Daddy by Christmas (13 page)

He shook his head. “I wish he had, because I'd have let him know that he couldn't scare me off.”

She rubbed the baby's back as he squirmed in her arms. “That's not it. I decided that I need my family around me. It'll be good for BJ.”

He leaned closer. “You have family here, too.” Those
dark eyes held hers. “You deserve a good life, Mia. I don't believe you'll have that if Preston is running the show.”

“I just want to keep my son.”

BJ let out a cry.

“Seems the little guy isn't happy,” Jarrett said and reached for the baby. “Let me.”

Before Mia could stop him, he'd lifted the infant off her shoulder, but Jarrett's focus was still on Mia. She quickly pulled her blouse together, covering her exposed breast.

He put the baby against his shoulder and began to pat his back. He spoke in a soothing voice and, after a burp, the baby calmed down. He returned him to Mia's outstretched arms.

“He should be able to finish his supper now.”

Jarrett's gaze held hers and she couldn't look away, nor did she want to. They'd shared so many things in the past few months. He'd been a part of BJ's life from the beginning. She opened her blouse, moved her son to her other breast, and he began to nurse again.

Jarrett drew an audible breath. “I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful.”

She looked at him, feeling tears building in her eyes. “Please, don't do this. It's hard enough…”

He placed a finger against her lips. “It's going to be okay, Mia. I promise you.” He leaned down and brushed his mouth against hers. She sucked in a breath and he came back for more. The slow, lingering kiss wasn't enough, but she couldn't take any more.

With a shuddering sigh he pulled back. “I don't want to let you go.”

She swallowed hard. “Oh, Jarrett, there's not a choice.”

“There's always a choice, Mia,” Jarrett told her and stepped back, away from temptation. “Now, to return to
why I stopped by— I believe your father's sudden appearance has to do with money, your money and your brother's money.”

She looked confused. “We don't have any money.”

“You're listed as a stockholder in the family business.”

“No, he took the money away from us when we left home.”

“Your father doesn't run Ashley Oil and Textiles. Your maternal grandfather, Clyde Ashley, began that family business. Did you know your grandfather?”

She shook her head. “Not really, I was five when he died.”

“It's only speculation, I'm going to bet Clyde had made provisions for his grandchildren in his will. Did you or Brad ever get any money from him?”

“We never wanted anything from the family.”

“I understand, but you're entitled to it, Mia. More importantly, you could use it for BJ and his future. And if your brother had his trust coming, it would definitely go to his son.”

Mia's eyes rounded as things started falling into place. “That's why Preston wants BJ?”

As if the baby heard his name, he paused and looked up at his mother. She smoothed her hand over his head, and coaxed him back to her breast.

Jarrett glanced away a moment to gather his thoughts away from Mia. How incredibly beautiful she looked with her child. “Have you noticed any correspondence concerning insurance policies, or where your brother's financial records might be?”

“I've already collected Brad's insurance. Every other piece of paperwork that my brother had I put in a file box.” She raised BJ to her shoulder and began to pat his back.
“It's in the hall closet.” This time, BJ burped like a pro. She got up and carried the infant to the crib. Buttoning her blouse, she went to the hall and retrieved the box.

She carried it to the coffee table in the living room. “I put everything in here after the accident. If it didn't need to be paid, I didn't really look at it.”

“You had enough to deal with.” He arched an eyebrow.

“Do you mind if I have a look now?”

Mia shook her head. She would do anything that might stop her father.

She watched as Jarrett shuffled through the file for a few minutes, then he extracted an envelope and took out the letter. He scanned it. “Bingo. I think I found it.”

Jarrett handed the paper to her. The letterhead was that of a law firm, Knott, Lewis and Johnston. It was from James Knott, addressed to Brad and dated a year earlier.

The lawyer said that he was the executor of Clyde Ashley's estate. Since Bradley had reached his thirty-fifth birthday he was now entitled to his inheritance. No amount was given. Just to contact him as soon as possible, and a phone number.

Mia was in shock. “Why hadn't Bradley gone to claim his money?”

Jarrett shrugged. “Maybe he didn't have a chance.”

