A Wedding for Christmas (Sweet Holiday Romance) (A Veteran's Christmas Book 3)

by Rachelle Ayala

  “The same man who fathered my daughter. Bree is half-sisters with her. That’s why she’s the best match.”

  “Who’s the man?”

  Ford rubs his nose and heaves a sigh. His breath frosts between us. “I don’t want to know. I told the clinic to keep it under wraps.”

  “Then I’m different from you. I want to who he is, because if he knows about Bree, he might disturb her life.”

  “Ah, but I have a daughter to think about, too.” Ford’s voice is flat. “It’s been quite a shock for my wife finding out I’m not the father of our child. It all started when we tested Matt and discovered he wasn’t a full sibling to my daughter.”

  “So, wait, are you saying this sperm donor has been having an affair with Sheryl?”

  “Not an affair. No. We used what was supposed to be my sperm to impregnate her the second time. I caught the mumps from a patient after we had Matt, who is my son, but when we wanted to have another child, we used my supposed donor sperm.”

  “Are you saying they gave your wife the wrong sperm?”

  “The sperm was labeled with my name, but yes, it must have belonged to someone else.”

  “Great.” I wipe my hand over my forehead. “So, the guy I thought I was getting is not Bree’s father. We have no clue what his genetic profile is, or if he has any hereditary diseases.”

  “That’s a problem, isn’t it? But in your case, it doesn’t change anything. You still have an anonymous donor, it’s just not me.”

  I throw up my hands and shake my head. “If that’s the case, why didn’t you simply ask me to have Bree donate instead of all this cloak and dagger?”

  “If Bree was not compatible, it was better not to bother you. As long as you didn’t connect me to the donor or to the child, me and Tyler could still be cousins and friends, without you being afraid I’d make a claim for your daughter. We thought it better to be anonymous. You’d feel safer, and we’d feel safer.”

  “I see your point.” I open my purse and whip out my contract. “You’ve already signed away all rights to my daughter when you donated, but I want you to swear to me you will never speak to Bree about this. You will not challenge me for any sort of relationship.”

  He takes the paperwork from me and glances over it. “I’m in no position to bargain with you. My daughter’s life depends on yours. I would also hope you would never speak to my daughter about this. I want to preserve our family. I don’t want her knowing I’m not her father.”

  “Agreed.” I watch as he scrawls his name on the contract. “So let me get this straight. Matt is yours, but your daughter is fathered by the same sperm donor who fathered Bree.”

  “Right. That’s essentially what it is.” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Will you sign the consent form? We will always be family through Tyler. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, Bree will always be the lifesaver for our family, but it’s important for me and my family that this secret not be made known. As Dr. Debdatta should have explained to you, sometimes it’s total strangers who end up being a perfect match, not necessarily blood relatives.”

  “True, but blood relatives are more likely. I’ll give the consent and keep what you told me in confidence.”

  “Thanks, and I apologize for the roundabout. You don’t know the stress we are under, between hospital visits, praying, and trying to hold everything together for Matt.” He hands me the signed paperwork.

  “You’re okay with him being the ring bearer? Sheryl said you were having family over for Christmas.”

  “We’d love to come to the wedding, but the next week is crucial for my daughter’s leukemia. Can you contact Dr. Debdatta right away and let her know you consent? We’ll need to get the process started to kill off all the rest of the diseased bone marrow and prepare for the transplant. You do understand how crucial it is that you come through once that happens.”

  “You’ve got my cooperation.” I give him a hug. “What’s your daughter’s name, so I can pray for her?”

  “Erica Manning.”

  “One last thing. Why is Matt’s last name Sanders?”

  “My wife is an only child, and her father raised her by himself. He wanted to pass his name on. Of course, now, I’m left without a son to carry on the Manning name, but since her father paid for my med school … Anything else you need explained?”

  “Yes, why the lies about taking pictures of Bree at the park?”

