Daddy by Christmas / Christmas Magic on the Mountain. Patricia Thayer

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СКАЧАТЬ his apartment and headed down to his car. The ground was covered in a dusting of snow. He climbed into his vehicle, missing the warm garage back at his house. Pushing aside his discomfort, he started the engine and the heater. He was on a quest for one hungry pregnant woman.

      In every town there always seemed to be a twenty-four-hour donut and coffee shop and Winchester Ridge was no exception. He picked out a couple of dozen assorted donuts along with a large coffee and an orange juice.

      He returned to the apartment building just as dawn was breaking. Funny, this wasn’t how he usually spent early mornings. He’d never shared breakfast with an expectant mother, either. With his offerings in hand, he returned to Mia’s apartment and gave a loud knock before he walked in.

      “It’s me, Ms. Saunders. I’ve got something for you.” After hearing Mia’s greeting he walked into the bedroom.

      She was still working on the computer. “I thought you went back to bed.”

      “Not after you talked about donuts.” He raised the box. “Freshly made.” He opened the large box and the aroma filled the room.

      Mia groaned. “Oh, my God.” She put the laptop aside and reached for one. He pulled back.

      “I thought you were going to fight me for one.”

      She looked confused.

      “Of course, if we were on a first-name basis, I’d happily share. Especially if someone had been willing to get up before dawn and help out a neighbor.”

      Mia was embarrassed by her actions. Yesterday after Jarrett had left, Nola had returned and told her how he’d stayed at the hospital and called everyone with any news. She was even more ashamed when she learned that he’d bought the paint for her bedroom.

      “It does seem to be one-sided, doesn’t it? I apologize. You have helped me so much. I don’t know how I would have made it to the hospital without you.”

      “Did I say I minded helping you? I just don’t want to keep being treated like the enemy here. I can’t change things that happened in the past.”

      “I know. I’m sorry, Jarrett.”

      He smiled. “What did you say?”

      She sighed. He wasn’t going to make this easy. “Would you be my friend, Jarrett?”

      “You just want my donuts.”

      She nodded. “And you’d be wise not to get between a pregnant woman and those donuts.”

      He put the box down and her mouth watered as she eyed the selections. “There are so many to choose from.” She rubbed her stomach, feeling the baby kicking her.

      He sat at the end of the bed. “Are you all right?” he asked as he nodded to her stomach.

      “Yeah, he’s just active and hungry.”

      “Does he move around like that all the time?”

      “Well, the baby’s bigger now, so I feel it more.”

      He handed her juice. “Here’s something to wash down your donut.”

      “Thank you.” She motioned to the box. “Aren’t you going to have one, too?”

      “Sure, but ladies first.”

      “Wise choice.” She couldn’t help but smile as she bit into the jelly-filled treat. “Mmm, it’s so good.”

      “You might not be able to have caffeine, but you’re definitely getting a sugar rush.”

      Mia watched Jarrett finish off a glazed donut in record time. He looked good even with his finger-combed hair and wrinkled clothes. There were just some men who couldn’t look bad. He was one of them.

      “I should let you rest.” He stood, but his gaze never left hers. “Is there anything you need me to do before I go?”

      She hesitated to ask him anything else.

      “Come on, Mia. What is it?”

      “I can wait for Nola.”

      “What for?”

      “I need to take a shower, but the doctor said someone should be close by.” She waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it, Nola’s coming in a few hours.”

      He swallowed. “How close by?”

      “Just in the apartment. In case something happens there’ll be someone to help me.”

      He stood there for what seemed like forever, and then he said, “Sure, what are friends for?”

      Once Jarrett heard the shower go on, he took out his cell phone and began to check his messages. He had to get some things done today. One was to stop by the office for a few hours and check in with his agents.

      Over the last couple of days, between the repairs here and keeping watch on one pregnant lady, he’d neglected his other business.

      He was surprised at the next message. It was from Carrie Johnston. He smiled. The pretty blonde from Glenwood Springs he’d met at the real estate conference in Denver last summer had left him another suggestive message. She wanted to see him.

      Jarrett should feel a little more excited. During their time together, the two had definitely set off sparks. So why wasn’t he more interested in her invitation?

      When it came to women, he’d always loved having variety in his life. So why suddenly did it seem too much trouble to make the effort? Maybe thirty-seven was too old to keep playing games.

      He thought about what Mia had said, You look it.

      He wasn’t that old. Wasn’t he considered in his prime? Okay, so most men were married by now, like his younger brother. Trace had found Kira years ago. And it had been love at first sight.

      Jarrett didn’t believe in that. He wasn’t sure he believed in love at all.

      Suddenly the bathroom door opened and Mia stepped out. She was dressed in her black stretch pants and a soft-pink sweater. Her dark hair lay against her shoulders in waves. Those big blue eyes looked at him and it became difficult to breathe. Damn. What was wrong with him? This woman came with far too many complications.

      “Well, since you’re finished, I’ll go.”

      “Of course.” She sat down on the sofa. “I appreciate you helping me. Thank you, Jarrett.”

      “Just do what the doctor told you and stay in bed. He pulled out his wallet and handed her his business card. “If you need anything.”

      She nodded.

      “I mean it. Don’t be stubborn about asking for help.” He found he wanted to be the one she called.

      The snow had been coming down like a holiday greeting card, but by the next afternoon, Mia was getting cabin fever.

      She СКАЧАТЬ