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

“Yes, you did, and you and Jenny are special children,” Carol responded.

“Of course they are,” Tom added. “They’re our grandchildren.”

Carol’s eyes glistened with tears. “Oh, Tom, that’s so sweet of you to say that.”

“I think we lost them,” Jack said jokingly as Tom and Carol gazed into each other’s eyes.

“Don’t tease them,” Elizabeth said sharply.

“I think they’d better get to the airport quickly if they’re going to have a honeymoon in Paris.”

“I think you’re right,” Tom said. “Where are our bags?”

“They’re both sitting over here. I’ll carry them out to the car for you,” Jack said.

Jack took the bags out to the car, while Elizabeth and the children shrugged on coats and followed out to the porch. After last goodbye hugs, the newlyweds were on their way, waving as their car went down the drive.

Behind her Elizabeth felt Jack step close and put a hand on her shoulder. “What are you doing?” she gasped.

“Presenting a picture of our family.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Showing Tom what he wants to see.”

“I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Tom thinks of us as his family, that’s all.”

“I don’t see how he can think that since you’re leaving.”

“Go on inside where it’s warm and I’ll tell you,” Jack ordered.

Elizabeth went inside, but she wasn’t sure Jack was going to tell her what she wanted to hear. It was time for Jenny’s bottle, so she prepared it.

Brady had come in with her and sat down at his partially eaten cake. She wasn’t surprised when Jack joined them. She thought about suggesting that he eat separately from them, but she didn’t think he’d agree to that.

“You see, Elizabeth, Tom expects us to maintain his home while he’s gone. My particular job is to make sure that you and Brady and Jenny are taken care of.”

“I can take care of us,” Elizabeth insisted.

“Is that so? I’ll be the one taking care of you and the kids. It’s my job.”

“Somehow, I think I’ll be taking care of you unless you want to starve to death and wear dirty clothes.”

“Okay, so we’ll take care of each other. Tom likes the idea of having a family again and I’m going to make sure he comes home to a family. Brady, will you be glad when Grandpa comes back?”

“Are you sure he’s coming back?” Brady asked.

“I told you he was, son.”

“Don’t call him that,” Elizabeth exclaimed.

Jack looked up at her, confused. “What?”

“Never mind. Brady, go hang your coat up.”

As Brady did as he was told, Jack leaned in real close to her. “You’ve got to relax, Elizabeth. Things are different now.”

Elizabeth prepared a simple meal that night, knowing Brady and Jack had filled up at the wedding reception. When she called them to the table, Jack and Brady came downstairs together.

“Brady, did you put away your toys?” Elizabeth asked.

“Sure, Mommy. Jack helped me.”

“I hope you told him thank you.”

“I did,” Brady said agreeably.

“He was great, Elizabeth,” Jack said. “He thanked me and showed me the right place to put things. He keeps his room neat, too. He’s a great kid.”

Elizabeth turned her back on Jack. She didn’t want him to praise her children.

Jack opened the silverware drawer and took out what they needed for the meal.

Elizabeth stopped him. “I’ll do that.”

“No need. I can help.”

She put out the cold-cut platter and said, “Brady, I found the little oranges you like.”

Brady climbed up to the table, anxious to see his mother’s surprise. “Thanks, Mom!”

“We bought those when I was trying to tempt Tom to eat something different,” Jack said. “Thank goodness we found Carol instead. She’ll do a better job.”

“Yes, I imagine she will. Tom is a lucky man.”

“Yeah, I kind of think you’re right. She’ll keep Tom in line.”

“She will and he’ll be able to take care of her. That’s the way a marriage should work.”

“I’m glad you mentioned that,” Jack replied.

Elizabeth’s mouth instantly dried up. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t think I should tell you yet.”

“Tell me what?”