Trace nodded. “Same as every year, but with Jody and Nathan gone, Kira’s a little lonely. So why not have a big crowd?”
Jarrett looked at his sister-in-law.
“I love to cook,” Kira said. “Besides, Nola and the others are bringing food, too. It’s not much different than the group we had at your house on Thanksgiving.”
“And now we have baby BJ,” Jenna added as she patted her own chest and looked at Jarrett. “Unca Jay, did you know that BJ drinks milk from Mia’s breasts?”
“Jenna…” her mother said with a warning look.
Everyone bit back a chuckle while Jarrett exchanged a look with Mia that felt far too intimate. Oh, yeah, he knew that.
His niece drew his attention back to her. “Look, Unca Jay.” She pointed up to the sprig of greenery hanging overhead in the doorway. “Mistletoe.”
Great. “It sure is.” He leaned forward and placed a noisy kiss on the girl’s cheek.
That wasn’t the end of it; Jenna wiggled to be put down. “Now, you gotta kiss Mia.”
Jarrett looked at a blushing Mia. “Sure.” He leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. Their eyes met as he pulled back.
“No, not like that,” Jenna insisted. “Like Mommy and Daddy do it. Put your arms around her and you have to touch lips for a long time.”
Jarrett eyed his brother as Trace shrugged, trying not to smile. He got no help as he turned back to Mia. Without giving her a chance to protest, he reached for her and pulled her into his arms. His gaze locked onto her mesmerizing eyes, and, once his mouth closed over hers, everything and everyone else in the room faded away. It was all Mia and how she made him feel. How she tasted, how her scent drifted around him, how he was barely keeping himself in control.
Finally cheers broke out, and he tore his mouth away. “Did I do it okay?” he asked his niece.
A smiling Jenna nodded her head. He turned back to the woman in his arms. “Suddenly, I’m getting into the Christmas spirit.”
Mia glanced at her kitchen clock and debated whether to attend the services tonight. For the first time in ten years, it wouldn’t be Reverend Bradley Saunders standing at the pulpit delivering her Christmas Eve sermon. The last three years he’d been the pastor here in Winchester Ridge.
Mia had only been nineteen when Bradley had rescued her from self-destruction and got her on the road to recovery. From then on she’d sat in the front pew, grateful she had the love of family, and a future.
She glanced down at her son in the carrier. BJ would have the same; she would make sure of that.
“It’s just us now, kid.” She smiled as BJ, dressed in his dark-green holiday outfit, reacted to her voice with a cooing sound. “I might be new at this mother stuff, but no one could love you more.” She wished she could give him a traditional family. Every kid deserved a mother and a father.
“I guess we’d better get going, or we’ll be late.”
She checked her own Christmas outfit, her standard black stretch pants and a long red sweater she’d found in a drawer.
After putting on her coat and BJ’s cap and tucking a blanket around him, she picked up the carrier and walked out. She glanced across the hall to Jarrett’s apartment.
As much as she tried not to, she’d thought about Jarrett a lot over the last few days. Okay, so it had been from the day he’d moved in. Not that she’d wanted him in her life; he’d just sort of barged into it.
At first, she’d even tried to compare Jarrett to her father, but she quickly realized they were nothing alike. Preston Saunders would never open his home to a bunch of strangers for Thanksgiving dinner. Nor would he give up his time to help paint a room for her baby son, or even stay and play coach as she gave birth.
Mia touched her lips thinking about the shared kisses. Even though Jarrett had been goaded into the one under the mistletoe, he hadn’t acted as if he minded at all. Yet he hadn’t exactly shown up at her door the past thirty-six hours wanting to continue what had been started either.
Suddenly the elevator doors opened and Jarrett got off. He immediately smiled. “Hello, Mia.”
“Jarrett,” she said, trying to act casual. He looked too good in his jeans and sweater with a sheepskin jacket hanging open and his cowboy hat cocked just a little. “Merry Christmas.”