Mia thought back. “He turned thirty-five not long before his and Karen's trip to Mexico. Maybe he was going to contact the lawyer when he returned home.”

“And he never got the chance,” Jarrett finished. “Maybe the lawyer contacted your father and that sent Preston searching and he found out about his son's death. And since no one has kept it a secret that BJ is Brad's child, your father learned about a grandson.”

That didn't stop Mia's worry. “So now he's going to try
and have me proved an unfit mother to get the money. He doesn't have enough?”

“And we can't let him have it. This money will secure BJ's future.”

“Not if he proves I'm a bad mother.”

“Hey, where's that feisty woman who came after me? Mia, you're a great mother. Besides, you've got the most important thing on your side—your brother wanted you to raise his son. So much so, he put it in writing.”

L
ATER
that afternoon Jarrett paced his office. Mia was on her way to the hotel to see her father, while Fulton was on his way here to discuss his board of directors' decision about the factory project.

Hell. He didn't want to think about business right now.

What he wanted was Mia as far away from Preston Saunders as possible. That wasn't going to happen today. He'd wanted to go with her, but she'd insisted that she needed to confront the man by herself. Her only concession had been to let Nola go to help watch BJ.

Still Jarrett didn't trust Saunders. He wouldn't put it past him to kidnap them both and drag them back to Connecticut.

“The hell with this.” He headed for the door just as Neil Fulton walked into the outer office.

“Hey, Jarrett. How was your holiday?”

“It was busy. And yours?”

Neil seemed to be in a good mood. “The same. I didn't know if I could get away early. I'm glad we could get together on such short notice.”

“About that, Neil. An emergency has come up and I need to leave.”

The man frowned. “I'm sorry. Can I help?”

Jarrett wasn't planning to mention Saunders but what did he have to lose? He didn't care about the project unless he had Mia. “Maybe you can. I hear you're a friend of Preston Saunders, but the guy's a real bastard.”

“Whoa, whoa.” Neil raised a hand. “Who told you we were friends? I've only met him a few times at fundraisers.”

Jarrett was puzzled. “Aren't your wives sorority sisters?”

He nodded. “They went to the same eastern college, but that doesn't mean they're friends. There's no connection between us, I haven't seen the man in probably five years.” Neil frowned. “Rumor has it he's lost a bundle on sub-prime mortgage loans.”

Jarrett cursed, and filled Fulton in on the details of what had been going on since Saunders came to town. “He said he'd talked to you about putting a halt to the factory project.”

Neil shook his head. “Even if Saunders and I were friends, I would never let personal issues interfere with my business decisions. It never works out. Although I do listen to my wife, and she's definitely a fan of yours. She likes a man with integrity. You didn't toss your tenants out on the street, even though it could mean losing this deal.”

“Yeah, even I have a heart.”

“That's not always a bad thing. It actually helped you win this deal. Several of the board members are inclined to agree with my Robin.” Neil smiled. “She's looking forward to meeting you.”

Jarrett blinked. “Meeting me? You've decided to build the factory here?”

Neil nodded. “You were right, your location is the best and there's plenty of room to expand. And as long as the
business offices are going into your retro apartment building, Robin wants to help decorate them.”

Jarrett knew he was grinning like a fool. “I'll have it put into the contract. Could we talk about this later?” He slipped on his coat. “I need to let someone know I want to be a part of her future. And boot a certain someone else out of town.”

“Would you like some backup? I wouldn't mind helping bring Saunders down.”

“It could get nasty.”

Neil straightened. “I can hold my own. I want to see you get the girl, too.”

“Not as much as I do.”

 

Mia pushed BJ's stroller into the hotel. She hadn't wanted to come back here again, but she didn't want her father anywhere near her apartment.

All she wanted was to finish this for good. She wanted Preston out of her life. More importantly, out of her son's life.

No matter what it cost financially.

“Mia, I wish you would think about this for a few days,” Nola said as she walked alongside her. “I don't trust the man. You shouldn't, either. Maybe you should call Jarrett.”

