Kitabı oxu: «A Magical Christmas: Daddy by Christmas / Greek Doctor: One Magical Christmas / The Christmas Baby Bump»

To my own little heroes,

Harrison, Griffin, Connor and Finley.

You’re the light of life.

Chapter One

SHE hated relying on a man.

Mia Saunders glanced around the filled-to-capacity community room at the Mountain View Apartments complex. It was already decorated for Thanksgiving and the tenants were hopeful that they would still be living here at the end of November.

At one of the many card tables were Emma and Charlie Lowery. They’d lived here for over twenty years. So had the Nordbergs, along with Second World War veteran and widower, Ralph Parkinson. They’d all come here for the same reason—affordable rent gave seniors on fixed incomes some independence.

At the age of twenty-nine, Mia was an exception, one of the few, younger tenants who lived in the aging apartment complex.

“You’ve got to help us, Mia!”

She turned to tiny, gray-haired Nola Madison standing beside her. She was a widow who had lived in the complex since her husband’s death ten years ago. With social security and a small pension, Nola could survive living alone here without burdening her children.

“Nola, I’m going to try, but I’m not sure how much I can do.”

“You’re a lawyer,” Nola said, her soft hazel eyes seeming larger behind her bifocals.

“Not yet. I’ve only just started law school.” That had been put on hold this past semester and she had no idea when she could start up again.

“But you will talk to the owner for us when he gets here.”

“If he gets here,” Mia added. So far that hadn’t happened. They’d tried a half-dozen times to have a meeting with the man to discuss the fifty-year-old apartment complex’s crumbling condition. No improvements had been done in years.

“It seems the new owner has been avoiding us.”

“Well, he has good reason. He doesn’t want to fix things any more than the last owner.” Joe Carson, another of the elderly tenants, spoke up behind her. That got the crowd going.

Mia waved her hand and they quieted down. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. In all fairness…” She glanced down at the paper. “Mr. Jarrett McKane only took possession of this property a few months ago.”

“McKane,” Nola repeated. “I wonder if he’s any relation to the teacher at the high school, Kira McKane. My granddaughter, Hannah, talks about her all the time.”

Joe stepped forward. “I don’t care who he’s related to, he has to take care of our demands.”

Joe’s wife, Sylvia, gasped. “What if he evicts us?”

That started more grumbles around the crowded room.

Mia eyed the tenants she’d gotten to know since coming to Winchester Ridge when her brother, Reverend Bradley Saunders, took over as pastor of the First Community Church a half mile away. She’d found a one-bedroom apartment in the affordable complex about three years ago when Brad and his wife, Karen, decided to make the small Colorado ranching community a permanent home. It was a perfect place for raising a family.

All Mia’s life, it had been her brother who’d been there for her. Brad had never given up on his little sister, even when she gave up on herself. Over the years, he’d pulled her back from some pretty dark places, and let her know that she was important and loved. When their parents disowned her, Brad stood by her and helped her get her act together and get into college.

She’d do anything for him. Sadness washed over Mia, knowing she would never get the chance again.

Sam Parker hurried into the room and called out, “One of those fancy SUVs just pulled up. A shiny black one.”

Those standing scurried to find a seat as if they’d been caught doing something wrong. Mia didn’t rush much these days, but she felt the excitement and nervousness as she took a chair at the head table, and then turned her attention toward the door.

Nothing had prepared her for this man.

Jarrett McKane walked into the room as if he owned it. That was because he did. He was well over six feet, and his sheepskin jacket made him look ever bigger as his broad shoulders nearly filled the doorway. There was a brooding look in his ebony eyes that made him look intimidating.

It didn’t work on her.

She was Preston Saunders’s daughter. No one could intimidate like the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Though there was no doubt that Jarrett McKane could give good old Preston a run for the title. Intimidator.

She released a breath and put on a smile. “Mr. McKane. It’s good of you to come.”

Jarrett turned toward her, his eyes showing some surprise and interest, and he returned a smile, showing off a row of straight white teeth. Oh boy. He was going to try to charm her.

“Ms. Saunders?”

“That would be me.”

He walked to the table, pulling off his leather gloves then he held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Saunders. I must say I’ve enjoyed your colorful letters.”

She tried not to react as his large hand engulfed hers. Get down to business, she told herself and withdrew her hand.

“Well, they seem to have worked. You’re here.” She motioned to the chair across from her. “Please have a seat and we can begin.”

Jarrett McKane didn’t like this woman having the upper hand. Well, it wasn’t going to last long. He eyed the pretty, long-haired brunette. Even tied back into a ponytail, those curls seemed to have a mind of their own. Her eyes caught his attention right off, a dark, smoky blue. She looked to be in her mid-twenties. He hated trying to guess women’s ages, but he knew she was old enough.

He slipped off his jacket and she watched with interest. He liked that. Maybe this would be easier than he thought.

Mia Saunders glanced down at the paper in front of her. “As I stated in my letters, Mr. McKane, there are several apartments that need your immediate attention. The bathrooms in several of the units aren’t working properly, and many of the heaters aren’t functioning at all. They’re outdated and possibly dangerous.” She looked up. “The conditions here are becoming unlivable, Mr. McKane.” She slid the list across the table to him. “We need you to fix these items immediately.”

Jarrett read over the itemized page. He already knew it would cost him a fortune. “And the previous owner should have taken care of these problems.”

“Since you are the current owner, Mr. McKane, it’s your responsibility now.”

He glared at her.

She ignored it. “I’m sure you bought this property at a reduced price, and a good businessman would know the condition of the place. And since you are the owner now, we’re asking that you please address these problems.”

Jarrett glanced around at the group. He hadn’t expected to find this when he arrived, especially not mainly senior citizens. He pushed away any sentimentality. “I can’t fix these problems.”

“Can’t or won’t?” she retorted.

“I don’t see how that matters.”

“It does to us, Mr. McKane.”

“Okay, for one thing, I haven’t received any rent payment since I took over the property.”

“And you won’t until we see some good faith from you. Some of these people don’t have hot water or heat. Winter is here.”

“Then relocating you all is the only answer.” He stood. “Because in a few months, I’ll be tearing the place down.”

The group gasped, but Mia Saunders still looked calm and controlled as she said, “I don’t think so, Mr. McKane.”

Jarrett was surprised by her assertiveness. He wasn’t used to that, especially not from a woman. No that wasn’t true, his sister-in-law, Kira, gave him “what for” all the time.

Ms. Saunders held up another piece of paper. “We all have leases giving us six months to relocate. When you bought the building, your lawyer should have told you about it. Unless you didn’t use an attorney.”

Dammit, he didn’t have an answer to that.

“And you still have to honor our leases.”

He shook his head. “Can’t do it. I want to start demolition by the first of the new year. And I’m sure the town council will go along with me since this is the site for a new computer-chip plant. It’s estimated to bring over a hundred jobs to this town.” He saw the panicked looks on the tenant’s faces and added, “And I’ll help anyone who wants to be relocated, but I can’t let you stay here for six months.” Finished, he headed toward the door.

“You might not have a choice,” Mia called to him.

He turned around, perversely enjoying the exchange. He liked the fire in her pretty eyes, the set of her jaw. He wondered if he could find a way to sway her loyalty. A little dinner and maybe some romancing might help his cause. “I don’t think you can win this fight, Ms. Saunders. But I’m willing to discuss it with you, another time.”

She rose from her chair and that was when he noticed her rounded belly. Pregnant? Damn, she’s pregnant.

Mia Saunders seemed to enjoy the surprise. “You can count on it, when we see you in court.”

Thirty minutes later, Jarrett was still thinking about the attractive Mia Saunders as he drove his Range Rover down the highway. He shook his head. What the hell was he doing fantasizing about a pregnant woman? A woman carrying another man’s baby.

He turned off onto the road leading toward the McKane ranch. After selling off his part of the family cattle ranch, he hadn’t called in here much to start with. He and his half brother, Trace, hadn’t gotten along while they were growing up, but the past few years that had slowly begun to change. Maybe he was getting soft. Of course, his brother’s wife, Kira, had a lot to do with it.

Now, he was an uncle and he was crazy about his niece, Jenna. She could ask him to walk over hot coals, and he’d do it, smiling. At three years old, the toddler had his number.

He parked around the back of the house. They hadn’t always been a happy family: he recalled just a while back when Trace and Kira were barely surviving a crumbling marriage. Kira’s problems getting pregnant had put a strain on them that had nearly ended their five-year relationship. Then a miracle had happened, and now they had Jenna.

Climbing the back steps to the century-old ranch house, Jarrett’s attention turned to another pregnant woman, Mia Saunders. It was true what they said about expectant mothers, they did have a glow about them. And unless he had been mistaken, she’d directed that rosy glow toward him.

He knocked on the door and walked in. “Everyone decent?” He peered into the kitchen, knowing he’d be welcome. That hadn’t always been true. There was a time he’d tried everything to one-up his younger brother. In their youth, he had wanted nothing to do with the ranch, or with the half brother who’d gotten all the attention. So, after their father died, Jarrett had accepted his share in dollars.

It had taken them years to work out their differences. And with the help of Kira and a sweet little girl named Jenna they’d worked through a lot of their problems, mainly just trying to be brothers.

