Baby on the Bad Boy's Doorstep (Shadow Creek, Montana)

by Victoria James

  He hung up and sat down on the couch, moving the baby off his shoulder and cradling her head while resting her bottom on his knees. They stared at each other again. He found himself remarkably calm considering he just found out he was a father. Also, that his child’s mother had dumped her. Right now, he needed to make this baby not cry, then he could worry about her hating him. He took her little hand in his. She stopped crying again, but was hiccupping as she stared at him. His heart squeezed at the sight. She was looking at him as though he might have the answer, like he might be able to help her. Her little pink mouth kept opening and closing, and she reminded him of a little bird. Hell, it was humbling to know that he had no answers. He didn’t even have food for her.

  She took a shuddering breath, let out a hiccup, a gurgle, and then fixed her gaze on him again. He felt compelled to say something. The right words didn’t come. But he supposed any words were better than no words. Maybe she needed someone to tell her that it was going to be okay. “Hi. So, uh, food is coming. I bet you’re hungry. I also have people who know what to do with little people like you, so don’t worry.”

  They stared at each other and it was so weird. He didn’t know babies. He knew Jack and his family were all about babies, but he usually kept his distance from the under twenty crowd at the Sunday night dinners. He really wanted to think she wasn’t his, because that would be easier. And he wasn’t sure he knew how she was his, but…he felt it. Somehow.

  He didn’t know how long he and the baby sat there, but the sound of car tires crunching over snow indicated that Jack had arrived. He stood, holding the baby close, and opened the door. Ah, hell. The entire Bailey clan was here. Three cars. These people were like pack animals.

  “Holy crap, why are you holding a baby?”

  “Seriously? You had to call everyone?” he asked as Jack approached. Thankfully the guy was carrying a bunch of stuff.

  “Sorry,” he said sheepishly as he took off his boots, a car seat thing and large bags beside the door. “Chase and Julia were at my parents. Luckily we were able to hide it from my parents.”

  He frowned when he saw Luke, Gwen, and Haley walking up the drive. More like running, really. “What about your sister, Luke, and Haley?”

  He shrugged. “Lily called Gwen.”

  “Omigod, who is this adorable baby?” Lily said as she entered the house.

  He glanced over at Jack and Lily who were now in front of him. Jack was his best friend in the world. He was the reason he was even in Shadow Creek. He knew Jack and Lily wouldn’t judge him, even though he’d judged Jack when he first met him on the oil rig. But when Jack, in a drunken mess, had told him why he’d left home, he’d been shaken. It was a pretty damn sad story and a good wake up call for him, who thought rich people had it all so easy. Jack’s twin and nephew had died in a car accident and the guy couldn’t deal and took off, ditching Lily. He’d thought that had been bad. But he’d never forget the day he had to pick his friend up off the floor and drag him off the rig; the day he’d learned Lily had lost their baby. After that day, the bond they shared had kind of become forged in steel and they considered each other family.

  “You remember Tess?”

  Jack gave a terse nod. “Unfortunately, yes.”

  Connor cleared his throat, before forcing the words out. “Looks like we had a baby.”

  Jack swore under his breath. “Are you sure it’s yours? You didn’t know? When did she get here?”

  Shame rode through him hard, but he knew he didn’t have to hide with Jack. Though he did have a hard time getting the words past the lump in his throat. “She was just out there. On the ground.”

  Lily gasped. “The poor thing,” she whispered.

  He blinked, moisture flooding his eyes as he stared at the little baby in his arms. God, he was a screwup. A child. His child. Left on the doorstep in the middle of winter. If he hadn’t answered the door or hadn’t come home… Acid rose in his throat and he hung his head as Jack let out another string of curses. “I know.”

  Jack motioned for the baby and he handed her over. His friend took over like an expert. “It’s going to be okay, man. She’s better off with you. We’ll help you out. C’mon. You know I owe you one.”

  He drew a shaky breath as everyone filed into his house. He knew Jack’s family were what he needed, what the baby needed.

