The Surprise Holiday Dad

by Jacqueline Diamond

  “What is it?” Wade kept his tone neutral.

  “I know how important it is to you to have more kids of your own,” she began.

  What did that have to do with anything? Don’t argue. “Go on.” He tapped the brake at a stop sign and then rolled forward.

  “I can’t have children.”

  The terse statement hovered in the air. That was what had been troubling her? Wade wasn’t sure how to react. “Why not?”

  She drew in a long breath. “When I was young and stupid, I let my boyfriend drive me home one night even though he’d been drinking. It wasn’t far. Just far enough for him to smash into a tree.”

  As Wade studied the shadows of the houses, he sensed other shadows joining them in the car. Dark anguished shadows from Adrienne’s past. “You were badly hurt?”

  “He only had a few bruises. But I... The seat belt cut into me.” The words choked out. “I had to have an emergency hysterectomy.”

  “That must have been devastating.” Wade glanced at her tear-streaked face, uncertain how to offer comfort.

  The enormity of what she’d suffered hit him hard. This woman who spent her days and nights bringing other women’s babies into the world could never have one of her own. That must make Reggie all the more precious to her. Yet she’d offered to give him up.

  Still, he couldn’t respond without fully grasping what this meant. To her, to him, to them both. Clearly the loss had influenced her view of herself and of men all these years.

  The blocks slipped by with no sign of Reggie. “How did you come to terms with that?”

  “I focused on my medical studies and my career.” Adrienne used a tissue from her purse before continuing. “I told myself it was lucky I wasn’t torn between my work and my family like so many women doctors.”

  “Still, in all these years, you must have met men who could handle that, men who were worth your time.” She was beautiful, intelligent and caring. Those weren’t qualities Wade often encountered in an available woman.

  She plunged ahead. “During my residency, I got engaged to an attending physician who claimed he’d never been interested in kids. In retrospect, I guess that wasn’t an ideal situation, since I hadn’t ruled out adopting, but I felt safe with him. Like we were building a future.”

  “I take it that didn’t happen.”

  “He cheated on me with a nurse.” A trace of anger edged her words. “She got pregnant and suddenly he couldn’t wait to marry her. He went around bragging about becoming a father.”

  “The...” Bypassing a swear word, he settled on, “Jerk.”

  “In retrospect, he’d have made a lousy husband.”

  “Betrayal hurts, even when you’re better off without the idiot,” Wade said.

  “Yes, it does.”

  They turned another corner, into another street filled with holiday decorations and Christmas trees visible through front windows. Wade slowed alongside a woman walking a dog. Rolling down his window, he called, “Have you seen a little boy about six years old?”

  She regarded them with concern. “No, but I’ll look for him.”

  “Tell the police if you spot him. They’re searching, too.”

  “I will. I hope he turns up safe.”

  “His name’s Reggie. And thanks.” He raised the window.

  Beside him Adrienne had fallen silent. She’d shared her most painful secret, and Wade ached to reassure her. But when he did, his response had to be genuine and complete. Before then he needed to deal with this knife-sharp disappointment, selfish but undeniable, that there’d never be a miraculous baby that was part him and part her. That he’d never feel their infant moving inside her.

  His phone rang. The name on the readout was Daryl.

  “It’s my father checking in,” Wade growled, and pressed the talk button. “Go ahead.”

  But the voice in his ear didn’t belong to Daryl. “Hi, Dad!”

  It was Reggie.

  Chapter Eighteen

  He’s safe. He’s safe. He’s safe. Joy engulfed Adrienne as she listened to Wade on the phone with his son. “Are you okay?...Where were you?...I’ll let you talk to your aunt.”

  He switched the phone to regular mode and handed it to her. “Reggie?” She was half sobbing and half laughing. “We’ve been so scared!”

  “I’m sorry.” Her little boy sounded more excited than contrite, though. “Grandpa Daryl found me. I got lost and ended up at his garage.”

  “His garage?” Adrienne couldn’t picture what he meant.