He raised his arm to check his watch and she noticed the big shopping bags. “Is it that time already?” He eyed her closely. “I guess I’d better finish up my wrapping.” He glanced at BJ. “Where are you two headed?”
“To the Christmas service at the church.”
His smile faded. “Give me a second and I’ll drive you.”
“Jarrett, no. I can’t let you do that. I can drive myself. We’re not going that far.”
“There’s a lot of snow still on the roads, and your tires aren’t in that great a shape.”
He was right, but she hadn’t had a chance to replace them. “It’s only a few miles.”
“And you have precious cargo.” He nodded at her son and pulled out his keys. “Then at least take my SUV. It’s four-wheel drive.”
He was letting her drive his car? She looked at him, telling herself not to read anything into it. It was for her ten-day-old son. She decided to test him.
“Okay, I’ll let you drive us, but only if you stay for the service.”
He frowned. “You’re kidding, right?”
She shook her head.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been inside a church.”
“It’s not going to crumble down around you. C’mon, you can handle it. You’re a big strong guy,” she challenged him.
He hesitated and finally relented. “Okay, just let me drop these presents off in the apartment.”
She hadn’t really thought he’d come, but suddenly she was glad she didn’t have to face this night alone. Nor did she mind spending Christmas Eve with this man.
Nearly two hours later, Jarrett stood in the back of the church, watching as the parishioners fussed over BJ. Mia was enjoying showing off her son. She’d put up a brave front, but he knew it had been hard for her to come back here without her brother, her family.
He glanced around the ornate stone building with the stained-glass windows and high ceilings. He remembered another church across town where his stepmother had insisted they go to services weekly. And the Sunday school teacher who swore that a young Jarrett’s bad attitude would send him straight to hell.
That hadn’t been a good time in Jarrett’s life. His mother had died suddenly when he was barely six, and within a few months his father had another wife. The following year his baby brother, Trace, had been born. And the struggle between the McKane brothers had begun. The father he’d so badly needed after the loss of his mother, turned away and found another family. Jarrett had been told he had to carry more weight and help out. Suddenly there wasn’t any time to be a kid, or time to be with the father he’d needed so desperately.
He quickly pushed aside the bad memories. Tomorrow was Christmas, and, thanks to Kira, he and Trace were finally working on liking each other.
Family wasn’t the only thing that gave him trouble; he was still hoping to hear from Fulton.
He’d closed the office early today, but Neil had his cell phone number. If the land deal crashed, no one would have a happy holiday. He might even end up being a permanent resident in the Mountain View Apartments.
He glanced across at Mia. Not that he would mind being her neighbor. If he was honest, he was happy that he got to spend time with her tonight. He tried to tell himself it was only because he felt protective of the new mother. But he was attracted to her, big-time. As much as he’d tried to stay away, she kept drawing him back into her life. He sure as hell wasn’t putting up much resistance, either.
Mia walked over to him. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting. Everyone wanted to see BJ.”
“Well he’s a cute kid, and you should be a proud mama. It’s okay if you want to stay.”
She shook
her head as she pulled the carrier hood up and covered the baby. “I really need to feed BJ. Could we go home?”
“Sounds good.” He took the carrier from her and escorted her through the doors. Once outside they were greeted by a strong wind and snow flurries. He pulled Mia close against his side, trying to shield her from the biting cold.
At the SUV, he helped Mia get in and quickly latched BJ’s safety seat in the back, then he climbed in the driver’s seat and started the engine.
Glancing out the window, he waited for the cab to warm up. “I was afraid of this.”
She was shivering. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think the weather would turn bad. It’s supposed to be clear tomorrow.”
Her coat wasn’t heavy enough to keep her warm. He flipped the heater on high and took a blanket from the back seat to drape over her legs. “We’re lucky it’s not a big storm, just the tail end of it. But I’ll feel better when we’re back at the apartment.”
Jarrett pulled out of the parking lot cautiously. He glanced at the baby in the back seat; he was starting to fuss.
