Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée by Sara Orwig Page A

replied lightly.
    â€œBefore I go, there’s one more thing. It’s important and before you give me an answer, take a few days to think about it. I expect you to refuse my request, but give it consideration.” The minute the words were spoken, she stiffened and he could feel an invisible barrier rising between them. Her frostiness returned, along with a wary look in her eyes.
    â€œWhat’s that, Nick? What else do you want of me?”
    â€œMy dad would like Michael to legally have the Rafford name,” Nick stated.
    She locked her fingers together in her lap. “He doesn’t waste time. No. That would basically give Michael to your family.”
    â€œNo, it won’t. Just a legal last-name change. The name does not put him in my family and Dad knows that. Think about this request before you decide. I can see the refusal in your expression. Consider what I’m telling you. Dad will set up a trust for Michael. Right now, he will open an account that you can use for him. This would help you out with the baby and pay for his college. No giant fortune, just a reasonable sum to see that he’s educated.”
    â€œStop, Nick,” she ordered, looking into his dark eyes. “I don’t want Rafford money. I don’t really need it. I’m notchanging the baby’s name from Vaughan, Alicia’s name. You’re on a futile mission and wasting your breath. Neither threats nor bribes will win me over.”
    â€œI’m not going to threaten you with anything,” he said, smiling at her and causing her slight frown to vanish. “Look, why deny Michael the benefit of this? Michael is a Rafford—why not let him have the name?”
    â€œThe Vaughan name is a tie to his mother.”
    â€œDo you really want to take this away from Michael?”
    â€œI don’t think I’m taking anything from him,” she argued. “I’ll take care of Michael, send him to college, and I don’t need your father’s money.”
    â€œMy father is a generous man,” Nick said quietly, wondering if she had any concept of the fortune she was refusing. It was an effort to hold on to his patience. Who turned down money and a deal like the one his dad was offering? “We’re not talking small change here,” he couldn’t resist tossing out.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter,” she said. “I won’t do this. He wants Michael to be a Rafford. Next thing, he would want Michael to stay with him. He can hire nannies easily. Then he’d want to keep Michael and move me into his mansion, unless he tries to just get rid of me.”
    â€œYou’re jumping to conclusions.”
    â€œNo, I’m not,” she stated. “Your dad is after my baby. End of discussion, Nick. We won’t argue through Christmas Eve over this issue, will we?”
    â€œNo,” he said, wondering if he could keep his word on that one. “I’ll tell Dad your answer. He’ll have to abandon the idea for now.”
    â€œFor now and forever.” She stood and he came to his feet. He had achieved an important part of his quest. He would get to spend Christmas Eve and morning with her. The prospect pleased him and he intended to use the time to winher friendship. In the meantime, he’d have to deal with his father’s disappointment. Not that his father would relent in his pursuit of the name change.
    Â 
    Nick postponed telling his dad until the next day. His father’s anger worried Nick because it couldn’t be good for his heart. He had to think of some way to convince Grace to agree.
    Michael Rafford. How simple it would be, yet Grace had been adamant. Nick raked his fingers through his hair, mulling over ideas, finally beginning to settle on one that he had originally rejected instantly.
    Three nights later in the club dining room with one of his close friends, Nick mentioned his plan. Jake Benton’s jaw dropped and he stared