Holly Jolly Christmas Ch. 7

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Mona Risk

Holly Jolly Christmas

CoverFinalMD-HollyJollyChristmas Prequel to Holiday Babies Series

by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author
Mona Risk

Book Description
Heather and Jeff have always been in love. Yet to find herself pregnant now, at eighteen, before she even starts college and he joins MIT for a master’s degree… Talk about the wrong time. Besides, the news might kill her father who is battling cancer.
Although the decision to give up her baby is breaking her heart, Heather contacts an adoption agency. But Jeff absolutely refuses to consider her solution. How can they save their relationship and their baby’s future?

Chapter Seven

To calm his rattled nerves, Jeff jogged all the way to his lodge. He couldn’t believe his bad luck. Why had the woman called just when Heather had started to accept the idea of marriage? She’d even shared with him a precious moment of their baby’s development. By the time he reached his lodge, he regretted his outburst of anger and promised himself never to lose control again. No matter what Heather decided, he’d keep his cool. Only his continuous support would convince her he’d be able to support their child.

At home, he changed into his old jeans and joined Bert and Josh in the backyard where they had been laying the foundation. “Your break was too long. At that rate we’ll never be done with the addition in six weeks,” Josh said.

“Sorry, guys. I had to see Heather.”

His two helpers looked at each other and burst out laughing. “He needed a dose of vitamins to sustain his effort.” Bert cast him a sarcastic glance.

“Vitamin kiss you mean?” Josh mocked.

Jeff shrugged. “No more breaks.” He’d drawn a grueling plan of work. So far, things had proceeded on schedule. This morning he had a promising interview with a company and the hiring manager had asked him to come back in two weeks and meet with the division director.

With the sun setting late in Kentucky, they were able to toil for two more hours. Around nine o’clock, they called it a night. Jeff offered a round of beer and warmed boxes of frozen lasagna. “We’re doing well. Tomorrow, we’ll start on the studs. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Not to worry. You’ll return the favor one day,” Josh said with a wink. They lingered around eating, drinking and chatting. By the time his helpers left, it was too late for Jeff to call Heather and clear the air.

To avoid an unpredictable argument, Jeff emailed her the next morning, a brief, I love you, sweetheart. And I love our baby.

She emailed back right away. Me too. Please don’t be upset with me.

Poor Heather, she had probably rehashed his angry words late into the night and hadn’t slept well. Never. Sorry, I lost my temper. I can’t bear the thought of losing you or our baby.

Me too, Jeff.

He sighed with relief. Just don’t sign anything in haste.

I won’t. Not before sharing what I find out.

Thanks.

Reassured, he prepared a pot of coffee and finished his bowl of cereal by the time they arrived.

At noon, the men broke for lunch and Jeff seized the opportunity to call Heather. No one answered. She might have gone to see the adoption agent. He huffed and left a brief message. Love you. With his energetic companions, he resumed building studs. At four o’clock, his brother stopped to prepare more coffee. Jeff couldn’t wait to hear Heather’s report of the meeting, but no one answered his call. He tried the house. No answer there either.

Had the Ramsays gone out for an early dinner, as they sometimes did when David Ramsay wanted a family gathering without Barbara spending too much time in the kitchen?

Jeff went back to work, but his mind kept wandering. He hammered his finger and cursed, and had to cope with Josh and Bert’s annoying laughter. By eight o’clock, he couldn’t wait to see them leave. “You’ve done an amazing job. See you tomorrow.” As soon as Josh’s car cleared the driveway, Jeff rushed under the shower, and donned shorts and a shirt.

Impatient to see Heather, he drove to the Ramsays’ and arrived just as the garage door opened and the family van rolled in. The three girls stepped out.

“Heather,” he called and stopped short when he heard muffled sobs. Why were they crying? “What happened?”

“Dad had chest pain. Mom called 911. They rushed him to the ER and we followed. He’s in the ICU now.” Heather sniffed a few times. “We spent the whole day at the hospital. Mom sent me home with Claire and Tiffany. But she’s staying overnight there.”

He hugged Heather and her sisters. “I hope he’ll be better by tomorrow.”

“I hope so,” Tiffany mumbled, her voice trembling with tears.

“We wanted to stay with Mom. But she insisted we should go home, have dinner and sleep in our beds.” Heather wiped her eyes with the back of her hands and shrugged. “As if we’re going to be able to sleep tonight.” She unlocked the door to the mudroom and they followed her inside the house.

“I’m so scared.” Tiffany started sobbing.

Jeff turned the lights on and held her shoulders. “How about if I go get burgers and we talk while eating dinner.”

“Mom said to finish the leftovers. We have roast, potatoes and broccoli. And a delicious chocolate cake for dessert,” Claire recited.

“Thank you, Jeff. Yes, stay please. Can you girls start warming the plates?” As they obeyed quietly, Heather turned toward him and covered her mouth. “Mom said she’d called me if things get worse. And we’ll rush back to the hospital.”

“That bad?”

“We thought we’d lose him today. The doctors were great. But he may have another stroke. Oh, Jeff, I’m scared too.”

He couldn’t take her in his arms now, not when he’d appointed himself a protector of the three girls, and her young sisters appeared as shaken as Heather. He opted to comfort her with words. “We have to believe he’s going to make it. He wants to live and he’s fighting hard.”

