Marrying for the Child

By Mildred Colvin

She's been given an impossible assignment.

When Nicole Anderson returns to Pleasant Spring, Missouri, she becomes entangled in a plan to reunite a mother and son after 20 years of separation. To do that, Nicole becomes nanny to an adorable two-year-old girl and falls in love with her old high school crush.

Drew Carlson takes on the job of raising his best friend's daughter, and he needs help fast. When Nicole applies, he hires her on the spot, never suspecting she has ulterior motives. Even her questions about his birth mother don't tip him off. He doesn't like talking about the woman who rejected him when he was a child. She's the last person he'd want to meet. Then he falls in love with Nicole but walks away from their wedding reception when he comes face-to-face with his birth mother.

Can Nicole win Drew's love again when he thinks she betrayed him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mildred Colvin
• Release date: Jun 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310559143

Mildred Colvin

Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

Book preview

Chapter One

Nicole Anderson hurried out the front door of the hospital in Pleasant Spring, Missouri, then hiked down the sloping sidewalk to the side lot where she’d parked.

Mama! As a tiny voice called out, she shielded her eyes.

Mama!

Nicole’s heart lurched. Her feet froze in the middle of the drive separating the hospital from the parking lot while she searched for the child who’s voice tugged her heartstrings. Why must every little voice calling Mama do this to her? The small lot was full of vehicles but seemingly devoid of other people.

The tiny voice called again, Mama!

Nicole squinted into the bright morning sunshine flooding the lot as a man rounded a truck and strode toward her. A little girl, maybe two years old, leaned from his arm with both little hands reaching toward her. The man’s head bent toward the child as if he were whispering. Whatever he said didn’t seem to help, because she continued calling out.

Mama.

Nicole glanced over her shoulder. No woman materialized. She alone stood in view of the little girl. Had the child somehow mistaken her for her mother?

Chubby hands reached toward Nicole as the man holding the cherub approached. Mama! Take.

No, Emma, I told you. This isn’t your mama. The man shifted the little one in his arms turning her away. I’m sorry.

There’s no harm done. Nicole looked closer, squinting in recognition. Drew? Drew Carlson? I haven’t seen you in years.

She looked into blue eyes that held a friendly sparkle when he smiled. Blue? Or are they green? She’d never noticed their unusual color before. Wow! They’re blue-green! Almost like a sapphire and an emerald melted together. Where had she seen that color before? His sandy blond hair lifted in the gentle breeze. His face had matured, becoming even more handsome than she remembered.

Nicole, right? Let me think. He held up one finger and tapped his forehead. Anderson?

At her nod, his smile widened, forming a dimple against the right side of his mouth. Yeah, it has been a while. High school. I graduated eight years ago, and you were what? A couple of years behind me?

A strand of hair blew into Nicole’s face, momentarily distracting her. She brushed it away and nodded, pleased he remembered. She certainly hadn’t forgotten him. He’d been a senior during her sophomore year, and the cutest boy in school. At one time, she’d had a major crush on him. Even now, her heart took a couple of dance steps with every appearance of that dimple.

How’ve you been? The dimple again flashed toward her.

Such a loaded question. One she couldn’t answer with complete honesty. Fine. Keeping busy.

Nicole shifted her gaze to the little girl. Large brown eyes watched her from the tiny round face and tugged on her emotions. She smiled and reached out a hand. Hi, sweetheart.

The little girl he’d called Emma answered with a shy smile then leaned against Drew, ducking her head.

Nicole laughed. So first you’re calling me ‘mama,’ and now you’re too shy to talk to me. Did I hear you are Emma? That’s a pretty name. And you’re just as cute.

And ornery. Drew grinned and kissed Emma’s forehead. His action, so gentle and paternal, pulled at Nicole’s heartstrings.

Turning her attention back to the child who seemed at home in his arms, she took one of Emma’s small hands between her finger and thumb. This darling little girl with blonde hair and brown eyes reminded her of her empty arms and the baby who’d once filled them. Would you mind if I hold her? Just for a moment?

Drew’s eyebrows raised. No, not at all.

Nicole held her hands out, and Emma turned to hide her face in Drew’s neck.

Drew laughed. Playing shy is one of her games. She usually will go to almost anyone. He winced. Not that you’re . . . you know.

