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

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 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

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, 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)

Holiday Babies Series

Posted in Anthology, Boxed set, christmas stories, Contemporary Romance, holiday, USA Today Bestseller | Tagged anthologies, Anthology, babies, box set, brides, career women, christmas stories, contemporary romance, doctors, holiday, Mona Risk, short stories, Sweet Romance, USA Today bestselling author, wedding | Leave a comment

Holly Jolly Christmas Ch. 4

Posted on December 2, 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 Four

Seething at Heather’s dismissal of his fatherly right, Jeff called Madelyn. “Why are you encouraging Heather to get rid of our baby?”

“Nothing of the sort, Jeff. She trusted me with her secret and I plan to be at her side to make sure no one takes advantage of her.”

“I always considered you to be a sensible person, a doctor I respect.” His heart churned with resentment. “Yet you’re not even trying to stop her from doing that crazy thing,” he almost yelled. “Instead, you’re taking her to an adoption agency.”

“Calm down, Jeff,” Madelyn replied in a gentle but firm voice. “I’ve already talked to her, advised her, but she’s convinced she’s doing the right thing. I hope she’ll soon come to her senses. Meanwhile, I’ll stick by her and accompany her.”

He felt embarrassed at unleashing his anger on her. “Which agency? Give me the address.”

“I’d rather not have you come.”

“For heaven’s sake, Madelyn, it’s my baby too. I should have my say in his future.”

“I know, but according to the agency, putting a baby up for adoption is the mother’s decision. They don’t require the father’s signature.”

“Damn.” He almost threw the phone, and then closed his eyes and forced himself to regain his composure. “Still, I want to be present.”

“You may not like the place or the people, and you may lose your temper—”

“Of course I won’t like them, but I’ll keep my cool.” Like a lion in a cage, he paced his small living room where his girlfriend had announced her big news. “Please tell Heather to text me the agency’s name and address. If she doesn’t within the hour, I’m confessing the whole thing to my parents and yours.”

“You know you wouldn’t.”

“Just tell her I am at the end of my rope. Bye, Madelyn.” He heaved a long sigh. When would this nightmare end?

His baby was not a nightmare. His baby would bring joy and love. Jeff knew it. He felt it deep in his heart and would do everything in his power to prepare for the baby’s arrival.

Jeff stood at the door of his bedroom and surveyed the small area already cluttered with a double bed, a night table, a chest of drawer and a desk. There was hardly any space left. Where would he put a baby crib? If he squeezed it in between his bed and the wall, they would have to scramble onto the bed to reach the crib.

Frustration coursed through him. He spun around, considering various options. Get rid of the chest and use the space for the crib. Move the desk to the living room and remove the chair. He huffed. There was no room for a baby in his bachelor cabin. And even less for a young family. It was one thing to share a passionate tumble with his girlfriend and another to ask her to live here with a baby. Damn it, was she right?

He would find a solution. Soon.

The phone interrupted his musing. She did call.

“You’re a jerk. A lowly sleaze.”

“The address, Heather.”

Her voice a crisp murmur, she gave him the information. “If you come, that’ll be the end between us.”

“If you give my baby up for adoption, I’ll make your life a living hell. But I won’t let you.” He couldn’t believe the nasty words they were hurling at each other. Last night he’d been dreaming of having Heather join him in Boston, of sharing two years together before getting married.

And now… But he wouldn’t let her carry on her thoughtless plan. He’d create space, a warm cozy house where she’d be eager to live.

It had taken him two months to transform the barn into living quarters. He’d build two new rooms, a baby room and an office. Adding two rooms wouldn’t be such a big deal. The money he’d saved for sharing fun time with Heather in Boston would come in handy now. Maybe he’d request help from two amazing handymen, his brother Bert and his best friend Josh. He could trust them to keep his secret and work diligently at his side.

Comforted by his reasonable solution, Jeff sat at his desk, tabulated his priorities, and organized a schedule. By the time his son arrived, they would have a comfortable house to welcome him, with a pretty baby room painted in sky blue and furnished with a white crib, a changing table, and a rocking chair for Mommy to nurse him.

A clear image of the area formed in Jeff’s mind and helped him loosen up. On one wall he would draw teddy bears, cars, boats and airplanes to provide a cheerful mood and inspire his child’s curiosity, and on another wall he would line up the alphabet in capital letters and the numbers from one to ten. Already a proud dad, Jeff chuckled, imagining his son singing “ABCDEFG…”

***

Heather spotted Jeff waiting for them on the sidewalk in front of the adoption agency. So handsome in a pair of navy-blue pants and a white button-down shirt. His neatly combed golden strands shone under the blazing sun, and he displayed a three-day stubble with a growing goatee that gave him a more mature appearance. The subtle but enticing scent of his lemon cologne tickled her nose. Yet Jeff’s blank face revealed no expression, no frown, no smile, only a direct steely gaze.

