Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée Read Online Free Page B

to enter the spacious room that included three walls of shelves filled with books and pictures.
    His father was in a chair near the bay windows and his nurse turned to smile at Nick as she stood.
    â€œGood morning.”
    â€œHi, Megan. Morning, Dad,” Nick said, crossing the room. “Megan, you can stay. I won’t be here long,” he said, but she shook her head.
    â€œI have some things I can do,” she said.
    Nick watched the petite auburn-haired nurse as she leftthrough the open door into the hall. Nick sat facing his father, who was dressed and had shaved, wearing a cardigan over his shirt and with his feet in slippers. He was a thinner version of his old self and more gray had spread through his thick black hair. Nick knew he resembled his father and wondered if this was how he would look someday.
    â€œHow are you this morning?” Nick asked.
    â€œSame as last week. I take it you’ve talked to Grace Wayland.”
    â€œYes, I did. I went to her office today to discuss Michael.”
    â€œSo when do I get to see my grandson?”
    â€œDad, because of Alicia, Grace has very strong feelings about us. She resents Bart’s treatment of Alicia, especially Alicia’s last visit with Bart.”
    A pained look crossed his father’s face and his gaze shifted to the windows. Nick noticed a muscle working in his dad’s jaw while he crushed the corner of his open cardigan in one hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t talk to Bart more at the time. I made a mistake in not taking an interest from the first.”
    â€œGrace is bitter over her friend. She sees no point in bringing Michael to see you.”
    â€œDamn it, Nick! You can be persuasive. Why didn’t you talk her into a meeting?”
    â€œWell, maybe my heart wasn’t in it. Stop and think a minute about it. We’re not certain this is Bart’s child.”
    â€œHe told me that it probably was his baby. Early on, I didn’t feel strongly about it, but my life has changed. I want to see my grandson. This is vital to me,” his father snapped, some of the old force returning to his voice. He stood and walked to the mantel to brace his arm on it. “I want that child in the family. I intend to see that he has the family name.” Eli turned to stare at Nick. “Doesn’t she realize it will be better for Michael?”
    â€œI pointed out to her that you can do a lot more for Michaelthan she will ever be able to,” Nick said patiently, knowing there would be more to come because his father never gave up on something he wanted badly.
    â€œShe’s not thinking about the baby.”
    â€œThat doesn’t matter if she refuses to allow you to see him. Bart signed away his rights. He gave up any claim. Add to that, Grace’s bitter feelings over the treatment her friend received from Bart.”
    â€œI suppose she blames Bart for Alicia’s wreck.”
    â€œShe probably does,” Nick said, mindful that Grace did blame Bart. “Dad, give it up. Someday I’ll give you grandchildren. Besides, you’ve told me that you never wanted more children, nor did any of the women you married. It’s a late point in life to decide you want to enjoy a grandchild.”
    â€œNick, damn it, I intend to give my grandson his heritage of the Rafford name and in some manner to rectify what Bart did.”
    â€œYou’ll send your blood pressure higher worrying over this,” Nick said gently. “Right now, you’re not completely well. You can’t deal with a grandbaby. You really never have wanted to have babies around.”
    â€œNo, I haven’t. I just want to see the little boy. I want him legally an heir—and I’ve told you that you will get the bulk of the estate no matter what happens. I wouldn’t think of cutting you out of most of what I possess, but there is enough for him to have a trust. After all, Nick, he is your