Thanks. Nicole laughed with Drew, but when her gaze met his and held, awareness grew until she turned away first. Surely, she’d dreamed that spark of attraction she’d seen in his eyes. He had a child. That meant a wife waited somewhere for him.

He’d grown up very nicely and still seemed just as courteous and attentive as he’d been at eighteen. His wife, wherever she kept herself, was a lucky lady. Which was the very reason Nicole needed to get her mind off the man, old teenage crush or not.

She again offered her hands. Hey, Emma, come see me for a minute. Okay?

With a sweet grin, Emma leaned into Nicole’s grasp, both hands reaching. Nicole settled the little girl on her hip and smiled down at her as she tried to ignore Drew.

You are so sweet. Snuggling the little one close, she couldn’t resist giving a squeeze and kissing the top of her head. The soft blonde curls and large brown eyes drew her. Just like Laura’s. Pain squeezed her heart. She met Drew’s blue-eyed gaze. Does she look like her mother?

Drew seemed to consider her question. More like her father, I’d say.

She isn’t yours? Nicole held her breath, waiting for an answer that shouldn’t matter.

No, I’m taking her to see her father before he goes into surgery. Lee developed a blood clot in his leg after a steel girder fell on it in a construction accident. He frowned. The last year or so has been hard on them. Janet, Emma’s mom, died last year of leukemia.

Oh, I’m so sorry. Sympathy for the child in her arms welled up. She couldn’t imagine what growing up would have been like without her mother. I’d better not keep you, then. I’m picking my mother up. She had gall bladder surgery and is ready to go home now.

Drew took Emma from Nicole as she reluctantly let her go. I don’t suppose you do babysitting?

Babysitting? No, I’m afraid not. Nicole couldn’t imagine what he had in mind. It didn’t matter. Although caring for such a sweet child held a great deal of appeal, she would never dream of taking such a risk. Especially not on a regular basis, such as babysitting insinuated. She’d been hurt enough for one lifetime.

That’s too bad.

Why? Are you in need of a babysitter?

Drew’s smile held little mirth. Yeah, I’m Emma’s godfather. I should have her for a couple of weeks while Lee’s in the hospital. She’s a sweetheart, but an active one. Daycare has the weekdays covered. I was thinking of Saturday evening. The way she took to you . . . He shrugged. Well, I guess I’d better get inside. After our visit, we need to go eat and take an n-a-p before we come back to check on Lee.

Nicole grinned. He obviously knew the little girl very well. Yeah, I need to get back to my mom’s room, too. It was nice running into you, Drew. Maybe we’ll meet again one day.

I hope so. Bye, Nicole.

Nicole watched Drew’s long strides eat up the distance to the hospital and tried not to read anything into his careless comment. He scarcely remembered her. He didn’t really hope to see her again. When he disappeared around the corner of the large building, she turned and walked to her car, her mind whirling.

Imagine running into Drew Carlson!

Seeing him with a child stirred something deep in Nicole’s heart. With his strong, tanned arms holding the adorable two-year-old close, Drew had looked the picture of fatherhood. For some reason, the image persisted in her mind. But Emma wasn’t his child.

Nicole smiled and, as quickly, wiped the smile from her face. As if Drew’s marital status was any of her business. Besides, a Mrs. Carlson could still exist. Drew didn’t have to have a child to be married. He probably wanted a babysitter so he could take his wife out.

She sighed as she unlocked her car. If she was as smart as she’d once thought, she’d get Mom’s shoes and forget Drew Carlson and every other man. She’d been burned once. An intelligent person would not stick her hand into the fire twice.

She grabbed the shoes from the back floorboard and slammed the door closed. Using her remote, she locked the car, wiped the moisture from her eyes, and turned back to the hospital. When would the pain of her baby’s death stop? And the guilt? Turning down Drew’s babysitting offer was the wisest decision she’d made in the last three years. Why then, did she feel as if she was missing out on something wonderful?

Chapter Two

Nicole paused outside her mother’s room. Sounds like Mom has company.

I don’t care, Marlene, one day I will meet my son. Ah, Brenda talking about her son again. She seemed obsessed with finding the little boy she’d given up years ago. Not that Nicole blamed her. She’d be the same way.