“Hang on, BJ. We’ll be home soon.”
Jarrett turned off the main street onto a back road, thinking he could shave off some time. First mistake—the road was deserted. Secondly, it hadn’t been cleared of snow. Even with four-wheel drive, traction was nonexistent.
“Sorry, this was a bad idea. I’ll turn back.”
BJ began to cry louder.
Jarrett found a wide spot in the road and slowed more as he began to turn the wheel. He cursed when the back of the vehicle began to slide. “Hang on,” he called to Mia. He gripped the wheel tighter, turning into the slide, but he couldn’t gain control. When he got the car stopped they were off the side of the road.
Jarrett cursed under his breath and BJ let out a wail. Shifting into Reverse, he backed up, but nothing happened. He tried going forward again, but the only thing he got was the spinning of the tires as the car slipped sideways, deeper into the snowbank. Although angry with himself, he remained calm. “I’ll go see if I can dig us out.”
“Be careful,” Mia called over the screams of the baby.
Placing his hat on his head, Jarrett got out and made it through the ankle-high snow to the back of the car. He opened the hatch and took out a shovel. He began digging, but soon discovered it was useless. He made his way back to the driver’s side and climbed in. Pulling off his gloves, he took out his phone. “We need a tow truck.” He punched in his roadside assistance. By the time he hung up, he wasn’t happy. “She put us at the top of the list because of the baby, but it still could be an hour.”
“Long as we’re warm, it’s okay,” she said. “Do you have enough gas?”
“Yeah, a full tank.”
“Good. I need to feed BJ. I’ll go in the back.”
“No, stay up here, it’s warmer.” He flipped on the interior light, leaned into the back seat and managed to unfasten the crying baby’s straps.
“Come on, little guy, settle down,” he coaxed. “You’ll have your mama in a minute.” He lifted the small bundle and handed him to Mia who had already removed her coat, leaving it draped over her shoulders.
She looked at him and paused. “Would you mind turning off the light?”
“Oh, sure.” Of course she didn’t want an audience.
In the dark, he could see her tug up her sweater. All at once there was silence. Jarrett looked over at Mia as she leaned over the child at her breast, stroking him.
His chest tightened at the scene. Finally turning away, he concentrated on the snow blowing across the front window, but he could still hear Mia’s soft voice as she talked to her son. Leaning back against the headrest, he closed his eyes and tried not to think about how much he wanted to wrap his arms around both of them and protect them. Yeah, he’d done a great job of that so far.
Restless, he sat up. “Life is pretty simple to him, food and Mama.” He looked at her as she moved the baby to her shoulder and began to pat his back.
“Sometimes it scares me that I have someone who’s so dependent on me,” she admitted.
“You’re a natural at this.”
She paused. “How can you say that when you’ve seen me at my worst?”
BJ gave a burp and she lowered him to her other breast. This time Jarrett didn’t turn away from the silhouette of mother and son. He’d never seen anything so beautiful. Leaning across the console, he reached out and touched the baby’s head. “I’ve only seen a mother who loves her child.” His chest tightened at the sight.
Their gazes met in the dark car. “I do love him. At first I was so frightened, but he’s become my life. I know technically he’s my nephew, but—”
Jarrett placed his finger against her mouth to stop her words. “In every way that counts, Mia, he’s your son. You carried him in your womb, now you nourish him from your body.” His fingers moved and grazed her breasts. “It’s beautiful to watch you with him.”
“Oh, Jarrett.”
At the husky sound of her voice, he shifted closer. He felt her breath against his cheek.
Suddenly a bright light shone through the windshield, illuminating the front seat. He drew his hand away, but continued to hold her gaze.
“It seems we’ve been rescued,” he said, knowing he wasn’t so sure about his heart.
Chapter Ten
IT was after eleven o’clock by the time the tow truck pulled Jarrett’s SUV out of the snowdrift and they’d driven back to the apartment. The night had been long, but still Mia didn’t want their time together to end.