“And Mom was praying. I prayed too, but I’m not a good… Well in my condition…” She lowered her head in abject misery.

He understood her unfinished sentence. “God always listens. We’ll pray together. Now let’s set the table.”

When Claire and Tiffany returned with the plates, they sat at their usual places, leaving the parents’ seats empty. “We’ll say grace now.”

They held hands and Jeff started, “Lord we pray to you for Mr. Ramsay. Give him health and give his family strength and endurance.”

One by one, the girls added their prayers mingled with tears and hiccups. No one touched a fork. “Heather, can you serve?”

She nodded.

“What is your funniest memory of your dad?” Jeff asked to distract them from their sadness. They looked at him and frowned. He started eating and they followed suit. “Now think hard.”

Tiffany bit her lip in concentration. “I know,” she blurted. “It’s when Daddy took me to the father-daughter dance, and made me dance to a rock song. It was so funny. I stepped on his toes a few times. And he screamed. And they stopped the music. And he had to apologize to our principal for disturbing the party,” Tiffany finished with a hoot of laughter.

“My story is even funnier.” Claire related her tale. By the time Heather finished hers, they were all laughing, and reminiscing on other special moments with their parents.

“Remember when your brother Mark wanted to steal my wand, the pretty one with a feather?” Heather’s gaze turned dreamy. “I ran and hid in the tree and I was terrified of falling down. I cried for an hour, I think. But then you climbed up and saved me.”

“Is that when you fell in love with Jeff?” Tiffany asked.

Heather shrugged. “Yes, but I was only five.”

“You never told me that.” Jeff stared at her. She’d loved him since she was five? A fierce desire to protect her overwhelmed him.

After they binged on the chocolate cake, they all cleared off the table. Barbara called to make sure the girls were doing well.

“Mom says she really appreciates you coming to check on us,” Claire said.

Determined to keep them entertained, Jeff asked Tiffany to bring a couple of games. They gathered in the family room and played scrabble until eleven o’clock. When Tiffany rubbed her eyes but refused to go to bed, he suggested she lie down on one sofa and Heather on the other. “I’ll bring two sleeping bags from the basement for Claire and me, and we’ll all watch a sweet movie and doze here.”

“Great idea,” the girls said together.

Claire turned on the TV and selected The Princess Diaries. “We’ve already seen it, but it’ll be fun to watch again.”

They settled comfortably and relaxed. Heather dozed on and off during the movie. After an hour, Tiffany drifted off. Claire watched with him to the end, and then covered her head and slept.

“Jeff, are you awake?” Heather whispered.

“Yes. How are you feeling?”

“I’m so worried. Do you think Dad will make it?”

“I hope so. Try to sleep.”

“I’m hungry. Can you get me some cookies? Mom baked a whole box yesterday. It’s on the counter.” He unzipped his bag and jumped to his feet. “And a glass of water, please.”

“Sure.”

Recently, she’d started eating a lot. Soon there’d be no way to hide her condition. Yet he couldn’t tell her that and add to her concern. They would take one day at a time.

He brought her a glass of water and a small plate of cookies that smelled heavenly, and put them on the corner table by the sofa.

“Sit here.” She rose to a sitting position and patted the sofa.

He glanced at her sisters. They were asleep. He sat next to her and gently stroked her hair. “Your stomach is better?”

She gave him a sweet smile and pointed at her belly. “He’s been behaving well. Soft kicking now and then, but otherwise everything’s great.”

He forced himself to ask the question that had been tormenting him all day. “What did you think of the couple?”

“What couple?” She frowned as if she didn’t understand his words.

“The couple you were supposed to meet at the agency.”

“Ah, I didn’t go.” She finished a cookie and reached for another. “It was an awful day. We all jumped into the van and Mom followed the ambulance. While in the waiting room, I called Norma and told her I was in the ER with my dad and couldn’t think of anything but him. And I turned off my phone.”

Jeff slowly exhaled. The Lord up there was watching over their baby. Now Jeff would be able to sleep.

***

The next morning, Heather awoke with a backache, probably due to her awkward position on the sofa. Her sisters didn’t seem to be in better shape but they hastened to shower and get dressed.

The wonderful smell of fresh coffee wafting from downstairs restored Heather’s vitality and she rushed to the kitchen. “Thanks for the coffee.”

Jeff set a cup in front of her and she opened the box of cookies. Too nervous to chat, Claire and Tiffany ate their cereal in silence, and then waited for her, each holding a book.

“Are you ready?” Heather collected her laptop and purse. “I’m bringing the box of cookies, just in case…”

“Don’t.” Claire shook her head. “You’re too nervous. If you keep eating cookies and crackers, soon you won’t fit in your clothes.”

Heather gasped. Her sisters were way too sharp. “It’s for all of us. Especially for Mom. She calls them her soothing cookies.”

“Mom is already too heavy.” Claire sighed. “And if we don’t pay attention we’re going to follow in her tracks.”

“No to worry. Mom was very slim before her wedding, but after so many pregnancies what do you expect?” Heather promised herself she’d never have so many kids and she’d lose her baby fat right after her delivery. “Let’s go.” She locked the door of the house and climbed up into the van. “Bye Jeff.”

“Bye.” Always a gentleman, he walked to his car, but waited until she drove away to leave.

At the reception desk, the volunteer checked her computer. “Mr. Ramsay is in room 405.”