  “Where he works.”

  “Oh, that kind of garage.” She’d forgotten Daryl was a mechanic.

  “It was closed, so I sat in front of the door where there was some warm air,” Reggie said. “I’m hungry. We’re going to my great-grandpa’s house.”

  “Okay. I mean, why?” But he’d already clicked off.

  Wade had stopped by the curb. Now he slid the phone into its holder and brushed a stray wisp of hair from Adrienne’s forehead. “Better?”

  As she nodded, tears welled up. “I don’t know how I could have dealt with losing him.”

  “Then why’d you offer to let him live with me?” Wade’s voice was gentle.

  “I’d do anything to keep him safe.” She plucked another tissue from her purse. “That’s not the same as losing him.”

  He put the car in gear. “For some reason, Reggie wants to go to my grandfather’s condo. I gather he’s not giving up this opportunity to meet the rest of the family.”

  “I guess not.” Through her relief, Adrienne still felt a twist of anxiety. Wade hadn’t responded to what she’d told him. Yet they had other priorities. “I’d better make sure everyone has been notified.”

  “Good plan.”

  Daryl had met up with a police officer, who’d verified that the boy was safe and called off the search, she learned. Peter and Harper, ecstatic at the news, said they’d be returning home and wished her and Wade a merry Christmas. At the hospital, Renée had spread the news to the doctors and nurses. She added that Una’s twins, a boy and a girl, had arrived in great shape.

  “It’s been quite a night,” the volunteer said. “The nurses have been popping down here one by one to update me. And to take a peek at my boyfriend. I suppose Wade filled you in that I’m dating Bruce Hunter.”

  “It came up,” Adrienne conceded.

  “He says his son has a key to his condo, which is fortunate, since I suspect Daryl and Reggie will beat us there,” she went on. “See you in a few minutes.”

  “Absolutely.”

  While she was talking, Wade had driven down Safe Harbor Boulevard toward the harbor. As she hung up, they swung onto a drive that ran along the bluffs.

  Adrienne’s mind returned to an image of Reggie huddled at a closed garage, scared and shivering. “How do you suppose your father found him?”

  “Dad asked me where I’d taken Reg, and I did mention his workplace.” Admiration and regret mingled in Wade’s words. “I didn’t even think about checking there.”

  She wouldn’t have, either. Clearly, Daryl had tuned into his grandson’s mind-set. “I’m surprised your father doesn’t want to take his grandson to see his own apartment.”

  “It’s a mess.”

  “And he’s embarrassed?”

  “He wasn’t too embarrassed to let me see it.” Below, the harbor lay peaceful. “But I suppose this is different. First impressions and all that.”

  “I’m glad he’s discovering his family.” But what about the family Reggie longed for most? That was why he’d run away. Before they faced him, they’d better decide on a game plan, Adrienne thought. “Reg might get upset if you leave him with me tonight.”

  “Your house is his home, and he belongs with you as much as me,”
Wade replied. “I always carry an overnight bag in the trunk. Any reason I can’t sleep over in your guest room?”

  It was as near to a perfect solution as they were likely to hit on for tonight. “That would be wonderful.”

  “Done,” he said.

  They’d reached a large condo complex, Adrienne saw. She couldn’t wait to hold her little boy.

  * * *

  LAUGHTER, HUGS AND the aroma of grilling hamburgers and onions—from a meal Renée was throwing together—transformed Bruce’s condo into a warm gathering place. Wade was glad they were meeting here amid his grandmother’s carved cabinets and other heirlooms.

  He and Adrienne had arrived before his grandfather to find Daryl and Reg studying the photos in the dining room. “That’s you?” the little boy had said incredulously. “Camouflage! Wow.”

  Daryl’s weathered face had creased, close to tears, when he’d glanced up at the new arrivals. “Quite a kid, my grandson,” he’d said.

  The next half hour was a blur of embraces and stories as they shared their adventures. Wade and Adrienne also took the little boy into an alcove for a stern talk.

