No sooner were the words out than Mia felt a contraction begin to build.
“Breathe,” the doctor instructed her as she came to the bedside. “It’s almost over. There. Take a cleansing breath.”
Mia sighed and lay back against the pillow. “That was stronger than the others.”
“They’re going to get even stronger before the baby comes. Don’t worry, the anesthesiologist should be here soon with your epidural.” The doctor glanced around. “Do you have someone here with you?”
“Will I do?”
They both turned to find Jarrett standing in the doorway. He hadn’t gone back home.
“Jarrett, you don’t have to stay. This could take all night.”
He came in anyway. “I called Kira and she’s on her way. So how about I be a stand-in until she arrives?”
“Kira’s coming all the way here?”
“I didn’t ask her to, she just said she’s coming to help you.”
Mia had to blink back tears. She wasn’t going to be alone. She managed a nod at Jarrett. “Thank you.”
“I know my limitations. My only experience is birthing calves.” He shook his head. “And that was a long time ago.”
“I’d like to see you all decked out in Western gear, cowboy hat, chaps.” Mia found herself saying, feeling oddly relaxed in between pains.
“Hey, I didn’t look bad.” She knew he was nervous about his role as coach and trying to distract her. “I had a few girls following me around when I did some rodeos. Calf-roping was my event. I was known for my quick hands.”
Mia couldn’t hide her smile. “I bet you were,” she said as another contraction grabbed her. “Ooh…”
The doctor looked at Jarrett. “Do your job, coach,” she told him.
Jarrett took Mia’s hand as Lauren instructed him on what to do.
Over the next hour, Mia’s contractions grew more frequent and more intense. It helped if she focused on Jarrett’s encouraging words and gentle touch, even his humor. She did her breathing, and he wiped her brow.
After another series of strong contractions had eased, she noticed him watching her. She had to be a mess. Her hair was matted down and she was sweating as though she’d run a mile.
His dark eyes locked on hers. “You’re amazing. And you haven’t even complained once.” He spooned her some ice chips that soothed her throat. “You’re going to make a great mother.”
“You’re not doing so bad yourself. A great stand-in coach.” She started to say more when the door opened and the anesthesiologist walked in.
It didn’t take the doctor long to work his magic, and soon Mia was relaxed and feeling no discomfort, just pressure from the contractions.
Jarrett stood beside the bed. “Is it better now?”
Smiling, she nodded. “Isn’t medication wonderful?”
He laughed. “I’d still have to be knocked out to go through what you’re doing.”
Over the next hour things began to move a lot faster. Mia’s contractions started coming faster and harder, and they were different. She felt more pressure, lower.
Dr. Drake came in and checked the monitor. “Could you step outside a minute, Jarrett?”
He squeezed Mia’s hand. “I’ll be right back,” he promised as he walked out.
The doctor checked her. “You’re close, Mia,” she told her. “It won’t be long now.”
“Really?” She glanced at the clock. She’d only been here a few hours.
Lauren smiled. “Sometimes it happens like this, short labor is rare with the first baby.”
Mia’s thoughts turned to Brad and Karen and sadness swamped her. They should have been here.
Outside the room, a nurse handed Jarrett some paper scrubs. “But I’m not her coach. My sister-in-law is supposed to be here.”
The nurse frowned. “Well, if someone plans to be with her, they’d better get inside because she’s ready to go.”
Jarrett paused momentarily. He didn’t want to leave Mia to do this alone. She hadn’t complained, but there wasn’t anyone else here. He quickly slipped on the scrubs and walked back into the room.
“If you want me to leave, I won’t be offended. Just say the word.”
Before Mia could speak a contraction seized her and she grabbed his hand. Things happened quickly after that. The doctor instructed him to stand behind Mia. He continued to coax her through each contraction, and held his breath with each push. When she became exhausted, he made her focus.
The next thing Jarrett knew he was witnessing a miracle as Mia’s son made his noisy entrance into the world.