  “Okay, everyone,” Jack said, handing the baby to Lily who took her with a smile. “I’ll bring you all up to speed. Connor found this baby on his doorstep. He’s positive she’s his. His ex is a wreck and doesn’t want the baby. Sadly, this leaves Connor as this baby’s only hope.”

  Holy hell.

  …

  Haley’s mouth dropped open as gasps and whispers filled the entryway.

  “Where’s her mother?” Chase asked with a deep frown of worry.

  Connor cleared his throat and shifted one foot to the other. “She took off. We’ve been broken up for almost a year. I had no idea she was even pregnant. She was laying on the doorstep…the baby and a note were sitting on the porch.”

  Chase swore under his breath and his wife, Julia, nudged him. “Does she have a birth certificate?”

  Connor gave a terse nod.

  “Do you have the note?” Chase asked.

  Chase swore softly as he read the note and the birth certificate and folded it up, handing it back to him. “Get a paternity test. You’re going to need one, especially when it comes time to getting custody. Get a lawyer, too.”

  Connor cleared his throat. “I know. I will. But I know she’s mine.”

  “You don’t know that for sure. You could be one of many, and she knows you’re the reliable type,” Jack said.

  “She’s mine,” he said again, his voice like steel, his gaze unwavering.

  Jack held up his hands. “All right, easy there, Papa Bear.”

  He scowled at him. “Thanks.”

  Lily frowned at Jack. “How old is she, Connor? What is the name on the birth certificate?”

  “One month,” he said, with a slight frown, looking down at the baby.

  “What’s her name?” Julia asked.

  He cleared his throat. “Tess. But I’m going to change that. I don’t want that to be her name. I’d like to name her after my mother, Rosie.”

  Haley’s throat constricted at the embarrassment in his voice, the discomfort in his face. “That’s a beautiful name,” Lily said with a reassuring, motherly smile as she patted his shoulder. “Now, don’t you worry about a thing, Connor. We will help you and this adorable little blessing. Anything you need, we are here for you.”

  Everyone echoed her sentiment and sprang into action.

  “She’s so cute,” Haley whispered as Lily turned Rosie so everyone could see. That familiar ache in her heart and womb began as she looked at the adorable infant. How strange life was. So many babies no one wanted, and so many parents desperate for a baby. She refocused her thoughts. This wasn’t about her and her own issues. This was about Connor and this baby.

  Everyone surrounded the baby, whispering their agreement.

  “I’ll get some diapers and see what clothes we have here,” Lily said, opening one of the bags.

  “I have the diapers and wipes in this bag,” Julia said, helping organize things. Haley kept staring at the baby, dying to hold her. That would look weird. She was looking weird. She forced herself to focus, and she and Gwen helped find clothes for baby Rosie.

  Luke stepped forward. “If you want to bring her into the hospital the day after tomorrow, I’m working. I can give her an exam and get her weight and measurements, and recommend a pediatrician. I’m going to have to do it on the down-low since you’re not her legal guardian. I’ll text you when my shift is over, come to my office. I can have a quick look at her now, just to make sure there’s nothing serious. I’ll get my doctor’s bag from the car.”

  Connor nodded, his gaze appreciative. “Thank you.”

  Haley watched from the sidelines. This was insan
e to even think about. Connor ran a hand through his hair. “Thanks. I don’t even know where to start.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll help you. Anything you need,” Gwen said. “You’re going to have to get help, though. Like a babysitter or a nanny. There’s no way you’ll be able to work and take care of a newborn.”

  “A nanny,” he said, staring at the baby as he ran a hand through his hair. “I haven’t even thought that far ahead. Man, before today I’ve never even picked up a baby or changed a diaper or anything.”

  Haley’s heart started pounding. She was a first-grade teacher. Last year when she’d left her old life and her disastrous marriage behind, she’d also been forced to leave her career. She wouldn’t have to leave for Chicago until August, months away.