Kira stood at the stove. “We have a three-year-old. There isn’t any time to get indecent.” His sister-in-law smiled as she came to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Hi, Jarrett. It’s good to see you.”

“Hi, sis,” he said, returning the hug. He’d used to have trouble with her being so demonstrative, but she said they were family, and that was how family acted.

Jarrett heard a squeal and little Jenna came charging into the room.

“Unca Jay. Unca Jay,” the girl called.

Jarrett caught her up in his arms, swung her around, kissing her cheeks and blowing raspberries. “How’s my Jenna girl today?”

The child’s tiny mouth formed a pout. “Mommy put me in time-out. I was sad.”

Kira arrived on the scene, brushing back her long blond hair. “Tell Uncle Jarrett what you did.”

“I got into Mommy’s makeup.”

Suddenly, Jarrett could see the faint remnants of lipstick on her mouth. “Uh-oh.”

“I just want to be pretty, like Mommy.” She turned those big brown eyes on him. “Are you mad at me, too?”

“Never.” He kissed her. “But you’re already pretty, you don’t need makeup.” He glanced at Kira. “But remember you don’t like anyone getting into your stuff, so you shouldn’t get into other people’s things.”

“’Kay.” She looked at her mom. “Can I play now? I promise to be good.”

Kira nodded, and they watched the child run out of the room. She turned to Jarrett. “Thanks for backing me up.”

He nodded. “I don’t know how you ever punish her. It would tear me up.”

“It part of being a parent.”

“That’s a job I don’t want.”

Kira smiled. “You just haven’t found the right woman.”

He arched an eyebrow. “I’ve found a lot of women and I like it that way. There’s safety in numbers.” He winked at her. “Among other things.”

She shook her head. “Like I said, you haven’t found the right woman.”

“But I found mine.”

They both looked toward the door to see Trace. His brother went straight to his wife and kissed her. Jarrett hated the envy that engulfed him. To his surprise, his thoughts turned to Mia Saunders again. Well, damn.

“Hi, bro,” Jarrett greeted him. “How’s the cattle business?”

“If you came out here more, you’d know for yourself.”

“If I came out here more, you’d put me to work. You know how I feel about ranching. I’m doing just fine the way things are.”

“I take it you’re still trying to get by on your looks and your wit. So what brings you out here?”

Jarrett shrugged. “Do I need a reason?”

Trace hugged his wife close. “Of course not. Stay for supper.”

Jarrett smiled. “Don’t mind if I do.” Whatever had happened during their childhood didn’t seem to mean much anymore. It had taken years, but Jarrett had finally realized that Trace wasn’t competing with him. After they’d found natural gas on McKane land a few years ago, they’d worked together and ensured a prosperous future for them all.

They also found they could be friends.

Kira went to check on Jenna while Trace poured two mugs of coffee. He handed one to Jarrett and the brothers sat down at the large farm kitchen table.

“So, I hear you bought the old apartment buildings on Maple.”

Jarrett frowned. He’d been trying to keep the project quiet. “Where did you hear that?”

“It’s a small town. There aren’t many secrets.”

Kira returned. “We heard it at church last Sunday. One of your tenants, her brother used to be our pastor. Reverend Brad Saunders.” She shook her head. “It was such a tragedy about their deaths.”

“I don’t go to church. What happened to them?”

“A few months ago Brad and his wife, Karen, went on a missionary trip and their small plane crashed in Mexico. Poor Mia.”

“What about her husband?

Kira raised an eyebrow. “Mia doesn’t have a husband.”

Interest sparked in Jarrett, catching him off guard. “Surely the guy responsible for the baby will step up.”

Kira exchanged a glance with Trace. “There is no guy to step up. It’s not Mia’s baby.”

Chapter Two

JARRETT stared at his sister-in-law. “Okay, it’s been a few years since Biology 101, but I would remember something like this.”

“Mia is a surrogate,” she explained. “Or maybe I should say she was.”

“There’s definitely still a baby,” he added, recalling the generous curve of her stomach.

“But no parents.”

“So what’s the story?”

Kira gave her husband a quick glance. “It wasn’t exactly public knowledge, but Mia is carrying her brother and sister-in-law’s baby.”

“The hell you say!”

Suddenly Jenna came running into the kitchen. “Unca Jay, you said a bad word.”

Jarrett ignored Trace’s disapproving stare. “I’m sorry, sweetie,” he told her. “I’ll try to be better.”

“You got to give me a nickel for the jar.” The child held out her tiny hand and smiled. “Pay me.”

The little thief. With a smile he dug into his pocket. “Here’s a quarter.”

“Jenna, go wash up for supper,” her mother said.

“Okay, Mommy.” She smiled and went and hugged Trace. “Hi, Daddy.”

While father and daughter exchanged pleasantries Jarrett tried to wrap his head around this news.

Once the child left, Jarrett turned back to Kira. “Was Mia Saunders going to give the reverend and his wife her baby?”

Kira shook her head. “No, she’s been carrying Brad and Karen’s baby all along. Surely you’ve heard of a fertilized embryo being implanted in another woman and she carries the baby when the biological mother can’t. In this case, Mia was doing this for her brother and his wife.”

Kira got up from the table, went to the oven and checked the roast, then she returned to the table. “But now everything has changed with Brad and Karen’s death. Mia will not only be giving birth to her niece or nephew in about six weeks, but now she’ll be raising the baby, too.”

In the past, Jarrett had always run as far as possible from romantic entanglements. He didn’t do relationships beyond a few months, no matter how beautiful or intriguing the woman. It would mean he’d have to put his feelings on the line, to be vulnerable—something he’d avoided since he’d been a kid when his mother had died. Still grieving, he’d soon learned that his father’s new wife didn’t want to deal with someone else’s kid.

He’d concluded a long time ago he wasn’t cut out to be a family man.

Yet, this woman caused him to pause. Why was he even giving her a second thought?

A woman with a baby?

He recalled the scene from earlier that day in the community room filled with all those elderly tenants and how Mia Saunders had led the pack. Those amazing blue eyes had dared him to challenge her demands. She’d tried to act tough, but he could see her nervousness.

“Does she have any other family?”

Kira shook her head. “From what I heard there was only her brother. Since her brother was a pastor, Brad and Karen didn’t exactly have a fat bank account. Mia had been going to law school, but she had to drop out after the accident. I know she does Web design because she works from home, which is important now with the baby coming. The church is helping as much as possible.”

And he was about to throw her out of her home. “When is the kid due?”

“Would you believe Christmas day?” Kira smiled. “I feel that’s a good omen. I believe there’s a miracle out there for her.”

Jarrett hoped it happened before the New Year.

“They have the best food around,” Jarrett told Neil Fulton the next afternoon at lunch. “Prime Cut’s Barbecue is outstanding. It’s all local beef, too. Some of it comes from my brother’s ranch.”

The fifty-five-year-old business executive looked as if he’d spent a lot of time behind a desk. His skin was pale and his hair thinning. “You own part of that, too?”

“No, I got out of ranching a long time ago.” Jarrett hadn’t liked all the hard work or a father who drove him to do more than a kid should have to do. For what? To wait out another drought, low cattle prices or a freezing winter without going bankrupt. And you’re still poor. He liked the finer things in life, and he’d found a way to get them.

“But my brother is good at what he does. I guarantee you’ll love the beef.”

“Maybe another time, I usually eat a lighter lunch.” Neil looked over his half-glasses at Jarrett. “My wife insists on it.”

Jarrett would do everything he could to move this deal along. With the slow economy, he needed to make sure this sale didn’t fall through. If only he could find a place for the Mountain View tenants, life would be perfect.

“Why not have the best of both worlds?” he said. “If you lived around here, you could enjoy hearty meals, because there’s plenty of hiking and skiing around to keep you in shape. And there’s a great gym where you can work out.”

Neil smiled. “You’ve kept in shape well enough since you left football. How do you do it?”

Jarrett couldn’t believe people still remembered his college career. But he’d use it if it helped seal the deal with Fulton Industries.

“I have a home gym,” he explained. You and your wife will have to come by and I’ll show you. It’s Robin, isn’t it?”

Fulton nodded, then returned to scanning the menu.

“I also want to show you both some houses in the area. There are several estates with horse property. Riding is another great way to keep in shape.”

Neil raised a hand. “First, I need to put all my energy into building this plant. Robin will stay in Chicago until we can get things moving along. From past experience, once my wife gets going on a new house, she’ll throw herself into decorating it.”

“Well, when that happens I’ll have one of my top agents help her find the perfect house.”

Neil frowned. “You don’t know Robin. She’s hard to please.”

Jarrett bet he could handle her. “Then I’ll work with her personally.”

Neil laughed. “You may live to regret that offer.”

Before Jarrett could respond, a young man approached the table. “Excuse me, sir, are you Jarrett McKane?”

“Yes, I am.”

The guy pulled out a manila envelope from inside his jacket. “This is for you.” He smiled. “You’ve been served.”

Jarrett felt his face heat with anger. Then he glanced across the restaurant as the man stopped at a table. He sat down beside a dark-haired woman. Mia Saunders.

“Is there a problem, Jarrett?” Neil asked.

“No. Just a minor disagreement with a client.”

Mia raised a hand and waved.

“This doesn’t have anything to do with our project, does it?”

