Читать книгу Daddy by Christmas / Christmas Magic on the Mountain: Daddy by Christmas / Christmas Magic on the Mountain - Melissa McClone, Melissa Mcclone - Страница 11

HE had to be crazy to have suggested cooking Thanksgiving dinner here.

Jarrett stood back and watched as half a dozen women scurried around his kitchen. He’d told himself earlier that he wasn’t going to hang around, but they’d showed up at dawn, ready and eager to begin the baking and cooking.

He had to admit that the place was filled with wonderful aromas. The one disappointment was that Mia wasn’t there. It was crazy of him even to think about her at all. She was pregnant, and her life was going in one direction while he needed only to think about one thing—the computer-chip-factory project. And getting out of the jail of his crummy apartment.

Nola walked over to him. “You have a wonderful kitchen, Jarrett. Every modern convenience a woman could ever want. Seems such a waste that you don’t have someone to share this with.”

Jarrett smiled, but ignored her comment. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Just so you know, we’ll clean up everything. You won’t even know we were here.”

“I’m not worried. I have a cleaning service.”

“Well, just the same. The place will be spotless when we leave.”

Just then his phone rang. He grabbed the extension in the office. It was his brother. “Hi, Trace. Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Same to you,” Trace echoed. “I’ve been given orders to call you and see if you changed your mind about coming to dinner today.”

Kira couldn’t stand for him to be alone. “I appreciate the invitation, bro, but I seem to have a place to go. A few of the tenants have asked me to share the meal with them.”

There was a long silence. “You better be careful, no telling what they might put in your food.”

“Very funny. I do have a few friends. Besides, the tenants and I are getting along fine.”

“Well, that’s good.”

He didn’t want to talk about any apartment troubles. “I take it Kira is fixing dinner today.”

“It’ll be just us since Jody and Nathan have gone to be with Ben at the army base.”

Jarrett remembered Kira’s student who’d gotten pregnant in high school. Jody had had the child and Ben had joined the military, but he’d stayed in touch. The couple had gotten married this past summer.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. “I’ve got to go, Trace. Tell everyone happy Thanksgiving.”

After replacing the phone, Jarrett walked across the great room and into the entry. He pulled open the door to find Mia and several other people standing on his porch.

He frowned. “What are you doing out of bed?”

“I’m allowed out now. Some,” she added stubbornly. “I just have to stay off my feet as much as possible.”

He took her by the arm and led her to the sofa, followed by the other dozen or so tenants. “Why did you come here? We’re going to bring the food back to the community room.” He folded his arms. “You aren’t supposed to do anything.”

She nodded. I know, but there’s a problem at the community room. It’s flooded.”

Jarrett cursed. He didn’t need another thing that he had to pay for. “How bad?”

Joe spoke up. “I shut off the main valve, but there’s about an inch of water on the floor.”

Jarrett murmured some choice words as he turned back to Mia.

She suddenly looked unsure. “We didn’t know what to do, so we came here.”

Nola walked into the room. “Mia, what’s wrong? Is it the baby?”

“No, I’m fine, but the community room is flooded.” Mia looked back at Jarrett. “We have no place to have our dinner.”

Every eye turned toward him. He had no choice. “Well, since everyone is here, I guess it’ll be at my house.”

Cheers filled the room, then everyone scattered to do their chores. He pulled out his phone and punched in the McKane Ranch number, wondering how he’d gotten into this situation. He glanced at Mia Saunders, those big blue eyes staring back at him. A sudden stirring in his gut told him he was headed for disaster if he wasn’t careful. Hell, he’d never been careful in his life.

His brother answered the phone.

“Hey, Trace. Why don’t you load up Kira and Jenna and come here? It seems I’m having Thanksgiving at my house.”

Two hours later, Mia was still sitting on the large sofa in Jarrett’s great room. Although it wasn’t her taste, the place was decorated well. A lot of chrome-and-glass tables and black leather furniture filled the room. The most beautiful feature was the huge wall of windows and the French door that led to the deck and the wooded area at the back of the house. Although the trees were bare and a dusting of snow covered the ground, she could picture it in the spring with green trees and wildflowers along the hillside.

She turned toward the open-concept kitchen, looking over the breakfast bar to see rows of espresso-colored cabinets, and marble counter tops. The commercial-size stainless-steel appliances looked as though they were getting a rare workout today.

The dining room was on the other side, the long table already set up for the meal, along with several card tables scattered around to accommodate all the people coming today. Mia didn’t even want to count them. All she knew was that her brother and sister-in-law wouldn’t be at any table. These people were her family now. She rubbed her stomach. Hers and her baby’s.

“Are you okay?”

She glanced up to see Jarrett standing beside the sofa. “I’m fine. Really. Thank you for having us today.”

“There wasn’t a choice, and you know it.”

“It’s still very generous that you let us use your home.”

He shrugged. “I also get a home-cooked meal.”

“You have family. And I bet you could get someone to cook for you pretty easily.”

His dark gaze held hers. “I’m pretty selective in choosing my friends.” His mouth crooked upward in a sexy smile. “Also who cooks for me.”

“Well, you’ve got some pretty good cooks in your kitchen right now.”

“I’m glad about that, because I’m getting hungry just smelling all the wonderful aromas.” He sat down across from her. “If your cookies are any indication, I’d say you know your way around a kitchen, too.”

The man was too handsome and, when he wanted to be, charming. She scooted to the edge of the sofa. “Could you direct me to the bathroom, please?”

“Of course.” He helped her up, but didn’t release his hold on her arm. They were walking toward the hall when the doorbell rang.

She looked at him. “I thought everyone was here.”

Jarrett pulled open the door to a young couple with a little girl. She recognized them from church.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Unca Jay,” the girl cried as she ran inside.

He scooped her into his arms. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Jenna. I’m glad you could come today. Welcome, Kira, Trace.”

They all exchanged greetings.

Jenna kept her hold on her uncle. “Mama said it must be a really special day because we never get invited to your house. She’s really happy because family should be together.”

“Jenna,” her mother warned.

“Well, you did say that,” the child acknowledged, then looked at Mia. “Who’s this lady, Unca Jay?”

“Hi, I’m Mia.”

Jarrett set her down. “I’m Jenna, and I’m almost four years old. But my daddy says I’m really thirty.” The child caught sight of Mia’s rounded stomach. “Are you going to have a baby?”

“Jenna.” Kira sent another warning glance to her daughter, and then looked at Mia. “Hi, Mia. It’s good to see you again.”

Trace removed his cowboy hat and nodded. “Hello, Mia.”

“Nice to see you, too. I hope you don’t mind that we took over Jarrett’s house.”

The pretty blonde smiled and glanced up at her husband. Love radiated between them just as Mia had seen between her brother and his wife.

“We think it’s wonderful,” Kira said. “I’m just wondering how you did it.”

“I believe a judge did it, along with several of the tenants.”

They all looked toward the living room and saw the numerous people. “Welcome to Mountain View Apartment’s Thanksgiving Day celebration.” Mia turned to Kira. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to find a restroom.”

Jarrett watched Mia walk down the hall. He wanted to go after her. Why? She was capable of finding the bathroom.

“How is she doing?”

Jarrett looked at his sister-in-law. “She should be off her feet. So would you watch her?”

“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 eyebrow 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.”