Nothing Short of a Miracle (12 page)

She leaned over and gathered Nina’s blankets around her squirming body.

“You do need it. Otherwise why are you here working for my parents instead of planning your next semester? Why are you being so stubborn about this? What’s wrong with my money?”

“The fact that you thought I was after it to begin with should be answer enough.”

He just didn’t get it, did he? Yes, she could use the money, but she wasn’t looking for a handout from anyone, least of all him. She’d already turned down his generous offer. How much more was he willing to offer to entice her to take his money? It didn’t matter—she wouldn’t accept any amount. She wasn’t about to become beholden to him.

****

“I was wondering if you’re ready for a break,” Dennis said. “I have reservations at the Landing for Wednesday night. You’ll love it, they have great seafood. “

Gabriella was surprised at the phone call, but shouldn’t have been. After the kiss under the mistletoe, he’d promised to call—out of friendship. Nothing more. Still, she’d put it out of her mind. A break from motherhood, even for a few hours sounded lovely.

“You don’t have to do this, Dennis. Besides, it’s short notice.”

“What about your friend Mindy. Think she’ll babysit? I can drive you and Nina to her apartment and back.”

“You make it too easy,” she laughed at his persistence. “I’ll give Mindy a call. I think she’s still in town. Give me your number and I’ll call you back.”

With her exam successfully out of the way Wednesday morning, and Mindy more than happy to babysit Nina, Gabriella concentrated on getting ready for dinner with Dennis. Her mind, however, wasn’t fully on the evening ahead. Immediately after her exam, she’d called the lawyer to see how things were progressing with the adoption papers. She was told that with the holiday in full swing things were backing up and it might take a bit longer than expected to process the paperwork. On the one hand, she was relieved she didn’t need to pay the fees right away, but on the other hand, she was disappointed. She called the Graduate School office and applied for a leave of absence for the spring semester.

Knowing she wasn’t going to be fit company, she was prepared to cancel her dinner date with Dennis. However, after thinking it through, she decided to go. She might not have another opportunity to enjoy an evening out anytime soon, and Mindy was looking forward to babysitting Nina.

Gabriella had refused Dennis’ offer of a ride to Mindy’s and instead arranged to meet him at the restaurant.

“You lucky dog,” Mindy met her at the door, taking Nina and planting several kisses on the baby’s smooth, chubby cheeks.

“I’m not interested, Mindy. Dennis is nothing more than a friend. Why he feels the need to look out for me is beyond my comprehension. I’ve told him a number of times, I’m not interested.”

“Yeah, yeah. I hear ya, girlfriend. I’m just saying if it were me, I’d be giving that man signals.”

“Maybe you should go with him instead. I could always cry off. It’s probably what he expects, anyway.”

“Kidding. You go and have fun. I can’t wait to unbundle this darling girl and enjoy her company—I’ve missed her.”

After dropping Nina off at Mindy’s, Gabriella met Dennis at the Waterfront Restaurant where the
maître’d
showed them to a secluded table—too intimate for Gabriella’s comfort level. A candle burned dimly in the center. The view overlooked the lake. Gabriella glanced through the window at the icy water where white caps listed about like miniature sailboats lost at sea. Lost and alone—like her.

“So, how was your day?”

Dennis’s smile should have warmed her heart, but it didn’t. Not wanting to be a sad sack, she put on a brave face and laughed as if she was happy to be having a fun night out.

“I passed my exam,” she said.

“But…”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s a ‘but’ in there somewhere. I can hear it in the tone of your voice. What’s wrong? Are you having a hard time at the Hempstead’s?” he asked.

“No. Oh, heavens. No. I adore Chadwick and Helen. And Ethel is such a dear. I’m so pleased to have such a loving, welcoming place to live while I take stock of my life and get back on my feet. I have a chance to get the mess my life has become straightened out and make Nina legally mine.”

She could see she’d shocked him.

“You mean she’s not yours?”

“She’s not legally mine. Yet.” Gabriella said, taking a sip of her wine—a mild blush that went down smoothly and gave her a chance to collect her thoughts.

The waitress approached, took their dinner order and left. Dennis took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Go on,” he said, smiling encouragingly. “What do you mean Nina isn’t yours?”