Jarrett nodded at Mia. “Like I said it’s a minor problem. Nothing I can’t handle.”

The following morning, Mia drove to her doctor’s appointment in Grand Junction, about forty miles away. The roads were clear so far, and she only hoped that northwest Colorado’s winter weather would hold off for another month.

Since she was in her last trimester, she had to travel there regularly. Not a problem; she liked her doctor, Lauren Drake. In her forties, the attractive fertility specialist had been there for her from the beginning of the surrogacy. She’d also supported Mia through Brad and Karen’s horrible accident and death.

“How have you been feeling?”

“Great,” Mia said. “Except the baby is pretty active. He or she is kicking all the time.”

The attractive blonde was tall and slender and happily married to her college sweetheart. Mia should hate her for her perfect life, but Lauren was too nice to hate. She had become a good friend. And Mia needed as many friends as she could get.

“I know the pregnancy is going well, but I’m worried about you, Mia. Your life has been turned upside down in the past few months. And now, you aren’t even sure about a place to live.”

“So what else is new?” Sadness crept in. She missed her brother desperately. He’d been her rock for most of her life. Even with Brad’s help, it had taken her years to get her act together. Now, she felt on the verge of falling apart. What kind of mother would that make her? Not a good one.

“I know you’ve had to deal with a lot,” the doctor said. “You only planned to be the aunt to this baby. Now, you’re going to be the mother, unless you’ve changed your mind on that.”

Mia shook her head. Well before Brad and Karen had moved ahead with the surrogacy, everyone had agreed that if something ever happened to them, Mia would raise the child. Yet, no one had ever imagined the loss of both parents even before the baby arrived.

“It’s a big responsibility, Mia. Even when there’s a father in the picture.”

Mia added, “A single mother with no money and no apparent means of income isn’t the best candidate.”

“Don’t say that.”

Mia hadn’t hidden anything from the doctor before the procedure began. Dr. Drake knew about everything in her past.

“There are agencies around to help, too.”

Mia shook her head. She had some money set aside. And Brad and Karen had some left-over insurance money. “I just want a job.”

“I’d prefer you didn’t take any more on your plate right now.”

Mia fought her panic. “Is there something wrong?”

Lauren shook her head. “Just watching your blood pressure. It’s a little high, but no worries right now.” She quickly changed the subject. “Have you picked out any names?”

“No, I haven’t thought about it.” She had some personal things of Karen’s, a baby book that might give her a clue and a letter from her sister-in-law that Mia wasn’t supposed to open until the birth of the baby.

“Well, do it. And stop trying to take on everyone’s problems. Think about yourself for a change. You won’t get the chance after the baby comes.”

Mia knew she couldn’t walk away from her neighbors. Not now. They’d been so good to her. “We’re just trying to stay in our homes for a little while longer. We’re going to court next week, and we’re hoping the judge will rule in our favor.”

Having a place to live was her main concern right now. She couldn’t be homeless again. Not with a baby.

A week later, Jarrett walked into the courtroom. What he didn’t expect to see were several of the tenants there, too. Of course, leading the pack was Mia Saunders.

She looked professional in her dark skirt and a long wine-colored sweater draped over her rounded stomach. Her rich brown hair was pulled back from her oval face and clipped at the base of her neck. She didn’t wear makeup. She didn’t try to highlight her already striking blue eyes or her rosy-hued lips. She did nothing to enhance her good looks. She didn’t need to.

He wasn’t interested in her anyway. She had issues he didn’t want to deal with. Yet it seemed he would be dealing with her whether he liked it or not. He hoped today would end any and all future meetings.

That was why he’d brought his lawyer. Matthew Holliston wasn’t only his attorney but a longtime friend from high school. And he was damn good at his job.

Although, when Matt had heard that Judge Barbara Gillard was going to hear the case, he’d been worried. She had a reputation as a tough judge, and something else went against Jarrett. Years ago, he had dated Judge Gillard’s sister, Amy, in high school. It hadn’t ended well, so Matt had suggested that he make a generous offer to the building tenants. They had written up something to appease the judge and, they hoped, the tenants.

“Good morning, Ms. Saunders,” Jarrett said.

She nodded. “Mr. McKane.”

He was quickly drawn into her sparkling gaze and lost the ability to say more. That was when Matt stepped in and guided him to his seat.

The court deputy soon called their case. “The Mountain View tenants versus Jarrett McKane Properties.”

“Here, your honor,” Matt acknowledged. He and Jarrett went to the front of the courtroom.

“We’re also here, your honor.” Mia Saunders walked up with two elderly people.

Everyone waited in silence as Judge Gillard glanced over the case papers in front of her. There were also pictures and estimates for several repairs. The judge’s gaze turned to Jarrett. “How can you expect your tenants to live like this?”

Jarrett started to speak, but Matt stepped in. “Your honor, as you read in our deposition, my client only purchased the property three months ago.”

The judge just looked at him, then said, “I assume, Mr. McKane, you did a walk-through of the property before purchasing it so you had to know the conditions. And if that wasn’t enough, Ms. Saunders contacted you several times. So you should have, at least, begun to make some of the repairs.”

“Your honor,” Matt tried again. “It would be a waste of time and money. Mr. McKane will be demolishing the building so a factory can be built there—a computer-chip plant that will bring several new jobs into the area.”

“Your honor,” Mia Saunders interrupted. “The tenants had to sign a lease agreement when they moved in. It states that if the property is ever sold they have six months to relocate.” She flashed a cold stare at Jarrett, then went on. “Even with the change of ownership, until each tenant is contacted about their eviction, they still have five months and three weeks to stay in their apartments.”

Matt fought back. “Your honor, isn’t six months a little excessive? A thirty-day notice is a standard agreement now.”

The judge looked at the lease in her hand. “Well, this agreement is from 1968.” She glanced over her glasses. “But no one thought to change it.” She held up the photos. “I’m more concerned that many of these apartments aren’t suitable to live in.”

Nola stepped forward and introduced herself. “Your honor, I’m Nola Madison, one of the longtime tenants. May I speak?”

The judge nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Madison, you may.”

The tiny woman made her way to the front. “Many of us have lived at Mountain View Apartments for a long time. It’s our home, and like all of us, it’s getting old. With a little work and some minor repairs, we can live comfortably for the winter. Please don’t ask us to leave yet.”

“You know that in six months you will have to move anyway,” the judge told her.

Nola glanced around to her group of friends and neighbors. “Next week is Thanksgiving, your honor. For years a lot of us have spent it together. Christmas, too. If this is our last year, I really would like to be with my friends. My family. And we need the time to find affordable places to live and to save the extra money to move. So staying until March would be helpful.”

Seeing the judge blink several times, Jarrett knew he was in big trouble.

“Your honor,” Matt tried again. “This is not a good situation, but there is an important business deal pending here. A factory is to be built on this site. A factory that will bring jobs into our community.”

The judge straightened. “From which your client will benefit nicely, I’m sure. While these people will lose their homes.” She glared daggers toward Jarrett. “Mr. McKane, you knew the conditions of the lease, and you also knew the deplorable condition of the building when you made the purchase.”

He didn’t agree or disagree. “What I had planned was to help the tenants relocate,” he replied.

The judge wasn’t buying it. “Seems to me if you’d been sincere you would have answered their letters three months ago,” she observed. “Now you’re throwing them out of their homes as though nothing matters as long as you make a profit. Well, it’s not always about profit, Mr. McKane. My ruling is that you make the necessary repairs to bring the building up to code. I’ll waive the fine as long as you begin immediately.”

Jarrett bit the inside of his mouth. “Yes, your honor.”

“Don’t think that’s all there is, Mr. McKane. You’re to make all repairs so the place is livable.” Judge Gillard paused and looked at Mia Saunders. “Is there a vacant apartment?”

Mia nodded. “Yes, your honor, but the apartment is unlivable.”

The judge nodded. “Good. What’s the number?”

“Two-oh-three-B.”

“Jarrett McKane, I order you to move into apartment 203B at Mountain View complex until all repairs are completed. No eviction until March first. Although, I do want to see you back here after the holidays to learn about your progress.” She hit the gavel on the block. The sound echoed around the courtroom. “Court adjourned.”

“Judge, this is highly irregular,” Matt called, but she had already exited the courtroom.

That left Jarrett thinking about everything he was about to lose. No, he couldn’t lose this. He’d fix this, like he’d fixed everything all his life. He’d figure out a way to get what he wanted. He always did.

The next day, Jarrett and Matt parked in front of the Mountain View Apartments. “You can’t bend any of the rules, Jarrett,” Matt told him. “You have to sleep here every night, eat here and even work here. You can only go to your home to get more clothes and food, that’s all, or the judge could toss you in jail. You know she means business when she instructed me to escort you here personally.”

“Dammit, Matt, you’d better get me out of this mess. If Fulton finds out, he’ll walk away from the deal.”

“Well, unless he’ll wait until April, you’re in big trouble. The only alternative you have is talking them into moving out.”

Jarrett was frustrated. Thanks to Mia Saunders, he had to figure out something. But honestly there weren’t many options since housing was limited in Winchester Ridge.

He looked toward the yellow-and-brown structure with the peeling paint and sagging rain gutters. It seemed even worse with winter-bare trees, but the grass was cut and the hedges trimmed.

“In its day, the place was probably a showcase,” Matt observed.

