“I have some things I can do,” she said.
Nick watched the petite auburn-haired nurse as she left through the open door into the hall. Nick sat facing his father, who was dressed and had shaved, wearing a cardigan over his shirt and with his feet in slippers. He was a thinner version of his old self and more gray had spread through his thick black hair. Nick knew he resembled his father and wondered if this was how he would look someday.
“How are you this morning?” Nick asked.
“Same as last week. I take it you’ve talked to Grace Wayland.”
“Yes, I did. I went to her office today to discuss Michael.”
“So when do I get to see my grandson?”
“Dad, because of Alicia, Grace has very strong feelings about us. She resents Bart’s treatment of Alicia, especially Alicia’s last visit with Bart.”
A pained look crossed his father’s face and his gaze shifted to the windows. Nick noticed a muscle working in his dad’s jaw while he crushed the corner of his open cardigan in one hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t talk to Bart more at the time. I made a mistake in not taking an interest from the first.”
“Grace is bitter over her friend. She sees no point in bringing Michael to see you.”
“Damn it, Nick! You can be persuasive. Why didn’t you talk her into a meeting?”
“Well, maybe my heart wasn’t in it. Stop and think a minute about it. We’re not certain this is Bart’s child.”
“He told me that it probably was his baby. Early on, I didn’t feel strongly about it, but my life has changed. I want to see my grandson. This is vital to me,” his father snapped, some of the old force returning to his voice. He stood and walked to the mantel to brace his arm on it. “I want that child in the family. I intend to see that he has the family name.” Eli turned to stare at Nick. “Doesn’t she realize it will be better for Michael?”
“I pointed out to her that you can do a lot more for Michael than she will ever be able to,” Nick said patiently, knowing there would be more to come because his father never gave up on something he wanted badly.
“She’s not thinking about the baby.”
“That doesn’t matter if she refuses to allow you to see him. Bart signed away his rights. He gave up any claim. Add to that, Grace’s bitter feelings over the treatment her friend received from Bart.”
“I suppose she blames Bart for Alicia’s wreck.”
“She probably does,” Nick said, mindful that Grace did blame Bart. “Dad, give it up. Someday I’ll give you grandchildren. Besides, you’ve told me that you never wanted more children, nor did any of the women you married. It’s a late point in life to decide you want to enjoy a grandchild.”
“Nick, damn it, I intend to give my grandson his heritage of the Rafford name and in some manner to rectify what Bart did.”
“You’ll send your blood pressure higher worrying over this,” Nick said gently. “Right now, you’re not completely well. You can’t deal with a grandbaby. You really never have wanted to have babies around.”
“No, I haven’t. I just want to see the little boy. I want him legally an heir—and I’ve told you that you will get the bulk of the estate no matter what happens. I wouldn’t think of cutting you out of most of what I possess, but there is enough for him to have a trust. After all, Nick, he is your nephew.”
“It’s difficult to relate to a baby I’ve never seen, with a deceased mother I can’t recall meeting.” Stretching out his long legs, Nick folded his hands, giving his father time to vent his frustration.
“Bart handled things badly, but I’m aware of this family’s responsibility—”
“Dad, you don’t have a responsibility. Bart signed his away totally.”
Eli scowled, glaring at his son. “I want this baby in our family and I can do so much for him.”
“Grace Wayland doesn’t want you to. She doesn’t want you to meet him. She refused to see you. I’m sorry, but there it is.”
“The hell you say? You walked out and gave up? You don’t give up when it’s something you want.”
“Understand, Grace was adamant about it. She’s incensed over her friend. She isn’t going to be talked into it.”
“Well, then I’ll bribe her into it. Did you tell her I would set up a trust for Michael?”
“I told her you could do many beneficial things for him. I pointed out to her that you can do far more for Michael than she can and it didn’t move her. She doesn’t want nannies or chauffeurs or boarding schools for him.”
“Damn it, what’s the matter with the woman? She’s in business for herself. You told me she came from a poor background with no college education in the family. How can she turn up her nose at money for the baby?”
