Christmas Gifts: Cinderella and the Cowboy / The Boss's Christmas Baby / Their Little Christmas Miracle

“Never mind that,” she said with a sharp tone. “What did Jack do to my car? It won’t start, and Tom said Jack did something to it.”

“Jack thought you should remain here until we got things straightened out at the bank.”

“What are you talking about?”

“We had the bank transfer Reggie’s money to my account.”

The blonde nearly lost control. “You can’t do that! That’s my money!”

Despite her outburst, Elizabeth remained in control. “We didn’t report your theft of the car you bought, Kim, but you should calm down. I understand that Reggie betrayed you, too. But the kids need the money their father earned.”

“But he was going to marry me! I deserve that money!”

The woman was so loud, Tom and Brady came out of Tom’s room. Carol hurried down from upstairs and Jack came in after fixing Kim’s car as he’d promised.

Faced with so many people who had little interest in her position, Kim appeared to think she should get louder rather than quieter.

Elizabeth tried to reason with her, but she refused to listen.

Jack didn’t see any need for sympathy. “Face it, Kim. You stole fifty thousand dollars that didn’t belong to you. Because of Elizabeth’s generosity and sympathy, she’s letting you keep the car. But the rest of it is hers.”

“I have more checks!”

“It doesn’t matter. If you try to pass another check on that account, you’ll be arrested and put in jail.”

She stared at him, obviously overwhelmed. “But what should I do? I have to have a man to support me! Reggie promised to take care of me!”

“You’re going to have to find someone else to take care of you. Reggie can’t anymore.”

Jack sounded so stern that Elizabeth felt like crying herself.

Kim, on the other hand, got meaner. “You can’t tell me what to do! I’ll find a way to get that money! It certainly doesn’t go to her just because she had a couple of kids!” Then she paused long enough to take a breath and turn to Elizabeth. “I think I’m pregnant, too!”

Chapter Six

EVERYONE froze, staring at her.

Brady looked at his mother. “What did she say?”

Realizing her young son shouldn’t hear this conversation, Elizabeth hunkered down to his level. “Sweetheart, would you go check on your sister for me? And then you can play in your room till Mommy comes up.”

A good boy, Brady did as he was asked.

Tom wasted no time. As soon as Brady turned away he asked Kim, “When were you last with my son?”

“About six weeks ago.”

“Have you been to a doctor?”

“No! I mean, I didn’t see the reason to—No, I haven’t been to the doctor.”

“You aren’t pregnant,” Jack said in disgust.

“I could be!”

“Come on, I’ll take you to the doctor,” Jack said gruffly.

“No! I’ll go to my doctor at home.”

Before anyone could waver, Jack held their ground. “I don’t think we should let her go until we get her checked out by Doc.”

Kim remained adamant. “I don’t want to go to a strange doctor.”

Elizabeth could understand that. She led Kim to a chair at the table. “I think we all need to sit down and discuss this quietly.”

She remembered Reggie’s reaction to her pregnancy with Jenny. He’d blown up at her, accusing her of lying, of tricking him. He’d vowed not to be trapped again, as he said he’d been with Brady. His callous reaction had hurt her immeasurably and she’d never forget how she cried.

Still, she knew one thing for sure: Reggie would never risk pregnancy again.

And she didn’t think he had this time.

“Look, Kim, Jack is just trying to help. I’m sure he didn’t mean to sound so gruff.”

Jack glared at Elizabeth. She ignored him and kept her gaze on Kim. “I know you must be uncomfortable talking about this, but we need to know. Did you have unprotected sex?”

“Not usually. Reggie was careful, but…but he forgot sometimes.”

“And you forgot, too?”

“Yes. I wanted to—I mean, I’m sure it was an accident, but—”

“I think we can settle this with a simple home pregnancy test.” She looked up at Jack. “Jack, could you go buy one?”

“Yeah,” he muttered.

He stalked out of the house, leaving everyone silent.

Elizabeth asked Carol to put on some water for hot tea.

Kim protested. “I’ll just have coffee.”

“You really shouldn’t have coffee if you’re pregnant.” Elizabeth smiled. “I know. I hated giving up my coffee.”

“And you did? Did your doctor insist? For the entire pregnancy?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“I didn’t know that.” Kim sat quietly for a moment, then she looked up at Elizabeth with frightened eyes. “I don’t think I want to be pregnant.”