  “I knew it was weird, but again, I wanted to be sure Bree was the one. I was going to hire a private investigator to get the DNA samples from Bree.” He stares at the ground in front of him. “Instead, I asked Matt to get closer to Bree, hoping for a play date at our house. I know I told my son to lie and play along and that was wrong. I explained to Matt why I was wrong to ask him to do ‘tricks’, and I apologize to you, Tyler, and Bree. Sheryl’s also sorry she was so bitchy to you.”

  “You are both under a ton of stress.” I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I were in their shoes. “But tell me, Ford, after you took the pictures, why did you leave Bree all alone in the park? That was irresponsible.”

  “I, uh, gosh.” He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “I got a page from Sheryl saying Erica had a blast crash. We thought she’d die that day, and Bree said her father was right around the bend, so I saw her going his direction and we ran off to the hospital.”

  “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how you felt that day.”

  “It’s no excuse, and we really need Bree’s donation. After the blast crash, Erica’s only chance is a stem cell transplant. If we messed up our chances, take it out on me and Sheryl.” His voice caught in his throat and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “This isn’t the first time we found a perfect match. Two times already, the donor’s parents backed out. No reason given.”

  “I’m sorry, but there are risks for the donor, too.” I place my hand on his. “Our Bree is a very brave girl, and I truly believe this is something she wants to do.”

  “Praise God.” He shakes my hand. “You don’t know how grateful Sheryl and I are to you and Bree. This is Erica’s last chance.”

  “I’ll give the consent.” I lower my head to hide the tears in my eyes. “Let’s pray that this works.”

  27

  ~ Tyler ~

  Tyler put Arman in a backpack and let Bree hold onto Brownie’s leash. Kelly had not returned, and he had to take the dog out for his nighttime walk. Zulu had decided to spend the night with them, so they were headed to Sawyer’s place to get her things, which weren’t much.

  “Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay?” Zulu walked at his side while Bree and Brownie ran ahead. “I could spend the night alone at Sawyer’s.”

  “Kelly wants you to stay, also. Even though you did good today, nighttime sneaks up on you.”

  “True, but I hate to think I’m incapable of being alone. You and Kelly have been so good to me.”

  “How about this? If all goes well for you the next two nights, then you can go back to Sawyer’s until the spot at the rehab opens up. When did they say it would?”

  “After New Year’s. So, we have about two weeks. Have you heard from Sawyer?” Zulu’s face reflected the bright moonlight as they crossed the street.

  “Not yet, but he said he’d call as soon as he has a lead. Keep praying.” They caught up to Bree who asked which way to go. “Left, and don’t run too far ahead. You should stop at the street corners and wait for us.”

  “I know to look right and left,” Bree said.

  “Yes, but if anything happens to you, you can’t save that little girl’s life.” Tyler patted her back. “Stay back with us.”

  “Listen to your father,” Zulu added. “Heroes can’t help unless they’re healthy. That’s something I learned from you, Tyler.”

  “Yeah, and believe me, it wasn’t easy to take care of myself first. I spent a year running away from my issues, trying to help others when I couldn’t help myself.” He shuddered at the memories of separating himself f
rom Kelly and Bree while working at the facility in Afghanistan. “I’m really proud of you for taking the step forward to getting well.”

  “Couldn’t let Kelly upstage me.” Zulu chuckled. “The truth is, she’s driving herself crazy and not accepting any help. How many activities does she have before the wedding?”

  “Too much. I offered to help with the wedding.”

  “And? She can’t delegate, right?”

  “Nope, and there’s this guy’s birthday party.” Tyler jiggled Arman’s waving hand while he babbled happily, bouncing in the backpack. “Kelly wants it to be perfect. She’s even ordering different pizza flavors based on what the guests’ preferences are.”

  Zulu threw her head back and laughed. “If it were me, I’d order cheese for the vegetarians and pepperoni for the meat eaters.”

  “Exactly. And now, she went back to work. I think she feels guilty she took the afternoon off.”

  “Then it’s good I’m around,” Zulu said. “I can walk the dog, do some cooking, and if she’ll let go of the birthday party, let me be responsible for the pizza and drinks.”

  “Don’t forget the goodie bags.”

