Baby's First Christmas

For the past few hours, Kate had thought their future was ripe with possibilities—romantic and otherwise—too. But now, seeing the dissent among their families and her warring parents, she was less sure.

“At least then,” Ginny Sloane concurred as she looked at Michael and Kate, “you’d be able to tell Timmy you two gave it a shot.” Ginny shrugged. “If it didn’t work, it didn’t work.” But clearly, Kate thought, the hope was that it would work.

But she couldn’t force Michael into that. Any more than she would want anyone to force her into marriage because of something someone else decided. And having this baby had been all her idea. Michael had had no part of it until yesterday. “We’re not getting married just because of the baby,” Kate told Michael’s parents firmly.

“Agreed,” Michael said, backing her up. “There’d have to be a lot more between Kate and I for us to even consider taking that step.”

Not surprisingly, Kate noted, her parents looked abruptly relieved. “Then you won’t mind signing this document for Kate’s peace of mind, will you?” Ted asked, stepping forward.

Kate’s heart pounded as she watched Michael accept the legal documents from her dad.

“Sure I’ll sign them if it’ll make you feel better,” Michael said, grimly flipping to the last page and scrawling his name. “It’s true, anyway.” He finished writing with quick, angry strokes of the pen. “I have no intention of suing Kate, on any level, at any time now or in the future.”

Looking visibly relieved he’d bullied one person into doing what he wanted, Kate’s dad turned to her. “Honey?” he asked cordially. “Don’t you owe Michael the same peace of mind?”

Kate had to admit she didn’t want Michael to think she would ever come after him for financial support. Oh, hell. “Why not?” Kate muttered grimly, taking the pen from her dad. “I don’t have any intention of slapping him with a paternity suit, either.” Never mind asking him for money!

“If you’ll just witness the signatures…” Ted Montgomery turned first to his wife, then the Sloanes. Everyone signed on the dotted line. Finished, her dad put the papers away. “I’m glad we have that all worked out,” he said happily. “Now, about this business of the baby’s last name—”

Kate and Michael exchanged looks. On that, they were firm. “There’s no discussion,” Kate said resolutely, accepting the hand of support Michael offered her. “The name stays,” she announced as she and Michael tightly entwined fingers. “It’s Timothy Michael Montgomery-Sloane, hyphenated. He has two parents. He is going to carry both our last names. It will avoid confusion in the future.”