Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée Read Free

“He was courteous. Obviously, he wants something concerning Michael. He hired my catering service to scope me out.”
    â€œDon’t borrow trouble,” Clara said.
    â€œWhen Bart Rafford kicked Alicia out, he didn’t want anything to do with his baby. He denied the baby was his. I can’t imagine the jet-setting multimillionaire uncle has any interest in Michael. His brother never did and since Bart wasn’t killed until Michael was three months old, he had time to meet his son if he’d wanted.”
    â€œDoes the uncle have a wife and children?” Clara asked.
    â€œNo. Nick is single,” Grace said, remembering his dark brown eyes on her as he grasped her hand in their handshake. “He’s in society pages, so that’s how I know he isn’t married. He’s busy and has a reputation as shrewd in business. From what Alicia told me, at that time, the grandfather had no interest in Michael and I’ve heard the grandfather’s health has failed lately. An ailing grandfather, a single uncle—those are the only relatives. I can’t figure out what, but they want something from me concerning Michael. I’ll learn what it is on Monday morning.”
    â€œPlease call me the first chance you get. I’ll be worried about you.”
    â€œDon’t fret,” Grace said, smiling at Clara. “Legally, Michael is mine.”
    â€œGrace, the Raffords have an enormous fortune. You wouldn’t stand a chance of stopping them if they—”
    â€œDon’t think about it,” Grace said.
    â€œYou’re right.” Clara smiled. “I think I’ll turn in. I wish you’d sleep in your room and let me take the sofa here.”
    â€œI’m fine. Thanks for staying tonight.”
    â€œI love to see Michael. You’re the daughter I never had. My boys are scattered and still single—Chet in Germany. Miles in Japan. I’ve given up on my own grandkids, but thank goodness I can be with Michael.”
    â€œChet sent you plane tickets and you’ll be in Germany with him for Christmas.”
    â€œThat’s not like having them here,” Clara said. “I worry about leaving you and Michael alone for Christmas.”
    â€œDon’t be silly. You’ll have a wonderful time and Glenda is already lined up to babysit Michael for me. I don’t worry when he’s with either one of you.”
    â€œShe’s reliable and she loves him, too. Glenda and I have been friends since we were five years old. She’s like a sister to me,” Clara said, repeating what Grace had heard many times before.
    â€œHer family is coming Christmas day, so that’s worked out,” Clara added. She smiled at Grace. “Thank heavens I have you and Michael. I count my blessings every day.” Clara hugged Grace and headed for her room. At the door she paused. “Bart Rafford killed in a ski accident. You wonder what would have happened had he lived.”
    â€œI suspect it would have been just the same as it is now.”
    â€œHe never saw his son.” Shaking her head, Clara left.
    In minutes Grace was stretched beneath covers on the sofa. She lay in the dark, thinking about Nick’s party, going back to the first moments, now etched in her memory. She couldn’t forget Nick or anything about him. Nor could she keep from worrying about his purpose in seeing her. She wasn’t giving up Michael no matter what, but the Rafford money and Nick’s reputation as a ruthless, shrewd businessman worried her.
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    At nine Monday morning Nick was ushered into Grace’s narrow, plain office. Looking dynamic, he dominated the space. Was it his take-charge attitude or his mere physical presence that sped up her heart rate? When she looked into his eyes, a current zinged to her toes. He was sinfully handsome and it was easy to see why women were drawn to him. She had watched him Friday night, occasionally