Daddy by Christmas (11 page)

She smiled slowly. “You're a fraud, Jarrett McKane. You try to get everyone to think you're this ruthless businessman with no heart, but you're a nice guy.”

He stood straighter. “If you think I've gone soft because I'm fixing the apartments up, think again. I have a good reason for doing it. The judge ordered me to.”

Her look told him she wasn't buying it.

“Ah, hell. At least while you're living there I can keep an eye on you.”

“You're not responsible for me, Jarrett,” she told him
sternly. “I can take care of myself, and have for a lot of years.”

“I know that.” He couldn't help wondering about other men in her life. “What if I just want to help you?” He tested her. “Say if I want to come around to see if you and BJ need anything? I mean, I do visit my brother and sister-in-law out here.”

“And Jenna,” Mia added.

“And Jenna,” he repeated, watching the light play off her hair. Her skin looked so soft.

Her eyes met his. “Aren't you going to be too busy with the new factory project to bother with us?”

He shrugged. “That's not a done deal, yet. I'm still going over things with Fulton Industries.”

“It's because of the tenants, isn't it?”

“Things could work out better.” He didn't want to tell her his idea to keep the apartment building. “Hey, what's the worst that can happen? The deal goes south and I get to live in the hellhole apartment 203 forever.”

“Well, BJ and I would be your neighbors.”

He stepped closer. “I thought you were moving in here?”

“Not if the apartment is still available. I like paying my own way. Would you raise the rent on us?”

He smiled at her. “Maybe we can work out a special deal.”

 

An hour later, with BJ asleep in his carrier in the living room, the Christmas dinner could start.

In the McKanes' dining room, there were two long tables dressed with red and green tablecloths and holiday china. A row of delicious food dishes crowded the sideboard, not to mention the overflow waiting in the kitchen, along with a dozen pies and assorted desserts.

Mia carried her heaping plate to the table to find a seat. It was no surprise Jarrett had saved one next to him.

“This is the best Christmas ever.” Jenna climbed into a booster seat next to her uncle. “And you know what else, Unca Jay?”

The youngster didn't wait for prompting. “I'm glad you bringed BJ and Mia. And that you aren't mad at Daddy anymore.”

Mia caught the exchange between the two brothers who sat across from each other.

“Yeah, well it's Christmas,” Jarrett said. “Everyone should get along.”

“It's a time for peace and goodwill,” Joe added. “And we should think about those who aren't here with us today.”

“Like Jody and Nathan,” Jenna said. “And Ben, 'cause he's protecting our country.”

“That he is,” Nola said. “We need to pray for all servicemen who are away from their families, too. And to keep them safe.”

Everyone bowed their heads as Trace led them in the blessing. Mia was surprised when Jarrett took her hand in his. It was warm and reassuring. She was glad that she had someone to share this day with.

“Now, let's eat,” Jarrett announced after the prayer. And it began. Lively conversation and good food.

“Mia, how did you like the cottage?”

She looked across the table at Kira. “Oh, I love it. It's beautiful and so roomy.”

Kira exchanged a look with her husband. “Does that mean you plan to move in?”

“If you still want us, I'd love to move out here.”

A big smile spread across Kira's face. “That's wonderful.” She looked at her brother-in-law. “And it's not so in
convenient living out here. We have good neighbors. How far away is your place, Jarrett? Five miles?”

Jarrett's fork paused on its way to his mouth. “Something like that.”

His sister-in-law was grinning now. “See, there's a McKane around if you need one, and also we have Cal here, too.”

The foreman looked up from the other end of the table and nodded. “It would be nice to have another little one around the place.”

Trace stood up. “Speaking of little ones.” He glanced down at his wife and exchanged a look that showed everyone in the room how much they loved one another. “We have some news, and we thought that this would be a perfect day to share it. Kira and I are expecting our second child next summer.”

Jarrett watched as the room erupted in cheers and congratulations. He suddenly felt the old jealousy creeping in. Why would he be jealous of a baby? He'd never wanted a family.

He turned to Mia, who was watching him.

“Isn't that wonderful news?”

“Yeah, it is.” He glanced at his brother. “Hey, Trace. Congratulations.”

Jenna finally got into the act. “Am I going to have a baby sister? I asked for a sister.” Everyone laughed.

“We don't know if it's a girl or boy, yet,” Kira told her daughter. “But I know you'll be happy with either.”

Before Jenna could speak, the sound of BJ's crying drew everyone's attention.

“Someone's hungry. Excuse me,” Mia said as she left the table.

Jarrett wanted to go with her, but he had no right to
share this time with her and her son. He saw Kira direct her upstairs to a bedroom.

Again he was on the outside looking in, where he'd been for so many years. He didn't want to be there anymore.

