Daddy by Christmas by Patricia Thayer Page A

Brad and Karen had just begun to research surrogacy as an alternative for a baby. And by Christmas, Mia had volunteered to carry her brother and his wife’s child. They all were so happy, and then in a flash she had lost them both.
    Tears flooded Mia’s eyes and she quickly brushed them away. She looked at Nola. “I’m sorry.”
    Her friend sat down beside her. “There’s no reason to be sorry, dear. We all miss Brad and Karen. They were wonderful people, but they left you a child. A child you get to love and raise as your own. What a special gift.”
    â€œI do know. And I love this baby, but I’m scared. What if I can’t be a good mother?”
    â€œI have no doubt you’ll be a wonderful mother. You know why? Because you’re a wonderful person and this little boy or girl will be blessed to have you.”
    â€œOh, Nola. I hope you’re right.”
    â€œI am. You know what else? We’re all going to be around to help you.”
    She cleared her throat. “I’m so glad because I’m going to need you.”
    Nola patted her hand. “Well, count on me. Now that that is settled, where are we going to find a big enough oven to cook our Thanksgiving Day turkeys? The ones at the church are already being used, and ours barely work. Too bad Jarrett couldn’t replace the one in the community center.”
    â€œI’m not going to do that,” a familiar voice said, “But I may have another solution.”
    Jarrett hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but he’d wanted to check on Mia and had found the door partly open.
    â€œI overheard. You’re having trouble finding working ovens.”
    Nodding, Nola stood. “We always feed a large group on Thanksgiving. And this might be the last one that we’re all together.” Her eyes brightened with tears. “You said you might have a solution.”
    â€œI have two large ovens at my house.”
    Nola immediately smiled. “You do?”
    Jarrett stole a glance at Mia. She didn’t look impressed by his offer. “Yes. When I built the house I was told it would be a good selling feature. They’re like new.” He shrugged. “You’re welcome to them.”
    â€œOh, my, that’s the answer to our prayer.” The older woman paused. “There’s one condition. You have to come to our Thanksgiving celebration.”
    In the past Jarrett been happier to stay at home and watch football. He had gone by his brother’s house last year for dessert, only because little Jenna had asked him to. He had a weakness for pretty young women. He glanced at Mia. Maybe is it was time to count some blessings. “I’d be honored to come by.”

CHAPTER FIVE
    H E had to be crazy to have suggested cooking Thanksgiving dinner here.
    Jarrett stood back and watched as half a dozen women scurried around his kitchen. He’d told himself earlier that he wasn’t going to hang around, but they’d showed up at dawn, ready and eager to begin the baking and cooking.
    He had to admit that the place was filled with wonderful aromas. The one disappointment was that Mia wasn’t there. It was crazy of him even to think about her at all. She was pregnant, and her life was going in one direction while he needed only to think about one thing—the computer-chip-factory project. And getting out of the jail of his crummy apartment.
    Nola walked over to him. “You have a wonderful kitchen, Jarrett. Every modern convenience a woman could ever want. Seems such a waste that you don’t have someone to share this with.”
    Jarrett smiled, but ignored her comment. “I’m glad you like it.”
    â€œJust so you know, we’ll clean up everything. You won’t even know we were here.”
    â€œI’m not worried. I have a cleaning service.”
    â€œWell, just the same. The place will be spotless when we leave.”
    Just then his phone rang.