Free The Surprise Holiday Dad by Jacqueline Diamond Page B

feeling. But new daddies had to learn the ropes, including—when he dropped Reggie off at eight—making nice with the babysitter and her family, who knew his son better than he did.
    At the top of the stairs, a windowed door bearing the firm’s name opened into the outer office. The new owners had repainted and recarpeted, touches that were long overdue even if clients rarely visited.
    One wall sported framed certificates, awards and commendations. Some had been earned by Mike Aaron during his stint as a Safe Harbor police detective and others by co-owner Lock Vaughn, whom Mike had referred to as his foster brother.
    Ahead, behind the front counter, the middle-aged receptionist jumped up to greet him. “Wade! This is like old home week!” A graying divorcée who’d worked for Grandpa practically forever, Sue Carrera had tactfully kept a low profile a few days ago when Wade had had his interview.
    “For me, too.” He gave her a hug. “I’m glad you’re still holding down the fort.”
    “They’d be lost without me,” Sue told him, with good reason. She’d always had an encyclopedic knowledge of the clients, handled bookkeeping as well as secretarial duties and spoke Spanish fluently, an asset in Southern California. “So not married yet?”
    She also took a keen interest in other people’s love lives, Wade recalled. During his younger years he’d learned never to mention a romantic entanglement in Sue’s presence. “Nope.”
    “I’ve married off both the owners.” She sounded as if she were personally responsible. “It’s your turn next.”
    From the hallway, Patty Hartman—married name Patty Denny, Wade corrected mentally—swung into view. She wore a navy pantsuit that, except for the pink blouse peeping through the jacket, reminded him of a police uniform. That was clearly her comfort zone.
    “Give the guy a couple weeks in town before he ties the knot, will ya?” she fired cheerfully at Sue. “Welcome on board, Wade.”
    They shook hands. “Thanks for the tip about the job,” Wade said.
    “Glad to have you. Not sure you need a tour, but here goes.” Patty gestured down the hall. “Mike and Lock have private offices, while I use the report-writing room. I guess you’ll be joining me.”
    “That’s what Mike said. He also mentioned I could do some work from home, which will be convenient when I have one.”
    As soon as he paused, Sue spoke again. “How’s your little boy? You should bring him for a visit.”
    “Good idea.” Wade planned to leave that for later, though. “I’m still figuring out how to be a dad. There are websites for stepfathers and parents of infants, but I haven’t found anything that covers my situation.”
    “Afraid I can’t help there.” Sue had never had kids.
    “It’s no big deal,” Patty volunteered. “From my vast experience with Fiona, all it takes is being patient, fitting into their life, realizing you don’t always have to be right and, let’s see, don’t let them pit you against the other parent.”
    That was reassuring since Wade had made those same observations. “I appreciate the info.”
    They all turned as the outer door opened to admit a powerfully built man about Wade’s height with thick hair in mixed shades from blond to dark brown. Squeezing through with his laptop case and a large pink-striped bag, he cast a startled gaze at the three observers. “I’m late, huh? Jordan had a little diaper accident. You must be the new guy. Wade, right? Lock Vaughn.”
    Wade shook the hand that stretched out from amidst the various straps. He hoped the co-owner had washed it recently. “Glad to meet you.”
    “I thought Erica took your kid to the hospital day-care center,” Patty said.
    “Surgical nurses start duty at seven. Jordan wasn’t ready.” Frowning, Lock glanced down. “Oh, hell. I forgot to leave the diaper bag.”
    This was a father after Wade’s heart. “I’m glad I’m not the only dad who feels overwhelmed.”
    Lock