Daddy by Christmas

by Patricia Thayer

  Mia blinked at his question. “Don’t you know you’re not supposed to ask a woman her age?”

  He shrugged. “You look like jailbait.”

  “I’m twenty-nine. How old are you?”

  “Thirty-seven.”

  She studied him for a few seconds. “You look it.”

  Frowning, he combed his fingers through his hair. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “What did you mean when you called me jailbait?”

  “I meant it as a compliment. You look young for your age.”

  “Thank you.” She sobered. “Are you really going to try and find us all a place to live?”

  “I’m not sure I can find everyone a place, but I’ll see what I can do.” Was he crazy? Where would he find affordable apartments for them all? He moved away from the bed. “Man, I’d kill for a cup of coffee.”

  “Sorry, I’m off caffeine for a while,” she told him. “But I’d fight you for a jelly donut.”

  “I guess that’s one of those crazy cravings, huh? Well, I’d better go.” He walked out, thinking a donut didn’t sound so bad.

  He retrieved his car keys and a jacket from his apartment and headed down to his car. The ground was covered in a dusting of snow. He climbed into his vehicle, missing the warm garage back at his house. Pushing aside his discomfort, he started the engine and the heater. He was on a quest for one hungry pregnant woman.

  In every town there always seemed to be a twenty-four-hour donut and coffee shop and Winchester Ridge was no exception. He picked out a couple of dozen assorted donuts along with a large coffee and an orange juice.

  He returned to the apartment building just as dawn was breaking. Funny, this wasn’t how he usually spent early mornings. He’d never shared breakfast with an expectant mother, either. With his offerings in hand, he returned to Mia’s apartment and gave a loud knock before he walked in.

  “It’s me, Ms. Saunders. I’ve got something for you.” After hearing Mia’s greeting he walked into the bedroom.

  She was still working on the computer. “I thought you went back to bed.”

  “Not after you talked about donuts.” He raised the box.

  “Freshly made.” He opened the large box and the aroma filled the room.

  Mia groaned. “Oh, my God.” She put the laptop aside and reached for one. He pulled back.

  “I thought you were going to fight me for one.”

  She looked confused.

  “Of course, if we were on a first-name basis, I’d happily share. Especially if someone had been willing to get up before dawn and help out a neighbor.”

  Mia was embarrassed by her actions. Yesterday after Jarrett had left, Nola had returned and told her how he’d stayed at the hospital and called everyone with any news. She was even more ashamed when she learned that he’d bought the paint for her bedroom.

  “It does seem to be one-sided, doesn’t it? I apologize. You have helped me so much. I don’t know how I would have made it to the hospital without you.”

  “Did I say I minded helping you? I just don’t want to keep being treated like the enemy here. I can’t change things that happened in the past.”

  “I know. I’m sorry, Jarrett.”

  He smiled. “What did you say?”

  She sighed. He wasn’t going to make this easy. “Would you be my friend, Jarrett?”

  “You just want my donuts.”

  She nodded. “And you’d be wise not to get between a pregnant woman and those donuts.”

  He put the box down and her mouth watered as she eyed the selections. “There are so many to choose from.” She rubbed her stomach, feeling the baby kicking her.

  He sat at the end of the bed. “Are you all right?” he asked as he nodded to her stomach.

  “Yeah, he’s just active and hungry.”

  “Does he move around like that all the time?”

  “Well, the baby’s bigger now, so I feel it more.”

  He handed her juice. “Here’s something to wash down your donut.”

  “Thank you.” She motioned to the box. “Aren’t you going to have one, too?”

  “Sure, but ladies first.”

  “Wise choice.” She couldn’t help but smile as she bit into the jelly-filled treat. “Mmm, it’s so good.”

  “You might not be able to have caffeine, but you’re definitely getting a sugar rush.”

  Mia watched Jarrett finish off a glazed donut in record time. He looked good even with his finger-combed hair and wrinkled clothes. There were just some men who couldn’t look bad. He was one of them.

  “I should let you rest.” He stood, but his gaze never left hers. “Is there anything you need me to do before I go?”

  She hesitated to ask him anything else.

  “Come on, Mia. What is it?”

  “I can wait for Nola.”

  “What for?”

  “I need to take a shower, but the doctor said someone should be close by.” She waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it, Nola’s coming in a few hours.”

  He swallowed. “How close by?”

  “Just in the apartment. In case something happens there’ll be someone to help me.”

  He stood there for what seemed like forever, and then he said, “Sure, what are friends for?”

  Once Jarrett heard the shower go on, he took out his cell phone and began to check his messages. He had to get some things done today. One was to stop by the office for a few hours and check in with his agents.

  Over the last couple of days, between the repairs here and keeping watch on one pregnant lady, he’d neglected his other business.

  He was surprised at the next message. It was from Carrie Johnston. He smiled. The pretty blonde from Glenwood Springs he’d met at the real estate conference in Denver last summer had left him another suggestive message. She wanted to see him.

  Jarrett should feel a little more excited. During their time together, the two had definitely set off sparks. So why wasn’t he more interested in her invitation?