Heaving a heavy sigh, she squeezed his hand back and let go.

“My sister and her husband died in a car crash over Thanksgiving. Nina was at the babysitters. With no other family to care for her, I stepped in and plan to adopt her.”

She didn’t tell him about Charles. Past history was better left alone.

“It’s been hard dealing with my sister’s death on top of missing my entire family during the holidays. It’s very comforting being at the Hempstead’s.”

“It didn’t help when Jennifer showed her claws the other night, did it? I’m really sorry for my own actions.”

“No it didn’t help, but then she probably won’t be the last person to think of me as an unwed mother. As long as I know the truth, it doesn’t bother me. And there’s no need to apologize for her. If she had apologized, I’m sure it wouldn’t have been as heartfelt or sincere as yours and Chad’s apology.”

“Chad? Chad apologized? Does he know about Nina?”

Their meal delivered, Gabriella took a forkful of shrimp scampi, enjoying the lemon-garlic flavor, ignoring his questions. She took a sip of wine, set her glass down, and looked across the table at Dennis.

“It’s not a secret. The truth of the matter is she is my child now. Why would he even care?”

“Why indeed. Chad’s a good guy, but he’s had a couple of disastrous relationships, and suffice-it-to-say, he doesn’t trust women. He’s discovered most women are only after his money.”

“That explains a lot.”

“What does that mean?”

“He thinks I’m after his money.”

“He does get a little testy when it comes to money.”

“Well, I’m not after him or his money so he can rest easy. I have too many other things on my mind than to get involved in a relationship. Or worry whether or not someone thinks I’m after their money.”

“Sounds like you’ve been hurt in the relationship department, too. My shoulders are yours if you need them.”

Gabriella didn’t want to talk about Charles. Or Chad. Charles didn’t deserve talking about. Besides, it was over and done between them. Still, the hurt, although not as deep as it should be, was still a disappointment. Having someone there when you need them only to discover they weren’t had struck a blow.

As for Chad? Well, she hadn’t figured out what he was all about yet. She wasn’t sure if she even wanted to know the real Chadwick Michael Hempstead Jr.

****

The morning after her dinner with Dennis, six-inches of fresh snow blanketed the ground. Gabriella sat next to the fire having tea with Helen after her physical therapy when Chad joined them. He made himself comfortable in a chair next to her, then helped himself to one of Ethel’s coffee cake muffins.

“So, how was your date with Dennis last night?” he said, taking a big bite out of the warm muffin.

“It wasn’t a date.”

He swallowed, sipped from the dainty teacup. His ease at handling such petite china made Gabriella’s insides warm.

“Yes, well, with Dennis, it’s a big deal.”

He placed the cup on the saucer he held in his left hand, then placed his right ankle over his left knee. He looked too comfortable and sexy leaning back in the chair. Gabriella turned away.

“I’m sure he considered it a date. He doesn’t go out very often these days. It’s been a long time since he’s been with a woman.”

Gabriella wondered what it was with these two men, warning her to tread lightly where each was concerned. Anyone would think she was a
Matahari
.

“He’s a big boy, Chad,” Helen jumped into the conversation.

Gabriella had forgotten his mother was in the room.

“I’m sure he can take care of himself. What harm did it do for the two of them to go out to dinner? I’m sure Gabriella needed a night out, isn’t that right my dear?”

Gabriella blushed.

“Yes, of course,” she said. She turned to find Chad’s piercing blue eyes boring into hers. She wasn’t about to let this man make her feel guilty about something as innocent as a dinner date with his friend.

“We had a very good time. Dennis is a delight—he’s very caring. He told me to say hi to you and Chadwick, by the way.”

“He is such a polite boy, it’s too bad about Patti…”

Nina interjected with a howl. Chad jumped to his feet, and ran to the baby.

“Is she okay? For God sakes, make sure she isn’t choking or something.”

Concern etched his face. Gabriella side-stepped him to reach the screaming infant.

“She’s fine. She’s letting me know it’s time for her bottle.”

