Free Daddy by Christmas by Patricia Thayer

haven’t even asked him.”
    â€œHaven’t asked me what?” her husband turned toward her.
    â€œAbout Mia coming to live in the cottage.”
    He raised an eyebrow as if to think about it. “That’s a great idea. The house is sitting empty.” He shrugged.
    â€œYou’re welcome to live there as long as you need.”
    Mia was getting excited. “What is the rent?”
    â€œThere isn’t any rent.”
    â€œNo, I would expect to pay something.”
    Trace glanced at his wife. “I think we owe your brother a bigger debt. He helped us through some rough spots a few years ago. I think Brad would want us to help you and the baby.”
    â€œCan I come over to see the baby?” Jenna asked. “I’ll be really quiet.”
    â€œIf I decide to move there, of course, you can.” She looked at Kira. “Maybe I could even babysit you so your parents could go out.”
    A big smile split Trace’s face. “That’s a deal I’ll take.”
    â€œWhat’s a deal?” Jarrett sat down next to Mia.
    Trace was still smiling. “Mia is coming to live in the guest house at the ranch.”
    â€œThe hell she is.”
    Â 
    The entire room went silent at his outburst.
    â€œUnca Jay, you said a bad word,” Jenna piped in.
    Jarrett reached into his pocket, pulled out change and set it on the table for his misstep. “Here, sweetie.” Then he turned to Mia. “You can’t move all the way out there. Not in the winter.”
    She glanced around nervously. “I don’t want to talk about this now,” she said as she pushed away from the table. “Excuse me.” She stood and walked out.
    Jarrett went after her. He caught up with her right before she got to the bathroom door. She would have disappeared, but someone was using the facility.
    â€œMia,” he called.
    â€œGo away.”
    â€œThat’s not likely.” He gripped her by the arm and escorted her down the hall.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œTaking you to a bathroom.”
    â€œI don’t have to go. I just needed to get away from you and your crazy idea that you can tell me what to do.”
    He wasn’t listening as he took her by the hand, led her to the master suite and opened the door to the large room. He pulled her inside and shut the door.
    â€œStop this,” she demanded. “And stop telling me what to do. You can’t boss me around.”
    He glared at her. “Someone needs to take you in hand. You can’t move all the way out to the ranch. If we get a snowstorm—and the possibility is strong that we will—you might not make it to the hospital when the time comes.”
    â€œI can take care of myself. And why does it matter to you, anyway? You are my landlord, Mr. McKane, not my keeper.”
    â€œDammit, stop calling me that. It’s Jarrett.” He leaned closer as her eyes widened. “Say Jarrett. ”
    â€œJarrett…”
    His gaze moved to her full lips. Suddenly, he ached to know how they would feel against his and how she would taste. He couldn’t resist and slowly lowered his mouth to hers. He took a gentle bite, then another. Each one a little sweeter than the last.
    Her eyes widened, her breathing grew labored.
    Finally, he closed his mouth over hers and wasn’t disappointed. With a groan, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer. She made a whimpering sound and her arms move to around his neck as he deepened the kiss.
    Jarrett pressed her back against the door, feeling her body against his, then suddenly something kicked against his stomach. The baby. He broke off the kiss with a gasp, suddenly remembering the situation.
    Mia’s shocked gaze searched his. “Why did you do that?”
    â€œHell if I know.” He hated that he was so drawn to her. She was a complication he didn’t need, but he couldn’t seem to stay away from her.
    Her