am very open with my daughter. I told Mia I was worried about your reaction. She’s very smart. Intuitive. She reminded me that you sent her a gift every year and that you didn’t have to. She told me she was sure you would want to see her, but that if you didn’t, it was okay, because everyone had a choice. She said she realized, aside from me, you were her only family and she wanted to know you. I told her I would write you, but she wanted to come. She begged me, and she never begs for anything. So, I brought her. I arranged for a few weeks off to make a trip of it, and we came here. I prayed all the way here you wouldn’t reject her—that my first impression of you had been the right one.”

  I sat back, stunned, then glanced over at my niece. She was staring, her eyes wide. I held out my hand, and she stood, coming to my side. I pulled her into a loose hug. “Thank you for being brave and coming to see me.”

  “I wanted you to know I got your gifts, and I love them.” She smiled. “I love you.”

  My throat got thick, and I glanced at Holly. This happened because of her. Because she insisted on trying, on hoping, I was able to meet my niece. I got the chance to get to know her.

  Holly watched us with watery eyes.

  I tapped Mia’s nose. “I love you too, kiddo.”

  I turned to Simon, who regarded us with an indulgent smile. His eyes were suspiciously glassy as well, and none of us tried to hide it.

  “Where are you staying?”

&
nbsp; “I booked a hotel—”

  Holly interrupted him. “No, you’re staying with us.”

  “We can’t impose.”

  I spoke. “You’re not imposing, Simon. You’re family.”

  He looked startled, then grinned.

  “Yeah?”

  I nodded. “I want the chance to know Mia. And you. We have lots of room, and you’re welcome to stay.”

  “Daddy, please?” Mia asked. “I want to stay with Uncle E.”

  I chuckled at her name for me. “Stay,” I urged.

  He nodded. “We’d love to.”

  A Few Weeks Later

  I groaned as we shifted the heavy desk I was working on into place. I stood back, rubbing the back of my neck.

  “I’m getting too old for this shit,” I muttered.

  Simon laughed, dusting off his hands. “I hit forty-two this year. Talk to me about old.”

  I chuckled.

  Over the past few weeks, Simon and I had grown close. He and Mia seemed to fit into our life effortlessly. Dan and Carol were crazy for Mia and liked Simon a lot. Andrew, Simon, and I went fishing. Tara spent time with Holly and Mia and our children. We had barbeques and lunches on the beach. Went out on the boat I had bought and explored the island. The kids all played together, Mia assuming the role of eldest sister and doting on the others. My children loved her.

  Simon spent a lot of time with me in the shop, and Mia stayed close to Holly, enjoying her company. Mia and I took long walks, and we talked about a lot of things. Simon was right. She was smart, sweet, and sensitive, and I adored her. I was going to miss her like crazy—so was Holly.

  We were all going to miss them.

  Simon leaned back against my workbench. “So, Evan, I need to talk to you.”

  “What’s up?” I asked, concerned at his serious tone.

  “Mia doesn’t want to go back to Ontario.”

  I sighed, wiping the sweat off my brow. “She told me that, but she’ll adjust again. Holidays are always hard when they come to an end.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “What if it didn’t? End, I mean?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  He sighed, looking over my shoulder. “I love it here, to be honest. The quiet. The people. Our family.” He stood straighter. “I’m thinking of moving us here.”

  “Holy shit—that’s a major decision. What about your business?”

  He shrugged. “What I do, I can do anywhere. I can set up an office here easily. From home, even. Yesterday when you and Mia were hanging together, I did some checking. I saw a house I liked. There’s a great school close by, Mia could transfer. Aside from me, you and Holly are all the family she has, and she adores you and her cousins. I’ve never seen her so happy or settled, and I want that to continue. I think it would be good for us—a fresh start. We haven’t been happy for a while, and I think the change would do us a world of good.”

  I didn’t hesitate. “Then do it.”

  “I have to go back and arrange things. I was wondering how you would feel about Mia staying here with you while I did? I’d be back in a couple weeks and have to go back and forth for a bit…”

  “We’d love it.” I didn’t have to ask Holly—I already knew her answer. She had cried last night at the thought of them leaving. She’d be ecstatic. “Have you talked to Mia?”

  He smirked. “It was her idea. She said she loved it here and wanted to stay.” He grinned, unashamed. “The house I looked at is only ten minutes away.”

  “You already put in an offer, didn’t you?”

  “Yep.”

  I clapped him on the shoulder. “This is great news. Let’s go tell Holly.”

  Later that night, Holly curled into me, her face excited. “I can’t believe they’re moving here! Angela, Hannah, and Brandon will have their cousin close by. We’ll get to see her whenever we want.”

