A Magical Christmas

by Patricia Thayer

  “Sure. If you and Trace unload the car. I brought a few things for dinner, too. I’ll take Jenna to the kitchen and see if they need any help.”

  “Just ask for Nola.”

  “I know Nola Madison. I see her at church nearly every week.”

  “Okay. You’ll probably know a few of the others, too.”

  Once the group of seniors spotted Jenna, they began to fuss over her. His niece couldn’t get enough of the attention.

  “So tell me about you and Mia Saunders,” Trace said.

  Jarrett turned around. “There’s nothing to tell. She had a scare with her pregnancy and I had to take her to the hospital. The doctor ordered bed rest. She was allowed to come here, but she needs to stay off her feet.”

  He glanced down the hall. “And if she doesn’t come out soon, I’m going in to get her.”

  Trace arched an eyebrow. “So when did you become her protector?”

  Jarrett turned to his younger half brother. Trace stared back at him.

  “She doesn’t have anyone else,” Jarrett reminded him. “Remember, she lost her brother a few months back.”

  Trace nodded. “Yeah, Reverend Brad was a good man,” he said, studying Jarrett. “I just never knew my brother to care much about anything that wasn’t about the almighty dollar. You must be getting soft in your old age.”

  “Hey, I’m not that old.” He didn’t want to discuss his age or his relationship with Mia. They were neighbors. Temporary neighbors. “But don’t go thinking I’ve bought into the family scene.”

  “Never say never, bro,” Trace challenged. “I’ve seen you with Jenna. You wouldn’t be a bad dad.”

  Jarrett froze. He didn’t want to be a dad at all. His own father had been lousy at the job. “Look, as soon as I make the repairs to the complex, I’m out of there. And I won’t be looking back.”

  On returning from the bathroom, Mia discovered that everyone was taking a seat at the tables. She glanced around for to find one last vacant chair. Next to Jarrett.

  Smiling, he stood and pulled out her chair. “Looks like you’re next to me.”

  She caught Nola smiling from across the table. Little Jenna was on the other side of Jarrett and Trace and Kira sat beside her. “I’m just happy we have a place to eat. Thank you, Jarrett, for having us here.”

  Nola and Margaret stood and went into the kitchen and soon returned, each woman carrying a platter with a large turkey. The group made approving sounds as the birds were placed on the table alongside sweet potatoes, green-bean casseroles, stuffing, gravy and other side dishes too numerous to count.

  Nola stood beside the table. “Before we all dig in, we should give thanks for this wonderful day.” She turned to Jarrett.

  Mia watched as he nudged his brother and said something to him. Trace nodded. “Everyone, take hands and let’s bow our heads.”

  Jarrett reached for Mia’s hand. His large palm nearly engulfed hers. She was surprised by the roughness of his fingers, but also by the warmth he generated.

  “Dear Lord,” Trace began. “We thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us this past year. There have been some rough times, but sometimes that brings out the best in people. And today, we see that special bond as friends gather together as a family.

  “We also ask for your blessing for those who aren’t here with us.” Trace paused. Mia thought about Brad and Karen. She felt Jarrett squeeze her hand. “We also ask a special blessing for Mia’s baby.

  “We ask you to bless this food in your name. Amen.”

  “Amens” echoed around the room.

  Mia kept her head lowered, thinking of her brother and his wife. How much she missed them. Brad had always been there to guide her, to spout optimism whenever she wanted to give up. Now, she had to go on without him.

  She opened her eyes to see that she was still holding hands with Jarrett. She turned to him to catch him watching her.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I’m fine.” She pulled her hand away. “I wish people would stop asking me that.”

  “Then eat a good meal today, and we’ll get you home to bed.”

  His deep voice caused her to shiver. “I can get myself to bed, thank you,” she said in a quiet voice.

  “Well, one thing is for sure, you’re not climbing the steps.”

  Since when did he become the boss of her? “I wouldn’t have to if you’d fix the elevator.”

