The Unclaimed Baby by Sherryl Woods Read Free Book Online Page B

her, along with half the town. By noon Sharon Lynn was so sick of advice, so tired of warnings about getting attached that she was ready to scream. She would have thrown everyone out and locked the doors, but Dolan’s was a business and the novelty of an abandoned baby on the premises had the lunch counter busier than it had been in weeks.
    By two, things had finally settled down again. Patsy Driscoll had gone home after pocketing more tips than she usually did in a week. Sharon Lynn finally had a chance to hold the baby herself.
    â€œYou charmed the socks off of them,” she informed the gurgling child. “Little wonder. You’re every bit as cute as any Adams baby I’ve ever seen and, believe me, there are a lot of them.”
    â€œHey, are you maligning my descendants?” Grandpa Harlan inquired as he slid onto a stool next to her, his gaze locked on the baby.
    Sharon Lynn sighed. “I should have known you wouldn’t be able to resist coming into town to see her for yourself.”
    â€œWhy should I be the only one left out?” he inquired.
    â€œBecause she’s a baby, not a circus sideshow.”
    â€œYou upset because everyone’s interested or because they’re all offering up advice you don’t want to hear?”
    Of course, he would see that, she thought. Her grandfather was the wisest man she knew. She gazed into his bright blue eyes and saw the concern there.
    â€œI know what I’m letting myself in for,” she assured him.
    â€œI’m sure you do,” he agreed. “Doesn’t mean we can’t worry about you.”
    â€œDo you intend to add in your two cents?”
    He grinned. “Not if you’ll let me hold her, while you go pour me a cup of real coffee.”
    Amused by his eagerness, Sharon Lynn relinquished the baby gladly enough, but she poured decaf into the cup she handed him. Her grandfather scowled.
    â€œYou, too?”
    â€œI take my marching orders from a higher authority.”
    â€œWho’s that?” he demanded indignantly.
    â€œJanet.”
    â€œWhatever happened to the days when an old man was respected?”
    â€œWe do respect you and we love you. That’s whywe want you to stick around. Now, drink the decaf. It tastes just as good as the high-octane stuff.”
    â€œIf taste were all that mattered, there wouldn’t be two kinds. I want a little kick.”
    â€œWell, you won’t get it here and that’s that.”
    â€œStubborn brat.”
    â€œStubborn old man.”
    He grinned. “If you’re calling me names, I guess your spunk is back. Might’s well go along home and find something else to worry about.”
    â€œMight’s well,” she agreed. “I really am okay, Grandpa Harlan.”
    He lifted the baby above his head until she giggled, then brought her down for a kiss before handing her back to Sharon Lynn. He headed for the door, then turned back.
    â€œBy the way, Cord’s working out real good at White Pines. Your daddy’s kept him hopping and from what I hear, Cord is up to it.”
    â€œHe got the job, then? I’d wondered.”
    Surprise registered on his face. “You haven’t talked to him?”
    â€œNot since Friday night.”
    â€œInteresting,” he said thoughtfully. “Well, something tells me he’ll be coming around first chance he gets.”
    Her gaze narrowed at the vague innuendo in his tone. “What is that supposed to mean? You haven’t been meddling again, have you?”
    â€œI asked a few questions, that’s all. We were hiring the man. What would you have me do?”
    â€œI thought Daddy interviewed him.”
    â€œHe did. I just came along behind him and picked up a few more details, tidied up some loose ends, you might say.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    â€œOh, this and that.”
    â€œGrandpa!”
    â€œYou take care, darlin’ girl. Bring that baby out to the