Found: One Baby

by Cathy Gillen Thacker

  “THAD GARNER is on the line. He wants an appointment ASAP.” Michelle had already alerted Becky—her and Glenn’s legal secretary—that Thad might be calling. She’d also talked to Glenn about the situation. “Ask him if he can come in at nine-thirty.”

  Becky relayed the information, then covered the mouth-piece. “He wants to know if it’s okay if he brings the baby.”

  Trying not to think how much she had missed seeing William during the night, Michelle nodded. “Of course.”

  An hour later Thad arrived.

  Michelle knew he was there, because she could hear Becky oohing and ahhing even before he was formally announced.

  Seconds later Thad walked in. He was wearing a light blue button-down shirt and khaki dress pants. He looked every bit the doting father, with William bundled up in his arms. He aimed a smile her way. “Good morning.”

  It was now, Michelle thought. She slipped back into a business frame of mind and returned calmly, “Good morning,”

  Looking as glad to see her as she was to see him, Thad walked over and transferred the baby to her arms. “William wants to say hello to you,” he told her softly.

  Michelle looked down at the sweetly composed little face. “He’s asleep,” she noted dryly.

  Thad’s husky voice broke the silence of the room. He sat on the edge of her desk. “Not for long, if the current trend continues.”

  Michelle rocked back in her swivel chair. It felt so good having the little fellow in her arms again. Longing swept through her. If only he could be her child. “Long night?”

  He traded glances with her, heaved a rueful sigh. “I couldn’t put him down for more than ten minutes at a time without him waking and wanting to be held.” Thad lifted a palm. “I know what the old hands at child-rearing would say, but…I don’t think he could be spoiled yet. Do you?”

  Michelle looked down at William. No way was this angel spoiled! “I imagine he’s just trying to figure out where he fits in this world.”

  “Well, I know with whom.” A mixture of determination and protectiveness laced Thad’s low tone.

  “Meaning?” she asked.

  “I haven’t changed my mind,” Thad told her. “I still want to proceed with what we talked about yesterday afternoon.”

  “All right, then.” Michelle reluctantly handed William back to Thad and pressed the intercom button. “Becky, would you please ask Glenn to come in.”

  Moments later Michelle’s former law-school colleague and new law partner strode in. The thirty-four-year-old father had a mild-mannered look that was deceptive; he was an extremely effective litigator, and an even more acclaimed negotiator with a reputation for crafting solutions that made everyone happy, even in the messiest divorces and custody cases. The two of them had joined forces several months before to buy out two retiring Summit lawyers and take over their practice.

  Like her, Glenn—and his family—were new to that area of Texas. “As I told you yesterday, Glenn does all the family-law cases for our firm. I’m going to meet with the two of you long enough to bring him up to speed, and then he’ll be happy to help you.”

  TO MICHELLE’S RELIEF, Thad did not press her to represent him but, instead, took the assignment of counsel graciously. She excused herself and headed to court. From there, she went to a meeting with a client, back to court for another hearing on a business dispute she was handling, and then back to the office to draft a will for yet another client.

  Only when she had finished did she pack up and head home for the day. When she reached her street, she could not say she was all that surprised to see balloons tied to the mail-box, a big wooden stork sign and at least two dozen cars parked on the drive and on either side of the street. Thad Garner was having a party. Whether or not it was premature was too soon to tell.

  Glad she hadn’t received an update from Glenn regarding the progress of Thad’s case but, instead, had stuck to her own clients’ needs, Michelle grabbed her briefcase and headed into the house. She’d barely had time to kick off her shoes when the doorbell rang. Through the beveled glass in the front door she could see a familiar figure. She went to answer it.

  Looking as happy as any father coming out of the delivery room, Thad handed her a bubblegum cigar.

  “Celebrate with us,” he urged.

  Michelle lifted her eyebrows. “I don’t know. Sort of looks like you have your hands full.”

  Doubtless Violet Hunter was there, too.