 

Mia sat in the rocking chair in the McKane nursery. Once the room had been Jenna's, but the toddler had been moved to another bedroom and a big girl's bed. How convenient that Trace and Kira already had a beautiful room for their next baby.

She smiled down at her son, and her heart nearly burst with love. She could no longer see her life without this child. He was everything to her, and she would do everything she could to give him a good life. She'd find a way to finish law school and make a home for him. She ran her hand over his head. “I promise you this, BJ, I'll be the best mom I can.”

Her thoughts turned to Jarrett. Would he be a part of their lives? Would he come around once she moved out here? Once the apartment building was demolished, he'd be so involved in the factory project she doubted there would be time for her.

Mia fingered the chain around her neck. She was a realist, and couldn't lie to herself. Jarrett wasn't the type of man who took on a woman with a baby. Yet, she recalled him telling her about his mother's death, and his stepmother's neglect. She thought back to her own youth. Seemed they weren't so different after all.

BJ stiffened and began to fuss. “I think you need a burp.” She brought him to her shoulder and began to pat his back gently. BJ cried louder. “Sshh, honey. Relax.” She continued the rubbing, but it wasn't working.

There was a knock on the door and Jarrett peered in. “Sounds like someone isn't happy.”

Mia was both confused and relieved as Jarrett walked in. “You want to try?”

He took the infant from her. He placed her son against his large chest and began to walk and pat. After about thirty seconds, the crying stopped when a burp erupted from the infant.

Jarrett smiled at her. “Looks like I still have the touch.”

“Then I'll give you BJ's feeding schedule and you can come by and do the honors.”

She didn't hide her smile at his surprised look.

“You know I will if you need me,” he said sincerely.

“Don't, Jarrett. I can't keep relying on you to help me.” Even if she wanted nothing more than to have him around all the time. “BJ is my responsibility.”

He came closer, but wouldn't relinquish the baby. “Why, Mia? Why do you think you have to do this all by yourself?”

She glanced away from those velvet-brown eyes. “It's safer that way, Jarrett. And no one gets hurt.”

He touched her chin and turned her back to him. “Who hurt you, Mia? What man broke your heart?”

She stiffened and shook her head. “It's not important. It was a long time ago.”

“It's important to me. You're important to me, Mia.”

She wanted so much to believe him, but she wasn't good when it came to trust. “Oh, Jarrett. I don't know what to say.”

He stepped in closer. “Good. I'd rather do this.” Even with BJ against his shoulder, he leaned down to capture her mouth and quickly had her heart racing and her body stirring, wanting more.

He broke off as BJ began to complain. “Maybe we can
talk more about this later.” He gave her another peck and straightened up just as Kira walked in.

“I hate to disturb you both, but there's someone here to see you, Mia.”

“Who?”

“He says he's your father.”

M
IA
had been dreading this day for ten years. Why did he have to find her? Why now? She saw the confused look on Jarrett's face, not surprising as she'd told everyone she had no family.

As far as she was concerned, since Brad's death, there hadn't been anyone. Putting a sleeping BJ in the crib, she finally looked at Jarrett. “Please, don't say anything about the baby.”

He stared at her a moment, but his expression didn't give anything away. “I'll follow your lead.”

They walked out and down the stairs, grateful that Kira had put the unexpected guest in the living room, away from everyone. She glanced at Jarrett. “I need to talk to him alone.”

He nodded. “I'll be close by.”

With a sigh, she walked into the room. Preston Elliot Saunders stood in front of the massive stone fireplace. Since his back was to her, she took the opportunity to study him. Still tall and trim, his once thick dark hair was now nearly white and there was a slight slump to his shoulders. He turned slightly and she could see he wore a dark wool coat over a business suit.

Had she ever seen him when he hadn't been in a suit? As a child she'd only seen him when she needed to be
disciplined. She'd been the daughter who couldn't seem do anything right, so that had been a lot.

Preston finally turned around and she saw that the last decade had added lines to his face. She hoped to see some emotion from him, but, once again, she was disappointed.

She fought off all the old fears and insecurities and stepped fully into the room. “You wanted to see me?”

He frowned. “After all this time that's all you have to say to me?”

“Ten years ago I was a disgrace to the family and was destroying my life. You disowned me and sent me away. So excuse my surprise when you show up here now. There must be a reason.” She knew exactly the reason. Somehow he'd learned about her baby.

“No matter what happened between us, you should have had the decency and compassion to tell me about Bradley's death. Your mother and I were heartbroken when we learned about it recently.”

Mia noted he didn't mention his daughter-in-law's death. Not only had Preston and Abigail disapproved of their son's chosen profession, they had made their disdain at his choice of a wife perfectly clear. Karen hadn't come from the right family. “It's been years since you disowned us, so why would I think you wanted to know about Brad's death?”

