Bearly Christmas

by Becca Fanning

  Rock swallowed hard. “Gemma, this sounds crazy,” he said. “But I’m Arthur’s father.”

  Gemma’s jaw dropped. “What?” The word came out softly.

  Rock nodded. “It’s true,” he said. “Haven’t you ever wondered why he doesn’t really look that much like you? Or about his eyes? Or about his immense strength and size for a two-year-old?”

  Gemma felt like someone had punched her in the gut. She nodded. “Yeah, but-“

  Rock shook his head. “No, let me finish, please,” he replied. “Gemma, I’m a bear shifter.” When she didn’t react, Rock kept going. “My clan – the other bear shifters and I – were contacted by Speculon Labs for a research project. They wanted us to donate sperm. It was stored at Speculon, and somehow there was a mix-up…..I fathered a child. And it was Arthur. We were contacted by a lawyer last week, and I’ve been searching for you and Arthur ever since.”

  Gemma stared. A million thoughts were running through her head. “Is that why you came to the party?”

  Rock nodded. He gave her a sheepish smile and Gemma felt some of her resistance melting away. “I had to see you and my son,” he said in a deep voice. “I had to. It was like…well, I can’t explain it, but it felt like a need,” Rock finished. “Do you understand?”

  Gemma wasn’t sure that she did, but she nodded anyway.

  “The other guys, I mean the other bear shifters, well, they’re my family. We always looked out for each other,” Rock said gruffly. “But now I’m thinking that I’m going to have to leave them.”

  Gemma frowned. “Why?”

  Rock laughed again. “Because I found my mate,” he said softly, reaching out for Gemma’s hand. There was a small, electric thrill that ran up Gemma’s spine when Rock touched her, more powerful than before. Suddenly, she understood.

  “Are you kidding me?” Gemma wanted to believe Rock’s words more than anything, but suddenly she was afraid. She’d spent her whole life alone, and she couldn’t handle the disappointment if Rock wanted to walk away. After all, it wasn’t very likely that her soulmate would literally stumble into her backyard.

  “No,” Rock said. “I’m very serious.” He paused. “I never thought I wanted to become a father, but as soon as I found out about you and Arthur, I knew I had to be with you,” he said slowly. “I want to be with you, Gemma.” He waved a hand in the air. “I had my fun in the past, but you’re my future. You and Arthur.”

  Tears formed in Gemma’s eyes and she wiped them away hastily. “I want you, too,” she said softly. “I’m so sorry I ignored you before….I, I thought I was doing the right thing.”

  Rock stood up and walked over to Gemma, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. As he nuzzled her ear, Gemma felt a sexual and emotional thrill shoot through her body.

  “Now that I have you,” Rock whispered softly. “I’m never letting you go, ever again.”

  Gemma’s heart warmed and she snuggled closer against his muscular body. “This is what I’ve always wanted,” she said. “You. A family. A real family.”

  Rock kissed the top of her head, sending a rush of pleasure through Gemma’s body. “I feel exactly the same way,” he said, squeezing her close.

  Gemma knew that somehow, despite all odds, she’d managed to finally find her happy ending. She closed her eyes as Rock’s lips met hers, kissing her in a way that made her feel safe, loved, and warm. She knew that for the rest of her life, they’d be together. My happy ending, she thought as another tear ran down her cheek. Finally.

  Jackson

  Secret Baby Bears III

  by

  Becca Fanning

  Prologue

  “What about me?” Jackson narrowed his golden eyes at the elderly lawyer. “Am I a father, too?”

  Partridge turned to face him. “You are indeed, young man,” he replied. “Now, before this gets too out of hand, Dodson University has promised a stipend to be divided amongst you, as reparations for your troubles. They’ve assumed that you wouldn’t want anything to do with the child’s life, and part of accepting the stipend means signing a document saying that you will not go looking for your children. This is very important, do you understand?”

  “Fuck that,” Jackson said. He sneered at the lawyer. “If I’m a father, I want to be involved in my kid’s life.” He glanced around at the other guys. “And I have a feeling that the others are with me.”

  “Definitely,” Rust and Clay said in unison. After a brief moment, Alec nodded, too.

  “Me too,” Rock said. He closed his eyes and leaned against the back of his chair. “I can’t know that I have a kid and not do anything about it.”

  Partridge looked nervous. “Sirs, you’ll have to excuse my reticence,” he said. “Dodson University and Speculon Labs weren’t exactly expecting this response from you.”

  “Why, do they think we’re a bunch of deadbeats?” Alec frowned.

  “No,” Partridge replied automatically. “But you did sign a document, waiving all rights to the sperm once you donated it.”

  “I don’t give a shit what I signed,” Jackson growled. “If I had a kid, I’m gonna be in their life. Understood?”

  Chapter One

  “Lisa! Are you ready to go yet?” Olivia Hendricks struggled to maintain her grip on her son, Max, as she hopped around in one shoe. She was standing in the foyer of the townhouse that she and Max shared with Olivia’s friend Lisa. The two of them had been roommates back in college, and living together again had really lifted Olivia’s spirits over the last few months.