  “You put yourself in danger tonight,” Wade said.

  “I’m sorry.” He hung his head and then peeked up mischievously.

  “This isn’t a small thing, like forgetting a chore,” Adrienne added sternly. “A lot of people were scared and upset. Don’t ever, ever do anything like this again.”

  Reg’s lower lip quivered. “I was only trying to find Dad.”

  “Part of growing up is considering the consequences before you act,” Wade said. “And controlling your impulses. You really scared us. We love you so much.”

  “I love you, too,” his boy said earnestly. “I promise I’ll never run away again. And I keep my promises.”

  They both hugged him. “You think he’ll remember?” Wade asked Adrienne after Reg rejoined his grandfather. “He was cold and scared out there, but I’m not sure that’s enough of a punishment.”

  She thought it over. “After the holidays let’s get him involved in volunteer work to pay back the community for all the trouble he caused.”

  “Good plan.” Wade liked that idea. “What kind of stuff can a kid do?”

  “Beach cleanup, for instance.”

  “Sounds like a good Saturday-morning activity. Or Saturday afternoon, if you’re not too tired to join us.”

  “It would be fun.”

  As for Reg, his spirits quickly rallied as he ran from person to person, excited about being near his grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as Wade. He also returned frequently to Adrienne, touching her arm or hand before darting off again.

  Her heart shone on her face as she tracked the little guy. She was quieter than usual, careful around Wade, still unsure of him. And no wonder. He owed her a long talk...after he had a chance to frame what he meant to say. And to figure out what was holding him back.

  When the six of them sat down around the long table, Wade realized he couldn’t recall the last time the three generations of Hunter men—make that four generations—had dined together. “You came through tonight, Dad,” he told Daryl.

  Across the table, Bruce appeared on the verge of adding a sarcastic comment. However, his expression shifted quickly. “Yes, you did.”

  Renée handed around the plate of hamburgers. “From right to left, please. No collisions while we’re passing.”

  “This smells great,” announced Reg from between Wade and Adrienne. “Are you my grandma?”

  “Shh.” Bruce put his finger to his lips and then added in a stage whisper, “I’m working on it.”

  Renée cleared her throat.

  “Hard,” his grandfather said.

  Wade didn’t try to hide a grin. “Glad to hear it.”

  Bruce heaped a pile of fried onions on his plate. “You’re a better detective than I gave you credit for, grandson. You figured out what was bothering my lady.”

  “Much as I appreciate the compliment, it was Renée who clued me in,” he admitted.

  “Well, I might have called the cops on you if you’d been as big a jerk as... Let’s not finish that sentence,” the older woman said tartly, and spritzed her burger with mustard. “You’ve got heart.”

  “I’ve got a heart, too,” Bruce protested.

  Her mouth twisted sardonically. “Rumor has it.”

  “Speaking of rumors, those folks at the hospital are the biggest bunch of snoops I ever met,” he said. “Must have been a dozen of ’em trooped down to look me over.”

  Adrienne chuckled. “They’re fond of Renée. And curious about the man in her life.”

  As they chatted, the food disappeared, followed by ice cream for dessert. Afterward, when Wade and Reg began clearing the table, Daryl joined them.

  “Never thought I’d see him pitching in,” Bruce muttered when his son was in the kitchen.

  Renée poked him in the ribs. “Quit ragging on him. He’s trying.”

  “Besides, he’s the hero of the hour,” Wade pointed out as he collected the condiments.

  “He sure is.” Adrienne had greeted Daryl with an embrace. He’d flushed, but it was obvious he enjoyed being admired for a change. Wade was glad she was meeting his family under such happy circumstances.

  He watched appreciatively as she drifted into the living room, talking to Renée. Being friends would help the two women keep the men in line. Strong men needed strong women. Funny that he hadn’t recognized that when he’d dated a loose cannon like Vicki.

  In the kitchen Reg climbed onto a chair, and the three of them scraped, rinsed and loaded dinnerware into the dishwasher. Their teamwork fell into a natural rhythm.

