One Christmas Knight by Robyn Grady Read Free Book Online Page A

why, but that knock reminded her of the day police had knocked on their door. The day of the accident.
    “Want me to get it?” he asked.
    She pushed back her shoulders. “We’ll both go.”
    When Damon opened the front door, Krystal stood on the porch, shoulders hunched in her white parka, a guilty half-grin on her face. Her focus instantly dropped to Shelley.
    “How’s my baby?” she asked, stepping forward and scooping the infant out of Emma’s arms.
    It wasn’t as if Emma had held the baby twenty-four-seven, but now it was as if a piece of her had been torn away. Emma looked on as Kyrstal rubbed her nose against the baby’s.
    Had she told the father? How had he taken the news?
    Emma stepped aside. “Come in out of the cold. Shelley has a temperature.”
    Krystal’s gaze snapped up. “You said she was over that.”
    Damon introduced himself. “I’m Damon Knight.”
    “Damon’s a doctor,” Emma said. “The one who made the house call.”
    Krystal’s questioning gaze cleared before she frowned again. She looked between the two of them, like Judd had the other day. “Are you two a thing ?” she asked.
    Sudden anger flared in Emma chest. Damon wasn’t exactly hers to steal away, but the idea that Krystal thought he might be brought her claws out. Not that Damon would be any part of it. As far as morals went, he and Grant were worlds apart.
    Krystal threw a glance back over her shoulder. “I, uh, have someone with me.”
    Emma spotted a man dressed in jeans and a bomber jacket shivering on the driveway. He sent a salute and sauntered up to join them.
    “Hey. I’m Rick Lowe,” his shoulders bobbed up and down, “the, ah, dad .”
    When Rick gazed down at the baby, Krystal lifted her higher. “Wanna hold?”
    The man looked sceptical. “Do I need to wash my hands or something?”
    “I don’t know,” Damon replied. “Do you?”
    Rick took Shelley and smiled down, genuine wonder lighting his expression. His sparse unshaven whiskers wiggled as he made all sorts of ‘baby’ faces.
    “When Krys told me I was a father,” he said as they moved inside, “I couldn’t believe it. It’s not something you hear every day.”
    Damon made a point. “Abstinence has its benefits.”
    “You mean no sex?” Rick coughed out a laugh. “Yeah, right.”
    “Do you have family nearby?” Emma asked.
    “Mom’s dead. Dad’s…uh, yeah. Don’t know anymore. Got a brother. He should be out this fall.” He dropped his head close and made a baby noise while he rocked her a little too hard. Emma had to clench her fists to stop from whipping Shelley right out of his arms.
    “I was angry at first,” Rick said. “I felt tricked, you know. Or cornered or something. But the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a family. I always wanted a kid. A boy.” Looking at Shelley, his smile spread. “But a girl’s good, too.”
    “You’ll make a great dad,” Kyrstal said, and Emma couldn’t help but compare the two men in the room. Appearances weren’t everything. Education didn’t necessarily count. Everyone deserved a decent chance. Only she knew which man would be more likely to take out Dad of the Year .
    “So, you’re looking forward to family life?” she asked.
    “Sure.” Rick snorted―a laugh. “Who doesn’t like meals cooked when they get home from a hard day fitting tires.” He rocked the baby again but then his smile faded. “Can’t say she looks like me though.”
    “Thanks, Em, for looking after her.” Krystal leaned her head on Rick’s shoulder. “I missed her so much.”
    “Better get her stuff, Kryssie.” Rick was still scrutinizing the baby for possible Lowe features. “I’ll carry her out.”
    Emma’s stomach pitched and she stepped forward. “You don’t have to go yet.”
    “It’s an hour’s drive back,” Rick said, already heading for the door. Then he stopped and made a statement like it was a deal breaker. “I don’t do diapers.”
    “What about