Two months ago she hadn't even known Jarrett McKane. And now she was hopelessly in love with the guy. She thought about all the things he'd done for her, for BJ. How he'd been there for her when she'd really needed him. He'd coached her through her son's birth. When she was exhausted, he walked the floor with BJ so she could sleep.

“Nola, I can't let Jarrett suffer at my father's hand. This is my problem. I should've stood up to my father years ago,
but this is going to end today.” She couldn't let Jarrett lose everything because of her. Not for her past sins.

That was the reason she'd just give Preston what he wanted. Money. Then he would leave town, and she and BJ could have a peaceful, loving life.

“I know Jarrett doesn't mind helping you.” The older woman walked next to the stroller. “You have to know he cares about you and BJ.”

“Yes, he's been a good friend.” She wanted more.

“Friend?” The older woman gave her a sideways glance.

“I think you'd better open your eyes and see how that man looks at you. Even you can't be that blind.”

No, she wasn't blind. “Okay, I've seen him watching me.” They continued along the hall to the small conference room. “But Jarrett McKane watches a lot of women.”

“All men look—until they find the right one. You're Jarrett's right one, Mia. Don't let your father spoil your chance at happiness. Jarrett is a good man.” Nola smiled.

“He reminds me a lot of Reverend Brad,” she rushed on.

“Maybe Jarrett has a slightly rougher side, and he curses a little too much, but he has the same good heart.”

Mia stopped. “I know all this Nola. It's one of the reasons I'm doing this.”

Her friend pursed her lips and shook her head.

“I don't need the money. What Jarrett's doing for this town by creating jobs is much more important. I can work. I plan to finish school and make a good life for BJ. I won't ever let my father hurt the people I care about.”

Mia released a breath, and pushed the stroller through the conference-room door to see her father standing by the window. Dressed in his tailored gray suit, he took his time to come to greet her.

“Margaret.”

She gripped the stroller handle tighter. “Hello, Father.”

He nodded and turned to Nola. “We haven't had the pleasure.”

“Nola Madison, Mr. Saunders. I'm a
very
good friend of Mia's.”

Mia watched her father look down at the stroller, studying the sleeping child, but he didn't comment on his grandson. “Maybe we should get started.”

“Yes,” Mia agreed. “We have a lot to cover before you leave town.”

 

At the front desk, Jarrett and Neil got directions to the conference room and headed across the lobby. Their pace picked up when he saw Nola with BJ in the stroller.

“Oh, Jarrett,” she cried. “I'm so glad you're here.”

“Of course I'm here. Nola, this is Neil Fulton. Neil, Nola Madison. He's going to help us.”

The two exchanged pleasantries, then Jarrett nodded toward the door. “Is Mia inside?”

“Yes, she's with her father. I'm worried, Jarrett, she's trying to protect everyone but herself.” The baby started to fuss, and Nola rocked the stroller. “See, even BJ's upset.”

Jarrett directed Nola to a lounge area a short distance away, and promised her everything would turn out okay. Then he partially opened the conference-room door to hear what was going on. He saw the father and daughter across the small room, their backs to him.

“You can't have BJ,” Mia insisted. “And I'm not returning to Boston with you, either.”

“You're making a big mistake, Margaret. I hate to go to court and spill all the family secrets, but you know I will. I have to protect my grandson.”

“And I have to protect my son from you. Come on, we're
alone, you can admit you only want BJ because of Bradley's trust fund.”

Saunders tried to act wounded and failed. “How could you accuse me of something like that? Besides, you should know that any money would stay in trust for Bradley's son. I couldn't get my hands on it.”

“As the child's guardian, you'd have access to the account. It must be a sizable amount for you to come all this way.”

“I can't touch it. Your grandfather made the trust airtight.” He studied her. “You, on the other hand…you have something I want.”

After all this time, she'd thought she was immune to his ability to hurt her. She wasn't. “What is that?”

“Your grandfather Ashley was very generous to you in his will. Not only with a trust fund, but with company stock. You can't touch the money until you're thirty-five or married. But there is the question of the stock.”

“You want my Ashley Oil stock?”

“I've earned it. I've been voting your shares for years.”

“How? You shouldn't have had access once I turned twenty-one.”

