Author: Victoria Pinder
Date: 2017-08-15 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Contemporary Romance; Romance; Contemporary
Description: Drama seems to follow Victoria Morgan everywhere, but she’s determined to mend her past and reclaim what was so cruelly taken from her. Colt Collins moved on after the affair that left him heartbroken. After finding the child he bore with his ex, and serving in the US Marines, he builds a new life with his daughter on the family farm. Now, set to marry a woman he knows he can trust, he comes face-to-face with the love that abandoned him and their daughter many years ago. When Victoria returns to town to attend her father’s funeral, the truth about what happened to her daughter is revealed, lea

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SECRET BABY
by Victoria Pinder

Table of Contents

Title Page

Secret Baby (The House of Morgan, #2)

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

Secret Crush

Copyright©2016

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemble to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

Your support of author’s rights is appreciated.

Published in the United States of America.

Copyright © 2016 Victoria Pinder Love in a Book

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13:

ISBN-10:

DEDICATION

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This book is dedicated to my newborn daughter, Diana. I cannot imagine anything happening to her or going through what Victoria Morgan went through in this novel. Luckily I don’t have an evil father who would do any of this to me, and Diana won’t have troubles like this either. Her dad is pretty awesome.

CHAPTER ONE

Victoria Morgan smiled at the young woman about to purchase the most elaborate Sophia Tolli bridal gown in her boutique. A vibration made Vicki turn and peek at the screen on her vibrating cell phone. Did you have a kid and not tell anyone?

Her lips parted and her heart skipped a beat. While she waited for the credit card to process, her unsteady fingers typed a reply. Call me.

Can't. Vicki's hands shook while she tore the receipt from the printer and handed it to the bride-to-be. Her phone vibrated again. "You're going to be so happy," she managed, handing the woman a pen, then glanced at her brother's text.

Colt's at my house with a little girl that looks like you.

She looks like me?

After shoving the receipt beneath the register tray, Vicki walked around the counter and placed trembling fingers on the soon-to-be-bride's back as she guided her to the exit. "It's a gorgeous gown, and you'll be an even more gorgeous bride."

Vicki managed to remain upright through the parting pleasantries until the moment the door latched shut. Her chest constricted, and she grabbed for a counter and doubled over, gasping for air. It couldn't be. Her baby had died. It was why she'd left town years ago. Right?

"Josie, I have to go," she called to her store manager, as she fumbled for her phone and checked her bag for keys.

"Sure. You're white as a ghost," Josie answered, as she glanced at Vicki from behind a pouf of white lace she'd been steaming. "Hope everything is okay. Can I do something to help?"

"No, thank you."

The phone vibrated again. Get over here, now.

On my way. Stall him.

She ran out the door.

Her brother, John Morgan, was engaged to Alice Collins, Colt's little sister. Vicki swallowed as she fumbled to get her keys. Her father, Mitch Morgan’s fingerprints were all over this. Her father had been the only person with her the day she found out her own daughter died, and he had always intended her to help Morgan Enterprises succeed.

His pressure to date one of his future acquisitions was why she let her family believe her to be dead.

How did Colt Collins get involved in this? And why would he have her baby?

She had a pain in her chest as she dropped the keys onto the ground. She fell to her knees to pick them up.

Her mind swirled. Alice had mentioned to her Colt was leaving his service with the Marines soon. She hadn't mentioned a child. Vicki's gaze clouded.

She brushed her knees then ran in the parking lot.

Had Colt stolen their daughter? Images of the past all collided in her head, where nothing made sense. This was too much to believe, considering how things ended between them. She hadn't told him she was pregnant. Then, the day of her baby's birth, she'd run and disappeared. Colt had been at boot camp then. He couldn't have taken her baby. She needed to breathe. Vicki ran to her Lexus SUV parked behind in the lot.

Her heart raced, and she fumbled with her keys as she tried to get them into the lock, but she succeeded and jumped into the driver's seat. Tugging at her ear, she started the engine and waited for someone in the next spot to close a car door. Her skin prickled with unease.

Finally, she drove out of the back gate.

One fact repeated itself over and over in her brain as she stared at the red light. Her father had been the one with her at the hospital the day she gave birth then lost her baby.

Everyone in the House of Morgan had one person to blame, including her.

Her adrenaline spiked, but she worked out the situation. The Marines didn't let out cadets during advanced training to be an officer and they didn't let them return with infants, but Mitch Morgan had specific ideals on how he could profit on her life, like she was a business deal.

She nodded to herself. This was logical. Something else happened, and the foul taste in her mouth reeked of a Morgan trick.

Her heavy stomach refused to accept this. Her baby being alive changed everything. Cocking her head to the side of the road, she saw sunshine that beamed onto the street in front of her. What if what John texted was true and her daughter lived? Her hand flew to her chest, like she could hold in the hope growing there.

Like the humidity in Miami, the sensation pressed through faster than lightning in her skin.

Someone walked across the street, and Vicki slammed on the brakes. She'd almost missed the red light. Lowering her forehead to the steering wheel, she took a deep breath and waited for the dizziness to abate and her thoughts to clear. She inhaled deeply. She'd been so stupid.

The light turned green and she continued on. Touching her mother's necklace around her neck helped steady her. Vicki shook off the powerful fear and turned down the last street. Colt had been the most honest man she'd ever known. He was nothing like the men who wished to impress the House of Morgan, her father's way to say "family."

After driving well over the speed limit, she finally parked in John's driveway and fixed her gray floral skirt and pink blouse. She stepped out into the pressing, never-ending heat, and took a deep breath to stop her stomach from flipping.

She massaged her throat and stared at the white door. Then she gazed into the front yard. Colt's old blue pickup truck and a Marines license plate made her knees buckle. He was here. Breathlessly, she told herself there was a reason, but it didn't matter.

Her high heels clinked on the pavement of the driveway. She tried to not believe. Her baby was dead. She shouldn't let her heart race so fast. Everything was a probably a misunderstanding and wishing on her part.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she battled to steady her racing pulse. She finally pressed the doorbell and waited for someone to open. Questions flew through her head. What would her baby look like? She must have her blonde hair for John to recognize her. Perhaps her eyes too?

Seeing with her own eyes her baby being alive was all that mattered, as her foot tapped against the stoop and she heard Alice's voice inside.

Vicki stared at the ground, forced herself to inhale and exhale, but her hands twitched at her side. The lock clicked and Vicki waited. A memory flashed to the day at the hospital. Her father hadn't said anything when the nurse told her, except he said everything was as it should be.

Her breath hitched as the door opened. Mitch Morgan's crimes grew if he truly did this.

Heaviness spread down her spine and pressed against her heart.

The doors opened, and she hesitated. Vicki rubbed her forearms and fought the chill spreading through her body. Alice smiled at her and opened the door wider. "Hello. We weren't expecting you, Vicki."

She gazed into Colt's brown eyes. Her childhood crush's face lost its color, and the tension in her body lessened. For four weeks, Colt had been hers, and her mouth fell open slightly. The Marines had transformed him from sexy, cute boy to hard-bodied, muscular man. Those strong arms, wide shoulders, and deliciously sexy body were all new. But the coldness he stared back at her with kept her silent.

Alice called out, "John, Vicki's here."

She then walked backward and went to the bedroom.

Vicki couldn't breathe. She did a double take. Colt wouldn't lie. Her father had always lied. What happened? And where was her baby?

She swallowed, and her gaze went to bedroom door.

John stood in the kitchen with a tray and coughed for her attention. She turned toward him, but she was lightheaded. Her heart cracked open. The air in the room held something, and she was in the right place. Her eyes met her brother's stare, and she asked, "Where is she?"

John's eyes widened. Vicki refused to listen. Not now. John nodded at her. "In the other room."

A moment later Alice ran out of the bedroom chasing a blonde, blue-eyed little girl. "Vicki, this is my niece Clara."

Vicki's heart melted as she stared at her daughter.

Her ears replayed the named Clara, and she swallowed. Colt had chosen his mother's name.

He had to have known from the beginning.

Impossible. Her heart beat faster, so fast it almost fell out of her ribs. Stepping backward in the hall, Vicki stared at the girl. Her heart screamed that she had found her daughter. She covered her mouth; the fluttering in her stomach had her skin all a tingle.

Colt stepped in her vision, shook his head, and picked up the little girl immediately. "Clara, honey, it's time to go."

Vicki gripped the end table, but knocked the lamp over. No. Colt could not take her away.

Alice stared at her wide-eyed. "My brother is home to stay and brought his daughter over to visit me. Vicki, you're white as a ghost."

Another betrayal, but this time from her best friend. The thought brought back some coherency.

"His daughter?" Vicki asked in a shaky voice. Then she stared at the little girl. She had her blonde hair, not Colt's dark hair. But she had her father's face. "Did you know, Alice?"

Alice's eyes narrowed. "Know what?"

Vicki pursed her lips. A heavy cloud descended upon her brain as she thought one word to herself: lies. Fumbling for words, she met Colt's narrowed and stormy stare. She'd ask Alice later, but right now she turned, gulped, and asked, "Haven't you been in Afghanistan? How do you have a daughter?"

"Someone had to care for her." Colt's strong arms held that girl tight to his chest. "I made time for my daughter, as any man would."

The girl laughed. "Daddy, who's she?"

Colt kept the girl wrapped in his arms. "No one, sweetheart. We have to go."

John stepped next to Alice and called out, "Colt, wait. We all have eyes. My sister faked her death for years. She will have a good reason."

"Clara deserves more than excuses." Colt stepped away and grabbed a small bag.

Vicki's voice cracked. "What? Colt, is she—"

"You know who she is, and why I don't want my daughter hurt," Colt interrupted, and carried his daughter toward the door. "Leave us alone, Victoria Morgan."

Alice called out in a small voice, "What are you talking about?"

Right now Vicki couldn't let him leave. Six years of her life were all a lie. Vicki stepped forward and got in Colt's way as he made a beeline for the door. She inhaled, and Colt had the same smell of oranges mixed with oak trees. Her nose turned toward him despite everything, and no argument formed. All she could do was ask, "Please, Colt, what's going on?"

"Why am I the one with answers?" He kissed the girl, who giggled in his arms. "I came home from war and wanted my daughter to visit my sister and her soon-to-be husband. What are you asking me?"

Her heart raced, though her muscles went rigid. "Who's her mother?"

"Don't do this in front of her." Colt shook his head and tried to cover the girl's ears. "Step out of the way, Victoria."

"Daddy, is that lady my mom?" Clara's singsong voice and trust in Colt knocked Vicki hard in her stomach. "She's awfully pretty."

Vicki's breath hitched. Her baby was alive.

Colt bounced the girl in his arm. "Doesn't matter, sweetheart. Daddy loves you."

"Am I?" Vicki repeated the question with a high voice, her hand on her chest. She needed to hear the affirmation.

"This isn't possible." Alice shook her head. "When in the world did my brother date my best friend?"

Vicki didn't look at her friend, though her heart hammered as she stared into Colt's brown eyes.

"Don't hurt her, Victoria Morgan. The House of Morgan has done enough damage." Colt stepped around her and opened the front door. He kept his daughter in his arms, and outside, on the front stoop, he called to his sister, "Alice, we'll get together another time."

A sudden coldness hit Vicki's core. She doubled over the second the door closed and she heard his truck engine. The words hadn't formed in her mouth to say something to stop him. Her muscles went rigid again. She couldn't believe Colt Collins would deceive her. Unlike her father, Colt had always been a stand-up guy. A small part of her heart whispered that he'd been the one to keep Clara safe.

Her baby's name was Clara.

It was a pretty name.

John came over and hugged her. Turning to her brother, she let him hold her trembling body.

Alice sat on her couch with her mouth open. Then she rubbed her pregnant belly. John repositioned himself to hold his fiancée's hand too. Alice tapped his leg and then switched seats with John to sit next to Vicki. Vicki hardly noticed anything until Alice took her hand. Her friend now smelled more like a mom as she quietly asked, "Did you have a baby with my brother, Vicki?"

Vicki's eyes widened. She'd never spoken about this. Everything in her head was fuzzy, but she nodded.

Alice clutched her stomach, and John dropped hers to massage his wife's shoulder and arm.

Alice pressed her lips together. "Why didn't you say anything? I didn't know you even dated my brother."

"A month doesn't count as dating." Clawing her nails into the seat cushion, Vicki forced herself to relax. She gazed at the marble floors and then up to the windows that showed Biscayne Bay. The water view somehow cleared her mind. Vicki swallowed and stared at Alice. "My baby died the day she was born."

"No one told me about you and Colt." Alice shook her head. "For years, your name never came up. Please explain this one more time. How did you have my brother's baby without me knowing?"

Vicki bit her lip then answered, "Before college, we both went on that trip to Paris, for the orchestra. You weren't there."

"The church-sponsored choir? I don't believe it." Alice pushed John's knees down then asked, "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

Vicki closed her eyes and let the words fly out. "Dad said he'd take care of me if I stayed home, and didn't start at UM right away. He'd say he'd fix everything so that we weren't giving up on my dreams." Her stomach rolled.

John quietly said, "I never came home from college, Vic. I should have been here for you."

Vicki's gaze flew to her brother's. "The House of Morgan is above everyone else." Vicki's lips curled as she repeated her father's infamous words. "John, you escaped because Peter was the oldest, but I believed our dad. He lied to everyone, but I thought I was the exception."

"He hurt all of us." John's arm went around Alice, and he nodded. "A baby would interfere with his plan to marry you off to the highest bidder."

"The House of Morgan doesn't answer to anyone." Vicki jerked away and stared at her brother. He had their father's nose, though Peter had more of the personality. Tears that she refused to shed formed in her eyes. "You knew him. We were his pawns."

Alice made a sound in her throat and everyone stared at her. Then she asked, "Why didn't you tell my brother?"

The humidity outside the air-conditioned walls would push Vicki toward the ground and take over. Her body felt hot. She swallowed her retort that he'd slept with another woman the day he left. Alice would defend her brother. Vicki's cheeks felt wet from tears that refused to stop. "I wanted to tell Colt, but he had gone to basic over the summer, then officer school in the fall. When the time came closer to my due date, I was ready to tell him. I told Dad my plan to go to DC before Colt shipped out. Dad threatened to take our family fortune away from me if I tried. It was to be my daughter's inheritance." The whine in her voice shouldn't exist. She had no one to blame. "I wish I had told Colt. A few months after giving birth, I ran away."

"You didn't know Dad went that far." John leaned closer to pat her knee. "You told me in confidence at the will reading how you lost your baby. The second I saw the little girl with Colt, I saw you, Vicki. She even has the Morgan birthmark on the bottom of her foot."

"You saw that?" Vicki's eyes watered fully now, but she saw through her soaked eyelashes. "I'm so grateful. Ever since that day, I've never been whole."

"Neither of you better think, for one second, my brother would steal Vicki's baby from her. That's insane," Alice added fast, and crossed her arms. "Colt is one of the best men I know, and I'm not saying that because he's my brother. He's moral and fair and awesome."

Vicki blushed. She shook her head, then wrung the edge of her blouse. Her heart still raced. "No. Dad would have, not Colt. The House of Morgan must always stand, or something like that. I was so stupid."

Vicki's spine was rigid, and she squirmed in her seat.

Alice sighed. "I don't understand. If you think that, why would you have not told my brother he was going to be a father? Just because you're the heirs of a fortune doesn't mean your family controls you."

"Our father controlled everything." John turned to her and placed his hand on her knee. "You say that because your parents love you, unconditionally. We never had that."

Alice shook her head, but said nothing else.

Vicki held her head in her hands and stared at the ground. Her stomach flipped like she was still the teenager whose father thought her the worst daughter. She'd not get sick. "I was eighteen and knocked up by a man with ties to government agencies that might threaten my father's business empire."

"We own a farm, though Dad had been in the service and my brother joined the Marines," Alice said. "Was your father selling to both sides of any war?"

"Probably, but the ties you have, it was enough."

"Look, you're my best friend, but Colt's my brother. I'm trying to understand. Let me put the dots together. Your brother Peter is still dating the horrible Jennifer, though he's been kind to all of us lately. John came to town on a mission to destroy your father, which is how we fell in love, and I know you faked your death, Vicki. I can believe all of this, but my mind is still trying to grasp what you said about Colt. He'd have protected you just as he watched out for Clara. Why didn't you go to him?"

"I couldn't. I stupidly wanted to be a good daughter, and then it was too late."

Alice smacked her lips, but said nothing.

"Colt was the perfect guy that I was forbidden to date." Vicki rubbed the back of her neck and hoped the heat vanished. "He was off limits because he was a Collins, but my heart told me he was so different than everyone else."

John added, "Alice thought I was a spoiled, rich brat, and until recently hated my guts."

"I didn't hate you. I just didn't like you." Alice smiled, and Vicki watched the engaged couple tighten their handholding. "Then you stole my heart."

Part of Vicki's heart soared. Love was supposed to be happy, like with these two. Her life was complicated.

She gave a closed-lip smile, then Vicki told them, "I found out as I packed my bags for college of my pregnancy, and Colt shipped out the next day for basic. He had his life planned to leave Miami for a while and never come back. I had my life planned with music that helped keep my sanity in my father's world. We were going our separate ways. So I thought my life changed with a baby. Then my dad promised to support me, and he's all I ever knew."

Alice narrowed her eyes. "Colt's had Clara since the day she was born. I didn't know you were the mother. He never said anything to me, and I never guessed you'd have had sex with him."

"The girl has my hair," Vicki argued fast, though she regretted the words.

"Lots of women are blondes. I didn't know you even liked Colt." Alice stood and twirled like she would go to the kitchen. Then she stopped and gazed at Vicki. "You're going to have to talk to him, but he had that look of a bear out to protect his baby just now."

"Where does he live?" Vicki asked. She had to pull herself together. She had to talk to Colt and make him understand. "I've not seen him since we came home from that summer trip to Europe."

Alice stood, walked over, and opened the refrigerator, and refused to stare at Vicki. Vicki gazed at her friend as she pulled out vegetables to chop. Alice found a large knife and went to the counter to dice. Finally Vicki followed and stood next to her. Alice wiped her face dry, shook her head, and finished. "He's staying at our family's ranch now, and our parents live in Palm Beach, near the beach, as a sort of retirement."

To see Clara, she'd face Colt. "So he's alone with Clara?"

Alice chopped the celery. "Until his new fiancée, Belle, gets out of the service and joins him here. She's never been to Florida, but the wedding is in two months. They planned to move north to the bigger ranch and tend to the planting up there, but now I don't know. I can call my dad, but I'd guess Colt's seen enough war. He wants to stick to his farm and not come off it."

Vicki closed her eyes and, despite having to face down Colt, fought back a fit of hysterical laughter. Her baby had lived. She'd been a fool, but she had a second chance. Motherhood meant she was necessary. She had risked her neck, but now giddiness rose in her. For the first time, it was enough. "I'll head there, then. My daughter will need her mother."

CHAPTER TWO

Colt rubbed his temples and closed his daughter's bedroom door. His heartbeat stayed fast and unsure. Tonight had been bad. He reopened the door to check on her one more time. His daughter was stubborn. Clara had cried herself to sleep because he'd not admitted Victoria Morgan was her mother. Now she slept like an angel, but a cold fury rose in his brain.

Vicki had acted surprised, but that was impossible. Women didn't forget that they bore a child. She'd left town.

The house was quiet now, and allowed him to think.

Colt turned on his feet, headed to the kitchen, held his head high, and went to get a beer out of the fridge. The second he popped it open and heard the fizzing sound, his nostrils flared. Even a small pleasure wasn't enough to block out Vicki's baby-blue eyes today. He closed the fridge, sat on his couch, and took a sip.

The cold brew calmed him for a second. But how dare Vicki just show up?

He should have known she would. Even reptile mothers raised their children to a point. She'd abandoned her daughter and hadn't told him about anything. He rubbed his eyes.

Of course, Victoria Morgan must have changed her mind and returned for their daughter, unannounced. Was that why she'd come back to life? The Morgans were notorious for lying, cheating, or stealing to get what they wanted. She must have learned that from her father, but she was years too late. Colt had raised his daughter the best he could, and no one would take her from him.

His skin prickled. It was one thing for her to lie, and use him, but she'd not do it to their baby girl. His job was to protect Clara.

Clara deserved better.

With his feet up on his coffee table, he settled deeper in on his couch, but the beer didn't slow his heartbeat. A cold unease pricked at his skin and left him itchy to go somewhere or hit something. But he couldn't.

He was stuck.

Finally, Colt picked up the phone and called his sister. Had she been a party to that ambush? He hadn't wanted to think so, but her last name was about to be Morgan too.

Had the family's influence dragged his sister down too?

On the second ring, Alice answered. "Colt. Thank goodness you called. I had no idea Vicki was Clara's mother. Why didn't you tell me?"

His sister had been Vicki's groupie in school and did whatever Vicki decided she'd do. Alice grew up, but he saw how she'd been then. He coughed. "I had just joined the Marines. You didn't wonder how I suddenly had a baby girl?"

"I thought the mother was someone in the Marines."

"That wouldn't have been allowed," Colt said. "And basic lasts six weeks, not nine months."

"You never said a word. If it was Vicki, you should have stayed home and kept Clara safe."

"I kept her safe." Another lie from her lips? Despite the headache, Colt couldn't believe that. Alice had never once betrayed him, and she was always a good sister. His voice held his spite, despite his love for her. "Men don't quit. I worked out a deal that made our parents happy. And Clara is fine. What's not fine is what happened today."

Alice repeated herself: "I didn't know."

He closed his eyes and held the bottle to his head. He believed his sister, but all he could do was repeat himself. Vicki had to have known. "She told you to jump in school and you only asked how high. I have to ask this. Did you set me up?"

"No. I'd never do that to you."

His blood pressure calmed down a little. He trusted her.

His voice still had its edge as he asked her, "How did she show up at your place unannounced, then, asking for Clara? Have you turned into a Morgan that fast?"

"I'm not a Morgan until after the wedding and our baby is born."

A sigh escaped his lips, but he said nothing.

His sister's voice wavered. "John texted her."

His heartbeat raced again and he shook his head. Men didn't involve themselves in the affairs of others. The vein in Colt's neck thumped and the heat of the phone burned through him. Coldness swept through him as he told Alice, "Okay, I'm going to kill your husband-to-be."

"Please don't. John should have talked to me first. Vicki's his sister, and the Morgan family wasn't very loving to their children. At least you and I had family, but they had no one."

She'd abandoned their daughter. "Not an excuse, Alice."

"John said the past few years Vicki had been haunted by something. The moment he saw Clara, John did the math. He saw what I clearly missed. So let's get back to my question. Is she Clara's mother?"

He closed his eyes and sipped his beer to let the cold drink calm him down. Then he answered, "Yeah, I didn't sleep around knocking up every woman I met."

Alice breathed deeply and Colt sat straighter the second his sister said, "Colt, she didn't know. She thought her baby died."

"Morgans are all liars. She gave birth, so she was in the room the day Clara was born."

He pursed his lips. His sister had jumped ship already and defended the perfect Victoria Morgan. In high school, Alice had tried to be exactly like Victoria. And the beautiful blonde had adopted Alice into her little group, like she was a pet, despite their families' history of avoiding each other.

"You're being stubborn, Colt."

"The Collins of Miami all serve their country and do the right thing. The Morgans are unsavory."

"Mitch Morgan was horrible. He lied to his daughter, but his sins don't make his children guilty."

"Stop." Colt had stayed out of everything until that summer trip to Paris. He figured one day Alice would grow out of her Morgan infatuation. "You're about to marry one, but I never will."

"No, you're marrying this Belle, who you never once brought home to meet me or our parents."

"Belle's very busy in Washington, D.C. She has a job." Colt's mind stayed on Vicki and how her lips had once tasted like rose petals.

"It's still strange you intend to marry someone who's never come to Miami."

His head couldn't remember Belle at the moment. His mind shouted instead that Vicki had signed away all rights on adoption papers. He had the papers in his office. "Vicki was dead."

"On that she lied. I thought we were talking about Belle now."

He blinked and almost dropped his beer to the ground. He caught the glass and told his sister, "Or, like she always did, she lied to get you to believe whatever she wanted you to think."

"Vicki's under your skin." Alice's voice had a tsk sound in it. "She's not evil. She is not her father."

"And you're marrying one of the heirs to the house."

"John likes the word family. Peter, Vicki's brother, has taken the throne. You might like John or even Peter now."

With a roll of his eyes, memories he'd long ago buried rushed back. "Peter was a rebel without a cause. He always got whatever he wanted and never had to do one ounce of hard work in class."

"His father told him at age ten that he'd be thrown out of the family if he didn't earn a million dollars on the stock market by his next birthday." Alice sighed. "Our parents were nothing like that. Vicki disappeared. Give her a second chance."

All clues on why he should never get involved with self-absorbed socialites. "Victoria Morgan was always the princess. And I called her that to her face. She came home weeks ago, but I'd bet five dollars she never mentioned our baby to you."

"You were off with the Marines." Alice added, "Vicki helped me with John, and she's a sweetheart, Colt. She's the maid of honor at my wedding."

"Figures." Colt held his phone firmly and said, "Victoria always told you exactly what to do."

"Stop, Colt."

He laughed, but the bitterness in his throat scratched a bit. "Rich, spoiled brats, and Vicki proved it the day she tossed her child away because motherhood interfered with college parties."

Alice said, "Colt, you're repeating yourself because you're stuck. It's possible you were both victims in this."

"That shouldn't matter. Clara is all that matters."

"She should know her mom."

"Clara deserves parents who will raise her, and take care of her, like I've done since the day she was born." His shoulders dropped. Yelling at his sister wouldn't solve anything. "It's my job to protect my baby."

"You're doing a great job."

His muscles tensed despite the compliment. "Clara is all that matters."

His sister released a loud sigh then told him, "And you've always done right by her."

He rubbed his temples and closed his eyes while he told her the truth: "Alice, I never wanted to see her again."

"Not everything is black and white. This isn't war. You're all my family now, through Clara, through me."

His sister had a point. Fighting Vicki meant he'd need a battle plan to protect Clara. The Morgans were like gods, and they always got what they wanted. Alice must have guessed she'd scored a point with him, because she ran the next few sentences together in one breath. "Call me in the morning. I'm going to talk you into talking with her. Tonight, I listened to Vicki, and I believe her. The villain was her father. He signed both your names on those adoption papers."

He sucked in his breath. Vicki had to be involved in this too. She had been in the hospital and given birth. He shook his head. "It took me over a year to prove my name had been forged."

"I remember you talking to our dad, and bits and pieces of those whispered conversations make sense now. You all hushed up when I walked into the room." She added fast, "And if yours was a fake, hers could have been too."

"I knew you'd defend your friend. It's why I never wanted to talk about Victoria with you." He rolled his eyes. "Vicki's a good liar."

"Stop."

Colt held his breath and waited for the rest. Alice, like everyone else in his family, never took no for an answer.

She continued, "Please, you're angry right now. Tonight, just think about this."

She hadn't yelled. He told his sister, "Good night."

"Night." It sounded like she had more to say, but held it back.

Colt sipped his beer and hung up. The story was full of holes, and he'd prove it. Silence greeted his ears, yet he had too much energy coursing through him right now.

Heat flushed his body, and he stared at his phone. Belle's number was in his favorites. Perhaps he needed to have an adult conversation. He scrolled to his fiancée's number, but didn't hit the button to call her. Belle Jordan deserved his full attention, and he shouldn't stir up his anger. Belle never pushed him off a ledge. He clicked on her name to stare at her picture. Belle was probably busy. She was always on the go.

He scrolled through all his contacts. His neck heated. Belle had always respected his parental rights to call all the shots with Clara. The dark-haired woman he'd agreed to marry always agreed with him. He should call her. His mother's number passed through his scrolling. His parents had a big part in raising Clara whenever he couldn't, but they might be sleeping.

Without a thought either way, he scrolled down to Victoria Morgan's name. He kept all his contacts still, and her old number was there. Had Vicki changed her number? This one was from college. Their daughter was about to start first grade now. He rubbed the back of his neck and stared at her number. Without thinking, he hit "call" and the phone rang.

He assumed he'd talk to a stranger, but she answered two rings later, "Hello?"

One more reason he'd not trust her. If he had her number still, then she shouldn't have the high pitch of shock in her voice. One phone call would have changed his life. He hadn't changed his number. "Vicki. Had you lost my number?"

With a heavy sigh that sounded sad, she answered, "Colt. No, I knew it was you."

Then she could have called him years ago. "Why didn't you call?"

"I didn't know you'd answer."

He stood up and threw his beer bottle in the trash, then cracked his knuckles. "What did you plan to accomplish with that stunt you pulled today?"

"I'm sorry. Colt, I had no idea she was alive. My father—"

"Don't..." The sweat on his forehead grew, and he picked up another beer bottle, not that liquor helped. "Save the sob story for someone else. Clara's not a ball to win in a game. She's my baby girl, and I won't let anyone hurt her."

"Please, Colt." Her voice shook. "She's my baby too."

His nose was itchy. "You gave up all rights to her. I have the paperwork."

"That's not what happened." Vicki's voice had a singsong edge to it that burned his ears. "You left home and slept with Belle the first week of basic training."

"That's nonsense, and not an excuse for what happened."

"I couldn't live under my father's house, but if I knew you had Clara, I'd have come straight to you."

She could have come to him with or without their baby. He bit his lower lip, and the fury in his blood grew. "You abandoned her. I kept our daughter."

She took a deep breath, but then her voice had a melancholy sound to it. "You were once sweet and understanding, Colt. I was lied to. I never had a father like you. Mine demanded I do what he say."

Colt lost some of his steam. "I remember your old man."

Vicki repeated facts he remembered: "He held a shotgun to your head that summer he found out about us in Paris. You'd ruin his plans for me, and he said that before I even knew I was pregnant."

"He had seen us naked at the lake." Colt crossed his arms. "I'd shoot any boy that came near Clara."

"It's not the same thing. My father sought to control."

His collar grew tight. "You could have called me. If you were in trouble, I could have kept you safe too."

"You're talking about my father and my family. He was all I had, all I knew." Vicki sobbed for a second then composed herself. "I don't want to fight with you. I'm happy my baby had you to keep her safe."

His entire body tensed. "Don't call her that. Clara is nothing but gum under your shoe until the second a new idea pops into your head."

"No." She almost broke into sobs. He rubbed his neck again to find some relief, but her voice haunted him. "I've not lived a day in six years, one months, two weeks, one day, and twenty-two hours. That was when the doctors told me she died."

Her numbers added up, and he hated hurting anyone. He dared not believe her, but his gut told him to. He shook his head, but her shaky numbers chipped away at him. With his lips sealed, he tapped his tongue to his cheek, and depended on his logic. Finally he opened his mouth and said, "Where were you?"

"It doesn't matter." She was right. Not that he said that. He stayed silent.

She sniffled. "I should have told you. I should have called. Dad talked me into being quiet while he stole my life. You know as well as I do that my father could pay anyone to get them to say what he wanted."

A memory flashed in his mind of her father. He had snidely told Vicki, "The Collins are too boring for the likes of you. Daughters end up married to men like their dad, and your crush on middle-class values will end." His nostrils flared again.

"And you would do anything to please that man who stole more money than most countries' entire GDP," he said.

"I should have trusted you, not him." Her pleading voice hit more buttons in him, and he defused. "What daughter doesn't want her father's love? I didn't know he'd go this far. He ruined my life."

Not one word came out of his mouth. He couldn't close his jaw, but then he gazed down the hall toward his daughter's bedroom. "It's not about you. It's about Clara."

He hadn't known what else to say. He went to the fridge and found the bottle opener for a second beer. The day his mother handed him his daughter changed him. One day after he came out of boot camp, he was a full-time father. Colt had still hoped against reason that Vicki would come back soon. He had wanted an explanation, but the years had been silent.

In sobs, she begged him, "Colt, are you still on the phone?"

"Yeah." He sipped his second beer. He shouldn't believe her. He glanced at the wall to his engagement picture. Belle wasn't weak, and didn't need him. Belle's blue eyes could turn a man cold, and she'd never cry, not like Vicki. Vicki's baby-blue eyes and blonde hair still had left the impression of soft and innocent. He let out an audible sigh. "Look. Let's meet tomorrow. I'll get a sitter. Meet you for coffee at that shop we all went to after high school."

"Thank you. See you at eight a.m. I'll bring proof he lied."

"Give me time to get the babysitter. Eleven is better." Excitement wasn't what he wanted from her. But if he believed her, then he'd be a jerk to stand in the way.

"Okay. Colt, I'm sure you are a great dad."

Tonight he slept on it. "I don't want to get your hopes up, Vicki, but this conversation shouldn't be over the phone."

Her pitch grew higher, and so did his heart when she answered, "I can't wait for tomorrow. Colt. Thank you."

He pictured her jumping up and down on the other end. The image of her bright smile of pearly white teeth caused a small smile on his face. Clara had the same innocence as her mother. He sipped his bottle and told her, "Stop. Good night."

"Night."

He clicked end on his phone, but he couldn't hold still either. Victoria had haunted his dreams for years, and he had always wondered what happened. Belle's picture grabbed his attention. He shouldn't respond to his curiosity about Vicki anymore. She was his past, and he was engaged. Even if he believed her, nothing changed in his life.

Belle. His fiancée should matter. They were getting married in a few weeks, at her insistence. With Vicki, he'd work out time for her to be with their daughter, if she agreed to share. He'd not let anyone hurt Clara.

What would Belle say about Vicki? Her voice raced through his head as she answered, "Don't believe liars, Colt." He swallowed and then scrolled through his phone. For a second he stared at her picture again. He knew what she'd say, and he'd hang up more confused. His heart fluttered as he remembered Vicki's wide eyes at his sister's house today. His cheeks grew warmer and he told himself marriage required trust. He swallowed, and then dialed.

In less than a ring, Belle answered, "Colt, honey, I'm so glad you called. I need you here in DC."

He closed his eyes and inhaled. "I told you I'm staying in Florida to raise my daughter. I'm not a lobbyist."

"You're too important to go home and disappear, Colt. We need you here. We have important work..."

He could imagine how she sipped her latte with extra foam as she prepared for another debate on gun control. The never-ending debate wasn't what he wanted to spend days on. "This is my home."

"You are more than a boring farm."

It sounded like she was clomping somewhere in heels. "It's near Miami. Life is never boring here."

She sighed. "Honey, I need you. Senator Thrax won't talk to a woman."

Politics could wait. He shook his head. "I need to talk to you about Clara."

"Is your daughter okay?" At least she stopped her clip-clopping on the other end.

He huffed out, "She's fine."

The ching of a register rang through the phone. A moment later, she sipped what was probably her sixth latte of the day. He took another sip of his beer and waited. Finally, she told him, "Good. There are some great private schools here."

He crossed his arms. "Stop. It's not going to happen. I have to tell you something."

"What? Colt, don't leave me in suspense. Just spit it out."

Belle was silent, and he closed his eyes. "I saw her mother today."

No background noise greeted his ear. He placed his beer on the table and opened his eyes. Slowly, she answered him. "Clara has a mother? I thought she was a motherless child."

He picked his beer back up and sipped. "She has her grandma in that role. You know that."

A sound of a car door slammed behind her. "Oh, so you spent the day with your mother. I must have misheard."

Belle must be busy. She'd taken the high-paying job to lobby for the gun manufacturers for military weapons, despite his intention to retire back to his ranch and never fight in another war. He'd told her his plans. She'd proposed to him, and somehow he had accepted. Now he had made a promise to her, and hadn't changed his mind on the ranch. He sipped his beer again, then told her, "No. You didn't misunderstand me. Clara's birth mother walked into my sister's place unannounced."