  “Yes, goodie bags, I’m on it.”

  “Wonderful.” Tyler high-fived his friend.

  After collecting Zulu’s toiletries and her bag of belongings, the group headed back to Tyler’s house. It was dark in the house, and Kelly’s car was nowhere around.

  Tyler opened the door and Bree and Brownie ran in.

  “Can we talk for a little while, where Bree can’t hear us?” Zulu tugged Tyler’s arm.

  “What’s up?”

  They stayed behind on the stoop near the entrance.

  “I want to apologize for throwing myself at you when Kelly caught me kissing you.”

  “It’s okay. Forgiven.” Tyler still had Arman in the backpack with him, and he needed to get him to bed. “Is there anything else that’s bothering you?”

  “No, but I hope you and Kelly won’t hold it against me. I know I’ve lost the chance to be with you forever, but I’m hoping I can still be in your life as a friend.” She bit her lip and peered up at him, looking contrite.

  “Of course you can. Both Kelly and I want you to get well.”

  “I don’t want to always be the sick person or the one who has the PTSD. I just want to be normal, and I need to be around you, so I’ll know it’s possible.” She ran her hand down his arm, finding his hand.

  “No one’s asking you to leave.” He drew her closer and stared into her wide eyes. “We won’t think of you as a victim. Your identity is not based on what happened to you, but who you are.”

  “Thank you for saying that.” She blinked and smiled shyly. “Will you be my support structure? My family? The therapist said we all need someone who’d be there for us, no matter what.”

  “Of course, I will,” Tyler reassured her. “I’ve always told you I cared about you, deeply.”

  “I care about you, too.” She hugged him tightly. “Thank you for not turning your back on me. You won’t regret it.”

  “But will I?” Kelly stepped onto the stoop as Zulu released Tyler from her grip.

  “I was saying sorry for that scene in the kitchen,” Zulu said. “I want to be friends with both of you.”

  “Okay, but try not to get too touchy with him.” Kelly gave her one of her no-nonsense glares to show who had the upper hand.

  “I agree,” Zulu said, retreating back into the house.

  ~ Kelly ~

  Sure, I caught Zulu throwing herself at Tyler again, but I put her in her place. This is how dogs eat dogs, and having survived prison, I’m not one to back down, especially for my man. If she wants to be friends, she’d better dial the hugs and kisses down to nothing.

  I make quick work with Arman, who’s already groggy and didn’t like me waking him up to change his diaper and put him into his pajamas. He’s such an easygoing baby, so different from Bree who was colicky and restless.

  Kissing him on the top of his head, I put him down and cover him with a blanket. He’s already asleep, so I check on Bree, who’s still splashing in the bathroom.

  “Mama, Zulu’s going to read The Hungry Caterpillar to me.” She stands as I wrap a towel around her and pick her up. “She likes my flower girl dress, and she’s going to help me practice my lines for the Christmas play.”

  This instant closeness with Zulu rubs me the wrong way. It’s like she’s trying to ingratiate herself into my family. Kind of creepy, given that I caught her horning in on Tyler—again.

  “One story only, and no chit-chatting,” I warn Bree. I pull her nightgown over her head and tell her to brush her teeth.

  I’m unable to get time alone with Tyler until after Zulu reads to Bree and we get her settled in for the night on the couch. Of course, we had to go through her ritual of making sure no one was hiding anywhere, and then we put Brownie’s doggie bed right next to the front door so she’d feel safe. Of course, that left the kitchen door unguarded, but I didn’t mention it to her.

  The thing about having kids and a houseguest is no privacy. I’m burning to tell Tyler what I found out this evening.

  Tyler and I take the stairs to the rooftop. It would be more private there, since the walls inside are thin. Besides, I never did get romantic with him the other night when he took me up to the moonlit deck.

  “I left a bottle of wine and two glasses up here,” Tyler says. “Didn’t think you and Zulu should have all the fun.”

  “I’d rather unwind with you, anytime. But I spoke to Ford this evening, and I believe it’s possible he might have a better donor for his daughter than Bree.” I sit back and watch Tyler uncork the wine and pour it.

