A Husband for Christmas by Gail Gaymer Martin

Author:Gail Gaymer Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-10-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Doug studied the documents piled on his desk, weighing his clients’ options to purchase new properties. He had two good choices to present, but as their advisor, he wanted to suggest options.

The word option settled in his mind. He’d decided to open up to Nina, and though he hadn’t fully proclaimed his feelings, he sensed that she knew. The kiss validated his hope that she had similar feelings. The next step was to break though the blockade she’d put up to her past or whatever it was that made her veer away from commitment again. He’d prayed often and hoped the Lord—

His cell phone jarred him from his thoughts, and he pulled the phone from his desktop. Roseanne. His stomach hitched seeing her name. He couldn’t help worrying. After two rings, he hit the talk button. “Hi, sis. Are you okay?”

“I’m great. I came home yesterday, and—”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could have come over and—”

“Doug, I have to know I can take care of myself. I knew you’d come, but then I wouldn’t know how I’d do alone. But thanks for caring. You’ve already done more than anyone could ask.”

“You’re my sister. That’s what family does.” As the words left his mouth, Nina’s family dangled in his mind.

“I’m ready for Kimmy to come home. I really miss her, and—”

“Are you sure, Roseanne? She’ll add a lot of work to your life. Have you forgotten? I’m happy for her to stay until you’re really up and stronger.”

“Doug, I wouldn’t ask for her back if I didn’t think I could handle it. And she’s seven. She can be a big help to me. I can’t drive yet, but I can order food in and I have a connection with a grocery, which will deliver what I need. One of my neighbors will drop by and I’ll have people come in to clean. Actually I often get help on that when my work becomes overwhelming.”

“It sounds as if you’ve planned it well. Do you want to tell Kimmy yourself? She can call you when she gets home.”

“Good idea. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”

He ended the call with her words ringing in his ears. Kimmy would be thrilled but he wouldn’t. He’d miss her too much. Yet the experience had been validating and helped him know he was ready to be a dad to a little girl or boy. Even two or three children. He dropped the cell phone onto his desk and rubbed his temple. He had known the day would come, but he wasn’t ready for it, especially so close to Christmas. And Nina would be disappointed without Kimmy there, he had no doubt.

The more he thought, the need to talk with Nina compelled him to call her now and not wait. He hit her phone number and listened to the ring.

“Hi, Doug. Aren’t you at work?”

“I am, but I wanted to call you. Roseanne is home already.”

“She is? That seems fast.”

He heard concern in her voice. “I’m not sure she’s ready to be alone, but I couldn’t say much to her.

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