Free Daddy by Christmas by Patricia Thayer Page B

space. “I guess we’ll have to share.”
    She glared. “You need to get a life, McKane.”
    â€œI have a life, thank you, or at least I did before I moved into the Mountain View Apartments.”
    There was another soft knock on the door and Kira peered in. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
    â€œIt’s under control now. Mia’s had some contractions. Her doctor wants her to stay in bed and come in tomorrow.”
    Mia sat up. “I tried to tell Jarrett that I’ll be able to rest better in my own apartment.”
    Kira stood at the end of the bed. “I know this is difficult, Mia, but you really need to stay put. In the last months when I was pregnant with Jenna, I couldn’t even sit up to eat.”
    â€œSee,” Jarrett said. “And she delivered a healthy baby. So you stay.”
    Suddenly two more people appeared at the door, Nola and Sylvia, looking concerned.
    â€œPlease don’t worry,” Mia said. “I’m fine. But I guess I have to stay put for tonight.”
    Nola came closer and patted her hand. “We’re not worried. Jarrett will take care of you.” She looked down at the tray of food. “You need to eat.”
    Jarrett backed out of the room, leaving the women to pamper Mia. He couldn’t help but wonder if he was the cause of her problem.
    He rubbed his hand over his face. He had no business near her, let alone kissing her.
    What happened to keeping your distance, McKane? The woman is pregnant, for Christ’s sake.
    He looked up to see Trace coming down the hall. “Is everything okay?”
    Hell, would the cavalry be coming next? “Mia had a few contractions, but she’s resting now.”
    â€œThat’s good.” Trace studied him. “You seem to have inherited a lot more than just an apartment building. Need any help?”
    Jarrett wasn’t surprised at his brother’s offer. For years the kid had tried to get close to him, but Jarrett had always rebuffed him. It made him ashamed of his past actions.
    â€œThanks, but I’m handling it.”
    Trace smiled. “I never thought I’d see the day my brother entertained a group of senior citizens in his house and had a pregnant woman in his bed.”
    Jarrett started to argue, but he had no words.
    Trace grinned. “Be careful, bro, you’re getting soft, or else, Mia Saunders is doing something no other woman ever has.”
    Jarrett sighed. “I don’t want to hear this.” He walked out into the great room, seeing the rest of his guests waiting forsome news. He hoped he could convince them everything would be okay. First he had to convince himself.
    Â 
    Darkness surrounded her, but Mia knew she wasn’t alone. The small room was filled with loud music, a lot of voices trying to be heard. She could smell cigarette smoke. Someone was smoking.
    No! It was bad for the baby. She tried to stand, but someone pulled her back down.
    â€œYou can’t leave, honey,” a man with a slurred voice said. “The party’s only getting started. Here have another drink.” He put a glass in front of her face and she nearly gagged on the stale smell of beer.
    â€œNo! Let me go.” She managed to break his hold, and get out the door. The night’s cold air caused her to shiver as she looked around, but she couldn’t recognize anything. She had no idea where she was, but knew she had to get home. But she had no home. “Margaret!”
    She turned and saw her father. She gasped and tried to run, but her legs were too heavy to move fast and Preston Saunders grabbed her arm.
    â€œYou can’t get away from me,” he threatened.
    â€œLet me go,” she cried. “I don’t want you.”
    â€œI don’t want you either, but my grandchild is a different matter. If you think I’ll let you raise this baby you’d better think again. It’s a Saunders.”
    â€œNo, it’s