“Ah, a private room… You hear that, girls? Dad is not in the ICU anymore.”

“Here are your ID badges. You take a right and…”

They were already dashing along the hallway to the elevator. On the fourth floor, they followed a corridor and paused at room 405. The door was ajar.

Tiffany jutted her head in. “Mom, can we come in?”

“Yes, come in, girls.” Dad’s dear voice melted Heather’s heart.

“Halt there,” Mom warned. “Before you hug your dad… Any running nose, cough, or sore throat?”

“No,” they answered together.

“Heather, no tummy ache?”

“No, Mom. I’m healthy. Now, can we hug Dad?”

Her father opened his arms. “Sure. I need all the hugs I can get from my wonderful daughters to feel better.”

Oh God, she was far from being a wonderful daughter. If Dad ever learned her secret, the disappointment might kill him. “Daddy, we were so worried about you,” she said, after they took turns hugging him.

“That was a close one, but I managed to survive. Now I’ve learned a good lesson. We should make the best out of each day. Be together, laugh together. Never let depressing situations ruin our happiness. Right, little girls?”

“Right, Daddy,” Claire and Tiffany replied in chorus and perched on the foot of the bed, one on each side.

Standing beside her mother’s chair, Heather stared at her father. Guilt and worry clasped her heart. Her father had just escaped death. She had no right to ruin his last months or days with her problems. Dad’s previous words reinforced her resolution to keep her pregnancy a secret and give up the baby for adoption.

“Barbara, why don’t you go rest? The girls will keep me company.”

Mom’s gaze flipped from Dad to each of their daughters. “Heather, I’ll leave you in charge. I’ll shower and change, and put a roast in the slow-cooker for dinner.”

“I said rest, Barbara. Not cook for the kids. Dining on fast food for once is not going to kill them. You didn’t sleep last night.”

“Oh, David, you know I can’t leave you for long. I’ll be back in an hour. Girls, don’t exhaust your father. He needs to rest too.” Their mother leaned over the bed to kiss Dad on his cheek.

“Drive safely, Barbara. Please don’t rush.” She left and Dad closed his eyes.

Claire and Tiffany opened their books to read and Heather kept rehashing her dilemma. Up until last week, she’d been determined to protect Jeff from messing up his future with responsibilities too heavy for him, but so many things had happened to confuse her and make her doubt her decision—Jeff’s anger every time she mentioned a possible adoption; the baby kicking and reminding her he was very much alive and happy to dwell inside her; Jeff’s proposal and suggestion they marry right away; and then Dad being rushed to the ER.

Yesterday, she’d completely ignored Norma and her clients. After watching Jeff’s kind attentions toward her and her sisters, she’d realized he’d make a great dad for their baby and she’d pondered confessing the whole mess to her parents and asking for their help.

But now…

How could she spoil Dad’s last moments?

She dropped onto the chair vacated by her mother, blinked back the tears threatening to spill and closed her eyes, wishing she could sleep like Dad and awake without problems.

A knock on the door interrupted her distressing thoughts and a young woman in scrubs stepped into the room. “Dad?” Madelyn froze. “How is he?” she whispered.

“Better than yesterday,” Heather answered.

“Where’s Mom?”

“She went home for an hour. She was here all night.”

“What about you?”

“We went home last night. Jeff came and stayed with us. Ah, here’s Mom.”

“Madelyn, sweetie, I’m sorry I worried you so much.”

“You did well to call when Dad was rushed to the ER. I was in the OR all night and didn’t get your message until this morning. I drove here as soon as possible. You never know. A stroke can be followed by another.” Madelyn played with the stethoscope hanging around her neck.

“I have questions for you.” Mom grabbed Madelyn’s hand and pulled her outside the room, probably to ask her details about their father’s condition.

Heather opened her laptop and bit her lip at the sight of an email from Norma.

I hope your father is better. Can we reschedule for today?

As if Heather could leave Dad and meet anyone today? I’m at the hospital with my family. Dad still not well.

A reply came right away: How about tomorrow? The couple is eager to meet you.

Gee, the woman was too pushy. Heather wanted to ignore her, but her father’s words echoed in her ears. “We should make the best out of each day… Never let depressing situations ruin our happiness.”

She couldn’t be the depressing situation that would ruin Dad’s mood.

She couldn’t upset Norma and risk losing a good couple.

I’ll email or call tomorrow. Thanks.

(To be continued on 12-12-2016)

Holiday Babies Series

With high moral values and a strong sense of unity, the Ramsay family counts five daughters—Madelyn, Roxanne, Heather, Claire, and Tiffany, and their mother Barbara. Later, stepdaughter Monica Roland joins the clan.

Christmas Babies: Can a career fill her life? (Madelyn and Dr. Nick Preston)
Valentine Babies: Can he love a woman expecting another man’s baby? (Roxanne and Dr. Greg Hayes)
Mother’s Day Babies: Never too late to find love and happiness. (Barbara and Lou Roland)
Wedding Surprise: Is it the worst or best wedding surprise? (Claire and David Wheeler)
Christmas Papa: Who’ s my papa, Mommy? (Monica and Michael Wheeler)
On Christmas Eve: We want a mommy for Christmas. (Tiffany and Dr. Matthew Alonso)

Posted in Anthology, Boxed set, christmas stories, Contemporary Romance, medical romance, USA Today Bestseller | Tagged adoption, Anthology, babies, box set, brides, career women, Christmas carols, christmas stories, contemporary romance, doctors, medical, New Release, short stories, summer, Sweet Romance, USA Today bestselling author, Weddings | Leave a comment

Holly Jolly Christmas Ch. 6

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Mona Risk

Holly Jolly Christmas

CoverFinalMD-HollyJollyChristmas Prequel to Holiday Babies Series

by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author
Mona Risk

Chapter Six

If Heather only knew how much willpower Jeff had needed to keep him from carrying her inside his lodge and making love to her. He counted on his hectic schedule in the coming days to occupy his mind and prevent him from fantasizing about her.

