Wanted: Texas Daddy by Cathy Gillen Thacker

Author:Cathy Gillen Thacker [Thacker, Cathy Gillen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-06-15T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“You’re really leaving to go back to Laramie,” MR said as Nick gathered up his things, a couple months later. “Again.”

Nick zipped his laptop bag. “Sage has an appointment with her obstetrician.”

“Routine appointment,” MR clarified. “And there’s still much to do to get ready for the grand opening next month.”

He was well aware. It was also Mother’s Day weekend. His and Sage’s first. “That’s five weeks away.”

“And half the orders of merchandise have yet to arrive. Plus, we need to talk about the advance interviews you’ve been doing. Without our approval or consent.”

Getting more than a little tired of the constant haranguing, Nick gave MR a long, level look. “You asked me to talk to every local TV station, newspaper and magazine, as well as the publications that cover the high-end Texas consumer.”

“In June.”

Nick exhaled. “I may not be available then,” he explained patiently. “So I’m doing everything I can in advance.”

MR scowled. Behind her, Everett looked up. Briefly, the assistant regarded Nick with a mixture of surprise, respect and pity, before resuming his usual poker face.

MR looked at him as if he were a dollar short and a day late. “The publicity needs to herald the advent of Upscale Outfitters. And, hence, appear in the days immediately leading up to Father’s Day weekend.”

Nick exhaled. “I’ve explained my situation, MR. Everyone’s been very accommodating in doing the preliminary interviews with me now about the Western-wear business, and the tour and photos of the new store a few days before they go to press in June. They also know that if unexpected events occur and I’m unavailable for that, you and/or Everett will be happy to show them around and provide them with any further information they need.”

MR stalked closer. When she spoke again, it was in a much more conciliatory tone. “I appreciate your diligence, Nick, but Sage isn’t due until July first.”

Nick looped his computer briefcase over his shoulder. “That’s an estimate. She could give birth before or after that day.”

“Unless her doctor induces her.” MR flashed a winning smile. “Then you would know exactly when the baby would arrive, and could plan for it.”

Not sure what to say to that suggestion that would be remotely polite, a fuming Nick fell silent.

Seeming to realize she had crossed a line, MR shrugged. “Plenty of couples do it.”

“For medical reasons, sure.”

“For convenience,” MR emphasized.

Not going to happen, not with our child. Hanging on to his temper with effort, Nick retorted curtly, “Our baby comes into the world when he or she is ready. And not a second before.”

For a moment, MR seemed taken aback. Angry color appearing in her face, she gripped the pen in her hand. “You will be at the grand opening, regardless,” she decreed.

Nick wasn’t going to promise what he could not predict. So he merely said, instead, “I’ll be back in Dallas on Monday.” His heart already with Sage and the baby she carried, he headed out the door without a backward glance.

* * *

“SO WHAT DO you think?” Sage asked her brother and sister-in-law the same morning.

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