“Well, it’s not 1960,” he told his friend. “And I’m only going to do the minimum that needs to be done. It’s a waste of time and money.”

Jarrett looked out the Mercedes’ windshield to see someone coming toward them. It was the older woman, Mrs. Madison. He pressed the button so the window went down.

“Hello, Mr. McKane.” She slowly made her way to the car. “I’m not sure if you remember me, I’m Nola Madison.”

He got out of the car. “Were you checking up to see if I was coming?”

She smiled despite his rudeness. “As a matter of fact, we were watching for you, but only to warn you about what to expect in your apartment.” She shook her head. “It was once the manager’s, but he didn’t take very good care of it. We tried the best we could to clean it up.” She held out a key dangling from a heart keychain. “But I’m afraid it needs more work than any of our places.”

Feeling like a heel, Jarrett took the key from her, and pulled his jacket together against the cold. “You shouldn’t be out in this weather, Mrs. Madison.”

“Please, call me Nola. Let’s go inside, but it isn’t much warmer.”

Jarrett grabbed his duffel bag from the back of the car, asked Matt to have his car brought over from the office, and followed the woman up the walk. They went into a bare lobby. He’d seen this area before and knew how bad it looked, but it hadn’t mattered to him, since it was tagged for demolition. He headed for the elevators to find signs that read, Out of Order.

On the walk-through of the property he hadn’t noticed that. “There is no elevator?”

She shook her head. “Not in the last year.”

Jarrett recalled that day in the community room—two of the tenants were in wheelchairs. “How do the handicapped get upstairs?”

She led him to the wrought-iron staircase and they started the climb. “Oh, we found two tenants who were willing to move upstairs, and Joe and Sylvia’s son, Ryan, built ramps for both Margie and Harold. Now they can get in and out or their apartments. It’s important to be independent.”

“Who exchanged apartments?”

“Well, Mia was one who moved upstairs, and when her brother, Reverend Brad, was alive he used to help us with a lot of repairs. Many of his congregation did, too.”

“Where was the owner? Some of these repairs are required by law.”

She shook her head. “He threatened to double our rent if we kept complaining. So we started fixing things ourselves.” They made it to the second floor. “But some things we can’t fix. We need an expert.”

Once again he was confronted with dingy walls and worn carpet. They passed a few doors, then she stopped in front of his apartment. He paused. Hell, he was afraid to go inside.

Suddenly the door across the hall opened and Mia Saunders stepped out. She actually smiled at him and he felt a strange tightness in his chest. “Moving in, Mr. McKane?”

She was dressed in a long blue sweater that went to midthigh, with a pair of black leggings covering those long legs. He looked back at her face. “Seems I am. Looks like we’re going to be neighbors.”

“Isn’t that nice,” Nola said, then glanced at her watch. “Oh, my, I just remembered I have a doctor’s appointment. I don’t know where my head is today. Mia, could you show Mr. McKane around?”

Mia frowned. “Do you need a ride, Nola?”

“No, thank you, dear, my daughter is coming by.” With a wave, the older woman walked off.

Mia didn’t like Nola’s not-so-subtle disappearing act. Why did anyone need to show Jarrett McKane around?

She walked to the apartment entrance. “Brace yourself.” She swung open the door, reached in and flicked on the lights, then motioned for him to go inside first. He frowned and stepped into the main room. She heard his curse and couldn’t help but smile as she followed him in.

The apartment walls needed paint, but not before numerous holes in the plaster were patched. Under the slipcovers that Nola and her welcoming committee had recently put on, the furniture was thrift-store rejects.

“Joe cleaned the carpet, or what’s left of it. It’s probably the original. At least the place doesn’t smell as if someone died in here anymore.”

Without comment, he continued down the hall and peered into the bath. Again another curse.

She called after him. “It might not look very good, but I can guarantee you Nola and Sylvia cleaned it within an inch of its life. And there are fresh towels. And they made up the bed for you, too.” Then she murmured to herself, “Why they’re being so nice to you, I have no idea.”

The good-looking Jarrett McKane came out and stood in front of her. His dark hair had been cut and styled recently. His clothes were top-of-the-line, too. Everything about him rang out success and power. So why was she even noticing him?

Hormones, she concluded. It was just late-pregnancy hormones. She’d learned a long time ago to stay away from men like him.

“Why did they do all this?” he finally asked.

Jarrett McKane was standing too close, but she refused to step back. She refused to let him intimidate her.

“It’s their way of being neighborly,” she told him. “It’s the same with everyone here. Over the years, they’ve all become a family. Some are alone. Some have family that didn’t have time for them so they take care of each other.”

“Or it’s their way to get me to not tear the place down.”

She smiled, not wanting him to see her anger. “It’s just some towels and linens and a few home-cooked meals. But yes, they feel it’s worth a try. Enjoy your stay.” She turned and started to leave when he called her name.

When she turned around, he gave her a sexy grin. “Did you do anything to sway me, Ms. Saunders?”

Her heart began to pound in her chest. “There might be a plate of oatmeal raisin cookies on the kitchen counter.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing how far you’ll go to persuade me.”

Mia arched her aching back, causing her stomach to be front and center. “I’m afraid cookies are as far as I’m willing to go.”

Chapter Three

MIA couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

She stepped inside her apartment and closed the door. She didn’t want Jarrett McKane in her life, or in her space. And he was suddenly in both.

A long time ago, she’d learned about men who thrived on control. Her father was one of those. It had taken her years to get out from under his reign and finally to be free of him.

She walked across her cozy living area. A secondhand sofa and chair faced the small television. A triangular rug hid a lot of the worn carpet underneath. A small table off the galley kitchen was used for eating and for working on her computer.

Her laptop was the only thing of value that she had and the only means she had these days of make a living. Despite her privileged upbringing, she’d never been materialistic. Maybe that was the reason it had been so easy to walk away, or in her case, run away.

To Preston and Abigail Saunders their daughter had always been a problem, a disappointment from the start. An overweight child, Mia had morphed into a rebellious teenager. She had never fitted into her Boston society family. So, once she was of age, she’d just disappeared from their lives.

Even Brad had eventually bucked their father’s plans for him. Instead, her older brother had became an ordained minister and had ended up disowned, too.

Now she’d lost her only family. She caressed her stomach, feeling the gentle movement of the baby. At least she’d have a part of Brad and Karen and she vowed to love and protect this child. So she wasn’t about to let her parents know where she was. Or let them find this baby.

Mia sat down in the chair, still in awe of the life she carried inside her. Onetime wild child, Margaret Iris Ashley Saunders was going to have a baby. She blew out a breath. She was going to be a mother and D-day was approaching soon. There were so many things she had to get done before Christmas.

She closed her eyes. For months, she’d had to push aside all the feelings she was having for this baby. A mother’s feelings. The only thing that had saved her was knowing this child would always be in her life. Brad and Karen would have been the perfect parents and she could be the favorite aunt who spoiled the child.

Now, Mia had to step up and be a parent to this baby. She wasn’t sure she was cut out to do it.

That afternoon, with the help of his office staff, Jarrett had made several phone calls. He’d finally found someone to start on the repairs. A local furnace repairman was to come out. He’d also contacted the handyman who serviced some of his other properties to help out with some of the minor fixes.

Flipping his phone shut, he decided to wait downstairs and get out of his depressing apartment for a while. In the hall, the door across from his opened and Mia walked out carrying a large trash bag. She stiffened the second she saw him.

He smiled. “Hello, Mia.”

She nodded stiffly. “Mr. McKane.”

She was dressed in her standard black pants and oversize blouse, but with an added long sweater for warmth.

“I don’t see why we can’t be on a first-name basis since we’re going to be neighbors.”

“You’re the man who’s evicting us. Why would I get friendly with the enemy?”

He took the bag from her. “It doesn’t seem to bother the others.” He gave her a sideways glance. “Someone must have really have done a number on you.”

She glanced away. “Now you’re a psychiatrist?”

“No, just observant.”

“Well, observe somewhere else. Thanks to you, I have a lot on my mind.”

He wasn’t crazy about having to move her in her condition. “I’m not your enemy, Mia. I’m trying to find all of you places to live.”

“We can’t afford most of the other places.”

Was that his fault? “The rent here is well below average for this area. Even if I kept the place and did all the repairs, I’d have to raise the rent.”

“Well, you can’t yet. Some of us are barely getting any heat or hot water.”

“I’m taking care of that.”

“I can’t tell you how many times we heard that from the last owner.”

“The last owner hadn’t been court-ordered,” Jarrett said. He slowed his pace so she could keep up. He knew little or nothing about pregnant women. Only that Kira had had a rough time with her pregnancy and had had to stay in bed the last few months.

“That’s where I’m going now,” he continued, “to meet with a furnace guy.”

She stopped. “You mean we could have some heat today?”

He shrugged. “I’m paying him extra to start right away.”

They continued their way down the stairs to the main lobby. “I would like to ask a favor,” he said.

She paused with a glare.

He hid a smile as he raised a hand. “Good Lord, woman, do you mistrust everyone? I only want you to help get everyone together so we see who has the worst problems and fix them first.”

“Then come to the community room. It’s where a lot of the tenants hang out because it has a working heater.”

They stepped outside into the frigid weather. He first tossed the sack into the Dumpster, and then they continued on to the center.