Are you sure that’s what you want, Brenda? Marlene’s voice carried to the hall.

Definitely.

Nicole sighed. Her heart went out to Brenda, but she’d better stop the conversation before she heard more than the older ladies wanted her to. She stepped toward the door.

Brenda stood in the middle of the floor. One way or another, even if I have to walk up to him myself— Probably hearing Nicole’s step on the tile floor, Brenda turned toward her. So did you find your mother’s shoes?

I sure did. Nicole held them up and glanced from one woman to the other. The tension in the room was so thick it should have been visible.

Brenda stood to the side with her arms crossed. She wore white uniform pants and a blue flowered smock. Silver clips held her blonde hair back from her face. She stepped forward and took the shoes from Nicole. Thanks, honey.

You’re welcome.

Lift your foot up a bit, Marlene, and I’ll slip your shoes on for you.

As the patient obeyed her nurse, she smiled at Nicole. Thanks, sweetheart. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

The same as you’ve done for the last five years—just fine. Nicole stepped out of the way as Brenda helped her mother with her shoes. She desperately wanted to tell the older woman she should approach her son, Andy. He was an adult now. What harm could there be in talking to him? Life was too short to let such an opportunity pass. But for some reason her mother thought Brenda should let the idea go, and Nicole didn’t want to cause hard feelings with her mother, so she kept quiet. Besides, what did she know? She hadn’t been much of a mother herself.

Yes, an adult daughter can be a blessing. Brenda smiled. I don’t know what I’d do without Jacqueline either, although I’m not sure I’d call her adult—yet.

After their laughter died down, the silence in the room stretched beyond Nicole’s comfort level. As usual, she mentioned the first thing that was uppermost in her mind. You’ll never guess who I ran into outside in the parking lot.

Who was that, dear? Her mother’s smile appeared distracted.

Nicole sighed. The women were barely listening to her, but she didn’t care. They needed something to think about besides all this talk of Brenda’s lost son. She smiled from Brenda to her mother. A guy I used to know. Drew Carlson. I went to high school with him, although he was a couple of years older than me. He was the senior guy I dreamt about when I was a sophomore. Today he had a little girl with him. A toddler. She’s so adorable.

Both women stared at Nicole with their mouths hanging open. She certainly had their attention now. She went on, trying to fill the strange silence. He said he was taking her to her father. His friend, I guess, who’s here in the hospital. She called me Mama. You know, like little ones do sometimes. They think all women are mamas and all men are dadas. I got to hold her.

Nicole let her monologue run out as a strange look passed between her mother and Brenda. What? They didn’t think she should hold a small child? Didn’t they trust her at all? Pain and indignation shot through her heart simultaneously.

What’s up? Why are you two looking like that? Nicole crossed her arms, hugging herself.

Like what, dear? Her mother struggled to stand and turned to Brenda. Will you hospital people expect me to ride in a wheelchair? I’ve always thought that was a silly practice, especially when people can walk just fine.

Brenda’s laugh sounded hollow. Just humor us, okay? In fact, I believe it’s time to go get that wheelchair. She headed toward the door. I’ll be back in a jiffy.

Nicole looked from one to the other as Brenda hurried into the hallway. Maybe her imagination was working overtime. So often, her own feelings of guilt kept her on edge, and she imagined slights when there were none intended.

Would you check the drawers, dear, to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything?

Nicole nodded. She might as well keep her thoughts to herself. If the women wanted to tell her what she’d said wrong, they would. Sure seemed strange, though, that they hadn’t even commented on her story about meeting Drew. They were always going on about how she needed a man in her life. Just last week after church, Brenda had teased her about the unmarried, interim minister holding her hand too long at the door.

She searched the room and turned up one pair of socks, which she stuck in her mother’s bag. Here you go, Mom. I think that’s everything.

Thank you, Nicole. Her mother turned to the door as Brenda wheeled a chair in. There’s my ride now.

And my cue to bring the car around. Nicole hurried out to the parking lot and the almost new green compact sedan she had purchased in Kansas City two years ago. Back when she’d had a good paying job. Now she didn’t know how she would continue making the payments. She drove up to the main entry and waited in the car.

I’ll be over to check on you during my lunch hour here in a little bit, Marlene. Brenda set the wheelchair brake and helped her friend settle in the front seat.

