Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée by Sara Orwig Page A

Grace Wayland and Michael.”
    The tall brown-eyed man standing beside a wing chair smiled at her. “Thank you for coming and bringing Michael, Miss Wayland,” he said in a strong voice. He didn’t look as infirm as she had envisioned from Nick’s description. “I appreciate it very much.”
    The petite nurse standing nearby gave her a friendly smile. “He’s been looking forward to this for quite a while.”
    As she greeted both of them, Grace crossed the room on a thick Oriental rug. “Here’s Michael, Mr. Rafford,” she said.
    He looked at the baby and she saw his eyes narrow. “He is you,” Eli said, glancing at Nick and then back to the baby. Elisat in the chair. “That’s an uncanny resemblance. He looks like your son, Nick. May I hold him, Miss Wayland?”
    â€œYes, of course. Please call me Grace.”
    â€œHe does look like you, Nick,” Megan said as she spread a baby blanket over Eli’s lap and Grace walked forward to give Michael to his grandfather.
    â€œMy grandson,” Eli Rafford said, and there was no mistaking the awe in his voice. “This is my grandson.”
    Grace noted that Eli seemed to have a firm grip on Michael, and Megan stood close at hand. Michael played with the buttons on Eli’s sweater while he babbled.
    â€œHe’s happy,” Megan said.
    â€œHe’s a wonderful baby,” Grace added.
    â€œHave a seat, Grace,” Nick said. “Let’s have something to drink. Want pop or a cup of hot tea or coffee?”
    â€œI’ll have hot tea,” Grace replied, sitting in a chair near Eli. She handed Michael one of his toys, which he promptly began to chew.
    â€œHe’s adorable,” Megan said. “The resemblance to you is amazing, Nick. He could pass for your son. I’ll see about your drinks,” she said, crossing the room to an intercom.
    â€œI’m trying to get used to the resemblance,” Nick said, sitting across from her.
    â€œI’m so pleased,” Eli said, smiling broadly. “I don’t know that much about babies. I’ll let you have him back, but what a thrill this is. Would you allow me to have a photographer take a picture of Michael with Nick and me?”
    â€œOf course,” Grace replied, guessing that was probably the beginning of a lot of requests.
    â€œI would treasure it. I can’t tell you what pleasure you have given me by allowing me to get to know Michael. Nick, I can’t believe this child doesn’t belong to you.”
    â€œIt gave me a shock to see him, too,” Nick said.
    As both men looked at Michael, Grace’s worries deepened.Eli’s expression was the same as he might convey to a beloved relative even though he had never seen Michael before today. The wonder in Nick’s eyes equally upset her. There would be no turning back now. Michael would be drawn into this family in spite of her efforts to avoid any contact. She had contemplated taking Michael and moving away, but her business was growing with repeat clientele. And from Alicia’s dealings with the hostile Raffords, she had never thought they would be a problem. Now worries grew with each encounter.
    â€œAs I understand from Nick, you are in the catering business and your aunt takes care of Michael a lot of the time.”
    â€œYes. I’ve been fortunate and Aunt Clara adores Michael. She has no grandchildren and she considers Michael a grandchild,” Grace said, hoping to convey how much a part of her life and her aunt’s Michael was.
    â€œNick wanted me to promise to keep this conversation simple and not intrude on your care of Michael, but I would like to offer to set up a small account that you can use for whatever you need for him.”
    â€œDad, we agreed to avoid this today,” Nick reminded his father.
    â€œThat’s fine, Nick,” she said quickly. “I appreciate your offer, Mr. Rafford,”