Santa's Secret Baby

“Mommy?” Rae tugs her hand to get her attention. “Cookies?” Her tone is impatient and pleading.

“Sure.” She nods over to who I assume is Eve. “As long as Eve says it’s okay.”

Rae is gone before I can blink, and she practically runs with the waiting woman to the kitchen. I catch a glimpse of a guy standing near the doorway, watching us like a hawk.

“Is that your brother?” I ask and she nods. “Jil—

“I can’t go with you,” Jillian cuts me off. “I live here with Rae.”

I nod as I take her hand in mine. “Then I’ll stay.”Chapter 5JillianI can feel everyone’s eyes on us.

I know my brother is waiting to corner me, and I’m not even sure what I’m going to tell him. The reality is I owe it to Isaac to talk to him about everything first, but this isn't the time.

At least the party is starting to die down, and I’m thankful Dasher can’t grill me on what’s going on. More than anything I want a moment alone with Isaac because people keep stealing looks our way. I’m sure the gossip is already spreading.

“I should check on Rae,” I tell Isaac, ready to make some kind of escape.

“I could use a cookie.” He gives me a soft smile, making my insides flutter. The more time I spend with him, the more those dark clouds in his eyes begin to fade. And maybe I’m starting to relax a little too.

Isaac hasn't put together that Rae is his. Or if he has, he hasn't said anything. My best guess is that like the rest of the world, he thinks she’s Paul’s. I hate that. I really do, but again, it’s not really the time.

I don’t think Isaac wants to find out he’s a dad when a dozen other people are around to witness it. I’m sure it’s going to be a giant shock to him, and I have no idea how he’s going to react to that news. He might hate me, and I don’t know that I can blame him. If someone kept my daughter from me, I’d hate them too. What a mess I’ve made of things.

“Paul didn't tell you about Rae?” I ask, and he shakes his head. His jaw flexes each time Paul’s name is mentioned and even though it’s subtle, I catch it.

“She’s a beautiful little girl. She looks just like you.”

I smile and duck my head to hide my blush. It’s silly because he’s already had his face between my thighs tonight. Him saying I’m beautiful shouldn't make me feel shy, but his gaze on me makes me weak.

There are so many things I want to ask him, but when we enter the kitchen I spot Rae, and all of my questions dissolve in my mouth. Most of the catering people have cleared out, and she’s sitting at the counter with Dasher and Eve. They both look my way, and I know they’ve got their own curiosities burning under the surface.

“I saved you a frosted one.” Rae holds up a cookie, and her eyes bounce right over to Isaac. I don’t think she’s ever seen me close to a man before. “You can have one too,” she tells him as she reaches for another and holds it out to him.

“Thank you.” He takes the cookie from her and then bites off a big chunk. He watches her for a moment, and my stomach tightens just as Rae interrupts my thoughts.

“Aunt Eve is pregnant again!” she squeals in excitement that I’m sure has everything to do with the amount of sugar she’s ingested tonight. Soon enough she’s going to crash from that high and be out like a light.

“Really?” I ask as I look to see Dasher’s hand resting on her stomach. I had a feeling she might be.

“Yes, I’m not far along so we’re not telling anyone. Well, except you guys.” Eve waves her hand.

“Oh.” Rae covers her mouth, realizing she spilled a secret.

“It’s fine, sweetheart.” Eve kisses her cheek and gives her a cuddle.

“I asked Mommy for a brother or sister for Christmas. You think Santa misunderstood and put the baby inside you?”

Both Eve and I try to smother our laughter.

“I told you, honey. That’s not how it works,” I manage to say.

“I know.” She gives me a very dramatic eye roll. “You need a husband.” She looks back over at Isaac, who has polished off his cookie. “Are you married?” Everything inside of me freezes.

There were many nights I lay in bed wondering where Isaac might be and what he might be doing. For all I knew he had a wife, but I hadn't seen a ring on his finger. Maybe it was foolish thinking, but I didn’t get the feeling he was the type of man to cheat.

“Not married.” He gives her a half-smile. “Yet.” He winks as Rae’s eyes widen.