His Secret Christmas Baby Read online

  His chest swelled, and he leaned forward and cupped her face in his hands. “I hope so,” he said. “But we have to find Ryan first.”

  Tears blurred her eyes again, but then he lowered his mouth and kissed her. “I love you, Bri. And when we bring Ryan home, I want all of us to be a family.” His voice broke. “But even without Ryan, I want to be with you.”

  Brianna kissed him with all the pent up love she possessed. She wanted that more than anything. Now all they had to do was find Ryan and they would be a family.

  Until then, they’d love one another and keep searching for the baby who had brought them together.

  Chapter Twenty

  One week later

  Derrick rose from Brianna’s bed, filled with love for her. Yet a part of him was still empty, that throbbing part of his heart that missed his son.

  Cramer had called the Feds in to bust the meth lab members. Four kids from the high school were involved, and the town rocked with the news that three hometown boys—Wilbur Irkman, Mark Larimer and Principal Billings—had been responsible for the hospital explosion years ago. Charges were being filed and the men were in jail.

  He and Brianna had also filmed a television interview pleading for information about Ryan.

  The FBI and GAI were still searching for Mark’s brother.

  Derrick’s cell phone buzzed, and he glanced at the number. GAI.

  Hope warred with fear as he connected the call. “McKinney.”

  “It’s Running Deer.” We have news. I tracked Mark’s brother and girlfriend. The authorities have them in custody.”

  “What about Ryan?” Derrick held his breath.

  “They claim they dropped him at an orphanage in north Georgia. I spoke with the social worker there, and she saw your plea on TV. She believes the baby is Ryan. Ben faxed over his photo and DNA and they’re running tests now.”

  Hope fed his adrenaline. “Where is the orphanage?”

  His friend gave him the address, and Derrick scribbled it down.

  “Thanks. I’m on my way.” Derrick disconnected the call, then raced to the bedroom. Brianna opened her eyes as he leaned over her and kissed her.

  “Wake up, sleepyhead. We have a lead on Ryan.”

  Brianna’s eyes popped open, pure joy flickering in her eyes. “Oh, Derrick, they found him?”

  “A social worker found a baby dropped off at an orphanage in north Georgia.” He tugged her out of bed. “They’re comparing DNA now, but the social worker recognized his photograph.”

  Brianna shrieked with excitement, threw off her gown, ran to the dresser and began to pull out underwear. She was so beautiful. Thank God, he had a lifetime to look at her and love her.

  But now they had to see their son.

  They hurriedly dressed, grabbed coffee and doughnuts at a drive-thru, then settled back for the long ride to north Georgia.

  It seemed to take them years to make the trip, but hope filled the car, the anticipation making them practically giddy.

  Finally they reached the orphanage, and the sun slid through the clouds shining down on them as they raced up to the door. A young brunette named Simone greeted them and showed them inside.

  Derrick introduced them both, and Simone smiled. “Yes, I saw you two on the news.”

  Derrick’s chest constricted. They’d gotten their hopes up, but what if this wasn’t Ryan?

  “The baby’s in here.” Simone led them in to a cozy den. The sound of children singing echoed from another room, and he spotted a small cradle near the fire. Christmas decorations adorned the house, the twinkling lights dancing across the room.

  Brianna inhaled next to him, and he took her hand and together they walked over to the cradle. His heart pounded as Simone lifted the baby and angled him so they could see his face.

  Brianna gasped. “It’s him. Oh, my God, Derrick, it’s really Ryan.”

  Simone’s face beamed. “The local sheriff just phoned. The DNA was a match.” She gestured toward Derrick. “Would you like to hold your son, Mr. McKinney?”

  Nerves knotted Derrick’s neck. He’d wanted this for so long. But what if he did something wrong?

  Brianna lifted her hand and stroked his back. “Go ahead, Derrick. Your son needs you.”

  “He needs us,” Derrick said gruffly. His chest clenched as he took his baby in his arms and cradled him close. One look in Ryan’s eyes and he knew this boy was his, that he’d do anything to protect him.

  Brianna lowered a kiss to Ryan’s cheek, and Derrick pulled her into his embrace, holding them both against him.

  He’d never liked the holidays before, especially Christmas. But this year everything had changed. Christmas had brought him a woman he loved, and a son.

  Ryan cooed up at him, and Derrick grinned foolishly, silently vowing to love his new family forever.

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-4491-8

  HIS SECRET CHRISTMAS BABY

  Copyright © 2009 by Rita B. Herron

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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