  Not that she was jealous.

  Thad clamped a cigar between his teeth. “It’s a hand-me-down shower. Everyone brought stuff their kids no longer need.” Sensing correctly that stronger persuasion was needed, he lounged against the portal. “Seriously, it’s a lot of fun. And there are a lot of people from the hospital I’d like you to meet.”

  Michelle didn’t deny she needed to get acquainted with more people in the community. In the three months she’d been in Summit, she’d been so busy working and meeting with clients, she’d had no time for socializing.

  She tried to sound casual. “Where’s William?”

  Thad’s mouth curved in a playful smile. “Back at the house, greeting his adoring friends and neighbors.”

  Did she really want to miss that, too? “What’s the dress code?” she asked.

  “Come as you are.” He took her hand, drawing her close. “Which means you can come as you are.”

  In a suit and heels? She tugged back. “I’d prefer to change.”

  Impatience underscored his low tone. “Promise you won’t take long?”

  She fell victim to the seductive smile. “Five minutes.” “I’m going to hold you to that,” Thad murmured with another lingering look, then he released her hand and headed out the front door.

  IT WAS FIFTEEN minutes. Thad knew, because he was watching the clock and the door. The wait was worth it, though, when Michelle walked into the party.

  She had changed into a pale yellow, V-necked sweater, black denim jeans and boots that made the most of her long and lean runner’s body. She’d swept up a section of her gorgeous hair in a jeweled clasp. Her cheeks were flushed pink. From self-consciousness? he wondered. Interesting, because he’d never seen her ill at ease before. Unless you counted the aftermath of their one and only kiss. Then, she had looked much the same way. As if she’d wanted to be with him, and she didn’t. As if she’d enjoyed kissing him, yet wished she hadn’t fallen victim to the potent chemistry sizzling between them.

  “You made it.” Thad wrapped an arm around her shoulders and guided her into the throng of curious coworkers. “Let me introduce you to everyone…”

  To Thad’s satisfaction, Michelle warmed to the throng as much as they warmed to her. She especially hit it off with Dotty Pederson, which was good, Thad thought.

  “Dotty has agreed to be William’s nanny,” he told Michelle.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Thad could see Violet Hunter watching the two of them, an inscrutable expression on her normally cheerful countenance.

  At the same time, Michelle looked as if she didn’t know whether to be happy or concerned about Dotty Pederson’s new position in William’s life. Not sure why she’d object to the hiring of a nanny, Thad continued, “Dotty used to supervise the E.R. nursing staff. She retired last summer.”

  Dotty ran a hand through her short, white hair. A smile split her elfin face. “I’m sixty. It was time. But I’ve been bored, staying at home. This will be perfect, especially since Thad has agreed to let me care for William in my home while he’s working at the E.R.”

  Beside him, Thad felt Michelle relax ever so slightly. “That does sound perfect,” she said.

  Still, Thad could see that something about the arrangement was bugging her. And he was even more sure of it when she slipped off toward the buffet table seconds later and lost herself in the throng.

  By eight-thirty the impromptu party was winding down.

  Guests began departing. When Michelle looked as if she was about to head for the door, t
oo, Thad brought William to her. “Mind holding the little guy for a few minutes?” Thad said. He put William in Michelle’s arms before she could formulate a reply.

  That was all it took. Michelle melted visibly at the sight and feel of the baby in her arms. She looked, Thad thought, like a natural-born mother.

  The kind every kid would want and should have. And the kind William needed.

  MICHELLE WASN’T fooled. She knew Thad had asked her to hold William in order to make sure she was the last guest to depart. She couldn’t really say she minded. She hadn’t had a chance to cuddle William since this morning at the law office, and she had missed him. And Thad. Which was ridiculous. She and Thad barely knew each other!

  “So how are things going?” she asked Thad as soon as they were alone. She still wanted to stay uninvolved, but figured a few more minutes’ conversation with Thad wouldn’t hurt anything.

