The Baby Bet: His Secret Son (The Baby Bet #5)

by Joan Elliott Pickart

  “Thank God,” Andrew said, his voice husky. “Oh, man, what a relief. I can’t begin to tell you how…well, I can only hope you know that I’m grateful that he’s going to be all right. You believe me, don’t you?”

  “Yes. Yes, Andrew, I believe you. I’m aware of how distressed you were about what happened. Uncle Robert has a long way to go here, but things certainly look brighter than they did last night.” Kara paused. “Where…where are you, Andrew?”

  “I managed to get a hotel room.”

  “Oh, I see. Well, that’s good. You got some sleep, then?”

  Yes, and dreamed about you, Andrew thought.

  “I slept,” he said. “Did you?”

  A warm flush stained Kara’s cheeks as she remembered the dreams she’d had of Andrew.

  “Oh, yes, I was snug as a bug in the residents’ room. I’m as good as new.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. Listen, I’m going to have something to eat, then come over to the hospital. I’ll stay in the shadows, keep out of your family’s way, but I’m not going back to Santa Maria until I know what the tests show about Robert’s condition. I’d like to see you while I’m there.”

  “I…well, yes, of course, you’ll want to be kept up to date on Uncle Robert’s condition. Just so you know, I’ll be checking on my patients who are here, doing my rounds. I’ll watch for you…in the shadows.”

  “Kara, being kept apprised of Robert’s condition isn’t the only reason I want to see you. You know that, don’t you?”

  “I…”

  “Don’t you?”

  “Yes, Andrew, I know that.”

  “Good. Until later, then. Goodbye.”

  “Goodbye,” Kara said softly, then replaced the receiver slowly.

  “You were talking to Andrew Malone?”

  Kara spun around to see her brother, Richard, frowning at her.

  “Yes, Richard, I was,” she said. “He called to check on Uncle Robert. He’s been extremely concerned that—”

  “That we’ll sue the pants off him probably,” Richard said. “Some fancy lawyer would no doubt find a way to file a suit of some kind against Malone for what he did to Uncle Robert.”

  “Richard, Andrew is sincerely sorry for what happened at that party.”

  “Andrew? It’s Andrew now? Jeez, Kara, how can you be so cozy with the guy? He nearly killed our uncle, for crying out loud.”

  “Richard, that’s not fair. It wasn’t Andrew’s intention to hurt Uncle Robert. Andrew simply wanted…” Kara paused. “Well, I don’t know exactly what the purpose of that confrontation was, but it certainly wasn’t to cause Uncle Robert any physical harm.”

  “You’re defending what Malone did?” Richard said, his frown deepening. “Are you aware that reporters were at that party? Have you seen the newspapers? They’re having a field day with this. The secret son of highly respected, powerful and wealthy Robert MacAllister crashes family party and…That’s just an example of what is in the papers. The press have picked up Malone’s lie and are running with it.”

  “Richard, what Andrew said is true. He is Uncle Robert’s son. When you look at Andrew up close, you can see the same MacAllister eyes that all of you have. His features, too, are Uncle Robert’s. There’s no denying the truth, and you’re going to have to accept it.”

  “Just how ‘up close’ to Malone have you been, little sister?” Richard said, folding his arms over his chest. “If that guy is making a move on you, there is going to be hell to pay, believe me. He better stay away from you, or he’ll hear from me—personally.”

  “Oh, Richard, stop it,” Kara said. “I’m not sixteen years old anymore. I don’t need you and Jack defending me against everyone walking around in a pair of pants. I’m all grown up, remember?”

  “Okay, you’re all grown up,” Richard said, nodding. “So, all-grown-up sister, where is your family loyalty? You’re standing there pleading Andrew’s case, saying he didn’t mean to cause Uncle Robert any harm. What’s next? Guess who’s coming to dinner?”

  “Who served you a nasty pill for breakfast?”

  Kara turned to find Brenda Henderson glaring at Richard.

  “Hi, Brenda,” Kara said. “Are you here to collect Mr. Congeniality—I hope?”