"What? Colt, are you saying this to get me to fly down to Nowheresville faster?"

"No." He clutched his phone. "Homestead is my home, and soon to be yours too. In war, I went to bed every night and dreamed about this place."

"Colt, we're not children. Washington."

He almost finished his beer now. This conversation wasn't what he needed. "Stop. It's not good for Clara."

"Having a daughter didn't stop you from service. You trusted your parents."

"They aren't here now."

"You're making this difficult, honey."

Belle made time for senators, guns, and war. Clara deserved sweetness. "You'll see the place next week, as we planned. I should go."

"I'm not happy," she said. "You should be here."

He closed his eyes and pictured the wide openness of the range. He'd be on his horse and everything else would right itself. He'd lost his fighting edge long ago. "Good night, Belle. I'll see you next week."

She sighed and whispered, "Colt, I'll be there as soon as I can. I miss you."

Soon he'd marry Belle. He'd keep his promise, and with time she'd like it here. Belle would eventually ease into the place, then she'd quit her busy job. His family owned at least a quarter of all Florida farmland of orange groves. Soon enough the running of the agricultural corporation would fall on his shoulders, and he'd not deal with the military. The Collins organic empire would continue to prosper, and Clara would never suffer. "I miss you too, honey. Night."

As he turned off his phone and set it to charge, Vicki's easy smile haunted him.

He headed to bed. All the women in his life confused him, and Belle had somehow joined the number. He yawned and collapsed on his bed. Tomorrow, after a good night's sleep, he hoped he'd have a sense of clarity. Today's visit to his sister had changed everything, and Vicki might be permanent in his life. He had no idea of his next move.

The moment he closed his eyes, he remembered Vicki's sweet smile at him that day in the coffee shop as they discussed football, or how her rosy smell had mixed into the essence of her taste. She had been the captain of the cheerleaders, and watched every game with such intensity.

The past should stay in his memory. He had his daughter.

He'd fallen instantly for his baby girl, but the mother had always been a mystery. What if she had been lied to? Did he dare believe her tale, or did that make him a sucker?

CHAPTER THREE

With the moon still in the morning sky and the humidity not quite pressing so heavily right now, Vicki clutched her car steering wheel. Eleven o'clock was so far away. Her heart raced.

If she barged down Colt's door and yelled and demanded, she wouldn't help her cause. Today she had to be a lady. Her mind whirled with possibilities, but she dare not act. He'd set the time for eleven to meet, and she respected that. He'd raised their daughter, and she'd not fight him, if she could avoid it. Colt could be reasonable. She'd not see their daughter today, but one-on-one conversation with Colt was a good start.

Her fingers curled so tight that her hands were white. Her whirlwind of thoughts wasn't helping.

She started her car and eased in her seat to drive. Vicki fought her heart, which begged to beat on his door, but she forced herself to turn toward work. Work would be good right now, and she had to prove to herself she was fine. She'd go to the bridal boutique she'd opened, despite how her skin jumped. Weddings were like music, and people's happiness buoyed her own spirits. She'd rearrange the store in the early morning hours. She'd always had a good eye. Then she'd let Josie earn her pay as the manager.

Eleven o'clock would be here soon enough. Vicki sighed to relax and drove down the familiar street.

She'd be reasonable if he would. But no one would keep her from her daughter. She'd take Colt down if she had to. She stared at a stop sign and jerked her car to a stop. She shouldn't have almost missed that.

Wait. It wasn't a good idea to be so defensive. She rolled her shoulders and parked the car in her usual spot. No one was here. She clutched her bag and went inside. Without a thought, she walked inside and picked up a few dresses to move back to the shelf.

Once the storm of crazy thoughts in her head passed, she blinked. Her heart still raced, but she worked hard to bring order into her new business. She had to prove to Peter that her dreams of a store weren't a passing phase in her life. Her brother's name alone spurred her into action, and once she was done with straightening out yesterday's leftover dresses and placing them onto the shelves, she stared at the clock. The time was almost here.

A smile broke out on her face as she read ten thirty. Her stomach rumbled with nerves again. With an intake of breath, she let her heart lift in her chest. She quickly left the shop, and raced toward the coffee shop a few blocks away. The small café had a chalkboard with all the drink options, and the waiters all wore green aprons. She sniffed the air. The pastries were freshly prepared. The room was airy, clean, fresh, and bright. Colt had picked a good place.

She stood in line. In her younger years, she'd preferred to stay here than go home. She always chose the seat in the back that overlooked the window patio to see who would drive in, in case someone from her father's world found her.

Vicki became jumpy again. She had no time for reminiscing. She played with the edge of her designer no-sleeves pale pink work blouse, and waited at the cashier. Once the woman nodded, she ordered a decadent cold frappe, something she'd hadn't ordered since her teenage years, and a bagel. She was early, so she'd grab their old seat, if it was available.

Her palms were sweaty as she added her receipt to her wallet, and told herself she needed to be smart. Her daughter was safe and alive. Colt Collins hadn't dismissed her and threatened court. He'd been willing to listen, and she had to be prepared. The boy she knew was sweet and fair. She gulped. The man she saw the other day was hard-bodied and capable of anything. She sighed and refused to let her mind wander into the "what if" questions that flashed in front of her eyes. He'd hear her out.

A pain stabbed her in the gut. If she had trusted him and not her father, her life would be so different today.

At the window, she stared at the clear blue sky. Everything was so bright today. Slowly, she rolled her shoulders back and then straightened out her pencil skirt. A Morgan on a mission must always smile and hide her intentions. The rest of the world might believe that the Morgans were respectable, but those who knew her, John, or Peter knew the truth. The House of Morgan was a facade. Her grandfather and father had stolen Collins land years ago for oil and transformed the money into a banking empire. As a child, she's always wondered about her mother, and she'd not do that to Clara. Clara deserved better.

A black pick-up truck parked, but Vicki knew it wasn't Colt. The waitress brought her drink and bagel. Everything in her life was wrong.

Vicki's shoulders tightened and her neck pinched.

Overhead, the bells chimed, and she scanned the counter. Goosebumps grew on her arm as she smelled orange trees mixed with the forest. Colt wasn't inside, but then she saw his blue truck turning into the parking lot. She sat straighter. This was real. She swallowed as her breathing became more shallow. She rolled her shoulders and tried to sip her drink.

Her body was on overdrive as he stepped out of his truck and walked toward the shop. She straightened her necklace. Colt Collins was an honorable sort and would join her any second. In high school, Collins had a brilliant mind and kind heart. Then he joined the Marines, and Vicki had no doubt he excelled there too.

The waitress came over and asked, "Can I get you anything else?"

Vicki swallowed. "No, I'm good. My friend just parked."

The waitress with the curly hair shrugged. "He is the sexiest man I've seen all day."

Vicki coughed. No man she ever met came close to Colt. His dark hair, brown eyes, and now all those hard muscles. He had somehow added to perfection. "He's a good man, and he'll order his drink at the front."

"I'm on my way, then. Won't have you waiting for someone that sexy." The waitress departed, and Vicki ran her hand through her hair. If she intended to be reasonable, then she needed to stay calm. His deep voice wafted through the air, and her body was on high alert.

She stroked her throat and picked at her bagel. She sighed, and then straightened in her seat to stop her fidgeting. Motherhood had been stolen from her. She crossed her legs, and swallowed.

Tonight, she would call her lawyer from her brother's company, Grumpkins, and tell him to dig up more information on how their father had accomplished this. She'd use her family name to hire an army of lawyers, if she had to get Clara in her life.

Colt walked toward her now, and she met his stare.

Her skin stayed sensitive. She rubbed the back of her neck, picked up the cup, and took a sip in an effort to calm down.

Serenity filled her nostrils for that one second until her skin grew goosebumps and that woodsy smell invaded. Without a word, he sat across from her. Her heart raced faster and faster now, so she opened her mouth and told him flatly, "You're late."

"The sitter showed up a few minutes late. I came as soon as I could." Colt's voice had grown deeper and hotter. Her hands shook as she gripped her coffee mug. Then she met his gaze, so she stood to break the spell she was under.

He stood as well, and blocked her view of the rest of the cafe. "Sit, Victoria."

"Vicki is fine." The butterflies in her stomach didn't stop when she took in the sight of him. Six foot three. All muscles, and those brown eyes of his that she'd never forgotten. But the scowl on his face told her plenty, and she scanned for the exit for escape. "I am nervous."

"You're going to jump out of your skin, woman. Sit down. I don't bite." Colt slowly slid into the bench across from her, and she sat slowly. Her toes and knees bounced, but she tried to sit still. She jittered, and it wasn't from the coffee.

The waitress returned, and brought Colt his coffee in a mug. Calmness began to return to Vicki's skin, and she stared at the table until the waitress left. Then she whispered, "I've not been here in a while. I don't have a chance to come out to the country now that Alice lives in the city."

"Yeah, Alice told me she misses this place too."

The shakiness and nerves weren't mature at all. Get a hold of yourself, she yelled in her mind. Colt wasn't her enemy. He kept their daughter safe. She gripped the bottom of her chair as she tentatively glanced into his eyes. "I've been helping with the wedding plans."

He leaned across the table and pushed his coffee cup to the side. "One would think you weren't just named Miami's Prettiest Bachelorette last week."

"You saw that?"

"Yeah."

She pressed her lips together. "That kind of thing doesn't matter to me."

He sipped his coffee cup and stared at her like she was an alien creature. "It used to matter to you."

Her chest lost some of its tightness. "Not anymore. Colt, until yesterday, I thought Clara was dead."

His eyes widened and he scooted his seat back a little. She stayed still. Then he shook his head. "Bull. You didn't care and gave her away, signing my name on those papers like I consented. I fought for a year that my signature was forged to get child services off my back."

"I didn't forge anything. I wouldn't do that." She had to say the right words. She swallowed. She had to get him to believe her. She kept eye contact and leaned over the table. "You were off fighting battles in war. You weren't here, and I don't know what happened—"

He leaned closer to her on the table. "My mother found our daughter in the hospital, and you never went to the nursery."

Her jaw ticked. "And you slept with the brunette the day you met in basic training."

"That's the stupidest thing I heard. All I could think about at the time was you."

Her defense system needed serious work. She needed the story of how he'd ended up with Clara. Vicki had to be there for her daughter too. She blinked and met his gaze. "The doctors told me she died. How did your mother find Clara?"

He sipped his coffee and then massaged his chin. "She worked at the hospital. Someone tried to change her schedule. She didn't want to change, and switched with another nurse. Our daughter was brought into the nursery. She was told who the mother was, and called me at boot camp."

She crossed her arms. "That story has massive holes, Colt. I would never give up my daughter."

He sat straighter. "You did whatever your father asked of you."

"Never that.” Again, he leaned forward, and his open unblinking stare made her believe that he didn't believe a word. She swallowed. "Why did he call this meeting?"

His cheeks reddened. "Alice believes every word you fed her, and she begged me." Then he scooted away again. She lowered her gaze. He said, "You walked away from our daughter. You said you were dead, and then you return to Miami as some long-lost princess. So don't give me this act, expecting me to believe a word you say."

"It's not an act." Tears rolled down her cheek. Her own father had staged her funeral and let people believe she had died rather than explain she had run away from him. When she had found out, she had saw no reason to correct anyone. She’d been sad. She blinked. Now she didn't need to fight with Colt, but if this was all he could say, then she'd have to hire a team of lawyers. "I thought she was dead."

He massaged his chin again, and his lips curled. "Why didn't you pick up the phone and tell me you were pregnant?"

Her entire body heated. "You were sleeping with another woman."

"That's the second time you've said that nonsense." His Adam's apple bobbed. "You had years to tell me. My family isn't poor, and neither is yours. You weren't knocked up by a no one, Vicki."

Her head cleared. "I'm thankful she had you."

He gazed at her forehead. "Clara's my daughter, my responsibility. You shouldn't get to walk back into her life, throw happy smiles, and pretend you're glad to see her. Not when we both know in six months or in a day, you'll grow bored of her and leave."

"I'm not like that." She raised her head and remembered how she'd made her point with him years ago, even as he lost. She stuck her bottom lip out and stared at his lips. "Colt, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. I'd rather be on your side, but I will sue you. My brother Peter will fund me. Can you let this go or not?"

He wrinkled his nose and stared into her eyes. "You would throw money at me like it matters."

"I don't want to fight with you." She ran her hands through her hair, as her spirits soared. She didn't dare let him see that she wasn't upset. She kept her entire body still, and lowered her gaze. Then she reached out and grabbed his hand. "Please, Colt. I want to know my daughter. Think what you want of me, but I'd never hurt her. I was a stupid teenage girl, but that's not who I am anymore."

She peeked through her eyelashes and he stayed quiet. He hadn't stormed off, but his gaze appeared cold and dead. "I must be stupid."

Her heart leapt out of his chest. She swallowed and refused to get ahead of herself. "Colt, I should have run to you when I found out I was pregnant. You always gave off this protective feeling in my heart. Not following that is how I let my father win."

He crossed his arms, and his succulent brown eyes beckoned her. She sucked in her bottom lip as he told her, "I can't ever let anyone hurt Clara."

She nodded. "I'd never hurt her."

He rubbed his forehead and nodded back at her. "If you're telling me the truth, then it's wrong if I fight you. But I don't know if I trust you either."

Her lips parted, though she didn't say anything at first. "Please, Colt. I want my daughter."

"She's never had or needed her mother. She has her family, her roots. And I'm getting married in a few weeks."

Colt's marriage sounded like a bad dream. Vicki shifted in her seat. "You can't expect me to walk away, not if I know she's alive."

"Even if it's for the best? You couldn't let your daughter live the only life she's ever known."

"If our situations were reversed, would you walk away if you found out you had a daughter after being told she died?"

His scratched his chin. "No."

"Good." She pushed her hair behind her ears. "Then don't expect that of me."

He dropped his arms to his side. "Yet my job is to protect our daughter."

"Ours is the right word." She sipped her drink to try to seem normal. "I'm not out to hurt her. Not having a mother is worse. I never knew mine, and the wondering still haunts me."

"I don't know about that." He rubbed his neck, and his gaze grew softer. "I'll need you to prove your claim."

Her stomach went hard as rocks. "How?"

He sipped his coffee and opened his hand on the table, palm up. "Let's try this out. We'll pretend you're the babysitter for a while. I needed to hire one, and Clara knows I'm picking someone out until school starts."

Vicki's feet rocked under the table. "I'm her mother. I'll change my schedule at work and be there."

His sexy brown eyes didn't blink. "You don't understand."

"Understand what?"

He stared at her, and the intensity made her stomach churn. Then he took a deep breath. "You're not to tell Clara you're her mother. Not yet. Not until I'm sure she's safe from you."

Her mouth fell open again. "That's not fair."

He stayed absolutely still. "It's the best deal I can offer. I want to trust you, but I need to be sure you won't hurt her."

Her ears thrashed with her heartbeat. "When do we tell her about me?"

He swallowed. "When I say so."

She chewed her bottom lip. Colt was giving her a chance to know Clara, without a legal nightmare. Vicki nodded. "Okay."

He unfolded his hands on the table. "Can you come to the house tomorrow and stay for the day?"

"Yes." Her smile could not be stopped, and so what if her laugh had tears of joy in it? "I can come tomorrow." She threw caution to the wind, stood, walked around the table, and hugged his shoulders. He still smelled of oak with a hint of orange, but all manly testosterone. A moment later, he wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her. Heat rushed through her. Her shoulders were less tense, until he let her go. Then she adjusted her shirt and straightened her spine. "I'm sorry."

Her cheeks heated, and she feared her face went red. She stilled.

He pressed his hands in his pockets. "That's how we created Clara, with you hugging me. None of those tricks will work now."

"It was more than a hug, Colt." Her eyes narrowed, and she let her shoulders relax now.

His body tensed. "Talking about this is a bad move."

"You're right. I'm happy you're giving me a chance."

He reached for his wallet and found a business card. Without a word, he handed it to her. She read it. "I remember where you live."

His shoulders tightened and he tugged at his ear. "Come in the morning. Clara will be up, anxious to meet her new sitter."

Tomorrow was too far away. She took a deep breath. She'd learn patience, and in the meantime, she had her way into the house and to her daughter. Her heart soared. "Who is watching her now?"

"The same person who protected her for years—her grandmother. My parents are going condo hunting this weekend, and won't be back home for a while." He fixed his shirt and stood to leave. "Don't disappoint Clara. She's a good girl."

She'd prove to him and herself that family mattered to her. He held open the café door for her. This plan of his was a start. Colt Collins would be wowed with how amazing Vicki and Clara were together. He wouldn't know what hit him. No one was going to tear her away from her daughter again. She'd have her family back.

CHAPTER FOUR

Six thirty in the morning might be too early.

Victoria walked on the sidewalk as the sprinklers took care of the complex lawns. She jumped out of the way of the water, but nothing could stop her. Today she spoke to her daughter. Her throat barely contained a few giggles.

She hopped in her car with her backpack full of memories to show Colt. Sonograms, her diary with unsent letters, the pictures she had of him at boot camp, hospital records, the death certificate she'd received, and the baby video she'd made during her pregnancy had all come out of the closet last night. When she hit the main road down south toward Homestead, she left the ocean and Collins Avenue and headed toward the turnpike. Homestead was a drive, but this early there would be no traffic.

Possibly. In Miami, anything might be on the road.

As the scenery changed to more farm areas, she sang along with the radio.

In her bag, she reached in and squeezed the stuffed teddy bear she'd bought. With luck, Clara wasn't too big.

Her head bopped to the music as she passed the sign for the exits she hadn't seen since high school. Life was simple then. She hopped off the expressway. If she stopped at a coffee shop and bought him a Café Cubano, Colt might appreciate her gesture.

And she'd slow down to give them time to wake up.

At six fifty, she turned off the engine in his driveway and stared at the coffee and her digital clock. She never drove fast. How did she get here this quickly? Colt had let her come without a fight, but the lights weren't on inside the house.

She'd have to wait, but wasn't sure if she stayed in the car or sat on his porch.

She bit her lower lip and stared at the screened-in porch. With a roll to her shoulder, she unlocked the door and slipped out. She stared at the window and then lights came on. Colt must be awake. She gulped and stepped forward, but her heels sank into the mud. She closed her eyes and tried to shake her Prada shoes free. Her calves moved fine, and she tried to lift her toes to take another step, but the next step had the same problem. She was stuck.

She winced. He lived on a farm. She should have worn sneakers.

"You never learned."

Her ears heated just as her face did. She turned and gazed at Colt as he leaned against the door. Every cell in her body came alive as he sauntered over to her. His muscles blocked the moon setting in the distance as he came closer, and he set off a furnace inside of her. Colt reached around her waist and picked her up. Heat rose in her body, even as she lost her high heels to the mud. He ran his hands up her thigh, but then he dropped her on his front step. She rocked on her bare feet and held tightly to the two cups of coffee she had.

"Colt, thank you." She fixed her blouse and wobbled to balance on her naked feet. He reached her back and anchored her. She almost tipped over, then met his eyes. "I'd like my shoes back."

With a roll of his eyes, he left her on the porch and proceeded to retrieve the heels. Instead of handing them to her, he threw the muddied Pradas without care on his front porch. She took a step toward them, but he called out, "Get them later. You're not bringing that mess into my house."

Prada deserved better care. She inhaled to not make a scene, and then handed him the small cup of coffee. His eyebrows arched. She nodded at him, and he stared at the drink in his hands, his cheeks reddening. "Thank you."

Good. Surprise elements of kindness used to score her points with him, and it seemed it still worked. She sucked in her breath and tried to keep the conversation light as they walked through the door. The house was different than his mother's country style. With no paintings or floral accents, Colt went minimalistic and modern. "Where do you parents live these days?"

As he took a few steps closer, he lowered his gaze. "In a condo on the beach and Los Olas, but they are looking for something with senior activities. Mom and Dad need to relax, and gave me the place to raise Clara in a home."

The air smelled of oak trees and oranges again. He came closer to her, inches from her face, and she stepped away. The overwhelming sense of home invaded her every muscle.

Without a word, he passed her and walked into the kitchen area to turn on the sink. She pursed her lips, and he lifted his hands to show the mud on him. Then he washed his hands, though his gaze went to her legs. She squirmed, looked down, and her nose wrinkled as she realized her legs had the same mud. His brown eyes that stared at her left her breathless until he turned off the water. Then he said, "I expected you later in the morning. Don't princesses normally sleep half the morning?"

"When you called me that in high school, you didn't sound bitter." In a fast swallow, she stopped. She closed her eyes and reminded herself to be sweet. Today would go well. She blinked and opened her eyes, but stared at the ground. He stood still, and she shrugged. "I couldn't sleep at all, Colt. Is she up?"

As he walked around the kitchen counter and came toward her, he shook his head. "No. Clara gets up at seven."

Another whiff of oranges and oak trees. She licked her lips. "Is there some place I can clean up?"

Vicki saw a spark of the gentle guy he'd been before the Marines turned him into pure muscle. "Of course. The guest bathroom is this way."

He walked with purpose. The man raised his daughter with strict rules. At the door to the bathroom, she offered him a small smile, and asked, "Can I make us breakfast, then?"

His eyes widened, and she swore she saw fright. Then he opened the door for her. "You're going to cook?"

She stayed next to him. "Yes. I can cook for myself and others."

His shrugged, though his eyes betrayed how surprised he was. "I'm terrified. Go ahead. Get started and I'll grab a fast shower. Just don't forget you're the sitter."

"Of course." She grabbed his arm as he brushed past her. He stilled, and she tilted her head. "Thank you for agreeing to this start."

She leaned closer to Colt's strong jawline. He stepped away. "Clara's stubborn as a mule when it comes to getting what she wants. Don't think of hurting my little girl."

With a smile, she raised her hand and stroked his arm. "I won't. I'm glad she has you watching out for her. Whatever lucky star she was born under didn't let her get lost."

As he jumped to get away from her touch, his face darkened. "You can thank my mother for that one. She's the one who stood up for Clara and me that day."

She opened her mouth to defend herself, but the words didn't come out. "How did your mother know?"

"She saw the birth record in the nursery. You listed me as the father."

"I don't remember much. I was half awake, half dreaming during labor. Then the doctor said..."

"You told me. I'm trying here." He nodded at her. "You start breakfast. I'll bring Clara down. Remember our deal."

At least his mother hadn't done as Mitch Morgan intended. She mirrored his gesture and nodded. "I'm the nanny."

"Right." He walked away, and she stiffened her spine. She needed to steel her courage. Then she rushed into the bathroom to clean her legs. The mud was not a good first impression for her daughter.

A few minutes later, she ran into the kitchen, dropped her pocketbook on the counter, and headed straight for the refrigerator.

She heard his footsteps on the other side of his ranch house, but she didn't say a word. She gazed up at the loft, and wondered if he used that room as some sort of office.

Vicki took a quick glance at the clock; she had twenty minutes to prepare a feast. She found the potatoes and cut. Her jitters disappeared as she sliced. Her daughter deserved a good, healthy breakfast, and Vicki had been cooking breakfast for years now.

Ease returned to her shoulders. She chopped, and noticed the gorgeous brunette in the picture with Colt on the wall. The woman could be a movie star with those steely blue eyes.

The woman had height and muscles without being at all manly. With another swallow, Vicki assumed she must have been in the Marines, or a farmer, like Colt's family, to have won his heart. It wasn't the same woman from the pictures she was given years ago to prove that Colt would never love her.

A pain ran through her chest, but Vicki shrugged it off. She returned to the stove, shook her head, and stared in the mirror at her short blonde hair. She'd never be good at camping, never mind shooting anything.

Colt would marry someone capable of being in his life. She'd never be any competition for capable. She played music and designed wedding dresses, not fed horses.

With one more check on the pre-made biscuits, as she didn't have time or the ingredients to do it from scratch, Vicki shook off her wayward thoughts. The coldness inside her wasn't good. Colt had every right to get married. He was a hero.

Perhaps she'd find a way to be happy now that Clara was in her life. She'd come here for her daughter, not Colt. No fantasies and what-if questions. With a forced smile, she used her spatula and turned the potatoes in the oil, happy with the dark brown color. Good. Her cheeks no longer burned, either.

"Are you my mother?"

Vicki spun around, surprised, and gazed down at the blonde, blue-eyed angel in her pink cotton pajamas. Vicki almost fell over, as her arms ached to hug her and never let go. Instead she stared into the eyes of her little girl and glued her lips together. If she answered, she'd say yes. Instead she reached out and petted the girl's soft and fine hair. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

She nodded, though she didn't seem sure.

Vicki pressed her free hand hard against the kitchen counter. It took all her energy not to hold on to the girl for dear life and not let go.

"I think you are my mother." Clara beamed at her. "Were you at war, like Daddy?"

Vicki shook her head, let go of the counter, and went down to her knees. Her arms tried to swing around her baby, but she pressed her shoulder on the counter wall. "No, sweetheart. I'm Victoria, but please call me Vicki. I'm your new nanny."

Her daughter's eyes narrowed like Colt's. Vicki stilled as her daughter asked, "Are you sure?"

Vicki nodded faster. "I'm Victoria Morgan. And you?"

Clara twirled and giggled. "Clara Collins. You related to Uncle John and Uncle Peter?"

"Yes." A smile broke out on Vicki's face. "They are my brothers."

Clara's eyebrows squished together like Colt's had back in math class. Her chin lifted and she said, "At Aunt Alice's, I asked Daddy if you were my mommy, and he didn't say no."

Vicki froze. Every cell in her body wanted to tell the truth. Colt would throw her out if she said too much, too soon, but that wasn't enough. With time, they'd have to build trust and work together. Vicki's mind raced, but then, with a wide-eyed grin, she answered, "Your dad was surprised to see me again. We knew each other from childhood, and the last time we talked, we had a big fight. We talked everything out now like adults, and we're friends again."

The girl came closer, placed her warm, soft hands on Vicki's face, and stared. "I hope you stay. I like you better than Belle."

Then, before Vicki could ask her what she meant, the girl reached out with her small arms and hugged her. Her tiny body pressed close, and all Vicki could smell was peaches as she hugged her daughter back. Her hug was like heaven. Clara was perfect. Vicki closed her eyes and inhaled again.

Unsure what to say and to not break the hug, Vicki squeezed tighter. Her body screamed that she held her little girl now, and it was like she'd entered a different world. Her brain heard Colt's feet pounding behind her, but she couldn't stop.

Clara giggled and broke their hug. Vicki gazed at her in wonder. Her legs were shaky as she tried to stand.

Vicki's mind screamed to claim her place in the girl's life right now, and if this arrangement failed, she'd do whatever she could. Clara deserved a mother. Vicki knew what it was like to grow up without one.

Clara went to her father and tugged on his pant leg until he leaned down to her, and then they both whispered. Colt had an enormous smile, and Clara giggled.

Vicki straightened her skirt, and then her lips parted as she stared at the stovetop across from her. The food was burning. A gasp came out of her mouth as she ran toward the oven. Colt beat her there, and he grabbed a glove for the oven. She swallowed as her heart raced. He drained the oil out of the pan and dropped the blackish potatoes on a plate. He shook his head, a smile on his face. "I knew you'd burn breakfast."

She placed her hand on her hip to say something, but then stepped toward the oven. Her biscuits were too dark, and she cringed. "The biscuits are a little too brown, but we'll just scrape that part off."

Clara went and took a seat at the table, but Colt stood there and laughed.

"How do you know Miss Vicki, Dad?"

He continued to laugh. "She was Aunt Alice's friend when she was a girl."

"I told you, Clara." Vicki laughed as Colt placed the frying pan on the counter and continued to smile.

Clara said, "Doesn't mean she's not my mommy. No one said no."

Vicki pressed her lips together as they both stopped laughing. One day, Colt wouldn't know how to stop the boys that came to the front door. Their gazes met, and then he nodded to his daughter. "Vicki's your new nanny for now, sweetheart."

Clara's gaze searched the room as she asked, "So what's in your bag? Toys?"

Vicki couldn't believe that she was so easily distracted.

Clara walked and jumped up to the counter to look at the bag.

"That's mostly pictures and things I intended to show your father later." Vicki met his stare, and he stopped laughing. She swallowed, and then took the plates over to the table. "Let's just eat."

Colt followed with the rest of the plates. "Your new nanny and I are friends, Clara. She's here to play with you today, but she'll tell me everything if the schemes get out of hand."

Vicki shook her head at Clara, and her daughter winked.

"Pictures are boring."

Vicki took a seat at the table, smiled, and her heart beat fastened. She scooted her seat toward Clara, as Colt set down the plates. Her daughter smiled as Colt added food to her plate. "What are we playing today?"

What child games did she know? Vicki cringed until an idea hit. She hoped to fill her daughter in on as much as possible of her life. "I make and design wedding dresses now for a living. I also play a few instruments. I was always good at art and coloring."

"I want to learn how to make pretty dresses." Clara's voice went up an octave. "Vicki is already cooler than Belle."

Colt dropped his fork onto his plate. "Hey now."

Vicki coughed and deflected their attention. "What are you good at, angel? We can play whatever you want."

Colt stood and went back into the kitchen. "I need another spoon."

Clara had her father's devil-may-care smile. "Riding my horse."

"Not today, sweetheart. It's supposed to rain," Colt said from across the room. "Inside games."

His daughter's shoulders shook, and then she whined, "I know you said that, but—"

Vicki saw how both of them understood where to push and where to stop. She kept her hands in her lap.

Colt poured small glasses of juice and carried them to the table. He pushed a glass at Clara. "No buts."

Then he handed Vicki a glass.

Clara's mouth opened, and Vicki knew she'd argue. So instead, Vicki asked, "It's supposed to rain?"

His eyebrows lifted. "Remnants of a hurricane that the mountains in Puerto Rico broke up. Don't you pay attention to the weather?"

With a shrug, she sighed. "No. The news is boring, and someone usually mentions a hurricane. Besides, it's hot and sunny in Florida every day."

He stared at her, then shook his head and found the silverware. "My oranges need the water."

Need was a word she'd not use near Colt. She sipped her juice and then placed the glass on the table. "So it's a bad rain today. I understand. I'm up for any inside games that Clara wants to do."

Colt nodded as he slid into his seat.

Clara crossed her arms. Then she let them go and smiled. "Daddy, Vicki is prettier than Belle, and nicer. And I still think she's really my mommy."

Without a word, Colt gulped his orange juice and swallowed. Vicki stared at his Adam's apple. Then he tilted his head at his daughter. "Hey now, kiddo. Be nice. You've only met Belle twice, and both times we were in a hurry. Lay off until you get to know her. She'll be here in a few days."

With a scowl, Clara moved the fork and knife together to one side of her glass, with well-trained manners. "I don't want a stepmother. I want my mommy."

Vicki's heart raced. Clara had her mother, though she stayed silent. She'd missed so much of her daughter. Then Colt told them both, "I want to marry a woman who loves me."

Heroes like Colt deserved love.

Clara crossed her arms and argued with her dad. "You don't make sense. I don't need a stepmom when I just found my real mom."

Vicki refused to miss another moment. She set her jaw. "You're getting two women, not one, Clara. I'm not going anywhere now that I am here, and Colt has every right to marry Belle."

"So you are my mother." Clara's eyes brightened, like she'd won.

"Stop." Colt dropped the plate in front of their daughter. "Eat your breakfast and play nice. Vicki's my friend, but she's your nanny for the next few weeks. Then Belle will be your stepmother, and everything will be fine."

Clara flashed Vicki that devilish smile.

Vicki said, "Tell your dad that you love him."

Clara's mouth opened, but she did as she was asked. "I love you, Daddy."

Vicki's heart grew warm in her chest. She sat here and wondered if this was what a real family was like. If so, she approved.

#

A bolt of lightning shot in the ominous sky. Then the wind played with her hair. The hurricane remnants were more like an oncoming major storm.

Vicki wiped her hands on her skirt, then helped her daughter off the swing. Raindrops pelted them, but she held Clara's hand and ushered her inside the ranch. The storm would be bad soon. As they neared the door, Vicki hoped Colt was home. She led them into the house. As she closed the porch door, thunder boomed in the air, and they jumped up the last step.

Clara's face went white.

Vicki reached down and brushed her wet hair as she told Clara, "Let's check the weather online, sweetheart."

"Dad said rain."

"He did. So far, he's right." Vicki's gut said more. She stayed quiet and unlocked the door to the house. The wind raced, and rattled the door open in a gust of wind.

Something was definitely off. Living in the summer of Florida, the storms could be torrential and fast and powerful. But a microburst of wind mixed with the warm waters of the ocean, and a hurricane could restrengthen to a full-blown storm with the right ocean temperatures in the gulf. Vicki led Clara to the living area and away from all windows.

Clara shook her head then took off in a run down the hall. Vicki followed, and Clara rushed straight to her bedroom. Vicki stayed on her heels and asked as the girl opened her closet, "What's happening?"

The lights flickered. Clara she crawled further into her closet. "I want to get something. Give me a few minutes."

"Okay." They were at her home, but goosebumps grew on Vicki's arms. Right now it was only rain. From the door, Vicki called out to Clara's feet, which were all she could see. "I'm checking the computer for the storm. I'll need a minute."

Clara crawled out and then sat on the floor with a doll.

Vicki told her stiff shoulders to relax as she walked into the living area and grabbed her phone in her bag.

With her phone in hand, she flew toward Clara but waited in the hall outside her baby girl's room. Clara had settled on the floor with a few dolls and played silently. Vicki's breath hitched for a few seconds as she stared at her little girl. Colt's house was built to code to withstand a hurricane after Andrew, yet Vicki's skin felt electric. She glanced at her phone, clicked a few places to get to the weather, and inhaled as she read exactly what she'd feared. The storm had grown into a category five hurricane. In her life she had never lived through one that strong. Andrew had wiped out Homestead back in 1992, and she was in the epicenter of that destruction.

No. Superstition said a hurricane didn't hit the same place twice. Vicki knew she held on to hogwash theories, but it was all she had.

She stepped in the room and almost tripped over a doll. The toy squeaked, and she struggled to keep her balance. Then she stared at the windows. They were in serious danger. She rushed out the door and called into Clara's room, "Sweetheart, I'm going to go outside and close the shutters. Stay here."

"Okay." Without a blink at her, Clara moved her doll like they were having a private conversation.

Where was Colt? Did he know the storm had changed? She grabbed her purse and dialed his number. No one answered.

Vicki gulped and ran outside, and the wind hit her so hard in the face that the brutal force slapped her. She clenched her jaw and ran to the side of the house. The wind tossed her hair into her eyes and she couldn't see, but she reached for the shutters. Then she accidentally bumped into a large, muscular shoulder.

The smell of oak trees and oranges surrounded her as he blocked the wind. Colt's hands brushed her sides and held her steady. "What are you doing, woman?"

"Don't call me woman or princess."

"Now is not a good time."

Yeah, there was a storm. Next to him, she unlatched one of the hooks on the blinds. "You weren't anywhere I could see, and I needed to close the blinds. It's a category five."

"It can't get bigger now."

She wavered in her stance. "I'm scared."

"The center is supposed to be far north of here." He unhooked the other side and twisted the bottom of the shutter into the wall. She held it steady as best she could as he hooked the shutters closed. Once he finished, he yelled over the wind, "I'll finish and be inside soon. Go watch Clara."

At least the predictions didn't have them in the line of fire. "Do you have a generator?"

"Victoria Morgan is scared?"

"I already told you that." The wind blew at her back and knocked her into his arms again. "Do you, Colt?"

His chest warmed her backside, but then she lunged herself off him, and adjusted her stance as the wind pelted her.

He turned toward another window shutter. "It's a cat five, but hundreds of miles from here. Let's hope it stays that way."

Her hair flew in her face. "Colt?"