Tomorrow, he had an interview with a major manufacturer of agricultural equipment. The company offered excellent benefits, medical insurance for family members, and paid graduate studies, and it was located a twenty-minute drive from his place. What more could he ask for? His fingers crossed for good luck.

During the weekend, his brother Bert and friend Josh would come for a full day of construction. Bert had used his delivery truck to transport the wood studs and sheet-rock that they’d stowed in the backyard. Josh, a big hunk who owned a contracting company had started building the foundations for both rooms. The house would be finished in time to welcome the baby. Once he and Heather were engaged officially, he would convince her to change her mind about the adoption.

Wanting Heather to relax at the party, Jeff had carefully avoided any reference to the baby. How could he have guessed that they would sit with a woman who would upset her so much?

Hoping Heather felt better after his proposal, he called her. “Hi, I was thinking of you. Feeling better now?”

“Yes. I’m in bed. Alone.” Her voice held some resentment.

He chuckled. “Me too. Don’t remind me. Sorry about Lyn bothering you.”

“At first, I felt bad for her. She’s determined to raise her child on her own. I suggested adoption. She said it was a terrible risk. Her mother was adopted and ran away from an alcoholic adoptive father. Jeff, do you think I’d be taking a risk by giving the baby up for adoption?” she blurted.

Sweet Heather, he knew he could always trust her to share her innermost feelings with him. He owed it to her to be honest and not take advantage of her confidence.

“There’s always a risk. Adoptive parents can be good or bad. Just like natural parents. It has more to do with the individuals rather than the procedure of adoption. That’s why I want my child to be with me, not with strangers.”

“Jeff, you have such a good heart. Lyn said I didn’t deserve you.”

“What?” Although he empathized with Lyn and her decision to raise her child, Jeff didn’t like the woman. “Don’t pay attention to that…hmm. You’re so generous, sweetheart. All you’ve been thinking about is my scholarship, my master’s degree, MIT and my future. How about closing your eyes, relaxing and thinking of your comfort, your health, your feelings for the baby and his dad?” he added with a smile.

“I love you, Jeff. Goodnight.”

***

Heather’s conversation with Lyn had shaken her more than she cared to admit. What if the adoptive parents had hidden flaws?

The next day, while running errands for her mother and driving her little sisters to their training, Heather couldn’t stop pondering the disturbing thought. Several times, she reached for her phone to call Jeff and discuss her doubts with him, but she already knew his opinion. Madelyn was on call at the hospital and too busy to talk.

By the afternoon, Heather had developed a monumental headache and her stomach hurt with strange cramps all over.

Like a nervous wreck, she paced her room, flopped onto the bed, and got up and paced again. Since no one was available to converse with her, why not debate the situation with her baby?

Rubbing her belly gently, she began, “My darling boy. I’m sure you’re a boy. A big handsome one like your daddy. I’ve tried to ignore you. I’ve tried not to get too fond of you. But I can’t. I love you. I adore you.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I don’t want us to be a burden on your daddy. But I don’t want you to have a lousy life because I’m only eighteen and I can’t support you.”

Suddenly she froze and stared at her belly. Good God, it was moving. The baby kicked. She laughed. “Baby boy, you heard Mommy. You do understand me, right?”

The baby kicked again.

“Oh God, you’re answering me.” Her child was real, alive and kicking. Exhilaration rippled through her with every tiny thrust inside her body.

With a new determination, she called the adoption agency. The phone rang and rang. No one answered. When the leave-a-message tone came, Heather spoke slowly. “Hi Ms. Benson, this is Heather Ramsay. I carefully thought about the adoption.” She injected more authority into her voice. “Here are my requirements. I want to meet the adoptive parents. I want to be part of my child’s life and see him from time to time. I want to have reports about his growing and wellbeing. If this is in disagreement with your policies, then cancel my application. Anyway, I haven’t signed it yet. Bye.”

Ms. Benson would probably call and tell her that her expectations were impossible to meet. And then… Jeff would be happy if no prospective parents could be found. Lyn’s words resonated in her ears. “He’s a nice guy…You don’t deserve him.” Yet Jeff had defended her. And asked her to marry him.

Should she agree to marry him right away? In a week or two? The idea excited her. She’d be with Jeff day and night, but would her parents consent to a hasty wedding? Darn, she couldn’t talk about a wedding now with Dad going for chemotherapy tomorrow and Mom taking care of her flock without ever complaining.

Poor Mom, she had her hands full, helping Dad cope with the chemo side effects, cooking and baking the cookies he liked, and still managing to pay attention to her children. No wonder she hadn’t noticed that Heather had gained weight.

“Heather, Claire, Tiffany,” Mom called from downstairs. “Dinner-time.”