Five minutes later, Nicole pulled into the driveway at the rambling old two-story house that had been home to her as long as she could remember. She parked near the kitchen door and helped her mother inside. Where do you want to be? It’s still early. We could set you up on the couch in the living room.

That sounds perfect. Her mom sighed her relief as she sank to the couch and settled back against the pillows Nicole arranged. I didn’t realize how tired I’d feel. It wore me out just walking from the car.

Nicole spread a quilt over her mother’s legs. Would you like anything to drink? I think we have orange juice and milk.

How about ice water?

Nicole brought the water and handed it to her mother. Why don’t I get something started for lunch? Brenda won’t have much time, so I really should have it ready for her. I can at least fix some sandwiches.

That will be fine, Nikki. The phone rang and her mother lifted the cordless from the base on the end table near her head. Hello? Oh, hi, Brenda.

Nicole left her mother talking on the phone and went to the kitchen. Ten minutes later, Brenda tapped on the kitchen door. She stuck her head in with a big smile. Hey, anyone home?

Come on in, Brenda. Nicole slid a small pan off the burner and stepped back from the stove. I’m cooking lunch.

Oh. That one word spoke volumes.

Nicole threw out her hands. Okay, I give up. She gave a little laugh. I wouldn’t, but I think I’ve ruined this stuff, anyway.

What have we got here? Brenda stepped to the stove and turned off the burner.

Macaroni. I cooked it too long, didn’t I?

Brenda lifted a glob of pasta on the spoon and let it fall back into the pan. Just a little.

Nicole sighed and waved a hand toward the counter. I set out some cold cuts and other stuff for sandwiches.

Good, let’s get them made and go see our patient.

They ate the sandwiches and the sticky, soft macaroni in the living room. As they finished, Marlene gave Brenda a slight nod. Obviously, the two women had something on their minds besides Nicole’s overcooked pasta.

Nikki, how would you like to hear a story? Brenda set her plate on the coffee table then sank back into her chair.

Nicole nodded. Sure. Why not?

Brenda smiled and shrugged. You may as well know right off, this is the story of my life. She glanced at Nicole. My parents divorced when I was young. For a while, they shuffled me between them until my dad found a second wife and didn’t want me anymore.

Brenda looked at her lap. My mother scarcely knew I was there. So I found myself pretty much on my own. I got into the wrong crowd, did so many things to be ashamed of. To make a long story short, I got pregnant when I was sixteen.

She looked up and again met Nicole’s gaze. I didn’t know who the father was, and I didn’t care. For the first time since my parent’s divorce, I was going to have someone of my very own. I loved my baby and stayed off drugs and alcohol during my pregnancy, but my mother kicked me out when I told her.

With a shrug, she continued. I had to survive, and I did it the only way I knew. I found a guy who took me in. Then my baby was born, and he was beautiful. Absolutely perfect.

Nicole sat transfixed as she listened to Brenda tell of a life that was totally foreign to the dedicated Christian life she now lived.

I loved my baby and tried to be a good mother, but the guy I lived with was a pusher. I tried so many drugs. I drank too much alcohol. After a while, those things took over, and I neglected my baby. When he was three years old, a social worker came with the police and took him away. I know now they should have taken him when he was born.

Brenda dabbed her eyes with a tissue, and Nicole’s heart twisted with sympathy. She’d known Brenda had given a little boy up for adoption, but she’d never heard the whole story before that moment. To lose a baby was devastating, but to have a child taken because you were unfit was even worse. She brushed her own tears away, unsure if she cried for Brenda or for herself.

I never abused him, and I didn’t let the boyfriends near him. I would have given my life for Andy, but I didn’t know how to be a mother. I couldn’t break free from the lifestyle that held me. When they told me I’d have to clean up my life or lose him forever, I tried. At least I thought I tried. Now I know that wasn’t really true. I visited him in his foster home for three years. He was in a good home, and the people loved him, but every visit was like losing him all over again. Each month he’d changed a little more. Grown a little farther away from me. His foster parents wanted a child of their own. They wanted my baby. And they got him. When he was six years old, they adopted him, and I never saw him again. Until two years ago.

How terrible. Nicole couldn’t keep quiet any longer. Where did you live then?