  He glared. “That will be Monday. I can’t get anyone out before then.”

  She heard his name called and they both looked up at Nola.

  “Jarrett and Trace, would you do the honor of slicing the turkeys?”

  The brothers stood, went to opposite ends of the table and began to carve. The side dishes were passed around and Mia put small helpings onto her plate. With Jarrett gone, she dished up food for him, too.

  “Are you Unca Jay’s girlfriend?” Jenna McKane asked from across her uncle’s empty seat.

  Mia smiled. “No. We’re neighbors in his apartment building in town.”

  The little girl frowned and turned to her mother. “Mommy, what’s an apartment?”

  “It’s a big building with a lot of houses inside. It’s like where Aunt Michele lives.”

  “Oh.” The child turned back to Mia’s stomach. “Are you going to have a baby soon?”

  “Yes, I am, in just a few weeks.”

  Jenna grinned. “I have a big brother, Jack. He’s old and he doesn’t live with us. So my mommy and daddy are trying to have a brother or sister for me.”

  “Jenna McKane,” Kira said, giving her daughter a stern look. “You don’t have to talk so much. Now, eat.”

  Kira looked at Mia. “I’m sorry. Trace and I forget how much she hears.”

  Mia smiled as the platter of turkey was passed to her. She nodded toward the child eating mashed potatoes. “She’s adorable.”

  Kira looked at her daughter lovingly. “She’s our miracle baby. And a very welcome surprise.” She looked at Mia. “If you ever need anything, Mia, please don’t hesitate to ask. All of us in the church want very much to help.”

  Mia was touched. “Thank you, Kira. Everyone has been so generous already. I think I’ll be fine if I can find a place to live by spring.”

  Before Kira could say any more, Jarrett arrived back in his seat. For the next twenty minutes everyone concentrated on the delicious food and friendly conversation. Finally the men leaned back groaning at the amount of food they’d consumed.

  “There’s pie, too,” Nola announced as she stood and took several empty plates. She looked at Jarrett. “Jarrett, would you mind helping me with the coffeemaker? I’m not sure on the measurements.”

  With a nod, he stood. “Sure.” He grinned. “If I get first choice of pie.”

  Nola smiled, too. “You think because you’re good-looking, you can charm me into anything, don’t you?”

  “Hey, I do what I can to get an advantage.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Is it working?”

  Mia never heard the answer as they walked off together.

  “He’s a flirt, but he’s a good man.”

  Mia turned to Kira, but didn’t know how to answer that. Was Kira trying to sell her brother-in-law’s better qualities to her?

  “I wouldn’t have said that a few years ago,” Kira went on. “But something in him has changed. And he and Trace are working on being brothers.”

  She turned and looked at Mia. “I know you’re not happy about having to leave your apartment, but I might be able to help with that. We have a guest house at the ranch. It’s small, but it has two bedrooms. A friend had been living there during college, and now she’s gone to be with her husband in the army.”

  “Oh, Kira.” Mia didn’t want to get too excited. “What about Trace? I bet you haven’t even asked him.”

  “Haven’t asked me what?” her husband turned toward her.

  “About Mia coming to live in the cottage.”

  He raised an ey
ebrow as if to think about it. “That’s a great idea. The house is sitting empty.” He shrugged. “You’re welcome to live there as long as you need.”

  Mia was getting excited. “What is the rent?”

  “There isn’t any rent.”

  “No, I would expect to pay something.”

  Trace glanced at his wife. “I think we owe your brother a bigger debt. He helped us through some rough spots a few years ago. I think Brad would want us to help you and the baby.”

  “Can I come over to see the baby?” Jenna asked. “I’ll be really quiet.”

  “If I decide to move there, of course, you can.” She looked at Kira. “Maybe I could even babysit you so your parents could go out.”

  A big smile split Trace’s face. “That’s a deal I’ll take.”

  “What’s a deal?” Jarrett sat down next to Mia.