The wind didn't matter now that heat rushed through her. "Yes, I have a generator. Now go in and keep Clara calm. She hasn't survived that many hurricanes."

"None of us have. Colt—-" She didn't know what she'd say. At home, she'd have Peter's staff to take care of safety details. At worst, she would have to call and someone would show up to take care of everything. The woodsy smell of Colt calmed her. He stepped further down the house to get another window closed, and she ran inside.

The front door flew open and slammed on the outside wall. Vicki turned around and tugged that door closed. Her muscles ached, but she won. Then she turned around and saw Clara. Her daughter stood in the hall holding a doll's hand. Clara came running to the door, but Vicki turned to use all her muscles to close it. The moment Clara came close, Vicki won her battle with the door. With the wind howling outside, Clara tugged on her arms. "I want to show you my dresses to pick one to wear. I want to be as pretty as you."

Now? Vicki's heart spiked at the girl's glow of happiness. If Clara was distracted, she'd not be worried. Vicki's lips trembled as she opened them to speak, and she lowered herself to her daughter's level to meet her gaze. "You're prettier, sweetheart. Let's go see what you have."

The girl raced to her room, and Vicki chased after her. Clara threw open her closet to pull out a dress. Without stopping, Clara kicked off her shoes, which flew halfway across the room and landed in the pile with her other shoes. Vicki could never have done that. Without a thought, Vicki knelt down and straightened the shoes out. "Good aim."

Clara had no modesty, because she dropped her clothes in a heap on the floor and showed off her superhero Underoos like it was normal. Vicki held her tongue. Perhaps for children it might be normal, but she had no idea. Instead of asking, she bent over and picked up the discarded pile to sort. Clara threw her dress on the top of her head. Vicki finished her sorting, and placed the dirty clothes in the hamper.

Clara's wail made Vicki turn around fast to see her daughter, then she stifled her laugh. Her daughter's arms flailed around with the dress over her face. Clara yelped, "Help me. I'm stuck."

On her knees, Vicki scooted over to her and helped tug the dress down. Clara lifted her arms until she could see, and then wrapped them around Vicki's neck to hug her.

Colt walked in the door and Vicki stood. As she gazed down, she saw Clara making a duck face. Colt shook his head, and their daughter laughed. "She's turned into a prissy girl that fast with you?"

Vicki's heart leapt. She gazed behind him. The window was now black from the shutters. "Stop. She's showing me how pretty she looks in a dress, and she's beautiful. So try again, Dad. Go out, then come back in and tell your daughter she looks amazing."

His brown eyes gazed at Clara with a shiny stare. Vicki's heart squeezed in her chest. She's missed out on all of this. Then he stepped backward and smiled. "Bossy as ever."

At the door he stepped into the hall, and then turned to look at his daughter. "Clara, sweetheart, you're beautiful, no matter what you wear."

The little girl smiled and twirled. Vicki sat on the side of the bed and averted her gaze. She'd not cry now. Her chest ached a little that she'd missed out on five years of her daughter's life. Her eyelids went gummy and she feared tears would form on her face again.

Clara came over to her and wrapped her arms around Vicki. "Don't cry. You're pretty too. Dad is just stupid over that meanie Belle."

Colt's voice went up an octave. "Hey now."

Vicki's chest had a flutter, and her hands trembled. Then she met Colt's warm eyes as he stared at her like he cared. "I won't cry. I'm being silly. I'm usually lighthearted and fun."

Clara brushed Vicki's hair, and she lost track of everything else.

"She's still skinny, but Vicki was always one of the gorgeous society misses in the country." Thunder crackled in the air, and Colt's face became more serious. "And I need to talk to your nanny for a minute, sweetheart."

Clara narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.

He offered her his hand to help her stand. She accepted and depended on his strength to lift herself. And stranger still, the heavy layers of doubt dropped off her shoulders in that second. Her lips parted, but she was unsure what to say. Her heartbeat became stronger in her ears, but she managed to sound normal as she said to Clara, "Be right back."

They stepped into the hall, and he closed the bedroom door behind her. "The storm will be a rainstorm mostly, but I'd feel better if you stayed the night, Vicki. Or are you running away into the hurricane?"

Her fingers ached to touch him, but she didn't dare. Instead, she lowered her gaze from his strong shoulders and answered, "I'll stay, though I didn't bring anything to sleep in."

"Good. I have supplies." He walked down the hall and waved for her to follow him. With a shrug, she complied. He continued his path across the hall to a closed door. "This is your room for the night. You already know the bathroom. I'll get you something of mine to sleep in, and I'll rustle up a toothbrush."

With a nod, she caught that sexy gleam of his gaze again, and she smiled and met his stare. "Thank you."

His features darkened and then his eyes narrowed. "I don't know your plans, Vicki. But it's clear Clara liked having you here today. We'll figure out a schedule that works, but she's my responsibility."

She forced herself to stay still. She swallowed, dropped her arms, and refused to fight with him. He was willing to share with her, and that was a good start. "You've done an amazing job. Clara is happy, secure, and she knows who she is and what she wants."

He exhaled deeply. "Good, because I don't need more fighting in my life. I've done enough of that."

Whatever he'd done as a Marine haunted him. For a moment, he stepped closer to her, and she could smell his sexy aroma. She took his hand in hers and squeezed it. "Look, clean up. You're messy. I'll start dinner."

He pulled his hand away, but his light smile told her he was relaxed too. "Yum. More burned food."

"Shut up, Collins. You know you can't live without me." Sashaying her hips out the door, she gave him her back.

He placed his hand on her hip, and she froze. She swallowed, turned around, and then lifted her gaze to meet his. But his eyes didn't gleam. He stared at her with cold eyes. "I fell for that one that summer..."

"It's not a line." She'd not dig up the past. Not now. Instantly, she wrinkled her nose, and admitted, "It just slipped out."

He scowled and his face went white, like he was guilty of something. She shrugged, and he ran his hand through his hair as he turned to leave. "It worked, though. Go make dinner. I'll get cleaned up and help you in a minute."

Whatever his problems were with her would be dealt with. She turned away again, and didn't know what to say. She decided to follow his orders, because if she told him she still had dreams about him, she'd dig herself a hole outside right now and let the storm kill her. Colt's nearness and warm skin on her hers sent tingles throughout her body.

She told herself that Colt was engaged and she was here for her daughter, not romance. If she said this enough, perhaps the words might stick in her heart.

CHAPTER FIVE

"No."

Who said that? Vicki opened her eyes and sat straight up in bed. The voice had been male. The rain outside the window pelted the shutters. Quietness ruled the house at this moment. She rubbed her eyes, blinked, and her mind stayed cloudy until a question hammered in her brain. Had Colt yelled?

Thunder cracked in the air, and Vicki swung her legs onto the cold wooden floor. Once again, his voice grew deeper as he yelled, "I said no."

Questions flashed through her mind. Her throat constricted. Were they in danger? She'd have to get Clara. In a flash, she threw her blankets off her, and her feet smacked on the floorboards. The shutters rattled and the storm raged outside as she ran at full throttle to the other side of the living area.

Silence greeted her ears. In the dark house, nothing stirred. Her racing heart grew calmer as she peeked into Clara's room.

Her daughter slept peacefully.

At least nothing stirred here. Then Colt's voice echoed in the halls. "No."

Clara didn't wake.

Vicki's skin electrified. He pleaded, as if he was hurt, and she turned toward his room. With her ears alerted to every swish of the wind howling, she heard nothing but silence. Was he asleep? She fingered the fabric of her oversized tee shirt in her hands, as she cracked open his door. A softer grumble echoed in her ears.

He must be having a nightmare.

She let her tee shirt go and pushed the door open all the way. Colt needed to stop. He'd wake Clara. They were all safe. Still at his door, she knocked, but he didn't stir.

Her heart thumped as he thrashed his head on the pillow and his voice cracked with pain. "No."

Her heart swelled. She tiptoed close to him and saw his muscular frame twisted in his sheets. He struggled in his nightmare. His forehead was covered with sweat. With her arm crossed over her chest, she took in a deep breath and decided fast. Perhaps the wind and the rain and the temperature changes affected him. The ache in her throat told her that she couldn't let him get sick.

As she tucked the sheets that he'd throw off around him, she leaned over him. She didn't know what to do, but the deep lines of fear on his brow melted her heart. Then, as she rearranged his pillow for more comfort, she brushed his shoulder and realized he was burning hot. She must have been right. He might have a serious fever. She felt his forehead and inhaled.

Now was not the time to be sick. The hurricane outside could be dangerous, and they might need his strength. His head flipped to the other side of the pillow and he let out a moan. She'd never been a nurse, but she had to do something. She rushed to the bathroom, found a washcloth, and wet it. Coolness would help him. As she made her plan, her gaze sharpened and her hands became surer. Then she ran to his bed, brushed his forehead with the cool, wet cloth, and hoped she soothed whatever heated him.

At first, strong hands tugged at hers to pull off the towel, like her presence was what he fought. He tugged her to his chest, but she held firm. Again he yelled out, "No."

The smell of oak and oranges overwhelmed her, and her body softened. If only... No. She shouldn't go there. Instead, she bit her lip and only let go of the towel when he stopped moving. He must be having a calmer dream. Her legs felt weak, and she closed her eyes as she sat on the edge of his bed.

She intended to stand, but then he reached lower on her body and hugged her waist. If only she had made different choices. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek as she fixed the cloth on his head. He tugged her lower, and his hard muscles sent a hum in her blood. His fingers traced her lower back, and she bucked to get off him. "Colt, it's me. It's Vicki."

His body didn't press so hard, but her yearning for him grew before his lips claimed hers. His full lips tasted better than wine, and a sigh escaped her. Her hands inched up to his shoulder to push him away. Her mouth opened to say something, but the embers of desire coursed through her. She returned his kiss and her lips tingled. Her hands that had fought him decided to play with his hair, and stroke him.

In a minute, he'd wake up and stop.

Until then, her body heat made her uncomfortably hot too. Had the storm taken out the air conditioner? His husky groan of desire returned her mind to her predicament, and she tried to sit. He tugged at her top of her panties and boxer shorts she'd borrowed to sleep in. She loosened his grip and bolted away from him, but then he sat up. She pressed her hand with the towel that had been on his head, but he tilted his head and kissed her again. All she could do was moan out his name as he deepened his claim on her lips.

The torrid ache inside her grew, but she stood and let him go. As she stared at him, she realized she clutched the towel in her fist.

Without a sound, he rolled backward, but almost fell off the bed. She placed her hands on his chest to steady him and ensure he lay down straight. The thump of his heartbeat played against her palm, and heat rushed through her.

How had he not woken?

Her body reddened from desire now, but she had an extra layer of mortification.

She brushed his hair and checked his temperature. His forehead seemed cooler now. With her feet planted on the ground, she sighed and thought she should go. He slept peacefully. She turned and slid out of the room.

Thunder cracked in the air as the wind rattled the shutters. She ignored the hurricane and returned to her room, where she slammed her door shut. The sound was louder than she'd intended, and her heart thumped faster. With luck, no one woke up now.

To calm her jumpy nerves, she stood behind the door in her room and covered her mouth. Colt, the man of her dreams for years, still sent her body off course, and he had no idea what had happened. With luck, he'd never remember. She swallowed and ran her hand through her hair. The deepness of his sleep and the nightmares he had kept him knocked out. In the morning, she'd have to face him.

Her father had once said, to her brother Peter as he always spoke to the oldest son, that life was too short to regret anything.

She closed her eyes. She'd never manipulate to get her way. She was not someone who betrayed everyone's trust. She was not her father. With her hands clenched, she fought a tear of regret. She'd never steal, and Colt had promised another woman marriage. She must have a beautiful diamond ring that symbolized his commitment. If she had a symbol of his love, she'd never take it off. Vicki's bare fingers ached, and she rested her head on the door to let the thoughts go.

Nothing moved. With a bolt of energy, she breathed and let the tingle in her chest grow. Visions of a stolen life flashed in vivid color in her head, and Vicki closed her eyes. Every limb in her body shook. She opened her eyes. With heavy steps, she took one footstep at a time toward the bathroom. She'd not sleep, and maybe water would wash away her whimpers.

Her cold body sweat made her uncomfortable, but she splashed water on her face. The cold, clean water relaxed her.

The lightheadedness went away in the steam of the shower. In the morning, she'd have to find a way to face Colt. Tomorrow, she'd stare up into his sexy brown eyes and handsome face... She coughed uncontrollably.

The lights flickered as she stepped out of the shower. The howl of the wind rattled the shutters. Vicki wrapped her towel around her fast. The hurricane must be getting worse. She threw her tee shirt back on, and covered herself with the towel. Thirty seconds later, she heard a crash and sat. In that second, the house and everything inside went black.

Total darkness of a room without any windows surrounded her. She stood and wished she'd asked Colt for a flashlight. She knew better, but she had to check on Clara again. With one ginger step after another, she made it to the door and stumbled forward into her bedroom.

Without warning, the door opened as a light shone in her room.

"Vicki?" Colt asked. "Are you okay?"

How was he now awake? She blinked and gritted her teeth. Then she bunched the t-shirt lower, as her legs and panties were showing. "Yeah. I was in the shower. Do you have a flashlight to give me?"

He tucked his hands in his pocket and rocked on his feet. His face was red. "I mean, did something just happen? I had a strange dream."

Seriously? He asked now? Her toes curled, and she lost her ability to breathe. Her chin trembled, and as she started to speak, a squeak came out instead. "No. Nothing extraordinary happened, but I could use a light to get dressed."

Why had she said that?

He turned and left the doorframe. The small light from the open door helped her reach around her bed to find her boxer shorts. She fumbled, and almost fell face first onto the bed, but she braced herself. Finally she slipped the boxers on and returned to the door and the light that shone in the living room. Colt waited for her. Her lips curled as she stared into Colt's sexy eyes.

"I should have knocked, Vicki. You're right. And I...errr...did bring you a flashlight." He took a tentative step forward and placed it on the dresser near the door. She smelled oak and oranges, and the smell alone sent a beam of light through her that calmed her nerves. She pressed her lips together as he stepped into the living area again. Then, without looking at her, he ran his hands through his hair. "I need to be sure, and you always say no at first. Did something happen between us earlier?"

Oh God. She gulped, crossed her arms, and said in a high-pitched voice, "What do you think happened?"

He crossed his arms too, shook his head, and then closed his eyes. "I'm not sure. I must have been having a dream. Forget it."

The door closed, and she hyperventilated.

She squeezed her eyes shut, fell onto her bed, and curled into the fetal position. Her lips, aching from pleasure earlier, now shook with embarrassment.

"I have to tell him the truth." Her voice evened, and she nodded to herself. A kiss was just a kiss, and her father's lessons shouldn't haunt her. Until Colt returned, all her growth to be a better person had to stand for something, but she refused to become someone she wasn't.

At the door, she picked up the flashlight and followed him out.

The hall was pitch black, and no one stirred. "Colt?"

He didn't answer. She flashed her light to his bedroom door, and saw the door was closed. He must have gone to sleep.

Delay wasn't good. She stood still, unsure what else to do, but he needed sleep. More wind and rain shook the shutters. Who knew what the outside was like once the storm cleared? Finally, she turned on her heels and went to check on Clara and then go to bed. In the morning, they'd talk.

#

Much later, she had fallen asleep. The house stayed dark, but she struggled in her bed. Her skin was sticky now that the house was warming like an oven with no air conditioning. Vicki sat again, and her ears perked up to hear any noise. None came.

The storm must have passed, or they were in the eye. There was nothing she could do to change the temperature. Was the house still asleep?

She stretched on her feet. She missed sunlight and cool air. As she left her room, she found her flashlight, and stalked to the kitchen. Again, quietness greeted her ears. No one was up. With no electricity, she couldn't make herself coffee, unless Colt had the camping gear out. She twirled the flashlight, but saw nothing. So instead she reached into the refrigerator to retrieve a box of cereal. Like most people in South Florida, Colt kept the open food in the fridge to avoid attracting ants.

As she closed the door, she stopped. The milk would go bad soon, so she took it out of the fridge.

Sighing, she found a bowl and made herself breakfast.

Her daughter might want cereal with milk, so she left it on the table. Clara was why she was here, not Colt. Today she told him the truth, and she'd have to keep her priorities in check. His kiss wasn't meant for her.

She munched on the cereal. Last night shouldn't have happened, and she'd make sure she never kissed him again.

CHAPTER SIX

Colt woke up in a cold sweat. Last night he'd had the most visceral dreams he'd experienced in a long time. And once again, Vicki Morgan starred in his most erotic dreams and memories. Her sweet smell of flowers, and lips that tasted like rosewater had his body reeling. He cupped his head and listened to the morning rain.

The last woman he should touch was Victoria. He rubbed his eyes, and his mind raced to his fiancée, Belle. She'd have him up and on an assignment. The image of Vicki laughing with Clara then popped in his head.

His skin was sticky as he stretched his arms. His battery-powered alarm clock read four in the morning, and the wind outside shook the shutters. Belle would murder him if he called her right now, but if he let his head return to his pillow, he'd have more traitorous dreams of the beautiful blonde who slept in the next room.

The storm pummeled against the house and made the walls shake. There was nothing to do but wait. The power was out, but his Wi-Fi might still work. The laptop was fully charged. With something to do, he stood, but his unwelcome erection reminded him of his teenage years. He ignored his body and told himself he was a grown man and responsible father.

He grabbed his laptop and sat on his office chair in his bedroom. The laptop turned on fast, and flashed fully charged. Once he clicked the Wi-Fi, he realized that yes, he still had the internet. He held his breath and clicked into his social media. With worldwide assignments in his past, someone he knew was always online. His eyes widened with the messages that were in his inbox. His mother was still typing messages. He hoped they were safe during the hurricane as he clicked her name then typed, Mom are you and Dad okay?

The storm is keeping me up, but we're fine. How are you and Clara?

Fine. Mom... At least they still had a roof and that physically everything was okay. He took a deep breath as his heart calmed to a normal pace. Then he typed, Vicki is here too.

She's where?

At the house with us.

Both she and her father both tried to throw Clara away. Why is she there and when is she leaving?

Mom, her dad stole Clara. Vicki didn't know.

And you believe her?

Did you go see her in the hospital the day you found Clara?

No, I wasn't allowed anywhere near her.

The perimeter around Vicki that day meant that she probably told the truth. He sighed and rubbed the back of his head as he stared at the words on the computer. Neither of them typed anything for a moment. Finally, he typed, I believe her, and part of you believes her too.

I'd prefer to speak to her in person and see for myself. Then we'll figure it out as a family, son. Does Belle know she's there?

No. I tried to call her, but she was in a meeting.

Belle is a nice girl.

So is Vicki, Mom.

If she was nice, she'd have called you years ago, son. Don't fall for sweetness when she showed up for cameras to take her picture at her father's funeral. I taught you to look at things from all sides before making your choice.

Colt typed out what his gut told him. My bigger issue isn't Vicki, it's Belle.

Why?

Belle wants me to move to DC. And I don't wear a suit and tie.

She knows who you are and loves you. Give her time. You've taken on the farming corporation, and being a lobbyist in Washington is not a long-term career for any woman that might want a family.

Belle's a go-getter and always has been. She won't change that for me and I don't want her to. She was so different to Vicki, who laughed and joked with him. Clara had the same sparkle of optimism and fun, and here, with Vicki, he felt at home. Mom, I'm going to need you to forgive Vicki. I secretly dated her, slept with her, got her pregnant, and then took her father and brother's word she didn't wish to see me ever again. I should have tried harder. She was pregnant with my child, and I had no clue.

Son, don't throw your future away because you're feeling guilty over the past.

His heartbeat was steady and sure. He wasn't feeling guilty. He was at ease and at home now. His lips still lingered with the taste of rose water, and his mind recalled his dreams where he held Vicki in his arms. He typed his last comment. We're fine. I make my own decisions, and Belle is coming down in a few days so we can talk in person. I'm not moving to DC, but I'm glad you and Dad are both holding up in the storm. Good night.

The words he typed glared at him on the screen. He had made a decision.

He closed his computer and opened his bedroom door to see outside. The house seemed quiet, but goosebumps grew on his arms. The storm must have dissipated, as the walls rattled less. Everyone slept. He stood and stared toward the front door. It was better to see what happened in person. Then he sat, opened the laptop again, and quickly checked the radar.

The weather service confirmed the worst was over. He stood and stretched. His orange trees needed him. He threw on a pair of old blue jeans and a black tee shirt and strolled out of his room. Near the door, he slipped on his boots and listened one more time to the wind, which sounded lighter. Then he unchained the door and stuck his head onto his porch. The screen was ripped apart, so he'd have to fix that later. He stepped past the mess, and the slight gust felt more like a normal day, though slightly colder. He'd have to ensure his oranges were warm.

First he headed out to feed the animals, and soon, he'd check every tree. Out here in the farms, he'd be useful.

The ghost of Vicki's presence came with her sweet smell of flowers, full, kissable lips, and pliant body. If he didn't get rid of his thoughts soon, he'd jump in and make a bigger mistake with his life. The hurricane was more manageable than his mind.

He walked toward the stable, and the image of kissing her pink lips again never left his thoughts.

CHAPTER SEVEN

"Vicki." Clara's small, happy voice echoed as she pattered on the marble floor toward her. Vicki's heart lifted and the sound made everything worthwhile. "You're still here."

The girl ran into a hug and Vicki squeezed her. "Of course I am, but we don't have any power, sweetheart."

"I'll go get Daddy. He can fix anything." Clara tore off in the direction of Colt's bedroom.

"Wait."

Clara ran toward the door anyhow. Colt hadn't come out since he'd handed Vicki the flashlight in the middle of the night. Her entire body froze as Clara swung open his door. With his fever, he needed the sleep, and she didn't want to wake him. Her face heated. To avoid Colt for a moment, she stared at her empty cereal bowl, but for a second she couldn't bring herself to get up and place it in the sink. She had to tell Colt what had happened last night.

Then as she inhaled, she stood and cleaned and placed the bowl in the sink. Clara deserved a good breakfast. Clara bounded out of his room.

"Vicki, Daddy isn't home. He must be outside." Clara barreled toward her and waved with her arms that she wanted the cereal in Vicki's hand. "I'm hungry."

Vicki walked toward the kitchen. Colt should be taking it easy today. She held that thought. "Okay. Sit down and I'll get it for you."

"Thank you." Clara tugged at her nightgown like it was a ball gown, and then descended into her seat like a princess.

A year alone had taught Vicki to take care of herself. She opened the fridge, found the second box, and showed the two cereal choices. Her daughter nodded to one box, and Vicki fixed her a bowl. As she added the milk, Vicki stared at her baby. Her fingers ached to wrap themselves tight around her shoulders, and never let go of her little angel. No one would steal her baby from her again. Vicki repacked the fridge a minute later, and then took a seat next to Clara. Clara waited for her and picked up her spoon when Vicki settled in her seat. Clara smiled. Vicki scratched her head. "Who taught you manners?"

"Grandma. She says Collins are strong, but good people who always remember their manners. And I want to be like Dad when I grow up."

"You want to join the military?" Vicki asked.

A giggle escaped Clara's throat, and to Vicki, her daughter had the voice of a choir of angels. "No, I want to help horses and grow oranges."

A laugh escaped Vicki's lips. Vicki smiled, leaned closer, and whispered, "I should take you to my store. Making dresses and helping women be happy is fun."

"My daughter is amazing the way she is, and she's amazing with horses." The front door swung open and the birds chirped in the air. The storm was definitely over now, and the cool wind was a welcome relief. Vicki swallowed, as the shadow of a man outlined the wall, taking his boots off, though he left the door open. Seconds later, footsteps that came closer made her skin tingle with awareness as the air filled with oak and oranges.

"Morning," Vicki called out, and refused to stare at him as he hung his hat on a rack. "Clara is still young, and dresses are pretty."

"Dresses are pretty," Clara repeated. "Belle hates dressing up."

"No, she doesn't. Give her a chance, Clara." Colt crossed his arms and walked closer. "Belle loves being the center of attention."

Vicki froze. That wasn't a compliment in Colt's worldview. Vicki peeked over her shoulder, and she watched his facial expression. He loved Clara; that was clear. Vicki inhaled. "Your daughter adores you. She thinks you can turn the lights on."

Colt stared at her, and her face grew warmer. "I had to ensure our fruit and workers were here for the aftermath. We lost about fifteen percent of the crops, the greenhouse was damaged, and trees uprooted. At least most of the storm didn't hit us directly. I'll get the generator from the shed. When the lights go on, can you make coffee?"

"I can do that." She nodded and stood. "I'm sorry for your losses."

"We can rebuild." He didn't move. "I have camping gear to make fresh coffee without energy out there too. I'll bring it in so we're set in case the power doesn't come on anytime soon."

"Okay." She nodded and smiled like she'd won the lottery. Of course he had the machine. Fresh coffee was restored and her body would enjoy it. She brushed the skirt she had worn last night to get off any speck of dirt. "I'll stay here with Clara. We'll figure out what we have to grill today to not let it spoil."

"You can stay?" His eyes widened. "I suspected you'd have some Miami event with your family name as the sponsor to attend."

"I'm the nanny, remember?" Colt and Clara were more important than the House of Morgan. She placed her hand on her hip. "I asked my employee to open my shop today, and everyone at my boutique will take care of the brides until I get back. I am happy to stay with Clara. I took this job, Colt, and I intend to stay."

"Thanks." He nodded, and took his hat off the rack to head back out. She sucked in her breath, and hoped she'd made her message clear: that her family name was less important than Clara. If he hadn't come for breakfast, why had he walked in the room? As he slipped on his boots near the front door, he called over his shoulder, "After the power is on, I have to go check for more damage in my trees and the animals. I'll be a while."

"Take care of yourself. I'll have coffee near the door for you to grab." She rubbed her forehead. Today she would be useful. Then she turned to Clara and figured her daughter could help her today. "So go. We'll be fine."

He let out a sigh, nodded, and shoved himself out the door. The cool breeze from the door was all they had until they raised the shutters. She swallowed, and her cheeks felt heat as she wondered what he'd come inside for as he left without food. Vicki's head swiveled and she smiled at Clara. Clara didn't look up as she ate her cereal. Vicki mussed her baby's fine hair as she retook her seat.

"Dad has nightmares sometimes. He says it's about war. I don't ever want nightmares like he has." Clara took a bite of her cereal like she hadn't said something huge. "Horses don't make me cry."

"War?" Vicki stilled, but then decided to loosen up. "Have you seen the bases your dad was on?"

"Italy. Dad used to take me for ice cream." Clara pushed her bowl away. "I'm done. Can we go outside? It's hot in here."

"Okay. Get some toys. We'll sit on the porch or near the house while we drink water, but first your dad wants me to make him coffee, and I hoped you'd help." Vicki stood up to open the door so the breeze could cool her. Then she picked up the bowl and put it in the sink, as the lights flickered on. The air conditioning didn't kick on, so the generator must be at work. "That will make it easier to find what you want from your room."

Clara ran toward her room and Vicki started the coffee machine. Her skin tingled again, as her body grew hyperaware of Colt's warm, inviting breath on her neck. She licked her lips and turned to face him as the door swung behind him.

The moment their gazes met, Colt stepped away. His hands fell to his sides. "The phone line is down, though the internet is working. My cell is charging now. We'll have to keep my electronics plugged in to regenerate to full. Can I see what kind of phone you have?"

"Sure." She walked over to her counter where she'd left her pocketbook, and reached in for her cell. As she handed it over, she saw the battery was red, so she was under twenty percent.

He nodded. "Okay, once mine is charged, we'll switch out to yours, unless you need to make any emergency calls."

"I'm fine." She left her phone on the counter.

He didn't move. "I came in to email my family fast to check on Alice, John, and my parents again. When I'm done, if you need to do the same, please feel free. I hope Peter is fine, but I need to ask you a favor."

Her brother would be some place five-star, probably in a hotel with Jennifer. Her shoulders twitched as she took in Colt's words. A favor? She swallowed. "What do you need?"

His cheeks reddened, and he ran his hand through his hair. "It be nice if you stick around to help with Clara through the cleanup process. Otherwise, I'll have to take her through the entire grove. It's going to be more than a day."

Colt and Clara mattered far more than anything else in her life. He trusted her with their daughter. "Are you asking me to move in for a few days?"

His voice softened. "Yes. If you can get away. My mother usually helps, but my dad has been ill. Clara thinks you're her nanny now, and you would be a great help."

"Okay." She smiled and took his hands in hers. He held her palms in his, but then dropped his hands to the side. The part of her skin that touched his heated. She lowered her gaze. "I'm happy to have the time to get to know her. I'd like to stay and get to know her without being a stranger. But I do have to go to the store in a few days to arrange the schedule for next week. I can take Clara with me for a few hours, and then we'll head right back home."

"Sounds fine. We'll work out the details, but thank you." He turned his face into a shadow as he glanced at the door. "Now is a good time, before my wedding in October."

Vicki's shoulders caved. Her lips ached for his kiss, but she'd never be a home wrecker. She firmly believed that whatever she put into the universe came back in a circle. If she tried to steal Colt, something worse would happen to her. She sighed. No. She'd lost too much already.

Colt ran his hand through his hair, and she picked up his habit as she closed her eyes. "That's so close. Where is your fiancée?"

He seemed to count the marble tiles on the floor as his face stayed red. "Washington, D.C. She took a job for the military as a lobbyist."

"She sounds strong and independent, which was always the type of girl you wanted. I'm happy for you."

His eyes widened as he glanced at her again. Without a word, she picked up the bowl in the sink and ran it under the water to wash. Colt rubbed her shoulders and then he took off for the door. "Thanks again for staying."

"No, Colt," she called out, and gazed at him over her shoulder. He stared at her from the door. She dropped her hands to her sides. "Staying here is one major step to letting me in to know my daughter. I am looking forward to telling her who I am before your wedding."

At the door he threw his cowboy hat on and nodded at her. Her heart beat a little faster. If he wasn't engaged, she'd be flirting. Perhaps it was better this way.

Colt Collins would never be hers.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Vicki found the steaks in the freezer had thawed enough and needed to be cooked soon. Dusk settled in the sky, and she added charcoal to the grill in the backyard. At least she had remembered how to set something from camp. Her years on her own, without her last name or family money, taught her how to survive in cities with jobs, not camping.

Vicki turned to watch her daughter one more time. Clara had her radio, and she played in the shade on the patio. Today was perfect. Vicki turned around and lit a match, but nothing flamed. She bit her lip, added more charcoal, and lit more matches, but nothing flamed. She crossed her arms. What was she doing wrong?

She picked up a piece of charcoal and held the match to it. The black charcoal never took the flames.

Clearly she'd missed a step. She dropped the charcoal into the pit and wiped the sweat off her brow. She studied the grill like there was a huge secret. How did her brother, Peter, the born-to-be CEO who was trained from birth to run their family and the many business holding, make grilling food look easy? Her brother wasn't motivated to do anything family related, ever, and even he managed to do stuff like this.

"Step back. I'll get the grill ready." Colt's voice crackled from behind, which sent a thrill down her spine.

"Steak night." She didn't dare turn to look at him. Her body ached for him. A few seconds later, she turned and walked toward the patio as Clara and Colt grew closer to her and the grill. She stiffened her spine and refused to react to the smell of oak trees and oranges. "I'll get the food for when you're ready and bring it to you."

"And the beer," Colt called out as he went toward the barbecue.

She heard the spark of the fire catch in the grill and turned. With her jaw clenched, she asked, "How did you do that?"

With a wink, he smiled, and her heart melted. He had looked at her that way years ago, and she used to melt then. She sighed, and he answered, "I have my ways."

She placed her hand on her hip. "And I have mine, country boy. I'll get Clara to turn up her radio, and you'll dance with me before the night ends."

"Lighter fluid." He dropped his gaze as his cheeks grew red. "You had everything but lighter fluid."

Her skin ignited, and she stared at his hard body. She turned her gaze to the ground, and she cooled her jets, though her lips tingled from a memory. "Ohh."

"I'll grill." He nodded.

After the hurricane, the weather was unusually colder than the usual sauna of Miami summers. She was born and raised in the roasting humidity, but the fire now came from inside her. Colt was too dangerous for her well-being. Today was different. She let out a loud sigh, and rolled her shoulders to let the tension that crept up her spine dissipate.

On the porch, she stomped up the stairs and slammed the door behind her. Colt whistled outside, and she heard the noisy sighs she made.

At least the house wasn't stuffy anymore. Colt had taken down the shutters to let the air back in. One step ahead of her today, but then again, he was a perfect gentleman. She shook her head like that would clear it. She had to lose her attraction to Colt fast. The man was engaged to be married, and Victoria Morgan was here for Clara.

As she took out the plate of steaks, the fresh corn on the cob, and the vegetable kebabs she made, Vicki's fingers twitched. Her body was too tight and achy to be near him.

Denial was hard.

She picked out the condiments off the metallic door of the refrigerator. She clicked her tongue in her mouth, pasted a smile back on her face, and went back outside.

With her hip, she pushed open the door, and she saw how handsome Colt had become. The man she stared at across the lawn who chased after Clara was rugged, protective, and the best father she ever could imagine. Their daughter squealed in delight. Vicki licked her lips. His hard muscles and strong shoulders only added fuel to her raging desires.

A genuine smile formed on her face, but as she went toward them, acid grew in her throat. Her father had never loved her, not like Colt with Clara.

Her stomach knotted, and she lowered her gaze. Perhaps the thought related to how she hadn't told Colt this morning about that kiss. She swallowed, and the tension she suddenly had dissipated. They had to find a way to share, and Vicki swore to herself she'd ensure Clara believed that she was worth more than living her life as a man's pretty accessory.

As she joined them and slipped the plate onto the table, Colt's hand squeezed her hip. She stayed speechless, and he reached over her shoulder to take the plate. Heat coursed through her.

He winked. "Go play with the rug rat while I get this started."

"Daddy, I'm not a rug rat," Clara yelled out. "I want to play tag."

With a fast grin, Vicki took her hand from Colt and then raced to her daughter. "Yeah, Dad. She's not a rug rat, but a princess."

"No. A princess. Apparently now I have two princesses in my life." His grin gave his excitement away. "Everywhere I go, girl rug rats turn into princesses."

Clara giggled like he'd said the funniest thing ever. Then she went to sit with her toys. Vicki didn't argue, and followed her until it was clear Clara wanted to play alone.

She pointed to Clara as she met Colt's gaze. Then she nodded and told him, "I'll go and get the beer."

Colt shook his head and his eyes sparkled. "So you failed at being a proper woman. Not getting me my beer on the first trip."

Colt Collins had turned into a comedian. She twirled with her hand in the air to scold him, but his smile was contagious. His appreciative head dip caught her attention, and she didn't rise to the bait. "Country boy like you never had any manners, Colt. We'll work on that when you dance with me."

Without another word spoken, she disappeared into the house.

A cold beer whetted her appetite too. A minute later, she popped the caps off two Coronas, added lime, and headed back out.

His succulent brown eyes stayed on her as she sashayed back with the beer. She handed one to him, and he quirked his eyebrow after he tasted it. "What happened to 'I only drink wine'?"

"I definitely prefer wine, but I'll drink this for now." She shrugged. "Cheers."

They tapped their bottles, and then he elbowed her side. "John taught you about the lime. I'm impressed."

A giggle escaped her lips. "John or Peter will never drink this in public, but you snuck one or two over a few summers and always added the splash of lime. Years later, when I lived in Texas for a minute, I decided to try."

"Limon," he corrected her with his Miami Spanish.