Brenda lifted her eyebrows. Nicole, I grew up right here in Pleasant Spring.

I know that, but—oh, of course. I guess I thought you’d gone to the city or something.

No, this all happened right here in our little town. The drugs and all. Hard to believe, isn’t it?

Nicole shook her head. Not really, I guess, once I think about it. Then, your son? Is this where he lived in his foster home?

Brenda shook her head. No and yes. He went to school here. He lived several miles outside town on a very nice farm with horses and cows. They even had baby chicks that he loved, and I remember once he had a pet rabbit. Things I could never have given him.

As a teen-ager, Nicole had cruised the back roads around town with her friends for want of anything else to do. Those prosperous-looking farms with beautiful, sleek horses gazing at them over the fences came to her mind. Many were farms anyone would be proud to own. Maybe one of them had been home to Brenda’s son. But she hadn’t known Brenda then and wouldn’t have paid much attention anyway since she also didn’t know Andy.

Brenda shifted in her chair. I moved away from here after he was adopted. It took the finality of his adoption to wake me up. I knew I had to do something with my life. I got help in the city and was able to go to nursing school. I met and married Jack there.

Nicole had never met Jack, Brenda’s ex. They’d divorced shortly before Brenda had moved back to Pleasant Spring.

Brenda glanced at her watch. I need to get back to work before long, so I’ll cut this short. I haven’t talked to my son in twenty years, but I know where he works. Sometimes I see him around town like I did today at the hospital. His parents died two years ago in an automobile accident, and he still lives in their house in the country. That’s why I came back here. Because his parents are no longer living. For two years, I’ve longed to walk up to him and say, ‘Hi, I’m your mother.’

Brenda laughed. That would go over like a lead balloon, don’t you think?

Nicole nodded. So, where does he work? You say he lives in the country?

Brenda smiled. Nikki, you know him. You ran into him just this morning at the hospital.

I didn’t run into anyone named Andy— Nicole stared at Brenda in disbelief. Drew! You mean Drew Carlson? I didn’t even know he was adopted. Besides, I thought you said your son’s name is Andy.

When Brenda simply smiled and nodded, Nicole caught on and slapped her head. Andy and Drew. Of course. When you put them together, you get Andrew. I wonder why he changed to Drew? Didn’t you always call him Andy?

Yes, I did, but adoptive parents often change their child’s name, even if it’s only a minor change. I suppose doing so gives them a better sense of being the child’s parent. And it probably gives the child a new start. Even as a foster child in their home, they called him Drew. I also knew his adoptive name was Carlson. That’s why your mom and I looked at each other so strangely when you told us who you’d run into this morning, Nikki.

Wow, this is all so fantastic. Why had Brenda suddenly shared her story? The twisting in her stomach told Nicole she would soon know the answer.

Yes, it is, isn’t it? Brenda leaned forward in her chair and held Nicole’s gaze. I believe it’s time I met my son, don’t you? His parents are gone, so they won’t be hurt. He has no other family around here. What do you say, Nikki? Will you help me meet Andy?

Chapter Three

Drew Carlson rolled over and rubbed his head. Nothing worse than waking up with a headache. He squinted at the alarm clock. Seven-thirty. Time to get up. He pulled himself up on his elbows as the previous day’s events rolled over him like a runaway train, and he sank back to his pillow. Lee was gone. He gasped for breath while the ache in his heart spread throughout his chest.

The doctor’s words played over and over. I’m sorry, there was nothing we could do. The blood clot moved before we could reach it.

He didn’t believe it. Lee couldn’t be dead. He sat on the edge of the bed and held his head in his hands while he took deep breaths to calm the pain. To steady the whirling room.

Why had this happened? Little Emma had already lost her mother. Now her father was gone. Did she know? Could she understand she would never see her daddy again?

Steve Brown had been at the hospital too. He’d promised to notify Lee’s parents and make arrangements. Drew cringed from the very sound of those words. Make arrangements. How could two ordinary words sound so final? So unfeeling?

Drew had an appointment with Steve. He gave a short mirthless laugh. Not only had he inherited Lee’s daughter, he’d also inherited his lawyer. And Steve wanted to see him this morning to go over Lee’s will and the things Lee had discussed with him about Emma.

Drew threw the covers back and stumbled to the bathroom. He