  Trace was still smiling. “Mia is coming to live in the guest house at the ranch.”

  “The hell she is.”

  The entire room went silent at his outburst.

  “Unca Jay, you said a bad word,” Jenna piped in.

  Jarrett reached into his pocket, pulled out change and set it on the table for his misstep. “Here, sweetie.” Then he turned to Mia. “You can’t move all the way out there. Not in the winter.”

  She glanced around nervously. “I don’t want to talk about this now,” she said as she pushed away from the table. “Excuse me.” She stood and walked out.

  Jarrett went after her. He caught up with her right before she got to the bathroom door. She would have disappeared, but someone was using the facility.

  “Mia,” he called.

  “Go away.”

  “That’s not likely.” He gripped her by the arm and escorted her down the hall.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Taking you to a bathroom.”

  “I don’t have to go. I just needed to get away from you and your crazy idea that you can tell me what to do.”

  He wasn’t listening as he took her by the hand, led her to the master suite and opened the door to the large room. He pulled her inside and shut the door.

  “Stop this,” she demanded. “And stop telling me what to do. You can’t boss me around.”

  He glared at her. “Someone needs to take you in hand. You can’t move all the way out to the ranch. If we get a snowstorm—and the possibility is strong that we will—you might not make it to the hospital when the time comes.”

  “I can take care of myself. And why does it matter to you, anyway? You are my landlord, Mr. McKane, not my keeper.”

  “Dammit, stop calling me that. It’s Jarrett.” He leaned closer as her eyes widened. “Say Jarrett.”

  “Jarrett…”

  His gaze moved to her full lips. Suddenly, he ached to know how they would feel against his and how she would taste. He couldn’t resist and slowly lowered his mouth to hers. He took a gentle bite, then another. Each one a little sweeter than the last.

  Her eyes widened, her breathing grew labored.

  Finally, he closed his mouth over hers and wasn’t disappointed. With a groan, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer. She made a whimpering sound and her arms move to around his neck as he deepened the kiss.

  Jarrett pressed her back against the door, feeling her body against his, then suddenly something kicked against his stomach. The baby. He broke off the kiss with a gasp, suddenly remembering the situation.

  Mia’s shocked gaze searched his. “Why did you do that?”

  “Hell if I know.” He hated that he was so drawn to her. She was a complication he didn’t need, but he couldn’t seem to stay away from her.

  Her hand went to her stomach protectively. Was she having a contraction?

  He picked her up in his arms and carried her across the room.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  “Taking you where you should have been in the first place. To bed.”

  Chapter Six

  MIA was fuming as Jarrett walked out the door, leaving her alone on the bed. His bed. What she hated the most was that she didn’t have much say in the matter.

  All her life, she’d had to do what she’d been told. Go to the best schools, make the best grades, be the perfect daughter. It had taken years, and although she’d made many bad turns she’d finally gained her independence. She wasn’t about to give it up now. Not even for a man.

  She glanced around Jarrett’s bedroom. Large, dark furniture dominated the spacious room, including the king-size bed with the carved headboard. The walls were a taupe-gray and the floors a wide-planked dark wood. Two honey-colored leather chairs sat in front of huge French doors that led out to a deck and the wooded area beyond. It was definitely a man’s room, which reminded her she shouldn’t be in here.

  Mia’s thoughts turned back to Jarrett McKane. What had possessed her to let him kiss her? She shut her eyes reliving the feel of his mouth against hers, his strong arms around her. What she hadn’t expected was the way she had reacted to him.

  Of course, she would react to the man—any man for that matter. How long had it been since she’d been in a relationship? She couldn’t even remember that far back. Not that she was eager to start one now. There hadn’t been any time for a man. Then Mr. Hotshot McKane had stormed into her life, with his good looks and his take-charge attitude. No, she didn’t need him in her life.

  She started to get up when she felt the mild contraction and covered her midsection with her hand.

  “Oh, please, no.”

