Baby, Be Mine (Holiday Brides Series) Read online

  “Morning,” Nikki said crisply, passing by her.

  Marilynn lowered her glasses as well as her tone. “I noticed you left out some pinking shears.”

  “Did I?”

  “I’ll have to write you up, you know.”

  Of course, she would.

  “We can’t have things getting sloppy.”

  “I’ll try to be more careful.”

  “Let’s hope so.” There was an edge to her voice. “We’re in the post-holiday slump now. Word is, some layoffs are coming.”

  Nikki turned to her with a gasp. “That’s horrible.”

  “Odds are we’ll only be able to keep one tailor on. So it will be either you or—”

  Nikki’s heart sank. “Roger.”

  “Yes.”

  Nikki couldn’t believe how mean-spirited Marilynn was. She almost seemed to take pleasure in other people’s misery. Roger was a single dad who really needed the job. Marilynn had never much liked him because he was a little alternative and didn’t seem afraid of her. Then again, Marilynn appeared to out-and-out hate Nikki. It was a real tossup as to who she might let go first. If she had her way, it might even be the two of them. “Isn’t it possible that one of us might get reassigned?”

  “To another place in the store?” Marilynn appeared to consider this, but Nikki could tell any real consideration was fake. “I could look into it.” She shot Nikki an evil grin. “There might be an opening in fragrance.”

  The rest of the day passed in a haze for Nikki. It was like she was operating on autopilot. The customers were fine and her work got done, but all her actions somehow seemed surreal. If she lost this job, she didn’t know what she’d do. With her mom on the verge of losing her spot at the diner, that would leave Nikki’s family practically destitute. Only Tony would be employed. And he just worked weekends and after school at the paper. He’d started as a gofer for them but had worked his way up to basic typing and data entry. He wanted to eventually be a reporter but knew he’d need a college degree to be taken seriously as a journalist. Meanwhile, they’d offered to keep him on after high school graduation. He could even work full time with benefits. But he’d never move up the ladder without that higher degree. His boss had been clear about that.

  Nikki sighed, wondering what was to become of her. If only her aunt hadn’t imposed those stupid conditions, everything would look different now. She’d be in for some money guaranteed to help her mom and baby brother. Plus, she could tell Marilynn to take this job and shove it. Nikki liked what she did and was skilled at it too, but she hated working for the department store. Especially since Marilynn had come along. Her dream was to open her own shop or even work freelance from home. She’d had enough people ask her if she did work on the side. Lots of folks in town needed help with hemming and simple adjustments. These were a breeze for her, but she knew there were people out there who couldn’t even sew on a button. Even those who could often preferred to pay someone else to do the sewing. And plenty of people around here could afford that luxury.

  Nikki felt like a pressure cooker with all sorts of heat and steam building up inside her. She had to find a way to get her hands on that inheritance. And she was running out of time. It was already the middle of January. She and Jack only had one month left to find her the perfect mate. Maybe Dean and Jeremy hadn’t panned out, but there was always Kurt. Kurt was a good guy. Handsome and totally athletic. They’d also gotten along and had only broken up due to their conflict in schedules. He taught at a nearby private school and coached peewee-level ice hockey. Between his commitments and hers, they’d had trouble working out ways to see each other. Were he and Nikki to get together permanently, that problem would be solved. With some of Aunt Mallory’s money, she could set up her own shop and establish more flexible hours. Plus, Kurt could afford to travel to all those historic places he taught about. Nikki could travel with him! Yeah, that would be fun. She’d liked Kurt. She really had.

  Nikki reached into her purse and pulled out the small box that housed the necklace Jack had given her. That was what she’d been missing: a good-luck charm. She turned toward the mirror and snapped the catch at the back of her neck. Yes, she thought studying her reflection in the glass, not too shabby. She actually looked datable when she smiled. Nikki thought of Kurt and all the good times they’d shared. During the limited times they’d been together… Maybe this will work! Nikki thought hopefully. Maybe I can really make it happen after all.

