Baby Under the Christmas Tree. Teresa Carpenter
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Название: Baby Under the Christmas Tree
Автор: Teresa Carpenter
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
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“So what’s changed?”
“Donna met a guy who lives in Las Vegas. He’s in town two or three times a month for business. And now she’s been flying over there to see him. I’ve got the feeling Troy’s the only thing keeping her here, and I expect that to change soon.”
Elle typed away on her pad. “So more of Troy’s care has fallen onto Amber.”
“Yeah. Or, more accurately, onto whoever she can con into taking him. And then she forgets he exists until she’s ready to come back again.” And the woman had the nerve to call him an absentee father. “It was bad enough when it was me or her best friend she left hanging. I didn’t know this gal. I’m not putting up with it anymore.”
“That’s understandable.” She clicked a pen against the counter, her honey-brown gaze assessing him. “You don’t want Amber to be responsible for him anymore. But are you really ready to take on the responsibility yourself?”
“You’ve already asked me that.”
“Yes, but I don’t think you’ve really thought about it. You can’t simply hire a nanny and that’s the end of it. You will be responsible for his emotional, physical and spiritual welfare. You’ll have to put his needs before your own. Are you ready to do that?”
Stuck on spiritual welfare, he had no immediate answer.
“Max.” When he focused in on her again, he was surprised to find her standing in front of him. “Do you love Troy?”
“He’s my son.” The answer was automatic.
“I get that, but it doesn’t answer my question.”
“It’s going to have to do.” He’d had enough of her intrusive questions.
“Why? Because you don’t love him?”
“Do you think his mother does?” he taunted, his exasperation getting the better of him. “Wrong. He’s a meal ticket for her. Nothing more. At least I provide for him.”
“Yeah. At least.”
He pushed to his feet so he towered over her. “What do you want from me? I never wanted a kid. I don’t really know how to relate to him. I’m only trying to make sure he’s safe.”
“By taking him away from the only home he’s ever known?”
“By putting him in a safe environment where he’s not likely to be dropped off at the nearest police station because the person watching him is tired of waiting for his mother to come collect him.” He turned to pace away. “Doesn’t sound too loving to me.”
“Maybe not, but from what you told me, it sounds like his grandmother does love him. And you aren’t exactly known for your ability to commit. He’s the innocent here. He deserves tons of love and attention. I’m not convinced you can give it to him. And if I’m not convinced, the public isn’t going to be convinced.”
“Look, I don’t have all the answers right now. But I’ve made up my mind. Do you want to hear I’ll work on the affection part? Fine, I’ll plan playdates. The important thing is I can provide for him and keep him safe. So lay out your strategy and let’s get started.”
“Max.” She placed her hand on his arm. “I admire what you’re trying to do here, but I don’t think you realize the impact it’s going to have on your life.”
He laughed, and even he heard the bitterness buried in the sound. “Having a kid has already impacted my life.”
“Not as much as this will.”
Her eyes were earnest, and he realized she really cared about his decision. Not that it was him she was worried about. Her concern was all for Troy.
And why did that tick him off? He neither wanted nor needed her sympathy.
“There is another option, you know,” she said softly.
The hair lifted on the back of his neck, giving him a bad feeling about this. “Yeah? What’s that?”
“There are a lot of good people out there who could give him the home and love he deserves. You could give him up for adoption.”
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