The Surprise Holiday Dad (10 page)

With time running short, they divided the tasks, Adrienne making gravy and Wade—watching the video—carving the bird. Reggie disappeared, only to pop in and announce, “I put Dad’s suitcase in Mom’s old room.”

The room where Vicki used to sleep.
When Adrienne’s forehead puckered, Wade feared she might reprimand the boy, who’d meant well. “That’ll keep my stuff out of the way when people arrive early tomorrow,” he said. “There must be a lot of preparations still to make.”

Adrienne sighed. “Yes. Good thinking, Reggie.” She closed her eyes wearily.

“You okay?” If Wade’s hands hadn’t been occupied with carving, he’d have reached for her.

“After I called you, Harper phoned to say their deejay is down with the flu. I’ll have to commandeer one of the guests to run the music.”

“I can do that.” Wade didn’t mean to intrude, since he hadn’t been invited to the wedding. “If it’s not presuming too much.”

“Presuming? You’re doing us a favor.”

“Yay!” Reggie danced around the kitchen. “Dad’s the music man.”

Since he’d be sticking around until tomorrow evening, Wade put in, “Why don’t I stay over Friday night? I’m spending Saturday with Reggie anyway.”

“That’ll give Mary Beth a longer break. She could use one.” Adrienne said. “Thank you. I seem to be saying that a lot, don’t I?”

“And I never get tired of hearing it.”

As for being temporarily homeless, Wade decided to save that news. He’d choose a moment when Reggie wasn’t around to urge that Daddy move in.

Tempting as the idea was, putting pressure on Adrienne might destroy this tentative bond between them. For now, Wade was simply glad to be in a real home for the holiday.

Chapter Ten

On Thursday night everything went well in Labor and Delivery. Babies were born quickly, the influx of laboring moms diminished and although Zack had a wife and two daughters at home, he stayed late to perform a C-section. “We had our holiday dinner last night,” he explained.

Adrienne managed to catch four hours’ sleep. Meanwhile, according to the weather report, the rain had not only passed out to sea but been replaced by a mild Santa Ana condition. That meant drying winds and warm temperatures, perfect for the wedding.

When Reggie announced that he’d put Wade’s belongings in Vicki’s room, Adrienne had nearly ordered him to move them to her old bedroom, which she’d vacated for the master suite. However, she was even less comfortable with the notion of the virile male sleeping in her bed than in her sister’s.

In the morning, Wade more than earned his keep. He helped arrange chairs and tables and set up the rented sound system. He tied yellow and red balloons to the front porch and posted neatly printed signs directing guests into the yard through an inconspicuous side gate.

Instead of growing impatient with having Reggie underfoot, Wade seized every opportunity to teach—how to hold a hammer and how to lift rather than drag the chairs. The boy complied willingly.

Adrienne retreated to the kitchen, where she found Peter’s mother, Kerry, a retired teacher, setting out plastic champagne glasses. “I’ll handle the food when the caterer arrives,” Kerry said. “I’m sure you and our new daughter-in-law have plenty of other things to do.”

“I appreciate that.”

“I prefer keeping busy.” The older woman brushed at her misty eyes. “Now shoo!”

With Stacy and Cole weaving chrysanthemums through the wedding arch and Harper’s brother, Jake, handling other tasks, Adrienne took a deep breath.
Slow down. Everything’s under control.

She and Harper shepherded Mia upstairs to dress. The little girl twirled about in the master bedroom, her green-and-gold dress bringing out the green of her eyes. “After today Peter’s my daddy for real!” she cried. “Isn’t he, Mommy?”

“Yes, he is.” Tall and elegant in her scarf-hemmed cocktail dress, its colors coordinated with her daughter’s, Harper met Adrienne’s gaze over Mia’s head. “I’m glad the surrogate isn’t due to deliver the twins until June. Mia needs this time with her new father and me.”

“Can I go downstairs now?” her daughter begged.

Harper applied a brush to an errant tuft of the girl’s hair. “Now you’re ready. Help Grandma Kerry, okay? No playing in the yard.”

“Okay, Mommy.” Off she scampered.

“I’m so happy you’ve found love again.” Adrienne slipped on her own dress, which had a subtle autumn-leaf design.

“Thanks.” Harper took a seat at the vanity. “I just can’t help thinking about the people who aren’t here. Especially Vicki.”

“My sister would be thrilled for you,” Adrienne said. “But I miss her, too.”

“And my parents.” Harper adjusted a gauzy hat atop her smooth honey-colored hair.

“I’m sure they’re here in spirit.” Adrienne came over to place the hat at a more flattering angle.

“Perfect!” Harper grinned. “Now, what’s the deal with Wade?”

“What about him?” To forestall further questions, Adrienne asked, “You don’t mind him being here, do you?”