  “Cute,” Richard said, glowering at Kara, then directing his attention to Brenda. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to see how your uncle is, Richard,” Brenda said. “I was your date at the party when all this happened, you know. I adore your uncle Robert. I’ve come to like all your family—except you at the moment. You’re a grump.”

  “I am not,” Richard said. “I’m simply questioning why Kara is being so damn nice to Andrew Malone. She’s getting up close and personal with the jerk.”

  “Richard MacAllister,” Kara said, planting her hands on her hips, “I never said that I—”

  “Children, children,” Brenda said, raising both hands. “Peace among siblings, please.”

  “Knock it off, Brenda,” Richard said. “Just because you’re my best friend, that doesn’t give you license to get pushy and mouthy.”

  “Sure, it does,” Brenda said, smiling brightly. “As your best friend, I can say anything I want to. Therefore, I go on record as saying that you are acting like an overprotective, obnoxious big brother. And I doubt seriously that you have all the facts regarding Andrew Malone.”

  “Amen and thank you, Brenda,” Kara said.

  “You’re welcome,” Brenda said, nodding decisively. “I heard the good news about Robert. That is so great. Come on, Richard, you can buy me lunch in the cafeteria before I go back to work.”

  Richard threw up his hands in defeat and laughed.

  “You’re on, bossy Bren,” he said. “For being such a smart aleck, you deserve to eat the crummy food in this place.” His smile faded as he looked at Kara. “I’m sorry I jumped on your case. Just be careful around Malone. Okay? He’s after something, I’m sure of it. And remember where your loyalties lie. You’re a MacAllister.”

  “Leaving now,” Brenda sang out, taking Richard’s arm. “Ta-ta, Kara. See you later. Give your uncle Robert a big smooch from me when you see him.”

  “I will, Brenda. Bye,” Kara said quietly as the pair walked away.

  It was a good thing Richard couldn’t peer into her mind, she thought, to see just how disloyal she’d been to her family with Mr. Malone.

  Chapter 5

  Kara smiled as she lifted the baby, being extremely careful to move him in a slow steady motion without the slightest jiggle. Inching him closer until his little head was resting on her shoulder and his blanket-wrapped body was nestled against her, she inhaled his sweet baby-lotion aroma.

  “Hello, my love,” she whispered. “I’ve missed you. Do you remember me? Do you know that I’m your mommy?”

  “You picked him up perfectly that time,” a nurse said, glancing over from where she was tending to another baby in the hospital nursery. “You’re becoming a real pro, Mom. Those poor little crack babies can’t tolerate any jerky movements, or loud noises, for that matter. By the way, don’t you think it’s time you gave your son a name?”

  Kara settled into the rocking chair. She accepted the bottle another nurse handed her, eased the baby into the crook of her arm and began to feed him. “I’m not going to name him until I hear that my application to adopt him has been approved. I’m trying to convince myself that it won’t hurt so badly if I can’t be his mother if I’m not the one to give him a name.”

  “Oh, fat chance of that,” the nurse said, laughing. “That little guy has well and truly stolen your heart, Kara. Besides, I can’t think of one reason why you wouldn’t be approved to adopt him. Everything is in your favor, as far as I can see.”

  “I’m single, remember?”

  “And that is a drug baby you’re holding,” the nurse said. “People aren’t beating down the doors to adopt those kiddies. I’d hate to know the total number of them who are in the foster-care system. Oh,
I forgot to tell you. Your son gained almost a whole ounce. At two weeks and two days old, he weighs four pounds, six and a half ounces.”

  “My goodness,” Kara said, then dipped her head to kiss the baby on the forehead. “Aren’t you the little piggy? I’m so glad he’s eating well now. Is he sleeping any better, Judy?”

  The nurse crossed the room to stand next to the rocking chair.

  “No, he’s still very restless. He’s withdrawing from drugs and it’s not an easy road to go.”

  Kara frowned as she nodded.

  “Even after his system is clear, he won’t like being moved too quickly or disturbed by noise,” the nurse went on. “He may or may not outgrow that.” She smiled. “Why am I telling you this? I know you’ve read tons of material on drug babies. You realize what you’re possibly in for.”