  When it came to women, he’d always loved having variety in his life. So why suddenly did it seem too much trouble to make the effort? Maybe thirty-seven was too old to keep playing games.

  He thought about what Mia had said, You look it.

  He wasn’t that old. Wasn’t he considered in his prime? Okay, so most men were married by now, like his younger brother. Trace had found Kira years ago. And it had been love at first sight.

  Jarrett didn’t believe in that. He wasn’t sure he believed in love at all.

  Suddenly the bathroom door opened and Mia stepped out. She was dressed in her black stretch pants and a soft-pink sweater. Her dark hair lay against her shoulders in waves. Those big blue eyes looked at him and it became difficult to breathe. Damn. What was wrong with him? This woman came with far too many complications.

  “Well, since you’re finished, I’ll go.”

  “Of course.” She sat down on the sofa. “I appreciate you helping me. Thank you, Jarrett.”

  “Just do what the doctor told you and stay in bed. He pulled out his wallet and handed her his business card. “If you need anything.” She nodded.

  “I mean it. Don’t be stubborn about asking for help.” He found he wanted to be the one she called.

  The snow had been coming down like a holiday greeting card, but by the next afternoon, Mia was getting cabin fever.

  She had watched every television talk show and finished up her work on the computer, even cried over an old movie. Neighbors stopped by with offers of help. Even parishioners from her brother’s church had called her. She’d taken naps off and on for the past two days and she was still exhausted and totally bored. And no Jarrett.

  “You know next week is Thanksgiving.” Nola’s voice broke through her reverie. “And we have a problem. The oven in the community room is broken.”

  “You can use mine. It’s a little tricky on the temperature, but we could adjust it. It’s small though. Don’t we usually cook three
or four turkeys?”

  The older woman nodded. “Remember last year we fed those people from the mission? There were nearly fifty here.”

  Mia thought back to last year. She’d had family then. Brad and Karen had just begun to research surrogacy as an alternative for a baby. And by Christmas, Mia had volunteered to carry her brother and his wife’s child. They all were so happy, and then in a flash she had lost them both.

  Tears flooded Mia’s eyes and she quickly brushed them away. She looked at Nola. “I’m sorry.”

  Her friend sat down beside her. “There’s no reason to be sorry, dear. We all miss Brad and Karen. They were wonderful people, but they left you a child. A child you get to love and raise as your own. What a special gift.”

  “I do know. And I love this baby, but I’m scared. What if I can’t be a good mother?”

  “I have no doubt you’ll be a wonderful mother. You know why? Because you’re a wonderful person and this little boy or girl will be blessed to have you.”

  “Oh, Nola. I hope you’re right.”

  “I am. You know what else? We’re all going to be around to help you.”

  She cleared her throat. “I’m so glad because I’m going to need you.”

  Nola patted her hand. “Well, count on me. Now that that is settled, where are we going to find a big enough oven to cook our Thanksgiving Day turkeys? The ones at the church are already being used, and ours barely work. Too bad Jarrett couldn’t replace the one in the community center.”

  “I’m not going to do that,” a familiar voice said, “But I may have another solution.”

  Jarrett hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but he’d wanted to check on Mia and had found the door partly open.

  “I overheard. You’re having trouble finding working ovens.”

  Nodding, Nola stood. “We always feed a large group on Thanksgiving. And this might be the last one that we’re all together.” Her eyes brightened with tears. “You said you might have a solution.”

  “I have two large ovens at my house.”

  Nola immediately smiled. “You do?”

  Jarrett stole a glance at Mia. She didn’t look impressed by his offer. “Yes. When I built the house I was told it would be a good selling feature. They’re like new.” He shrugged. “You’re welcome to them.”

  “Oh, my, that’s the answer to our prayer.” The older woman paused. “There’s one condition. You have to come to our Thanksgiving celebration.”

  In the past Jarrett been happier to stay at home and watch football. He had gone by his brother’s house last year for dessert, only because little Jenna had asked him to. He had a weakness for pretty young women. He glanced at Mia. Maybe is it was time to count some blessings. “I’d be honored to come by.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  HE had to be crazy to have suggested cooking Thanksgiving dinner here.

  Jarrett stood back and watched as half a dozen women scurried around his kitchen. He’d told himself earlier that he wasn’t going to hang around, but they’d showed up at dawn, ready and eager to begin the baking and cooking.

  He had to admit that the place was filled with wonderful aromas. The one disappointment was that Mia wasn’t there. It was crazy of him even to think about her at all. She was pregnant, and her life was going in one direction while he needed only to think about one thing—the computer-chip-factory project. And getting out of the jail of his crummy apartment.

  Nola walked over to him. “You have a wonderful kitchen, Jarrett. Every modern convenience a woman could ever want. Seems such a waste that you don’t have someone to share this with.”

  Jarrett smiled, but ignored her comment. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Just so you know, we’ll clean up everything. You won’t even know we were here.”

  “I’m not worried. I have a cleaning service.”

  “Well, just the same. The place will be spotless when we leave.”