She shook her head at him, and refused to tell him that lime was the correct American terminology for the green, tart fruit. Only in Miami, the label for yellow lemon and the green lime were inverted in the everyday lingo. She tilted her head. "Country boy still arguing with me just because he likes to be right? What did you do without me as your target overseas?"

"You were never a target, Vicki, though I do admit I like being home." He flipped the steaks and stared at his grill. "You're too easy to tease, sunshine."

Clara left her toys, settled on the bench, and picked up a book.

"I'm probably the most difficult woman you ever met." Vicki exhaled and chose to ignore how he'd called her sunshine and how her entire spirit lifted. Together, they were what a family was supposed to be. Then she winked at him. "I know it's hard for you to say you missed me...Miami and all that glitters in the Magic City. I remember you complaining all the time on how you were never coming back."

She had said me, but switched it to the city. She chewed her bottom lip.

His shoulders tensed, and her heart fell in her chest. Was he about to confront her slip with the fiancée reminder? "I was a bratty teen, but once you're in the sandbox, your viewpoint changes."

Her heart thumped for Colt. Without thinking, she hugged him. He stiffened then let his hands wrap around her waist. She ran her hands in his hair, and then she stepped away. His mouth was open. She placed her hand on her hip to study him. "Something bad happened to you, Colt. If you need to talk, I'll listen."

"Most people call me Collins, except you."

The storm in Colt's eyes had her step out of his arms' reach. She shivered and realized the sky above them was darkening too. Storms moved fast near hurricanes, and soon they'd have rain. "Vicki, I..."

A loud buzz sounded, and they turned their heads toward the house. All the lights flickered on, and they cheered. The air conditioner and everything else now worked.

"Never mind," he said. "It's for the best."

He'd almost said something else. Her eyes widened, but then she stilled. Some things were better left to rest.

"Get that food off the grill." Vicki took a seat at the bench. "We're hungry. And we're still dancing tonight."

Clara yawned, and Colt frowned, but took the steaks off the grill. Seconds later, he placed a plate in front of Clara and mussed his daughter's hair. Their daughter ignored him, picked up her fork, and said, "Thanks, Daddy."

Vicki's heart constricted. Colt was the one that Clara knew and loved. She'd never be able to make up for not being there right from the beginning.

Colt wrapped his arms around Clara and picked her up to hug her. Clara's face blossomed as her father spun her. Then he placed her in her seat. Vicki's heart swelled.

Then he told her, "You being here now is a good thing, Vicki. But it's gonna rain. We have to go."

Vicki's voice cracked. "I'd have been here if—"

He cut her off and kissed her cheek. Vicki's face warmed, and she didn't know what to say.

Then he pointed toward Clara. "Let's talk away from sleepy head first. Get her plate. We have to get inside fast."

The clouds above his head seemed more ominous. Perhaps there was an outer band of the hurricane about to hit. The wind blew in the trees. She swallowed, and followed Colt's orders as he picked up their daughter.

A moment later, Clara hugged her father's neck, yawned, and said, "I'm not hungry. I'm sleepy."

Vicki picked up the plates as best she could and followed behind Colt. He slowed own and walked next to her as she brought as much in as possible. He then turned and told Vicki, "Let's put the princess in bed together. Then we'll get the rest and eat. She's tuckered out from too much playing in the heat today."

"We drank a lot water," Vicki answered fast, like that alleviated guilt. "I took good care of her."

Colt stayed in step with her as a flash of lightning flew in the distant sky. "I'm sure you did fine. She's being good with you, Vicki."

#

In Clara's bedroom, Vicki and Colt worked as a team. He held her. She tugged on the covers. Then he took off her shoes and socks, as she changed Clara into a nightgown. Clara sighed as she snuggled into her pillow without opening her eyes. Once they were done, Colt wrapped her in the blanket, and Vicki fixed her hair into a braid. Clara twisted, but their daughter fell into a deep sleep.

Once they were finished, Colt stood first. "I'll go get the rest of the things before the storm hits."

The cool air of the air conditioning made the evening tolerable. Vicki rolled her shoulders as Colt bolted out of the door and through the house. She stood more slowly, checked on her daughter once more, and then slipped out of the room. The humid day had sucked their energy, and tonight they would sleep well.

A few minutes later, Vicki couldn't wait for him anymore, and followed Colt's footsteps. She opened the door to follow him, as thunder cracked in the air. Colt rushed like a bolt of lightning into the door, which she closed a second later. He shook his head to get out the dampness from the rain and then showed her the beers. "Thanks."

#

In the big, open room, he went to the kitchen to pick up his beer from the counter. Vicki fixed herself a plate, and Colt ran his hand through his hair. The rain outside thundered and poured heavily out the window. Vicki stared at him, but kept her lips sealed.

He said, "I guess I should get to bed."

Not this soon. She shook her head. "I'd like to talk, and we should finish the steaks. You must be hungry, as you didn't eat all day."

"I guess."

Vicki shrugged then went to the kitchen table. She folded her napkin on her lap and waited. He fixed himself a plate and followed her. As he sat, he said, "You're not what I expected, at all. You've become calmer. Want another beer, as you left yours outside?"

"Okay. I'll have a beer, unless you have white wine." She offered a tentative smile as she sat straighter.

He stood like he was marching to orders, went to the kitchen, and poured a glass. Then he returned next to her and handed her the wine. She nodded her thanks as he asked, "Did you go on some spiritual path to transform from high-class princess world?"

No one should know about of the few of the incidents in her past. "Without the House of Morgan title, I discovered what I liked and didn't like. I had a few jobs, moved around, saw the country, but I always felt part of me was missing."

Colt bolted out of his chair and shook the table. Her wine spilled onto the tablecloth. His cheeks reddened again. "I'm sorry. I'll get you another glass."

She inhaled his woodsy scent, and cleaned as best she could with her napkin. "Please get a towel. I want to talk."

He nodded like he'd agreed to his own funeral.

A moment later, he returned with her wine and the towel. He handed the glass to her, and cleaned the mess he'd made. Without looking up, he said, "I'm glad you were here today, Vicki. You helped with Clara, and I don't know what I would have done without you."

The fire within her grew. "I should have been here with you both from the beginning. I should have listened to my heart then and now..."

"I wish you had been."

He folded the towel, placed it next to his seat, and then bit into his food. Her heart soared. He must feel it too. She opened her mouth, but couldn't say a word. Then he wiped his mouth, gazed at his plate, and said, "I don't want to talk about that tonight. I need calm and sweet right now more than anything else. Can we talk tomorrow morning, first thing?"

She nodded. "Of course."

He swallowed and met her gaze. "Today was rough."

She cut her food into smaller pieces. What could she say? She bit a piece and then swallowed. "So what do you want to talk about now?"

She ate another bite.

He swallowed another piece of his dinner, and then stared at his glass. "Last night, I dreamed about you."

She sucked in her breath, to tell him that it wasn't a dream. She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

With a pained expression, he met her gaze. "Visions keep flashing in my mind all day, and my lips tingled from your rose-water taste."

"My what?" She choked, then schooled her expression and tried to pretend it was the food. "Colt..."

His sexy, dark eyes had a flame in them, and he finished his dinner. She did the same. Then he wiped his mouth with the napkin and rubbed his five o'clock shadow on his chin. Her lips opened, and she waited for him to say something. Finally, he broke his stare. "I'm engaged. Belle's a good woman who deserves my respect and fidelity."

Vicki couldn't stop her chin from trembling. She stood with the plates to take them to the sink and called out, "Tell me about her."

"Belle was in the Marines. Stood next to me during a bad firefight." He stared at a wall, unfocused, like he was haunted about something. "She's a lobbyist for a weapons manufacturer up in D.C. now."

"You must be proud, as you've told me what she did now. And I've seen the pictures. Your Belle is gorgeous." She washed the dishes. Then she finished, and turned toward him. He seemed like he was in a trance. She fiddled with her shirt sleeve and came closer to him. She kept her voice soft as she placed her hands on the table next to him. "What are your nightmares about?"

His jaw slackened. He motioned for her to sit with him on the couch in the other room. She picked up both their drinks on her way and followed him. She handed him his beer and sat beside him. He swallowed, but his eyes were almost dead. She rubbed his arm. He acted so different from the bright-eyed Colt she knew. She squeezed his knee, but kept her mouth closed, and waited.

His voice started soft. "In war, I was prepared to be executed. My men had been shot with their hands tied behind their heads. The next bullet should have gone into me, but Belle and her unit blazed in, and pulled me out of there."

A gasp escaped her mouth, and she tugged on Colt's arm.

First, he stared at her, but she'd had enough. She hugged him. She had almost lost him, and she hadn't known. Her body trembled. He stared at her without another word for a few minutes, and his face turned red. He tugged at his collar and dropped his gaze. "Belle deserves my loyalty."

"And my gratitude," Vicki added as she took his hand in hers. "I don't know what would have happened if I heard you'd died. I couldn't have held together."

He flinched. "I thought you came here only for Clara."

"I'm not a home wrecker, Colt." His hard features would scare her away, if she didn't know him. Then she brushed her wet eyes to not cry, and scooted her knees over to touch his. She kept her voice low. "In my heart, Colt, you were always the hero."

Without a word, he stood, like he was recoiling from her touch. "Night, Vicki."

Her eyes followed his departing hurry. A lump formed in her throat. If she had been honest from the beginning, everything would be different. She'd have been a mother to her daughter, and her tingling lips that ached for his kiss wouldn't be tender. There was nothing she could do about any of this.

She sipped her wine and stared out the window. The pitter-patter of the soft rain and her drink soothed her hardened stomach. After she finished, she cleaned, turned all the lights off and went to bed. Tonight, she'd dream of the life she'd almost had but lost.

CHAPTER NINE

Vicki woke up as her phone vibrated and rang. Without opening her eyes, she reached out, and answered, "Hello?"

Alice squealed like they were still in school. "Peter and Jennifer broke up last night."

The real world was out there. Vicki blinked to get the sleep out of her eyes. "What?"

In one breath, Alice then reported, "Jennifer dumped him at the $25,000-a-plate fundraiser for the dramatic arts that she dragged him to, and publicly stated he didn't love her so he didn't deserve her."

Jennifer had seemed nice enough a long time ago, but Peter deserved a wife that would love him unconditionally. Vicki opened her eyes fully and held her breath. "I'll call him today."

"Perfect." Alice spoke like Vicki had the answers to her prayers, though she had no idea how.

Without missing a beat, Alice then changed the conversation. "How are you and my brother holding up?"

The last person Vicki should talk to was Colt's sister. Her face heated and she closed her eyes. "We're good. Talk to you soon?"

With a huff in her voice, Alice said, "In person. I want more details than 'we're good.'"

Vicki would not admit that she had a huge crush on Colt to anyone. Her skin felt jittery as she said, "Bye."

Alice sighed. "Bye."

Vicki hung up and then checked her email. Her store was covered for today, and she had no reason to return to Miami. Life in Homestead was what she needed. Now that Colt and Clara lived here, she'd never return to her lonely, stylish condo on the beach in Miami. A home was more important now.

A knock at the door made her smile, and she finished brushing her hair. "Morning, Colt."

"I heard you talking, princess." He nodded at her. "Do you intend to leave?"

"Not today." She smiled at him. "Or anytime soon. I was speaking to your sister."

"Alice?"

"Yes." She stood and walked closer to him.

He placed his hand on hers. "Next time you speak to her, tell her I want my hat she stole."

A huge smile grew on her face as she remembered high school. "The same one you've argued about since we were children?"

"It would be nice if you were on my side." Colt rubbed his chin and then stood straighter. "I'll make us breakfast while you get dressed."

"Perfect. See you soon." Her heart wished for him, but that was ancient history. His footsteps echoed as he walked across the hall, and she double-checked that the door was closed. She closed her eyes and hoped she'd find her way through the maze of questions. Then she shook off the thoughts, opened her eyes, and raced to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she threw on a pair of old jeans in her size and one of his old Panther jerseys, and ran out of her bedroom. Clara sat in the living room as she listened to music on a headset. Colt was nowhere to be seen. Sidetracked, Vicki headed over to Clara, and tried to get the girl's attention. With her head bopping, Clara was zoned out.

Colt called out as Vicki shook her head. "She loves music. Come sit at the table, eat your breakfast, while I talk to you."

"I love music." She smiled at Colt. Her daughter might get that from her.

He nodded. "I remember."

She was excited to hear what had happened on his end.

He stood as she neared, walked to the kitchen, and grabbed cups. She slid into the seat with the empty plate. Then he brought her coffee. "Thank you."

He massaged the back of his neck. "Where do we get started?"

She nodded at him. "I'm listening."

"We have to trade notes, so I get your side, but I wanted to say I believe you." He leaned over the table and pushed a plate of food in front of her. Then he fixed the fruits on the trays for each of their plates. She picked up her fork and waited. He finished fiddling with the food then ran his hand down his jeans. "I'll start, I guess."

What was the conversation? She nodded, folded her hands around her coffee cup, and tilted her head. "Please."

He leaned forward onto the table. "I was in basic training when I received a frantic phone call from my parents. The only reason I ever received that call was because my dad knew the senator."

She asked, "Why is that important?"

He shook his head. "My mom was a nurse at the hospital where you gave birth..."

"We talked about this already. You said you believed me."

"I do."

"Then what are we discussing?"

"How the past adds to our present." She had no answer. He stared straight at a wall. "We likely created Clara in my truck."

"I thought it was in our hotel room in Paris." Heat rose in her face.

"Victoria, you're distracting me." He shook his head and rolled his shoulders, as if he was tense. "Anyhow, Mom went to work her usual schedule despite the change."

"This is all the past."

"Soon, she'll drive onto the farm and grill you, Vicki."

Vicki nodded. "I'll answer her every question."

Colt clenched his jaw but somehow still spoke. "She saw Clara brought into the nursery, and said something made her stop dead in her tracks. She went over immediately and asked for details about Clara. She wanted to know whose baby she was. She was told, 'Vicki Morgan, but that the little girl is being given up for adoption.' Mom knew about us, and did the math. Department of Children and Family were en route, and Mom took the crib with her to her desk and called my dad."

At least someone had had the guts to go against Vicki's father. Her heart fell to her gut. "How did she know about us?"

"She saw us in my truck after we came back from the trip."

"Thank goodness." Vicki moved her arms to cross at her chest. "I wouldn't give up our baby. Dad had wanted me to get an abortion, but I had refused." She almost knocked over her untouched plate with her elbow, and slammed her fists on the table as she let her hands fly. "This is why I ran and never came home. It was one mistake after another."

"I'm not trying to hurt you." Colt covered his mouth with his hand, and didn't say anything else.

She swallowed and fixed the table from her hysterics. "I'm sorry. Please continue."

Colt's cheeks were red. "Mom said she picked Clara up and knew she was mine. A few minutes later, the official from the DCF came in to collect my baby. Mom refused to let her out of her arms. Dad's lawyer showed up, and then my father. When the DCF lady said I had waived my rights, Mom denied it. She also refused to let Clara out of her arms, and no one was going to stop her."

Vicki's eyes teared up.

Colt massaged her shoulder. "Don't cry."

His mother was strong and powerful. If Vicki had a mother, perhaps her life would have been different, and there was absolutely no way she'd curse Clara with life without her mother.

"Dad got me on the phone during officer school. Next thing I know, I'm told my parents, lawyers, and DCF, that yes, we dated, had sex and, and no, I never signed any papers giving up any rights. We hadn't talked since I left for boot camp. I didn't panic till after I hung up the phone. I wanted my child."

She leaned over and placed her hand on his. "I didn't sign anything either."

"I believed you that day we talked." He slipped his hand away. "To end the story, when the DCF official heard my denial of signing papers, she agreed to give mom custody for the night in my stead."

Vicki dried her face. "The agent had a heart."

Colt dropped his hands to the sides now. "I doubt it. My dad called the senator and the governor. Our lawyer proved fraud. I took a DNA test the next day, and Clara has been a Collins since the day she was born."

"No one called me, including you." Vicki closed her eyes, and memories flooded her of how she'd felt empty for years. She'd have never run away without her baby. "If I had one whiff of Clara being alive, I'd have done anything to be with her."

Colt stilled. "I called you a few times, but you never answered. I stopped when my lawyer received a letter of complaint that threatened harassment."

"My father...for what he did to Clara, I want him to come back alive so that I might kill him."

"I thought we should clear the air about all this, Vicki. I didn't want to cause you more pain."

"You didn't."

She squeezed the bridge of her nose. Then she let out a sigh and answered him. "He must have blocked your phone calls. I did stay in the house a few weeks, but then I saw how my father wanted me to go to school and forget Clara. I couldn't pretend, and finally I walked out the door."

She stilled and saw he clearly had a question. Then slowly he asked, "So why didn't you tell me you were pregnant? You said something about me and a woman at basic. I wanted to ask you what you meant."

"I have the pictures in my bag. Hold on." She jumped out of her chair and raced for her pocketbook. She sorted through the materials she'd brought and then grabbed the pictures. She returned and laid them on the table. "My father's private investigator brought me these."

He flipped through the pictures as he wrinkled his nose. "This is Stacy."

She widened her eyes. "Who's Stacy?"

His hand went to his chin to support him. "One night at basic, she was in bad shape. Her parents died in a car crash, or something truly horrible like that. It was a long time ago. I remember feeling awful for her. We all went drinking and had too much. She couldn't walk, so I helped her to the car so we could return to base."

"That's it?"

He pushed the picture of him and Stacy to the table. "Despite this picture, I never kissed her."

Then her eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"

He shook his head. "Why would I then? I would close my eyes and still imagine you. I wanted you to call me every day of training."

Her heart melted. She was too late and had missed her chance with Colt, so she avoided his gaze. "If I did, then I disowned him, my family, the money to pay for Clara's birth, and my college tuition."

He ran his hands through his hair. "My family isn't poor, Vicki. Granted, my trust fund isn't a big as yours, but we could have been fine."

She lowered her gaze. "He threatened I'd lose everything for a man who was heading off to war and who was in bed with another woman. Then when the nurses, doctor, and my father all said my baby died, I lost my will to fight." Her cheeks were wet with tears, and she couldn't look at Colt. "I shouldn't have let that happen."

"Don't blame yourself." He reached out to hold her hand for a moment, and his eyes had a spark of something deeper. "We're starting fresh from now on, Vicki. No more lies between us, and there was no other woman."

He was engaged, and despite how she wished she had him too, she knew this was a fantasy. She dropped his hand that she clung to, and reached up to her mother's necklace to hold the pendant. Her daughter deserved more than a necklace for a mother. "Today is as good as any to start fresh. What happened before now can all be forgotten."

"No." He took his hand back across the table, and a grin appeared on his face. "Clara is the best thing that came from our mistake."

"She's perfect." She smiled as tension eased off her skin. "I'm glad. Can we tell her I'm her mother?"

Colt massaged the back of his neck. "Soon. Not yet. I want it be natural and without pressure. When the topic comes up again, I'll tell her." He stood suddenly. "I have to get going to check on the oranges. You're staying here?"

"I am." She nodded. "My appointment in town is for tomorrow, but it won't take more than a few hours. Clara is welcome to join me. We'll go to the shop, have lunch, and I'll bring her back here."

"That sounds fine. Guess tonight's our last night of one-on-one family." He sucked in his breath as he held both hands behind his back. "Belle's flight is in the morning tomorrow."

"Ohh." The bubble she lived in was about to burst. His fiancée showing up meant no more times like now. Her shoulders sagged. "Okay. I'm happy for you."

His face reddened. As he headed to the door, he tipped his head. "After work, let's celebrate that we're putting the past away."

"You're on, cowboy," she called out.

"I like how you say my name, princess."

"Colt." Her heart beat faster for him even after he walked out the door. She shouldn't. She sighed and told herself she was here for Clara.

Her lips ached as she wished for an impossible kiss that would only exist in her dreams.

CHAPTER TEN

Vicki and Clara found the cake convection oven still in its box in the pantry. Vicki decided it was time to use it. She placed it on the counter, and showed Clara how to make a homemade cake, complete with frosting. Clara ended up with flour on her face, and a huge laugh. Vicki's heart soared as she wet the cloth and cleaned up her baby's face. As they set the mix into the machine, Clara wiped flour all over her forehead again and tugged at Vicki's shirt.

Vicki breathed lighter as she reapplied the wet towel and cleaned her up.

"What's up, darling?" Vicki asked as Clara closed her eyes and sighed. Vicki scrubbed her clean and then told her, "You smell like strawberries."

Clara opened her eyes and stared at Vicki. Vicki's heart wished that her baby realized she was her mom, but then all Clara said was, "My shampoo."

Vicki dropped the towel in the sink, satisfied the flour was gone. Then she picked up her daughter so they could wash their hands together.

"Next time, I want to go get my stool. I'm too big to be picked up," Clara said, then reached over to turn off the faucet. Vicki held her and whiffed her soft, strawberry-flavored hair.

"I don't mind holding you." Vicki shrugged as she helped her stand on the ground.

Clara giggled. "Okay, but you're skinny and I'm too big."

"I'm stronger than I look."

"Dad is bigger and stronger."

"Girls are made different, but we're strong in our way. So what's the plan now?" Vicki asked, and wondered what other game or activity her daughter preferred to play. Every second of today had to be about Clara.

Clara spun around, showed her toothy smile, and giggled. "Let's play dress-up again."

"It's turning into your favorite game. I'll help you into a dress and do your hair." Vicki followed her as she traipsed through the house toward her room.

At the door, Clara spun around, tugged at Vicki's arm, and demanded, "No, you have to dress up too."

Vicki's eyebrows lifted. "I don't have any of my dresses here."

"Wear one of Grandma's until you get your clothes to move in with me." Clara swung their hands together like she was enjoying herself, and Vicki couldn't say no. Clara must have smelled her victory, because she sped up. "I'll show you where they are."

Vicki ran her free hand on the wall. If she wore something clean and fresh, not a few days old, her spirits would lift. In these clothes, she thought about Colt every other second, and to her, clothes held memories too long. "Okay."

In a bedroom in the back of the house, Clara threw open the closet without a care. "Grandma's stuff. I'm going to take a shower. Be in my room in ten minutes and we'll do our hair to impress Daddy."

"You don't have to impress your dad, sweetheart." Vicki smiled. "Colt's love for you is unconditional."

"Daddy will laugh at me." Clara squeaked and ran out of the room.

With a critical, well-trained eye, Vicki perused the dresses, and picked out a plain black knee-length. With a dress and a good cleaning, Vicki might feel pretty. A smile broke out on her face, and all thoughts returned to Colt's well-formed backside. As a sophisticated Miami socialite, she was used analyzing a man's form without getting attached. Every girl in Miami could calculate that one, but everything about Colt was familiar and yet different.

Either way, Colt made her heart thump, but she refused to flirt. He'd be the perfect guy to fall in love with. The thought heated her cheeks as she tried to let it go. Then she followed her daughter's plan with the dress, held it in her arms, and rushed to her room for a fast shower.

Five minutes later, she threw the dress over her head and, without warning, Clara opened the door. Vicki heard Colt's voice. "Close the door."

Her entire body was so hot that she might melt as she tugged the dress further down her body. With her eyes closed, she prayed she'd seem calm, and at least the fabric covered her red face this second. The door clicked closed and then she finished fast, took a deep breath, and walked out into the living area.

"Vicki, you look pretty." Clara's smiling face greeted her as Vicki straightened out the back. "Dad will like you better than Belle, I just know it."

Vicki knelt down and pressed her foot into her washed Prada shoe. "What was that?"

Clara put her hands behind her back. "Nothing."

Vicki crossed her arms. "Do you not like Belle?"

Clara smiled and swayed on her feet. "I like you more."

Vicki stood. She couldn't smile that her daughter liked her, but her entire body felt lighter. Colt hadn't heard this conversation, and he'd get defensive again. She smiled. "Let's go, sweetheart."

With a huge smile on her face, she held her daughter's hand and walked out the door. Colt waited in the kitchen area with his muscular back turned. She licked her lips and then imagined his entire body naked. She must be blushing for how she thought, and she tried to ignore her reactions. "Dinner is almost done. Let me get everything on the table. Go sit with Clara."

He whiffed the air as he turned toward her. With a sly grin, he added, "Doesn't smell like you burned anything."

She shrugged a shoulder, and then winked at Clara. "Sit. Wait and be surprised."

"You never could cook, and certainly didn't know how to turn on the stove."

He'd see. Colt leaned over and whispered something to Clara. Their daughter giggled, and he led the girl to the table.

With a raised her eyebrow, Vicki held her tongue and slipped on oven mitts. She gave him a saucy grin, and intended to prove that Vicki Morgan knew how to take care of herself. She held her head high and retrieved the juice.

She brought over cups and the juice for the table. Smoke wafted in the air as she sniffed. She broke into a run, opened the oven door, and the smoke made her cough.

Tears formed in her eyes, and she grabbed the tray with the food. Her ears rang with Colt's laughter from behind as he came to the kitchen to help. She swatted at the air to clear out her lungs as he found a towel and took out the charred remains of her dinner. It was black, not even brown. She ran her hand through her hair. She had worked all day on that. Then she dramatically dropped her shoulders. "I added a hundred degrees, I guess. At home, I never screw up like this."

"Excuses, excuses. Shall I call for a pizza?" Colt said, and picked up his phone from the counter.

The char-grilled lasagna didn't strike her as appealing. She nodded. "I'll have appetizers and vegetables steamed while we wait."

Colt spoke to whoever answered the phone while she cleaned up the mess. She closed her eyes, said a little prayer, and then finished.

Moments after he'd hung up, he spoke to their daughter as she picked out a bowl and added the steamed edamame.

Without instructions, Vicki added the sea salt, and asked, "Want me to add the salt?"

Colt smirked at her, but didn’t say anything about how she asked him as she did it. "Not particularly, princess. Bring it over here."

Darn. He made her nerves jitter sometimes.

"Daddy, I'm the princess," Clara added fast.

"No, you're the royal pain." Colt blinked, and his cheeks turned red. "Vicki's always been the princess."

Vicki bit her lower lip. How she'd screwed up dinner made no sense. "I'll take 'Your Royal Highness' from you, Marine."

Her face was still warm. She'd messed up dinner, but she refused to fight at their last meal as one family. She pasted a smile on her face and dragged her feet over to the table.

"You keep trying to prove you can cook. You don't have to do that. We're good either way." Colt told everyone, "I ordered the pizza. Sit and I'll get the drinks."

With a shrug, Vicki plopped in her seat and sipped her water. She swallowed then asked, "How did you take John in Alice's life? Our family is screwed up."

"I still think your father hurt you all, in different ways. John was ignored. You were trained to be a prize. Peter was raised to be exactly like your father, which meant he probably dealt with your father the most."

Vicki's skin went cold. He placed the edamame in the middle of the table and added an empty bowl for the shells next to it, as he continued, "My sister and my mom fought a lot when she was a teenager, but our family was nothing like yours."

Colt's opinion on her family was insightful, and she could only see the truth in every syllable. She tried to think of something she could do for his family. "Alice had me in her corner."

Without a word, he hopped out of his chair, retrieved a bottle, then poured her a glass of white wine, and one for himself. Her head tilted as he placed the glass in front of her. "Thank you."

Colt inhaled then broke their visual connection to give Clara an unsweetened tea, her favorite drink. Vicki's skin jumped as she realized she knew that one fact about her daughter now.

He ran his hand through his hair, slid into his seat, and served everyone edamame. Vicki nodded, unable to speak due to the heat that coursed through her. This was her family. Clara was her daughter, and Colt was unforgettable. As she pressed her hand in her lap, she changed the topic. "Do you all go to a Dolphins games with Clara?"

"Not yet," Colt answered. "But that's a good idea. Clara should experience a football game, and one day we might get a good team again."

"You loved the Fins." In her head, she wanted to add, We can go as a family, but then her pulse raced at the realization that he intended to marry someone else. Clara stared at her like she'd made a strange face, but still Vicki didn't say a word.

Colt didn't seem to notice. "You were the cheerleader."

"It was easy in high school. I was rooting for you."

His face grew a huge smile. Then he turned to Clara. "Vicki's getting her clothes, then she moves back in here to spend more time with you. Tomorrow, do you want to go with her to pack a few things, visit her store, and have lunch in Miami?"

Vicki's lips formed a circle and she couldn't blink. Move in? They hadn't discussed that. Wasn't his fiancée about to show up?

"You trust me to do that?" she asked, though she wished she could stay here with him, without his fiancée. No woman would want the mother of his child living with him. Vicki gulped and kept that to herself. Three was a crowd. He knew that. Colt was being kind.

Vicki bit her lip. She'd stay with her family.

He took a sip of his wine, and did not elaborate. She couldn't quite close her mouth yet. He then reached across the table and placed his hands over hers. "I'll trust you to bring my daughter home. You both want to spend time together, and I believe in you."

Her heart soared. No one had ever believed in her. Vicki felt like someone who'd won the lottery. She glanced at Clara and smiled. Colt understood the entire situation, and he was right that telling their daughter had to be natural. Vicki's face heated as she glanced at her wine. "Thank you. If you want to spend the first night together with your fiancée tomorrow, I'll take Clara to dinner on the town too. Give you both breathing room."

"No." His fast answer shook Vicki's resolve. He massaged his neck and averted his gaze. Then she turned her palm upward and took his hand in hers. Colt's lips puckered as he said, "It's not you, but it's Belle. Clara needs time to see she's not a monster."

"Then I shouldn't be here." Vicki gazed at the floor. She stopped massaging his hand and shook her head.

"You absolutely should be here. Clara needs you." Colt pressed his lips together like he wanted to say something else but then stopped himself. "I made a promise to you. Natural will be easier to handle if we're all in the same room."

"Right now is good."

"Let me first talk to Belle. It's not that long."

"Clara doesn't need two women in one house." Now he wanted to talk to Belle? Perhaps she should see a lawyer. She swallowed that thought and finished. "It's a recipe for disaster."

"I want Vicki, not Belle," Clara added fast.

Colt shrugged, and then took his hand back. "Princess, I want you to stay."

He meant Vicki, not Clara. Vicki's pulse quickened as she wondered if he might care about her, but she could be so wrong. Maybe Colt and Belle weren't happy and there was trouble in paradise, but he'd never said a word to her. She'd pack a bag, for now, but ensure she had a full tank of gas in case she needed to evacuate. Whatever happened with Belle, she'd not be here. "No worries. Clara and I will have fun. We'll stop to my bridal shop, get lunch, do something fun, and return early enough for dinner with Belle."

Clara's face contorted.

"School starts in two weeks, so not too much fun." He nodded at his daughter and swallowed. Then he turned back to Vicki. "I'm trying to make this work. If we stick together, near home, we'll figure out how to function in a healthy, sharing way."

"You're amazing." She relaxed and lost any tension. The imperative in how he'd said that sentence told her plenty. Everything would be fine. Vicki's mind questioned if Colt intended to end things with Belle on his own. She exhaled and let the thought go. It wasn't right. She was determined she'd start on the right foot with Belle. She sipped her wine. "I'm excited to stay here."

A knock sounded at the door. No one moved until Colt stood to go get the pizza. Clara leaned over and told Vicki, "I wish we could be a real family, and all live here without Belle. You're fun, Vicki."

She was more than fun. She was her mom. Vicki pressed her lips together to stop the words she wanted to say. "It's a sweet idea, but unlikely. Your daddy is getting married to her."

"He's being stupid. I don't like Belle," Clara whined loud enough for Colt to hear.

With the box in his hand, he headed back to the table. "None of that. You'll meet her tomorrow and you will be on your best behavior."

Clara shook her head, but kept silent. The frozen face on Clara was how Colt also showed his stubborn streak. His upturned chin and lips that thinned out meant he had a very different opinion, and their daughter had that expression. Vicki brushed her hair behind her ear, and smiled to smooth over the situation. "Mmm. I love pizza."

Colt opened the box and placed a slice on Clara's plate. The moment their daughter moved, he reminded her, "You're going to be nice."

Clara nodded and looked away. Then she took the plate with her pizza and returned to her seat.

Vicki added a slice to Colt's plate then one on her own.

The moment she was done eating, Clara stood and announced, "I'm going to my room and going to bed now. Night."

Vicki stood to follow her, but Colt placed his hand on her shoulder. She tilted her head toward him. He had his finger on his lip to signal silence. Her brow wrinkled as she returned to sit beside him. A minute later the bedroom door closed, and Vicki wiggled in her seat and whispered. "What's going on?"

"Clara never goes to her room without demanding a story." Colt stared into the empty hall that led to their daughter's bedroom. "She's up to something."

"Why would you—" Her gaze trailed where her daughter had just walked, but then music wafted in the air. She nodded. "Never mind."

"She wants you here, and hoped you'll take over for Belle."

Vicki wouldn't mind, but her face heated. She blinked, bit her lip for a second, and then asked, "So why didn't you argue with her?"

"What's the point? She'll start a fight, then I'll put her to bed with tears in her eyes because she's frustrated and didn't win." He took a deep breath. "It's better to let her think she's won with her music. I get the quiet of the evening, and a chance to talk to you."

Vicki's skin electrified with hope that Colt wanted something between them too, though she'd never admit her feelings. "Smart. You giving in is new."

"Pick your battles. It's a parental trick." Then he offered her glass of wine. "We get a peaceful night."

She took the glass from his hands, but then he stood fast, like a spider just bit him. She stared at him, and his face turned red. Then he ran his hand though his hair. "You done with the pizza?"

"Yeah." She followed and helped clean. Together they worked fast, and all that was left was the wine glasses.

Colt opened the refrigerator. "I'll pour you another glass of wine, Vicki. Come sit with me in the living room."

"Your place is nice." She stared at the walls as she made her way toward the couch. "You changed it since we were children and there were flowers everywhere."

"Mom has the pictures at the condo," he called a few steps behind her. "I'm surprised you remembered that."

She sat as he handed her the glass. She took a sip of her wine. This time he stayed still. She smiled as he eased into his chair. Then she said, "You threw the best pre-graduation party when your dad was in D.C."

"I was in so much trouble when he came home." Colt sat more comfortably on the couch as they reminisced. "You came with Alice that night. I don't remember you causing much trouble."

"I fixed the beers, and felt like such a rebel." She stared at the ceiling to cover the smile that grew on her face. "I always preferred hanging out with your sister than doing half the things my father demanded of me. With Alice, I almost had a childhood."

"I teased my baby sister a lot about how she acted near you. It's why I didn't tell her about us or Clara." He pressed his lips together like he'd said too much, and changed the topic. "Guess we can't change the past, though."

"Alice would have told me to be with you and not listen to my father. That was why I didn't tell my friend I had a huge crush on you."

He leaned closer, and she tilted her head and mirrored his actions. She puckered her lips like he was going to kiss her, and then closed her eyes. She whispered, "I'm glad we're not fighting over Clara and you're staying in Florida."

His face was so close to hers. The delicious scent of oranges and oak invaded every cell in her body. "You staying too?"

"Yes."

He scooted closer. Her breasts ached for his touch as he said, "Vicki, I don't want to fight with you."

"I don't want to fight with you," she repeated, and closed her eyes again. His breath came so close to her, and her lips parted to kiss him.

Tingles raced through her as his lips brushed against hers.

Her entire body heated. She sighed and wrapped her arms around him. His lips were tender yet hard. He tasted better than wine.

Outside on the patio, the clip-clop of a high-heeled footstep echoed.

Colt sat straight and sucked in his breath.

Vicki licked her lips that tingled from such a short kiss.

A knock followed with a thump that echoed in the air. Then a woman called out, "Honey, I'm here."

Colt stood fast and covered his mouth with his hand.

Vicki grabbed her glass of wine off the table next to her and swallowed a sip to somehow get the taste of him off her lips.

