The Surprise Holiday Dad

by Jacqueline Diamond

  Today, with dozens of people around, he was glad to have a specific task. Even though he recognized some of the guests, Wade couldn’t keep track of everyone or how they were connected. He pretended to be occupied with the sound system, although all he’d had to do so far was pop in the CD labeled As Guests Arrive, which featured Vivaldi, Bach and other baroque composers.

  “Excellent choice of music.” A russet-haired man joined him on the patio. “You’re the deejay, I take it.”

  “Wade Hunter.” Extending his hand, he found the newcomer’s grip firm and his gaze intense.

  “Owen Tartikoff,” the man said. “Listen, at some point after the ceremony, my wife and I plan to sing a few songs for the happy couple. Hope that doesn’t mess up your playlist.”

  “No problem.” Following Owen’s gaze, Wade saw a guitar case leaning against the house. “Yours, I presume?”

  “It isn’t in the way, is it?” the man asked.

  “Not at all.”

  “I’ll let you know when we’re ready.” After clapping Wade on the shoulder, Owen strode off. Others spoke to him deferentially.

  Adrienne glided up beside Wade. “What was that about?”

  “He and his wife are going to sing later,” he told her. “Hope that’s okay.”

  She gave him a wry grin. “Owen’s the head of the fertility program and has a world-class reputation.”

  “But can he sing?” That seemed the relevant point to Wade.

  “Beautifully,” she said. “So can his wife, Bailey.” With that, Adrienne moved off, greeting new arrivals and steering Reggie to his seat.

  Wade checked his watch. Nearly 3:00 p.m., the designated start time. Sunlight bathed the flower-filled arbor where the groom waited between his father and the minister.

  At a prearranged signal, Wade put on the CD marked Ceremony and sat back.

  * * *

  AS HARD AS Adrienne tried to push the past from her thoughts, the ghosts of former times—both happy and bittersweet—overlay the ceremony. This was the yard where she and Vicki used to play as children, staging pretend weddings and taking turns at being the bride. Until this moment, she’d almost forgotten that.

  She welcomed the distraction as Mia skipped down the aisle, waving her bouquet of autumn flowers. At the end, with an audible “Oops!” she slowed her pace to match the wedding march. Her new stepfather barely smothered his laughter.

  Then the ghosts closed in again as Harper, shining with joy on her brother’s arm, strolled down the aisle, her dress flowing like a fall breeze and her hat tilted jauntily. For a moment, Adrienne was back in the chapel where Harper had married Sean. How happy she’d looked in her white gown, dewy and young, without the wisdom and sorrows of the years to shade her gaze.

  Adrienne’s eyes smarted. Were the tears for Vicki, who ought to be here? For herself, who’d set aside her childish dream of finding true love? Or because a wedding reminded her of all the hopes that might or might not come true?

  Enjoy this moment. It’s the only thing that’s real.

  Wade was real, too. Despite the urge to glance at him, Adrienne didn’t dare. Her friends would notice. If Harper was any indication, they were already gossiping.

  At the altar, Harper’s brother presented her to the groom. The bride handed her bouquet to Mia, who wrapped her arms around both bunches of flowers and lifted them to her nose.

  Then the minister began the ceremony.

  * * *

  AFTER THE VOWS were exchanged and the guests had cheered for the newlyweds, it was time to take photos and set up for dinner. Under Adrienne’s direction, everyone picked up his or her chair and carried it to a table.

  Wade assisted the groom’s mother in arranging the buffet on the patio. “You’re a good sport,” Adrienne told him, hurrying past with a large catering pan.

  “I’m enjoying this.” And, surprisingly, he meant that.

  Reggie scampered toward them. “Are they going to open the gifts now?” A small table held wrapped packages.

  “No, they’ll do that later at home.” Adrienne stopped to pat her nephew’s cheek. “You were very patient during the ceremony.”