He smiled. “You don't remember signing power of attorney over to me? When you got out of rehab?”

She hated to think about that time of her life. She did remember her signature had been her ticket out. All she had to do was give Preston Saunders what he wanted, and she'd get her freedom. “So what else could you want?”

“Your grandfather was overprotective. I only had a temporary power of attorney and it's expired.”

After all these years, her father had only tracked her down to get money from her. “Why don't I just hold out my arm and you can take all my blood, too.”

“Don't act so dramatic. For years, your mother and I had to explain away your indiscretions.”

She wasn't going to let him bring her down. “I was your daughter,” she stressed, then calmed down. “You never once accepted me for who I was. When I had a problem, you were never there for me.

“You had the Saunders name and money, more advantages than a lot of kids. So it was expected you'd do well. Bradley Junior will have to do the same.”

“No, you won't do the same thing to my son.”

Preston glared at her. “He's not your son, Margaret. He's your nephew. And he needs to be raised as a Saunders.”

“Never,” she insisted. BJ was hers. She'd already started legal procedures.

Jarrett watched Mia stand tough. Yet, Preston wasn't relenting, either. “I changed my mind on one of the conditions of our new agreement. Along with your stock, I want to see my grandson periodically. Say, four times a year. And I'll need the stock signed over immediately.”

She shook her head. “That's not our deal. You get the money. You walk away.”

“You're not dictating to me. Secrets could leak out. There's a certain factory project that hangs in the balance.”

Jarrett couldn't stand back any longer. He glanced at Neil as he swung open the door and walked into the room.

Preston Saunders was the first to notice him. “So you brought your cowboy along to save you.”

Mia turned around. He could see her shock and some relief. “Jarrett. What are you doing here?”

He came up to her. “I thought you might need some support.”

“I don't want you involved in this. I can handle it.”

He leaned closer and whispered, “Woman, as far as I'm
concerned, you could handle anything. But if you think I'm going to stand by and let this guy hurt you, you'd better think again.” He gave her a quick kiss, then placed his arm around her shoulders and faced the problem.

“Your words are touching, Mr. McKane,” her father said,

“but this doesn't concern you.”

“I think it does, Mr. Saunders. I don't like that you've threatened Mia.”

“As I said, this doesn't concern you.” He looked at Mia.

“Does it, Margaret?”

She looked at Jarrett. “He's right. This isn't good for the factory project.”

“You think I care about the project more than you?” He smiled. “I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're willing to sacrifice your future for me. But there's no need.”

He turned to Preston. “Okay, Saunders, here's how it's going to be. You're going to leave town
today.
Mia is going to stay here, finish law school and raise her son. Oh, and if I'm lucky, I get to be a part of their lives.”

“Well, you're going to have to live off her money, because your future is looking bleak at the moment. You're about to lose everything.”

“I think you're wrong about that, Saunders.”

Everyone turned toward the door as Neil Fulton walked in. He went to stand beside Jarrett and Mia.

“Neil,” her father stammered. “It's good to see you again.”

“I don't think so, Saunders. First thing, I don't like you tossing my name around as if we're friends.” He glared at Preston. “Secondly, Jarrett McKane and my company just agreed on a rather lucrative property deal. Nothing you say is going to change a thing.” He took a step closer to Preston. “So I suggest you do what Jarrett asked, because
I also heard you threaten your daughter. And believe me, you don't want to mess with me.”

Her father looked at Mia. “Margaret, are you going to allow this?”

Mia knew he wouldn't stop trying to control her. “Yes.” She fought tears that it had to come to this. “Please don't contact me again.”

If Preston was surprised, he hid it. “Your mother is going to be so disappointed.”

“Please tell Mother that she's more than welcome to visit her grandson.”

Preston Saunders started for the door, but stopped and looked back at her. “I wouldn't act so smug if I were you, Margaret, not with your past. There's a lot of things that could come out I'm sure you'd like to keep buried.” He nodded to Jarrett. “I'm sure your friends would be interested to know their sweet Mia isn't so innocent.” He turned and walked out the door.

Mia felt the heat climb to her face and those dark years came rushing back, threatening to consume her, take away everything she'd made good in her life.