“Here’s your son, Mia.” Doctor Drake held the baby up for inspection.
Jarrett found he was counting fingers and toes and other male body parts. He swallowed hard. “Well, I don’t think you’re going to have any trouble hearing this guy.”
He looked down to see Mia’s tears. “He’s so beautiful, don’t you think?” she asked.
“Well, he runs a close second to Jenna, so yeah, he’s a good-looking kid.”
A nurse took the baby, carried him to a table and began to clean him up. “He’s seven pounds and ten ounces and twenty-one inches long,” she announced.
Mia gave him a tired smile. “Jarrett, thank you.”
He leaned closer to her. “Hey, you did all the work,” he said, brushing back her damp hair. He suddenly felt the urge to kiss her. To signify this special moment.
“Yeah, I did, didn’t I?” She looked sleepy. “I hate to ask, but would you call Nola? Let her know that I’m okay?”
Jarrett expected she wanted some privacy. He nodded and left. Outside the room he saw Kira hurrying toward him.
“Sorry I’m late.” She studied his face and smiled. “I take it the baby’s arrived.”
He could only nod, feeling his emotions rushing to the surface. “Yeah, it’s a boy. Mia and the baby are fine.”
She nodded. “And it looks like you did a good job as a stand-in.”
He didn’t even bother to deny it. “I couldn’t leave her.”
Kira took his hand. “Be careful, Jarrett. People might mistake you for a good guy,” she teased.
“I don’t think I have to worry about that.” He turned away, wondering when he could see the baby again. “Mia will probably want to see you.” He stripped off his cap. “I need a cup of coffee.” He started to walk away, but stopped. “Tell Mia I’ll be back in a little while.”
His sister-in-law studied him for a long time, then said, “Don’t look now, brother-in-law, your feelings are showing. It’s about time.”
Thirty-six hours later, Mia was nearly ready for the trip back home. She and her baby had been checked out, deemed healthy and could be discharged from the hospital.
There was one thing left. She had to put a name on her son’s birth certificate. During the night, she’d taken out the letter her brother and sister-in-law had left for her, not to be read until after the birth of their baby.
Mia sat up late to read it and let the tears fall—for the parents who would never know their son, and for the baby who wouldn’t have the chance to know them, either.
She opened the envelope.
Dear Mia,
Words can never express the joy and love we feel for you at this moment—the moment we learned that you were pregnant.
Joy and love not only for your unselfish act, not only for giving up a year of your life, but for carrying our child. For that Karen and I will be eternally grateful.
We don’t care if this baby is a boy or a girl. But like all mothers, Karen has chosen names for the child. Bradley Preston for a boy or Sarah Margaret for a girl.
Our son or daughter will know what a special person you are. To make sure of that, you will always be a big part of his or her life. Karen and I would like you to be the godmother to little Brad Jr. or Sarah.
If, God forbid, anything should ever happen to either of us, we want you to be the child’s guardian. After all, you carried this little mirac
le in your womb and in your heart for nine months. So who better? Our only other wish is that you find the happiness you truly deserve.
Love always, Brad and Karen.
Mia had sobbed most of the night after that, then the baby was brought to her to be fed. The second she held him in her arms, she knew that she loved him. Yes, BJ was her heart. And he was her son now.
Two hours later, Jarrett parked outside the apartment building and Mia glanced back at the baby. She still had trouble thinking of herself as a mother.
It didn’t take long for a welcoming party to open the door and wave. “Looks like everyone is anxious to see the new resident,” Jarrett announced.
That made Mia smile. “BJ’s going to have many surrogate grandparents, that’s for sure.”
“Let’s get him inside before they start the inspection,” Jarrett said.
He climbed out and came around to the passenger side. He opened the back door and unfastened the baby carrier from its base. “Come on, fella. You’ve got people to meet.”
He raised the carrier’s hood and used a blanket to protect the baby from the cold, then lifted him out of the car.
Mia was waiting and took his offered arm as they made their way up the shoveled walk to the door and went in.