“I hear your baby is due on Christmas day.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “Who told you that?”

“My sister-in-law, Kira McKane. You both go to the same church.”

She seemed relieved. “How does she feel about you tossing us out of here?”

“I haven’t tossed out anyone, and according to the judge, I won’t be able to until the spring.” Not with Barbara Gillard watching him anyway. If only he could come up with a way to convince everyone to leave a few months earlier.

His only other chance was to get Fulton to hold off on the takeover date. They couldn’t begin construction until the ground thawed. But he wouldn’t get his money either.

He’d put a lot into this project, buying up the surrounding land, including this place. He had too much to lose. And it would cost him even more every day Mountain View Apartments stayed open. And now he was being held prisoner here.

While Jarrett went to the community room, Mia knocked on Joe’s door and asked him and Sylvia to gather the other tenants and bring them to the community room.

Sending the others on ahead, Mia then went to Nola’s place and they walked over together. “We need to make sure you have enough heat, Mia,” Nola said. “For you and the baby.”

They went through the door of the community room to see a dozen or so tenants already there. “I’m fine for now,” Mia answered. Her apartment wasn’t too bad. “I wouldn’t mind a new faucet for the sink, though. It came off last week.”

“You should have told Joe.”

“I wasn’t going to complain when there are apartments with bigger problems.”

Nola gave her a tender look. “You and the baby are a priority.”

Mia smiled. Everyone here had rallied around her like overprotective grandparents since they’d heard the tragic news. “He’s not even here yet.”

“It’s a boy?” Joe said, walking over to them.

“I don’t know,” she insisted. “So you haven’t won the baby pool yet.”

The older man grinned. “It’s a boy all right. He’s going to be born at 12:05 on the twenty-fifth of December.”

Mia looked up to see Jarrett walk in, followed by a middle-aged man with Nichols Heating and Air printed across his shirt pocket.

“Good, most of you are here,” Jarrett began. “This is Harry Nichols. He’s here to look at the heating units.”

Several of the tenants were already on their feet to greet the repairman. Once the niceties were over, the tenants commandeered Harry and went to start the work.

With everyone gone, Jarrett walked over to where Mia sat at the table. “That seemed to please them.”

She studied her new landlord. He was sure proud of himself. “Why not? It’s been a while since they’ve had reliable heat. You’ll probably be rewarded with some more baked goods.”

Jarrett took a seat next to her, filling the space with his large frame. She inhaled a faint scent of his aftershave.

“I had no idea the extent of the last owner’s neglect. I thought it was mostly cosmetic. Now, I’m paying a lot for the repairs.”

Mia eyed his expensive clothes, leather jacket and cowboy boots. She’d seen his top-of-the-line Range Rover parked out front. “I doubt you’ll starve, Mr. McKane. Besides, this isn’t your only property in town.”

He arched an eyebrow. “The last I heard, it’s not against the law to make a living.”

“No. Not unless the properties have been neglected like this one.”

He looked at her with those dark, piercing eyes. “In the first place, I wasn’t the one who allowed this property to fall apart. Secondly, most of my other holdings are commercial buildings. I’ve spent a lot of money renovating run-down properties. You can’t ask for top rent without a quality product.”

Why couldn’t he do the same here? “Have you ever considered putting money into this place? You have a whole other section that’s vacant. That’s twenty-four units that are empty.” She shrugged. “Like you said yourself, this town doesn’t have enough rental properties. With some remodeling you could sell them as townhomes.”

He studied her for a while. “Sounds like you’ve put some thought into this.”

“When we heard that the owner was selling, the tenants tried to buy the complex themselves. They didn’t have enough money, or the expertise to do the repairs.”

“I doubt if anyone can keep up with the repairs of this old place. No one would want to sink the time and effort into it, without knowing if they could recoup their money. The real estate market has been unpredictable.”

He sounded like her father. “Does it always have to be about money?”

He arched an eyebrow. “It does or I go broke.”

She’d been both, and she was definitely happier like this. “I can’t believe you’d lose everything. You still have family and a home. You might lose a little money, but you’ll survive. A lot of these people won’t. They can’t afford to move and pay double the rent elsewhere.”

He frowned. “What are you going to do when the lease is up?”

She blinked, fighting her anger. “Is your conscience suddenly bothering you about evicting a single mother?”

He straightened. “I’m not happy about evicting anyone. But I don’t have a choice. This deal has been in the works for months.”

“Like I said, it’s all about the almighty dollar.”

“What about the jobs this factory will create for the town? The economy isn’t that great to turn this opportunity away.”

“Does a factory have to be built on land that drives people from their homes?”

“I will find them other places to live. I’m not that cruel—I won’t put seniors and single mothers out on the street.”

“Well, you can stop worrying about me. I don’t want your charity.”

“Fine. Let’s see where your stubbornness gets you.”

“I’ve been able to take care of myself so far.”

“Then feel free to continue.” He stood and started to leave.

She tried not to let him see her fear. She raised her chin. “I will.”

Suddenly she felt her stomach tighten and she automatically covered it with her hands.

He must have seen it, too. “Are you okay?”

She nodded as she moved her hand over her belly and rubbed it, but it didn’t help. Then her back began to hurt, too. She tried to shift in the chair, but it didn’t help.

“Mia, what’s wrong?” Jarrett asked.

She shook her head. “Nothing.”

He knelt down beside her chair. “The hell it’s nothing.”

She shook her head, looking around the empty room. There wasn’t anyone else there.

His expression softened. “Mia, let me help you.”

A sharp pain grabbed her around the middle. “Oh, no,” she gasped and then looked at him. “I think the baby’s coming.”

Fifteen minutes later Jarrett pulled up at the emergency-room doors. He threw the car into Park, got out and ran around to the passenger side. He jerked open the door. Mia was taking slow measured breaths. Not good.

“Hang on, we’re almost there.”

She couldn’t hide her worried look. “It’s too early for me to go into labor. I can’t lose this baby, Jarrett.”

“And you won’t,” he promised. He had no idea what was going on, or even if the doctors could stop the contractions. “Let’s get you inside and find some help.” He slid his arms around her shoulders and under her legs, then lifted her into his arms.

“I’m too heavy,” she said.

“Are you kidding?” He smiled, taking long strides across the parking lot. “During roundup, I used to have to hoist calves a lot heavier than you.”

“You used to work on your brother’s ranch?”

“Back when I played cowboy, it was our dad’s place. That was a long time ago.”

She studied him. “I can see you as a rancher.”

His mouth twitched. “There’s the big difference, darlin’. I never did,” he drawled as he carried her through the automatic doors.

On the drive over, Mia had phoned her doctor and been told to go to the nearest emergency room, then she’d given Nola a quick call so her friends wouldn’t worry if they noticed she was gone.

Winchester Ridge Medical Center was the closest. Once inside, they were met by a nurse who led them into an exam room. Jarrett set Mia down on the bed and stepped back out of the way. Nurses immediately took her blood pressure, asking questions about due dates and the timing of the contractions. All the while, she kept looking at him.

Jarrett tried to give her some reassurance, but he didn’t know what to say.

“Excuse me,” a nurse said, getting his attention. “Are you the father?”

He shook his head, but hesitated with the answer. “No.” Mia didn’t have any family.

“Then you’ll have to leave while we examine her.”

“I’ll be right outside,” he told Mia. “Just holler if you need me.”

Jarrett stepped back behind the curtain and found a row of chairs against the wall. That was as far as he was going.

For the next few hours, Jarrett watched medical personal go in and out of Mia’s cubicle.

But no one told him a thing.

Finally they moved her down the hall to a room so they could keep monitoring her. Recalling the frightened look on her face, he knew he couldn’t leave her alone. So he followed her and camped outside her room.

He glanced up from the newspaper someone else had left and saw Nola.

He stood as the older woman walked toward him. “Mr. McKane.” She gripped his hand with both of hers. “How is Mia?”

“I don’t know any more than what I told you when I phoned. And the doctor won’t tell me anything because I’m not a relative.”

Nola nodded. “I know, I fibbed and said I was her grandmother so I could come back here.”

He walked Nola to the sofa and sat down. “How did you get here?”

“One of the parishioners from the church,” she said. “Joe can’t drive at night, and Ralph doesn’t have his license any more.” She shook her head. “Mia always takes us places we need to go.” The older woman blinked. “Oh, Mr. McKane, what if something is wrong with the baby?” Those watery hazel eyes turned to him. “She wants this baby so much.”

He already knew that. He’d never felt so helpless and he hated that. “Nola, the doctors here are good and her specialist is here, too. So try not to worry.” He put on a smile. “And will you do me another favor? Please call me Jarrett.”

She beamed at him.

He’d broken one of his cardinal rules. Not to get personally involved when it came to business. A week ago if someone told him he’d be sitting here worried about a pregnant woman and a couple of dozen retirees, he’d have told them they were crazy.

An attractive blond woman in a white coat came down the hall toward them. “Are you waiting to hear about Mia Saunders?”

They both stood. “Yes, we are,” Jarrett said. “I’m Jarrett McKane, I brought Mia in. This is Nola Madison, her…grandmother. How is she?”

The doctor smiled. “Nice to meet you both. I’m Lauren Drake, Mia’s doctor. She’s fine for now. We managed to stop the contractions, but I want her to stay overnight as a precaution.”