  As she waited, Olivia glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Despite spending over an hour getting ready for Kate’s wedding, she still felt like she looked the same as she did every other day: frazzled, too casual, and always looking like she’d just gotten caught in a rainstorm.

  “You look great,” Lisa said with a smirk. She floated into the hallway and Olivia gasped.

  “That is so not fair,” Olivia said, rolling her eyes. “We have the same dress. How come it looks so much better on you?”

  Lisa laughed. “It totally doesn’t,” she said, leaning in to look at her own reflection. Olivia watched as Lisa pouted and primped in front of the mirror. Kate had chosen blush pink strapless tulle gowns for the bridesmaids, and it was the most expensive dress Olivia had ever owned. She hadn’t exactly been thrilled at the choice, but Kate had always had perfect taste, and Olivia knew that the wedding would be beautiful.

  “And what about you, big guy?” Lisa cooed, leaning in to look at Max. He made a grumpy face, then turned and hid his face in Olivia’s neck. Lisa laughed.

  “He’s mad about having to wear this little tux,” Olivia said, straightening the diminutive jacket on her son. Max wriggled and twisted in her arms and Olivia groaned. “You are getting so heavy!” She said in a soft voice as she looked into Max’s golden-brown eyes.

  Max giggled. “Heavy,” he repeated, flailing his arms in the air.

  Olivia rolled her eyes. “Settle down,” she cooed into his ear. “Okay,” she said to Lisa. “Time to go. Finally.”

  In the car, Olivia strapped Max into his car seat, noting that the straps strained against his chest. “You’re getting so big,” she repeated in amazement. “You were supposed to fit in this until you turned five!”

  “Kids grow like weeds,” Lisa called from the front seat. “You know that, they always lie about how big they really get.”

  Olivia wrinkled her brow. “I don’t know,” she muttered. “He seems…..just too large, you know? I mean, I was a small baby, and I think Derek was a small baby, too.”

  “Olivia,” Lisa said in a warning tone. “You know we made a pact, no talking about Derek today.”

  Olivia blushed. “I know,” she mumbled. “Sorry.” She finished strapping Max into his car seat and slid into the passenger side. The day was humid and muggy, and Olivia was already anxious for the wedding to be over. Besides, it was hard not to think about Derek – he was a groomsman, after all. />
  “I just wish he would leave me alone,” Olivia added after a few seconds. “I mean, he’s been calling me nonstop lately.” She let out a long sigh. “I wish he’d take the hint and drop off the face of the earth.”

  Lisa frowned. “But don’t you miss him?”

  Olivia sighed. “I’m still hurt over what he did,” she said softly. “But he hurt me too much, I couldn’t take him back. Not after I found out he was sleeping with that stupid slut he works with.”

  Lisa frowned. “He always seemed like a good guy to me.”

  “Good guys don’t cheat on their fiancées, especially not with a toddler at home,” Olivia snapped. She blushed hotly. “I’m sorry,” she added. “I didn’t mean to be such a bitch. He’s just such a jerk, and I feel like I let him get off easy. I never told anyone he cheated, aside from you.”

  Lisa pursed her lips. “Yeah, and he really tried to make himself look good. He’s been doing nothing but posting stupid things on Facebook about how brokenhearted he is.”

  Olivia slunk down low in the seat. “I bet,” she muttered. “And everyone falls for it, too. Because he’s that kind of guy.”

  Lisa eyed her sympathetically. “I could talk to him, if you want,” she offered. “I mean, at the wedding. Would that help?”

  Olivia shook her head. “Don’t,” she said. “I mean, unless you have to,” she added. “But don’t say anything about me. I don’t even want him to know that I’m thinking about him.”

  I wish Kate and Ben hated Derek, Olivia thought glumly. Maybe I should have told them the real reason we broke up. Just thinking about it made her shudder. Derek and Olivia had been high-school sweethearts. She’d thought that he was the love of her life, the only man that she was supposed to be with. But I guess I was wrong, a small voice inside her head chimed in. He didn’t want me at all. He couldn’t have wanted me that much, not after all the cheating.

  Olivia shifted in her seat, feeling discomforted. She hated thinking about the breakup – it had only been three months, and her left ring finger still felt too light without the ring – but it had been on her mind a lot lately. It seemed that some days, she could only remember the good. It was so much easier to remember Derek as the boy in high school who had brought her flowers when her cat died, or as the guy who taught her how to change the oil in her car.

  It wasn’t as much fun to think of Derek as the guy who stayed out all night cheating on his fiancée. Olivia shook her head. She knew that Derek was firmly in her past, but she wished that her heart would get the message.

  “I think I just hate being single,” Olivia mused out loud. She traced a pattern on the window with her fingertips. “I mean, it’s hard.” She wrinkled her nose. “It’s not that I miss Derek, exactly, but I can’t help but wish that I had someone around.”

