Free Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée by Sara Orwig

attitude.
    â€œOnce your father sees Michael, he will never want to let him go.”
    â€œGrace, my father’s days may be limited. He isn’t well. He can’t take Michael from you. This is only a meeting. I promise,” Nick added quietly.
    She looked into unfathomable brown eyes that told her nothing. This man had a reputation for being ruthless inbusiness. Was she being naive, gullible and taken in by a charmer who had plotted every move to take Michael from her?
    â€œWe can make it short,” Nick added.
    â€œAll right, Nick,” she said, staring at him intently. There was no change in his expression, reminding her that he could hide his emotions completely.
    â€œThank you for agreeing. You’ll see how much it means to him.”
    â€œYou better keep your word.”
    â€œI’ve promised. Don’t be so fearful. It’ll be all right. My father can’t take your baby and if you’re worried that I’ll try to talk you into marriage, I have no intention of bringing either a wife or a baby into my life. My freedom is important and, at this point, I don’t care to become a daddy. I’ll make the arrangements. When will you be free?”
    She pulled her phone and checked her calendar. “I’m booked solid since it’s getting so close to Christmas. I can turn the parties over to Jada either Thursday afternoon or Friday afternoon.”
    â€œI’ll make arrangements with Dad for Thursday afternoon,” Nick said.
    â€œI should get back to the office. You’ve gotten everything you want, so we can go now,” she said with a sharp note in her voice.
    â€œNot everything.”
    As they left, she was conscious of his height, his body so close to hers and his hand on her arm. He had gotten everything he wanted, yet he had sounded reasonable in his requests. Time would tell. She prayed she had no regrets.
    Nick kept the conversation light, but worries were already besieging her when they drove back to her office. He got out quickly and came around to open her door. “Thanks for lunch, I think,” she added, emerging from the car.
    â€œHow’s two o’clock Thursday afternoon?”
    â€œThat will be fine. Michael may fall asleep, but that’s all right.”
    â€œI’ll pick both of you up at your place. Thanks for this. You’ll see, after you have this first visit with my dad, you won’t be sorry about your decision.”
    â€œWe’ll see, Nick. Thanks for lunch.” She turned to walk briskly away, her back tingling because she guessed Nick stood and watched her. She dreaded meeting Eli Rafford, suspecting her trepidation would only grow. Inside her office, she turned to watch Nick drive away. She hoped she was doing the right thing.
    Â 
    Thursday seemed eons away and then it was upon her. She left work early to get Michael ready only to find Clara had already bathed him and laid out clothes.
    â€œHe’s been fed and I think he’ll fall asleep soon,” Clara said.
    â€œIf you’ll watch him a few more minutes, I’m going to change clothes,” Grace said, hugging Michael and giving him a kiss before handing him to Clara.
    â€œSure. Take your time. I’ll get Michael dressed in his sailor suit.”
    Grace changed to tan slacks and a matching silk shirt, then brushed her hair and clipped it at the back of her neck. She returned to Michel’s room to find him seated on a blanket, playing with his toys and cooing.
    â€œHe looks adorable,” Grace said, her worries returning.
    â€œI know this meeting was probably inevitable, but I just pray your legal rights are binding. Once this man sees his grandson, he’ll want him more than ever.”
    â€œNick insists that his dad simply wants to see Michael and hold him. Clara, I hope I’m not making the mistake of my life.”
    Clara frowned and looked at Michael, who was playing with a rattle and happily babbling