  Thad put the plastic cups and paper plates in plastic garbage bags. “Glenn didn’t tell you?”

  Michelle swayed a surprisingly wide-awake William back and forth. “I haven’t seen him. Although for the record, he probably won’t keep me apprised of what’s going on unless I’m called in, in a pinch, to handle something on the case.”

  Thad frowned. “I’m not sure I like that.” He bent over to put a twist tie on the bag, then set it in the laundry room, just inside the back door. Then he rummaged beneath the sink and pulled out a roll of paper towels and some disinfectant cleaner. He spritzed the sticky places on the counter, then rubbed them dry with a paper towel. “Don’t get me wrong. Glenn is a nice guy and he seems very competent.”

  “He is.”

  Finished, Thad wadded up the paper towel and threw it in the trash can beneath the sink. “I’ll just feel better if you’re involved, on some level.” He turned to face her. “So what I want to ask you is this—will you sit in on all the lawyer-client meetings and conference calls, not as cocounsel, since you’re clearly uncomfortable with that, but as my friend?”

  THAD DIDN’T KNOW what Michelle’s reaction was going to be. He knew what he wanted—her by his side. And not just in legal meetings or court hearings. Or for William’s sake. But for his.

  “Have you talked to Glenn about this?” Michelle asked finally.

  Thad lounged against the counter, arms folded. “I asked him if he would mind if you remained involved on some level, and he didn’t. So…will you be there as my friend?”

  Michelle raked her teeth across her lower lip. “I guess you don’t have anyone else you’d rather ask?”

  Unsure how blunt to be, Thad said, “I trust you.” I want you. “William trusts you. I just think you’d be a good person to be on our team.”

  She smiled faintly, then finally relented. “All right,” she said. “I’ll be there whenever the two of you need me.”

  Gratitude flooded through him. “Thank you.”

  Michelle crossed to him and settled against the counter next to him, so the wide-awake William could see both of them at the same time. “So bring me up to speed on what happened in your meeting with Glenn,” she suggested.

  “He contacted Beatrix and Brice Johnson’s attorney while I was in the office. Their attorney confirmed that the Johnsons did want to terminate their parental rights, and since my petition-slash-motion to adopt has to be filed at the same time, they decided Glenn would file all the papers simultaneously with the court as soon as he gets the signed and notarized affidavits from the other attorney.” He paused. “He’s supposed to get them tomorrow morning and file everything with family court by the end of business tomorrow.”

  “Wow.” Michelle looked impressed.

  “I know. I’m pleased with how fast it’s all happening, too.”

  She shifted to better see his face. “No second thoughts?”

  Sensing she would understand, Thad confided, “I admit I’m a little overwhelmed with the logistics of becoming a parent, all the stuff that has to be done, but I feel good about having Dotty babysit William when I’m at work. She’s an excellent nurse, as well as a mother and grandmother, so he’ll be in good hands. And I had a lot of others volunteer to help out, too, so I know I’ve got the child care covered.” He sighed. “The only thing that really bothers me is the waiting period, after the papers are filed with the court. Glenn said it could take thirty to forty-five days before we get a hearing and the adoption becomes final.” Thad frowned, wanting Michelle’s reaction. “It seems like a long time to wait.”

  She didn’t seem to think so. “Why?”

  Thad tensed. “I guess I worry someone else will come forward and want William, too. Or Brice and Beatrix will change their minds.” And that would really suck.

  Michelle raised her face to his. “What about you?” she said softly, searching his eyes. “Is there any chance you’ll change your mind?”

  It was an innocent question, bluntly put. Thad wasn’t offended. Maybe because he knew she was only asking because she had come to care for William and wanted to see the little guy loved and protected as much as he did. “Not a chance,” he said.

  Michelle smiled.

  “So,” Thad continued, “will you be my backup on this?” Legally and…otherwise?

  Michelle took the hand he offered. “It would be an honor,” she said.