Colt tensed. Vicki turned around and saw the brown-haired, blue-eyed bombshell from the photograph. The woman's eyes narrowed as Vicki gazed immediately at her. Vicki held her breath and prayed she hadn't seen them moments ago.

With her hand on her hip, the woman batted her eyelashes. "Who's this, Collins?"

"Clara's birth mom." Colt stepped away. "Victoria is staying the night and helped watch Clara during the storm. Tomorrow, she moves in."

"I move in tomorrow." Belle crossed her arms, and her eyes blazed at Vicki.

This was not the way to make friends. What was Colt thinking? Vicki said nothing.

"I read about the hurricane." Belle stepped closer, and her heels echoed on the floor. "I came to make sure you and Clara were safe."

Colt nodded. "We're all fine here, but you should have called."

"I was worried about you and my job. It's why I came; leaving the senators to the oil and gas folks is only temporary, since we're teaming up." Belle's stare turned toward Colt's profile, but then she walked right in front of Vicki. "I'm Belle Jordan. Collins' fiancée. I'm glad you're here now, but aren't you years too late?"

Vicki crossed her arms, and her cheeks heated. "I didn't know Colt had our daughter."

Belle clicked one of her heels. "Funny. Clara's mother abandoned her child the day she was born, and now you're here. Mighty strange."

"I thought my baby died," Vicki said. "I was lied to."

"Strange." Belle shook her head, and Vicki wondered if she'd even heard her. "Collins will be so busy the next few days. The timing is perfect, I suppose. You can watch Clara, and Collins can be free to do things for our upcoming wedding."

Vicki flinched as ice dripped down her spine.

Colt's voice became firm and commanding. "Belle, Clara deserves her parents, and Victoria will be here from now on. I need you to understand, I'm not moving to D.C. and I'm not working for your lobbyists."

"We are having this conversation now?" Belle asked as she crossed her arms. "In front of your guest?"

"I'll go." There was trouble in this rose garden. Vicki swallowed and turned to leave.

Colt's hand pressed against her shoulder. "Wait. Belle, you knew I had a daughter when we first met."

Belle cocked her finger to call Colt toward her. He nodded, let go of Vicki's arm, and followed Belle.

They walked toward the dining room for a more private conversation. She stared at the pair of them, and her cheeks felt hot. She should go.

Belle directed Colt to kiss her, but he just brushed his lips on her cheek. Vicki turned to leave. Her stomach felt like she'd be sick, so she said, "I'll check on Clara and then go to my room."

Family was what mattered. Colt's big, sexy gaze followed her for a moment, and her body heated despite the fact he had another woman in the room. She trudged down the hall.

As she left the tension-filled living area, she opened her daughter's bedroom and saw Clara as she brushed her teeth. Vicki dropped her hands to her sides and winked at Clara.

Clara put her toothbrush down and wiped her lips. Her eyes blared like Colt's when surprised. "Why are you here?"

"I came to read to you."

"What about Dad?"

"Belle's here. He's talking to her."

Clara's chin trembled. Then she ran to her bed. "This is a bad day."

"No. Tomorrow is just you and me." Vicki fixed the blankets as her daughter climbed into the bed. "It's going to be great."

Clara grabbed her hands. "Vicki, don't leave me. I love you."

Her heart beat so loud, and a smile grew on her face. "Let's read that book of yours, princess."

#

As the moon rose higher in the sky, Clara snored lightly, and Vicki placed the book back on the shelf. After she cleaned the room, she turned off all the lights. Then Vicki tiptoed outside and stuck to the wall. With luck, Colt and Belle were done. Vicki held her breath and headed straight to her bedroom. As she neared her bedroom door, she heard Belle say from the patio area, "You cannot believe the mother's sob story. This is all to stop you. Don't let that happen. We'll be fine in D.C. or anywhere."

Vicki opened her door. Her face was hot. Had she heard herself referred to as "the mother"? She had a name. She turned around and locked her door.

There was nothing she could do. She'd never break up another's relationship. She'd never want anyone to do that to her, so she had no say in what he did with Belle. Colt's voice wafted through the walls: "I don't think we should get married, Belle. Our lives are too different, and I’m not moving to Washington. Clara deserves to grow up here, on the farm, where I was raised."

Vicki's heart caught in her throat. She had no right to hope, but her pulse ached for Colt to be with her again too.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Colt massaged his neck as he gazed at Belle while they were still in the living room, and wished he could end this conversation. His brief almost-kiss with Vicki the moment Belle walked in on them still shook his memory. He stared at Belle, with her brown hair, blue eyes, and demanding personality. If he married her, then he'd never feel as he did right now.

Belle told him, "The wedding is being planned by the best people I could hire."

He had agreed to the marriage because Belle asked often, and agreed they'd figure out a middle ground. His gut had never liked his decision, and he had no more arguments with himself. Belle deserved someone who could love her unconditionally.

Belle continued, "It's going to be a beautiful affair, attended by senators."

Colt set his jaw. Belle was always good to have at his side, but Vicki made his heart stir in ways he hadn't thought possible. He'd walked around half dead for years, and now he felt complete. This was his home.

"Everyone gets cold feet." Belle shrugged. "It's not a big deal. Don't worry about this."

"Can we go on the patio?" He placed his hands in his pockets. He'd prefer no one overheard this conversation. Belle deserved someone who thought of her as his home and belonged in his world. She stared at him without a word. Heat rose in his face. He'd do the right thing.

"Sure." Belle smiled like she'd won their argument and assumed he'd make it up to her. His shoulders slumped, as he had to tell her the truth now.

She followed him to the door, and said, "We should go to bed, honey, and we'll discuss it tomorrow."

He turned to meet her eyes and then shook his head. Marriage was supposed to be the start of a family, and the petite blonde had brought laughter back into his life. Neither he nor Belle were prepared to compromise on the life they wanted once the military ended. She had to know that.

As he held the door for her, Belle squeezed his arm as she passed and then took a seat. Then she told him, "You're moody tonight. In Washington, I brokered a major deal with two competing weapons manufacturers to produce a prototype at no upfront cost, with specs desired from the army corps of engineers."

"That's great." Colt couldn't sit, so he paced in front as he stared hard at her. His heart raced as he prayed he didn't hurt Belle too much. "I'm happy your life in D.C. is on the move. You want that."

"We want that." She leaned forward like she wanted to take his hands and ask him to sit. He leaned away and tugged his fingers free. Her eyebrow arched, and she shrugged. "Come sit with me."

He glanced at the seat. Perhaps they should both sit. He had no idea how Belle would react to what he had to say. Finally he slid into the seat across from her and folded his hands. "I don't think we should get married, Belle. Our lives are too different."

Belle's face went white. "Collins, doubts are normal before a wedding. Let's calm down. I won't make you put on a suit and tie, if that's the big worry."

She referred to him with his last name, like they were in the military still. It was another glaring difference between Belle and Vicki. It felt like steam rose through him. He brushed his hands on his face and covered his mouth for a moment. Belle had prepared herself for a battle. He'd seen her do this before. She was a great friend to him. In another life, he'd have agreed, but he'd spend his life as he'd spent the last few years, half dead. "Belle, our marriage would never have worked. When we were planning a mission, we always had an exit strategy in place. We discussed how to survive, but I don't want my life to be about survival and getting to the top. Clara deserves to grow up happy, secure, and loved."

"Plenty of families are happy in the D.C. area, Colt. Why won't you consider her education a benefit for moving?"

His entire body stilled. Clara deserved the life he could provide her, where the earth and the oranges gave her a sense of belonging. He stared out into the orange groves. "This place is my home. It's where I belong."

Belle's voice softened. "Is this about Victoria?"

Vicki Morgan was always the dream girl, but he wasn't making this decision based on a fantasy. Then his mind transformed as he stared at Belle, and for a second, he saw Vicki's soft lips waiting for his kiss. His entire gut tightened as his vision cleared. "Belle, I'm not leaving my farm, and I'm intending to add more land. My life is here in Florida, and I've diversified into other agricultural investments throughout the South. Collins are farmers, and it's my duty to be here."

"You were a soldier too, Collins."

Now he preferred to be simply Colt and not his last name. "My daughter deserves a full-time father, and life here is stable. Belle, we're not good for each other. You need to be in Washington, fighting for a cause, or running a boardroom in your own company. You're a born leader."

Belle's eyes flickered and seemed glassy. His entire body froze as he prepared himself for her to cry. Instead she tightened her shoulders and then stared hard at him. "It's late. You're tired, and that medication your doctor prescribed sometimes gives you bad dreams. Don't let post-traumatic stress of the war ruin our future, Collins. Let's sleep on it and in the morning talk like rational people."

How he'd returned from the Marines was another reason he needed the comfort of home and his family. Most of the men who saw what he did didn't have half of what he had. He crossed his arms. Her lack of accusation didn't sit right in his stomach. "We can talk again tomorrow, but the wedding is off, Belle."

"It's the middle of the night, Collins," Belle argued as she stood.

She'd always been a fighter. Colt stood as well. "Fine. In the morning, we'll talk, and then I'll drive you to the airport or you can call a taxi. Flights leave early."

"You love me," Belle whispered, and her words carried on the wind. "And I love you. We'll figure it out as a team. We're the best team, and you know it."

No, they weren't. He would screw up his life. If he married Belle, he'd make everything worse. They both deserved a life where people loved them and were willing to compromise on major issues. They had worked best when they were on the same team, but that wasn't now. He turned on his heels and walked to another part of the house to open a door. "There is an extra bedroom next to mine."

As he held open the door for her, Belle said, "Collins, we're not done."

Yes, they were. He locked the doors behind them and stared into his quiet house. Vicki and Clara were both sleeping here too, and he'd have to keep them safe. He waited for Belle to go into her room, and then he turned off all the lights and went to his room in the dark.

As he neared his bed, he made decisions. He'd not marry Belle. He'd not marry Vicki either. He was better off alone as he rebuilt the farm the hurricane damaged. Then he'd have to find a way to live with himself on how he settled things with the women in his life.

CHAPTER TWELVE

In the middle of the night, Vicki woke up to a yell. She ran her hand through her knotted hair and realized it was Colt again. She swallowed and heard the plea in his voice, again, as he said, "Vicki."

Last time, that hadn't happened. She blinked and then stood up. She found a pair of Colt's boxer shorts for decency, and ran out of her room.

As she ran against the cold wood into the hall, she heard the other bedroom door click open. She slowed down her race, and her gaze met Belle's.

At least Belle hadn't slept with Colt tonight. Vicki's heart stammered as she stumbled to a stop.

Belle wrapped herself in a silk blue nightgown and stood almost as a guard of his door. As Vicki neared, Belle crossed her arms. Vicki decided it was best if she chose her words carefully. She asked, "Is Colt okay?"

"Of course. Let's go to the kitchen and I'll explain."

Last night Vicki had assumed Belle and Colt talked about their wedding. Colt's nightmares and his calling for her had an explanation. She tried to avoid interfering in their relationship.

Belle sat at the kitchen table, and Vicki did the same. Whatever happened last night between the two of them did not involve her.

Belle straightened in her seat. "Collins went through some rough patches over there, but his surviving helped save many American lives."

"That doesn't explain anything. Colt called my name." Vicki wiped the sleep out of her eyes, and wondered why his fiancée didn't use his given name.

Belle shrugged. Her eyes were big as coffee mugs. "He's sleeping. His nightmares are well documented, and he's seeing a veterans' psychologist. His advice is not to talk about it."

Vicki wrinkled her nose. That made no sense. The first night was bad, but then they'd talked, and the next night Colt hadn't screamed. They had discussed about how he almost died, and Belle saved him. If there was more, Vicki would listen. She stilled as she wondered what they'd fought over earlier. In her opinion, if he talked things out about whatever was wrong, then he'd help himself more, but she wasn't an expert.

Belle leaned closer to the table, and Vicki did the same. Belle said, "We should talk, girl to girl. One day I'll give Collins more children, and we'll move to D.C. as planned. As Clara's mother, Victoria, we should at least be friendly."

Vicki flinched and her gut tightened. The last thing she should do was trust anything Belle said without seeing or talking to Colt. She sat up straighter. "Why do you ask? Clara is my family, and I'll do what's best for her."

Belle crossed her arms. "You? The same woman who caused his life to turn to hell. You have no idea."

"It wasn't on purpose," Vicki argued, then pressed her lips together. She'd not get defensive. But her hands fell to her sides as her arms balled into fists. Colt believed her, and if his life was tough in the past, in some ways hers was worse. "Clara is my daughter, and I'll do whatever I can to keep her. This conversation is over."

"We don't have to be enemies." Belle leaned back in her chair, much like her father or brother might when proposing a deal. Vicki crossed her legs and held her breath. "I'm willing to help you gain full custody of Clara, if you'll help me and leave Collins alone."

This wasn't how Vicki wanted this to go, and there was no way she should trust Belle. Her gut told her something must have happened with Colt, and to speak to him first. He'd been good to her since the beginning. She tilted her head and then faked a yawn. "I don't know what to say. It's late. I'm not thinking clearly. It's best if I head back to bed."

Vicki stood from her chair, and Belle followed her to her room.

Every step was heavy as her heart begged to check on Colt. What kept her going to her room was Belle. Now was not the time to confront her. A nightmare didn't need to start a middle-of-the-night catfight. Vicki took another step, but Belle blocked her path to opening her bedroom door. Vicki shuffled on her feet as Belle squared her shoulders. "Think fast. It's a short-term offer, and it will be withdrawn soon. Collins and I love each other, and the life we're starting together."

"Then I'm happy for you." Vicki walked around Belle. As she opened her bedroom door, nausea rose in her throat. Colt with Belle made her heart feel smaller, but she prayed Belle had no idea. What kept the bile at bay was the thought that if Colt loved Belle unconditionally, then she wouldn't have to threaten anything. Vicki would trust that man with her life.

Without another word, she closed her door and let her thoughts stop racing.

As she crawled back into bed, Vicki's mind screamed that Colt needed her help. If he married Belle, it would be a huge mistake, but Vicki couldn't speak that out loud. She wasn't a home wrecker. She closed her eyes, but the thoughts pounded like a hammer to a nail in her head. Vicki's fingers became fists beside her as she told herself to stop.

Colt had chosen to propose to Belle.

She sighed as she rested, more relaxed, into her pillow. Belle hadn't stormed out of the house. If Colt broke up with her, she'd need to crawl under a rock and cry her eyes out. Belle was calm and collected. The coldness in Vicki's skin grew, and the blankets didn't warm her. The only thought that helped was that Colt loved his orange groves too much to ever move to Washington.

#

A few hours later, Vicki sorted the laundry for the family and aired out her clothes. Colt must have woken and left at sunrise. She shook the last towel and hung it on the line. Then she went inside the house. No one was in the living room, and she assumed Clara must be asleep still. Vicki headed right for the kitchen. Her daughter liked breakfast, and once they were done, they'd go on those errands. The minutes ticked as she served the cereal. Colt didn't come back.

As she finished with the bowl, she placed it on a tray, and carried it to the normal table where they ate. Voices wafted in the air. She peeked into the formal dining room and her entire body clinched. Colt, Belle, and Clara sat, with a full spread, and were half done with their breakfast. As Vicki slipped from the door, Colt called out, "Come in. We tried to wait for you."

Vicki's teeth jittered, but she gazed at the empty seat beside Clara.

Clara bounded to her feet and ran toward her. Vicki knelt and hugged her daughter. Her soft skin and quiet whimpers made Vicki's heart swell.

Colt's voice had held an extra layer of ice that it never had. Vicki's ears perked. He then said, "I reminded her you're taking her out to the dress shop, lunch, and your place. She's excited and hoped you'd help her pack, Vicki."

"Yep. Absolutely." Vicki hugged her daughter and then parted her hair. "Now that we found each other, I'm happy we'll be together."

"Vicki's my best friend, Dad." Clara wrapped her arms around her neck. Clara's soft tears left a trail down Vicki's clothes.

As Vicki glanced at the table, Colt and Belle stared at each other. Vicki's skin grew goosebumps. The tension in the room was obvious. Her daughter must sense it too. Colt and Belle didn't say a word, but the body language was not two people in love. Vicki hugged Clara close as she stood, and petted her light hair. She'd skip breakfast altogether. "We'll be fine. We can go now. Let's get your phone to stay in touch with your dad. Then we'll be home tonight."

"Call me if anything happens." Colt's gaze turned toward her. Vicki stilled as her cheeks heated. Then she turned away.

"Okay." Clara nodded and stopped her tears with a smile. "I'll get dressed."

Her daughter ran off fast, and Vicki's gaze followed her into the hall.

"I should go too."

"Wait."

The eerie silence in the kitchen sent a chill down Vicki's spine. She stared at the adults at the table, and saw Colt's small smile of approval at her. Belle's scowl read the opposite opinion, and Vicki's gut clenched. She might pack her bag, and maybe just one overnight bag when she went home. It might be better to leave the farm if Belle was here another night.

Vicki would talk to a lawyer today and ensure she was prepared in case Belle did something.

Colt stood and made her a plate. Vicki walked past Belle and grabbed a bagel. The energy in the room was both frantic and cold. "Thanks for the offer. The bagel is all I need for now. I'll stop for coffee near my house."

Belle's pursed lips said plenty, though no one said anything. With the bagel in a napkin, Vicki clutched the door and then rushed to follow Clara.

A second later, she knocked on her daughter's door.

Once they went out, Vicki also made a mental note that she should talk with her brother.

Her heart lifted as she thought of Colt. Hopefully, Colt would figure out a way to end the awkwardness. Living with two women wasn't a good idea at all.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Driving home, Vicki stayed the speed limit the entire time. Slowly the farmland transformed into suburban communities. Then the tall buildings of Miami populated the skyline. Vicki's heart felt full—she was going home entirely different than how she'd left. With Clara in the car seat, as she quietly listened to music, Vicki felt her eyes tear. Clara bopped her head. Vicki wiped her face, and then remembered to keep both hands on the wheel to stay in control. This was her responsibility for the rest of her life now. Vicki swallowed and kept her gaze on the road.

Her GPS told her to turn left onto the highway. Vicki's mind buzzed with thoughts. Then she sighed and told her navigation system to direct her to Alice's house. The car quickly recalculated. Then she called John.

She used the mirror to stare at her daughter, who tilted her head to the music on her headset. She turned it off. "What?"

Vicki winked at her. "I'm on the phone with your uncle, sweetheart. We're going to stop there first."

Clara shrugged and returned to her music.

John chuckled as he answered. "Hello."

Vicki tensed her shoulders, like she'd been caught copying Alice's homework as a teenager. Then she shrugged off the response. "Hey, it's me."

"How is life at Colt's?"

She'd ask for advice on Belle and how she should handle it in person, not on the phone, where Clara might hear. "I need to talk. Can Clara and I stop over?"

John's answered was quick. "Sure."

"Is Alice there?"

"She can't go anywhere else in her condition."

"Hey." Alice's voice echoed in the distance. "You did this to me."

"I have to go," John said. "See you soon, sis."

Vicki assumed Alice had something to say to John over his comment. Her best friend and her brother had that magic between them. Vicki resettled into her seat for the next hour. As they entered the outskirts of the highway that led to Coconut Grove, a posh area where her brother lived, she sniffed the air. The clean smell of oranges was missing. Her stomach cringed and she wanted to hug herself, though she kept both hands on the wheel. "If I do end up living with Colt, I'm not that far a drive from my family."

Clara took off her headset and said, "Stay with us, forever."

Energy coursed through Vicki. It was as if Clara knew that she was her mother. She'd never find joy in her life if she watched Colt with Belle. There had to be a solution. "It's your father's house, not mine."

"Vicki, don't leave me with Belle." Clara gazed into the mirror and stared into Vicki's eyes. Vicki swallowed. Clara added, "Dad and Belle were fighting. She doesn't like our home, not like you."

"Their arguing last night might not mean anything. You don't know if she likes your home or not, Clara." Vicki returned her stare toward the road, and refused to say anything about Belle right now. The most important thing was that she'd promised Colt they'd tell their daughter together, soon. "Never worry about me in your life. I'll always be here for you, and I'm not going anywhere."

Colt too—not that she'd add that.

"Belle has to go." Clara then put her headset on her ears and stared out the window again.

Her daughter sounded like an adult sometimes, and she was five. Heaven help them all when she was a teenager.

The road continued, though a little traffic began. Her mouth began to water as she saw the sign for the exit that would bring her to that wonderful coffee. Her stomach grumbled as she imagined the wonderful liquid. They were more than halfway home. She turned off the highway. Two minutes later, she was at her favorite coffee shop in the world. She'd pick up coffees for everyone and a hot chocolate for her baby girl. Clara helped her with the doors, and the order. Soon, they found places for everything in her car, and she told her car to "Call Peter."

Clara called out as she straightened her earbuds, "Uncle Peter?"

"Yes, my brother." Vicki gazed in the mirror. Her daughter sounded upset at the mention of a name, and then relaxed.

Clara closed her eyes. "I want a brother or a sister."

Vicki had no answer for that wish, so she shrugged. "Who knows? One day you might get one, but big brothers are a pain."

Clara fixed herself in her car seat, and turned her music on. As she bobbed her head, Vicki returned to stare fully at the road. Two rings later, her brother answered with a yawn, "Hello?"

"It's me." Vicki's voice went higher, and she smiled. From one syllable, she knew he'd had a late night. Some things never changed. "Did you find out what Dad did and who he hired?"

Peter's scratchy voice answered, "I was at a fundraiser last night, but yeah. I collected everything from Mr. Smith, dad's personal lawyer, who cut you out of his will."

"The dress shop you set up for me is perfect. I wanted to work in fashion, and you made my dream possible."

"It shouldn't be enough for you. You're in the House of Morgan. I'm also investigating the people Dad left money to in his will."

"That doesn't matter to me. I want to know about my daughter."

Peter's voice became clear. "I had Ms. Montenagro, the attorney we hired to fight for our inheritance, dig up everything she could on Colt Collins's daughter and how he acquired her when you never told him."

"That's Daddy," Clara piped in as she moved her headset.

"Who's with you?" Peter's voice grew tight.

Vicki coughed then answered, "Clara Collins is in the car with me. We're heading to her Uncle John's house, and then later, we go back home."

"No, you promised to pack your bag to come stay with me, and we'd go to your dress shop."

Vicki felt heat rising in her body as she nodded to her daughter. Clara turned toward her window as she listened to her music again.

Peter smacked his lips. "I'm happy Colt is being agreeable with you. It will be better for everyone if we don't have to fight."

Her brothers both had her back. Her heart constricted. Vicki stared at her daughter. This wasn't how the conversation should go. Vicki whispered, "His mother was in the nursery the day Clara was born. Colt's a good father. Clara loves her dad, and we should talk about all this in person."

"Some dads must be loveable," Peter replied with contempt. Vicki swallowed her agreement, but then, most people did not call their last name a brand when discussing family. The House of Morgan shattered all notions of love and kindness. Peter continued, "Montenagro wants a timeline documented in case we need to press for legal action."

If Colt stayed generous, then there would be no legal action. Vicki would resume the life that she'd almost lost. She stared at the road until she saw in the mirror how Clara soaked in every word. Her heartbeat grew faster. "I'll be at John's soon. Meet us there. I bought you a coffee."

Peter coughed. "You sure that's the best place to meet? Alice is his sister."

"She's marrying our brother, John. Besides, I respect Colt, and he's been amazing with me. If I hadn't listened to our dad and then pretended to be dead, all of this would have been avoided."

"It takes two to screw up this bad, Vicki."

Despite what John claimed, Peter was not exactly like their father. "We should go. Clara and I are going to have fun in the car."

"Dad had me block Colt's calls years ago." Peter swallowed. "I never knew why."

Colt had tried to call. Vicki swallowed. Her father had used his teenage son to teach him how to run their family. "We have to go. See you there."

"Vicki is cooler than Belle. I want Vicki to marry my dad," Clara added but her eyes went to her screen for a movie and she hit play.

Vicki's eyes widened as goosebumps grew on her body.

Her brother asked, "Who is Belle?"

She ought to clue her brother in more. "Colt's fiancée."

"Colt found a woman to marry him? I'm shocked."

She'd have married him, so her brother shouldn't be so surprised. Vicki stared at the road. "Yep."

"I'm hanging up. I can't wait to talk to you in person, sis."

"See you there."

"Wait." Peter's voice became serious.

"What?"

"I should have been a better older brother to you, sis. I should have stood up to our father."

"None of us were that strong." Her brother had been locked at their father's side and groomed to take over the family. In her heart, she hoped Peter never turned into her father, but he was well trained. John's return home had been her safety valve, as Peter was poised to run the House of Morgan. She swallowed her fear. He'd been helpful and sweet. "So don't apologize. We're more a family now than we ever could be as children."

"I wish you had met our mother. You remind me of her." Peter then changed topics sharply. "Colt was the square peg who knew exactly who he was, and demanded honesty. It's why Dad didn't like him. You can't manipulate people who know in their core what they value."

"I spent so many years lost and confused." Her voice cracked. It would be nice if she had someone in her corner, like a mother. For Clara, Vicki would be the person she had always wished returned to her life. "I had to leave home to figure out who I was. Colt's lucky. Talk soon, Peter."

She hit the red button on her mirror and ended the call. She took a glance in her mirror as Clara resettled in her seat. Vicki would have to ensure no one said anything in front of her. She rolled her shoulders and stared at the highway as she turned on to the next road.

Everything was fine. Her gut whispered that Belle had lied to her last night. Vicki needed to learn patience, and if she talked, she could make the entire situation worse. She continued to hope Colt ended things today with Belle.

Then she clutched the steering wheel to stop that thought. She took another peek at Clara. She had to ensure they stayed together as mother and daughter. It was more important than her love life.

#

The exit read the end of I-95. She was close to the Grove now. Her phone rang as she turned onto a side street that headed toward the bay. She hit the button for Bluetooth and then answered, "Hello?"

"Vicki." Colt's voice echoed in her car. "Morning."

This time he didn't sound edgy. His voice rang through her as sexy. She she let herself smile. "I'm glad you called. Colt, we're almost at your sister's."

His breath was audible. He was holding something back. "Take your time. I'll see you tonight, but I wish I could have said goodbye to you, alone, before you left."

With Clara in the car, he wouldn't say anything. She couldn't either. Her heart and body became weightless, and her voice lifted. "We'll be there tonight. I'm thinking of taking Clara to the zoo tomorrow. She seems to love animals."

"She'll love that," Colt answered, and then fell silent for a moment. "Everything is going to be fine."

Her skin tingled. He had so much more to say. But she understood that now was not the time. Clara was here, and hope surged through Vicki that he'd choose a life with her. She turned onto the street where John and Alice lived. "I'm almost at your sister and John's place. I bought everyone coffee."

"Sounds good. Tell them hi and give Alice a hug from me." Colt's voice became deeper. "You turned out better than I thought you would, princess. I'll be waiting to see you tonight."

What did that mean? Vicki's skin tingled. With luck, Belle would be gone, but Vicki kept that thought to herself. He had never said otherwise, and she could've misread the whole scene because of her own desires. Perhaps they were now planning details for the wedding, so she shouldn't let her fantasy interfere with what she did or didn't know. She parked the car and told Colt, "Me too."

Again, he choked out a heavy breath, and she swore there was more he had to say. All he said, though, was, "Bye then."

She licked her lips, which tingled for his kiss. "Bye."

Her heartbeat doubled, and she envisioned him almost kissing her last night. Vicki never wanted to be a part of a triangle, and hated competition of any sort. Yet somehow she'd figure out her way. Colt made her soul soar.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Vicki held her daughter's hand as they drove into the exclusive townhome section. The security guard behind a desk asked for her driver's license, and then let them through the gate.

A few minutes later, they walked to the front door of her brother’s house. Clara held her hand. The door opened, and at the kitchen bar, there was a note that directed them to the back to the private pool. Vicki squeezed her daughter's hand and Clara followed her. They headed outside, through to John's office and then to the backyard. "Guess they want to have breakfast outside."

Clara's eyes widened as she glanced across the bay. Her face went white. Vicki pressed her hand on hers and Clara turned. Her face was pinched, but then she said, "Near the pool?"

Vicki massaged her daughter's back. "I guess. Is that okay?"

Clara's face transformed into a huge smile. "That's so pretty."

At least her daughter wasn't afraid of things. Vicki didn't say a word as they made their way toward the glass screen doors. Right before they went outside, Vicki noticed one of her bathing suits in the bathroom, along with a child's suit.

Alice must have bought them both clothes in case this ever happened. Vicki smiled. She'd do the same for her frequent guests. Vicki picked them up and asked, "Did Aunt Alice take you shopping for a bathing suit?"

Clara beamed as she took the suit. "No, but she loves me."

"Everyone loves you. You're sweet." Vicki placed the coffees on the shelf outside the bathroom, and then helped her daughter into the side bathroom to change. Once Clara was done, she quickly changed too. As they left, Vicki took the coffees from the table.

Clara twirled as Vicki struggled with the door, but a second later, she had her hand free. "You ready, princess?"

"I love swimming."

Vicki took that as a yes. She took Clara's small hand in hers, and they went out and found Alice and John.

Voices near the pool grew stronger. Vicki held the coffees high in the air to ensure everyone saw. "I bought you a small hot chocolate and a tea, Alice. I wasn't sure what you wanted, as you said no coffee during the pregnancy."

Alice smiled. "Thank you. The hot chocolate is perfect."

Peter sat at a table next to John and Alice with a stack of papers.

Both of the men stood. John opened his arms, went onto one knee, and hugged Clara. Clara hugged him back as Peter kissed Vicki's cheek. John said, "Clara, let's go swimming, you and me. Alice and Peter want to talk to Vicki."

Vicki gazed at both of her brothers. At least they were no longer at each other's throats. In that second she didn't move. Clara held her hand firmly and didn't let go. Clara then tugged. "Vicki, you can swim with us if you want."

Clara probably thought the hesitation was wariness. Vicki knelt down and ensured she had a smile on her face. "Sweetheart, I might join you later. I want to talk to my brother and Alice. I want to make sure Peter is happy, but I'll be right here the whole time. You'll see me from the pool with Uncle John."

Clara's chin tilted and then she shrugged. "Okay. Don't go anywhere."

"I promise." Vicki crossed her heart. "I will be right here with you, always."

Clara let go of Vicki's hand then took John's as they walked into the pool. Vicki watched her baby girl like a hawk without blinking for a few seconds, until Clara laughed as she splashed John. She then turned and looked at Alice. "John knows what he's doing."

Her friend answered, "He's practicing for ours."

Peter placed his briefcase on the table. "None of us wants to be like our father."

Vicki walked closer to the table. "I'm happy Colt had our daughter and kept our daughter safe."

Alice stood as she approached. "You must be full of regret and anger."

"I can't change what happened." Vicki sighed and stared in the distance at both Clara and John splashing in the water.

Peter unlocked his briefcase. "I'm investigating the other heirs of the will, and personally I always wanted to know what happened to our own mother."

"I have more immediate needs, Peter." Vicki slid into the seat beside her brother and placed the coffees on the table.

Alice reached out and held her hot chocolate with both hands. "Vicki, how is my brother?"

Vicki passed Peter his coffee as he organized the files, and told Alice, "He's talking to Belle right now."

"She's the fiancée. I'd expect a conversation from John if I found out he was living with a former love." Alice took off her lid and then smelled the hot chocolate. "Our dad raised us to stick to our word, but I don't think Belle and Colt are a match made in heaven. Give my brother his space."

"Why?" Vicki took her own coffee and averted her gaze. "You don't know her."

"She wants my brother to move to D.C. and be someone he's not." Alice sipped her drink and closed her eyes, clearly enjoying the taste. Once she was finished, she sighed. "My brother intends to run our family farm."

Peter cleared his throat and placed his coffee beside him. "We're here to talk about Dad, what I gathered, and how we wish to proceed."

Vicki's entire body stiffened. She didn't want to fight with Colt over Clara. "I need your help to figure out what depths Dad went to in ripping my daughter out of my arms. I need to know. Who did he pay? Does the person who made the arrangements for him benefit? And how deep did Dad's money get him? I might have to prove a lot to be Clara's mom, and I want to be prepared."

"It's sick what your dad did." Alice sipped her hot chocolate, again. Then she opened them and picked up one of the papers. "I'm sure my brother won't fight you."

"Colt has been nothing but wonderful."

"Wonderful doesn't protect your back." Peter took out a manila folder and handed it to Victoria. "I brought everything I found, but I'm not seeing all the connections. I was away in college at this time, so maybe you can connect the dots I don't see."

Vicki flipped open the folder and stared at the papers, unable to say anything. Peter clearly had his investigators build a case for her. "I was there."

A few titles of documents caught her eye as she scanned a pile.

Peter handed Alice a folder and told her, "This is what I found on Colt. Perhaps you can go through that and help us."

"I can't help take Clara away from him."

"I don't want that." Vicki reached across the table and pressed her hand on her friend's. "He's an amazing father. I want to ensure no one can prevent me from being a mom."

"I don't think I can be here, nonetheless. Colt is the best brother I could ever have, and I hope you know what you're doing." Alice stood and then pushed her chair closer to the table. "I'll go swimming."

The last thing Vicki would do is hurt Alice too. She quickly said, "Thank you for letting us meet here, and I hope you understand."

"I do." Alice nodded. "John can't be with me for my ultrasound, and I was hoping for some mental support at the doctor's office tomorrow. Can you come?"

"Of course." Vicki had the thought that she'd escape Belle for a great reason. "You're my best friend."

Alice went in the water. Peter and Vicki sat quietly as she read more of the papers. The more she dug, the more she realized that every paper confirmed Colt's story and what she'd pieced together. Then her body went cold as she picked up one piece of evidence. She swallowed and read the check. She waved it at Peter. "What's this?"

He read it. "Who's Imogen Herrera?"

"Proof. She was the nurse assigned to me in the hospital. Dad paid the nurses and doctor."

"It's made out to cash." Peter reread the paper and pointed to the check.

Vicki understood that money was paid, and people needed hush money. No one took a personal check made out to them. Her father would never write one, as that would lead back to him. "Cashed locally three days after Clara's birth."

Peter's eyes narrowed on hers. "Doesn't tell us who cashed anything."

Vicki nodded and folded the paper in his hand. "I'm sure the House of Morgan lawyers can follow the money backward. Behind the check, with the names of my nurse, and with the papers clipped together, we can build the case that the adoption papers contained forged signatures."

Vicki stared at the document. Her name was clear, and so was Colt's. Her father had covered his bases, and hadn't expected any questions. But then, he ran a multibillion-dollar banking industry with ties to every corner of the earth. He'd tried to make her baby disappear just as her mother had left weeks after her own birth.

Peter filed the papers Vicki handed him into a folder that was pre-labeled "investigate." She searched another pile. Peter also had the public records of Colt's court appeal that proved his name was forged. "We already know one of two signatures were forged. This is clear evidence for me too."

"No, it wouldn't be. It was filed by a different person, but it might be used as backup."

Vicki crossed her arms and stared at Alice, who was in the pool. Something cold pressed against her spine, and she realized she ought to play it safe. "I'd rather work with Colt, but I don't trust Belle. Instruct Ms. Montenagro to file everything she can just in case something changes."

It was easier to blame Belle, but it was also Colt. He had to tell Clara soon. "Last night, Belle tried to forge an alliance where she kept Colt and she'd give me Clara. I don't know what to do about her."

"Never trust a woman about to lose her fiancée, Vicki, and without the ring on her finger, she has no legal say in anything."

"There wasn't time to talk to Colt this morning, and the tension in the room was already high. Something else was going on." Vicki stood, folded the papers into the folder, and squared her shoulders. "Tonight, I'll tell him. He has a right to know, and I will find a way to corner him to tell him."