  Reggie’s gaze shifted to Wade. Realizing his son craved his approval, too, he said, “You acted like a grown-up.” Since the boy brimmed with energy, he added, “It’s your job to play host for the other children.” There weren’t many, since only those of school age had been invited.

  Reggie frowned. “Like how?”

  “See if any of them need to use the bathroom,” Adrienne suggested.

  “Okay!”

  “And make sure they wipe their feet before they go inside,” Wade cautioned.

  “Sure, Dad.” He darted off.

  Adrienne’s attention shifted to Wade. “There’s no formal seating. Grab a plate, find a place and get comfortable.”

  “What about the dance music?” He didn’t intend to neglect his duties.

  “We’ll let you know when it’s time.”

  He gave a mock salute. “You’re in charge.”

  “If you call me ma’am, I’ll kick you.”

  “I’d prefer a spanking.” He waggled his eyebrows.

  Adrienne laughed. “Don’t let anyone hear you. They’re spreading enough rumors about us already.”

  That was interesting information. “Will I need to fight a duel to defend your honor?” Wade asked.

  “I’m pretty good at defending my own honor,” she returned lightly.

  He grinned. “I’m sure you are.”

  Seeing this playful side of her showed what a mischievous spirit she must have had as a child. Her parents’ and sister’s deaths had changed her.

  Wade hoped to lighten her mood more often.

  * * *

  ADRIENNE WOULD HAVE liked to sit near Wade. Instead, she felt obligated to join a table across the lawn to avoid inspiring more chatter.

  The group of pregnant women surrounding Wade included Vanessa Ayres—Peter and Harper’s surrogate. Then there was Stacy, her triplets growing larger by the day, and Una Barker, whose twins were due in January. She’d become pregnant the same month as Stacy, with Stacy’s donated eggs, and their children would be half siblings.

  They were all very discreet, with their husbands present. But Wade certainly seemed to take an interest. At Una’s urging, he leaned forward and touched her large belly, perhaps to feel the babies moving.

  It was ridiculous to fret. Given how much Wade enjoyed being around Reggie, it seemed natural for him to take an interest in babies.

  But there won’t be any of those for me.

  Pain arrowed through Adrienne for the children she’d never have, the future that had been stolen from her by a tragic accident. She’d believed that she’d put regret and sorrow behind her long ago and channeled her love of children into her specialty in obstetrics. And it had worked, to a point.

  Initially, as a result of her family’s issues, she’d planned to become a psychiatrist. But delivering her first baby had filled Adrienne with joy. Who needed alcohol or drugs when she could achieve such a high from bringing newborns into the world?

  In other aspects of her practice, her experiences gave her empathy for patients. When they suffered disappointments, she understood. And each time she helped a couple get pregnant, she shared in their triumph, becoming part of a cycle that had otherwise shut her out. Plus, she had Reggie to love.

  I have a lot to be grateful for. Despite his legal right to claim custody, Wade was willing to work with her in Reggie’s best interests, and she didn’t begrudge him the chance to have children someday with another woman. Yet despite her determination not to dwell on matters beyond her control, it hurt to see the light in his face as Una’s belly rippled.

  To her embarrassment, Adrienne reali
zed she was staring at him. So was the woman beside her, Keely Randolph, the R.N. who assisted Paige. The heavyset older woman was scowling.

  “The way that fellow’s drooling, those husbands better keep a close watch on their wives,” Keely said in her nasal voice.

  “What do you mean?” Adrienne didn’t think he had any predatory intentions toward the wives at his table.

  “Some fellas get the hots for ladies with a bun in the oven,” the nurse observed dourly. “And what those hormones do to some women’s libidos, well, it’s shameful.” She shook her graying black hair.

  Adrienne doubted any of the mothers-to-be was about to drag Wade under the table. The absurd statement had the welcome effect of banishing her dark thoughts.

  So did the toasts that followed. Peter’s father talked about the difficulties of the past and how grateful he and his wife were that their widowed son had found such a wonderful woman. Then Jake, who’d flown in from New Mexico to be with his sister, spoke about their losses and the blessing of her new love with Peter.

