Substitute Daddy Read Online Free PDF Page A

mother.”
    Her mother was screeching in anger, and Grace winced at the sound. “How dare he talk to me like that? Just like you to shack up with some rude, white—”
    “Bye, Mom,” Grace said, cutting off her words. Matthew pressed the disconnect button and tossed the phone on the bed.
    “Are you all right?” he asked. She could hear the anger in his voice, yet the slight country twang gave it some charm.
    “I’m fine. That was actually a nice conversation. They can be much worse.” Grace gave him a smile even as her hands trembled. She picked up her crocheting again, but let it drop back in her lap. “Carol Reid is my mother and I love her, but I don’t like her. It’s always been a piss and vinegar relationship with her. Why do I expect it to be any different?”
    “Because you’re a daughter and a soon-to-be mother. You wouldn’t want to have a relationship like that with the baby. And, in the long run, we all want our families to be perfect,” Matthew said simply.
    Grace laughed. “How very astute of you, Dr. Phil. You’re here every day, Matthew. Aren’t you letting your business slide? World domination takes time.”
    Matthew pulled up a chair. “Nope, I have my minions watching over that aspect for me. I come bearing lunch.” He picked up the blanket in her lap and ran his hand over the soft wool. “Wow, this is nice. My mom used to knit. She could make those needles in her hands work in a blur. I used to get a sweater each year for Christmas.”
    “I like knitting too, but I’m not as good at it as I am at crocheting,” Grace said. “I didn’t get much but a bible and maybe a new pen here and there and some books for Christmas. My mom wasn’t big on holidays. I plan to be completely different. I was hoping to decorate for Lilah before Christmas came along. I guess I won’t get to this year if I’m stuck in here.”
    “You named her Lilah?” Matthew asked quietly.
    “Yeah, Lance picked the name. I guess one day he was feeling nostalgic,” Grace explained. “I loved it, so I agreed. Her name is going to be Lilah Danielle Reid.”
    “Lilah was my mother’s name. She was the only mother Lance really knew. When she died, he was as broken up as I was,” he explained.
    Grace’s heart constricted at the news. “It’s your mother’s name? I can go with Danielle instead. You should be able to name your daughter that one day when you get married.”
    Matthew shook his head and cleared his throat. “No, it’s an honor that she’ll have my mother’s name. Don’t change it. Besides, I doubt I’ll ever be at the point to name my own kids.”
    “You’re a bachelor and you’re wealthy. The ladies are probably lined up for a chance with you,” Grace said.
    “Not the right ones,” Matthew answered and changed the subject. “I brought you a fresh made burrito bowl and something else.”
    “What?”
    He pulled the containers of food and a board game out of the bag. “Battleship. You said you were a whiz at it, and I plan to challenge you. I’m undefeated.”
    Grace laughed. “Game on, but lunch first. Little Miss in here heard burrito bowl and started doing backflips.”
    “She can hear us?” Matthew asked.
    Grace saw the curious look on his face. “They start to hear sounds from the outside at about five months along. Here, give me your hand.” Before he could decide what to do, she grabbed his hand and put it on her stomach over her T-shirt. “See, that’s her playing kick ball in there.”
    “Holy hell.” Matthew gave an amazed laugh. “Oh, my God, I think I can feel a tiny foot pressed against my hand.”
    Grace winced between a smile. “Yup, it’s a foot. She is stretching and showing off.”
    He looked at her in alarm. “Are you in pain? Should I get the doctor?”
    “No, she does that a lot. It’s getting crowded in there the bigger she gets. She wants out soon,” Grace explained.
    His hand was still on her stomach, and he began to rub it in slow circles