  Chapter Seven

  Nikki admonished Jack as they walked through the arena. “Did you really have to buy popcorn?”

  “Why not?” He shoveled another handful into his mouth. “This is entertaining.”

  Nikki was wrong when she told her mom Jack had no disgusting habits. He ate nonstop, and at the most highly inappropriate moments. She didn’t know how Angie could stand him, actually. He seemed to be growing more irritating by the day. As they approached the rink, he veered away from her.

  “Where are you going?”

  He motioned toward the stands with his popcorn bag. “Over there so I can get a good view.”

  A bunch of parents hunkered forward, their gazes intent on the actions of their offspring. Every few seconds, someone on the ice made a play, and the group erupted in shouts of encouragement or sounds of dismay.

  “Ha-ha.” She smirked.

  “Best seat in the house.” He flashed her a grin and strolled off. Before he got too far, he paused to glance over his shoulder. “Oh, and break a leg.”

  “This isn’t acting, you know!”

  He shrugged and shoved his hand in his popcorn, walking away.

  Nikki fumed beneath her cream-colored sweater. She’d taken care to dress well in nice slacks and boots. One couldn’t discount the impact of fashion when making a statement. Or more like a marriage plea. She’d planned the whole thing out and had decided to ease into it rather than springing the whole thing on Kurt up front. Besides, he was a little too occupied to reason through things now. She’d make arrangements to see him later, if he was game.

  Nikki spied him by the bench, addressing a seated group of players. He’d stooped low to view them eye-to-eye and had temporarily removed his cap. He was broad across the shoulders with golden brown hair and a sturdy, masculine jaw. Nikki was struck by how attractive was, even now. He must have seen her coming, because he lifted his head in her direction and broke into a smile. It was a great smile too. Rock solid. Just like Kurt was a rock-solid guy. He said something to another coach, then waved her over. Nikki tried to keep from looking at the stands, but she snuck a peek anyway. Jack raised his popcorn bag in a mock toast. Infuriating. Really. She didn’t know why she’d brought him along! Apart from the fact that he had a car and she didn’t, which would have made it a tad more complicated for her to get here.

  “Well, look at you!” Kurt stepped through the gate to give her a hug. “Gosh, Nikki. You look terrific.”

  “Thanks, you too.” She smiled but felt a little twitch in her lips. She hoped he hadn’t noticed.

  He stared down at her with honey-brown eyes, and Nikki recalled why she once fell for him. He really was one hot man. Sweet too. “It was such a surprise to hear from you,” he said as the game restarted behind him and commotion ensued on the ice. To his credit, he kept his eyes on her, even though he had every right to be distracted. “What made you call?”

  “I…uh.” She swallowed hard and gathered her nerve. “I’ve been thinking a lot about you.”

  His brow rose in a pleased expression. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah. And here’s the thing. I was wondering how you felt about—”

  “What?”

  A whistle squealed behind him, and this time, he looked.

  “This probably isn’t the best time.”

  He set his hands on his hips with a chuckle. “I am a little tied up, yeah.”

  “But later?” she asked with a hopeful lilt.

  “Just what are you getting at, Nikki? And why the twenty qu
estions on the phone about whether I was seeing anyone, or engaged, or”—he coughed into one hand—“married?”

  She put on her best convincing mug. “We had some good times.”

  “Sure we did.”

  “Great times.”

  “I’d give them a B plus at least.”

  Her voice rose in shock. “B plus?”

  “Just joshing.” He grinned and shook his head.

  “Coach!”

  Kurt turned to see a scrap had broken out between two players on his team. His assistant was herding them into the penalty box and eyeing him with urgency. “I’ve got to run,” he told Nikki.

  “But later? Can we…?”

  “Sure, sure. Love to catch up. Still got my number?”

  She held up her cell in a yes.

  “Great. Give me a buzz.” Then he was off and onto the ice.

  “That seemed to go well,” Jack said when he rejoined her in the corridor. “At least I saw him smiling.”