  Reg’s patience wore out before they finished, though, and off he scampered. “Wish I had his energy,” Daryl said.

  Wade angled a glass into the top rack. “In case I haven’t mentioned how grateful I am...”

  “Don’t make me out to be some saint, because you and I both know I’m not.” Daryl gazed out the window onto Bruce’s small dark patio. “I’ve been afraid to meet my own grandson, and I resented him, too.”

  “Resented him?”

  “I was afraid you’d pick him over me.” Daryl’s hands clenched. “Before you two connected, I was your only family. Well, aside from the old man, but you guys weren’t speaking.”

  Wade didn’t bother to point out that families, like love, had no limits. “Today you more than made up for it.”

  Daryl’s chest heaved. “Reg and I were looking at those old photos. Reminded me of the man I used to be. I can’t be him again, but I can be a better one than I’ve become.”

  “No argument there.”

  “I’m not sure they hold AA meetings on Christmas Day,” Daryl said. “But I’ll search on the web.”

  Wade tilted his head in acknowledgment. Much as he’d like to help, this had to be his father’s journey.

  “By the way, I like that lady doctor of yours,” Daryl went on.

  “Me, too.” So why was Wade having such a problem deciding what to say to her?

  Right now he’d rather simply enjoy being here with this contentious but loving group. And especially with Adrienne and his son.

  * * *

  ON THE WAY home Wade swung by the hospital so Adrienne could pick up her car. Although they’d explained to Reggie that they’d all be staying at the house, he clung to her when she started to get out. Unsure how to respond, she glanced at Wade.

  “Ride with your aunt,” Wade told his son, to Adrienne’s relief. “It’s okay. You can trust us both to keep our word.”

  “Okay, Dad.” Beaming, the little boy scrambled out of the cramped rear seat and took Adrienne’s hand. “That was fun at Grandpa’s house,” he told her. “I mean, Great-Grandpa�
�s.”

  “It was fun after we found you.” Her breath clouded the chilly air. Thank goodness Reg wasn’t still huddling in a doorway.

  “I like both my grandpas.”

  “So do I.” After all she’d heard from Wade, Adrienne had been apprehensive about meeting the men. Instead, she’d found them delightful company.

  She hoped to be part of future celebrations, and not only as Reggie’s aunt. But she had to be realistic.

  Wade still hadn’t commented about her disclosure. No doubt he was trying to be diplomatic, but his silence stung almost as much as a rejection.

  By the time they reached her house, where Wade was waiting with his overnight bag slung over one shoulder, she felt as if she’d been gone for a week. And although it was only eight o’clock, the stress and excitement of the day had taken a toll.

  “We’d better go to bed so Santa can visit,” she told Reg when they were all inside.

  Wade’s eyebrow lifted at the mention of Santa. Perhaps he didn’t believe in telling children fairy tales.

  “He never brings me any of the cool new toys,” the little boy complained.

  Both Wade’s eyebrows shot up.

  “I told you, Santa has to save the expensive gifts for poor children.” Adrienne unzipped her jacket and hung it in the hall closet. “So your family buys you the special things.”

  “Besides, you were naughty tonight,” Wade pointed out. “If I were Santa, I’d leave a piece of coal in your stocking.”

  His son gave him a playful push. Wade caught the little boy easily, swung him around and hugged him while Reggie giggled.

  “He does give me books,” the little boy said when he was back on terra firma. “Those are special, too. When I’m bigger and Santa doesn’t come here anymore, who’ll give me books?”

  “I will,” Wade and Adrienne said in unison, and exchanged amused glances.

  Reggie yawned.

  “And so to bed,” Adrienne concluded.

  She meant to stay up after he was asleep so she and Wade could plan how to proceed over the next few days. Instead, her eyes refused to stay open. No sooner had she tucked in her nephew than Adrienne wandered down the hall as she’d often done during her residency after putting in a thirty-hour shift. She kicked off her shoes, fell across the bed with her clothes on and shut out the world.