“What about the baby?” Nola asked.

“The fetus is thirty-four weeks, so if Mia does go into labor, she could deliver a healthy baby. Of course the longer she carries it, the better.”

“Well, we’ll do everything we can to make sure of that,” Nola said.

The doctor nodded. “I’m glad, because when she goes home, I want her to stay in bed for the next few weeks. She needs to avoid all stress and just rest.”

No stress, Jarrett thought. Great. He’d dumped a truck-load on her. “Is that what caused the contractions?”

“We all have to agree that a lot has happened to Mia in the past few months,” the doctor echoed. “Losing her brother and sister-in-law was traumatic for her.”

Nola spoke up. “We’ve all been trying to help her through it.”

Dr. Drake nodded. “I hope that can continue, because she’s going to need someone to be around more, or at least within shouting distance to check on her.”

“We can be there as much as she needs us,” Nola said and turned to him. “Right, Jarrett?”

Great, he was the last person Mia wanted around. “Of course. I live across the hall. I guess I could keep an eye on her.”

Thanks to the medication, Mia was feeling groggy. She didn’t like that. For years, she’d avoided any and all drugs. But if it kept the baby safe, she’d do whatever it took.

Closing her eyes, she wondered how she was going to manage over the next few weeks. She had deadlines to make, and she needed the money.

Stop! Worrying wasn’t good for the baby. She rubbed her stomach, knowing how close she’d come to delivering early. She wasn’t ready for the baby. She didn’t even have any diapers and very few clothes. The baby bed wasn’t set up, either. She sighed. How was she going to do everything? How could she do everything and be a good mother, too? A tear slid down her cheek.

She thought back to her childhood. She’d always messed up. How many times had her father told her that? She couldn’t please him no matter how hard she tried. He’d been too busy for her, but the one way she got his attention was being bad. Until he finally gave up on her altogether. No she couldn’t let Brad down. She was going to be a good mother to his baby.

Mia glanced toward the door and saw Nola and Jarrett standing there. She quickly wiped away any more tears and put on a smile.

“Hi.”

Nola rushed in. “Oh, sweetheart,” she cried. “How are you?” Nola hugged her.

Mia relished the feeling, the love and compassion. “I’m doing better now.”

The older woman pulled back. “We were so worried about you.”

Mia looked at Jarrett. “I didn’t want you to worry.”

Nola frowned. “Of course we’d worry. You are special to us. We love you.” She fussed with the blanket, smoothing out the wrinkles. “And we’re going to take good care of you. Aren’t we, Jarrett?”

“Looks that way,” he said, feeling awkward standing in the room.

“I can’t impose on either of you.”

“You’re not imposing on any of us. We’re happy to do it. You need someone around to help you. Jarrett and I volunteered.” She clutched her hands together. “Oh, I need to go and call the others. I’ll be right back.”

“Here, use my phone,” Jarrett said, handing it over to her. They both watched the woman walk out of the room.

Jarrett turned back to Mia. “So how do you really feel?”

“Scared, but good.”

“You need to stop that. Your doctor said you need to relax and avoid stress.”

“Did you tell her that you lived across the hall?”

He fought a smile, but lost. “Yes. Did you tell her that you and your friends brought me there?”

She met Jarrett’s gaze. Her heart sped up and the monitor showed it. “So, I guess we’re stuck with each other for a while.”

Chapter Four

THE next day, Mia arrived home the same way she’d left. In Jarrett’s car. He pulled into a parking spot at the front of the building. There were two heating-and-air-condi-tioning-repair trucks there, along with several uniformed workers.

“Looks like we’ll have heat soon,” she said.

Jarrett turned off the engine and glanced out the windshield. “It’s just in time. There’s a snowstorm coming in tonight.” He looked at her. “Soon you’ll be tucked into your warm bed. But be warned, Nola is heading a welcome-home committee.”

“Oh, I don’t want them to go to any trouble.”

“I doubt they think you’re any trouble. Too bad she and her group don’t run this town. A lot more would get done.” He climbed out of the SUV and walked around to her side.

He pulled open the door and the cold air hit her. She shivered as she tried to climb out, but he wouldn’t let her.

“Remember what the doctor said? Bed rest.”

“I will as soon as I get to my apartment.”

“No, as soon as I get you to your apartment.” He scooped her up into his arms.

“Please, you can’t carry me all the way upstairs.”

“Of course not. Once I get you inside, Joe’s going to take over.”

She made a face at him. “Very funny.”

Mia refused to admit she liked being taken care of by a big, strong man whose mere presence made her aware she was a woman. The way he smelled, his rock-solid chest and arms. She bit back a groan. Hormones. It was all just hormones.

She had to think of Jarrett McKane as the man who would be kicking them all out of their homes in a few months. Nothing more.

Sylvia held open the door to the building so they could come in. “Welcome home, Mia.”

She got more greetings from a group of tenants waiting in the lobby.

“Thank you everyone. It’s good to be home.”

“Okay, let’s get you upstairs.” Jarrett continued to the stairway to her apartment.

Nola was waiting there and motioned him toward the bedroom. “Bring her in here.”

“No, I can stay out here on the sofa for now.”

Jarrett stopped, then said, “Doctor’s orders are to put you to bed.” He continued through the short hallway and into her room.

Mia blinked as they entered the bedroom. It didn’t look like the same room she’d left yesterday. The dingy walls had been painted a soft buttery yellow. The furniture was rearranged and her bed was adorned with a pastel-patterned quilt.

She turned around and saw the white baby bed that had been Brad and Karen’s last purchase for the baby assembled. It was decorated with yellow-and-green sheets and an animal mobile hung overhead.

Tears flooded her eyes. “Oh, my.”

“Do you like it?” Nola asked. We were going to give you the quilt for Christmas but since you’re going to be spending so much time in bed now, we decided not to wait.” The older woman pulled back the covers so Jarrett could set her down on the snowy-white sheets.

“Oh, it’s beautiful.” She examined the intricate work. “How could you get all this done? I’ve only been gone overnight.”

Nola exchanged a look with Jarrett. “We knew we had to. The scare yesterday made us realize that you’ve been working so hard for us, you put off getting ready for the baby.” She helped Mia take off her shoes and put her feet under the blanket. “So we hope this helps you to stop worrying so much.” She stood back. “And when you’ve rested I’ll show you all the baby clothes we’ve collected.”

Nola walked to a small white dresser. “Joe found this for you. He sanded and painted it last week and Jarrett helped bring it up. Sylvia and I washed all the baby things and put them inside. If you don’t like how we arranged them, you can change it.”

“I’m sure it will be perfect.” Mia clasped her hands together. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” The older woman came to the bed and hugged her. “Just take care of yourself. We love you, Mia. You’re like family.”

“I love you all, too.”

She’d tried for a lot of years not to get too close to people, except for Brad. Starting with her parents. Whenever she’d let people in, they’d ended up hurting her. She looked across the room at Jarrett standing in the doorway. She definitely had to keep this man away.

“Tell everyone thank you.”

“I will,” Nola assured her. “Now, you rest and don’t worry about lunch. Sylvia will be here to fix you something.”

“She doesn’t have to do that.”

Nola raised her hand. “She wants to. We all want to help.” The older woman went out the door, followed by Jarrett. Mia called him back. “Mr. McKane, could I speak to you a moment?”

Frowning, he came toward the bed as Nola left. “Suddenly I’m Mr. McKane again.”

“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. It’s better if we don’t become too friendly…given the situation.”

He studied her for a moment. “The situation you are referring to is that you’ve already gotten to stay here until the spring.” He shrugged. “But, hey, I won’t bother you again.”

He turned and walked out. The soft click of the front door let her know she was truly alone. She told herself it was better this way. She couldn’t get any more involved with a man like Jarrett McKane. Not that she had to worry that he’d ever give her a second look.

She rubbed her stomach. All she needed to focus on right now was her baby.

Jarrett kept hearing a ringing sound. He blinked his eyes as he reached for his cell phone on the bedside table.

“Hello,” he murmured, running a hand over his face. It was still dark outside.

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I wake you?”

It was Mia. He sat up. “Mia? Is there a problem?”

“No. No. I shouldn’t have bothered you.”

“Wait, Mia. Tell me what’s wrong. Is it the baby?”

“No, the baby’s fine. I just need a favor, but I’ll call back later.”

“I’ll be right over.” He hung up, grabbed a pair of jeans and put them on along with a sweatshirt. He grabbed his keys and phone and headed across the hall. He let himself into her apartment with his master key and hurried to the bedroom.

Mia was sitting on the bed, dressed in a thermal long-sleeved shirt that hugged her rounded belly and a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. Somehow she managed to look somewhere between wholesome and far too good at this time in the morning.

Was it morning? “What’s the problem?”

She looked embarrassed. “I’m so sorry I woke you.”

“Well, since you have, tell me what you need.”

“Could you pull out the table and see if my cable is plugged in? I didn’t want to move the table by myself.”

“You’re on the computer at this hour?”

She shrugged. “I slept so much during the day, I’m wideawake. So I thought I’d get some work done.”

Jarrett went to the bedside table and pulled it out. Seeing the loose battery cable, he knelt down and pushed it back into the outlet. “It’s fixed.” He moved the table back and stood next to the bed. “You’re really not supposed to be working.”