  Just then his phone rang. He grabbed the extension in the office. It was his brother. “Hi, Trace. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Same to you,” Trace echoed. “I’ve been given orders to call you and see if you changed your mind about coming to dinner today.”

  Kira couldn’t stand for him to be alone. “I appreciate the invitation, bro, but I seem to have a place to go. A few of the tenants have asked me to share the meal with them.”

  There was a long silence. “You better be careful, no telling what they might put in your food.”

  “Very funny. I do have a few friends. Besides, the tenants and I are getting along fine.”

  “Well, that’s good.”

  He didn’t want to talk about any apartment troubles. “I take it Kira is fixing dinner today.”

  “It’ll be just us since Jody and Nathan have gone to be with Ben at the army base.”

  Jarrett remembered Kira’s student who’d gotten pregnant in high school. Jody had had the child and Ben had joined the military, but he’d stayed in touch. The couple had gotten married this past summer.

  Suddenly the doorbell rang. “I’ve got to go, Trace. Tell everyone happy Thanksgiving.”

  After replacing the phone, Jarrett walked across the great room and into the entry. He pulled open the door to find Mia and several other people standing on his porch.

  He frowned. “What are you doing out of bed?”

  “I’m allowed out now. Some,” she added stubbornly. “I just have to stay off my feet as much as possible.”

  He took her by the arm and led her to the sofa, followed by the other dozen or so tenants. “Why did you come here? We’re going to bring the food back to the community room.” He folded his arms. “You aren’t supposed to do anything.”

  She nodded. I know, but there’s a problem at the community room. It’s flooded.”

  Jarrett cursed. He didn’t need another thing that he had to pay for. “How bad?”

  Joe spoke up. “I shut off the main valve, but there’s about an inch of water on the floor.”

  Jarrett murmured some choice words as he turned back to Mia.

  She suddenly looked unsure. “We didn’t know what to do, so we came here.”

  Nola walked into the room. “Mia, what’s wrong? Is it the baby?”

  “No, I’m fine, but the community room is flooded.” Mia looked back at Jarrett. “We have no place to have our dinner.”

  Every eye turned toward him. He had no choice. “Well, since everyone is here, I guess it’ll be at my house.”

  Cheers filled the room, then everyone scattered to do their chores. He pulled out his phone and punched in the McKane Ranch number, wondering how he’d gotten into this situation. He glanced at Mia Saunders, those big blue eyes staring back at him. A sudden stirring in his gut told him he was headed for disaster if he wasn’t careful. Hell, he’d never been careful in his life.

  His brother answered the phone.

  “Hey, Trace. Why don’t you load up Kira and Jenna and come here? It seems I’m having Thanksgiving at my house.”

  Two hours later, Mia was still sitting on the large sofa in Jarrett’s great room. Although it wasn’t her taste, the place was decorated well. A lot of chrome-and-glass tables and black leather furniture filled the room. The most beautiful feature was the huge wall of windows and the French door that led to the deck and the wooded area at the back of the house. Although the trees were bare and a dusting of snow covered the ground, she could picture it in the spring with green trees and wildflowers along the hillside.

  She turned toward the open-concept kitchen, looking over the breakfast bar to see rows of espresso-colored cabinets, and marble counter tops. The commercial-size stainless-steel appliances looked as though they were getting a rare workout today.

  The dining room was on the other side, the long table already set up for the meal, along with several card tables scattered around to accommodate all the people coming today. Mia didn’t even want to count them. All she knew was that her brother and sister-in-law wouldn’t be at any t
able. These people were her family now. She rubbed her stomach. Hers and her baby’s.

  “Are you okay?”

  She glanced up to see Jarrett standing beside the sofa.

  “I’m fine. Really. Thank you for having us today.”

  “There wasn’t a choice, and you know it.”

  “It’s still very generous that you let us use your home.”

  He shrugged. “I also get a home-cooked meal.”

  “You have family. And I bet you could get someone to cook for you pretty easily.”

  His dark gaze held hers. “I’m pretty selective in choosing my friends.” His mouth crooked upward in a sexy smile. “Also who cooks for me.”

  “Well, you’ve got some pretty good cooks in your kitchen right now.”

  “I’m glad about that, because I’m getting hungry just smelling all the wonderful aromas.” He sat down across from her. “If your cookies are any indication, I’d say you know your way around a kitchen, too.”

  The man was too handsome and, when he wanted to be, charming. She scooted to the edge of the sofa. “Could you direct me to the bathroom, please?”

  “Of course.” He helped her up, but didn’t release his hold on her arm. They were walking toward the hall when the doorbell rang.

  She looked at him. “I thought everyone was here.”

  Jarrett pulled open the door to a young couple with a little girl. She recognized them from church.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, Unca Jay,” the girl cried as she ran inside.

  He scooped her into his arms. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Jenna. I’m glad you could come today. Welcome, Kira, Trace.”

  They all exchanged greetings.

  Jenna kept her hold on her uncle. “Mama said it must be a really special day because we never get invited to your house. She’s really happy because family should be together.”

  “Jenna,” her mother warned.

  “Well, you did say that,” the child acknowledged, then looked at Mia. “Who’s this lady, Unca Jay?”