  I cupped her cheek, stroking her face. “I know. Mia is so excited.”

  “How about you?”

  “I’m still processing the fact that I get to have my niece in our life. And that Simon is a great guy.” I lowered my head to hers and kissed her. “All because of you, Holly. Your thoughtfulness and insistence have once again brought an unexpected gift into my life. More family. Every single good memory I have—every moment of joy in my life—is because of you. Every second contains you. Thank you, my Angel.” I kissed her again. “Thank you.”

  She blinked away the tears that were forming and smiled. “I just want you to be happy. You deserve it.”

  Her love shone in her eyes, and her actions always spoke volumes. She did it all quietly, never asking for anything in return. All she wanted was to be loved, and I made sure she was surrounded by it every day. My love for her was, and always would be, paramount in my life.

  “You make me happy. Every damn day.”

  She snuggled closer. “You do the same for me.”

  “Good.”

  Her fingers trailed along my skin. “Did you notice the way Simon watched Amy at the barbeque last week?” she asked.

  “Amy? Really?”

  “I thought I saw a spark there. They certainly talked a lot. I wondered if maybe that factored into his decision.”

  I mulled it over. Amy was a friend of Holly’s who worked at the school. She ran the kindergarten class, and Holly still helped out on occasion. Amy had come to the barbeque last week and I had seen her and Simon talking. I hadn’t thought anything of it, but now that Holly mentioned it, I remembered he had casually asked about her after, when we were cleaning up. Perhaps Holly was right, and his interest was more personal. Amy was a lovely woman—kind, sweet, and a good friend. She might be the right sort of person Simon needed to move on.

  “I guess we’ll see.”

  She laughed quietly. “I’m going to go have coffee with her and do a little digging.”

  I tucked her closer. “My little matchmaker.”

  We were quiet as thoughts drifted through my head. I could see the years ahead. Our families blending. Watching Mia and my children growing up together. Spending more time with Simon. He had already expressed an interest in helping coach hockey with me in the winter. We had sat down and figured out the next while as he went back and forth to settle things in Ontario and make the move here. Mia was excited about staying with us and seeing more of Carol and Dan, who had taken on the role of grandparents the same way they had with my kids.

  I saw it all. Birthdays, celebrations, holidays—especially Christmas. From what Simon had said, they had never had one at home. He usually took them on a trip since he couldn’t face the holiday on his own. When Holly talked about how we celebrated—especially with three birthdays at the same time—Mia’s eyes grew huge in her face, excitement pouring off her. She’d never seen a real white Christmas, and we always had snow. We’d have to make this year’s festivities especially good. And if Simon found someone to share his life with, all the better. After what he went through, he deserved it.

  As if reading my mind, Holly hummed. “You’re thinking about the holidays already, aren’t you?”

  I chuckled. “My favorite time of year for so many reasons. It was the start of us. Of this amazing life. Who knew a broken-down car would lead me to you?”

  She cupped my face. “It was fate. And we have a whole lifetime together, Evan. We’re still just beginning. Every day is a new adventure.”

  I kissed her full lips, grateful for her and all the blessings she had brought into my life. She was right. Each day was a new adventure, and with her by my side, life promised to be filled with them.

  “I know, Angel. I know. I look forward to every single one.”

  She sighed in happiness. “I love you,” she whispered.

  I smiled, pressing my lips to her head.

  Those were still my favorite words.

  “Love you too, Angel. Always.”

  Acknowledgments

  This is a short book, so I will keep this part short as well.


  To my team— thank you.

  To my readers—you humble me.

  To the bloggers, and my reading group, the Minions and social media posters—you rock.

  Lisa – thanks for the humor and help.

  Deb and Peggy - thank you for your keen eyes and support.

  Karen, my wonderful, amazing PA – I cannot do without you.

  You are so vital to the book world we share,

  and to me as a friend. So much love.

  Also by Melanie Moreland

  Vested Interest Series

  Bentley (Vested Interest #1)

  Aiden (Vested Interest #2)

  Maddox (Vested Interest #3)

  Reid (Vested Interest #4)

  Van (Vested Interest #5)

  Halton (Vested Interest #6)

  Insta-Spark Collection

  It Started with a Kiss

  Christmas Sugar

  An Instant Connection

  The Contract Series

  The Contract (The Contract #1)

  The Baby Clause (The Contract #2)

  The Amendment (The Contract #3)

  Standalones

  Into the Storm

  Beneath the Scars

  Over the Fence

  My Image of You (Random House/Loveswept)

  About the Author

  New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of thirty plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

  While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.