Melissa McClone - Daddy by Christmas / Christmas Magic on the Mountain - Daddy by Christmas / Christmas Magic on the Mountain

“Ssh, you were having a bad dream. It’s okay, Mia.” He felt her tears against his shoulder. “I’m here.”

She shivered again and then pulled back but refused to look at him. “I’m sorry.”

With the moonlight coming through the French doors, he could see she wasn’t all right.

“Bad dream, huh? You want to tell me about it?”

She shook her head, but didn’t let go of his hand. “It’s just one of those where someone is chasing you.”

“Anyone you know?”

She shrugged. “Just someone from a long time ago.”

That had him wondering about a lot of things. “A bad-news ex-boyfriend?”

She didn’t answer for a long time. He suddenly became aware she was wearing one of his T-shirts, and he was only in a pair of sweatpants, all cozy together on his bed.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

He nodded. “Do you want me to get you anything?”

She shook her head. “No, thank you.”

“Should I leave?”

She finally looked at him. “Would you mind staying? For a little while?”

He had to hide his surprise. He didn’t cuddle with women, not unless it led to something. He was about say, “Not a good idea,” but instead he answered, “Not a problem.” He changed position, propping himself against the headboard and pulled her back into his arms. “This okay?”

She nodded and then lay back down, her head against her pillow next to him. She blinked up at him with those trusting eyes.

Okay, this wasn’t going to work. “Try and get some sleep.”

“I don’t want to start dreaming again.”

He covered her hand with his. “I’m here, Mia. No one will hurt you or your baby as long as I’m around.”

Somehow she’d managed to get to him, and he’d just taken on the job of her protector. It was crazy, but he didn’t mind one bit.

Mia snuggled deeper into the warmth, enjoying the comfort of the soft bed. She smiled, feeling the strong arms that were wrapped around her back, holding her close.

Slowly, memories of last night began drifting back to her. The nightmare. Her father.

She opened her eyes and was greeted by bright sunlight coming through the French doors. What was more disturbing was the feeling of the bare skin against her cheek. She raised her head to see she was in bed with Jarrett McKane.

Oh, God. What was he still doing here?

She studied the sleeping man who was making soft snoring sounds. He suddenly turned toward her, reaching for her, pulling her against him.

Oh no. His chest was hard and doing incredible things to her out-of-whack libido. But she had a more desperate urge right now. She had to use the bathroom, and quick.

Careful not to disturb him, Mia managed to untangle herself, slide to the side of the bed and escape into the connecting bath.

A few minutes later she returned to find Jarrett awake and leaning against the headboard. His chest was gloriously naked, exposing every defined muscle under his bronzed skin.

“Morning,” he murmured, raking fingers through his hair. “We seem to make a habit of this.”

She had to put a stop to it. “Well, as soon as I get back to my apartment I won’t be bothering you anymore.”

Frowning, he got up and came around to her. “First thing, you need to get back into bed,” he told her, giving her a little nudge to climb in. Once she complied, he continued, “Secondly, I wasn’t complaining, just stating a fact.”

Jarrett hadn’t had much time for female companionship the past few months. Lately it had all been about business, until Mia Saunders and her group of merry followers had appeared in his life. They might be a costly headache, but he’d found he liked the diversion.

He sat on the edge of the bed. His gaze moved over her soft brunette curls and met her pretty blue eyes. Damn, he could get used to this. “Any more dreams?” He could still hear her frightened cries.

She shook her head. “I slept fine. Thank you.”

He smiled and finally coaxed one from her. Damn, she’s pretty, he thought, suddenly realizing his body was noticing, too.

“Okay, I better get breakfast started.” He stood. “Will you eat eggs, or do I need to go on a jelly-donut run?”

Two hours later, Mia sat in the exam room with Doctor Drake, with Jarrett sitting just outside.

After the exam, the doctor pulled off her gloves. “You’re doing fine.”

“What does fine mean?” Mia asked as she sat up.

“You’re effaced fifty percent.”

“Oh, God. Am I going into labor?”

She shook her head. “You aren’t dilated yet. And you haven’t had any more contractions, right?”

“Not since last night.”

There was a knock on the door and a technician came in pushing a machine.

“I want to do an ultrasound as a precaution,” the doctor explained.

“So you are worried?” Mia asked.

“A little concerned. This baby coming early is a very real possibility.” She raised a calming hand. “You’re thirty-six weeks, Mia. All I want to do is check the baby’s weight.”

There was a knock on the door. “Yes?” the doctor called.

Jarrett poked his head in. “Is everything okay?”

The doctor glanced at Mia. “You want him in here?”

Mia looked at Jarrett and found herself nodding. “You can stay if you want,” she told him.

He looked surprised but walked right toward her as she lay back on the table. Although covered with a paper sheet, she realized that she’d be exposing her belly for Jarrett to see.

Dr. Drake nodded toward the opposite side of the exam table for Jarrett to stand, then she began to apply the clear gel on her stomach.

Mia sucked in a breath.

Jarrett took her hand. “You okay?”

She nodded. “The cream is cold.”

The doctor went to the machine and made some adjustments, then began to move the probe over her stomach.

Jarrett had no idea what he was doing here. Then he saw Mia’s fear, and knew he couldn’t leave her. He eyed the machine, watching the grainy picture, and then suddenly it came into focus. He saw a head first, then a small body.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” he murmured, seeing the incredible image. “That’s a baby.”

“What did you think it was?” the doctor chided.

Jarrett was embarrassed. “The way she’s craved jelly donuts, I wasn’t sure.”

The doctor laughed. “Since your weight’s okay, I’ll tell you to indulge, a little. After the baby comes, you’ll be on a stricter diet while you’re breast-feeding.” The doctor glanced at Mia, then back at the screen. “The baby’s in position. So that’s one less thing to worry about. This is a 3D machine so let’s get a better look at this little one.” The picture became a lot clearer and a tiny face appeared.

“Oh, my gosh,” Mia cried and gripped Jarrett’s hand tighter. “It’s crazy but he looks like Brad’s baby pictures.” Tears formed in her eyes and a sob came out. “I’m sorry.”

The doctor patted her arm. “It’s understandable. Are you ready to know the sex?”

Mia looked at Jarrett. He shrugged, trying to handle his own emotions. “I say it’s a boy.”

Mia gave a slight nod and the doctor scanned in for a closer look. He saw all the proof he needed. “Well, hello, BJ.”

Mia gave him a questioning look.

“I take it you’re naming this little guy after your brother,” he said. “Bradley Junior.”

During the ride home from Grand Junction, Mia had zoned out, not noticing much of the trip until Jarrett stopped in front of the apartment building.

“We’re home,” he said, but didn’t move to get out of the car. “Mia, are you all right?”

No! she wanted to scream. She hadn’t been okay since the day her brother had died. She looked at Jarrett, seeing his concern. “Seeing the baby today made it seem so real.” Her voice grew softer, more hoarse. “A boy. How can I raise a boy?” Tears filled her eyes, but she couldn’t cry any more. “A boy needs a father. Brad should be here.”