  HAPPY EVERYTHING was working out for Thad and William so quickly and so well, Michelle gave William a bath and a bottle and rocked him in the rocker-glider someone had brought to the shower, while Thad took out the trash and finished cleaning up after the impromptu party.

  By the time he had finished, William was asleep in her arms.

  Thad carried the bassinet someone else had given him upstairs and placed it next to the bed in the master bedroom.

  Michelle laid the snoozing William on his back in the cozy infant bed. He jerked his arms and legs. She placed her hand gently on his tummy, reassuring him. His movements quieted.

  Acutely aware of Thad standing beside her, she stayed there a moment longer, then backed soundlessly out of the room and headed down the stairs beside him.

  The house was quiet.

  So quiet she could hear the meter of their breaths.

  At the foot of the stairs she stopped and looked up at him. He looked down at her. The next thing she knew she was in his arms. His lips were on hers. And the world around them ground to a halt as emotion built upon emotion.

  She wasn’t sure what drew her more, the fact that Thad was such a decent guy or that he knew how to kiss like no one else.

  One touch of his lips and she was on fire. The sweep of his tongue was even more electric. He tasted hot and male and possessed her with a kiss so intimate and sure she tingled all over. Wanted all the more. And did not know, for the first time in a very long time, if she ever wanted to stop.

  THAD HADN’T MEANT to kiss her tonight, and certainly not like this, with no warning and no restraint. But when she stopped and looked up at him, her breath catching at the same time the air stalled in his chest, he knew it was kiss her then and there, or regret the chance not taken. So he had wrapped his arms around her, drawn her close and lowered his mouth to hers.

  And once their lips had touched, there was no question—he had to give it his all. Had to discover again what she liked, how she kissed, how she tasted, at the end of a very long day.

  Initially, she simply surrendered to the kiss, let him take the lead. But it wasn’t long before she was venturing, too, tangling her tongue with his, increasing the pressure of her lips, opening her mouth to his all the more.

  Heat and speed turned to languorous desire for them both. Then sweet, wild yearning. A passion destined to be fulfilled.

  And that was when a furious, high-pitched cry split the air, drawing them apart.

  “WILLIAM,” THEY SAID in unison.

  Michelle shook her head. “I can’t believe he’s awake again.”

  “Dotty suggested swaddling,” Thad said, as the two of them ascended the stairs and headed for the master bedro
om.

  Michelle tensed. “I’ve heard of it, of course, but I’ve never done it.”

  “I’ve never done it, either.” Thad picked William up and put him against his shoulder. In a replay of what had happened repeatedly over the past two days, as soon as he was picked up, William stopped crying and cuddled against Thad’s broad shoulder, deeply content but also wide-awake. Doubtless knowing the lack of quality sleep couldn’t be any better for the baby than it was for him, Thad asked, “Think we can find instructions on the Internet?”

  “I’m sure we can,” Michelle said.

  They went into the study down the hall. Thad’s computer was already booted up, so it was easy to sit down and do a search.

  “Problem number one,” Thad said, after they’d perused the instructions. “We don’t have a swaddling blanket.”

  “Are you sure?” Michelle asked him. “You’ve got those bags of used infant clothing down there. There might be one in there.”

  “Good point.”

  “You stay here with William. I’ll go look,” Michelle said. She returned with two shopping bags full of infant clothing, most of it for newborns, as well as half-a-dozen stretchy, waffle-weave receiving blankets. She held one up for him to peruse. “I think this is what they’re talking about.”

  “Looks right,” Thad said.

  “Where should we do this?”

  Thad shrugged. “My bed?”

  Michelle flushed, despite herself. “Good idea.”

  She led the way into Thad’s bedroom. Glad for something to concentrate on other than the man who slept in this very bed, she spread out the baby blanket on the mattress, then folded down one corner of it. Thad placed William on it, then together they aligned his shoulders with the top of the blanket. Next, they brought one side over and tucked it underneath him, just as the instructions had said.

  “Now the other side,” Thad murmured.