Her father looked sad. “For God sake's, Margaret, we're family.”

“Since when? We weren't a family. A family man comes home. You were never there, and when you were, all you did was criticize.”

Preston straightened. “You know perfectly well why I did what I did. You were out of control. An embarrassment to yourself and everyone else. We tried to warn Bradley.”

Mia tried to hide her surprise. Her brother had contacted their father? “Did you expect him to send me away, or have me locked up in a place where I lived like a prisoner?” She shivered in memory. “Like you had?” She spread her arms. “I've gone to college, and I can support myself. Well take a good look, I'm perfectly fine. Have been for years. So now that you've checked on me, you can go home with a clear conscience.” She turned to leave, praying this would be the end.

“Not so fast, Margaret. There's some unfinished business to do with my grandson.”

Mia swung around as a fierce protectiveness took over. “He's not your grandchild. You didn't want to be a part of my life or Brad's because we refused to do what you wanted. So you have no claim on this baby.”

Preston Saunders frowned. “You're wrong, Margaret. My family has always come first, which is why I'm here.” He glared at her. “You can't possibly think you can give Bradley's son the life I can. I've seen where you live. You have nothing to offer him. The boy would be much better off with your mother and me.”

“That's not true. Besides I can give him love, which is more than you and Mother ever did. Brad and Karen wanted me to raise their child if something happened to them.”

Her father's gaze moved over her. “I don't want my grandchild living in that slum apartment.”

“Not that it's any of your business, but I'll be moving soon into a two-bedroom house. I have income and I'll be going back to law school. I can support BJ. And that's all that you need to know.”

He studied her for a long moment. “I know more than you might think. And I don't want you moving in with this Jarrett McKane.”

She was shaking. “My personal life is none of your business.”

Her father stood his ground. “You're wrong. I've asked around. Your ex-football player may have had minimal success during his college career, and even in this small town, but things can change quickly.”

Mia hated that this man could still get to her. And he was planning to use her friendship with Jarrett. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He shrugged. “These are hard times, and business deals can easily fall apart. Just recently I was discussing this with Neil Fulton. What a coincidence that his wife, Robin, and your mother were sorority sisters.” A smug look appeared across his face. “From what Neil tells me, it's still up in the air about where their new factory is going to be built.”

Mia felt sick to her stomach. “This has nothing to do with Jarrett. It's between you and me.”

“Then all you have to do is give me what I want.”

 

Jarrett stood in the hallway. If Mia had let everyone think that her parents were dead, there had to be a reason, and he couldn't wait to hear it.

“Is there a problem?” Trace asked coming up to him.

“Not sure.” Jarrett had no idea what was going on. “But I plan to find out.” When he heard Mia tell her father goodbye, he went into action. He walked into the living room.

“Is everything okay?” He went over to Mia, slipping a possessive arm around her back.

She looked surprised to see him. “Yes. My father was just leaving.”

The man didn't move, just turned his attention toward Jarrett. “I'm Margaret's father, Preston Saunders.” He held out a hand.

Jarrett shook it. “Jarrett McKane. You should have let us know you were coming to town.”

“This was a sudden trip for me.” Saunders glanced back at his daughter. “Mia and I have been estranged for…a while.”

Jarrett felt Mia stiffen. “It's been years,” she insisted. “You disowned me and Brad, and you have no right to this child.”

Saunders seemed surprised by his daughter's backbone. “We're still family. And this child is a Saunders which is the very reason I'm here. To help you.” He glared at her. “Margaret, you can't possibly think you can give the child the kind of life he deserves.” He shook his head. “You and the boy would be much better at home with your mother and me.”

 

Mia was still trembling, even after her father left. Once the front door closed, she wanted to disappear. Instead, she hurried up the stairs to check on BJ. Anything to keep from having to face Jarrett. To have to explain. But he wasn't letting her get away, and followed her.

“Mia,” he called to her.

She stopped in the upstairs hall, but didn't turn around.

“I can't talk about this right now.”

She started for the nursery, but he took her by the arm and led her into a guest bedroom. After the door closed, he pulled her into his arms.

She didn't resist. Shutting her eyes, she let herself revel in the secure sound of his beating heart, his warmth. She fought the tears, but lost as a sob escaped and she began to cry. She cried for the years that her parents weren't there for her. For herself because she couldn't be the daughter they wanted her to be. For the relationship she wanted with this man that now was lost too.

The only thing that mattered now was BJ.

She pulled back and wiped her eyes. “I'm sorry.”

“How long since you've seen your father?” Jarrett asked as he pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her.

“Ten years. It was a few days before my nineteenth birthday.” Wiping her eyes, she raised her head. She might as well tell him everything.