  Lisa laughed. “So get a boyfriend,” she said. “It’s like the easiest thing in the world. You’re gorgeous, it wouldn’t exactly be difficult for you.”

  Olivia rolled her eyes. “You forget that I’m a single mom,” she said slowly. “Those words are like an instant deal breaker for ninety-nine percent of guys. And the other one percent…” She trailed off and wrinkled her nose. “They just seem desperate, or they have kids themselves.”

  “So a guy having a kid would be a turn-off for you?”

  Olivia blushed. “I mean, yeah, kind of. Being a mom to Max is hard enough. I’m not sure that I want any more kids, either. I love Max more than anything, I feel like if I had more children, I wouldn’t be able to give him as much attention.”

  Lisa laughed. “You’re too indulgent,” she said. “I’m sure you’d love your other kids just as much,” she added. “I mean, especially if they’re as cute as Max.”

  Olivia craned her neck and gazed at her sleeping son. He always looked so peaceful in the car – his thick brown hair was ruffling slightly in the breeze and even though he stayed inside most of the day, his skin had a rosy cast to it.

  “He’s perfect,” Olivia said with a happy sigh as Lisa pulled into the church parking lot. “Now if only the rest of the day would be as well.”

  The ceremony was beautiful. Olivia, Lisa, and two other pink-clad bridesmaids clutched their peony bouquets and watched as Kate and Ben said their custom-written vows. Olivia loved weddings; she thought they were always so romantic and fun. And even though she felt lonely about not having a date, she was still enjoying herself. That is, until Derek caught sight of her and tried to wink at her during the ceremony.

  At least they didn’t pair me with him, Olivia thought gratefully. Kate had paired all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen according to height, and luckily she had wound up at the front and Derek had been at the back of the group. As the recessional hymn started, Olivia took a deep breath and led the rest of the bridesmaids out of the church.

  Olivia handed Max to Kate’s mother during the photos. She could barely stay focused as the wedding photographer instructed her and the other bridesmaids to jump, smile, and swan around behind Kate. The groomsmen were posed just a few feet away, and Olivia felt a burning sensation in her chest every time she caught Derek staring at her. This was the most time she’d spent around him since she’d kicked him out of the house, and she was worried that somehow, she’d lose her resolve.

  “Ladies, that’s a wrap!” The photographer called with a smile. “You were all wonderful.”

  Kate linked her arm through Olivia’s as they walked towards the big barn where the reception was being held. It was decorated with twinkly, fairy-like lights and lots of flowers. Olivia closed her eyes and inhaled gratefully.

  “This is the most beautiful reception I’ve ever seen,” she said to Kate in amazement. “How did you plan all of this yourself?”

  Kate shrugged. “It wasn’t easy,” she said. “Ben was so not into planning. But he approved of everything I picked, so…” she trailed off and shrugged. “It’s worth it, though,” she added in a confidential tone. “I mean, look at this place!”

  As Olivia reunited with Max and picked him up, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d ever be as lucky as Kate had been. Kate and Ben were so obviously perfect for each other, in a way that she and Derek had never been. They’d all been friends in high school, and Kate and Ben had dated for almost ten years before they’d gotten engaged. They’d always had seemingly everything in common, and Olivia had never even seen them argue.

  As the couple opened the reception with a first dance, Olivia had to blink back tears. Kate looked so stunning in her dress, and Ben was so handsome. She hugged Max close to her torso and began to slowly waltz around in a circle, singing under her breath to her son.

  “Mommy,” Max said into Olivia’s neck. “Mommy, look!”

  Olivia blushed and opened her eyes just in time to see a burly man standing at the edge of the crowd. If Max hadn’t spoken, she would have crashed right into him. Olivia stumbled in her heels and almost fell, but the man reached down and grabbed her by the elbow just in time.

  “You maybe shouldn’t be on the dance floor,” the stranger teased. He had stunning golden-brown eyes and a gorgeous, chiseled face with just the faintest hint of scruff. “I mean, maybe you should be over there, instead,” he added, pointing towards a circle of overstuffed couches where the elderly guests were currently relaxing. “That looks pretty soft, you wouldn’t able to hurt yourself there.”

  Olivia’s blush turned bright red and she shifted Max from one hip to the other. “I’m fine,” she said softly. “Mostly just embarrassed.”

  The stranger laughed and looked down at her shoes. “I’m pretty sure you get a pass because of those crazy things,” he said, shaking his head with an amused gleam in his eye. “I can’t believe she made her bridesmaids wear those shoes.”

  Olivia glanced down at the silvery shoes strapped to her feet. She winced. “They’re pretty, at least,” she said. “You should have seen the shoes I had to wear at the last wedding I went to,” Olivia added. She rolled her eyes. “They were absolutely i
ntolerable. I think the bride wanted to make all of her bridesmaids hobble around on purpose.”