A Family for Christmas

by Mary Eason

  “But what if something is seriously wrong with Sammy? What if Jack decides he doesn’t want to be stuck with a sick child? Especially if that child isn’t his?”

  “Rachel, stop it right now. That’s not going to happen. If there is something wrong with Sammy then you will both get through it together. You can’t think like that. Marriage is a partnership. You and Jack are partners now. Jack has so much strength. You can let yourself lean on him if you give him the chance to prove himself. Don’t start expecting the worst before or if it even happens.”

  “I’m trying. I really am. I want to forget about the past and accept this marriage as a new beginning for all of us. That’s all I can do.”

  “I know that, honey. And so does Jack. He’ll help you if you let him.”

  After Sammy and Jack returned from their trek in the woods, the four of them went out to the back deck to wait for Michael and Molly.

  Even for Texas, it was a warm day for December.

  The house and grounds looked just as Rachel remembered them from all those visits with her brother. Sammy went to show Liz the famous peach tree his father had shown him earlier, while Jack and Rachel stayed behind.

  “So what do you think, Mrs. Bryant? Do you like your new home or should we move?”

  She glanced up and caught him watching her with an expression in his eyes that had her squirming. In spite of all the years she and Jack had known each other, she still found that particular look had the ability to set her nerves on edge. It was a look full of promises.

  “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m afraid I’m going to have to embarrass both you and your mother by kissing you quite thoroughly.”

  She could feel the color creeping up her neck. Of course, she knew he was teasing, but even the sound of his soft laugh sent shivers down her spine. She couldn’t look away. Couldn’t break the magical spell that was Jack Bryant.

  *****

  When Michael and Molly arrived, there was little time for being alone with Rachel, which was both a blessing as well as a major irritation.

  Every time he looked at her, he wanted to be alone with her. And every time he was, he wanted to make love to her. It shouldn’t have really surprised him that nothing had changed between them. For them it had always been that way.

  “I can’t believe you and Jack are married again. I mean a few weeks ago, the two of you hadn’t talked to each other in years and now, you’re married. It’s funny how God’s plan always works out for the best.” Molly gave them both a hug then held up Rachel’s left hand so that she could admire the emerald-cut diamond he’d given her.

  Rachel shook her head. “Yes, I guess it is. Now it’s your and Michael’s turn. Two more weeks. Are you ready?”

  Molly laughed and spared Michael who was busy playing with Sammy and his car a rueful glance. “I’ve been ready for about two years now. Just waiting for your brother to grow up. I’m thrilled to be part of the family, although I feel like I’ve been a member of the gang for a long time now. This will make it official. You know, I wanted you to be my matron of honor, but Michael said you’d never come back to Austin for it. I guess that just proves never say never. Jack, I’m so grateful to God that you’ll be there to make sure he doesn’t get cold feet.”

  “You can count on it. Not that you have to worry. Mike’s crazy about you.”

  By the time dinner was finished, the dishes cleared away and the family seated in the living room talking, Jack could see Sammy struggling to stay awake.

  “Off to bed for you, kiddo.” He spotted the emergence of Sammy’s pout. The boy knew how to get his way when he wanted to.

  Rachel got to her feet and took Sammy’s hand. “Your father’s right, Sammy. It’s late, well past your bedtime. You need to get some sleep. Come on, I’ll take you up. Say goodnight to everyone.”

  “Momma, I want Daddy to take me.” Sammy pulled away from his mother and threw his arms around Jack’s legs.

  The second his eyes met Rachel’s he knew she’d been hurt by Sammy’s innocent request although she tried to reassure him.

  “It’s okay. Sammy, tell everyone goodnight.”

  He knew it was strange for her, having to share their son’s affections for the first time in years.

  “’Nite, Momma.” Sammy hugged her tight and gave her a big, sloppy kiss before reaching for Jack’s hand.