  After several slow, relaxing breaths she eased back against the pillows and shut her eyes. Why had she come here today? Okay, she’d wanted to come to the party. And Dr. Drake had said she could be out for a few hours if she was careful and didn’t overdo things.

  Mia caressed her stomach, feeling the tension slowly ease from her body.

  There was a soft knock and the door opened and Jarrett came in carrying a tray with a slice of pie. He stopped at the side of the bed, frowning. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she fibbed. “I’m just resting.”

  He continued to stare at her. “You don’t look fine.”

  She closed her eyes again. “Then don’t look at me.”

  He sat the plate on the nightstand. “Are you having contractions?”

  She opened her eyes. “Just a little one.”

  Jarrett pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and took out a business card. He grabbed the phone off the table.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Calling your doctor.”

  “You can’t, it’s Thanksgiving.”

  “Then we go to the emergency room.” He paused. “Your choice.”

  Jarrett had worried this might happen if Mia left the apartment. They were lucky that Dr. Drake was on call today, and it only took her minutes to return his call.

  The doctor talked with Mia, who didn’t look happy when she handed the phone back to Jarrett.

  “Yes, Doctor?” he said.

  “I instructed Mia not to get out of bed for anything except to use the bathroom, and I want her in my office first thing in the morning. Could you bring her in?”

  “We’ll be there when your doors open.” He ended the call and hung up. “Looks like you’ll be staying here tonight.”

  He watched her eyes widen. “I can’t stay here. It’s not fair to you.”

  “Hey, I haven’t been staying here anyway.”

  “But this is your room, your bed.”

  Smiling, he glanced around at the large space. “I guess we’ll have to share.”

  She glared. “You need to get a life, McKane.”

  “I have a life, thank you, or at least I did before I moved into the Mountain View Apartments.”

  There was another soft knock on the door and Kira peered in. “Is everything okay?” she asked.

  “It’s under control now. Mia’s had some contractions. Her doctor wants her to stay in bed and come in tomorrow
.”

  Mia sat up. “I tried to tell Jarrett that I’ll be able to rest better in my own apartment.”

  Kira stood at the end of the bed. “I know this is difficult, Mia, but you really need to stay put. In the last months when I was pregnant with Jenna, I couldn’t even sit up to eat.”

  “See,” Jarrett said. “And she delivered a healthy baby. So you stay.”

  Suddenly two more people appeared at the door, Nola and Sylvia, looking concerned.

  “Please don’t worry,” Mia said. “I’m fine. But I guess I have to stay put for tonight.”

  Nola came closer and patted her hand. “We’re not worried. Jarrett will take care of you.” She looked down at the tray of food. “You need to eat.”

  Jarrett backed out of the room, leaving the women to pamper Mia. He couldn’t help but wonder if he was the cause of her problem.

  He rubbed his hand over his face. He had no business near her, let alone kissing her.

  What happened to keeping your distance, McKane? The woman is pregnant, for Christ’s sake.

  He looked up to see Trace coming down the hall. “Is everything okay?”

  Hell, would the cavalry be coming next? “Mia had a few contractions, but she’s resting now.”

  “That’s good.” Trace studied him. “You seem to have inherited a lot more than just an apartment building. Need any help?”

  Jarrett wasn’t surprised at his brother’s offer. For years the kid had tried to get close to him, but Jarrett had always rebuffed him. It made him ashamed of his past actions.

  “Thanks, but I’m handling it.”

  Trace smiled. “I never thought I’d see the day my brother entertained a group of senior citizens in his house and had a pregnant woman in his bed.”

  Jarrett started to argue, but he had no words.

  Trace grinned. “Be careful, bro, you’re getting soft, or else, Mia Saunders is doing something no other woman ever has.”

  Jarrett sighed. “I don’t want to hear this.” He walked out into the great room, seeing the rest of his guests waiting for some news. He hoped he could convince them everything would be okay. First he had to convince himself.