  “Yeah. It was good.” She slipped back into her coat, looking perplexed. “Real good. Went better than I thought. Way better than with the others.”

  “So?” Jack asked her. “Did you do it? Set up a date to discuss your offer?”

  Her lips creased in a frown. “I wish you wouldn’t put it like that.”

  Jack tossed his empty popcorn bag in a wastebasket and studied her. “What’s wrong?”

  “He said I was a B plus.”

  “B plus? What’s that? Teacher talk?” In spite of himself, Jack chortled. “Hang on… He wasn’t talking about in the sa—”

  She wheeled on him. “What is it with you? Why are you always thinking dirty?”

  “Me?” Jack had no clue what B plus meant, but—considering it came from Kurt—it couldn’t be that bad. Nikki had always described him as a stand-up guy. In fact, he was likely the best candidate Nikki had.

  “Yes, you!” Her tone was brittle. “This is nothing but a great big game for you, is it?” She stared him down with a fiery gaze, but there was moisture in her eyes.

  “Hey,” he said quietly. “I didn’t even want in this game, remember? You dragged me along.”

  She raised a hand to wipe her cheek. “He said he’d go. Said he’d love to go out with me and catch up.”

  “That’s…great?” Jack asked uncertainly.

  “Not married. Not engaged. Not seeing anybody.” She sniffed and pulled herself up a little straighter, but Jack noted the fingers of her left hand rapidly drumming her thigh. “He might just be the one.”

  If Kurt was Nikki’s Prince Charming, why did she look like she was going to break down in a bawling mess? Jack spoke carefully so as not to tip her over the edge. “So… Then…we’ll just have to play this through. Take it step by step, right?”

  She nodded, but she was crying, tears streaming down her face. When she spoke, it came out in a warble. “Right.”

  Jack held out his arms in a hug. “Come here.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’ll get mascara on your new parka.”

  “Oh for crying out… Forget that.” He pulled her to him anyway, because he knew how badly she needed some comfort.

  She let him hug her, then finally hugged him back. Hard, until it almost hurt.

  “Plus,” she said into his shoulder, “you smell like popcorn!”

  Jack burst out laughing, then patted her back. “That’s my Nikki,” he said, stroking her hair. “And you know what, kiddo?”

  She pulled back all bleary eyed to look at him.

  “You’re going to be all right.”

  She stopped crying and stared up at him. “I am, aren’t I?”

  “Of course you are. You’re tough. Tougher than tough. Scary tough, even.”

  “I am?”

  “You bet.”

  Her pretty blue eyes brightened. Then, oh no, something awful happened inside. It was like a tiny flutter, a subtle awakening, somewhere deep in his soul. No! Jack cursed it. Go back to sleep!

  Nikki broke their embrace. “Did you say something?”

  Fire torched Jack’s nape. “Did I?”

  “Are you tired, Jack?”

  “What? No!”

  “Well, no wonder! Must be exhausting.” She playfully shoved his shoulder. “Being my best friend.”

  “It can get pretty taxing at times.”

  “Then come on. Drive me home.” She linked her arm through his, apparently recovered. The only thing was Jack wasn’t sure he had. Not completely. But he walked along with her anyway, like nothing at all had changed. Because it hadn’t, really. Not as far as he could tell.

  “Jack,” she said when there were almost to his car, “I want to thank you for this. Thank you for everything.”

  The snow had stopped but was piled high in the parking lot. Big dirty mounds studded every row. But nothing could be murkier than the feeling in Jack’s heart. The sooner she got this over with, the better. “No problem,” he said, opening her door. “No problem at all.”

  A few mornings later, Jack rolled over in bed to nab his cell off the nightstand. It was just after seven, and he hadn’t heard from Nikki since Saturday. Something was definitely up. He felt a hand on his shoulder, then heard Angie’s groggy voice. “What time is it?”

  “Still early, babe. Go back to sleep.” He punched in Nikki’s speed-dial number and scooted out of bed.

