Read Online The CEO's Surprise Family by Teresa Carpenter - Free Book Online

leftovers.
    He’d been found in a Dumpster when he was three weeks old half-starved and suffering from exposure. Lucky to be alive. He sometimes wondered if anyone actually believed that.
    Infants usually adopted quickly. But the exposure had damaged his lungs and stomach so he’d been a sickly child. No one wanted to adopt a sick baby.
    He’d learned his history when he was six from a foster mother upset because he’d thrown up on her new shoes. He was quickly removed from the home. But how do you get over knowing no one wanted you? Not even your mom. He got moved around a lot after that. His ailments went away, but they said he began acting out, became a problem child.
    No. He’d just been trying to prove he was the biggest, the best, the smartest. That he mattered. Even after thirty-five years, he was still trying to prove it.
    Talk about dysfunctional. So no, it was best if he were not made responsible for the care and feeding of a toddler. Even if she was the only family he’d ever know. He’d been told, more than once, that he was self-absorbed, but not ever he was that selfish.
    Jasmine deserved someone who fought for her, someone who skipped to watch a fake thunderstorm then watched the show with childlike wonder. Someone who spoke to strangers and thought up ways to pamper new mothers.
    Of one thing he was certain, life with Lexi would be filled with light, laughter and joy. She’d make every day an adventure of music and dance. Unlike him. His life revolved around work and numbers, boring, steady, reliable numbers, which suited him fine, but hardly rated against the musical arts.
    Lexi would cherish Jasmine and that was the best gift Jethro could ever give her.
    â€œWell, if that’s decided,” Clay glanced at his watch, “I made arrangements for you to see her this morning.”
    Jackson and Ryan looked at each other and then at Jethro.
    â€œDo you think that’s wise?” Jackson asked.
    â€œProbably not.” Jethro slid the manila envelope into his top desk drawer and closed it. “But it’s something I have to do.”
    At least once he needed to hold his daughter in his arms.

CHAPTER FIVE
    L EXI OPENED THE GATE and walked up the path toward the door of a two-story house. Before she got to the porch, the door opened and a slightly plump blonde waved.
    â€œHi, Lexi.” She stepped aside and a wild-haired child shot out the door and down the shallow step. “She’s excited to see you.”
    â€œLexi!” Jazi called out as she raced as fast as her little legs allowed down the walk.
    Lexi’s heart overflowed with love and she went down on her knees to catch the tiny fireball when she launched herself into Lexi’s arms.
    â€œLexi!” Little arms wrapped around her neck and soft lips smeared something sticky across her cheek.
    â€œJazi.” Lexi returned the smooches, hugging the baby close for a long minute. “I’ve missed you so much.”
    â€œMiss you.” Jazi repeated. She framed Lexi’s face in her hands and demanded, “Home.”
    Lexi’s heart wrenched. “I know, baby girl. I’m working on it.” She turned her attention to Jazi’s foster mom, who had to stay within sight of her during the visit. “Hi, Diana, how are you?”
    The court had granted Lexi supervised visitation. She’d argued, but in the end, she’d taken what she could get.
    â€œFine. But it’s turning into a busy day. This little one is quite popular today. I know you like to play with her outside, but can you come inside? I want to do a little more straightening up.”
    At first Jazi’s foster mother had been reserved with Lexi, almost cold. She’d probably been told Lexi had tried to circumvent the system. But as time went by and she saw Jazi’s affection for Lexi, she’d loosened up.
    â€œDiana, your place always looks great, but sure.” Lexi followed the