“Welcome home, Mia,” Nola called along with several other tenants as they walked inside.
“Thank you. It’s good to be back.”
She glanced around the large entry to see it had been decorated for the holidays. A large tree sat in the center of the area and lights and garlands had been strung along the wrought-iron stairway.
She went to one of the grouping of sofas and Jarrett placed the baby down on one of the now slip-covered sofas. Mia pulled back the blanket and everyone gasped.
“Oh, he’s perfect,” Nola cooed and glanced at Mia. “And so handsome, like your brother. What’s his name?”
Mia swallowed. “Bradley Preston Saunders, Junior. That’s the name Brad and Karen chose. I’m going to call him BJ.”
Nola smiled. “It’s perfect.”
She felt Jarrett’s presence behind her. It seemed so natural for him to be there. Too natural.
“I think these two need some rest,” Jarrett told everyone.
Normally, Mia wouldn’t like him making decisions for her, but she was tired. “Maybe you can come up later.”
“Of course, but you need to rest now,” Nola added. “If you need someone to watch this little guy, I’m available.”
Jarrett picked up the carrier and placed a hand on her elbow as they made their way to the elevator. She was glad she didn’t have to climb the stairs. They stepped into the small paneled compartment. He punched the second floor button and the doors closed.
“This is nice,” she said.
He frowned. “What, the elevator?”
She nodded. “You have to remember it’s been a while since we’ve been able to ride upstairs.”
The doors opened and Jarrett motioned for her to step out first. “Well, only one’s working,” he said. “The other has multiple problems. I’m going to have to mortgage my home just to fix it.”
“You’re kidding?”
He suddenly grinned and her heart tripped.
“Almost. These old parts aren’t easy to find. But all I need to do is make sure it runs for the next few months.”
They reached her apartment and she unlocked the door. Once inside, she tried to take the baby, but Jarrett had already walked into the other room. Her bedroom.
She went after him, knowing it would be best to end this…dependency. She had to do this on her own. No distractions. And Jarrett McKane was definitely a distraction.
“I can handle it from here.” Besides she wanted time with her son. Alone.
He set the carrier on the bed and stepped away. “I just didn’t want you to lift anything yet.” He shrugged. “You just got out of the hospital.”
“The baby isn’t heavy. Besides, I need to get used to carrying him.” She worked to unfasten the straps and he began to stir, then made a little whimpering sound. She lifted him into her arms, feeling the tiny body root against her shoulder. If Jarrett would just leave.
Even though they had shared the birth, she had to draw a line at having an audience while breast-feeding.
“Not a problem.”
“I’m sure you have plenty to do. And I need to feed him.”
He looked embarrassed as he quickly glanced at his watch. “Sure, I have a meeting anyway.” He started out and stopped. “If you need anything…”
“I know, you’re across the hall,” she echoed, knowing how easy it would be to depend on him. To care more and more for this man. But she had to stand on her own and raise her son. “Jarrett, I could never begin to thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“Hey, what good are landlords if they can’t step in as labor coaches?” He glanced at the baby. “Be good to your mom, hot rod.” He turned and walked out.
Mia heard the door shut and it sounded so final. But it had to be. She couldn’t get involved with Jarrett McKane.
She laid BJ down on the changing table. Startled, the baby blinked open his eyes and looked at her. Something stirred in her chest as his rich blue gaze stared back at her.
“Hey, little guy,” she whispered, almost afraid he would start crying. Instead, he stilled at the sound of her voice. Her throat tightened. “Welcome home, son.” She swallowed, knowing there could be only one man in her life.
“Looks like it’s just you and me now.”
Chapter Eight
A FEW nights later, Jarrett got off the elevator on the second floor after a friendly poker game with Joe and friends in the community room.
Friendly, hah. They were card sharks. All of ‘em. They had set him up, and by the time Jarrett had figured it out, it had cost him nearly a hundred bucks. Nothing to do but cut his losses and go home.