“I’m bored. Besides, if I don’t work, I don’t eat or pay my rent.”

The computer screen lit up and he asked, “What are you working on?”

She kept her focus on the screen. “A Web site for a Denver-based company.”

He glanced at the home-page logo. “Are you going back to law school?”

As she clicked the mouse and another program opened, she didn’t show any surprise that he knew her history. “Not for a while, but I hope I can go back someday. It won’t be easy with a baby.”

“I’m sure everyone here would love to help you.”

“We won’t be living here…together,” she said.

When she looked up at him with her scrubbed-clean face, large sapphire eyes and her hair in a ponytail, she looked fifteen. “How old are you?”

Mia blinked at his question. “Don’t you know you’re not supposed to ask a woman her age?”

He shrugged. “You look like jailbait.”

“I’m twenty-nine. How old are you?”

“Thirty-seven.”

She studied him for a few seconds. “You look it.”

Frowning, he combed his fingers through his hair. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“What did you mean when you called me jailbait?”

“I meant it as a compliment. You look young for your age.”

“Thank you.” She sobered. “Are you really going to try and find us all a place to live?”

“I’m not sure I can find everyone a place, but I’ll see what I can do.” Was he crazy? Where would he find affordable apartments for them all? He moved away from the bed. “Man, I’d kill for a cup of coffee.”

“Sorry, I’m off caffeine for a while,” she told him. “But I’d fight you for a jelly donut.”

“I guess that’s one of those crazy cravings, huh? Well, I’d better go.” He walked out, thinking a donut didn’t sound so bad.

He retrieved his car keys and a jacket from his apartment and headed down to his car. The ground was covered in a dusting of snow. He climbed into his vehicle, missing the warm garage back at his house. Pushing aside his discomfort, he started the engine and the heater. He was on a quest for one hungry pregnant woman.

In every town there always seemed to be a twenty-four-hour donut and coffee shop and Winchester Ridge was no exception. He picked out a couple of dozen assorted donuts along with a large coffee and an orange juice.

He returned to the apartment building just as dawn was breaking. Funny, this wasn’t how he usually spent early mornings. He’d never shared breakfast with an expectant mother, either. With his offerings in hand, he returned to Mia’s apartment and gave a loud knock before he walked in.

“It’s me, Ms. Saunders. I’ve got something for you.” After hearing Mia’s greeting he walked into the bedroom.

She was still working on the computer. “I thought you went back to bed.”

“Not after you talked about donuts.” He raised the box. “Freshly made.” He opened the large box and the aroma filled the room.

Mia groaned. “Oh, my God.” She put the laptop aside and reached for one. He pulled back.

“I thought you were going to fight me for one.”

She looked confused.

“Of course, if we were on a first-name basis, I’d happily share. Especially if someone had been willing to get up before dawn and help out a neighbor.”

Mia was embarrassed by her actions. Yesterday after Jarrett had left, Nola had returned and told her how he’d stayed at the hospital and called everyone with any news. She was even more ashamed when she learned that he’d bought the paint for her bedroom.

“It does seem to be one-sided, doesn’t it? I apologize. You have helped me so much. I don’t know how I would have made it to the hospital without you.”

“Did I say I minded helping you? I just don’t want to keep being treated like the enemy here. I can’t change things that happened in the past.”

“I know. I’m sorry, Jarrett.”

He smiled. “What did you say?”

She sighed. He wasn’t going to make this easy. “Would you be my friend, Jarrett?”

“You just want my donuts.”

She nodded. “And you’d be wise not to get between a pregnant woman and those donuts.”

He put the box down and her mouth watered as she eyed the selections. “There are so many to choose from.” She rubbed her stomach, feeling the baby kicking her.

He sat at the end of the bed. “Are you all right?” he asked as he nodded to her stomach.

“Yeah, he’s just active and hungry.”

“Does he move around like that all the time?”

“Well, the baby’s bigger now, so I feel it more.”

He handed her juice. “Here’s something to wash down your donut.”

“Thank you.” She motioned to the box. “Aren’t you going to have one, too?”

“Sure, but ladies first.”

“Wise choice.” She couldn’t help but smile as she bit into the jelly-filled treat. “Mmm, it’s so good.”

“You might not be able to have caffeine, but you’re definitely getting a sugar rush.”

Mia watched Jarrett finish off a glazed donut in record time. He looked good even with his finger-combed hair and wrinkled clothes. There were just some men who couldn’t look bad. He was one of them.

“I should let you rest.” He stood, but his gaze never left hers. “Is there anything you need me to do before I go?”

She hesitated to ask him anything else.

“Come on, Mia. What is it?”

“I can wait for Nola.”

“What for?”

“I need to take a shower, but the doctor said someone should be close by.” She waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it, Nola’s coming in a few hours.”

He swallowed. “How close by?”

“Just in the apartment. In case something happens there’ll be someone to help me.”

He stood there for what seemed like forever, and then he said, “Sure, what are friends for?”

Once Jarrett heard the shower go on, he took out his cell phone and began to check his messages. He had to get some things done today. One was to stop by the office for a few hours and check in with his agents.

Over the last couple of days, between the repairs here and keeping watch on one pregnant lady, he’d neglected his other business.

He was surprised at the next message. It was from Carrie Johnston. He smiled. The pretty blonde from Glenwood Springs he’d met at the real estate conference in Denver last summer had left him another suggestive message. She wanted to see him.

Jarrett should feel a little more excited. During their time together, the two had definitely set off sparks. So why wasn’t he more interested in her invitation?

When it came to women, he’d always loved having variety in his life. So why suddenly did it seem too much trouble to make the effort? Maybe thirty-seven was too old to keep playing games.

He thought about what Mia had said, You look it.

He wasn’t that old. Wasn’t he considered in his prime? Okay, so most men were married by now, like his younger brother. Trace had found Kira years ago. And it had been love at first sight.

Jarrett didn’t believe in that. He wasn’t sure he believed in love at all.

Suddenly the bathroom door opened and Mia stepped out. She was dressed in her black stretch pants and a soft-pink sweater. Her dark hair lay against her shoulders in waves. Those big blue eyes looked at him and it became difficult to breathe. Damn. What was wrong with him? This woman came with far too many complications.

“Well, since you’re finished, I’ll go.”

“Of course.” She sat down on the sofa. “I appreciate you helping me. Thank you, Jarrett.”

“Just do what the doctor told you and stay in bed. He pulled out his wallet and handed her his business card. “If you need anything.”

She nodded.

“I mean it. Don’t be stubborn about asking for help.” He found he wanted to be the one she called.

The snow had been coming down like a holiday greeting card, but by the next afternoon, Mia was getting cabin fever.

She had watched every television talk show and finished up her work on the computer, even cried over an old movie. Neighbors stopped by with offers of help. Even parishioners from her brother’s church had called her. She’d taken naps off and on for the past two days and she was still exhausted and totally bored. And no Jarrett.

“You know next week is Thanksgiving.” Nola’s voice broke through her reverie. “And we have a problem. The oven in the community room is broken.”

“You can use mine. It’s a little tricky on the temperature, but we could adjust it. It’s small though. Don’t we usually cook three or four turkeys?”

The older woman nodded. “Remember last year we fed those people from the mission? There were nearly fifty here.”

Mia thought back to last year. She’d had family then. Brad and Karen had just begun to research surrogacy as an alternative for a baby. And by Christmas, Mia had volunteered to carry her brother and his wife’s child. They all were so happy, and then in a flash she had lost them both.

Tears flooded Mia’s eyes and she quickly brushed them away. She looked at Nola. “I’m sorry.”

Her friend sat down beside her. “There’s no reason to be sorry, dear. We all miss Brad and Karen. They were wonderful people, but they left you a child. A child you get to love and raise as your own. What a special gift.”

“I do know. And I love this baby, but I’m scared. What if I can’t be a good mother?”

“I have no doubt you’ll be a wonderful mother. You know why? Because you’re a wonderful person and this little boy or girl will be blessed to have you.”

“Oh, Nola. I hope you’re right.”

“I am. You know what else? We’re all going to be around to help you.”

She cleared her throat. “I’m so glad because I’m going to need you.”

Nola patted her hand. “Well, count on me. Now that that is settled, where are we going to find a big enough oven to cook our Thanksgiving Day turkeys? The ones at the church are already being used, and ours barely work. Too bad Jarrett couldn’t replace the one in the community center.”

“I’m not going to do that,” a familiar voice said, “But I may have another solution.”

Jarrett hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but he’d wanted to check on Mia and had found the door partly open.

“I overheard. You’re having trouble finding working ovens.”

Nodding, Nola stood. “We always feed a large group on Thanksgiving. And this might be the last one that we’re all together.” Her eyes brightened with tears. “You said you might have a solution.”

“I have two large ovens at my house.”

Nola immediately smiled. “You do?”

Jarrett stole a glance at Mia. She didn’t look impressed by his offer. “Yes. When I built the house I was told it would be a good selling feature. They’re like new.” He shrugged. “You’re welcome to them.”

“Oh, my, that’s the answer to our prayer.” The older woman paused. “There’s one condition. You have to come to our Thanksgiving celebration.”