  Adrienne circulated, refilling champagne glasses for others while taking only a few sips from her own glass. Wade sprang up to pour apple juice for the kids and for himself. Then, at a signal from Peter, he returned to the CD player.

  Time for the bride and groom to circle the dance floor set up adjacent to the vegetable garden. This ought to keep Wade busy and out from under the table, Adrienne thought good-humoredly, and moved to collect empty plates.

  * * *

  ALTHOUGH HE HADN’T selected the music, Wade liked the choices, an appealing mix of beats, artists and styles. The guests clearly enjoyed the playlist as well, laughing as they danced. Reggie got into the act, taking turns with Mia and Fiona, who also partnered with their fathers.

  For a change of pace, Mike and Paige performed a steamy tango—Wade would never have believed his boss capable of such artistry on the dance floor—after which Owen Tartikoff claimed Paige for a showy cha-cha. Owen’s wife apparently didn’t mind; a short, lively woman, Bailey applauded with enthusiasm.

  All the while, Wade tracked Adrienne’s movements. She didn’t dance with anyone, always busy with her hands full as if to discourage an invitation. She kept a watchful eye on her nephew, as well.

  Talking with the mothers-to-be during the meal had increased Wade’s appreciation for what Adrienne did. Those long nights were spent bringing newborns into the world, reassuring their parents and stepping in with lifesaving surgery when needed. Amazingly, she also ran her home smoothly. Rather than growing up in turmoil, Reggie thrived in an atmosphere of structure combined with love.

  When Wade had first met Adrienne, he’d scarcely noticed how attractive she was, especially compared to her sister’s more striking blond looks. Now she outshone all the other women at the wedding, including the bride. With her gift for compassion and her natural beauty, she’d no doubt have married and had children by now if not for her responsibilities.

  As Wade watched her and the groom’s mother bring out the wedding cake and champagne, he pictured Adrienne growing round with pregnancy. Longing stabbed him to be the man who fathered that new life.

  Hold on there.

  Wade was in no shape financially to take on a wife and kids, even if Adrienne didn’t exhibit an understandable level of wariness around him. Also, they had to be cautious, given their potential for conflict over Reggie and the fact that both came from dysfunctional families.

  Still, any guy who came calling on Adrienne had better treat her right. Otherwise, he’d have to answer to Wade.

  A song ended, and she headed toward him. Recalled to duty, he stopped the CD player so she could announce the cake cutting.

  After she finished, Wade switched off the sound before addressing her. “You’re doing a great job. I hope people appreciate your hard work.”

  With a trace of weariness, Adrienne murmured, “I don’t expect praise. I’m doing this for my friend.”

  “You should take a compliment when it’s offered. You deserve it.” The booming voice belonged to Owen, who’d strolled up and wrapped an arm around her waist.

  Feeling an urge to protect his territory, Wade narrowed his eyes. But the russet-haired fertility specialist didn’t appear to be flirting. He was merely offering support in his aggressive way.

  “Thanks.” Tossing out the word at both of them, Adrienne escaped.

  “When everyone settles down with their cake, my wife and I will be singing our special tribute,” Owen informed Wade, and strolled off.

  A short while later the doctor returned with his cheerful wife. Leaning against the table, he rested one foot on a chair and tuned the guitar. Wade positioned the microphone between the two of them.

  After a few chords to summon everyone’s attention, the couple began to sing. They chose songs that Wade recognized from the musical Carousel: “If I Loved You” and “When I Marry Mr. Snow.”

  Bailey’s pure alto and her husband’s smooth baritone soared into the late afternoon, transporting their listeners. Eyes half-closed, Wade listened with pleasure. These two obviously loved their music, as well as each other.

  Reggie and a couple little girls moved to the front of the crowd. Their enraptured expressions made them the ideal audience.

  An ovation rewarded the end of each song. Cries of “More!” rang out from the guests.