Fighting a smile at how the old guys had tricked him, he unlocked his apartment door. Before he got inside he paused, hearing a sound coming from across the hall. A baby crying. BJ. He checked his watch. It was after midnight. He waited a few minutes, but the crying didn’t stop. Concerned, he went to Mia’s door, and the sound got louder and angrier.
“Mia.” He knocked, and after a few seconds the door opened.
A tired and anxious-looking Mia stood on the other side. Dressed for bed, she had on a robe, but by the looks of her, she hadn’t gotten much sleep.
“Is everything okay?”
She didn’t answer, instead she handed him the baby wrapped in a blanket. “Here, you make him stop. I’ve tried everything.”
He quickly grabbed the bundle, then she turned and walked across the living room.
Jarrett looked down at the red-faced infant with his tiny fists clenched, waving in the air. “Whoa, there, little guy.” He closed the door and followed after the mother. “It can’t be that bad.”
The answer was another loud wail. Not good.
He looked at Mia. “Did you feed him?”
She sent him a threatening look. “Of course I fed him. And I diapered him, bathed him, burped him, but he won’t stop crying.” Tears filled her eyes, her lower lip trembled. “I’m lousy at this.”
“Stop it. You’re just new at it.”
He readjusted the squirming baby in his arms. Hell, he didn’t know what he was doing either. He raised the baby to his shoulder and began rubbing his back. The baby stiffened, but Jarrett didn’t stop.
“Has he been eating good?”
Mia nodded, but looked concerned. “Maybe he’s not getting enough. I feed him every two hours.”
“Maybe he’s got an air bubble,” Jarrett said.
He went to the sofa and sat down, laying the screaming baby across his legs. He remembered seeing Kira doing this with Jenna. After a few minutes a burp came from the little guy and the loud crying turned to a few whimpers and then, finally, silence. He kept patting the baby’s back until he fell asleep.
; He smiled at Mia who still looked close to tears. “Hey, BJ is fine now.”
She didn’t look convinced.
He lifted the baby into his arms and caught the clean sent of soap as the tiny bundle move against his shoulder, then finally settled down again. Protectiveness stirred in him as he carried the infant into the bedroom.
There was a night-light on over the crib, and he placed BJ down on his back. He made room as Mia adjusted the baby’s position and covered him with a blanket. The kid stirred but didn’t make another sound. The silence was golden.
They stepped away from the baby’s bed. “He’s so exhausted, he should sleep for a while,” Jarrett said encouragingly.
“Thanks to you,” Mia said, then added, “I couldn’t even figure out it was gas.”
Jarrett took her by the arm and led her across to the queen-size bed. They sat down side by side.
“So now you’ll know,” he said, seeing the dark circles around her pretty blue eyes. He brushed back wayward strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail. His heart pounded at the surge of desire that shot through him. He needed to leave, but he already knew nothing could draw him away from her.
“Call Kira. She had trouble with Jenna, too. That’s how I knew what to do. And the next time you’ll know, too.”
She swiped at the last of her tears. “You’re lucky to have family.”
He glanced away. “Trace and Kira didn’t always think so.” He’d made so many mistakes with his brother.
“You and your brother haven’t always been close?” she asked.
“Try never,” he admitted. “It was mostly my fault.”
“You two look pretty close now.”
“Sometimes damage can’t be fixed. But thanks to Kira, we’ve been working on it.”
She watched him, waiting for more. “You’re half brothers?”
He nodded. “Different mothers. I lost mine at six.” He shrugged. “My dad remarried, and his wife had a baby, Trace.”
“Was she a good stepmother?”
“Alice? She didn’t have much time for me, so I don’t know much about her mothering skills. My dad just dealt with the ranch business, and that included taking me along.” He glanced away. “I hated it. I can still smell the stink of the cattle, the burning hide of the steers during branding. And it’s damn hard work, for damn little money. And as soon as I could, I got out. Straight into college.”
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