Daddy by Christmas by Patricia Thayer Read Free Book Online Page B

age.”
    â€œThank you.” She sobered. “Are you really going to try and find us all a place to live?”
    â€œI’m not sure I can find everyone a place, but I’ll see what I can do.” Was he crazy? Where would he find affordable apartments for them all? He moved away from the bed. “Man, I’d kill for a cup of coffee.”
    â€œSorry, I’m off caffeine for a while,” she told him. “But I’d fight you for a jelly donut.”
    â€œI guess that’s one of those crazy cravings, huh? Well, I’d better go.” He walked out, thinking a donut didn’t sound so bad.
    He retrieved his car keys and a jacket from his apartment and headed down to his car. The ground was covered in a dusting of snow. He climbed into his vehicle, missing the warm garage back at his house. Pushing aside his discomfort, he started the engine and the heater. He was on a quest for one hungry pregnant woman.
    In every town there always seemed to be a twenty-four-hour donut and coffee shop and Winchester Ridge was noexception. He picked out a couple of dozen assorted donuts along with a large coffee and an orange juice.
    He returned to the apartment building just as dawn was breaking. Funny, this wasn’t how he usually spent early mornings. He’d never shared breakfast with an expectant mother, either. With his offerings in hand, he returned to Mia’s apartment and gave a loud knock before he walked in.
    â€œIt’s me, Ms. Saunders. I’ve got something for you.” After hearing Mia’s greeting he walked into the bedroom.
    She was still working on the computer. “I thought you went back to bed.”
    â€œNot after you talked about donuts.” He raised the box.
    â€œFreshly made.” He opened the large box and the aroma filled the room.
    Mia groaned. “Oh, my God.” She put the laptop aside and reached for one. He pulled back.
    â€œI thought you were going to fight me for one.”
    She looked confused.
    â€œOf course, if we were on a first-name basis, I’d happily share. Especially if someone had been willing to get up before dawn and help out a neighbor.”
    Mia was embarrassed by her actions. Yesterday after Jarrett had left, Nola had returned and told her how he’d stayed at the hospital and called everyone with any news. She was even more ashamed when she learned that he’d bought the paint for her bedroom.
    â€œIt does seem to be one-sided, doesn’t it? I apologize. You have helped me so much. I don’t know how I would have made it to the hospital without you.”
    â€œDid I say I minded helping you? I just don’t want to keep being treated like the enemy here. I can’t change things that happened in the past.”
    â€œI know. I’m sorry, Jarrett.”
    He smiled. “What did you say?”
    She sighed. He wasn’t going to make this easy. “Would you be my friend, Jarrett?”
    â€œYou just want my donuts.”
    She nodded. “And you’d be wise not to get between a pregnant woman and those donuts.”
    He put the box down and her mouth watered as she eyed the selections. “There are so many to choose from.” She rubbed her stomach, feeling the baby kicking her.
    He sat at the end of the bed. “Are you all right?” he asked as he nodded to her stomach.
    â€œYeah, he’s just active and hungry.”
    â€œDoes he move around like that all the time?”
    â€œWell, the baby’s bigger now, so I feel it more.”
    He handed her juice. “Here’s something to wash down your donut.”
    â€œThank you.” She motioned to the box. “Aren’t you going to have one, too?”
    â€œSure, but ladies first.”
    â€œWise choice.” She couldn’t help but smile as she bit into the jelly-filled treat. “Mmm, it’s so good.”
    â€œYou might not be able to have caffeine, but you’re definitely