“Coming.” The answers echoed from various parts of the house. Heather changed her top and donned a double-layer T-shirt to better conceal her waist.

“Hi Mom, Dad.” Heather placed a quick kiss on each parent’s cheek before sitting at her place at the dinner table. With Madelyn and Roxanne absent, she’d have to help Mom carry on the bulk of the conversation and distract Dad from his continuous pain.

“Claire and Tiffy did really well on their diving,” she started after filling her plate.

“Dad, I’m going to be promoted to the next level,” Tiffany announced, her big news guaranteed to fill her parents with pride.

“Wonderful.” Dad’s husky voice betrayed his effort to talk.

“One more week and we’re off for the season. I’m not sure I’ll continue next year,” Claire declared.

“Next year,” Dad murmured sadly.

Heather caught Mom’s eyes filling with tears that she quickly suppressed. Would Dad be around next year? How could Heather pile up more problems on her parents? She lowered her head and concentrated on eating, the tomato sauce with garlic and basil stimulating her appetite.

“I want to spend more time on the tennis court. It may help me secure an athletic scholarship for college,” Claire continued.

“I’m sure you will.” Dad encouraged her with a weak smile. “And you’ll become a good architect as you always wished. When we have a dream, we must work hard to fulfill it.”

His words hit Heather with guilt. She had no ambitious goals like her sisters. Her only ambition was to see Jeff successful and her baby growing happy. Unable to mingle in the conversation, she reached for a second serving.

“I’m glad you’re eating better, Heather.” Mom nodded, always pleased to see her family appreciating her cooking. “The last few weeks, you’ve really worried me. I thought you were coming down with something. You hardly ate and lost weight. But I must say you’ve regained a few pounds now.”

Heather choked on her pasta. “Hmm…so good, Mom.” So much for thinking that Mom had stopped noticing things around her.

“Tell us about last night’s party, honey. You didn’t stay overnight at the Herberts’,” Mom commented.

“You didn’t have fun?” Dad asked, and the little sisters opened interested eyes.

“Oh yes, it was a lot of fun,” Heather said, injecting a joyful note in her voice. “With music, delicious food, and drink. Soft drinks,” she added to reassure her parents. “There were about fifty people. Some in the pool, others in the backyard or the family room.”

“So what did you and Jeff do?” Tiffany wanted details. And Heather was not ready to specify anything.

“We mingled. And ate and drank and danced.”

“Must have been boring if you came home so early.” Claire shrugged and Heather glared at her. “Unless…” Claire squinted at her. “I hope you didn’t have another fight with Jeff.”

“What?” Dad and Mom exclaimed.

“Another fight?” Mom repeated, her eyebrows arched.

“Of course not.” She kicked Claire under the table and pinned her with a warning look.

“Why would you fight when you have always gotten along so well?” Mom tilted her head. “Jeff is a very nice young man. Smart, hardworking, polite. Brilliant in school and in sports.”

Yes, he was every mother’s wish of a boyfriend for her daughter. And he was her boyfriend. Maybe soon-to-be fiancé.

“I agree with you, Mom.” Heather racked her brain for a plausible explanation. “We left the party earlier than planned because…because it wasn’t that much fun.” This was the absolute truth.

“But you just said it was a lot of fun,” Tiffany reminded her.

Dad and Mom exchanged guarded glances that didn’t bode well. “Tiffany, stop bugging your sister.” Mom might show up to Heather’s room after dinner to find out if her daughter wanted to talk.

Just as Heather cleared her plate and Dad laboriously finished a small piece of meat, the doorbell chimed. Tiffany jumped out of her chair and ran to the door. “Jeff, what a surprise.”

Jeff came? Heather pushed out her chair and dashed to the hallway. “What a nice surprise.”

He wrapped an arm around her and gave her a quick but blazing kiss.

“We’re finishing dinner.” She walked him to the dining table.

“Good evening. Please don’t interrupt your dinner.”

“Good to see you, son.” As usual, Dad greeted him with a grin and a solid handshake.

Mom sighed with relief, while Tiffany whispered something in Claire’s ear. “How was the party?” Claire asked.

“Fantastic,” Jeff said.

Heather kicked at Claire under the table.

“Ouch,” Mom shrieked. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Sorry Mom. I had a bad reflex.”

“Really? A fantastic party?” Claire ignored Heather’s furious glances. “So why did you leave so early?”

“Huh… Someone upset Heather and we decided we didn’t have to put up with that.” He squeezed her hand. “Feeling better now?”

She nodded. “I have been thinking about what you said last night.” Maybe it was time to spill the whole truth to her parents. They approved of Jeff and may forgive and agree.

“And?”

“Mom, Dad, can we be excused for a moment? I need a word with Jeff. We’ll be back to talk to you.”

Mom and Dad looked at each other and nodded. “Of course.”

Heather grabbed his hand, rushed out to Dad’s office down the hall, and locked the door behind them.

“Well?” he asked.

“Yes, Jeff. I will marry you. Anytime you want.”

He pulled her into his arms and sealed their engagement with a passionate kiss.

“And I have something else to tell you. Baby has been kicking several times.” She held his hand and put it on her belly.

“Oh my God.” He splayed his fingers and blinked several times, concentrating on feeling. “Oh my God. I felt it. A tiny tremor.” His eyes filled with tenderness. “That’s him. That’s our baby all right. Sweetheart, we’re going to—”

Her phone rang. “Oh, Norma. Hold on, Jeff.”

