Page 49 of Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée
“It’s easy with a cute baby like Michael.”
“You enjoy being his dad.”
“Sure. He’s a cute little guy. Why wouldn’t I care for him? He has my looks and maybe he’ll act like I do.”
“What an ego,” she said playfully.
“Let’s go so we can come home to bed,” he said, slipping on his suit jacket while she went to get her coat. He helped her on with her coat and pulled her into his arms to kiss her.
As soon as he released her he picked up Michael. “Come on, Michael, we’re going for a ride. Dad will take you to see Granddad.”
Later, as Eli watched Nick playing with Michael, she sat quietly. Megan joined them now most times they visited and Grace had enjoyed getting to know Megan better. As she looked at Megan and thought about her being a nurse, Grace’s nagging worry returned.
It was the end of January, time for her period. She had missed one at the end of December which she figured was because of the excitement and upheaval in her life. Occasionally she’d had late periods, but she had never missed two periods. A chill of concern slithered down her spine, but she tried to reassure herself. They had used protection. That first time it had been a condom and after that she had been on birth control pills. It had to be the enormous changes she had experienced. There was no real likelihood that she was pregnant and she felt fine.
She watched Nick sitting on the floor with Michael and laughing, causing Michael to laugh. When she glanced up at Eli, his face was wreathed in smiles. His hair was laced with white and he looked like a benevolent grandfather, not a ruthless entrepreneur.
He had been good to her, but then he had what he wanted from her. She had benefited, and would the rest of her life. She was beginning to lose the lingering hostility over Bart’s treatment of Alicia. None of them had dealt directly with Alicia except Bart, so it was unfair to blame Nick or his dad, although Eli could have made Bart treat Alicia in a better manner as easily as he had caused Nick to end up in this marriage.
“Nick, you get to play with him every night at home. Bring me my grandson and let me hold him a minute before you go.”
Talking to Michael, Nick carried him to Eli. Nick sat close at hand and stretched out his long legs, looking at her, and for a moment she felt closed off in a world with just Nick. He winked at her and then turned his head to converse with Megan, who had asked him a question.
In minutes, Nick stood and picked up Michael. “Dad, it’s time to take him home. His charm will vanish when he gets sleepy.”
“That is definitely not so,” Eli protested with a smile. “I have never seen Michael fussy.”
“Don’t pin Grace down on that one. Michael has his moments, but all in all he is one happy fella,” Nick said, putting Michael’s jacket on him once again.
It was an hour before they were home and had Michael tucked in his crib. She smoothed his mussed hair and touched his cheek lightly. “He’s asleep,” she whispered.
Nick stood beside her with his arm around her. “Little guy is worn-out.”
Knowing he was asleep, they left the room where a small light burned. As she headed for the door, Grace looked appreciatively at the nursery. It was a dream compared to the simple room she had left behind.
In the darkened living area of Nick’s condo, a fire burned in the fireplace and outside lights twinkled in a panoramic view of Dallas.
“At last, we’re alone,” Nick said, shedding his jacket and pulling her into his arms to kiss her. Her fingers went to the buttons of his shirt and in seconds she ran her hands over his chest as she kissed him.
Hours later, she fell asleep in his arms, holding him tightly and wondering where their relationship was headed and if Nick would ever move beyond lust. What would happen if she admitted she loved him?
Grace waited another week until the first of February. She had definitely missed the second period and her worries were growing. She couldn’t imagine she was pregnant, but something was wrong. She made a doctor’s appointment, but the day before the appointment, she bought a pregnancy kit.
While Michael napped, she tried it. Her head swam and her stomach knotted when she stared at the results. “I can’t be,” she whispered to no one. Dizzy, turning cold, she sat down and stared into space.
Then her emotions swung the opposite direction as she thought about having Nick’s baby. Another precious baby was her reaction as she placed her hand on her stomach. Longing struck her. If only their marriage were real and Nick cared. What a joyous moment this would be. For an instant her spirits soared as she thought about another baby. And then they crashed into reality.
A pregnancy was not something they had given one thought to happening. Nick would feel trapped and angry. Certainty settled on her that he would want out of the marriage.
Her throat grew tight. Now there would be no chance for this fledgling relationship to grow into true love, become lasting or meaningful.
She couldn’t imagine breaking the news to Nick. She placed her hand on her flat stomach. For all his joy with Michael, he was just on the fringe of becoming a dad. Another baby in his life—this baby would be his own—was not in his plan.
He had made it emphatically clear this was a marriage of convenience that would not last. He would not want the complication of a baby.
Clenching her fists, she contemplated the future. Whatever he did, he had his inheritance. Eli would not be happy with Nick if they separated, but given his own past, she was certain he would accept a split. Eli would love the news. This would be his second grandchild and Nick’s baby. She had an ally in her father-in-law. He would celebrate. She was glad to think about Eli’s joy in the event, but Nick’s unhappiness offset any real delight she could feel over Eli’s attitude.
She was not going to tell Nick yet. She wanted to see the doctor and have her pregnancy confirmed by an expert before she told anyone.