Early in the morning, he’d called Madelyn and offered to pick them up. Her sister had declined and arranged to meet him at the agency. But he hadn’t contacted Heather herself. Not hearing from him for three days had been close to hell. She loved Jeff and couldn’t imagine herself without him or with anyone else.

“Hi,” Madelyn said when they reached him.

“Hi,” he answered with an icy tone, without reaching to kiss Heather. It was the first time in the two years they’d being dating that Jeff hadn’t greeted her with a kiss, or a hug, or a touch. Her heart squeezed with pain and she realized he might seriously resent her.

Without adding another word, he opened the door of the four-story building and let them pass. They found a plaque on the wall indicating the agency’s location on the third floor and took the elevator. The waiting room reminded Heather of a doctor’s office, furnished with chairs and side tables covered with magazines. She signed in at the reception window.

A moment later, a tall, middle-aged woman walked to them with a big grin. “I’m Norma Benson. Ms. Heather Ramsay, I presume.” She proffered a hand at Madelyn who grabbed it for a handshake.

“I’m Dr. Madelyn Ramsay, and this is my sister Heather, who called you.”

“Welcome to our agency, Dr. Ramsay, Heather. And the gentleman is…” Norma narrowed her eyes.

Jeff arched an eyebrow and turned to Heather.

For the life of her, she couldn’t utter a sound and kept fiddling with the straps of her handbag. Why had he insisted on coming and embarrassing her?

“I’m Jeff Bolin, Heather’s boyfriend. The baby’s father.”

“The fath… Oh.” Norma’s gaze flipped from Heather to Jeff. “How honorable of you to share the responsibility and decision of putting the baby up for adoption. Many young fathers choose to disappear and leave the moms to deal with the problems.”

“We are here to study the situation before making any decision. Right, sweetheart?”

Taken by surprise at his unexpected cooperation, Heather frowned. What game was he playing now?

“Very wise attitude, Mr. Bolin,” Norma said, although her questioning look attested to her unease. “Please follow me.” She led them to an office with an oblong table and a screen on the wall. Bottles of water waited in front of each seat.

Heather sat beside Madelyn, but Jeff walked around the table and took the chair next to Norma.

“I will ask you a few questions.” She opened a laptop. “When is the baby due?”

“December,” Heather said.

“A Christmas baby,” Jeff blurted.

Heather felt like slapping him for his insensitivity. She was giving away the baby. It was certainly no Christmas gift.

“Who’s your doctor?”

“I haven’t seen a doctor yet. It’s next on my list of things to do,” Heather answered in an apologetic voice.

“It’s important to make sure the baby is growing normal and healthy.”

A shiver slithered down Heather’s spine. “Normal and healthy?” she murmured. Oh God, it would be horrible if she were cursed with a sick baby no one wanted.

“I’m sure our baby is healthy.” Jeff’s voice had lost its frigid tone.

“We’ll need a health report.”

“If we decide to sign up with you, we’ll give you all the necessary reassurance,” he uttered with a razor-sharp voice.

“Heather, please fill in this form and sign at the bottom,” Norma instructed as she slid an open folder with a bunch of papers across the table.

Madelyn leaned over to read while Heather entered the information. Jeff sidled behind Norma and skirted around the table to study the file. “Before you sign anything, Heather, we have to know who will take our baby.”

“Sorry, sir, we can’t disclose any name.”

“I was hoping I could have news about the baby, visit him sometimes,” Heather said with a pleading voice.

“We will send you a report after a couple of months, but you can’t see the child or have any contact with him. He will become someone else’s child. I’m sorry. The parents’ names and contact information will remain secret. These are regulations necessary to protect the privacy of the adoptive parents.”

Heather folded her arms on her stomach as if to shield her baby from an uncertain future. “Oh God, what if he’s not happy or well-taken care of?” She felt Jeff’s fingers squeezing her shoulders.

“We make sure we place the babies with excellent families. After waiting for years to have a baby, the adoptive parents are often the best parents in the world.”

“How do we know that they are a loving couple?” Jeff asked. “We need some proof.”

“I can show you videos with information about prospective parents on our waiting list.” She turned on a projector connected to her laptop. A big house with a beautiful yard appeared on the screen. “First couple, mid-thirties. He’s a contractor and she’s a teacher. She plans to stay home and take care of the baby. They live in Montana.”