“I'd just gotten released from the rehab clinic he'd had me committed to. I was excited because he came to bring me home. Instead, he handed me five thousand dollars and said he'd paid a year's rent on an apartment in Atlanta, Georgia. He felt it would be better for everyone if I didn't return to Boston.”

Mia moved across the room toward the bed. She needed space. “Funny thing was, the pills I'd become addicted to were ones prescribed by a doctor my parents insisted I see to help me lose weight.”

Jarrett walked over to her. “I can't believe you were ever overweight.”

“I had crooked teeth, too.”

His finger touched her chin and made her look at him.

“And incredible blue eyes, and hair the color of rich coffee,” he told her as his gaze moved over her face. “I could go on and on.”

She swallowed hard. “No one has ever said that to me.”

“Maybe you never gave them a chance.”

She shrugged. “I've been kind of busy lately. But Jarrett, as a teenager, I gave my father plenty of reasons not to trust me.”

“Didn't we all.” He smiled. “I was no angel, either. That doesn't mean you aren't a good mother now.”

She gasped. “BJ.” She started to leave, but he pulled her back.

“He's sleeping,” Jarrett said. “You know that kid's got a strong pair of lungs, so we'll hear him when he wakes up.” He paused a moment then said, “Back to you. How did you end up in Colorado?”

“I used the money my father gave me and flew to Denver. Brad was a junior pastor there. He and Karen had just gotten married, yet they opened their arms and took me in. He probably told our parents, but I think Preston was just happy I was out of his life.”

“Seems that Brad wanted you,” Jarrett acknowledged.

She nodded. “At first I gave him a lot of trouble. But he got me to finish high school, then college. For the first time, I felt good about myself.” She felt a surge of panic. “I owe it to Brad and Karen to raise their son with love and compassion for other people. I'll do anything to keep my parents from taking BJ.”

He reached for her. “It won't happen. I won't let it.”

No! She couldn't let her father destroy Jarrett, too. She shook her head. “No, Jarrett, you have to stay out of this.”

“Mia, listen to me. You're going to need some help.”

The last thing Mia wanted was for this to go to court. She was doubtful she could win against the power of the Saunderses' money. She shook her head. “I can't let my father scare me off. I have to prove to him I can handle things on my own.” She pushed past him and out the door.

More importantly, she had to get Jarrett McKane out of her life. It was the only way she could protect him.

 

This had been Jarrett's best Christmas in years until the unwelcome guest showed up. Although dessert was being served, he knew that for Mia the celebration was over. Using the excuse that BJ was fussy, he drove her back to town.

Mia's silence continued as they walked into the apartment building. Jarrett tugged on the glass door, hearing the scrape of metal before it gave way and opened. Inside, Jarrett glanced around the large lobby. Even with the elaborate holiday decorations, the place was still a dump.

It needed a lot of work, especially if he was going to rent to more tenants. Whether Fulton finalized the factory deal or not, he should get a contractor out here to look over the building.

Saunders must have come here first. How else would he know that Mia was at the ranch? What if he'd taken pictures? If he was going to fight for custody, would he show them to a judge?

Damn. He needed to get Mia out of here and moved into the cottage. Honestly, he wanted her at his house, but Ms. Independence would never go for that.

At the apartment door, Mia unlocked it and they went inside. She carried the baby into the bedroom.

“I'll bring up the rest of the things,” he called to her.

Jarrett hurried back outside in the cold. He opened the back of his SUV and grabbed the box of leftover food and presents. That was when he noticed the car at the end of the car park. With the help of the overhead security light, he saw the shadow of a man leaning against a dark vehicle.

He didn't like a stranger hanging around. He thought about the older tenants, then Jarrett thought about earlier today and couldn't help but wonder if Saunders had something to do with it. Had he hired someone to watch the place? Would he go that far? The man he'd met today didn't seem like the type who gave up easily.

Jarrett carried the box back inside the lobby. He took out his cell phone and called the sheriff's office, asking his old friend from high school, Danny Haskins, to come
by and check out the situation. He wasn't going to make it easy for Saunders.

Call made, Jarrett returned to Mia's apartment. When she came out of the bedroom, she didn't hide her surprise that he was there.

“Jarrett, I didn't realize you were still here.”

He put the box on the table. “I brought up the rest of the things from the car.”

“Oh, I'll put them away, you don't have to stay.”

He was discouraged by her rejection. “Look, Mia, I saw a stranger hanging around the parking lot.” He took off his hat and coat. “I'm having it checked out, so I'm not leaving here until it's cleared up. Could be your father is having someone watch you.”

She looked panicked, but quickly covered it. “I have a good lock on the door. He's not getting in here.”

“I want to help you.”

She shook her head. “I don't want you involved in this.”

He went to her. “I'm already involved, Mia.”

“No, Jarrett. You can't keep rescuing me.”