  “Oh, yes, I know. Years of happiness being his mother,” Kara said, smiling. “We’ll face whatever comes when it gets here, and we’ll be fine.” Her smile faded. “Oh, Judy, what if my application to adopt him is denied?”

  “Don’t be a gloomy Gus. You’ll be approved. In the meantime give the kid a name, for Pete’s sake. There you go—Pete. Peter MacAllister. Yes? No? Have you even started a list of possible names for him?”

  “No,” Kara said. “I know it’s silly, but I just won’t allow myself the luxury of doing that.”

  “New mommies have been known to be a tad weird at times,” Judy said, laughing. “I remember the mother of a preemie we had in here a few years ago. The baby had an underdeveloped gag reflex. She couldn’t swallow and was being fed intravenously.

  “Then one day she spit up on Mom’s blouse, which meant what comes up, can go down, and she was on a bottle after that. The mother was so thrilled, albeit superstitious, that she wore that blouse every time she visited until the baby went home. Mom would wash the blouse out by hand each night and put it back on the next day. What a hoot.”

  “I think that’s sweet,” Kara said. “I’m in good company with the nutsy new-mommy crowd.” She paused. “Don’t you love his hair? It’s like black silk capping his head. And his nose. Isn’t that the cutest nose you’ve ever seen? I just adore his nose.”

  “Save me from gushing mothers,” Judy said, rolling her eyes heavenward. “Okay, let’s see. Yes, Kara, his hair is gorgeous, his nose is cute, his toes are adorable, his lips are like rosebuds, his…”

  Kara laughed, then looked quickly at the baby to be certain the sudden noise hadn’t startled him.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll shut up,” she said. “But then again…No, I’m just kidding. I’m sure every mother believes that her baby is the most perfect, most beautiful one ever born.”

  “Giving birth to a baby doesn’t automatically make a woman a good mother. That bundle in your arms is evidence of that. Imagine taking drugs while you’re pregnant, not caring what it’s doing to your baby when you…Oh, don’t get me started on that. Change the subject. Rumor has it that your Uncle Robert is improving.”

  Kara nodded. “He regained consciousness this morning and has been moved into a private room. His doctors are running some tests. The entire family is so relieved. Uncle Robert isn’t out of the woods by any means, but things are looking brighter at this point.”

  “Kara, is all that stuff in the newspapers true?” Judy said. “You know, about the secret son showing up at your family reunion?”

  “I refuse to read what’s been written,” Kara said, “but one of my brothers told me about the stories they’re printing. And, well, yes, Andrew Malone did come to the party and confront Uncle Robert, but Andrew didn’t intend to harm anyone. He’s terribly upset about what happened.”

  “Burp your kid,” Judy said. “I take it from what you’re saying that you’ve talked to Malone.”

  “Yes,” Kara said, moving the baby upward so she could rub his back. “Let’s change the subject again.”

  “Okay, but it sure sounds like a big mess. I wonder what Malone wants? You know what I mean?” Judy laughed. “You’re ignoring me. Okay. Shift of topic. Have you told your family about the baby yet?”

  Kara sighed. “No, I had it all planned. I was going to tell them on New Year’s Eve at the party.

  “I realize that sounds like I’m contradicting myself. I won’t give him a name until I know he’s going to be mine, yet I was going to tell the MacAllister clan about him now. But everyone was going to be together at the same gathering without the kids.

  “I felt that was the best time because if I wasn’t approved to adopt him, then the little ones wouldn’t be asking me over and over where my baby was.

  “Well, so much for that. We’re all concentrating on Uncle Robert, so I’ll just tell them about this sweetie pie later.”

  “I hope that pie has reached five pounds by the time your adoption is approved so you can take him home straight away. Have you bought a crib?”

  “No,” Kara said.

  “Got it,” Judy said, nodding. “A crib falls into the same category as a name. Lucky you, little No-Name MacAllister, you’re going to sleep in Mommy’s dresser drawer.”