  To Wade’s surprise, Reggie cut off the concert by running up to the tall, commanding doctor. “It’s my dad’s turn now,” he said.

  “Your dad?” Owen asked.

  Across the group, Wade’s startled gaze met Adrienne’s. She spread her hands in amusement, as if to ask how he could resist his son.

  “I’m only here to play recordings,” Wade said.

  Owen swung toward him, mouth open for a millisecond as he registered that the deejay was Reggie’s father. “You should sing, by all means. Don’t disappoint the little boy.” He handed over the guitar.

  Oh, great. Wade, who rarely sang for others, was about to make his debut in front of a crowd. Not that they were likely to pelt him with wedding cake if he sang off-key, but he’d hate to embarrass Adrienne.

  He wished he’d rehearsed something appropriate. Then he got an idea.

  Chapter Eleven

  Adrienne hadn’t meant to leave Wade in an awkward position. As deejay, he’d unintentionally taken center stage. And while he had a bewitching tenor voice, his guarded personality put him at a disadvantage next to Owen.

  Yet he exuded quiet confidence as he accepted the instrument and checked the tuning. Then he waved to Reggie and the little girls to join him.

  His son plopped happily at his feet, while Mia and Fiona gathered around them. When Wade played the first notes of “Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” the children joined in singing gleefully. If the notes were a bit ragged and the lyrics occasionally strayed, the result was to add even more charm.

  He didn’t need to show off, because, Adrienne could see, he wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Instead, Wade blended his voice with the children’s in the lighthearted song.

  As dusk closed in, the patio lights created a glowing spotlight on the small group. What a magical moment, and what a tender, kindhearted father.

  When they finished, a moment of silence yielded to a swell of applause. Adrienne saw a couple people wiping their eyes.

  Wade consulted with the children before launching into the song “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music. Again the kids sang with him, and one by one, other voices blended in.

  All the sorrows the house had seen faded before the joy of the shared experience. How astonishing that music could sweep away the regrets and make everything fresh again.

  Not just the music. Wade did this.

  Afterward, the children took their bows. Although Reggie asked for more songs, Fiona shook her head
and Mia followed suit. “You guys were great,” Wade said, adding for his son’s sake, “Let’s quit while we’re ahead.”

  The two girls thanked him and returned to their parents. He returned the guitar to Owen, who seemed at a rare loss for words.

  Reggie gave a yawn, and Adrienne stifled one of her own. She faced a long shift beginning in a couple hours.

  After excusing herself from Harper, she drew Reggie aside. “I have to take a nap,” she said. “You seem tired, too.”

  “Am not!”

  “I’ll be glad to watch him,” Wade said. “You go rest.”

  Adrienne didn’t argue. With this man, she no longer felt a need to maintain tight control over her nephew or her home.

  “You and the kids were really special.” She couldn’t leave without telling him that.

  Wade’s strong face warmed. “It was fun.”

  She barely covered her mouth in time to hide another yawn. “I’ll be downstairs by seven.” It was nearly six now.

  “I’ll put stuff away as best I can,” he told her. “With Reggie’s help, of course.”

  His son leaned against his father. “Yeah.”

  Sleepily, Adrienne climbed the stairs. The wedding had gone beautifully. A mellow feeling of satisfaction propelled her to her room, where she undressed, slid beneath the covers and instantly fell asleep.

  * * *

  A GENTLE HAND on her shoulder roused Adrienne. For a disoriented moment she thought it must be morning, and then she jolted awake. The clock showed 7:10 p.m.

  “You said you had to be up by now.” Wade set a cup of coffee on the bedside table. “I thought this might help.”

  “I must have turned off...” She’d forgotten to set the alarm, she realized. “Thank you. I hate oversleeping.”

  “I’m sure some zealous nurse would have called.”

  “She’d only be doing her job.” Pulling the covers around her for modesty, Adrienne reached for the coffee. “This is just what the doctor would have ordered if she hadn’t been so absentminded.”