Peter repacked his briefcase. "I'll ensure your case is ready to go, but let's hope she's gone soon."

Vicki shook her head. "I lost Colt, but I cannot lose Clara too. I don't want to wish that the woman just disappears."

Peter placed his briefcase on the floor and stood beside his sister. "The Collins family are all pretty honorable. John's Alice is a keeper, and who knows, her brother might just end up with my baby sister. You're worth ten of whoever this Belle is."

"Not everyone has a dollar sign that makes them who they are." She sighed and then hugged her brother. At least in personality, Peter only kept who he was, despite their father’s influence. Now she had people on her side. It made breathing easier.

Silence greeted her ears, and Vicki glanced up to see Alice's determined jaw set as the three of them swam. "Let's get in the pool and cool off."

Vicki left Peter, walked over, and dived into the cool waters of the pool. The splashing sound made her forget everything else and find peace.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Vicki and Clara sat near the kitchen as Clara played with a doll quietly. Alice worked on food preparations, and once Vicki felt her daughter was fine, she stood to help her friend.

John and Peter talked in the living room about potential half-siblings that might exist somewhere, but Vicki didn't care. She glanced at her daughter as she said, "Clara, I'm going to help your aunt with lunch."

Clara didn't let go of her doll or whatever fantasy she was in at the moment. "Okay."

Vicki picked up a knife and began slicing the carrots, but then her phone rang. Alice retook the knife as Vicki checked her phone. She pursed her lips, as she didn't recognize the out-of-town number. She scratched her head, picked it up, and answered, "Hello?"

"Vicki, hi. It's Belle. Hope you're well."

Her face must have shown her surprise, because Alice stopped chopping and scooted closer. Vicki gripped the phone tighter. "Belle, I'm fine. Why are you calling me?"

Alice offered a smile, though she clearly intended to listen. Belle's voice had a sweet tinge in it. "I'm calling about the play date with Clara you're on today. I need you to come over to your bridal shop."

"Why?"

"I'm buying a dress and we should talk in person."

"Why are you there?" Colt had told her to take her time, as he intended to spend the day with Belle.

"I thought we'd clear the air."

Her stomach rolled. The wedding was on. She'd misread Colt, badly. Vicki had hoped he had dumped Belle. This time she had to be sure. "Okay. We're having lunch with her aunt and uncle. I'll be right over."

"Thanks. I look forward to our chat."

Her eyes felt wet as she ended the call. Today she let go of her crush on Colt. He must still intend to be with Belle. Perhaps they had worked out their problems. Her cheeks were slightly damp from her eyes, but Vicki turned away so no one saw her tears. "Belle is at my shop. Can Clara stay here for the hour so I can go help her?"

Alice pressed a hand on her shoulder. "You're joking."

Colt's sister shouldn't be surprised. Vicki froze. Now was not the time to listen to her heart. It could break, later, when she was alone. She stared at the ground, walked over, and kissed Clara's head. "I have to go. I'll be back here in an hour."

No one said a word to her. Vicki closed the door of the building, and started her car. With action, she didn't think. She had no right to let herself hope. She'd been wrong. She drove down John's street and toward her shop, as she fished in her pocketbook for her phone. At the stop sign, she dialed Colt.

The first ring took too long. The second was even worse. Then her heart almost stopped. He hadn't answered. His voicemail did. She sighed and then perked up her voice. "Colt. It's Vicki. Belle called me and asked for my help. I left Clara with John and Alice. I need you to call me."

As she continued on the street, he didn't call, and every second took too long. Guess she'd not talk to him first. Vicki parked out front of her shop, and all she heard was silence. She stared in the window. A dark-haired woman stood with a wedding dress. Vicki's heart thumped into her stomach as she turned the car off. This shouldn't happen. Colt should not marry Belle.

She willed herself forward. Her feet marched, but her ankles locked against the motion. With the blazing heat that beat against her head, she tried to breathe. He should have called her back already. The phone call might have been about Clara.

The doorbell chimed above her head as she slipped inside the shop. "Hello?"

"Victoria, you're the only woman I know in Miami that's female and not a child. I can't decide between this dress and one more." Belle twirled around in a Vera Wang. "What do you think of this one?"

Vicki blinked. At least Belle hadn't picked the Pandora dress from the latest line, as Vicki dreamed of herself in that dress, at the altar with Colt. Her stomach turned queasy. "You look beautiful."

"Hold on." Belle smiled, but the air in the room went cold, fast. "I want your opinion on the second."

Vicki tried hard not to feel. It would be better if she didn't care. Josie, the store manager, came to stand next to her. "I tried to help her, but she said you were personal friends."

"Don't worry." Vicki nodded. "I'll handle Belle."

Belle came from behind and turned around near the mirror, "Okay, Tori, will you get the buttons for me in the back?"

"My name is Vicki, or Victoria. I'm not Tori." Vicki's hands clenched.

"I'm sorry. I'm trying to be friends."

"Then call me Vicki." Vicki buttoned Belle in the dress.

Belle held still and stared at herself in the mirror. "If we're all getting along closer to the wedding, maybe you can be one of the bridesmaids."

When she'd worked for the Hudsons to keep her identity a secret, Vicki hadn't felt these sharp pains of a knife lodged in her spine. Her throat went dry, but somehow, she managed to hold her smile. "We'll see."

Belle turned around and narrowed her eyes. If the situation were reversed, Vicki would beam her happiness, but there was something about the gaze that made Vicki's body alert and ready to run. She stood a foot shorter than the dark-haired Amazon type, and her entire body felt small.

Belle nodded. "No matter what happens later, Victoria, remember he was mine for years."

If only Colt chose her instead, but Vicki couldn't say that. She lowered her head. "Of course."

Belle shrugged. "On second thought, I don't like either dress in this small shop. I'll get one in D.C. Miami isn't my style."

Then Colt wasn't a good life accessory for her either. Bitterness held Vicki's tongue. Instead she turned and nodded at the store manager. "I understand everything. Josie will help you out of your dress."

The bell chimes of the door on Vicki's way out told her that she could breathe again. Her skin felt like ice, but the humidity that pressed against her would make her melt. As she walked across the parking lot, her stomach flipped. Why Colt would marry Belle, she had no idea. Vicki started her car and closed her eyes. Her skin crawled with anxiety. She swallowed and found her phone. "Clara is the only good thing in my life now."

Her skin jumped as the air conditioning blasted against her. She picked up her phone and called her brother, but no one answered at John's house. She checked her messages, but she had no new or missed calls. Her shoulders caved as she told herself she'd not cry.

A few minutes later, she knocked and John let her in. "Why didn't you answer?" She hugged her brother and heard her daughter's laughter in the back. "How is Clara?"

John tucked his hands in his pockets. "She's great. We went to the store for some ice cream."

Alice waved. Vicki nodded and swallowed. John brought her to the table, where she saw papers from Peter's lawyer. She read that it was a contract for authorization. She'd need a lawyer if Belle became Colt's wife. She gazed at Clara as she signed the papers on the table that authorized the attorney. Then she pushed the papers toward John, and her phone rang again. She glanced at the number and sighed. Finally. Colt's name flashed on her screen. Her heart raced as she answered. "Colt. Hello."

"I was booking Belle an airline ticket all morning. I'm at the airport with her now, and this day has been long."

He hadn't been at the store. She massaged her neck and stared at John, Alice, and Clara. Now was not the time to sound bitter, so she swallowed. "I called and left a message."

"I know. It's been a hectic morning. I'm glad you're with Clara. We'll talk when I get home."

"Belle made me meet her at my shop." The static on the phone was so intense that she wasn't sure he'd heard her. "Hello?"

The line was hard to hear, but the sound did change into machines in the background. Colt told her, "I have to go."

"Can you hear me?"

"I'm heading inside with her bag, then she'll be gone. On your way home, can you and Clara meet me at the diner around seven?"

Her racing heart beat for a new reason. Maybe Belle was a momentary blip, though that didn't explain the dress shop. A family dinner with Colt relaxed her mind. "Sounds good. Thank you."

"And tell my sister hello for me, and that I'll stop by soon."

"I will." She smiled up at her friends. "We'll see you tonight."

Her family smiled at her, and Vicki stared at Clara. "Ready to go? We have errands to run, and then we'll have dinner with your dad."

"Okay," Clara answered. "Bye, Uncle John and Aunt Alice."

Vicki shook her head and then hugged John and Alice. She grabbed her bags as Alice walked them out. "My brother is a good guy. I knew he'd not let you down."

"He is always good to me." In Vicki's dreams, she'd have been in a family and lived on that farm with him, but she couldn't let those dreams mess with her reality. "But he's still engaged."

"I hope for your sake and his that everything works out."

Her friend was generous. Vicki found her keys in her bag and held out her hand for Clara. Once they were near the door, Vicki whispered to Alice, "Tonight, Clara and I meet him for dinner, just the three of us."

"Good luck." Alice held the door.

Vicki walked Clara her to the car. Once her daughter was secure in the car seat, Vicki let the bubbles that grew in her stomach send a smile through her. Tonight, they were going to be a family. It was all that mattered. Today was going great.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Vicki's heart skipped a beat the moment she parked the car in the lot outside the diner. Colt would tell her what happened today. Her stomach flipped with the thought that he'd found a way to work everything out with Belle. It sounded like they had dated for years. She closed her eyes as she imagined Colt kissing her and saying he wasn't getting married.

She swallowed, and then fixed her hair one more time with the front mirror. Then she stared into the backseat. Clara wore a new pink dress that matched Vicki's. Once the decision to dress alike hit Clara, Vicki had jumped in to find the perfect outfits. There were a few differences in the attire. The bottom of Clara's dress flared out, and Vicki's bottom clung to her body. The high belts also made her waist seem tiny. All of this was to show Colt that they were a family. Clara danced to her music.

Vicki's makeup was flawless. She stepped out of the car and thought she saw a flash of light. A memory of New York where the Hudson family smoked her out once played in her mind. She shook her head, blamed the sun, and helped Clara get out of the car seat. She fixed the hem of the dress at the same time. Finished, they went inside, and Vicki held the door.

Clara ran the moment she spotted Colt as he stood next to a table. Vicki's heart leapt as her gaze followed her daughter. Then her hands went to fists at her side and she plastered on her widest smile as she sashayed over. Heat raced up her spine, as she saw Colt in his blue jeans and button-down white shirt. Clara hugged her father, and his face almost showed relief. That wasn't possible. He couldn't know she'd spoken to a lawyer, unless Alice told him.

Clara babbled that she had a great day, and that Vicki was awesome. He mussed her hair as he stood and offered his arm to Vicki.

Her arms ached to hug him, but she held them locked at her side. Then, a second later, he opened his arms and offered a hug. Vicki's heart beat faster, and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. His huge bicep almost blocked out the world as she did. She licked her lips and wished to kiss him again.

"Dad, Vicki and I went swimming, but I missed you so much." Clara jumped up in her seat and scooted over to the center as he stepped back. "Dad, you sit next to Vicki."

Vicki adjusted her shirt and glanced at Colt's brown eyes. If she was engaged to him, she'd never let him have dinner with another woman. She took the seat opposite their daughter and let Colt sit where he wanted, though he followed their daughter's orders.

"Bossy as ever." Colt wrapped his arm behind her chair. "Should I offer Vicki a napkin on her lap or just hand it to her?"

Vicki laughed and then shook her head at Clara. "Handing it to me is fine."

Colt winked. "No, wait. The princess is directing."

"Hand it to her and kiss her hand, Dad."

Vicki shook her head, though she imagined how his lips would feel against her skin. She took the napkin from his hand and threw it in her lap. Colt elbowed Vicki and her entire body relaxed. "Why did Belle leave so suddenly?"

"Gone back to D.C.," Colt said. "She had a job to finish."

Clara bounced in her chair. Colt leaned closer to his daughter. "Did I tell you how I met Vicki?"

Vicki blinked. He intended to change the conversation from Belle to childhood. She opened her mouth, but then Clara giggled. "How, Dad? Tell me."

Colt's arm on her chair seemed permanent. Vicki settled into her seat and scooted closer. "I followed your Aunt Alice to get her to go home so Grandma would serve our dinner. I'd told Aunt Alice not to talk to the blonde earlier, but she dragged me to say hello. Vicki then told me she sat behind me in Spanish class. I knew that, but I hadn't had the nerve to say anything to her."

Vicki's mouth fell open. "You knew?"

He stared at her and nodded. "You scared me."

He was never afraid of anything in his life. "You?"

His cheeks tinged red as he turned to Clara. "Yeah. Then she smiled at me every day after, and I switched my seat in accounting to sit closer to her."

Vicki added, "Your dad was two years older than us, so he didn't talk to any other girl my age."

"She says that now, but Victoria Morgan was the girl everyone was afraid of in school."

"I was not."

Clara asked, "You did? You were afraid of Vicki?"

Vicki shook her head. "Your dad has a great smile, and he's trustworthy. It's pretty rare in my world."

Colt winked at her. "I came home from a semester at college, and after I kissed you, you freaked out that you'd betrayed your friend."

"I just graduated high school." Vicki laughed as she remembered how innocent she was then. "Then I told you my dad would never approve."

"So Vicki and I were a secret, and we didn't tell your grandparents, either." Colt then winked at Clara. "Remember I told you not to tell Grandma when we visit Aunt Alice?"

"You dated my Vicki, Daddy?" Clara asked.

It was clear that her daughter intended to ask about her mother again. Vicki blinked. Her heart soared. This was the moment she'd been waiting for.

The click of heels interrupted. The waitress stood over them and placed drinks on the table. Vicki's skin was warm as Colt ordered for their daughter. Then she stared at the menu for ten seconds, and added that she wanted a chicken sandwich. Satisfied, she slid the menu to Colt. Her hands grazed his and heat ignited on her skin. Vicki hoped this interruption didn't change what had almost happened.

"I never had a mother, and my father never liked me," Vicki said. "John and Peter were older and away. All I had that summer was the music and your dad."

"My dad loves me," Clara added as she stared at Colt.

They had a bond that was deep and true. Vicki saw that. "He does."

Colt sat straighter in his chair. "Clara's easy to love."

Vicki smiled and held her breath. She had to try. "Having someone who's moral and upright standing next to you is good to have. I didn't think people like your dad existed, and didn't understand for a long time how amazing Colt is."

Colt lifted his hand off her chair then ran it through his hair. "No. This can't happen. Vicki, you were my every fantasy."

What was he talking about? She wanted to tell Clara she was her mother, and why did goose bumps grow on her arm?

Colt continued, "I had to grow up, and I spent most of my life between the middle of the desert, half a world away, and changing diapers."

She wouldn't try to erase their bond. She hoped to be part of their family. "But we're talking about our family now, and what's important for us to move on."

"Yes." Colt nodded and crossed his arms. "I hear what you’re saying. I can’t right now. We'll do this tomorrow. Right now, everything is going too fast. I just need to breathe."

If he didn't want to tell their daughter, then they had a big problem. She glanced at both of them and sighed. One more day wasn't unreasonable. She nodded. "Every moment of my adult life was spent with regret over what happened with you. I can wait one more day for the truth, Colt, but it's not fair to ask for more. I'm trusting you to do this."

Vicki also hoped to ask what had happened to Belle. One more day was all she could take, though. It was time Clara knew the whole truth.

"Is it true what was in the papers about your father with tax evasions that are completely legal?" he asked.

She closed her eyes, inhaled, opened her eyes, and answered, "Yes, every word. He cared more for the Morgan brand and his corporate legacy for Peter than he cared for anyone within the House of Morgan. My father believed that a man's job in life was to leave everything he could to his heir."

"Mitch Morgan hatched a scheme to get Collins’ lands years ago, because he'd figured out how to drill for oil. My father always thought yours was a thief, though that's not official." His eyes rolled to Clara, who sipped her iced tea, making faces of exuberance every time she tasted her drink. "You deserved better, Victoria Morgan. I'm glad you're free and can experience what family is supposed to be."

She shook her head, but Colt's words seem to find a way to sprint up her spine and left her tingling. "My shop and the money in my account is all I have now from the House of Morgan, officially. I refused to allow Peter to leave me shares."

"I'm sure the money is far more than most people can imagine." Colt reached across the table to stroke her hand, and her shoulders became less tense. "Vicki, you don't know how to trust anyone or how to do anything but run away."

The only honest person she truly knew stared at her. Her eyes met his and she gulped. She needed to change topics fast, as her stomach twisted in knots. "What happened to Belle?"

His cheeks turned red. "I told you. She's gone. I drove her to the airport."

Gone wasn't how a man in love typically talked, was it? "For good? Or is the wedding still on, Colt?"

He stared at the table. Then he gazed at Clara. "I told her I'd cancel the wedding, return the gifts, and pay back any money spent."

Her heart thundered as heat coursed through her. She had to school her face and not smile. He was in pain. Her lips didn't quite close, and all she could say was, "Ohh, wow."

He reached across the table again and took her hand. His sexy eyes stared back at her, and she lost her voice. Her cheeks burned as he told her, "I did it because I am not packing Clara and moving to Washington. Our lives are here."

"I'm glad." With unshed tears in her eyes, Vicki had so many more questions and so much to say, but not in front of Clara. Not yet. They might turn out to be a family, and tomorrow they'd tell her.

The waitress returned with plates of food. "Let's eat," Vicki said.

He massaged his neck. "I don't want to hurt you, Vicki. You're important too."

They had a chance to start something now. She gazed at her plate to not give away her thoughts. "The promise you made about the natural and right moment is soon, Colt. Then we have no walls that might come between us."

"I understand." He nodded.

Clara ate her food in silence mostly, but stared at both the adults.

Vicki's heart kept up its pitter-patter every time she peeked at Colt, so she focused on her chicken sandwich until there was nothing left on her plate.

Done, she glanced at Colt. He had finished too. She bit her lip for a moment and then asked, "Want me to drive Clara, or do you want to take her?"

He shook his head. "I let you have her all day. Meet you at home."

A home sounded great. He walked behind her to her car and then buckled Clara in her car seat. With their daughter staring at them, he kept one hand in his pocket and hugged Vicki goodbye. She pressed her arms around his shoulders and whispered, "See you at home."

He nodded.

Fire burned inside her on the ride back. For once everything was going right in the world, and she couldn't wait.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Colt beat them home, and waited for them on the porch. Vicki stared at his manly silhouette—his hard muscles, chiseled chin, and cowboy hat—as she drove up. Her heart surged the moment she parked and imagined that he'd come into the light and kiss her. The image left her breathless, and her lips tingled. She swallowed and tried to ignore the visions as she turned off the engine. Clara was fast asleep in her car seat.

"Leave your suitcase for me. I'll get it later."

The sound of his voice was like a warm tropical breeze. His broad shoulders drew closer as she unlocked her door and stepped out of the car. Her body warmed as he came closer, though he headed for the back. She straightened her dress as he picked up Clara. Vicki followed him inside the house with the small bags.

She placed her shopping bags on the counter as Colt carried Clara right into her to bed. A moment later, she kicked off her Jimmy Choos and then went to her daughter's room. Colt already had her on the bed, so she fixed her sweet daughter's hair on the pillow. She'd not miss another day. Tomorrow, no matter what happened, they had to tell Clara.

Clara lightly snored.

Colt stood and took Vicki's hand. His huge hand sent a wave that washed through her as he led her back to the living area. As he led her to the couch, she flipped on the lights as hope surged through her. Her entire body tingled with his nearness. He helped her settle on the couch and then sat beside her.

"Colt, tomorrow we are telling her I'm her mom. This pretense is over."

"Yes." His brown eyes darkened as he stared at her. "Tomorrow, princess. Today was already dramatic, and we have to make sure we paint this picture clearly to Clara. I don't want to build up some dream then dash her hopes, Vicki. You both deserve to be treated with honor."

A spell of some sort was in the air. Everything felt magical. She whispered, "What made you believe it was time to tell her?"

"Do you want to wait?"

"No." Her lips tingled as she stared at his mouth. "But what made you change your mind?"

His hand went on top of hers. "You've been nothing but great with our daughter, and Clara deserves a mother that loves her."

"Thank you. I'm grateful." She pushed her hair behind her ear. "What happened with Belle?"

"I don't want to talk about it. Not yet."

She scooted closer to him, and he whiffed his manly smell. "Colt, I'm here for Clara."

He held still. "Is that all?"

Desire wasn't part of their deal, but she'd not say that. It wasn't fair. She met his gaze. "What else is there?"

Her lips tingled as she opened them and he stared at her mouth. Her skin radiated warmth. Then he shook his head. "Vicki, we are the past. Clara has a future and we're her parents. We have a responsibility..."

No, he'd not break whatever possessed them both right now. She placed her hand on his arm. "You changed the diapers and did the hard work, Colt, but that doesn't make us any less human."

His shoulders dropped. "I don't want you to think there is a 'we' because I ended things with Belle. Vicki, you deserve far better treatment, and I'm not ready."

Guilt didn't belong in their lives. They hadn't done anything to Belle. Vicki's mind went blank. "The only deadline here is telling Clara. No one gets hurt."

He swallowed then placed his hands gently on her hips. She opened her arms and hugged his shoulder. Fireworks went off inside her body. If they went slowly, they might build a future. "I thought you weren't ready?"

His arms went around her more firmly, and her eyes grew wider. "You're the light that beams in the darkness, Vicki."

She closed her eyes. Then he leaned closer, and her body fluttered. "Fireworks" didn't begin to describe how his lips on hers set her off. She stilled until he tugged her hip to bring her closer. She followed, and she could taste the smell of oranges in the air around her.

His delicious lips met hers and he kissed her.

Her arms circled his shoulders, and she tried to close any gap between them. His arms that held her in his embrace sent sweet tremors through her. His lips stopped pressing against her, and he opened his eyes. His gaze seemed tortured, as he grumbled, "Vicki, tell me to stop."

Absolutely not. This was where she belonged. She'd follow wherever he desired, and she'd be happy on this farm. Coming home meant Colt. Without a word, she stood, took his hand, and tugged him to stand up. He looked confused, until she stepped toward his bedroom door. His eyes widened. She pressed her body in his and wrapped her arms around him. "Colt Collins, I want you right now."

For one second, he didn't move.

Her heartbeat grew loud, and she feared he'd say no. Then his large, calloused hands slipped under the top of her dress and pressed against her naked back. He took a hard, deep breath, then kissed her.

Bursts of energy coursed through her as he led her.

Nothing fazed her until she heard the door click open. Her lips pressed against his again as she realized they were in his bedroom. She traced his sexy, muscular backside with her fingers and delighted.

His skin was hot.

With her arms around his waist, she ran her hand under his shirt to touch his firm, rock-hard abdomen and trace his spine.

As a result, he deepened their kiss and groaned when both his arms pulled her closer.

Something firm hit her leg, and she broke the kiss and peeked over her shoulder. She laughed—it was the dresser—then took in her surroundings. The bed was behind him.

Then she tugged on his pants to push him toward the bed. Her clothes became uncomfortable. She unbuckled his belt, then unzipped her dress as she guided his hand to lift it off her.

He didn't need much convincing.

He kept his arms around her and led her toward the bed. As she kissed the orange-soaked skin of his neck, he closed his eyes and smelled her hair.

She almost said something, but then his rough skin brushed against her face. He leaned down to kiss her again and whispered, "Vicki, you drive me crazy. You do know that."

"Don't stop, Colt. I want you." She unbuttoned his shirt and kissed the exposed skin. A fire grew inside of her, and she had to have him. It had been too long. "I'm turned on and excited for you."

His muscular arms surrounded her, and she sighed. His tortured face held so much patience, but she remembered no one had ever made her feel like he had. Once she'd had fun and had reckless abandon.

The taste of him in her mouth brought with it a sense of freedom and hope.

She slid onto his bed, as he kept his arms around her waist.

With a huge smile that she couldn't control, she unbuttoned his jeans. As she stared at a body meant for a movie god, a blaze grew inside her. Yes, she wanted this.

In a flash, he slid his pants and underwear off his body.

She reached and helped him take his shirt off.

Finally, she sat and gazed upon his nakedness. Colt was perfect. He had the build of an ancient gladiator or medieval knight, and his calloused hands sent arousal through her body.

Her heart stirred as she gazed at his eyes. The expressions on his face were still the same boy she remembered. She winked and told him, "Even your manhood has grown."

"It grew when I was with you."

Impossible, but her heart let the compliment shine inside her. He leaned over her and kissed her hard. His skin on her soft skin melted any thoughts. His rough hands ran against her smooth skin as he rolled to her side, and electricity inside her cells awakened every part of her. A moan escaped her, and she wrapped her arms around him to have him on top of her.

This was the time.

His erection grew next to her fiery body, and something primal inside her broke too.

"Colt..." She kissed his neck. He kissed her shoulders, and she urged him, "Hurry."

A wolfish grin flashed on his face, and then he ran his fingers into her center. Her legs opened with their own mind, and she arched to kiss the hollow of his neck.

As he played with her body, a sigh escaped her lips. She kissed his shoulder and became more primal.

His five o'clock shadow tickled her body as he pressed himself against her, and every cell in her body lit up like a firecracker. "I need you now, Colt."

Another grin appeared as he kissed the tender nipple, which sent delightful shock waves through her. All she could do as the sensation rolled through was wrap her arms around him to hold tight.

She was unable to think; her legs curled around his hard body to surround him, and his penis pressed against her nether lips.

He gripped her hips with his hands, and she kissed the nape of his neck.

Finally, he slid inside her.

Everything inside her ached for him, and she urged him with her gyrations until she could no longer do anything but beg him. With a sudden brush of his body, something inside her released and she shattered.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Colt smelled her strawberry-and-peaches hair first. The few times she'd been in his truck or in those hotel rooms of Paris, her hair smelled similar.

Then rocks formed in his stomach and he couldn't breathe. His mind raced. He hadn't meant for anything to happen last night. The last person he'd hurt was Vicki. First, he had ended things with Belle, dropped her at the airport. Last night, Vicki smelled like strawberries and so deliciously like home.

He ran his hair through his head and sat.

She lay on her side beside him in his bed, and her blonde hair was tossed all over the pillow. This had been a huge mistake. He knew better, and now he seemed as shallow as all the people he'd never respected.

He stared outside his window, and saw the moon that shone through the night sky.

His muscles tensed. The strawberry smell wafted up to his nose, and he turned to stare at Vicki one more time.

She used to be the fantasy. She was sweet and had starred in his dreams since they day he'd met her, but that was long before Belle.

The Marines had been part of his life for years. His face heated, and he swallowed as he turned away from Vicki. He had no idea what to say to her now. He wasn't ready for another relationship, and she deserved respect. They'd planned a life where they shared Clara. He couldn't deny that to her either.

A metal fence with barbed wire grew around his heart.

He shifted in the sheets, and she stirred. He stopped and tried to still himself. The last thing he needed was for her to ask questions.

Moments later, her soft sigh as she settled meant he could breathe. He lowered the sheet and went slowly. Perhaps one day, if he was honest with himself, he hoped she'd belong to him, but not as a rebound. He stared at her and hoped she stayed asleep for a few more minutes.

He shifted his legs to get up, but then her arm brushed against his thigh. He turned and saw her big blue eyes staring at him. His heartbeat grew as he stared at the same eyes that had haunted him for years. He ran his hand through his hair and tried to smile.

"Morning," she whispered, and scooted closer to him. "You getting up to check the farm?"

The farm. Yes, that was a good excuse. Outside meant he could breathe. He nodded. "There is a lot of work to do. Life here will always be chores."

She sat, though kept the covers from revealing her nakedness. "And we've worked as a team since I arrived, haven't we?"

He didn't want to scare her away or offer more promises he couldn't keep. He didn't know what he wanted. He stayed still, and she stretched her arms. "I'll get a morning cup of coffee ready for you."

"You don't have to. I can get it myself."

"I want to help you, Colt."

His skin was electrified. He shook his head. "I told Belle I wasn't in love with her and that marriage was a mistake. Last night with you...it shouldn't have happened, Vicki. I'm not a good fit for anyone."

Her head tilted as she stared at him. "Colt, last night was fun. I'm glad this happened. Don't stress about anything."

Fun wasn't what he wanted with her. They weren't young, and this wasn't cheap. His blood ran cold as tension wrapped around his muscles. "I can't make you more promises, Vicki."

"Stay calm, Colt." She leaned on the headboard of the bed, "We're both consenting adults and we had fun."

The word fun scraped against his skin like razor blades. She should tell him that she cared about him. He shook his head, as that last thought wasn't true either. "Belle told me I was being stupid and listening to my doubts because you were here, and reliving my childhood wouldn't make me happy. Then I dropped her off and came home to you. It's a jerk move, and I'd not want a man to do that to my daughter."

"Our daughter." She reached out and took his hand in hers. Her small hands were soft and like silk. "And don't let whatever happened with Belle poison our family. Today is supposed to be about Clara."

"Why did you say that?" He scratched his head. How did Clara fit into this conversation? His brain screamed that she might want to take her from him.

"We tell her I'm her mother," she reminded him as she crossed her legs.

Yes, he hadn't forgotten, but it wasn't enough. They didn't make sense. He crossed his arms. "Vicki."

"Colt, you're not going anywhere now." She gathered the sheet to cover her nakedness. "You promised. Today is the big day."

At least this big day didn't come with him at the altar declaring his eternal love. Vicki waiting for him to slip the ring on her finger was another fantasy. His cheeks must be red, as he hadn't felt this hot in years. He'd not go anywhere. He was being an idiot. "Let me go and handle my chores first. I'll keep my word."

They stood and he grabbed his pants. She unfolded her bra and slipped it on. "I'll have breakfast ready, including that coffee."

Burned everything would taste fine to him. He closed his eyes, and the heaviness on his shoulders doubled. "I'll be home soon. Don't worry about me."

She threw her dress over her shoulders and tugged it over her body. Then she dropped the sheet on the floor.

His skin itched that he needed to move. In the military, he'd look for something physical so someone would hit him. Here, at least he had work. He had to run. He lowered his gaze and found his t-shirt.

Victoria Morgan was an angel in his life, but she deserved far better than him.

Vicki deserved to have it all, and he wasn't able to be that guy for her.

#

Vicki showered in the bathroom in her room, and stretched. Visions of how Colt had kissed her replayed over and over. Her lips tingled and her body was warm from last night, but she refused to rush Colt.

The way his gaze flickered and how his shoulders stayed tense were all the evidence she needed. She'd not add more layers right now. She sighed and told herself they were adults, and could be adventurous and carefree. Her stomach growled, and she held together, reminding herself of her promise. She opened the door and found a note from Colt tacked on. She squinted and then tore the paper down to read it in her hand.

Princess,

I will work fast today. Wait for me to tell Clara as a family, but it might be at dinner.

Colt

Her heart thumped a little and she folded the note in her jeans pocket. At least he was still the stand-up guy she remembered. She straightened her plain tee shirt. Clara could not know what happened last night. Vicki slipped out of her bedroom and walked out to find her daughter.

In the kitchen, Clara sat on a chair, calm and collected. Their eyes instantly met. Then Clara asked, "Did Daddy have a nightmare last night?"

"No."

Clara stared, and her eyes watered a little. "I heard noises and thought you were taking care of him."

"I did go check on him." A blush must have been on Vicki's face with the heat that emanated through her. She explained, "He's perfectly fine, so don't worry. He's strong and good."

"Okay." Clara smiled and bobbed her head. "I'm hungry, Vicki."

"Let's go to the kitchen, then, and figure out what you want to eat."

Clara bounced off the chair and half ran into the kitchen. Vicki followed behind, and immediately opened the cabinet. Clara pointed to a cereal brand, and Vicki handed her the box like this was always their routine. Then she found two bowls and set them on the counter.

When she was halfway done with pouring, her phone rang. She put the box down for a moment then ran to pick it up. "Hello?"

"Do I have to call my brother to get his permission for you to take me to my doctor's appointment today?"

"Alice. I forgot." Vicki's mind went completely blank as she ran through what she knew. Colt had said dinner in his note. She'd leave him a note on the refrigerator so he'd know where they went. "Don't worry at all. Clara and I will leave now, so we can take you to the doctor."

"Okay, perfect." Alice sighed. "It sucks that my doctor put me on bed rest. I'll wait for you rather than face John's wrath if I drive myself. Your brother is being overprotective, but it's cute."

"It's a one-day conference. You'll see him tonight." Vicki wiped her hand and picked up a pen to leave a note for Colt. "You called early. We'll be on time."

Alice then gushed, "I guessed you'd be in heaven this morning because Mom told me that Colt dumped Belle."

Last night's activities replayed in her head, and Vicki's cheeks heated. She finished jotting her note, and then returned to the cereal and finished Clara's bowl. "How did you know?"

Alice laughed. "Mom messaged me and quizzed me on what you must have done to break up the wedding."

Vicki froze. "Ohh."

"Don't worry about it," Alice assured her, "Mom will be fine. She's a lady, and not like your dad. She was always kind to everyone and will give you a fair chance."

Vicki crossed her arms. "She has to hate me and think I'm a horrible person."

"She also remembers you as my friend, and she never yelled at us. So hurry up and get over here. We'll talk in person."

His mother had saved Clara too, so Vicki needed to make friends with her. "Deal. Bye."

She swallowed hard and then told Clara, "Your Aunt Alice has a doctor's appointment and your dad is out with his chores. After breakfast, we have to change fast and head over to drive her. Is that okay with you?"

"Let's go." Clara nodded then finished her breakfast.

Vicki cleaned up, ate a fast breakfast, and then hung the note on the refrigerator with a napkin. She scanned what she'd written a minute ago to ensure that she didn't use a word that indicated feelings.

Colt,

Had to take Alice to the doctor's. Packed up Clara and took her with me. We'll be back early this afternoon. Can't wait for tonight.

See you soon.

Vicki.

She had almost written "Love, Vicki," and had to check that she hadn't. She turned to get ready to leave. He needed time and she needed to stay focused on Clara and her new family life. Today was the day. Victoria Morgan's life was about to be domesticated, and she had a few loose ends of her own to tie up.

Clara bounded into her room and Vicki smiled at her. "Give me one minute to pack a bag with snacks, sweetheart."

"Okay," Clara said, and Vicki was on the run and headed back to the kitchen.

She packed a few juice boxes and healthy snacks. Clara waited impatiently at the door, and bounded outside the second Vicki opened the door.

A few minutes later, they were secure in the car and on the road, and Vicki held in her excitement.

One day at a time was her motto from now on. She stared back at her baby girl. Tonight, they told her, and it couldn't be here fast enough. Where she lived after that had to be close to Clara. Vicki refused to lose her family ever again.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Colt brushed his shoes on the front porch rug then went inside. Nothing stirred. His ears perked for any signs of noise, but the house was eerily quiet. His gut had firecrackers that went off as a warning, like they had in the service when he was about to be attacked. He closed the door behind him.

Earlier Vicki was too excited to tell Clara today, and made him feel like he'd kept them apart too long already. He ignored the sirens in his head telling him he'd walked into a mistake. Instead he straightened his spine and said, "Hello?"

No one answered.

His daughter and Vicki weren't quiet people, and no noise wasn't good. Had they gone somewhere? He fished his phone out of his back pocket and checked, but no texts or voicemail messages waited for him.

Strange. Every cell in his body told him the house was empty. He almost dialed Vicki, but then told himself this might be his PTSD. They'd probably gone to the store and everyone was fine. He placed his keys on the counter and headed toward his room. He needed a fast shower.

A few minutes later, the water hadn't helped much. His body was still cold as his heart raced. If they were here, he'd feel better. As the water washed his skin, he told himself that if they went to the store, it wasn't a huge deal. He had never worried about errands in the past. With a huff, he reasoned they'd gone to buy dinner or something. Vicki never could cook, and he hadn't spotted her car in the front of the house.