  “It’s confirmed that Ford’s daughter is the recipient?” He hands me a glass.

  “Yes, I bluffed it out of Dr. Debdatta, acting like I already knew.”

  Tyler runs his hand through his hair and frowns. “I thought I knew him better. It’s true, we lost touch after he went to medical school and I joined the Army. Why didn’t he come out and ask?”

  “It’s complicated, and I promised to keep this on the down low, but I think it’s only fair for you to know.”

  “Know what?” He sets his glass on the picnic table and perches on the bench across from me.

  “He’s not Bree’s father, even though the clinic lists him as Bree’s donor.”

  Tyler’s head jerks and his eyes widen. “Are you saying they made a mistake?”

  “It’s possible.” I lean forward and grab his hand. “What if they mixed up his sample with yours? What if Bree is your daughter?”

  Tyler’s face lights up like he’s won the lottery. He jumps from his seat and raises his hands up, then wipes them over his head as he looks at the moon. “My daughter? Wow. Are you sure he’s not the father?”

  “He told me himself. We need to get you a paternity test quick, inform the clinic of their mistake, and see if you’re a better match for Erica Manning than Bree.”

  “Why would I be a better match? I don’t get it.” Tyler drops onto the bench and waves his hand.

  “We don’t know if you would be, but think about this. If Bree’s your daughter, and Bree is a match, shouldn’t you also get tested to match Erica? Dr. Debdatta says it’s not always the closest relative who matches. Although being related ups the chance.”

  “We’re going to the clinic tomorrow morning, stat.” Tyler takes my hand and drags me from the chair. He places his arm around me and swings me around and around. “This is the best news ever. I want so much to be Bree’s father in every sense of the word.”

  “You are, Tyler. Just think, Bree picked you, because somehow, she knew it was you all along.” I twirl around the rooftop with him, my spirits soaring. “Everything was meant to be.”

  “We were meant to be. Our family. Our life together.”

  He kisses me, and we slow dance in the moonlight, cheek-to-cheek, murmuring sweet and wonderful dreams to each other.

&nb
sp; 28

  ~ Tyler ~

  The hospital room was decorated with cheerful Christmas angels, elves, and snow princess fairies. It was Wednesday, and Erica Manning, the transplant patient, had received five days of treatment to kill off all remaining cells. It was time to harvest Bree’s marrow as a replacement.

  Tyler’s heart tightened at the thought of Bree going under, even though the chance of complications was low. Ford and Sheryl would be in another operating room with their daughter, waiting and hoping for a miracle, although filled with fear.

  He’d had a heart-to-heart with Ford, and Ford admitted that he and Sheryl had lied because of fear. They’d both had little sleep with many nights spent at the hospitals. It wasn’t an excuse for the lying and the way Sheryl treated Kelly, but at least now, everything was out in the open—almost.

  Since Bree was too young to understand all the nuances, Kelly had agreed with him not to tell Bree that Tyler was her biological father until she was older. As far as she knew now, Tyler was her “real” father since he’d given Kelly a “sperm-shaped” necklace last Christmas. Besides, Bree had a big mouth, and she would run and tell Matt if she knew Erica was her half-sister.

  All that remained now was to pray that the operation would be successful, for both Bree and Erica’s sakes.

  “Am I going to be a hero now?” Bree sat up straight in her bed. Her cheeks were rosy and she blinked with excitement.

  “Of course you are.” Tyler kissed the top of her head. “Like father, like daughter.”

  He winked at Kelly. What icing on the cake to have Bree truly be his in every way. It was all thanks to Kelly and her persistent investigative nature. She dug, and dug, and didn’t give up. What a champ.

  “I’m so proud of you,” Kelly said, caressing Bree’s hair. “Do you have any questions?”

  “I’m going to sleep for a little while, and then they’ll take some of my bone marrow, and then I’ll wake up, and it’ll be time for the wedding.” Bree looked her mother straight in the eye, appearing confident and not the least bit scared.