  “Brush your teeth and then climb into bed and I’ll read you a story.” While Jack waited for Sammy to get ready for bed, he stood next to the window and wondered about the man who Sammy still believed to be his true father.

  It still stung to think of another man raising his child, even though he knew Sam Montgomery was a good man.

  Jack wondered if his father had experienced the same fierce protectiveness he felt for Sammy? He could almost understand his father’s reasons for trying to keep him and Rachel apart. He’d never be able to forgive him, but he could at least understand.

  He’d go to whatever lengths it took to keep his son safe. He thought about the upcoming doctor’s appointment that loomed in their future and prayed that no matter what the diagnosis might be he’d have the strength to be there for Sammy and Rachel.

  “Daddy, will you read me The Night Before Christmas again?”

  Jack turned to see his son standing near him, dressed in pajamas covered in characters from the Disney movie Cars.

  “Sure thing, son.” He waited for Sammy to climb into bed then pulled the covers up over him and tucked him in.

  “Close your eyes.” He waited until the boy was relaxed to begin reading. It didn’t matter that he’d read this same story a dozen times already; Sammy never seemed to tire of it.

  Even after Sammy was sleeping, Jack wasn’t in any hurry to leave the boy’s side. He touched his son’s hair, so like his own, and kissed his forehead.

  At last, he understood the secrets Liz had kept from him, along with the reasons. If he’d known about Sammy’s existence, nothing would have stopped him from going after his son. Back then, he’d been so sure of himself. He would have screwed things up. Made it impossible for Rachel to forgive him, much less take him back. As hard as it was to accept, Liz had helped him become a more patient man by forcing him to wait on Rachel.

  Once the family was gone and they were alone again, Rachel made coffee while he checked to make sure the house was secure. He stood in the doorway of the kitchen and looked at her. That old first-time-in-love-feeling washed over him, reminding him of how deeply his heart was entangled with hers.

  “What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?” He hadn’t realized she’d caught him watching her. She was smiling a little strangely.

  Jack took the coffee cup from her unresisting fingers, and set it down on the counter.

  “You know this is officially our first night together as husband and wife in our new home. I think you should let me show you to our bedroom, Mrs. Bryant.”

  “Jack…” She tried to protest, but he didn’t let her. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to their bedroom.

  And there in his arms, he believed she’d finally come home to stay.

  *****

  When Rachel awoke the following morning, it was to an unfamiliar room. Then she remembered she was back in Texas and so much in love with Jack that he frightened her.

  She dressed and checked on Sammy, only to find his room was empty. She found the two men in her life busy eating cereal and watching Saturday morning cartoons on TV.

  Sammy glanced up, spotted Rachel standing in the doorway, and smiled through a mouthful of cereal.

  “Hi, Momma. We’re watching Bugs.”

  “So I see.” Her gaze tangled with Jack’s. He too was remembering the passion they’d shared the night before.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” she told him once Sammy’s focus was back on the TV.

  “Then don’t look so guilty. You’re not a school girl anymore, Rachel. And we are married. You belong to me.”

  “Wha
t’s a school girl, Momma?”

  “You answer him,” she told Jack before turning and walking out of the room to the tempting sound of Jack’s laughter.

  “Never mind, son. You’ll find out soon enough.”

  Jack found her in the kitchen pouring coffee with unsteady fingers. He took the cup from her and finished the job.

  “You ever going to relax around me?”

  She couldn’t meet his eyes. “I am relaxed.”

  “Oh no you’re not, but that’s okay. We have the rest of our lives to get used to each other. And some things haven’t changed between us. You’re still the most desirable woman I’ve ever met.”

  A thousand different responses went through her mind, but she couldn’t manage a single one of them.

  Jack seamlessly changed the subject. “What time is Sammy’s appointment on Monday?”

  “Seven in the morning. Dr. Martinez wants to get an early start. He said the tests that he’s planning on running will be extensive.”

  “I know you’re worried, but I’ve heard good things about Dr. Martinez. He’ll figure out what’s wrong with our son.”