Jarrett walked her to her apartment door. “I’m sorry about tonight. I never should have taken that back road.” He glanced at BJ in the carrier. “I would never do anything to endanger either one of you.”
“Of course I know that. You didn’t cause the bad weather, Jarrett.”
He watched her a moment, then he finally said. “I probably should let you get some sleep.”
She put her hand on his arm when he started to step back. “Won’t you come in for some coffee?” Did she sound desperate? “I have something for you.”
He looked surprised. “Okay, but let me grab something from my place first. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
With a nod, Mia went into the apartment, leaving the door unlocked. She quickly dressed her son in his sleeper and put him in the crib, knowing in just a few hours he’d be awake and hungry. She checked her makeup and went back into the living area, quickly picked up several baby items scattered around and tossed them into her bedroom.
She’d finished plugging in the lights on her tabletop Christmas tree when there was a soft knock. She tugged on her sweater and brushed back her hair before answering the door.
“Oh, my,” she gasped as Jarrett walked in carrying several presents. “What did you do?”
He set the packages down on the table. “I took Jenna shopping yesterday and she convinced me that BJ had to have all these things.” He raised an eyebrow. “You should have seen what I talked her out of.”
Mia eyed the boxes, but picked up the stuffed bear. “He isn’t even sitting up yet.”
“Then put some away for his birthday.” He smiled and her heart tripped.
She glanced toward the present under her tree. Before she lost her nerve, she grabbed the tissue-wrapped gift and handed it to him. “This is for you.”
He looked touched. “Mia, I didn’t expect anything.”
She shrugged as if it were nothing. “It’s probably silly.”
He tore through the paper and uncovered the charcoal-gray scarf she’d knitted. As he examined it she wondered if he could see the mistakes.
He stared at her, his brown eyes tender. “Did you make this?”
She managed a nod. “Nola taught me while I was on bed rest. I’m not very good.”
She didn’t get to finish as he leaned forward and placed a sweet kiss on her mouth. Chaste or not, she felt dizzy.
“Thank you. I’ve never received anything so ni
ce.”
Jarrett had trouble holding it together. He hadn’t enjoyed the holidays for a long time. His mother’s death only days before Christmas had left a little boy devastated with grief.
“You’re welcome,” she said, her voice hoarse.
He finally stepped back and draped the scarf around his neck before he lost all control. “I have something for you.”
“Did Jenna pick it out, too?”
“No, I did.” He pulled a small jewelry box from the bag. “So I can’t blame her if you don’t like it.”
She blinked seeing the store name on the box. “Oh, Jarrett, you shouldn’t have done this.”
He smiled at her. “You haven’t even seen it. Maybe you won’t like it.”
She gave him a stern look. “Of course I will.” She opened the box to see a sterling-silver chain with a round charm engraved with BJ’s name and his date of birth.
She glanced at him. “I was wrong, I don’t like it. I love it. Oh, Jarrett. It’s perfect. You couldn’t have gotten me anything I wanted more.”
He released a breath. He’d bought women gifts before. Why did he care so much about this one? “I’m glad.”
She took it out of the box. “Will you help me put it on?” She gave him the necklace and turned around. Moving aside her rich brown hair, she exposed her long slender neck to him. Somehow, he managed to fasten the clasp, but she was too tempting not to lean down and place a kiss against her exposed skin.
He felt her shiver, but she didn’t move. He slid his hands around her waist, pulling her against him. He whispered her name and after a few seconds, he turned her in his arms. “This isn’t a good idea. In fact it’s crazy. You just had a baby, and I shouldn’t be thinking…”
“Oh, Jarrett.” She shook her head. “I don’t see how…I’m having enough trouble trying to handle my life. You’ve seen me at the worst times, and you have to be tired of rescuing me.”
“Maybe I like rescuing you.” He didn’t let her go. He had no business wanting her. He was all wrong for her. But all he wanted was to be with her.
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