Read Online A Father In The Making by Carolyne Aarsen - Free Book Online

you get better and then we’re out of here,” he murmured. He gave Tango a final pat and stepped out of the pen.
    Then startled as he saw Mia standing in the doorway.
    She held a few pieces of paper in front of her, one corner of her mouth tucked between her teeth. The overhead light of the barn made her hair shine, made her eyes look larger and luminous.
    Doe eyes, he thought, then dismissed the fanciful notion.
    â€œDo you have a few minutes?” she asked.
    â€œMinutes I’ve got lots of. You need some?” he asked, adding his own attempt at a grin. He seldom felt uncomfortable around women, but Mia put him on edge.
    She held up the papers. “Nico drew these at our appointment with the therapist. I’d like your take on them.”
    Nate took the papers, puzzled as to what she hoped he could contribute. A chill fingered down his neck as understanding dawned.
    â€œSomething tells me that I’m the guy in these pictures,” he said, flipping through them again.
    Mia simply nodded.
    â€œWhat is this supposed to mean?”
    â€œDr. Schuler thinks it shows a strong connection with Nico.” Mia paused, pressing her thumbs together.
    Nate handed her back the sheaf of papers. “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about that. I promised you I would stay away from him and I will.”
    Mia bit her lip again as she took the pictures from him. “I realize that,” she said, “and I appreciate it, but Dr. Schuler thinks...he thinks...that we should capitalize on this attachment.”
    Nate frowned at her. “What do you mean capitalize? ”
    Mia dropped down on the bale Nate had vacated a few moments ago, pressing the papers against her blouse. “He suggested that I talk to you about spending time with Nico. Spending time with Nico and your horses,” she corrected. “He said that often horses are used in therapy situations. I know Denny doesn’t have the time, and Dr. Schuler didn’t think it would be as effective if it wasn’t you working with Nico and horses.”
    â€œI can’t believe this therapist wants me to spend time with Nico,” Nate said. “I’m leaving as soon as my horse is better. Did you tell the guy that?”
    Nate saw nothing but confusion in Mia’s chocolate-brown eyes. “I told him and I know I’m still right. But Dr. Schuler thinks the advantages of you working with Nico will outweigh the disadvantages of you leaving.”
    Nate dropped his hands on his hips. “Doesn’t matter what he thinks. I agree with you that I’m not the right guy for this.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    If he let himself get too caught up in this family, he would be too intertwined with Mia. Her kids.
    â€œIt’s not a good idea,” was his careful reply.
    â€œI didn’t mean to imply that you would hurt Nico on purpose. I just wanted to make sure his heart didn’t get broken again. I was only thinking of his emotional well-being.”
    â€œSo am I.”
    Mia looked down at Nico’s pictures and one by one, flipped through them as a light sigh slipped out. “I can take care of kids who throw up, kids who are teething, kids with a fever, kids who hurt themselves. I don’t know how to take care of this.” She stopped, and once again she pressed her fingertips to her lips. Holding back her sorrow.
    Nate suspected Mia had done this often in her life. Held back, stayed strong.
    â€œI’m sorry,” she said quietly, getting to her feet. “I hesitated asking because of what I said before. I feel so wishy-washy. I was just thinking of what’s best for Nico.” Her voice broke and Nate felt his heart flip.
    He couldn’t stop himself. He laid his hand on her arm, stopping her. She turned to him, hope flaring in her eyes.
    â€œSo what did this doctor want me to do?” The words spilled out before he could stop them. “How did he think I could