  Angie wrapped the covers around herself with a yawn. “Who are you calling?” She was a sleepy mess, wavy auburn hair splayed out on the pillow. She was one of the best-looking women Jack had ever seen. Beautiful and good to him too. Jack would do well to remember that. “Come back to bed, baby.”

  “In a sec.” He gave her a quick peck on her crown, then slipped out the door and shut it behind him. A few rings later, Nikki answered.

  “Jack? Why are you calling so early?”

  He walked to the living area and sat. “Why haven’t you called?”

  She hesitated just a moment too long. “I’ve been waiting on news to tell you.”

  “What news?”

  “About me and Kurt.”

  “Have you seen him?”

  “Not yet.”

  Jack eyed the calendar on the wall across the room. “Nikki, January’s flying.”

  “I know it is, which is why I told him it’s important.”

  “So what’s the holdup, then?”

  “Schedule conflicts.”

  Jack sighed heavily. “This is never going to work. Maybe we need to take a trip to Rhode Island.”

  “To see Peter? No.”

  “Yes. And this weekend. Pencil it in.” He checked the day planner on the coffee table before him. “We’ll have to leave super early on Sunday, but if you swap out your shift with Roger, maybe I can talk to my dad about coming in late.”

  “But I’m seeing Kurt on Wednesday.”

  “Wednesday?”

  “It’s my day off.”

  “Yeah, but not his.”

  “After school. I’m meeting him at The Home Run at four.” Jack knew The Home Run was a sports bar and one of Kurt’s favorite hangouts. Still, Wednesday seemed a long time away. That was practically another week.

  “I don’t see the harm in taking a road trip in the meantime.”

  “It’s a waste of gas money. Peter’s not my first choice.”

  Jack felt a lump in his throat. “Kurt is,” he said quietly.

  “Steady job, stable personality, secure… You can’t blame me.”

  No, he couldn’t blame her at all. The truth was Peter was a bit of a wildcard. At twenty-eight, he still had ambitions to make it big with his rock band. They had a manager now but were always on tour. What kind of promise did that hold? For Nikki? For a baby?

  Of all Nikki’s exes, Kurt really did make the most sense. So why did this feel wrong to Jack?

  “I have a good feeling about this one. About Kurt, I mean. And I owe it all to you.”

  “
Me?”

  “Your eternity charm. It’s working.”

  Jack hung his head. He could practically see her fingering the damn thing, the circular piece of jewelry dangling from the chain around her neck. “So you think you can have that with him? All of it?”

  “I don’t see why not. He’s smart and certainly built.” Jack had to give him that. The guy kept himself buff. “And the spirit thing? Well, we’ll just have to take time to work on that.”

  “And being married will give you time.”

  “Exactly.”

  Jack didn’t know why, but he suddenly felt down about the whole thing. What was more, he missed Nikki. “So when do you want to get together?”

  “For what?” Her words shot like an arrow to his heart. She’d never asked him that before. Suggested he justify wanting to see her.

  “To strategize.”

  “Thanks, Jack. But I’ve got this all sewn up.”

  “Okay, then,” he said, drawing a breath. “I guess we’ll talk after?”

  “After would be great. I’ll give you a call to let you know how it went.”

  “I think it would be better if we discussed it in person. Something this serious, Nikki? You’re taking this final step.”

  “You’re right,” she said after a beat. “I’ll drop by the restaurant later on Wednesday. Will around eight be all right?”

  Jack felt like someone had filled his stomach with lead. He stared out the window and saw it had started snowing again. It pounded the glass with soggy streaks that matched the rain in his heart. This could really happen. Jack might actually lose Nikki. He wanted to wish her luck but knew he couldn’t. Not this time. He spoke surely to cloak the emotion in his voice. “Eight will be fine. See you then.”

  Chapter Eight

  When Nikki got to The Home Run at four, Kurt was already there, drinking a tall draft beer. She joined him at the bar and ordered coffee. She needed to keep her wits about her and play this whole thing right. Kurt raised an eyebrow when her java arrived. “Working later?”