The Surprise Holiday Dad Read Online Free PDF

licensed.” Adrienne resented being interrogated. Still, she supposed the question was warranted. “He sleeps at her house with her family. Occasionally on weekends, if she has other commitments, he stays with Harper or Stacy.”
    “That can’t be easy for him.” Wade shifted position, showing signs of restlessness. Just like his son.
    “I sleep while he’s in school, and I’m usually here when he gets home.” Enough about that. I don’t have to defend myself. “You’re a police officer. Surely you’ve worked overnights.”
    “Well, yes.”
    “Then you should understand that we adapt as best we can. Especially parents.”
    He nodded slowly. “I’m sure I’ll find out.”
    The implication chilled her. “He lives here. With me.”
    “For now,” Wade said coolly. “Well, I think I’ll take off. Don’t want to interrupt the party any more than necessary.” He went over to Reggie, who was eagerly pressing his mold over a mound of soft Play-Doh, and rested a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Hey, kid, I’m leaving, but I’ll see you Tuesday on your actual birthday.”
    “And we’ll play with the police set?” The little boy gazed up at him. “Shoot some bad guys?”
    “Shoot some pretend bad guys.” Wade’s grin transformed him into the young, open-faced man he’d been when Adrienne had met him all those years ago, she recalled abruptly. If she wasn’t careful, she might start to like him.
    Her earlier image of him as a crouching lion came to mind. No matter how appealing he seemed, there was no telling if or when he might pounce.

Chapter Three
    For Wade, social events, unless they involved watching football games, quickly wore thin. The aversion dated from his childhood, when family gatherings had usually degenerated into arguments involving either Mom vs. Dad or Daryl vs. Grandpa Bruce.
    This one seemed pleasant, though. Wade was glad he’d had a chance to meet, or at least observe, some of the other parents. They obviously played a major role in Reggie’s life.
    When he’d speculated about seeking employment out of town and taking Reggie with him, he hadn’t considered the other people in his son’s life. Moreover, everything about Reggie, from his healthy appearance to his trusting nature, showed Adrienne’s loving care. Wade had to admit that the aunt was doing a fine job. Still, if it came to a choice between claiming his son and losing him again, Wade knew which choice he’d make.
    He cut through the kitchen. “Leaving already?” Peter, the teacher and coach, was arranging candles on a bear-shaped chocolate cake while a couple other people worked at the counter. “I don’t blame you. If you aren’t used to being around kids, the noise level can be grating.”
    “Yeah, it’s new to me.” Wade searched for a polite question and hit on “Which one’s yours?”
    “Mia, the little girl with short brown hair and a snub nose, is about to become my stepdaughter,” the man said. “Harper and I are getting married the day after Thanksgiving. Adrienne’s been kind enough to let us have the ceremony here.”
    “Generous of her.” Seemed like a lot of work, but women enjoyed planning weddings. And birthday parties, and Christmas celebrations, Wade thought wistfully, remembering his mother. Once again his heart went out to his son. Vicki might have been— had been—a messed-up individual, but she’d still been Reg’s mom.
    After a polite farewell, Wade turned to go. Patty popped into his path holding a tray of sandwiches. “Hungry?” she asked. “There’s peanut butter, tuna fish and grilled cheese with tomatoes. It tastes good even though it’s healthy.”
    His stomach growled as his hand hovered over the tray.
    “Take one of each. They’re small.” She shook back her fine, straight hair. “Hey, so I guess there’s a story about why you left town. I never bought that stuff about wanting a change of scenery.”
    “Yes. A long story.” He bit into the first sandwich.