  She could do this. She loved babies, so much more than she ever let on. She had nothing going on right now. In fact, her life was so pathetic, she was living with her brother and sister-in-law because she couldn’t afford her own place. They were newlyweds, too. This would be perfect.

  Luke came back in and everyone stepped aside as he undressed the baby and started a quick examination.

  She stared at Connor for a few seconds, knowing what she was going to suggest would sound crazy. She knew he didn’t really like her. She knew…very little about him. But she did know that he looked like a man with a past, a lot of secrets, a lot of trouble; she understood that. She understood what it was like to be an outsider. She also understood that if she wanted to move forward, to bury her past, she was going to have to be the one to do it. No one would do it for her. This job would give her a head start on saving money, on being able to move out of Luke and Gwen’s.

  As everyone fussed over the baby, formula and bottles, diapers and clothes were being dispersed. As advice, conversation, and laughs floated around, she stood next to Connor who looked like an outsider in his own life.

  “Connor,” she whispered.

  He turned to her and her mouth went dry. Oh boy, he was magnificent up close. She was either going to make the best or worst decision of her life, because Connor wasn’t going to be a man she’d be able to ignore. And that little baby certainly wouldn’t be one she’d be able to say goodbye to easily. She forced herself to concentrate.

  She cleared her throat. “I’ll do it. I’ll be her nanny.”

  Chapter Two

  “I think you’re rushing into this. Be pissed off at me all you want, but it’s the truth. What do you know about this guy?”

  Haley jammed a bunch of sweaters into her overnight bag and tried to remember her brother was speaking out of worry for her. Gwen climbed across the bed and helped her zip up the bag that was ready to explode.

  “We know enough, Luke. If my brother vouches for Connor, then we don’t have to worry.”

  Haley smiled at Gwen with gratitude. She really lucked out with her as a sister-in-law. They had hit it off right away and she considered Gwen her best friend now. They also both adored teasing Luke, so it worked out well.

  “He’s fine for your brother, but that doesn’t mean he’s fine for Haley.”

  Gwen sighed and climbed off the bed and crossed the room. She placed a hand on Luke’s chest and patted it. “Haley will be fine.”

  Haley smiled as she grabbed her bag off the bed. Luke kissed the top of Gwen’s head. They were a pretty adorable couple, and Luke would do anything for Gwen. It was good to see him happy again. Haley and Luke had been through a lot growing up together, but their lives had gotten even harder as adults. For a while she didn’t know if either of them would ever get back on track. When she arrived in Shadow Creek she’d been on the run from David—a failed marriage the least of her worries. Sometimes she looked back and wondered how she could have ever been so stupid, how she could have ignored all the warning signs in her spouse. Hindsight was twenty-twenty for sure, but still. She could have gotten out sooner, before she’d gone so low.

  Luke and Gwen and the rest of the Baileys had been her lifeline. They’d spoiled and coddled and cherished her, reminding her that there were good people still out there.

  “Luke, I know you’re worried, but this is exactly what I need. I hate feeling useless. My teaching position doesn’t start until September. That’s ten months away. What am I going to do for money?”

  “I told you that you can stay here as long as you want.”

  “I know that, but you guys are practically newlyweds. You don’t need me hanging around here all the time,” she said, grabbing her purse from the dresser.

  “Don’t be doing this because of us,” Luke said.

  Haley sighed and looked up at her older brother. She adored Luke. She knew he blamed himself for not protecting her and being around during her marriage. She didn’t blame him a bit for her mistakes. She was an adult and she made some bad choices—that was on her. “I’m not. I’m doing it because I genuinely want to help Connor.” She caught the mischievous glint and smile on Gwen’s face and tried to ignore the tiny little hint of giddiness bubbling inside of her at the thought of Connor. She was so not going there, though. He, or any guy, was the last thing she needed. She looked back at her brother who was scowling.

  “Connor is an adult and—”

  She held up her hand and interrupted him. “Yes, and he’s paying me. I’m not volunteering. That little baby needs help, and how is he supposed to care for her and go to work? It’s actually perfect timing.”