The taste of the food he imagined helped his mind and body ease. He turned off the water and changed. As he took in a few deep breaths, he remembered how Vicki wanted tonight to be special for Clara. With their daughter in the room, they'd not talk about whatever happened. Tonight he made sure he didn't repeat his mistakes.

He stared in the mirror and decided to shave his five o'clock shadow. His body still had a sweet satisfaction that he'd not experienced since Vicki. All his years with Belle, she was sweet and kind and good, but she didn't leave his body in a sweaty bundle of nerves that made him ache.

He knocked himself as he shaved. Belle deserved better than that last thought.

Done, he washed his face and dressed.

As he walked into the living room, someone knocked at the door. His skin went cold, and he knew it wasn't Vicki. Adrenaline rushed as he called out, "One second."

It was probably a neighbor or someone here to sell him something. He straightened his spine and flung open the door. A man and a woman stood in black pinstriped suits with papers in their hands. He tugged his ear, and asked, "Can I help you?"

"Are you Colt Collins?" the woman asked without removing her sunglasses.

Salespeople looked straight into the eyes of would-be customers to make the sale. A cold drip went down his back. "Yes, ma'am. May I help you?"

The man handed him papers. "You've just been served."

Colt clenched the papers and stared at the man.

"Have a good day, sir." The woman nodded, grabbed the man's arm, and the pair of them rushed off his porch.

He ran his hand through his hair and opened the envelope. He'd never owed anyone anything. Then every cell in his body jumped as he read the first line. "Victoria Morgan versus Colt Collins for the custody of Clara Collins."

Ice raced up from the ground and surrounded him as he realized he'd been made a fool. Last night must have been to distract him. Vicki had called their bedroom activities "fun." He should have guessed. Every moment she'd mentioned Clara.

He spun on his heels and closed the door as he read more of the lawsuit. The details turned his stomach. Vicki was suing him for custody.

His lips curled. He was a fool. Victoria Morgan was born and bred her father's daughter. She'd manipulated him and Clara to get what she wanted. He'd not let his daughter go, unless it was too late.

His fingers jittered. Perhaps Vicki hadn't run to the store. She'd taken Clara. He ran his hand through his hair. Then he covered his lips with his hands. Where would she go?

His mind raced. They had hours on him, and he had no idea where she'd gone. She'd not be stupid enough to go to her apartment, though he had never asked where she'd lived all these years. With the Morgan bank account at her disposal, she and Clara might be anywhere. His fist clenched, and he curled the paper into a ball. Then his mind raced with questions. Where were they? Would Clara call? Did she have access to a phone? He'd made her memorize the number to call him, but was that enough? Would Victoria return?

Again he picked up his phone and no messages appeared. He almost called her, but an edgy laugh escaped his lips, and instead, he dialed his lawyer.

His heart raced. He had custody. He'd call 911 next.

On the second ring, his lawyer answered. "Victoria Morgan is seeking to overturn the adoption papers to gain full custody of Clara. I've taken excellent care of my daughter and fought in war until today. I was just served papers."

"You have custody, Colt, and she's safe with you," his lawyer reassured him. "The courts want what's in the best interest of the child."

His entire body stiffened. "Clara is not here. She's with Victoria."

"Is this a kidnapping?" The lawyer's voice pitched higher. "Do you have the police report? Did they give you any trouble because she's the mother?"

His breaths were shallow. He'd hire whomever he could to find Clara and then go extract his daughter himself. "No, I called you first. I need to fight this lawsuit."

"Fax me everything. If you suspect that Clara's gone, call the police immediately."

He rubbed his temples and stared out at the empty road. Vicki wouldn't do this, was all his heart said, and then he remembered Clara's phone. If she had it, then he had the ability to trace it.

Colt hung up and ran to his office. He booted the computer then went to the app on his phone to find Clara.

A blue dot appeared on a map, and he waited a second for the map to update with exact coordinates. She had to have her phone. He took a deep breath. Clara was fine, and he'd go get her.

He grabbed his keys and headed to the door. He'd been a fool, but it would end now.

#

"Is it possible you're pregnant?" Vicki's gynecologist asked her. She had agreed to her annual because Alice told her to get checked while they were here.

"Err, no." Vicki's eyes widened as the doctor removed the plastic clamps from her nether regions. Last night's memory surged in her mind. Colt had been a fabulous lover, and he'd been better than she'd ever imagined. However, they used protection, and it was too soon to know, so the question was impossible. "Are we almost done? I should probably get going."

Doctor Ramirez shook her head. "I thought you were waiting for your sister."

"My almost-sister and always best friend."

Clara had stayed in the room with her Aunt Alice to watch the baby monitor.

Vicki straightened out her legs as the exam was done, but couldn't meet the dark eyes of the woman. "Nothing strange going on, is there?"

"Nothing strange. I don't see any kind of cancer." The doctor smiled and stood. "Get dressed and return to your daughter. Alice will be just about done too."

Vicki folded her skirt neatly on her thighs as her entire body heated. She hadn't said that Clara was her daughter, so the doctor had likely assumed. Vicki bit her lip and decided to let the matter be. "Thanks. I'm glad this once-a-year thing is over with. I don't know my mother's history, so I take health seriously."

Her doctor explained, "If you want to have another child in the future, you're perfectly healthy. Enjoy life and don't stress about what you can't control."

"That's great advice." Vicki picked up her underwear and waited for the door to close. As the doctor opened the door, Vicki said, "Okay, thank you again for everything."

Vicki quickly dressed and went to find Alice and Clara. Alice sat in the waiting room with Clara. They both stood to greet her as Alice said, "You're back."

Vicki stared at her blonde, blue-eyed angel and then toward her friend. She straightened her pocketbook. "Ready?"

Alice stepped forward. "Let's go."

Clara instantly took Vicki's hand as she opened the door. As they walked in the oppressing humidity to head to the car, Vicki saw how Alice's face flickered. She whispered, "What happened?"

Alice shook her head and closed her eyes. "Nothing. I can't believe I forgot my sunglasses. Give me one minute."

Vicki smiled at her friend as Clara swung their arms in the air. The second they opened the car door, they heard her daughter's cell phone. Vicki stared as Clara reached inside the hot car to grab her phone. Vicki stood with the door open to let the air circulate. "It must be your dad."

Clara handed the phone to Vicki as she wrinkled her nose. Vicki said, "Hello, Colt."

Belle's voice had an edge to it. "Are you crazy? You can't get away with this."

Vicki's spine straightened. Then goosebumps formed on her arms. "Now isn't a good time."

Belle said, "We'll find you. I still love Colt enough where I will help him."

Help him? Alice placed her hand on Vicki's shoulder. She took a deep breath then shook her head, "This conversation is over."

Alice patted her arm and asked, "Who was that?"

Vicki took a shallow breath and rolled her shoulders. "Never mind, I don't want to talk about it."

Clara said, "Can we go get ice cream? It always makes me feel better after the doctor."

"You didn't see a doctor today." Vicki winked at her baby and nodded. "Sounds yummy. Great idea."

"Yeah!" Clara said. "We won't tell Dad if you get me three scoops."

"If I can get chocolate chip, I'll think about this deal." Vicki laughed then turned toward Alice. "Let's go to our favorite place."

"My second meeting ever, back in school, with John was there." Alice went to the passenger seat. Vicki helped Clara into her seat, and then took the driver's seat. Two minutes later, they were on the road and Alice's phone rang. Vicki kept quiet, and Alice giggled. "My fiancé is a sweetheart."

The thought of Colt crossed Vicki's mind. Tonight made her heart thump faster, as she imagined how they'd sit at the table and tell Clara. Vicki peeked in the mirror as her cheeks heated. Tonight, everything would be different.

Clara put on her headset. Vicki told her friend in a whisper, "We should head back home to your brother's soon. He's been good to me."

"My brother is a lucky man." Alice winked. "I'm glad he has you now."

Vicki couldn't talk about her fantasies or last night. She'd not pressure Colt via his sister. She brushed her hair out of her face and stared at the road to ensure she didn't miss the turn into the ice cream store. "Enough about me. What did the doctor say?"

Alice bounced in her seat. "Everything is fine, as I said. But I'm more excited about my next appointment, when I see my babies and know the gender."

Vicki hit the brakes, and the car jerked to a stop in the parking lot. "Babies?"

"John and I knew for a while it was more than one, but we're telling people now," Alice answered with a huge grin. "He's sad he missed today, but he'll be here for the ultrasound."

"I'm so happy for you!" Vicki found a spot near the ice cream store, and squealed until she parked the car and finally had the opportunity to hug her friend.

Tonight, she'd share this news with Colt, unless Alice called him first.

CHAPTER TWENTY

The blue dot on his phone moved, less than a mile, and then stopped. At least they were still in town. If Clara still had her phone, then he'd find her. Colt grunted and steered his car closer to his destination. His head throbbed.

His headache subsided slightly as he realized he was almost at Alice and John's house.

Then the blue dot raced. His gut churned, but then he realized the directions Vicki drove. The pattern was his own route home. They went south toward the turnpike, heading to his house.

He pressed the bridge of his nose and turned his truck. His blood pressure was high. With the lawsuit, she'd wait and use her money and influence to prove what an upstanding mother she might be. She'd not taint the Morgan name with kidnapping. She had the means to destroy everything.

They turned onto the country road off the turnpike, and he swallowed. They were almost back to the ranch. With the lawsuit, she had to know that she'd have to leave now. She couldn't live with them and sue.

At a stop sign, he caught up to them. They were both singing in the car and giggling. He swallowed hard, as neither of them looked at him.

His heart wept that Clara was fine.

Vicki's innocence and lighthearted smile hid her true nature.

They entered the driveway at the same time, and soon she turned her car off. His blood ran cold as he parked. Then he ran his hand through his hair and went to them.

"Daddy!" Clara ran into his arms and hugged his leg.

Warmth spread through him for a moment as he petted her silky blonde hair. She was fine.

Then he glanced at Vicki as she smiled at him. With big saucer eyes, she asked, "Colt, did you go somewhere?"

Ice reentered his spine and quickly spread throughout his body. He leaned down to hug his daughter, and then he picked her up in his arms. She smelled like strawberries and ice cream. His skin felt tight. He swore he'd do a better job of protecting her. He closed his eyes, thankful she was safe, and then stared at Vicki. "You were smart to return her."

"What are you talking about?" Vicki looked like she didn't understand. "Your sister needed help. Once we finished, we came home."

"Home? That's an interesting word coming from you."

"Colt, what's wrong?"

No, he'd never fall for her wide-eyed gaze again. He kept his voice level and cool then told her, "We'll talk, but I'm going to put my daughter to bed."

"Daddy, I'm not tired," Clara said.

"Victoria and I need to have grown-up talk and you need to stay in your room." Colt hugged Clara again and then guided his daughter into their house.

"Doctor said Aunt Alice and the babies were fine, Dad." Clara then shrugged like her mother, as she let him carry her. He opened the front door, wiped his boots on the rug, and then entered the house.

Without a word, he carried Clara to her room, and Vicki followed. Clara smelled of chocolate chip ice cream, which meant she'd eaten sugar. They'd not discuss it now. His heart pumped at a steady pace the entire time they followed the routine of Clara's bedtime. A tic in his cheek began as Vicki brushed Clara's hair.

This had to end.

Vicki narrowed her eyes at him, but said nothing. Once Clara closed her eyes, Colt stormed out of his daughter's bedroom and marched down the hall. Vicki's feet pattered on the floor behind him, clearly hot on his trail. Near the open living room, he turned to face her. Vicki's eyes wrinkled. "Why didn't we tell Clara the truth?"

"Are you joking, after what you did?"

Her entire face wrinkled now. "What's wrong, Colt? Didn't you see the note I left?"

He lifted his chin. "You get me to break up with Belle, and then sue me for my daughter."

Her eyes widened. Then she shook her head. "What are you talking about?"

He threw his hands to his sides. "What do you think I'm talking about?"

She put her hand to her hip and visibly shook. "What are you talking about? Who's suing you?"

He marched over to the kitchen table, grabbed the papers, and then threw them in her hands. "I received a court summons that reads exactly what I said. You're suing me for Clara."

She glanced at the title. "That's not the instructions I gave my lawyer. There has been a mistake, Colt."

He shook his head. "Victoria Morgan, the first words out of your mouth to me were, 'Can you keep a secret?' Mistakes when it comes to lawsuits don't just happen."

She touched his arm and an electric jolt unsettled him. Vicki stared into his eyes. "Colt, don't. Give me ten minutes to get my lawyer on the phone. Listen to our entire conversation. I'm not lying about this. I don't want to sue you. There has to be a mistake, and I'll get rid of this right now."

Part of him wanted to believe her. He froze in place. "Every muscle in my body is taut and unable to let this go, Vicki."

She found her phone. Then she took his hand in hers. He took his finger away from her like she'd burned him. "Just wait. Be open to trusting me. I won't hurt you."

He crossed his arms. He'd not be fooled again. "Clara's more important than me. It's my job to protect her."

She took a deep breath. "I'm thankful. Please. It's already ringing. Please wait one minute."

Without another word, he stood like he was at attention in boot camp. He couldn't let Vicki know that a light surged through his soul at the idea that there was some massive mistake. The fire in his heart cautioned him to beware everything Vicki said or did.

She cocked her head to the side and her eyes were wide open. A second later, she said, "Ms. Montenagro, it's Victoria Morgan... I never wanted you to file for custody of Clara... I asked you to overturn the adoption papers to clear my name, but I'm not fighting Colt in court... He's done an amazing job raising our daughter."

Whatever the lawyer said to Vicki he wasn't privy to, but his heartbeat raced. He believed her, though he shouldn't. A minute later, she finished, "I don't care what's smart or what's in the newspapers... Fax his lawyer the withdrawal...now... My brother didn't understand me, but he'll expect my orders are followed."

Vicki listened on the phone for a few more minutes. "Peter is not my father... He misunderstood. Good night.

"I'm sorry this happened." She ended her call and sniffled as she said, "Your lawyer should receive an emailed PDF and a fax within minutes. I'm not here to hurt you, Colt."

"What did your brother Peter do?"

"He hired Montenegro to file those papers on my behalf. He thought you and Belle were going to stop me."

"Why would he think that?"

"I was upset. Belle came to my store. Peter misunderstood, and I didn't call him today."

"Vicki, I'm sorry." He let his body relax and dropped his hands to his sides. "All I saw was red when I received those papers today. I still don't know if I believe this."

She stepped closer to him and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Colt, if we don't learn to trust each other, then everything else is doomed."

The smell of strawberries and ice cream hit him hard. His lips ached for a taste, but he'd not. His arms tightened around her. "It's not easy, princess."

She swallowed then pressed her hands on his shoulders. "No, it's not. When the fax comes in, everything else is settled except telling Clara. I want to tell her first thing in the morning."

He agreed. She made him believe in happily ever after.

Neither of them moved. Slowly, she slid out of his embrace and sashayed her hips to the kitchen counter, where she'd left bags.

A life with Vicki would be better than a life alone. The thought hit him harder than a hurricane. All he could hear was how his heart pumped.

She walked away with her bag and headed toward her bedroom.

His leg muscles twinged, and he stood there unsure what to do. His mind argued with his earlier thought until he could repeat the message.

Victoria Morgan and Colt Collins was a bad idea altogether. They'd never be a couple. He wasn't the type to break one woman's heart and run to another. He needed to be fair.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

While on the edge of her mattress, Vicki brushed her hair as she crossed her legs. Colt had believed she'd use him. She brushed more furiously, until her arm was in a frenzy, and then dropped the brush on the bed.

Her body ran cold and she stood to return the brush to the bureau. Part of her had hoped he'd fall in love with her, but it wouldn't happen if they had no trust.

She opened the drawer, tossed in the brush, and then slammed it closed. The drawer did not help her lose steam.

A knock at the door caused her to jump and almost fall. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then went to the door. Colt stood there with a glass of wine for her in his hand. He handed it to her. "I fixed us dinner. Can we talk?"

"I guess." She took the glass. The jumpiness in her dissipated a little. She smelled the white wine. "Thank you."

His cheeks had a slight blush as he guided her to the table. As they made it to the dining room table, he held her chair for her. Colt's manners were stiff tonight. Then she inhaled the delicious dinner. A simple steak was fine with her right now. She waited for him to push her seat in. "Thank you."

"You just said that." Colt sat across from her, unfolded his napkin, and then added broccoli to her plate. "You are allowed to yell at me. I was a jerk."

"My lawyer let you believe it," she said, as she reached and brushed her fingers on his shoulder.

He gazed in her eyes. "This is not a judgment, but where were you today? I was scared you took Clara from me and wouldn't bring her back."

She sighed. "Didn't you get my note?"

His brown eyes were big. "No. What note?"

She pointed in the direction of the kitchen. "The one left on the refrigerator."

He stood, walked over, and shuffled everything. She followed, and he shook his head. "No. I don't see any note."

"I left it there." Vicki bit her lip. She crouched to the floor and tried to peer under the huge machine. There was a paper there. She tried to reach it. A few seconds later, she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Your sister needed a ride to her doctor's appointment. I forgot about it until she called. John had to go out of town for the day."

"You were with Alice? That makes me a double jerk..." His phone rang and interrupted whatever he'd say next. He stared at the caller ID then answered, "Hello."

She took a sip of wine and waited.

A moment later, he hung up. "Lawsuit was withdrawn. Vicki, I'm sorry."

"You were scared for Clara." She placed the glass on the table.

He ran his hand through his hair. "What is it you wanted to say to me?"

"In your dreams, you call out my name." She stared at the ground. She needed to start this conversation. They had to build trust. "My first night here, the night of the hurricane, and then the night Belle was here."

"Belle mentioned your name as the reason I changed my mind, but I denied it." He dropped his hands to his lap. "I must have set her up to believe the wrong things."

Neither of them had done anything wrong. She took his hands in hers and squeezed. "I went to your room. She asked me to help her, and in exchange she'd ensure I had Clara full time. She wanted you to go with her to D.C., but I never responded. Then at the dress shop, she reminded me that she was yours for years."

He squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry."

Vicki gazed into his eyes. "We did nothing wrong. None of us are pure and none of us are guilty. Don't put mental roadblocks in the way now."

"I have no defenses against you."

Tears escaped her eyes, and she wiped her face. "You kept Clara safe. I owe you my life, and we're a family. We have to work together."

His hands trembled. "You don't owe me anything. Clara is my daughter and the biggest blessing I ever had. After you disappeared, I was happy I at least had a part of you."

Colt was perfect. She bit her lower lip again. "One more thing. You kissed me as you slept. You don't remember, but I came into your room to check on you. Then you kissed me."

His eyes widened. "Those visions were vivid, but the other day was far more than a stolen kiss."

Her heart had flutters. "True."

He froze in place. "Vicki, I don't think we're a good long-term anything right now."

"Relax." Colt sometimes reminded her of a skittish horse. He had to know they were connected for the rest of their lives, through Clara. They'd work together. She squeezed his hands. "One day at a time, Colt. Be thankful for what we already have."

He kissed her forehead and sighed. "You deserve far more than I can give."

She nodded and smiled. "You are doing it again. Stay in the present, Colt. I haven't asked for anything other than a chance to be a mom. Personally, I don't want to think you're going to run off and disappear because of the mountain of responsibility that you're sticking on your sexy shoulders."

"Vicki, you're slightly insane. Tomorrow, we'll tell Clara first thing in the morning. No more delays."

She let go of his hands and tipped her glass of wine to clink glasses. He met her offer with a beer bottle. Then they sipped. "I'm happy we talked like parents who both love their daughter. You listened to me, Colt. It's what made me fall in love with you years ago."

"What do you mean?" He stiffened in his chair.

Her face heated. Her mouth spoke without thinking. Love was too soon right now. She sipped her wine until she settled on her words. "You never ignored me or thought of me as your property. Not like my dad. Even angry, you confronted me, and listened. I like that, and you take care of our daughter as the best father you can. And all of this makes us family, and families love each other, Colt. There are no conditions."

His entire face was still pale, but he nodded, "Let's finish our drinks and go to bed."

She thought he meant together. Then the thought vanished. She'd not push him. They had too much to live for now, and she'd not rock the boat.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Colt woke up fast. His heart beat fast, and he listened. Something was off. Adrenaline rushed through his veins. His muscles tightened. Silence greeted his ears as he stood, but then someone banged on his door. He ran at full throttle out in the hall.

Vicki stood in her blue cotton two-piece sleep outfit with her head tilted toward the door. Clara also slipped out of her room as she scratched her head. Colt pointed Clara to Vicki, and motioned for everyone to be quiet.

Another loud bang on the door reverberated through the air. Colt held the handle and peeked outside. Two adults were there. He waited for Vicki to get closer to Clara, and then said, "Stay back."

Vicki nodded. With his shoulders tight, he opened the door and someone snapped a picture of him. The lights blurred his vision for a moment, as he called out, "Who are you?"

The man shoved a microphone under his nose and yelled out, "Colt Collins, would you agree to an interview?"

"No." Colt clenched his jaw and his hands tightened into a fist. "You have thirty seconds to get off my porch and off my property before I call the cops and I tell them I shot an intruder."

The cameraman jumped down a step and the reporter flinched. Good. Colt slammed the door shut in their faces.

Ten seconds later, he heard the patter of footsteps and a car engine spark to life. Just to be safe, he marched into his room and unlocked his gun closet. He stared at his rifles, took one, locked the closet, and returned to the front door.

Vicki winced and hugged their daughter tighter.

No one stood there. He would never agree to interviews, and Vicki had been here all week in a simple life.

He double-checked the locks on the door, and stared outside. His porch was empty now.

From behind, his daughter asked, "Daddy, why do you get the big gun?"

A rooster crowed. It was early morning.

"Someone threatening was at the door, sweetheart." Colt held it carefully. "He shouldn't be back. Can you give me a minute to put it away? I want to talk to you about Vicki."

"Okay, Daddy." Clara wobbled as she walked to the kitchen table. The second she crawled into a seat, her arms plopped on the table to help her head stay straight.

He rushed inside his room and locked his rifle in the closet.

Finished, he wiped his brow. The last time he had held his gun had been overseas, and he'd never done it in front of Clara.

He covered his mouth with his hand as he stared at his daughter. She deserved to be safe, and perhaps he'd overreacted.

Then he swallowed and stared at Vicki, who hovered at his bedroom door. Her blonde head and open heart deserved to be protected too. No one would get to them. He stepped out of the shadow of the doorframe and smelled the strawberry-scented air.

“What was that all about?”

“I’m a Morgan. The press always wants a story about my family.”

“Did anything happen that set them off to come here?”

“I wouldn’t know. We can ignore and hope they go away or I can call my brother for added security?”

“I don’t like that idea.”

“Let me know.”

Vicki returned to the table and sat next to Clara. It was time their daughter knew.

Colt sat across from Vicki and took his daughter's hand. "What do you think of Vicki, sweetheart?"

He glanced at Vicki for a brief moment, and saw her smile falter as she covered her chest with her hands. He nodded at her. It was time.

Clara dropped her hands to her side. "Daddy, you know. I want to keep her."

With a nod, Colt asked, "Clara, have you wanted to meet your mom?"

"Are you going to marry Vicki?" She smiled at him.

"No." His heart beat a mile a minute on that one. Clara needed to know in terms she understood. "Vicki is your real mom. She's returned to our lives for you."

Clara's wide eyes didn't blink as she stared at Vicki. "I knew it. Daddy, she's my mom?"

"Yeah."

Vicki nodded, and he swore her eyes looked watery.

"Why didn't you say so?" Clara shook her head. "Can I take her to show and tell, then?"

"No. Vicki is your mom. I'm your dad." Colt stared at Vicki, who hadn't said a word yet. He finished, "And you don't take family to show and tell."

He stood to give them both a moment. "What do you want for breakfast?"

Vicki scooted closer to Clara and wrapped her arms around her.

Neither called out to him. He wandered into the kitchen and decided to make them all eggs.

The girls talked.

Vicki spoke animatedly, and her face shone with joy. She'd be a beautiful bride on her wedding day.

He dropped the oil into the pan and it spattered. He woke up from the daydream and found the eggs.

Clara's question about marriage had shaken him. The last thing he needed was a wife, though Vicki staying would have benefits. At the fridge, he found the bread for toast and the hash browns. He returned to the stove to get another pan started. Quickly he set the table for the breakfast.

Vicki would be a good wife. The thought spun in his head. He spooned the hash browns on the plates, added the eggs, and the toaster clicked. Vicki and Clara sat there with their pinkies together, like they'd made a promise.

Done, he returned to the table, placed the plates down, and stared at Vicki, with her eyes wide, shining with tears. "Thank you, Colt."

Her smile set off fireworks inside his belly.

Then she turned serious. "Now what's going on, Colt? My phone has almost a hundred missed calls and text messages."

"Mom," Clara said, "Dad said he scared them off."

Colt massaged his neck. "Your mom doesn't have to call me dad. That's what you call us, not what we call each other."

"Jenna's mom and dad call each other that," Clara said. "And you're my family."

Vicki hid her phone in her pocket and stared at Colt. He sat and found his fork. "Wow, I'm hungry right now. Sit and talk more to your daughter, princess."

No one moved. Perhaps he was bad company this morning. Colt dropped his fork. "You two get started. I'll find out what happened in the real world."

A half-smile grew on Vicki's face as she stared at Clara, who launched into another speech on a matching wardrobe run.

Colt scrolled through the messages on his phone.

Then another knock rang through the house and the girls stopped talking. Colt dropped his phone on the counter and went toward his bedroom.

Vicki whispered, "Don't. See who it is first."

She would have an opinion on guns. They needed to find out why reporters were here.

#

Colt unclenched his fists and took a few deep breaths as Vicki glanced at the door. "I'll get rid of them."

"Thank you, Colt."

He stormed toward the door.

Reporters were never good. Vicki's hand covered her racing heart, and her legs were still weak. For a moment she thought she'd faint, but then she stared at Clara. Their innocent girl needed to stay that way. They'd go to the kitchen or her room. "Help me clean up."

Colt went outside to deal with a second set of reporters on his property.

Vicki kept her daughter close. Clara helped with the dishes and the pair of them brought everything to the sink.

Her daughter stared at her. "Mom, Dad made breakfast, but never ate. Can we pack him something?"

At least their baby wasn't disturbed. Vicki nodded. "Great idea, though he should return in a moment."

Clara stepped onto a stool to help with the dishes. Vicki turned on the faucet, and Colt stormed through the hall. Seconds later, he returned to the front door with some paper in his hand.

She said nothing as he went outside.

Clara elbowed her lightly. "Dad said I can't take you to show and tell. At school, will you meet my friends?"

"Sounds like a plan." Vicki laughed, and rubbed her daughter's arm as she kept her gaze on Colt at the door. "Why can't we throw a party for your friends here?"

"Yeah!" Clara shouted.

A party for five-year-olds couldn't be too hard. Vicki nodded. "Okay, but we'll have to ask Dad if it's okay."

Vicki bumped into her daughter's shoulder, and they both stared at Colt as he said goodbye to someone at the door. Neither one of them moved until he closed the door behind him. His lips were pressed together, and he shook his head.

For moment, Vicki blinked, and her hands clenched on the counter. Colt closed his eyes like he needed a moment.

Clara turned the faucet off, and Vicki placed the last dish in the drying tray. She swallowed and then asked, "Can you go to your room for a few minutes, sweetie, and let me talk to your dad?"

"Sure." Clara jumped off the stool. "For the record, I like you, Mom."

Vicki sipped on a coffee Colt had made for her and stared at him. She waited for him to open his eyes again. Whatever happened outside had him tensed up in his shoulders.

Clara's bedroom door closed. Then Colt opened his eyes and met Vicki's gaze.

Vicki took another sip, pointed to the dining room chairs, and then walked over to sit. He followed. Then once he was settled, she asked, "What happened?"

"It's not true." Colt stared at the ground. "Belle is at the local hospital."

"I thought she was in D.C?."

He nodded. His face was white. "So did I."

Neither of them said anything for a moment. Then Vicki said, "Why is she in the hospital?"

"She's unconscious, but witnesses have linked you to the driver that hit her."

"What?" Vicki's skin jumped. She shook her head. "How? Yesterday we went to see your sister. My car wasn't in any accident."

Colt's hand trembled until he tucked it under the table. "You went for ice cream with Clara, and someone saw you speak to the hit-and-run driver."

"I didn't speak to anyone." Vicki shook her head. They had gone to get ice cream with Alice. "Wait. Some man needed money for gas, and I gave him a dollar."

"That was probably it, then. The reporters are all saying you paid for a hit-and-run because you wanted me. The story is the House of Morgan has gone bad."

"I would never."

Colt nodded. "Of course not. Just don't leave this house today, Vicki."

Ice traced down her spine. "People actually think I hurt Belle?"

"I don't know what the neighbors believe." Colt scooted his chair closer. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her. "You're going to need your lawyer. The press is making it seem you're guilty."

She secured her arms around his shoulders. "What are they saying?"

He massaged her, but nothing stopped the heavy beat of her heart. "The trash basically says that the only daughter in the House of Morgan who came back from the dead is just another spoiled, rich brat who will do anything to anyone."

"Imagine if I actually went to nightclubs what people would say." Her heartbeat was wild, but Colt's was steady. She could hear the thump of his chest, and hers slowly went in sync with his. She sighed. "I don't know what to do."

"Trust me." Colt took her hand in his then placed it on his chest. She gazed into his dark eyes. The world faded away, and her lips tingled in hope for another kiss. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Vicki."

Colt would protect her better than anyone else. He was amazing.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Colt peeked out his blinds. No one was there. His pulse remained steady as he turned away. The porch had been quiet for a while now, so his threats to stay off his property had worked.

Vicki pressed her hand on his arm. "What should we do?"

"Let's find out what happened."

She let go of him. "I'll go get my phone."

"Delete anyone's voice you don't recognize."

She walked to her bedroom and came out a moment later with the phone on her ear.

He massaged his neck as he stared one more time out his window. Then he went to get his phone.

As he returned to the dining area, Vicki pursed her lips as she listened to her voicemail.

To comfort her, he sat beside her. Then he hit the button to get his voicemail and held the phone up to his ear.

She took his offered hand to hold as he listened to the first voicemail, from his mother. "Colt, honey, what have you done? I'm coming over to check on you this morning. Belle is in the hospital, and the news is saying you and Vicki caused her accident."

His heart raced. He'd dropped Belle off at Miami International, though he did speak to her on the phone in his panic to find Vicki. His breath caught. The other day, as he'd told her the wedding was off, she had tears in her eyes, and the memory haunted him. Vicki squeezed his hand, and he opened his eyes to stare at her.

His phone clicked to his next message from Alice. "Colt. You and Vicki aren't answering. What's going on? Vicki was with me yesterday, at the ice cream parlor. We didn't hit-and-run anyone. The news is crazy. Call me. John and I want to help."

Her messages must be the same. Vicki nodded at him as he listened to his last message. "Colt, it's Belle. I don't know what happened last night. It was a stupid car accident. I'm fine, and someone took something I said and completely changed every word I said or meant. I'm so sorry."

All the energy in his body left.

His chin dropped into his chest, he stood and paced toward the window.

Vicki reached for his shoulders and massaged his neck for a moment. He turned around and stared at the blonde bombshell who'd changed his life years ago. His heart lifted as she stepped closer to him and wrapped his arms around her. She sighed and said, "Alice sent me a newspaper article. I want to show you." She handed him her phone.

Vicki Morgan, the daughter of the notorious Mitch Morgan, is yet another heiress behaving badly. An affair, revenge, and a secret pregnancy all rolled up into a day in the life of a bored and wicked life.

He blinked and reread that first line. "We had sex the other day. You can't be pregnant."

"I'm not." She shook her head. "I even had my yearly gynecological exam yesterday, so it's definitely not true."

"Why did you go to the doctor? Perhaps that's where that story came from."

"I was waiting for Alice and the doctor was available. I wouldn't have to come back if I did it then, and that sounded good. Every year I get tested for cancer because I don't know my mother's health history."

He nodded. "Okay, princess. Don't worry about it."

Clara's door opened and she tiptoed back into the dining area. "Mom, Dad, is everything all right?"

Colt scratched his chin, and then he told both of them, "Grandma will be here soon, and we shouldn't plan on leaving the farm today."

Clara smiled and went into the living room to watch something on television.

Vicki's face went white, but she held her tongue. Colt traced her arm and offered her a small hug. "Everything will be fine."

Vicki's arms trembled. "She doesn't want me here. Maybe I should go to Alice and John's..."

He hugged her. "Princess, you don't want to go anywhere. Not until we figure out a game plan."

"What happened?" Vicki shook her head, and he took her hand in his. They were in this together. "This entire story doesn't make sense."

"Clara's settled in the living room now. We'll figure out how to handle this."

"Peter's message said to call him. He'll have his staff take care of the press, if we want."

"If he can make the reporters go away, then call your brother."

She picked up her phone. A few seconds later, she said, "Peter, whatever you can do. The new story is one hundred percent nonsense. I'm not pregnant. I drove Alice to the doctor's yesterday, and she was with him the entire time."

A minute later, she hung up and said, "Peter said lie low for twenty-four hours and his team will threaten lawsuits to anyone running this story."

"Not a problem."

She averted her gaze. "On a different note, I'm scared to meet your mother."

He turned and took both of her hands in his. "We'll have grown-up talk. If my mother says anything to you, she's gone."

"Dad, I want to see Grandma," Clara called out, and then turned again to the television.

"Of course." He kept his hands entwined with Vicki's as he told his daughter, "I am speaking to your mom."

Clara called back, "Daddy, I like having a mom."

Vicki's big blue eyes threatened to water again. He held her hands closer to his chest and swayed her gently as he said, "I like having your mom here too. So don't worry about anything."

Clara stayed quiet, and he assumed she was watching a cartoon.

His gaze returned to Vicki, who closed her eyes as she leaned forward and hugged him. He traced her back with his hands as he let his heart still. This was his family, and they needed him.

"I think we should get married to protect Clara."

She bolted out of his arms. "What?"

Had he said that out loud? The idea came from thin air. Vicki completed their family and him. Colt reached out for her hand. "She deserves a family, and the gossip will die down fast if we appear as a team."

She stared into his eyes. "So you want to get married for our daughter?"

"Vicki, I know it sounds crazy, but it will work." He came closer and placed his hand on her shoulder. "We're already a family, but the negative news cares about us because your last name is Morgan. Collins are respectable and boring farmers with a ranch. Besides, it worked for John and Alice."

Vicki paced and crossed her arms. "Not because you love me?"

"Vicki, we're adults." The word love wasn't fair. He reached for her hands, but she jerked away.

She placed her hand on her forehead and shook her head, "I'm not that much of an adult, Colt. And no. Marriage without love is the worst idea."

Then Vicki walked away. He listened for her door closing. The moment he heard it, he understood that he had said the wrong thing. His mind raced. He had no idea how to fix this now.

He gazed outside. The wind rustled a few branches of his trees, and outside would smell like oranges. Vicki was part of this place now.

In the desert he had dreamed she'd come back to him. For years as he'd juggled his career and raising his daughter, he hoped Vicki would return to them. The moment she'd returned to his life and sent her bolts of chaos in everything, he'd been right back to the same thing. This time he needed to ensure she stayed with him. She made him feel alive.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Vicki's heart raced. As she leaned on her bedroom door, she ran her hand through her hair. Colt thought they could get married without love? Her entire body trembled.

Then she heard a knock at the front door.

Every muscle in her body stayed tense as she heard Colt open the front door with a "Hey."

Pinpricks settled on her skin, and she paced. There was no way she could face someone who wanted her gone right now. His mother must be with him. She'd tell him that he was a fool to ask her to marry him. If their roles were reversed, she'd not be fond of any guy who hurt her own daughter.