“Heck, no.” In the mirror, her friend’s eyes widened. “A volunteer deejay? What a blessing. But I wondered... I mean, he’s practically living in your house.”

“Only for a few days. We had a babysitting emergency last night.” With a twinge, Adrienne recalled Reggie’s invitation to his dad to share their home. Having him live there
would
be convenient. And dangerous. She wasn’t even sure Wade wanted to live with them, she reminded herself.

“You have a babysitting emergency practically every week,” Harper teased as she applied makeup. “Your schedule is murder.”

“I’m used to it.” That wasn’t entirely true. Last night when the charge nurse had called, Adrienne had come close to having a meltdown.

A knock drew her to the door. She admitted the photographer, a bearded young man who positioned the two of them for a few shots. With the door open, Adrienne could hear people arriving downstairs.

The show was about to begin.

* * *

O
VER
THE
YEARS
, Wade had attended his share of weddings, most involving fellow officers. He’d never taken part in one, though. While he’d formed friendships at work and hung out with other guys, he’d never grown close enough to be invited as a groomsman. Hadn’t given it a moment’s thought, either.

Today, with dozens of people around, he was glad to have a specific task. Even though he recognized some of the guests, Wade couldn’t keep track of everyone or how they were connected. He pretended to be occupied with the sound system, although all he’d had to do so far was pop in the CD labeled As Guests Arrive, which featured Vivaldi, Bach and other baroque composers.

“Excellent choice of music.” A russet-haired man joined him on the patio. “You’re the deejay, I take it.”

“Wade Hunter.” Extending his hand, he found the newcomer’s grip firm and his gaze intense.

“Owen Tartikoff,” the man said. “Listen, at some point after the ceremony, my wife and I plan to sing a few songs for the happy couple. Hope that doesn’t mess up your playlist.”

“No problem.” Following Owen’s gaze, Wade saw a guitar case leaning against the house. “Yours, I presume?”

“It isn’t in the way, is it?” the man asked.

“Not at all.”

“I’ll let you know when we’re ready.” After clapping Wade on the shoulder, Owen strode off. Others spoke to him deferentially.

Adrienne glided up beside Wade. “What was that about?”

“He and his wife are going to sing later,” he told her. “Hope that’s okay.”

She gave him a wry grin. “Owen’s the head of the fertility program and has a world-class reputation.”

“But can he sing?” That seemed the relevant point to Wade.

“Beautifully,” she said. “So can his wife, Bailey.” With that, Adrienne moved off, greeting new arrivals and steering Reggie to his seat.

Wade checked his watch. Nearly 3:00 p.m., the designated start time. Sunlight bathed the flower-filled arbor where the groom waited between his father and the minister.

At a prearranged signal, Wade put on the CD marked Ceremony and sat back.

* * *

A
S
HARD
AS
Adrienne tried to push the past from her thoughts, the ghosts of former times—both happy and bittersweet—overlay the ceremony. This was the yard where she and Vicki used to play as children, staging pretend weddings and taking turns at being the bride. Until this moment, she’d almost forgotten that.

She welcomed the distraction as Mia skipped down the aisle, waving her bouquet of autumn flowers. At the end, with an audible “Oops!” she slowed her pace to match the wedding march. Her new stepfather barely smothered his laughter.

Then the ghosts closed in again as Harper, shining with joy on her brother’s arm, strolled down the aisle, her dress flowing like a fall breeze and her hat tilted jauntily. For a moment, Adrienne was back in the chapel where Harper had married Sean. How happy she’d looked in her white gown, dewy and young, without the wisdom and sorrows of the years to shade her gaze.

Adrienne’s eyes smarted. Were the tears for Vicki, who ought to be here? For herself, who’d set aside her childish dream of finding true love? Or because a wedding reminded her of all the hopes that might or might not come true?

Enjoy this moment. It’s the only thing that’s real.

Wade was real, too. Despite the urge to glance at him, Adrienne didn’t dare. Her friends would notice. If Harper was any indication, they were already gossiping.

At the altar, Harper’s brother presented her to the groom. The bride handed her bouquet to Mia, who wrapped her arms around both bunches of flowers and lifted them to her nose.

Then the minister began the ceremony.

* * *

A
FTER
THE
VOWS
were exchanged and the guests had cheered for the newlyweds, it was time to take photos and set up for dinner. Under Adrienne’s direction, everyone picked up his or her chair and carried it to a table.

Wade assisted the groom’s mother in arranging the buffet on the patio. “You’re a good sport,” Adrienne told him, hurrying past with a large catering pan.

“I’m enjoying this.” And, surprisingly, he meant that.

Reggie scampered toward them. “Are they going to open the gifts now?” A small table held wrapped packages.