“So far away?” Heather choked on the sip of water she was swallowing.

“Second couple. Very wealthy, in their forties. Two grownup daughters. They want a son. The baby will be quite pampered in their mansion.” Several more slides followed, all presenting big houses belonging to rich middle-aged people who’d be eager to welcome Heather’s baby. “By the way, do you know the baby’s gender?”

“No.” Exasperated by the woman’s assumptions that money topped a single mother’s priorities for her child, Heather couldn’t wait to get out. “I’m feeling nausea coming. Can we take the flash drive and watch it at home?”

“At home? We usually don’t —”

“Yes, please,” Madelyn interfered. “We’d better leave before Heather vomits on the floor of this room.”

“Huh…just sign here, and initial there.” Norma shoved a pen in Heather’s hand but Jeff snatched the papers from the table.

“We need time to look at the flash drive, study the couples and discuss. We’ll get back to you, Ms. Benson. Come, sweetheart.” He pulled out Heather’s chair, wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her out of the room.

“Thank you, Norma,” Madelyn added politely. “As Jeff said, we’ll be in touch.”

“You shouldn’t have brought him along. These young bulls create a mess and continue to muddle things when they are not welcome.”

“Goodbye,” Jeff threw over his shoulder.

Heather couldn’t help but admire his poise. She’d expected him to cause problems but he’d been calm as if he had initiated the meeting with the adoption agent.

“Ride with me, Heather. I missed you.” He leveled a gaze full of longing on her when they stepped onto the sidewalk, and her heart beat a happy staccato.

“I missed you too. Madelyn, I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. I have errands to run. See you later.”

Heather slipped into the passenger seat of Jeff’s car and buckled her seatbelt with a sigh of relief. Her boyfriend didn’t resent her.

Without wasting time, he drove away.

“I wanted to take you to lunch but you said your stomach is unsettled.”

She chuckled. “Not at all. It was a way to get out of that place. The woman was grating on my nerves with her show of wealthy houses.”

Jeff nodded with understanding. “Hamburgers okay?”

“Perfect.”

He parked his old Chevrolet in the Rock Burger parking lot. They got out of the car and strolled to the fast food place, hand in hand.

After placing their orders, he carried the tray with their food and soft drinks to the table she chose next to the window. The view of a pond with a family of geese paddling in the shallow water brought a smile to her lips.

“They’re so cute. The father leading and the mother turning, now and then, to watch her brood.”

“Laws of nature. Even the birds follow it.”

“Jeff.” She covered his hand on the table. “I don’t want you to think I don’t care about the baby. Because I do.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “My decision is breaking my heart, but I know it’s for the best. I don’t want to get attached to this baby and spend the rest of my life crying.”

“I understand.” Jeff grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “Listen, what do you think if we take a break from that subject and enjoy life for a couple of days? No more talk about future, study, work or baby. Just a few days to relax and go out together.”

“I’d love that. Where would we go? To your lodge?”

“No, my lodge is not a fun place.”

“It used to be. We created wonderful memories there.” She winked at him. “First kiss under the big oak tree in the backyard. First—”

“Okay, okay. No need to go into details. I have a good memory.” They burst out laughing together. It felt so good to have her Jeff back. “I wanted to take you to Cumberland Lake to relax. We could walk, swim and kayak.”

“Hmm, why not?”

“And next weekend we can attend your friends Olivia and Lucia’s party.”

“I already sent my apologies. I wasn’t in the mood for a big birthday and graduation celebration when I received their invitation.”

“How about reconsidering? It’s a pool party, a huge affair at the Herberts for the twins. I’m sure it’ll be fun.”

She grimaced and lowered her head. “I have trouble fitting into a bathing suit. People may notice.”

“No need to swim. Just wear a pool outfit. We’ll dance and have a good time. Please, sweetheart. We can’t lock ourselves away because—”

“You don’t have to. Nothing has changed for you.”

“Wrong. I love you and share all your feelings.” He stopped her protest with a raised hand. “But we said we’re taking a break from all that talk.”

“Correct.” Suddenly hungry, she bit into her sandwich with gusto. “I’ll talk to Olivia Herbert tonight and tell her I can’t miss her party.”

If he wanted to go to the party, she’d go with him and stick by his side. Jeff was her man and she’d do anything to keep him. Too many of her dear friends wouldn’t mind snatching the good-looking agricultural engineer who’d just garnered a scholarship at MIT.

(To be continued on 12-5-2016)