“No.” He tried to grab her phone.

“Just a sec.” She pressed the green button. “Hi, Heather speaking.”

“I have the perfect couple. They are in their late thirties. You can meet them tomorrow. They agreed to everything you want. Mary said she understands your feelings and doesn’t mind you being part of the baby’s life. Like a dear aunt. She promised you could visit once a month. And she’ll email you regularly about the baby. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“Yes, it is,” she muttered. Darn, it didn’t feel that wonderful.

“They can meet you at the agency tomorrow at two p.m. Your baby is a lucky one. Bye, now.”

Her pulse racing, Heather cut the connection and frowned. Tomorrow, she’d meet these strangers who would take her child forever. The parents who would raise him.

Maybe they would be great parents, protective, loving, generous.

And maybe they wouldn’t. The thought clawed at her heart.

“What is it?” Jeff’s restrained tone interrupted.

“Norma found a couple who’d let me see the baby every month, be part of his life, and—”

“No. Don’t do that, Heather.” He clasped her shoulders, almost shaking her.

“I have to meet them, and evaluate them. I’ve insisted so much on that point. I can’t back out now. I owe them to—”

“We don’t owe them anything.” He put his hand on her belly. “Our baby is ours. He’s in your body. Don’t betray him. Don’t give him away.” His voice cracked. “Don’t, please.”

She opened her mouth and closed it, unable to answer.

He released her and stepped back, gazing at her with scorching intensity. “Don’t, Heather,” he repeated, his eyes ordering, threatening and imploring at the same time.

“Please understand…”

“Good bye, Heather.” He opened the door, strode to the entrance hall, and walked out of the house.

(To be continued on 12-9-2016)

Holiday Babies Series

Posted in Anthology, Boxed set, christmas stories, Contemporary Romance, holiday, medical romance, USA Today Bestseller | Tagged adoption, Anthology, babies, box set, bride, career women, Christmas, Christmas box, Christmas carols, contemporary romance, doctors, holiday, Mona Risk, New Release, short stories, summer, Sweet Romance, USA Today bestselling author, wedding | Leave a comment

Holly Jolly Christmas Ch. 5

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Mona Risk

Holly Jolly Christmas

CoverFinalMD-HollyJollyChristmas Prequel to Holiday Babies Series

by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author
Mona Risk

Chapter Five

“Gorgeous. Absolutely stunning.” Standing in the living room next to Mr. Ramsay’s recliner, Jeff had trouble closing his sagging jaw.

Pregnancy hadn’t lessened his girlfriend’s loveliness. On the contrary, it had enhanced her charm a hundred times. Her blond tresses framed her face and bounced on her back as she sprinted toward him on high-heeled sandals, a vision in a symphony of blue highlighting the blue of her eyes. Her sweet floral scent drifted over to him. Longing to have her in his arms, Jeff wished they could make a detour by his lodge before driving to the twins’ party.

“Take good care of my little girl,” Mr. Ramsay ordered with a jovial voice.

“Absolutely. We may end up staying overnight. I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Ramsay. The Herberts own a huge house and will distribute sleeping bags. Some of the guests will probably decide to bunk on the floor, in the family room and living room, rather than drive back if they’re too tired.”

“Wise decision. We won’t worry about you.”

Heather sashayed to her dad and leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

“Have fun, little girl.” Mr. Ramsay insisted on calling his daughters little girl.

How would he react if—and when—he learned that one of his dear little girls was expecting out of wedlock? Eventually the truth would come out. Jeff swallowed wrong, hating to hurt the sick man’s feelings. Mr. Ramsay was a wonderful father who adored his female brood.

“Goodnight, sir.” Jeff picked up the overnight bag Heather had left near the door and followed her out to his car. “You look terrific. To think you were afraid of showing.”

“This dress works miracles with its three layers of different shades. Somehow, the layered hems hide any roundness.”

Jeff glanced at her midsection and smiled appreciatively. The darker lowest sheet in satin tightly fit to her hips, the shorter second shift in blue muslin loosely covered her belly and the top layer with printed blue flowers revealed delicious cleavage.

After she settled in the passenger seat, he stowed her bag in the trunk next to his and slid behind the wheel. “Honestly, Heather, you’re far from being round.” He shook his head and started the car. “And your shoes are something else.” His fingers itched to caress her tanned, sexy legs elongated by the silver stilettos. To distract himself, he tapped on the steering wheel.

She laughed. “I borrowed Roxy’s high-heeled sandals. She owns more shoes than all of us together. And Madelyn let me have her silver clutch to match. My sisters are the best.”

She’d finally relaxed and was enjoying the moment. Hopefully, the evening would proceed with the same mood. He should follow her example and unwind.

At her friends’ residence, they met a noisy crowd of teenagers ambling in and out of the house. Some splashing in the pool, other meandering about in bikinis and swim trunks with drinks in their hands. A few in shorts or dresses chatted at the bar and in the family room. In the kitchen, the twins’ parents prepared plates of appetizers without missing a glance of the party. Heather and Jeff stopped by to say hi.

“What a pretty dress,” Olivia’s mother exclaimed. “You can hang it in one of the girls’ closets when swimming.”

“I’m not swimming today. My throat is…huh.” Heather scratched her neck and laughed nervously.

Jeff suppressed a chuckle. She was becoming such a good actress.

