to find a seat. It was no surprise Jarrett had saved one next to him.
“This is the best Christmas ever.” Jenna climbed into a booster seat next to her uncle. “And you know what else, Unca Jay?”
The youngster didn’t wait for prompting. “I’m glad you bringed BJ and Mia. And that you aren’t mad at Daddy anymore.”
Mia caught the exchange between the two brothers who sat across from each other.
“Yeah, well it’s Christmas,” Jarrett said. “Everyone should get along.”
“It’s a time for peace and goodwill,” Joe added. “And we should think about those who aren’t here with us today.”
“Like Jody and Nathan,” Jenna said. “And Ben, ‘cause he’s protecting our country.”
“That he is,” Nola said. “We need to pray for all servicemen who are away from their families, too. And to keep them safe.”
Everyone bowed their heads as Trace led them in the blessing. Mia was surprised when Jarrett took her hand in his. It was warm and reassuring. She was glad that she had someone to share this day with.
“Now, let’s eat,” Jarrett announced after the prayer. And it began. Lively conversation and good food.
“Mia, how did you like the cottage?”
She looked across the table at Kira. “Oh, I love it. It’s beautiful and so roomy.”
Kira exchanged a look with her husband. “Does that mean you plan to move in?”
“If you still want us, I’d love to move out here.”
A big smile spread across Kira’s face. “That’s wonderful.” She looked at her brother-in-law. “And it’s not so inconvenient living out here. We have good neighbors. How far away is your place, Jarrett? Five miles?”
Jarrett’s fork paused on its way to his mouth. “Something like that.”
His sister-in-law was grinning now. “See, there’s a McKane around if you need one, and also we have Cal here, too.”
The foreman looked up from the other end of the table and nodded. “It would be nice to have another little one around the place.”
Trace stood up. “Speaking of little ones.” He glanced down at his wife and exchanged a look that showed everyone in the room how much they loved one another. “We have some news, and we thought that this would be a perfect day to share it. Kira and I are expecting our second child next summer.”
Jarrett watched as the room erupted in cheers and congratulations. He suddenly felt the old jealousy creeping in. Why would he be jealous of a baby? He’d never wanted a family.
He turned to Mia, who was watching him.
“Isn’t that wonderful news?”
“Yeah, it is.” He glanced at his brother. “Hey, Trace. Congratulations.”
Jenna finally got into the act. “Am I going to have a baby sister? I asked for a sister.”
Everyone laughed.
“We don’t know if it’s a girl or boy, yet,” Kira told her daughter. “But I know you’ll be happy with either.”
Before Jenna could speak, the sound of BJ’s crying drew everyone’s attention.
“Someone’s hungry. Excuse me,” Mia said as she left the table.
Jarrett wanted to go with her, but he had no right to share this time with her and her son. He saw Kira direct her upstairs to a bedroom.
Again he was on the outside looking in, where he’d been for so many years. He didn’t want to be there anymore.
Mia sat in the rocking chair in the McKane nursery. Once the room had been Jenna’s, but the toddler had been moved to another bedroom and a big girl’s bed. How convenient that Trace and Kira already had a beautiful room for their next baby.
She smiled down at her son, and her heart nearly burst with love. She could no longer see her life without this child. He was everything to her, and she would do everything she could to give him a good life. She’d find a way to finish law school and make a home for him. She ran her hand over his head. “I promise you this, BJ, I’ll be the best mom I can.”
Her thoughts turned to Jarrett. Would he be a part of their lives? Would he come around once she moved out here? Once the apartment building was demolished, he’d be so involved in the factory project she doubted there would be time for her.
Mia fingered the chain around her neck. She was a realist, and couldn’t lie to herself. Jarrett wasn’t the type of man who took on a woman with a baby. Yet, she recalled him telling her about his mother’s death, and his stepmother’s neglect. She thought back to her own youth. Seemed they weren’t so different after all.
BJ stiffened and began to fuss. “I think you need a burp.” She brought him to her shoulder and began to pat his back gently. BJ cried louder. “Sshh, honey. Relax.” She continued the rubbing, but it wasn’t working.
There was a knock on the door and Jarrett peered in. “Sounds like someone isn’t happy.”
Mia was both confused and relieved as Jarrett walked in. “You want to try?”
He took the infant from her. He placed her son against his large chest and began to walk and pat. After about thirty seconds, the crying stopped when a burp erupted from the infant.
Jarrett smiled at her. “Looks like I still have the touch.”
“Then I’ll give you BJ’s feeding schedule and you can come by and do the honors.”
She didn’t hide her smile at his surprised look.
“You know I will if you need me,” he said sincerely.
“Don’t, Jarrett. I can’t keep relying on you to help me.” Even if she wanted nothing more than to have him around all the time. “BJ is my responsibility.”
He came closer, but wouldn’t relinquish the baby. “Why, Mia? Why do you think you have to do this all by yourself?”
She glanced away from those velvet-brown eyes. “It’s safer that way, Jarrett. And no one gets hurt.”
He touched her chin and turned her back to him. “Who hurt you, Mia? What man broke your heart?”
She stiffened and shook her head. “It’s not important. It was a long time ago.”
“It’s important to me. You’re important to me, Mia.”
She wanted so much to believe him, but she wasn’t good when it came to trust. “Oh, Jarrett. I don’t know what to say.”
He stepped in closer. “Good. I’d rather do this.” Even with BJ against his shoulder, he leaned down to capture her mouth and quickly had her heart racing and her