She bent over, lifted Nina from the bassinette, and wrapped the blanket around the now whimpering baby. She patted her gently on the back, soothing her, and made her way to the kitchen to warm a bottle. When she returned, Chad stood, watching her every move. Helen stared at her son in astonished silence. She faced Gabriella, put her teacup down on the side table, a wide smile and sparkling eyes etched on her elated face.

Oh, my God, had she just become one of Helen’s “hopefuls” because Chad showed concern for Nina?

“Here then, let me feed that darling girl before you take her upstairs and put her down for a nap.”

Gabriella handed the baby over to Helen and returned to her chair. Chad crossed the room and stood next to the window overlooking the lake. Gabriella wondered once again what he was thinking. His reaction to Nina’s needs wasn’t of someone who was allergic to children—an impression that he’d managed to impart from the beginning.

“By the way, Chad, the Stanton’s are coming to town the weekend before Christmas and of course, we’ll have them over for the evening. And, I’ve invited the Newell’s to join us again, as well. Jennifer and you seemed to hit it off last Sunday. Didn’t you think so, Gabriella?”

What was Helen up to? One minute she felt as if she was on Helen’s match-making list, but now it was evident Helen was playing matchmaker between her son and Jennifer. She didn’t want to get in the middle. Thankfully, she was saved from having to reply.

“
Mother!
” Chad exclaimed, obviously embarrassed.

“Yes, Chad?” Helen looked at her son with such an innocent expression Gabriella wanted to laugh.

“No matchmaking,” Chad said, sternly.

Helen paid no attention to his tone. Gabriella smiled—the interaction between mother and son amusing.

“I’m wounded,” Helen said. She put Nina over her shoulder and proceeded to burp the now content baby. “Of course I wouldn’t presume to play matchmaker. Why, whatever gave you such an idea? Jennifer is free to bring a friend. Besides, dear, I think Gabriella is a much better catch.”

“
Mother!
”

“
Helen!
”

Startled, Chad and Gabriella looked at Helen, at each other, then back at Helen.

“No,” Helen continued, undeterred by their outbursts. “You have to choose for yourself, son. Why, I would never interfere where love is concerned. Never.”

“
Love.
” Chad shouted.

“Pardon me,” Gabriella said. “I think Nina needs to settle in for a nap. If you’ll excuse us, I’ll take her up now.”

Helen relinquished Nina without a struggle. Gabriella didn’t like the satisfied smile on the older woman’s face.

Love. Humph. Helen was completely wrong. There was nothing remotely resembling love between she and Chad. Absolutely nothing. She wasn’t looking for a relationship, and even if she were, he wouldn’t be on her list of possibilities. Sure there were moments when they weren’t able to take their eyes off each other, and his touch did make her tingle a bit, but surely it wasn’t love. Of course not.

Helen didn’t know what she was talking about.

****

Gabriella didn’t see Chad all day Friday. It wasn’t until they were ready to leave to join the rest of the family on Saturday morning to go hunting for a Christmas tree that he appeared. Dressed in blue jeans, hunting boots, a heavy parka, and knit cap, he looked very rugged indeed. Rugged, and handsome. Gabriella had all she could do to keep her hands tucked in her jacket pockets and her eyes off his piercing blue eyes, his magnetism overpowering.

“You look lovely,” he said, coming to her side, taking her arm and leading her toward the front door.

Gabriella gulped at the ease with which he took over—his touch. She wore a red wool sweater, a fleece-lined jacket, and a pair of black leather winter boots. She’d combed her hair back in a braid and twined it in a circle at the nap of her neck so she could put on her red beret-style cap.

“You’ve got to be kidding. I’m dressed for the outdoors, not a night on the town.”

“We’ll have to remedy that soon. Shall we go?” he asked.

Who was this man? What was he up to?

So much for his sister’s swinging by to pick them up. He opened the car door, made sure she was settled before he circled the Mustang, and got behind the wheel.

“Buckle up.”

Gabriella did. But before she could relax, he had the sport car on the move and out of the city winding around the wintry countryside.

“Is there a man in the picture, Gabby? Someone to turn to for help?”

****

“I don’t need a man to lean on,” she said, startled by his familiar use of her name, and the bluntness and direction his questioning was taking so quickly. It was true. She’d be just fine once she figured it all out.