“Well if you’re feeling something coming, then it’s better to play it safe,” Mrs. Herbert said with an understanding nod.

“What about your friend?” the twins’ father asked, his eyebrows arched. Darn, she’d forgotten to introduce Jeff.

“I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert. This is my boyfriend, Jeff Bolin. He too is not swimming.”

Jeff shook hands with the dad. “Don’t worry about us. We’re going out to mingle.” He gripped Heather’s hand and tugged her toward the family room. “A soda?”

“With a lot of ice.” They sat with a group of Heather’s classmates who preferred to chat rather than swim.

An hour later, Heather wanted to move around and Jeff obliged, leading her to the patio. The setting sun tinted the sky in various hues of pink and the noise in the pool escalated.

“Hey, Heather, come and join us,” a young male called from the water.

“I didn’t bring a bathing suit,” she answered with a laugh.

“Who cares? Jump in with your dress on or take it off.”

“Jerk,” Jeff mumbled and spun Heather away from the pool and the rowdy throng. “Let’s walk on the terrace. There’s a nice breeze.”

A young woman sitting at a table by herself waved. “Hi.”

Heather approached her. “Can we join you?”

“Please do. I’m Lyn Herbert, Olivia and Lucia’s cousin.”

“Heather Ramsay. I’m a classmate of Olivia. And this is my boyfriend, Jeff Bolin,” she added and seated herself at the table.

“I’m going to the bar. A soft drink, Heather?” Jeff offered.

“Just a glass of ice water.”

“Make that two, please.” Lyn sent him a charming smile that puzzled him.

***

Heather’s heart swelled with love as she watched Jeff stride to the bar. He took such good care of her.

“Nice guy.” Lyn’s voice startled her.

Heather whirled, and then scowled at Lyn’s dreamy expression. With her tilted head, parted lips and dazed eyes, the woman was mentally devouring Jeff’s back.

“We’ve been together for three years,” Heather said with a crisp keep-your-hands-off tone.

“You lucky one.”

“I know.” True, Jeff was a handsome man. And a smart one. And a kind one. But he was her man and she’d scratch out the eyes of any woman who’d try to take him away from her.

“I had a good-looking boyfriend.”

“What happened?” Too late, Heather bit her lip. She shouldn’t interfere in this stranger’s personal melodrama. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude. Ignore my question.”

“You’re not intruding. If I was standing you’d have noticed I’m pregnant.”

“Ah.” Heather’s eye flew to the woman’s waist. Her situation hit close to home.

“He left me when I told him.”

“What a scumbag.”

“Yeah, he spent two years saying he loved me and we’d get married as soon as he had a good job. And then he disappeared and left me to deal with the situation.”

“Are you putting the baby up for adoption?”

“Are you crazy?” Lyn scowled at her. “Adoption? No way.”

“So what are you…”

“I’m keeping my baby. One more year and I’ll be done with college. I’ve already secured a job as a social worker. My mother promised to help.”

“You told her?” Stunned, Heather considered her.

“Of course. It’s too difficult to handle a baby on your own. Although I have a friend who’s doing it. But the poor thing had no choice. She had no loving support around her and she’s pinching pennies just to scrape by.”

“Why? Why expose a baby to a miserable life when she can put him up for adoption and give him a good future?”

“Are you adopted by any chance?”

“Me? No.”

“So how can you be so sure the kid will be loved the way his own mother would love him?”

“Well, because usually the adoptive parents have done so much to have a baby and waited so long and—”

“My mother was adopted and ran away at sixteen to escape a drunken father and neglectful mother. I won’t take any risks with my child, unless I’m dying of hunger, or terminally ill, or…or crazy. Maybe I’ll find a nice guy like Jeff to marry and help me raise my kid.”

“Oh.” Momentarily speechless, Heather stared at Lyn.

“Here are your ice waters.” Jeff set the plastic cups on the table. They’d been so engrossed in their conversation, they hadn’t seen him approaching.

“Thanks.” Her throat dry from the emotional exchange, Heather gulped her water.

“So what’s the big discussion about?”

“Nothing important,” Heather hastened to answer, not ready to give Jeff more ammunition to oppose her in the adoption issue.

“Thank you for the drink, Jeff,” Lyn said with a sugar-sweet curl to her lips. “We were discussing adoptive parents.”

Jeff threw Heather a concerned glance. “Wrong subject for a party. Too serious. We’re here to have fun.” He grabbed her hand. “The music is starting. Let’s dance. Sorry, Lyn, we’re going to leave you.”

“I’m coming too. Dancing is a good idea.” Lyn put her hand on Jeff’s arm and tagged along.

They joined other guests dancing on the edge of the terrace. Jeff folded his arm around Heather’s waist. Lyn faced him and followed his lead. Always the gentleman, he included her in the dance.

Sharing her partner with Lyn was definitely not part of Heather’s agenda. But how could they get rid of Lyn? Patiently Heather waited for the rock music to end, but Lyn seemed to be having the time of her life and lingered next to them for the second and third songs.

“I haven’t danced for so long. Jeff, you’re amazing,” she crooned with a flirty tone that grated on Heather’s nerves.

Jeff grinned awkwardly and glanced at Heather. She didn’t feel like smiling.

A slow song started. Heather wrapped both arms around Jeff’s neck. “Excuse me.”