  “Well, I’ve been looking at cribs, changing tables, dressers. And clothes. Oh, Judy, you should see the darling clothes they have for babies. Little baseball suits and overalls and…I bought a bib. It says ‘I love my mommy’ on it.”

  “Whoopee,” Judy said, laughing. “The kiddo actually owns a bib.” She paused. “So tell me this much. Do you believe this Malone guy is your uncle’s son?”

  “Yes. Yes, I do.”

  “Why did he wait this long to come forward, Kara? That doesn’t make sense at all. Is he broke? After the MacAllister money?”

  “No, Andrew owns a very successful construction company. I honestly don’t know why he waited until now, or why he came forth at all. It’s very confusing.”

  “No joke,” Judy said. “I sure want to know the next installment of this story. Don’t you, little No-Name MacAllister?”

  The baby burped.

  And Kara MacAllister’s heart nearly burst with love for her precious little son.

  The hotel where Andrew was staying was only four blocks from the hospital, and he decided to walk, get some fresh air. He cut through a pretty little park in the midst of the business district, slowing his steps to enjoy the lush green grass, tall trees and to watch a mother duck with her babies, swimming on the manmade pond.

  He filled his lungs with the crisp clean air and realized he felt the best he had since that awful moment Robert MacAllister had clutched his chest and collapsed to the floor.

  Robert was going to live, Andrew thought. Thank God for that. He wasn’t completely out of harm’s way, but he was certainly much improved from his unconscious state in the intensive care unit. According to Kara, they’d now run tests and figure out what needed to be done to insure that Robert’s road to recovery was successful.

  Andrew stopped walking and sank onto a wooden bench beneath a tall elm tree.

  So now what? he asked himself. Should he finish what he’d started once Robert was completely out of danger? Demand that MacAllister acknowledge Sally Malone’s existence? Make Robert take responsibility for his actions of so many years ago?

  No.

  There was nothing to be gained by that. Sally was gone, would not have wanted Andrew to pursue this mission he’d set in motion. He’d been wrong, so damn wrong, to confront Robert in the first place, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to repeat that mistake.

  Once he knew that Robert MacAllister was truly going to be all right, that would be that. He’d return to Santa Maria and pick up his life where he’d left off, go on as he’d been before.

  Andrew frowned as an image of his big empty apartment flashed before his mental vision. He saw himself entering the living room after a day at the office, with the long hours of the evening stretching silently before him.

  No one was waiting for him to come home.

  No one gave a rip whether he even arrived there safely.


  No one cared.

  “Oh, give it a rest,” he muttered under his breath. Where was this pity-pot junk coming from? He was alone by choice, preferred it that way.

  Yeah, okay, okay, he’d discovered a deep inner yearning for a wife and child to share his life with when he’d seen the mother and baby in the hospital on New Year’s Eve. The woman in the shadows who had turned out to be Kara MacAllister.

  But that seed of need was minuscule compared to his determination never to love, never to render himself vulnerable, at the risk of having his heart smashed to smithereens as his mother’s had been. That newly found want would disappear in time because it wouldn’t be nurtured or paid attention to.

  He’d return to Santa Maria, get back into his busy routine, and everything would be fine. He’d put all that had happened here in Ventura out of his mind and forget it in time as though it had never taken place.

  And he’d never see Kara MacAllister again.

  Andrew lunged to his feet as he felt a chill sweep through him. He started off again, ignoring the cold fist that had tightened in his gut at the thought of walking away from Kara without a backward glance.

  His attraction to Kara, his strange need to have her trust him enough to reveal her innermost secrets to him, the intensity of his desire for her, were all unsettling, raised questions that plagued him unmercifully. Questions he was determined to have the answers to.

  Why did Kara have this hold over him? He didn’t know. He didn’t know. He didn’t know.

  Andrew turned a corner on the cobblestone path and bumped into a woman coming from the opposite direction.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

  “Nor was I,” the woman said. “I was deep in thought and…Oh, dear heaven, you’re…you’re Andrew Malone, aren’t you?”

  Andrew stared at the woman for a long moment, then his heart began to beat in a wild tattoo.

  “Yes, I am,” he said finally, “and you’re Margaret MacAllister.”