Free Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée by Sara Orwig Page A

unintelligible words. “Me, too, Grace. I know Nick Rafford has pressured you into this meeting. A visit sounds harmless, but once Eli Rafford sees his grandchild, I hope the resemblance to Nick doesn’t reinforce his goal to give Michael the Rafford name. Or more. Eli Rafford may be frail, but he has the money for nannies and all kinds of help. He could try to take Michael and pay people to care for him round-the-clock.” Nannies and staff would raise Michael instead of relatives. Clara shuddered while Grace’s chill deepened.
    â€œThat’s what I fear,” Grace said. “They have the money to do as they please. I made an appointment to talk to my attorney in the morning.”
    â€œThank heavens,” Clara declared. “You can’t fight the Rafford money, Grace. I’m afraid Nick Rafford is showering his attention on you for a reason.”
    â€œHopefully, this afternoon will be only what Nick said, simply letting the grandfather see his grandson. That doesn’t give Eli any rights, no matter how much he wants them.”
    â€œJust remember Alicia, what she went through and how she tried to cut them out of Michael’s life. The man’s son was selfish and dreadful.”
    â€œI know. It’s pointless to tell you to not worry. I’ll call you as soon as I get home.”
    As she glanced at her watch the doorbell rang. “Come meet Nick,” she said, picking up Michael.
    It was time.
    Â 
    Nick stood immobilized, one of the few times in his life he was consumed by shock. He forgot people, surroundings, his purpose in coming. His total attention was on the baby in Grace’s arms—a baby who was a mirror of his own baby pictures.
    Stunned, he stared into big, dark brown eyes with black lashes, a thick head of baby hair as jet-black as his own, the same shaped ears.
    â€œOh, my God,” he whispered. “He could be mine.”
    Grace spoke, but her words didn’t register with him.
    â€œBart never saw his son, did he?” Nick asked finally.
    â€œNo, he didn’t, but that was his choice,” Grace replied. “Nick, come inside and meet my aunt.”
    Nick inhaled deeply, stepping inside, unable to take his gaze from the baby, realizing instantly his father was in for a shock. It occurred to him that his father would never give up the battle now to get Michael legally into the Rafford family with the Rafford name.
    â€œAunt Clara, this is Nick Rafford. Nick, my aunt, Clara Wayland.”
    Nick turned his attention to the woman standing beside Grace. Her green eyes were glacial and her mouth was closed tightly as she nodded, making it obvious that she didn’t approve of him or want Grace taking Michael to meet his dad.
    â€œI’ve heard about you and your care for Michael,” Nick said, smiling at her, certain the smile would not be returned.
    â€œMichael is Grace’s precious child now. He loves his mother very much.”
    Nick could feel the waves of dislike and anger from the woman. “I appreciate her sharing Michael today and letting my dad meet his grandson. That is going to mean the world to him.”
    â€œMichael can’t possibly be that important since your family shunned him totally at birth and when his life was hanging by a thread.”
    â€œSomething my dad is sorry about now,” Nick said quietly, knowing she was immersed in anger with the Raffords. “Mrs.Wayland, my father has no intention of taking Michael from Grace. Today, he wants to meet his grandson. Just see him.”
    â€œIt isn’t today that worries me,” Clara snapped, and Grace placed her hand on her aunt’s arm.
    â€œIt’s all right. I’ll go with Nick now. I’ll call you when we get back. Thanks for your help today.”
    She buckled Michael into his carrier and Nick picked it up as Grace gathered Michael’s bag. She brushed a kiss on her aunt’s cheek. “Don’t