he murmured, raking fingers through his hair. “We seem to make a habit of this.”
She had to put a stop to it. “Well, as soon as I get back to my apartment I won’t be bothering you anymore.”
Frowning, he got up and came around to her. “First thing, you need to get back into bed,” he told her, giving her a little nudge to climb in. Once she complied, he continued, “Secondly, I wasn’t complaining, just stating a fact.”
Jarrett hadn’t had much time for female companionship the past few months. Lately it had all been about business, until Mia Saunders and her group of merry followers had appeared in his life. They might be a costly headache, but he’d found he liked the diversion.
He sat on the edge of the bed. His gaze moved over her soft brunette curls and met her pretty blue eyes. Damn, he could get used to this. “Any more dreams?” He could still hear her frightened cries.
She shook her head. “I slept fine. Thank you.”
He smiled and finally coaxed one from her. Damn, she’s pretty, he thought, suddenly realizing his body was noticing, too.
“Okay, I better get breakfast started.” He stood. “Will you eat eggs, or do I need to go on a jelly-donut run?”
Two hours later, Mia sat in the exam room with Doctor Drake, with Jarrett sitting just outside.
After the exam, the doctor pulled off her gloves. “You’re doing fine.”
“What does fine mean?” Mia asked as she sat up.
“You’re effaced fifty percent.”
“Oh, God. Am I going into labor?”
She shook her head. “You aren’t dilated yet. And you haven’t had any more contractions, right?”
“Not since last night.”
There was a knock on the door and a technician came in pushing a machine.
“I want to do an ultrasound as a precaution,” the doctor explained.
“So you are worried?” Mia asked.
“A little concerned. This baby coming early is a very real possibility.” She raised a calming hand. “You’re thirty-six weeks, Mia. All I want to do is check the baby’s weight.”
There was a knock on the door. “Yes?” the doctor called.
Jarrett poked his head in. “Is everything okay?”
The doctor glanced at Mia. “You want him in here?”
Mia looked at Jarrett and found herself nodding. “You can stay if you want,” she told him.
He looked surprised but walked right toward her as she lay back on the table. Although covered with a paper sheet, she realized that she’d be exposing her belly for Jarrett to see.
Dr. Drake nodded toward the opposite side of the exam table for Jarrett to stand, then she began to apply the clear gel on her stomach.
Mia sucked in a breath.
Jarrett took her hand. “You okay?”
She nodded. “The cream is cold.”
The doctor went to the machine and made some adjustments, then began to move the probe over her stomach.
Jarrett had no idea what he was doing here. Then he saw Mia’s fear, and knew he couldn’t leave her. He eyed the machine, watching the grainy picture, and then suddenly it came into focus. He saw a head first, then a small body.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” he murmured, seeing the incredible image. “That’s a baby.”
“What did you think it was?” the doctor chided.
Jarrett was embarrassed. “The way she’s craved jelly donuts, I wasn’t sure.”
The doctor laughed. “Since your weight’s okay, I’ll tell you to indulge, a little. After the baby comes, you’ll be on a stricter diet while you’re breast-feeding.” The doctor glanced at Mia, then back at the screen. “The baby’s in position. So that’s one less thing to worry about. This is a 3D machine so let’s get a better look at this little one.” The picture became a lot clearer and a tiny face appeared.
“Oh, my gosh,” Mia cried and gripped Jarrett’s hand tighter. “It’s crazy but he looks like Brad’s baby pictures.” Tears formed in her eyes and a sob came out. “I’m sorry.”
The doctor patted her arm. “It’s understandable. Are you ready to know the sex?”
Mia looked at Jarrett. He shrugged, trying to handle his own emotions. “I say it’s a boy.”
Mia gave a slight nod and the doctor scanned in for a closer look. He saw all the proof he needed. “Well, hello, BJ.”
Mia gave him a questioning look.
“I take it you’re naming this little guy after your brother,” he said. “Bradley Junior.”
During the ride home from Grand Junction, Mia had zoned out, not noticing much of the trip until Jarrett stopped in front of the apartment building.
“We’re home,” he said, but didn’t move to get out of the car. “Mia, are you all right?”
No! she wanted to scream. She hadn’t been okay since the day her brother had died. She looked at Jarrett, seeing his concern. “Seeing the baby today made it seem so real.” Her voice grew softer, more hoarse. “A boy. How can I raise a boy?” Tears filled her eyes, but she couldn’t cry any more. “A boy needs a father. Brad should be here.”
He reached across the console and took her hand. Even with the heater going, her hands were still cold. “Hey, this kid’s got the next best thing. You.”
She wasn’t the best. “You don’t know that. I’ve done things, made bad choices.”
“I can’t believe that, or your brother wouldn’t have chosen you to carry this baby.”
“But not to raise his son.” She sighed. “Besides, I’ve always had Brad to help me, to guide me in life. Now, I’m on my own. What if I make mistakes again?”
He frowned. “Everyone makes mistakes, Mia, but you can’t just give up.”
Jarrett had never been the optimistic type, but he was a good salesman. “Don’t forget, you have friends to help you. Is there any other family around?”
Mia shook her head. “No. There’s no one else.” She wiped her eyes. “God, I hate this. I never cry.”
“I hear it’s normal,” he consoled her, hating that he kept getting more and more involved in her life. Not to mention the lives of the other tenants, too.
Once he got off house arrest and they all found other
