A Baby in His Stocking by Laura marie Altom Page A

thing, considering their current level of tension. She hadn’t intended to drill him that afternoon at his house, but she stood by what she said. Maybe not in the near future, but one day, she believed Wyatt would regret his life spent running. A little adventure was fine, but a steady diet of chocolate eventually led to indigestion.
    Side by side in front of the crackling fire, she held up two fingers, signifying their title had two words.
    â€œNo fair,” Cash said. “Ours had like ten.”
    Wren landed a playful smack to his head. “What’s wrong with you? Last I checked, When Harry Met Sally has four words and for the record, you’re just a lousy actor.”
    â€œBut I’m so good-looking,” Cash explained, “all I have to do is stand there for everyone to be entertained.”
    â€œAw…” Wren cupped his cheeks, drawing him in for a kiss. “I love you.”
    â€œMmm…” Cash tugged his wife onto his lap, deepening their show of affection to a degree that made Natalie uncomfortable.
    Tossing their title card to the floor, Wyatt said to the happy couple, “Can you two get your hands off each other so we can get this stupid game over with?”
    â€œNice, Wyatt.” Dallas cast his brother one of his legendary scowls. “Way to support a night of family fun.”
    â€œSorry,” Wyatt mumbled, “I still have a lot of packing to do. Lists to double-check.”
    Natalie knew Wyatt’s statement to be true, but it still stung knowing he’d rather be anywhere than with her. Irrationally, she felt as if she’d been transported back in time to when Craig had walked out her door. He’d been busy, too. Far too busy even to share raising his own child.
    A knot blocking her throat, Natalie managed, “I—I need to use the restroom.”
    â€œNow look what you did,” Dallas said to his younger brother. “Nat, he didn’t mean it. Come back.”
    Too late. She’d already locked the door.
    â€œGo after her,” Josie urged, her voice muffled.
    â€œWhy?” Wyatt asked. “It’s not my fault she’s a hormonal mess.”
    Hands covering her face, Natalie sat on the closed toilet, taking a tissue from a nearby dispenser to blow her nose.
    This was supposed to have been a pleasant, relaxing holiday. Her parents had wanted her to spend it in Chicago with them and some distant relatives, but because Josie had whined, Natalie had succumbed. Of course, the opportunity to avoid her parents had made her decision somewhat easier. Now, she recognized it for the mess it was.
    No matter how much she’d been trying to avoid the fact that she was soon to be a single mom, the time until her delivery barreled toward her.
    A knock sounded on the bathroom door. “Nat? Please let me in.”
    Josie. Natalie knew her friend was worried about her spending too much time alone, but why couldn’t shesee that as bad as Craig had hurt her, and now, Wyatt, she honestly preferred being alone?
    Natalie forced a deep, fortifying breath, then let her supposed friend into her hideout.
    â€œSweetie, I’m sorry,” Josie said, wrapping Natalie in a hug. “I really thought a little family fun would be just the thing to make you smile. Now, I see I might have been better off serving you thirds of dessert.”
    â€œYou think?” Natalie asked with a sniffle. “Craig didn’t want me and now Wyatt can’t even stand being around me long enough to play a game. Do you have any idea how mortifying that is?”
    â€œStop. He’s busy. His grumpy mood has nothing to do with you. As for Craig…” Josie swept hair from in front of Natalie’s eyes, tucking it behind her ear. “You’re gorgeous, and Craig’s running away has way more to do with his character—or lack thereof—than yours.”
    Natalie appreciated Josie’s stab at comfort, but