Daddy by Christmas by Patricia Thayer Page A

Preston Saunders, Junior. That’s the name Brad and Karen chose. I’m going to call him BJ.”
    Nola smiled. “It’s perfect.”
    She felt Jarrett’s presence behind her. It seemed so natural for him to be there. Too natural.
    â€œI think these two need some rest,” Jarrett told everyone.
    Normally, Mia wouldn’t like him making decisions for her, but she was tired. “Maybe you can come up later.”
    â€œOf course, but you need to rest now,” Nola added. “If you need someone to watch this little guy, I’m available.”
    Jarrett picked up the carrier and placed a hand on her elbow as they made their way to the elevator. She was glad she didn’t have to climb the stairs. They stepped into the small paneled compartment. He punched the second floor button and the doors closed.
    â€œThis is nice,” she said.
    He frowned. “What, the elevator?”
    She nodded. “You have to remember it’s been a while since we’ve been able to ride upstairs.”
    The doors opened and Jarrett motioned for her to step out first. “Well, only one’s working,” he said. “The other has multiple problems. I’m going to have to mortgage my home just to fix it.”
    â€œYou’re kidding?”
    He suddenly grinned and her heart tripped.
    â€œAlmost. These old parts aren’t easy to find. But all I need to do is make sure it runs for the next few months.”
    They reached her apartment and she unlocked the door. Once inside, she tried to take the baby, but Jarrett had already walked into the other room. Her bedroom.
    She went after him, knowing it would be best to end this…dependency. She had to do this on her own. No distractions. And Jarrett McKane was definitely a distraction.
    â€œI can handle it from here.” Besides she wanted time with her son. Alone.
    He set the carrier on the bed and stepped away. “I just didn’t want you to lift anything yet.” He shrugged. “You just got out of the hospital.”
    â€œThe baby isn’t heavy. Besides, I need to get used to carrying him.” She worked to unfasten the straps and he began to stir, then made a little whimpering sound. She lifted him into her arms, feeling the tiny body root against her shoulder. If Jarrett would just leave.
    Even though they had shared the birth, she had to draw a line at having an audience while breast-feeding.
    â€œNot a problem.”
    â€œI’m sure you have plenty to do. And I need to feed him.”
    He looked embarrassed as he quickly glanced at hiswatch. “Sure, I have a meeting anyway.” He started out and stopped. “If you need anything…”
    â€œI know, you’re across the hall,” she echoed, knowing how easy it would be to depend on him. To care more and more for this man. But she had to stand on her own and raise her son. “Jarrett, I could never begin to thank you for everything you’ve done.”
    â€œHey, what good are landlords if they can’t step in as labor coaches?” He glanced at the baby. “Be good to your mom, hot rod.” He turned and walked out.
    Mia heard the door shut and it sounded so final. But it had to be. She couldn’t get involved with Jarrett McKane.
    She laid BJ down on the changing table. Startled, the baby blinked open his eyes and looked at her. Something stirred in her chest as his rich blue gaze stared back at her.
    â€œHey, little guy,” she whispered, almost afraid he would start crying. Instead, he stilled at the sound of her voice. Her throat tightened. “Welcome home, son.” She swallowed, knowing there could be only one man in her life.
    â€œLooks like it’s just you and me now.”

CHAPTER EIGHT
    A FEW nights later, Jarrett got off the elevator on the second floor after a friendly poker game with Joe and friends in the community room.
    Friendly, hah. They were card sharks. All of ’em. They