  “You’re coming with us, aren’t you?” She couldn’t bear the thought of possibly hearing bad news alone. “I mean if you can...”

  “Of course I’m coming with you. I’ll be right there with the both of you through it all. We’re in this together, remember?”

  “Thank you, Jack.” She went into his arms and hugged him tight. For the first time, she wasn’t worried about what his reaction might be. Jack simply held her close until she pulled away from him.

  “I’ve been so worried, Jack. And in the past I’ve felt like I was so alone in this. I mean, I know I have my mother and Michael and Molly, but it’s not the same.”

  He touched her hair gently. “No, it isn’t. I promise you’ll never feel alone again. We’ll get through this together, no matter what.”

  As she looked into his beautiful eyes, she wondered how she could ever have doubted him. This wasn’t the same man that she’d run away from all those years. But still it was hard to let go of all the hurt she’d lived with for so long.

  “Why didn’t you try to find a way to come after me, Jack? Why did you let your father break us up?”

  He closed his eyes in pain. “Oh, baby, I’ve asked myself that a thousand times over the years and I wish that I could answer you the way you deserve. I guess part of me believed him when he told me I was doing what was best for you. You were so young and I was older. Dad said that if we were really meant to be together, then a few years apart wouldn’t matter. I had no idea until much later that my father just didn’t want us to be together. He didn’t want me involved with you. I couldn’t see that at the time. I truly believed he cared about me, but how could he when he knew how much I loved you? After you left, well, I was ready to walk out on him completely, but the job in New York came up and dad’s health got worse. I couldn’t leave him, Rachel. You have no idea how many times I wanted to come after you. I kept in touch with your mother, because I believed in my heart that someday you would come back to me.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Daddy, do you believe in angels?”

  Sammy’s question came so unexpectedly that he made Jack blink, unable to believe he’d heard his son correctly.

  They were seated in Dr. Martinez’s office, waiting for test results after what could only be described as the worst day of their lives. They were all exhausted.

  Rachel squeezed his hand. He glanced at her and saw tears in her eyes.

  “Sure. I guess I do,” he answered absently. In his gut, he had a terrible feeling. It had been there most of the day. He wanted to reassure Rachel. Be strong for her. He couldn’t.

  Dr. Martinez opened the door and stepped inside as three sets of worried eyes searched his for some indication.

  Once the doctor took his seat, he didn’t waste time with preliminaries. “I can see you’re all anxious, so let’s just get to it, shall we? Sammy, the reason why you’ve been feeling a little tired lately is that you have what we call diabetes. Have you ever heard of it?”

  Jack didn’t miss the hushed sound of Rachel drawing air into her lungs. He knew exactly where her thoughts were heading.

  Sammy had been unusually quiet throughout the exam. Jack’s heart melted for his son who now shook his head solemnly.

  “It means your body is producing too much of a good thing. Kind of like when you eat too much chocolate and you get a tummy ache.”

  “Isn’t diabetes usually hereditary?” Jack struggled to get the words out.

  “Yes, usually.” The doctor glanced from one parent to the other then punched the intercom system on his desk. “Sammy, do you like to build stuff?”

  Before Sammy could answer, the doctor’s receptionist stepped into the room.

  “Megan here is the best Mega block builder there is. Why don’t you go with her and see if you can show her up while I speak to your parents for a second?”

  Sammy’s gaze went to his father.

  “It’s okay, son. We’ll be there in just a minute.”

  After Megan closed the door, Dr. Martinez turned back to Jack and Rachel.

  “I take it neither of your families has a history of diabetes?”

  They both shook their heads. Rachel’s hand went automatically to his. He held it tight.

  “Well, it’s not always hereditary, but mostly likely there’s a history somewhere. If you don’t mind me asking, I believe you told me you were married to someone else when Sammy was born. Is that right, Mrs. Bryant?”