In the past Jarrett been happier to stay at home and watch football. He had gone by his brother’s house last year for dessert, only because little Jenna had asked him to. He had a weakness for pretty young women. He glanced at Mia. Maybe is it was time to count some blessings. “I’d be honored to come by.”

Chapter Five

HE had to be crazy to have suggested cooking Thanksgiving dinner here.

Jarrett stood back and watched as half a dozen women scurried around his kitchen. He’d told himself earlier that he wasn’t going to hang around, but they’d showed up at dawn, ready and eager to begin the baking and cooking.

He had to admit that the place was filled with wonderful aromas. The one disappointment was that Mia wasn’t there. It was crazy of him even to think about her at all. She was pregnant, and her life was going in one direction while he needed only to think about one thing—the computer-chip-factory project. And getting out of the jail of his crummy apartment.

Nola walked over to him. “You have a wonderful kitchen, Jarrett. Every modern convenience a woman could ever want. Seems such a waste that you don’t have someone to share this with.”

Jarrett smiled, but ignored her comment. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Just so you know, we’ll clean up everything. You won’t even know we were here.”

“I’m not worried. I have a cleaning service.”

“Well, just the same. The place will be spotless when we leave.”

Just then his phone rang. He grabbed the extension in the office. It was his brother. “Hi, Trace. Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Same to you,” Trace echoed. “I’ve been given orders to call you and see if you changed your mind about coming to dinner today.”

Kira couldn’t stand for him to be alone. “I appreciate the invitation, bro, but I seem to have a place to go. A few of the tenants have asked me to share the meal with them.”

There was a long silence. “You better be careful, no telling what they might put in your food.”

“Very funny. I do have a few friends. Besides, the tenants and I are getting along fine.”

“Well, that’s good.”

He didn’t want to talk about any apartment troubles. “I take it Kira is fixing dinner today.”

“It’ll be just us since Jody and Nathan have gone to be with Ben at the army base.”

Jarrett remembered Kira’s student who’d gotten pregnant in high school. Jody had had the child and Ben had joined the military, but he’d stayed in touch. The couple had gotten married this past summer.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. “I’ve got to go, Trace. Tell everyone happy Thanksgiving.”

After replacing the phone, Jarrett walked across the great room and into the entry. He pulled open the door to find Mia and several other people standing on his porch.

He frowned. “What are you doing out of bed?”

“I’m allowed out now. Some,” she added stubbornly. “I just have to stay off my feet as much as possible.”

He took her by the arm and led her to the sofa, followed by the other dozen or so tenants. “Why did you come here? We’re going to bring the food back to the community room.” He folded his arms. “You aren’t supposed to do anything.”

She nodded. I know, but there’s a problem at the community room. It’s flooded.”

Jarrett cursed. He didn’t need another thing that he had to pay for. “How bad?”

Joe spoke up. “I shut off the main valve, but there’s about an inch of water on the floor.”

Jarrett murmured some choice words as he turned back to Mia.

She suddenly looked unsure. “We didn’t know what to do, so we came here.”

Nola walked into the room. “Mia, what’s wrong? Is it the baby?”

“No, I’m fine, but the community room is flooded.” Mia looked back at Jarrett. “We have no place to have our dinner.”

Every eye turned toward him. He had no choice. “Well, since everyone is here, I guess it’ll be at my house.”

Cheers filled the room, then everyone scattered to do their chores. He pulled out his phone and punched in the McKane Ranch number, wondering how he’d gotten into this situation. He glanced at Mia Saunders, those big blue eyes staring back at him. A sudden stirring in his gut told him he was headed for disaster if he wasn’t careful. Hell, he’d never been careful in his life.

His brother answered the phone.

“Hey, Trace. Why don’t you load up Kira and Jenna and come here? It seems I’m having Thanksgiving at my house.”

Two hours later, Mia was still sitting on the large sofa in Jarrett’s great room. Although it wasn’t her taste, the place was decorated well. A lot of chrome-and-glass tables and black leather furniture filled the room. The most beautiful feature was the huge wall of windows and the French door that led to the deck and the wooded area at the back of the house. Although the trees were bare and a dusting of snow covered the ground, she could picture it in the spring with green trees and wildflowers along the hillside.

She turned toward the open-concept kitchen, looking over the breakfast bar to see rows of espresso-colored cabinets, and marble counter tops. The commercial-size stainless-steel appliances looked as though they were getting a rare workout today.

The dining room was on the other side, the long table already set up for the meal, along with several card tables scattered around to accommodate all the people coming today. Mia didn’t even want to count them. All she knew was that her brother and sister-in-law wouldn’t be at any table. These people were her family now. She rubbed her stomach. Hers and her baby’s.

“Are you okay?”

She glanced up to see Jarrett standing beside the sofa. “I’m fine. Really. Thank you for having us today.”

“There wasn’t a choice, and you know it.”

“It’s still very generous that you let us use your home.”

He shrugged. “I also get a home-cooked meal.”

“You have family. And I bet you could get someone to cook for you pretty easily.”

His dark gaze held hers. “I’m pretty selective in choosing my friends.” His mouth crooked upward in a sexy smile. “Also who cooks for me.”

“Well, you’ve got some pretty good cooks in your kitchen right now.”

“I’m glad about that, because I’m getting hungry just smelling all the wonderful aromas.” He sat down across from her. “If your cookies are any indication, I’d say you know your way around a kitchen, too.”

The man was too handsome and, when he wanted to be, charming. She scooted to the edge of the sofa. “Could you direct me to the bathroom, please?”

“Of course.” He helped her up, but didn’t release his hold on her arm. They were walking toward the hall when the doorbell rang.

She looked at him. “I thought everyone was here.”

Jarrett pulled open the door to a young couple with a little girl. She recognized them from church.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Unca Jay,” the girl cried as she ran inside.

He scooped her into his arms. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Jenna. I’m glad you could come today. Welcome, Kira, Trace.”

They all exchanged greetings.

Jenna kept her hold on her uncle. “Mama said it must be a really special day because we never get invited to your house. She’s really happy because family should be together.”

“Jenna,” her mother warned.

“Well, you did say that,” the child acknowledged, then looked at Mia. “Who’s this lady, Unca Jay?”

“Hi, I’m Mia.”

Jarrett set her down. “I’m Jenna, and I’m almost four years old. But my daddy says I’m really thirty.” The child caught sight of Mia’s rounded stomach. “Are you going to have a baby?”

“Jenna.” Kira sent another warning glance to her daughter, and then looked at Mia. “Hi, Mia. It’s good to see you again.”

Trace removed his cowboy hat and nodded. “Hello, Mia.”

“Nice to see you, too. I hope you don’t mind that we took over Jarrett’s house.”

The pretty blonde smiled and glanced up at her husband. Love radiated between them just as Mia had seen between her brother and his wife.

“We think it’s wonderful,” Kira said. “I’m just wondering how you did it.”

“I believe a judge did it, along with several of the tenants.”

They all looked toward the living room and saw the numerous people. “Welcome to Mountain View Apartment’s Thanksgiving Day celebration.” Mia turned to Kira. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to find a restroom.”

Jarrett watched Mia walk down the hall. He wanted to go after her. Why? She was capable of finding the bathroom.

“How is she doing?”

Jarrett looked at his sister-in-law. “She should be off her feet. So would you watch her?”

“Sure. If you and Trace unload the car. I brought a few things for dinner, too. I’ll take Jenna to the kitchen and see if they need any help.”

“Just ask for Nola.”

“I know Nola Madison. I see her at church nearly every week.”

“Okay. You’ll probably know a few of the others, too.”

Once the group of seniors spotted Jenna, they began to fuss over her. His niece couldn’t get enough of the attention.

“So tell me about you and Mia Saunders,” Trace said.

Jarrett turned around. “There’s nothing to tell. She had a scare with her pregnancy and I had to take her to the hospital. The doctor ordered bed rest. She was allowed to come here, but she needs to stay off her feet.”

He glanced down the hall. “And if she doesn’t come out soon, I’m going in to get her.”

Trace arched an eyebrow. “So when did you become her protector?”

Jarrett turned to his younger half brother. Trace stared back at him.

“She doesn’t have anyone else,” Jarrett reminded him. “Remember, she lost her brother a few months back.”

Trace nodded. “Yeah, Reverend Brad was a good man,” he said, studying Jarrett. “I just never knew my brother to care much about anything that wasn’t about the almighty dollar. You must be getting soft in your old age.”

“Hey, I’m not that old.” He didn’t want to discuss his age or his relationship with Mia. They were neighbors. Temporary neighbors. “But don’t go thinking I’ve bought into the family scene.”

“Never say never, bro,” Trace challenged. “I’ve seen you with Jenna. You wouldn’t be a bad dad.”

Jarrett froze. He didn’t want to be a dad at all. His own father had been lousy at the job. “Look, as soon as I make the repairs to the complex, I’m out of there. And I won’t be looking back.”

On returning from the bathroom, Mia discovered that everyone was taking a seat at the tables. She glanced around for to find one last vacant chair. Next to Jarrett.

Smiling, he stood and pulled out her chair. “Looks like you’re next to me.”

She caught Nola smiling from across the table. Little Jenna was on the other side of Jarrett and Trace and Kira sat beside her. “I’m just happy we have a place to eat. Thank you, Jarrett, for having us here.”