  “Don’t get attached to that baby,” he said roughly. The concern in his voice made her throat ache, because she knew why he was saying it. She wasn’t going to think about that now.

  She swung her purse over her shoulder and picked up her bag. “It’s a job. I’m helping a friend. That’s it.”

  The knock at the door sent her pulse racing, because she knew who was on the other side. Ever since the first night she met Connor that whole pulse-racing-at-the-thought-of-him thing happened. She smiled, and Gwen did a little mini-clap and squeal while Luke shot her a look. Her brother was the first one to reach the door.

  Connor was standing there holding the carrier, little Rosie snuggled inside. Of course, normally just the sight of this man kind of got all her insides in a knot, but now with a baby attached to him, she was even more of a jumbled mess. He looked tough and vulnerable; a very appealing combination because it made him more approachable. “Hi,” she said.

  “Hi. I, uh, didn’t know if I should leave her in the car so I brought her up here,” he said, lifting up the carrier like it weighed nothing.

  That was adorable. She glanced over at Gwen, and judging by her bemused expression she thought the same thing. She tried not to choke as she spotted her brother rolling his eyes.

  “I don’t think you have to worry about her driving away yet,” Luke said. Haley kicked him and then stepped outside.

  “So don’t worry about me,” she said, turning to face her brother and Gwen. “I’ll text you once I’m settled. But it might not be tonight because we’ve got to do a Walmart run for baby supplies. See you!” she said, tugging on Connor’s coat. She needed to get away from her brother before he got even more insulting.

  “Have fun shopping!” Gwen called out.

  She watched Connor clip the carrier in and she was impressed when she saw him thoughtfully double-check that the baby was clicked in securely in the backseat. Once they were settled in Connor’s truck, the enormity of what she’d agreed to hit her. Since when would she agree to go and live with a man she barely knew? There was something about him though—despite the tattoos, the rough appearance, the gruff manner, that made her feel safe. He made her feel safe. Like she knew he was one of the good guys—but then again, she didn’t really trust her instincts anymore. Look where they’d gotten her in the past.

  “Listen, I really want to thank you for helping me out,” Connor said as he pulled out of the driveway. “I know we don’t know each other, and I have no idea what I’m doing, but I figure we can wing it tonight and tomorrow and figure out how it’ll all work
out.”

  It was dark out and she could barely make out his profile, even though she had already memorized it. He had the type of face that was hard to forget. His hair was black and short. He had a strong, square jaw and eyes the darkest blue she’d ever seen. His lashes were black as well, and incredibly thick. Even though he seemed so unapproachable he had a smile that could melt any heart—including hers.

  “It’s my pleasure. I love kids, and you need help and I need a job so, this kind of worked out well…not that having a baby abandoned on your doorstep is a something fun or wonderful. I just meant that…” Her voice trailed off as she thought about what he must be feeling. The man had found out he was a father. He hadn’t even batted an eye when it was suggested she might not be his. It was like he claimed his responsibilities without a thought. She admired that.

  “Well, I’ll get this sorted out.” They drove in silence for the next ten minutes and Haley used the silence to go over the list of supplies that she had made with Lily and Julia on her phone.

  Connor pulled into the almost vacant Walmart and parked his truck near the entrance. He turned off the ignition and turned to her. He stared at her in the quiet car, his face illuminated by the parking lot lights. Her breath caught in her throat at the intensity in his eyes, the hardness in his features.

  “It’s going to be fine, Connor. You’re already doing a great job. You’re giving her a home, clothing, food. You’ll figure it out along the way.”

  She caught the flash of surprise and vulnerability cross his incredible blue eyes. “Thank you,” he said. Murmuring in the backseat jolted them back to the reality of the situation. “We’d better get going before she needs to eat again or something.”

  She smiled and got out of the truck, then ran over to the shopping cart depot in the lot and grabbed two meeting Connor. “Here, her car seat will fit in the bottom of this one and we’ll use the other to fill up with everything we need.”