Daddy by Christmas / Christmas Magic on the Mountain: Daddy by Christmas / Christmas Magic on the Mountain

“Of course.” He helped her up, but didn’t release his hold on her arm. They were walking toward the hall when the doorbell rang.

She looked at him. “I thought everyone was here.”

Jarrett pulled open the door to a young couple with a little girl. She recognized them from church.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Unca Jay,” the girl cried as she ran inside.

He scooped her into his arms. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Jenna. I’m glad you could come today. Welcome, Kira, Trace.”

They all exchanged greetings.

Jenna kept her hold on her uncle. “Mama said it must be a really special day because we never get invited to your house. She’s really happy because family should be together.”

“Jenna,” her mother warned.

“Well, you did say that,” the child acknowledged, then looked at Mia. “Who’s this lady, Unca Jay?”

“Hi, I’m Mia.”

Jarrett set her down. “I’m Jenna, and I’m almost four years old. But my daddy says I’m really thirty.” The child caught sight of Mia’s rounded stomach. “Are you going to have a baby?”

“Jenna.” Kira sent another warning glance to her daughter, and then looked at Mia. “Hi, Mia. It’s good to see you again.”

Trace removed his cowboy hat and nodded. “Hello, Mia.”

“Nice to see you, too. I hope you don’t mind that we took over Jarrett’s house.”

The pretty blonde smiled and glanced up at her husband. Love radiated between them just as Mia had seen between her brother and his wife.

“We think it’s wonderful,” Kira said. “I’m just wondering how you did it.”

“I believe a judge did it, along with several of the tenants.”

They all looked toward the living room and saw the numerous people. “Welcome to Mountain View Apartment’s Thanksgiving Day celebration.” Mia turned to Kira. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to find a restroom.”

Jarrett watched Mia walk down the hall. He wanted to go after her. Why? She was capable of finding the bathroom.

“How is she doing?”

Jarrett looked at his sister-in-law. “She should be off her feet. So would you watch her?”

“Sure. If you and Trace unload the car. I brought a few things for dinner, too. I’ll take Jenna to the kitchen and see if they need any help.”

“Just ask for Nola.”

“I know Nola Madison. I see her at church nearly every week.”

“Okay. You’ll probably know a few of the others, too.”

Once the group of seniors spotted Jenna, they began to fuss over her. His niece couldn’t get enough of the attention.

“So tell me about you and Mia Saunders,” Trace said.

Jarrett turned around. “There’s nothing to tell. She had a scare with her pregnancy and I had to take her to the hospital. The doctor ordered bed rest. She was allowed to come here, but she needs to stay off her feet.”

He glanced down the hall. “And if she doesn’t come out soon, I’m going in to get her.”

Trace arched an eyebrow. “So when did you become her protector?”

Jarrett turned to his younger half brother. Trace stared back at him.

“She doesn’t have anyone else,” Jarrett reminded him. “Remember, she lost her brother a few months back.”

Trace nodded. “Yeah, Reverend Brad was a good man,” he said, studying Jarrett. “I just never knew my brother to care much about anything that wasn’t about the almighty dollar. You must be getting soft in your old age.”

“Hey, I’m not that old.” He didn’t want to discuss his age or his relationship with Mia. They were neighbors. Temporary neighbors. “But don’t go thinking I’ve bought into the family scene.”

“Never say never, bro,” Trace challenged. “I’ve seen you with Jenna. You wouldn’t be a bad dad.”

Jarrett froze. He didn’t want to be a dad at all. His own father had been lousy at the job. “Look, as soon as I make the repairs to the complex, I’m out of there. And I won’t be looking back.”

On returning from the bathroom, Mia discovered that everyone was taking a seat at the tables. She glanced around for to find one last vacant chair. Next to Jarrett.

Smiling, he stood and pulled out her chair. “Looks like you’re next to me.”

She caught Nola smiling from across the table. Little Jenna was on the other side of Jarrett and Trace and Kira sat beside her. “I’m just happy we have a place to eat. Thank you, Jarrett, for having us here.”

Nola and Margaret stood and went into the kitchen and soon returned, each woman carrying a platter with a large turkey. The group made approving sounds as the birds were placed on the table alongside sweet potatoes, green-bean casseroles, stuffing, gravy and other side dishes too numerous to count.

Nola stood beside the table. “Before we all dig in, we should give thanks for this wonderful day.” She turned to Jarrett.

Mia watched as he nudged his brother and said something to him. Trace nodded. “Everyone, take hands and let’s bow our heads.”

Jarrett reached for Mia’s hand. His large palm nearly engulfed hers. She was surprised by the roughness of his fingers, but also by the warmth he generated.

“Dear Lord,” Trace began. “We thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us this past year. There have been some rough times, but sometimes that brings out the best in people. And today, we see that special bond as friends gather together as a family.

“We also ask for your blessing for those who aren’t here with us.” Trace paused. Mia thought about Brad and Karen. She felt Jarrett squeeze her hand. “We also ask a special blessing for Mia’s baby.

“We ask you to bless this food in your name. Amen.”

“Amens” echoed around the room.

Mia kept her head lowered, thinking of her brother and his wife. How much she missed them. Brad had always been there to guide her, to spout optimism whenever she wanted to give up. Now, she had to go on without him.

She opened her eyes to see that she was still holding hands with Jarrett. She turned to him to catch him watching her.

“Are you okay?” he asked.