“No, they’ll do that later at home.” Adrienne stopped to pat her nephew’s cheek. “You were very patient during the ceremony.”

Reggie’s gaze shifted to Wade. Realizing his son craved his approval, too, he said, “You acted like a grown-up.” Since the boy brimmed with energy, he added, “It’s your job to play host for the other children.” There weren’t many, since only those of school age had been invited.

Reggie frowned. “Like how?”

“See if any of them need to use the bathroom,” Adrienne suggested.

“Okay!”

“And make sure they wipe their feet before they go inside,” Wade cautioned.

“Sure, Dad.” He darted off.

Adrienne’s attention shifted to Wade. “There’s no formal seating. Grab a plate, find a place and get comfortable.”

“What about the dance music?” He didn’t intend to neglect his duties.

“We’ll let you know when it’s time.”

He gave a mock salute. “You’re in charge.”

“If you call me ma’am, I’ll kick you.”

“I’d prefer a spanking.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Adrienne laughed. “Don’t let anyone hear you. They’re spreading enough rumors about us already.”

That was interesting information. “Will I need to fight a duel to defend your honor?” Wade asked.

“I’m pretty good at defending my own honor,” she returned lightly.

He grinned. “I’m sure you are.”

Seeing this playful side of her showed what a mischievous spirit she must have had as a child. Her parents’ and sister’s deaths had changed her.

Wade hoped to lighten her mood more often.

* * *

A
DRIENNE
WOULD
HAVE
liked to sit near Wade. Instead, she felt obligated to join a table across the lawn to avoid inspiring more chatter.

The group of pregnant women surrounding Wade included Vanessa Ayres—Peter and Harper’s surrogate. Then there was Stacy, her triplets growing larger by the day, and Una Barker, whose twins were due in January. She’d become pregnant the same month as Stacy, with Stacy’s donated eggs, and their children would be half siblings.

They were all very discreet, with their husbands present. But Wade certainly seemed to take an interest. At Una’s urging, he leaned forward and touched her large belly, perhaps to feel the babies moving.

It was ridiculous to fret. Given how much Wade enjoyed being around Reggie, it seemed natural for him to take an interest in babies.

But there won’t be any of those for me.

Pain arrowed through Adrienne for the children she’d never have, the future that had been stolen from her by a tragic accident. She’d believed that she’d put regret and sorrow behind her long ago and channeled her love of children into her specialty in obstetrics. And it had worked, to a point.

Initially, as a result of her family’s issues, she’d planned to become a psychiatrist. But delivering her first baby had filled Adrienne with joy. Who needed alcohol or drugs when she could achieve such a high from bringing newborns into the world?

In other aspects of her practice, her experiences gave her empathy for patients. When they suffered disappointments, she understood. And each time she helped a couple get pregnant, she shared in their triumph, becoming part of a cycle that had otherwise shut her out. Plus, she had Reggie to love.

I have a lot to be grateful for.
Despite his legal right to claim custody, Wade was willing to work with her in Reggie’s best interests, and she didn’t begrudge him the chance to have children someday with another woman. Yet despite her determination not to dwell on matters beyond her control, it hurt to see the light in his face as Una’s belly rippled.

To her embarrassment, Adrienne realized she was staring at him. So was the woman beside her, Keely Randolph, the R.N. who assisted Paige. The heavyset older woman was scowling.

“The way that fellow’s drooling, those husbands better keep a close watch on their wives,” Keely said in her nasal voice.

“What do you mean?” Adrienne didn’t think he had any predatory intentions toward the wives at his table.

“Some fellas get the hots for ladies with a bun in the oven,” the nurse observed dourly. “And what those hormones do to some women’s libidos, well, it’s shameful.” She shook her graying black hair.

Adrienne doubted any of the mothers-to-be was about to drag Wade under the table. The absurd statement had the welcome effect of banishing her dark thoughts.

So did the toasts that followed. Peter’s father talked about the difficulties of the past and how grateful he and his wife were that their widowed son had found such a wonderful woman. Then Jake, who’d flown in from New Mexico to be with his sister, spoke about their losses and the blessing of her new love with Peter.

Adrienne circulated, refilling champagne glasses for others while taking only a few sips from her own glass. Wade sprang up to pour apple juice for the kids and for himself. Then, at a signal from Peter, he returned to the CD player.

Time for the bride and groom to circle the dance floor set up adjacent to the vegetable garden. This ought to keep Wade busy and out from under the table, Adrienne thought good-humoredly, and moved to collect empty plates.

* * *

A
LTHOUGH
HE
HADN
’
T
selected the music, Wade liked the choices, an appealing mix of beats, artists and styles. The guests clearly enjoyed the playlist as well, laughing as they danced. Reggie got into the act, taking turns with Mia and Fiona, who also partnered with their fathers.