  Rachel glanced at Jack then shook her head. “Yes, that’s correct.”

  Dr. Martinez hesitated a moment then asked, “If there’s some question of paternity here then I can put your mind at ease.”

  Jack squeezed Rachel’s hand. “Doctor, as far as I’m concerned I know I’m Sammy’s father. So unless there’s a medical need, then I don’t want to have any test run.”

  Jack could almost swear he saw approval in the doctor’s eyes. “You’ve said your family is deceased?”

  “Yes, that’s correct. My father passed away last year of a heart attack. And my mother died when I was a child. As far as I know there was no history of diabetes in my family.”

  The doctor nodded, then looked at Rachel. “And you said your husband had no living family as far as you know?”

  She confirmed his answer with a tiny shake of her head.

  “Then there’s no medical reason to have a paternity test. We’ve diagnosed Sammy’s illness and we’ll move forward with treating him accordingly. The good news is that there has been a tremendous breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes in recent years. With the early diagnosis, Sammy should experience only a minor bad day from time to time. And there’s a new treatment now that will make it easy to regulate the disease without the need of insulin shots.”

  *****

  Throughout the ride home, Rachel was unusually quiet. Sammy, on the other hand, was busily reciting facts he’d learned about his illness to his parents. The boy had surprised everyone by taking the news of his disease in stride. In fact, he seemed to think it was kind of cool that he knew something his parents didn’t.

  He barely waited until they were inside the house before running for the phone.

  “Momma, can I call Gran and tell her all about my diabetes?”

  “No, honey, I think you should lay down for a minute. You look tired and—”

  “He’s fine. Stop fussing. I called Liz before we headed home, while you and Sammy handled the paperwork. Sammy, I’m sure Gran would love to hear some of the facts you’ve been teaching us. Why don’t you take the phone into the living room and call her?”

  He waited until Sammy was out of earshot before turning to her. “Rachel, he’ll be fine. So let’s talk about what’s really bothering you.”

  She looked at him with tears in her eyes. “If Sammy’s not yours, it’s not fair to you to be saddled with a child who�
�s sick—”

  He reached her side. “Stop it. Do you really think I would love Sammy any less just because a piece of paper says I’m not his father? I love Sammy and I love you.”

  “How can you say that?”

  He closed his eyes for a moment. “Because it’s true. I love you both. Rachel, please trust me.” His fingers were gentle against her cheek.

  “But don’t you want to know for sure?”

  He shook his head. “Naw. I just want to spend the rest of my life making you and Sammy happy.”

  *****

  “Is Jack here with you?” Rachel opened the door at exactly six a.m. the following morning to find Liz standing on their doorstep.

  “Mom, what are you doing here?” Liz brushed passed her impatiently.

  “Is he here?”

  “I’m here, Liz. What’s this about?” Jack came out of the kitchen at the sound of all the commotion.

  “I have news! Mostly for Rachel’s benefit.” She turned to her daughter. “Because I know she’ll be worried until this thing is settled. Jack, I know it doesn’t matter to you.”

  “Mom, what on earth are you talking about?” Rachel asked in exasperation.

  “Jack, Rachel, sit down. I have a story to tell you that will shock you both.”

  “You want some coffee first, Liz? It is...” He glanced at his watch and then rubbed his eyes to be sure he’d seen it correctly. “Extremely early.”

  “I know, I know, and yes, I’d love some coffee, and yes, I know it’s early, but Jack, I’ve found your aunt.”

  “What?” both Rachel and Jack said in unison.

  “I said I’ve found your aunt. Your mother’s sister, Charlotte.”

  Jack looked dumbfounded. “Liz, I don’t remember my mother or any of her family so—“

  “I never told either of you this, but your father and I got to know each other pretty good through the years. We talked a lot with you and Mike being friends. And yes, I know he didn’t approve of your marriage to my daughter, but you were wrong about him thinking Rachel wasn’t good enough. The truth was he was worried that you weren’t ready.”