“We can dance together again.” Lyn’s eyes filled with tears. “I haven’t had so much fun since Rob dumped me.”

Heather rolled her eyes. “I’m tired. Jeff, let’s go home.” Exasperation knotted her insides. Jeff nodded and held her elbow.

“If you’re leaving, can I ask you for a ride home?” Lyn said.

Unable to believe her ears, Heather braced herself to deal with the woman’s demand. “How did you get here?”

“My mother dropped me off. I was going to sleep over. But I’m not feeling well now.”

As far as Heather could see, Lyn was determined to take advantage of Jeff’s kindness. Maybe she was even plotting to snatch him.

“Lyn is pregnant,” Heather said in a warning tone. If she fainted or threw up in Jeff’s car, they’d be stuck taking care of the manipulating woman all night.

“Stay with her for a minute, sweetheart, while I bring the car around.”

“No way…”

But Jeff had already disappeared.

“Exactly what do you have in mind?” Heather asked, fuming at the scheming of the woman.

Lyn gave her a cold stare and shrugged. “He’s a nice guy.”

“He’s my boyfriend.”

“You don’t deserve him.”

Darn, the nerve of this shrew.

Just then, Jeff returned with Mr. and Mrs. Herbert. “Lyn said she’s not feeling well. Please take care of her. Heather and I are leaving.” Without giving Lyn time to protest, he drew Heather off the terrace toward the front yard and the street. “Hurry.”

She took off her shoes and ran with him to his car. “What a bloodsucker. She kept saying you’re so nice. I swear the woman wanted to grab you.”

“Jealous?” He wiggled his eyebrows as he drove away.

“Yes, Jeff, yes. I don’t want to lose you.”

“I don’t want to lose you either. Yet you don’t mind my going away to MIT. On my own.”

“Huh…Why would I mind?”

“We’ll be separated for a year or two, you here and me in Boston. So much can happen during such a long time.”

“Do you mean…” Would he cheat on her?

Of course he wouldn’t. But women like Lyn wouldn’t mind throwing themselves at his neck.

Silence settled in the car. Jeff finally slowed down and turned into the lane leading to his lodge. After cutting the engine, he unbuckled his seatbelt and cupped her face in his hands.

“Heather, I love you. I adore you.”

“I know, Jeff. I adore you, too.”

“Will you marry me?”

“Of course. We’re going to marry in two years.”

“Not in two years, Heather. Will you marry me now? Next week?”

Her eyes rounded like saucers. “Next… Seriously?”

“I want you in my arms, but we can’t continue to hide from your family, lie to your parents.”

“Ah.” She blinked, guilt nudging her.

“Today, I felt like dirt when telling your father we were staying at the Herberts’.”

“You were not lying. We were going to sleep there, if it wasn’t for that b… hmm.” Heather couldn’t stomach the woman who had been clinging to Jeff too closely.

“There will always be jerks trying to grab you away from me, like the ones in the pool who wanted you to jump in without a bathing suit, or girls thinking I’m available. As long as we have no commitment, we’re fair game.”

She frowned, not liking this bit of truth. He had a point there. Although she had laughed at the friends in the pool, thinking they’d had one beer too many, Jeff had been irritated, and jealous. The way she felt about Lyn.

“You want us to get married before you leave for MIT?” She wouldn’t have to worry about other women, although marriage didn’t come with a guarantee of faithfulness.

“If we marry, I’m not going to MIT. I’m already looking for a job here in Lexington. And I’ll join a local program for the MS. Going to Boston doesn’t appeal to me anymore.”

In spite of her bravado, the idea of a two-year separation terrified her. She’d tried to be generous and think only of his future, but that had been before she met Lyn and imagined the likes of her hanging on Jeff’s neck.

A sigh of relief escaped her. Jeff hadn’t mentioned the baby. He’d proposed because he loved her, not to fix a bad situation. She loved him too. Would her parents agree to let her marry at eighteen? Before finishing, or actually starting college?

“I don’t mind getting married now, but it would require some diplomacy to obtain my parents’ blessing.”

The family had always thought that Madelyn or Roxanne would be the first to marry. They had already graduated from college, garnered jobs, and lived on their own. But Madelyn had no other interests than her medical training and career, and no one knew anything about Roxanne who traveled for business continuously.

“I know. My parents too might give me a hard time. But I’m not a kid anymore. I’m entitled to make my own decisions.”

How she loved him when he sounded so confident. She laced her fingers around his neck and kissed him, ready to melt in his arms.

“Your answer first?”

“I will marry you, Jeff. Any time you want.” She stroked his hand to reassure him. “I just need a few days to think about the how and where.”

“Wonderful. You have three days to give me a final answer.” He enfolded her in his arms for a searing kiss, one of those kisses that made her forget the rules and principles her parents had instilled in her since she was a kid.

“Hmm. Let’s go inside.”

He revved the engine and drove away.

“Jeff, where are you going?”

“Taking you home. No more sneaking around.”

“But Jeff, can we…tonight… No one would mind.” It would feel so good to snuggle against his muscled body.

Lips pursed, he shook his head and kept driving.

“No way…” She blew up. Some willpower he had. “You’re going to dump me at home to sleep alone in my bed like a …”

“Like a good girl, sweetheart. Yes. I’m a good boy who loves good girls. And I plan to marry one.”

“Bummer.”

“Until you give me your final answer.”

(To be continued on 12-7-2016)