As tension raced up her spine, she rocked. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes. Colt would be the worst choice, as she loved him.

No voices emerged outside.

As she stood, she listened. Eventually her throat was parched, and she went into the kitchen for water.

Images of the worst-case scenario played in her mind as she filled her glass. At any second, they could walk inside and face her.

She took her glass and tried to slip into her room, but Clara called out, "Can we go see my horse, Mom?"

Colt must have taken his mother outside. Vicki sucked in her breath. "Let's shower and get ready first."

"Yeah!" Clara jumped off the couch and raced to her room.

Vicki gulped down her water. The dryness remained. Eventually Colt could love her, but he needed time to see it. There had to be a way to stall. She'd not marry out of obligation or because it was the "right thing to do."

Then her phone rang. Vicki heard Clara's shower as she answered, "Hey."

"Why hello, my villainous, man-stealing best friend out to trap my brother." Alice giggled. "That sounds even more ridiculous if you say it out loud."

A small smile broke out on Vicki's face. "Alice, don't be silly. I don't know what to do. Your mother is outside, talking to Colt."

"She's nice. Relax. She'll help you."

Vicki closed her eyes. "I can't. Colt's big plan today was to marry me just to keep me safe."

Alice answered fast, "What?"

"Relax, I said no." Vicki opened her eyes and stared out the window that led to the porch. She inhaled. "Now your mother is coming inside, and I don't know if I can handle someone's hate."

Alice said, "She doesn't hate anyone. You're being overdramatic."

Vicki's hand went to her waist. "To stay out of the papers, I have to stay here. I have nowhere to go."

Alice asked, "Why do you think my brother asked you to marry him to keep you safe? I think he's always had a thing for you."

"He said it was to protect me."

"Okay, Victoria, why would he want to protect you if he didn't love you?"

"'Cause Colt is great guy and he's Clara's dad," Vicki whispered as her heart thumped against her chest.

"Love has nothing to do with it?"

Vicki's skin heated. "No, not consciously, anyhow."

"So it's possible he loves you subconsciously?"

This conversation made her skin tingle. "This is getting confusing. I don't know."

"My brother's an idiot if he doesn't love you, and I think he does. I think he always has."

"I'm not a mind reader. I can't tell. If he does, I need him to tell me."

Alice sighed. "Okay, let's change topics. I don't think we can do anything except wait for him to figure it out. So my advice is to be calm and peaceful today. Don't worry about Mom."

Vicki dropped her arms back to her sides. "Easier said than done. Peter said he had his team of lawyers on the case for me, so the news nonsense will die down."

"I suspected that, as no one has asked my opinion in the past hour. Besides, you have bigger issues. Stick to my brother's side like glue, and be supportive if he tells you he's off to visit the ex anytime soon."

Vicki hadn't thought of that. "You think he will?"

"He's going to want to see for himself," Alice said. "So when he goes to visit Belle, be gentle. I don't think he loves her, and if he broke it off with her, he knows it too."

"I don't know." Vicki stared at her daughter, who came out of her bedroom all dressed to go out.

"Don't worry. Stay and be calm with Colt until he figures it out."

Clara tugged Vicki's pant leg and stared at her as she stepped into her boots. Vicki nodded at her and told Alice, "I have to go. Talk to you soon."

"Bye."

Vicki went down to her hands and knees and tied Clara's boots. She held out her hand, "Let's go."

Clara clasped Vicki's hand, in total trust. "Grandma will be back with Dad for lunch, so we can't spend all day. Stewball needs an apple."

Clara tugged at her to move faster. Vicki's heart lifted in her chest, and she felt lighter. They went out the back door.

"Is Stewball your horse?" Vicki wouldn't keep Clara long. Vicki had no clue about horses and hadn't visited the stalls. Now, as her muscles relaxed, Vicki wanted to see all of her daughter's life.

"Grandma helped me name her when she was born." Clara ran ahead into the side structure that must be a barn. "This way, Mommy."

Mommy was a great word. Vicki quickened her pace, until they walked into the barn. The overwhelming smell made her nose curl. Despite the smell of manure, Vicki's smiled from one look at how animated her daughter became near the horse. The bop of her blonde hair was all Vicki needed to see. She'd figure out a way to stay.

"Mom, you're not over here. Come faster."

Vicki rushed to the stall and saw a miniature horse. A grin grew on her face.

Colt was a good father and a good man. He was worth waiting for.

Patience was a virtue she'd somehow figure out.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

After his mother left to run an errand, Colt finished with his double check of every security measure on his farm. No one else would dare set foot on his property. He brushed past a line of trees in his truck, peered through the fence, and saw a small crowd of reporters gathered across the street. Clearly her brother Peter hadn't called everyone off yet.

The local news was usually about someone bleeding, but today they waited outside his house like Colt, Vicki, or Belle had done something wrong.

Colt turned his truck around and went back to the house.

He parked his truck and stared through the windows of his house. The fog in his brain wouldn't let Vicki's discussion of love go. He had to think of what he could do to convince her that she was part of their family, and she needed to stay right here, on the farm, with him.

It was a tall order. He stared at his calloused hands and kicked the dirt under his feet as he climbed out. He never should have agreed to marry Belle in the first place. It was his fault she was in the hospital.

Afternoon rain clouds formed. He swallowed. The moment he took the first step onto the porch, his phone rang. He read the caller identification. Belle. He stepped off the porch, returned closer to his truck, and answered, "Hello."

"Hey, I'm still in the hospital while they run a few more tests on me, but I've been watching the news. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I shouldn't have called you the other day in a panic. Vicki took my sister to the doctor's. She hadn't run off."

"I'm happy for you, then."

He should at least ensure she made it back to Washington in one piece. She was his responsibility. "Do you want me to come see you?"

"You don't have to. Look, none of this might be true or it might all be. I have to ask. The news is saying Vicki Morgan used you to drive a wedge in her relationship with her father years ago, and then took off without a care for some world tour. I wanted to check on you and make sure you want to do this."

"Don't believe everything you read." His voice cracked. Their breakup scene left his gut cold. "I'm going to come over tomorrow. It will be good to see you."

"Okay. I'll look forward to it, Collins."

For years, Belle had been the one that stood by him. Belle had always called him his last name, but at least she was dependable. Vicki was unpredictable. Her blonde hair passed near one of the windows of the barn, and his heart beat twice as fast. She should be in the house and not with the horses. He had no idea what Belle said, but he said, "Bye, then."

She sighed. "Bye."

He ended the call, and walked toward the barn and Vicki. He searched through the stalls then saw her next to Clara, as they fed Clara's miniature horse.

With a giggle on her lips, Vicki called out, "Colt, our baby girl has me feeding the animals."

"Good. Everyone works on the farm." His lips tingled to kiss her, though he kept the feeling to himself.

As he approached her, Vicki tilted her head. "Where is your mom? I thought I heard her at the door."

"She was here but then had to go check on something for my father. She'll be here for lunch."

"Where did you go?"

"Tend to the farm and to ensure the fence was secure."

He scratched his five o'clock shadow. With a long, deep breath, he told her, "Vicki, I don't know what to say to you now."

"Let's get Clara to the house so we can shower and be presentable when your mom shows up."

He kept still to not spook her and repeat this morning. "I need to see you alone, Vicki."

"Okay," Vicki said, though she offered her hand to Clara. Clara bounced and then took his hand too. Then she used them both as anchors to swing.

Colt whispered to Vicki as their daughter rocked their arms, "I promised to go see Belle in the hospital."

"Okay." Vicki nodded. "Your sister can read you like a book."

"Alice?" Colt asked. "Why mention her?"

"We talked," Vicki told him. "When are you planning to go?"

"Tomorrow morning." His skin heated the longer he stared at Vicki.

His body ached to claim her and keep her in bed until she agreed to marry him, but that wasn't going to work. And he'd never been very good at seduction.

They walked in the door, and he stared at the couch. An image of Vicki's soft lips as he took off her clothes played in his mind.

He'd absolutely not touch her until she agreed that marriage was what they both wanted. He needed a plan to succeed, but seduction wasn't it. He'd find a path to keep her at his side.

#

Vicki set the table for dinner, even though Colt had no word from his mother. It was strange that she wasn't here yet. She'd spent less than ten minutes this morning and said she'd return soon. Now the dusk of the evening sky had already settled, and night would be here soon enough.

Vicki ensured that the knives and forks were perfectly aligned.

Colt showered early and stayed near the house instead of staying out on the farm till the last minute. She set the last plate. Everything looked amazing. Vicki sucked in her breath and opened the front door. The humidity of the day hit fast, and stirred a yawn. Colt had to be around here somewhere. Vicki called out from the front porch, "Colt."

He stepped from the side of the house near his bedroom window and called out, "Vicki, what's up?"

He sounded so casual. She squinted to see past him. The blazing sunset blocked her view, and she couldn't peek around the house. The hair on her arms stood up, like someone else was outside with Colt, but she didn't see a car. "Dinner is done."

He nodded at her. "Great. I'll just need a fast shower. Can't wait for tonight."

He'd taken a shower less than an hour ago. She shook her head. The buzz of a car engine sounded in her ear. She turned toward the driveway and saw a silver Volkswagen heading straight for the house. Vicki stepped inside the door. "Greet your mother, Colt. I want to go straighten the napkins."

"I've never heard of straightening napkins."

"I need to make sure everything appears beautiful." The last thing she needed was to hear what a horrible choice Vicki was for Colt. Her hands shook as she raced into the house to check on the table setting.

A few minutes later, as she finished, the front door creaked open and Clara ran over to greet Mrs. Collins. "Grandma."

Her little feet thumped on the wooden floor. Vicki couldn't look at any of them. She slowly lifted her head to watch Colt's mom hug Clara.

His mother nodded at her, and Vicki was sure she'd faint. She held the chair and nodded in return. "Good evening, Mrs. Collins."

With her arms crossed at the door, his mother stood, with her feet slight apart, like she was ready for battle. "Colt told me your father lied to you about Clara."

Vicki's skin jumped off her body, but she tried to hold still. "He did. My father had a habit of lying to everyone, including his own children."

"Why?" His mother stared hard, and Vicki's skin had goose bumps.

Vicki stared at the thin lips of the woman and answered in a quiet voice, "I embarrassed the House of Morgan."

His mother dropped her hands. "Mitch Morgan was always a jerk. I had a hard time believing he'd do that to his own flesh and blood, but that sounded just like him."

"I had boatloads of practice in mocking my father," Vicki said. "Dinner is simple tonight. Tortellini with oil dressing and Caesar salads. I hope that's okay with you."

"Perfect," Mrs. Morgan answered. "If you need me to testify, I'd be more than happy."

Vicki's mouth dropped. "Testify to what?"

"Nurse Marie, who was assigned to your room, repeatedly told me and the Department of Children and Families officers that night that you signed away adoption rights and you did not wish to be bothered. I tried to go into your room, but they barred me at the door. Later I had Clara safe, and tried to get in your room again, but you were already gone."

Vicki almost dropped the serving bowl. "So you believe me?"

"I always guessed your father had done something."

Colt reached out and held the bowl. Vicki's hands shook. She sucked in her breath to try to stay calm. "You did the right thing and kept Clara safe. I never signed anything."

"Marie quit the hospital two weeks later after I stayed on her heels and demanded she tell me what happened. She bought a big house up in Orlando and hasn't been back to Miami, Broward, or West Palm since. Vicki, we're already family, so call me Ellie."

"Ma'am," Vicki answered automatically, then corrected, "Ellie, I expected you to hate me."

"Don't be overdramatic. If both of my children think you're telling the truth, then I have to believe them. I raised them."

"I'm glad the news hasn't affected you, then."

Ellie stared at Colt. "Now that I see everyone is fine and the news station is just spinning rubbish, let's eat dinner."

Vicki's heart skipped and her hands stopped trembling. The weight on her spine lessened. Colt helped his mother sit and Clara took the seat beside her grandmother.

Then Colt served the salad. All of this could be Vicki's, but she needed to get things straight. Colt did not love her. She'd have to change soon, but not tonight. She deserved one more night with everyone she loved.

Tonight, she was with the family she'd always wanted.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Vicki stood at the door and continued to wave until she lost track of the silver car in the driveway. Clara was already in bed, and Colt had rushed off to take a shower, for the second time this evening. Alone, Vicki stared at the moon that peeked into the night sky.

If only was the worst possible way to start a thought. Vicki stepped inside. Her days were numbered here.

She'd not be where she'd never be loved. She closed the front door and ensured all the locks were secured. The quietness of the ranch seeped into her mind and brought with it a sense of peace. Vicki proceeded to her bedroom, but halfway through the house, Colt called out, "Vicki, can I see you for a minute?"

She turned around and then her mouth fell open. Colt Collins wore a gray suit and a blue tie. She took a step forward then asked, "What's going on?"

"Come." He offered her his hand. "Let's first go out back. I want to show you something."

He'd spent the day out there. She blinked a few times then nodded.

He took her hand in his and squeezed. "This way."

At the moment, she'd follow him anywhere. He led her to the small sitting room set off the living room. She'd never gone there as nothing much was there, except plants and a door that led out to a grassy area and the canal.

With a huge smile on his face, he opened the door and pointed to an old-fashioned wooden swing. He told her, "I'm gonna build a proper porch here because you always wanted a winding porch that wrapped around a house."

"I said that years ago." Vicki's mouth fell open again. "I was just a teenager."

"So was I, Vicki." He nodded then pointed to the swing. "I rigged it up today. Mom used to have this out front, and you always liked it. A hurricane knocked it down a few years ago, and I had it in the shed."

The smile on his face matched how hard he'd worked. She tilted her head. "Why would you do this for me, Colt?"

"'Cause you matter." Colt stepped closer and stared at her. "I'd do anything for you, Vicki. Don't you know that?"

She licked her lips, eager for a kiss. "I don't know what to say."

"This is your home, Victoria Morgan."

With Colt and Clara, they were complete. She circled her arms around his neck and leaned up. She closed her eyes, and the smell of citrus that was Colt wafted in the air. She closed her eyes as she whiffed his orange and oak scent.

Then a flash of light shook her. Colt murmured something, and she widened her stance. "Who was that?"

"It's probably the press." He huffed then said, "The tactic was more like an ambush."

She ran her hand through her hair.

He massaged his neck and shoulder as he stared at her. "Okay. My timing is awful. We knew about the reporters. And tomorrow I have to go see Belle, but after that, Vicki, you and I have to talk."

Vicki went to say something, but he stormed into the house. She wished he'd finish that almost-kiss.

The tingle of her lips made her sigh. She wasn't sure what to say, so she went through the house and to her room. Tomorrow, she'd straighten everything out with him, but the patio idea was sweet. He had remembered something she had said years ago.

Perhaps if she showed him it was okay to say he loved her, then all would be well.

#

The next morning dawned early, and Colt tugged on his blue jeans. He'd go see Belle and find out why she'd stayed in town after he left her at the airport. She should be in D.C., not here. He'd ensure she was fine at the hospital, and then return home for lunch. With luck, Peter Morgan had persuaded the press to go find a new story. Vicki deserved his whole attention.

He tied on his sneakers and tiptoed out of the house. Usually Vicki woke up later than he did, so he'd text her the minute he parked at the hospital. The sooner there, the sooner he finished.

From the driveway, the house remained quiet and undisturbed. He fired the ignition and then drove off.

With his hands around the steering wheel, Colt's mind cleared. Perhaps if he asked Vicki to marry him with a ring. He had never given one to Belle, and a man was supposed to offer a ring. Belle wanted to buy a specific one, and ordered it herself the day they discussed marriage. It should have been a sign. Stores on weekdays opened around ten, so he'd stop on his way home.

Without much traffic, Colt soon found himself in front of the hospital. He parked the car and walked to the front gate.

Someone snapped a photo of him and adrenaline pumped in his veins. Then someone shouted, "Are you here to apologize to Belle Jordan for dumping her?"

A woman screamed out, "He doesn't deserve her."

"You're right, ma'am, I don't." Colt lowered his head. At the door to the hospital, Colt turned and stared at the woman. "Victoria Morgan has always been the woman in my heart, and the lies about her yesterday will be dealt with. She'd never hurt anyone, including Belle."

The woman's huff sent a chill down his spine. He lifted his chin. He never cared what anyone thought of him. He turned and proceeded inside the hospital without another word.

The greeter at the door took his name and gave him Belle's room number. He stepped toward the elevator and already smelled the sterile nothingness that every hospital reeked of.

Colt ran his hands down the sides of his pants and then stepped into the elevator the moment it opened. The doors closed, and he wasn't sure what he expected to say to Belle, but his gut churned like he was in war. If they were in the desert still, he'd duck his head and wait for bullets to fly, but he was home now. He clenched and unclenched his fists until the elevators opened.

In the hallway, nurses, doctors, orderlies, patients, and visitors walked around and seemed to have some order. He studied the numbers and figured out Belle was four doors down to the right. He walked over and knocked on the open door. "Belle, can I come in?"

"Sure." Belle sounded peppy, and it wasn't natural on her. She usually had a commanding presence. "Collins, I didn't expect you."

"I told you I was coming." He took a step into her room.

Belle nodded. "You did. I didn't expect you this early."

He crossed his arms. "Why did you stay in town? I dropped you off at the airport."

She opened her mouth and stared into his eyes. Her cold blue eyes were nothing like Vicki's brightness, but he kept his mouth shut. Finally she said, "I was numb and hurt that we broke like that. I rented a hotel room and hoped if I stayed a few more days, you'd come back to me."

He massaged his five o'clock shadow. Belle deserved better. "I shouldn't have agreed to your plan and how you needed a husband now." Colt uncrossed his arms and stood straight with his feet together. "You can't pretend to be hurt that I still love her."

Belle stared straight ahead of her at the television. Slowly she nodded. "You're right. I can't be hurt, so don't worry about me."

He waited for her to meet his gaze. The moment she did, he told her, "Belle, the sooner you go back to your life in D.C., the sooner whatever you're feeling goes."

"I'll wait for the doctors to release me then I'll get a ticket. Do me one favor?"

"What?"

"Tell your Vicki I'm sorry for how I acted in her store and in her house. I don't like how I look when jealous, and I want you to live happily ever after with the woman you truly love."

"You've always been strong, Belle."

"Now go, Collins. You shouldn't be here. Go back to your Victoria. Don't think about me. I'll be fine."

Belle deserved someone better than he ever could be. He stood still for a moment longer then left. Now that this conversation was over, nothing would stop him.

Today he'd get Vicki to marry him, and he'd never hurt anyone ever again.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Colt stared at every ring in the store and tried to figure out which one to buy Victoria Morgan. Round diamonds, pink diamonds, white gold or platinum. The saleswoman picked up another ring and his fingers trembled.

Vicki could have anything she ever wanted. They both knew this was a symbol at best.

He sucked in a breath and decided the best option he knew was to get Vicki a ring just like his own mother wore.

He ignored the saleswoman's advice and peered at every ring in the cabinet. Vicki wore her mother's necklace, which was a simple heart with a golden lace trim to it. She never took it off. Her ring should match. He wanted a diamond ring in the shape of a heart with simple yellow gold. If he saw one with lacelike design, even better. In the fourth display case, he pointed to a ring. "Can I see this one?"

The woman's eyes widened. He assumed it was expensive, but then, he'd never heard of a cheap engagement ring. He nodded as she squealed. "This one is called Enflamed Love. The diamond is extremely rare."

He peered at every detail. It would match the necklace she adored. Buying this should be the easy part. Now he had to get home. "Do you have it in a six?"

"Yes!" she practically screamed. Her fingers trembled as she asked, "Will that be all, sir?"

He handed her his credit card. For the first time in his life, he'd not worry about budgeting for Clara's college education. "Absolutely."

A few seconds later, he held the box and plastic bag in his hand. Colt opened the box, stared at the ring he'd bought, and then closed his eyes. He imagined a huge smile growing on her face as she said yes. She'd kiss him and he'd be surrounded with the taste of strawberries for the rest of his life.

He repacked the ring as the saleslady handed him his receipt to sign. Once he paid, he fled into his car. He'd have to find a way to tell her that she was part of his life. Nothing made sense without her.

His heartbeat was steady as he started his car and headed home. Vicki was his future and all that mattered, other than Clara.

He hummed to a song on the radio for a few minutes as he drove. Then his phone vibrated on the seat beside him. Alice's name flashed on the screen. He picked it up and hit speakerphone as she said, "Where are you?"

He turned off the radio so they could speak. "Hello to you too."

In a fast, must-tell-everything-in-one-breath tone, Alice launched. "Vicki's thinking about leaving your home. What did you do?"

His heart thumped in his chest. "What do you know?"

Alice sighed, like she was speaking to him as if he was Clara and should know he was wrong. "She spoke to John and Peter this morning. She's sad."

Vicki had no reason to be sad. His mind raced to their last conversation. He had told her he was going to see Belle. Earlier yesterday, she had said no to his spur-of-the-moment proposal, but this time he'd have an entire plan. "Alice, she can't leave me. Not now."

Alice's voice was softer. "Why not, Colt?"

He gripped the steering wheel and paid attention to the empty road. He'd do whatever it took to convince Vicki to stay with him. "I'll talk to her when I get home."

"Do some fast talking there. I want you both to be very happy."

He had no idea how to ask someone to marry him. He bit his bottom lip and then asked, "Alice, how did you know that you wanted to marry John?"

"I've been in love with him all my life. Once we were actually together, it was easy to say yes. Are you going to ask Vicki?"

His heartbeat thrashed in his ears. He'd not tell Alice. He should ask Vicki first. "Bye, sis."

"That means you are."

He shook his head as he turned off the highway and returned to the side road that took him home. "Bye."

"Good luck. I'll be praying for you both."

Luck had brought Vicki to him. It was up to him to ask, and he flashed to planning exactly how he'd do so. Adrenaline pumped in his veins as he made his way onto the ranch. Vicki made the sun shine in his life. The question of why she might leave raced in his head.

If she married him, then she'd have his heart. He inhaled and crossed his fingers that it was enough. Then he parked the car. He was home. It was time to set the scene.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Vicki waited in the living room, and their daughter listened to her music. Colt had taken a long time at the hospital this morning. Vicki read a book, and wondered if her daughter might like piano lessons, as she seemed to love music. If so, Vicki would find her one.

Today had to be her last day here, if she intended to keep her heart strong. Her shoulders threatened to cave in, and her eyes would water if she thought that Colt might not love her. She'd have to be strong. Clara was a reason to stay, but that shouldn't be enough. She'd not push Colt if he wasn't ready for a relationship, and she had to protect her heart.

A knock at the door sent her heartbeat into a race. Vicki stood and told Clara, "I'll be right back."

Her daughter's head bopped, and Vicki hoped she’d heard her.

A few seconds later, she returned to the living room. She'd not sign Colt up for a church that came to the front door.

As Vicki stared at her daughter, Clara gazed at her with her big blue eyes. "Okay, and Mom, we're going to have to work on making you more sexy so you can marry Daddy."

Marriage without love wasn't possible for her, not that Clara would understand that. Vicki stared at her green tee shirt and sweats. "You don't like this outfit?"

"I'll pick out something for you to wear so Dad notices you." Clara scratched her head. "Then he can't resist you."

Dress-up was a fun game. Clara jumped out of her chair. Vicki nodded. "Okay, pick out my outfit, Clara."

If clothes kept Clara happy, Vicki had nothing to say. Her daughter walked past her and headed toward her room. Vicki smiled then and went to her room to pack her items.

To keep Clara happy, she'd wear just about anything, including a circus clown outfit.

Once she had everything ready, Vicki went into the kitchen and retrieved chicken pieces so she could make them lunch. No one must see that she'd break into a million tears and create a river from her sadness. Then she started the coffee pot. Colt hadn't come home from work to grab a morning cup and then head out again.

She swallowed and refused to think she would miss simple routines.

Clara came out of the bedroom. "Hurry, Mom. Change before Daddy sees you."

Vicki turned on the oven, wiped her hands on her sweats, and marched back to her room. She danced into the room and sang, "Gonna get pretty."

Clara wrinkled her nose. "Don't sing for Dad, Mom."

In the room, Vicki blinked. Her daughter had picked out a black designer glitter dress she’d worn for New Year’s once, two years ago. "Where did you find this?"

"At Aunt Alice's," Clara told her. "I took it from her to give it to you."

"I'll be sure to thank her later." Vicki kept the smile on her face then took her tee shirt off. "Can I wear my bra?"

"Mom, be serious. This is important."

"I see. I'm sorry." Vicki shook her head and then picked up the dress to tug down over her head. With the dress half down, she tugged off her bra and tossed it on the bed. Finished, she shook her hips. "Isn't this overkill for lunch?"

Clara giggled.

Outside someone slammed a car door, and Vicki's skin jumped. Today she'd tell Colt goodbye. She glanced out the window and told her heart to stop racing.

"It's one of Dad's workers on the farm." Vicki offered her hand and waited for Clara. Clara reached up and then they walked out together. "Okay, let's get to making lunch. Didn't Grandma ever tell you that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach?"

"No. Is it?" Clara's eyes went wide and her mouth fell open. "Mom, we have to cook an amazing lunch."

"Don't worry about that. I was joking." Clara tugged her toward the kitchen. "No matter what, your dad and I will always be in your life."

Once in the kitchen, Vicki directed Clara to the toast and to set the table. She stirred the last bit of eggs to bread the chicken and heated up a few leftover vegetables and mashed potatoes from last night's dinner. A few minutes later, she hunched over and used the spatula to finish scraping everything into serving bowls.

Behind her she heard Colt voice call out, "Princess, I'm home."

No, she wasn't ready for him. The scent of oranges and oak wafted in the air. Vicki straightened her dress that was too short. Her face heated and she glanced at him near the door. His gaze went up and down her body, which made her warmer, everywhere. "Let's eat, Colt."

He wiped his feet outside on the rug again, and then proceeded inside. He mussed Clara's hair, but his gaze never left Vicki. She prayed she hadn't blushed all over her body, but it was possible. She finished with everything on the table.

Colt brushed past her, and she tingled from their momentary contact. Then she sat and told him, "We're going to have to talk after lunch. Don't run off."

Colt sniffed the food and she waited for his comment. He said nothing and served the food. "My mom will be here soon to take Clara for the rest of the day. It will be just the two of us, so we can talk."

He must know that she intended to end their time together. Her neck tightened. Clara might not understand yet. Perhaps their talk was better one on one. She'd return tomorrow and see Clara every day. Vicki nodded and served food to her daughter and Colt. His big, sexy eyes stared at her. The air conditioner had to have broken, because she was hot. "Let's eat, unless you think it's poisoned."

"I'm impressed, Vicki. I didn't know you had it in you."

She shook her head and waited for him to take a bite. He smiled at her, and then she ate.

#

After cleanup, Vicki told them, "I'll go change now."

"No, Mom." Her grandmother's car roared into the driveway as Clara said, "You're pretty as you are. Let's go greet Grandma."

Colt’s mother might think her one of the Miami weather girls on television who were ready to hit the club after saying that today was hot and sunny. Vicki shrugged as the door opened and Clara ran to get her. "Okay, then."

Colt stood in the driveway as she walked out. Then Clara pushed her forward. "Let Dad see more of your back, Mom. He's stared at you a few times now, and I think he likes you."

Colt's eyes flashed. He heard every word as he glanced at her.

"Thanks for letting me know." Vicki winked at her daughter and then turned so Colt might see what their daughter had dressed her in. "Clara picked this out for me. What do you think?"

Colt winked. "I'd say this dress is magical."

"Magical?" she said. "You spending too much time watching cartoons with Clara?"

"Not as often as you think." He shrugged as his mother approached.

Vicki kept her hands up to cover her chest. "Mrs. Collins..."

"I told you already, Vicki. Call me Ellie." His mother hugged her and asked, "Are you two going to a party?"

"Clara wanted to play dress-up, and chose this for me." Vicki crossed her legs and hoped if she hid one of her legs, Ellie would not notice how short the dress was.

Ellie shrugged. "Got it. No worries. Clara, sweetheart, let's get in the car."

"Okay, Grandma," Clara said as she opened the backseat to get into her car seat.

Ellie stared at her son without blinking. "Clara will be fine with us."

Vicki waved goodbye. She'd go change in a minute. "Thank you."

Ellie opened the driver's door. Colt went over to her and hugged his mother. Then Ellie told Vicki, "Don't worry about anything. We're all family. Thanks aren't necessary."

This definition of family that the Collins had was nice. The House of Morgan was fractured and broken—not that it had ever functioned as anything remotely like a family. Colt came beside her and took her hand. "Let's go inside to talk, Vicki."

Vicki waved at the car as it drove off. Clara waved back. In this one moment, she had her family and she'd never lose Clara again. Now she had to somehow steel her spine against her own heart when it came to Colt. She needed to be loved.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

"Today is humid. It's suffocating." Vicki crossed her arms the second the doors closed.

Colt reached behind his back to check that the ring was in his pocket. Now he needed to get her to the swing again. He needed to somehow stop his body heat from rising. "I'll need water and then we can go outside."

Her eyes narrowed, like she was gearing up to tell him goodbye. He held his breath and waited, though she simply said, "Why?"

The dress she wore showed off her ample breasts. He closed his eyes and reminded himself he had a question. This was his last shot at keeping his family. He couldn't lose focus. "As you said, it's hot outside."

Colt went to the kitchen, grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator, and swallowed the entire container.

"I should go change first. I'll be ready to talk in a minute."

The cold water hadn't quenched the fire inside him. He opened his mouth and stared at her. "Vicki. It's not just talking I want."

She didn't move. He came closer, and he could smell the sweet scent of strawberry. She batted her eyes as he placed his hands on her hips. His mouth begged for a taste of her. She whispered, "Aren't you going to kiss me, Colt? Isn't that what this is?"

"Kiss you?" His voice cracked. He gazed up at her pink lips, pert nose, high cheekbones, and blue eyes. If he kissed her, he'd not want to stop. He hovered close to her. What held him was how important the question and his plan was. "I want far more than a simple kiss."

She froze in his arms. She didn't pull away or open her eyes, but her entire body became tense in his arms.

The smell of strawberry shampoo wafted in his nose, and he lost his argument. He leaned forward, and she uncurled like a butterfly leaving its cocoon. The softness of her lips brushed against his mouth, and he opened his lips a little more. She pressed further and the tingles down his spine grew. He released a groan then wrapped his arms around her tightly. He then truly kissed her.

Victoria Morgan tasted sweeter than any ice cream he'd ever had, and he'd always claimed ice cream was his favorite. Kissing Vicki blew that out of the water, and he craved more.

Her hands traced his neck, and his temperature climbed.

He'd never be able to kiss anyone else for the rest of his life. He choked out, "I had a plan..."

She squared her shoulders and stepped out of his arms. "I'm leaving, Colt."

His heartbeat quickened. "You can't."

She balled her hands into fists at her side. "I can't stay here. I have to honor myself, and I deserve more."

No, he'd messed up this proposal already. He ran his hands through his hair. "You deserve better than me, that's for sure."

Her lips puckered. Then her eyes were as a wide as saucers. "Colt, I don't have you."

He offered to hold her hand. She had to understand. She couldn't leave. "You do have me, Vicki. When the sun rises, it's your smile I see on the horizon. When the sun sets, you're the vision I see that makes me come home. All my life, it's always been you that starred in my dreams. I can't live without you anymore."

Tears ran down her cheeks. Had he ruined everything? He had no way to fix this now.

Then she reached out and took his hands. "Do you love me, Colt?"

The trembles in his heart grew, but he dare not hope. He stared into her eyes. "Is that your question?"

She ran his hands up his chest and cupped his cheek. The water in her eyes unmanned him as she whispered, "I can't stay without knowing."

His lips parted. How did she not know? Adrenaline fueled his dreams that she jumpstarted.

"I love you. You're in my every heartbeat, Victoria Morgan. It's always been you."

She choked on her tears. His entire body thrashed as he wrapped his arms around her. He'd not lose her now. Then she snuggled into his arms and hugged him. "Colt, why didn't you tell me?"

The smell of strawberries undid him. He held her close and rocked her gently. "I felt guilty."

She took her head out of his neck and met his gaze. "And now?"

Every second seemed like a moment he had to remember forever as he reached into his pocket. Then he opened the box. "I'll be lost if you don't marry me."

She peeked at his hand and then her hand left his side to cover her lips. She dropped her hand and softly picked up her ring. "Marry you?"

His hands itched to slip it on her finger. He nodded and waited for permission. "Yes, Vicki. I need you."

A huge smile grew on her lips, and she jumped in his arms. "Colt, yes."

His own heart contracted. This was the moment. He took the ring from her. "Yes what?"

She held out her hand to let him place the ring on her. "Yes, I'll marry you. I love you. You're my hero."

He pressed it onto her finger and his lips met hers again.

He'd never lose her again. Vicki Morgan was his.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Peter Morgan drove his Aston Martin onto the rocky driveway. Alice and John followed in their Jeep. Vicki left Colt's side on the porch and waved at her brothers. Today she told them she was staying with Colt forever.

The House of Morgan didn't need her.

Peter pursed his lips as he stepped out of his car, but he said nothing.

John ran around his Jeep and helped Alice get down. He held her with both hands.

Vicki called out, "Over here."

Clara was playing a card game with her father on the swing.

Vicki paced and heard footsteps on the wood patio. Her brothers came toward her. She clicked her heels and waited. The moment they drew close, she threw her arms around Peter and then John and finally Alice. Alice ran her hands down Vicki's spine and hugged her closest as she asked, "What is going on? Why are we here?"

Vicki tugged out of the hug. Then she took her brothers' hands. "I didn't want this to be a phone call."

John's eyes narrowed. "What?"

She met the gazes of both of her brothers as she heard Colt stand behind her. "Peter, John...I told Colt I'd marry him."

Alice squeezed John's side. "I knew it! Oh my God, congratulations. We're going to be sisters again."

Vicki wiped her eyes. She'd not cry. "Alice, thank you."

Then Alice tugged her fiancé's arm. "John, tell Vicki congrats."

Peter scratched his chin and then stared at Colt and not at her. "Are you sure, Vicki? The Collins siblings are slightly dramatic."

Colt placed his hands on Vicki's shoulder. Peter stood taller.

Vicki stood straighter. "Colt is the sweetest man I ever met."

Peter shrugged. "That's all that matters. I just want my sister to be happy."

Colt sat down with Clara, and John and Alice went over to join them.

Vicki kept her voice lower as she told her brother, "Speaking of drama, I'm happy you and Jennifer are no longer together. She's nice, but Peter, you deserve someone you can give your heart to."

Peter's shoulders tightened, and he leaned forward. "Jennifer broke up with me. I'm happy as it is. Either way, congrats, sis."

His arms went around her, and she hugged her brother. Unlike their father, Peter had a heart and much to give. She tugged away and then cupped her brother's face. "Peter."

"Yes?"

She stared at Peter. He controlled billions of dollars and ran every company in the House of Morgan portfolio. So many women must vie for his attention, much like their father always had hangers-on. With a family, he'd be on a different path than their father. She prayed Peter found a better path. She let go of his chin as she turned to face Colt and Clara. She then pointed to how full her life was. "One day soon, you'll find someone to fall in love with and build a family."

Peter crossed his arms. "I don't want a family or children, Vicki. I don't want to create the dynasty our father demanded."

Her heart constricted for him. Their father had done his worst to Peter. "Don't deny yourself love because of spite."

Peter placed his hand on her back to escort her into the circle that was her family as he whispered to her, "It's not that. I remember our mother and the day she left us. I don't know if I can trust anyone."

He was the oldest. She clutched her locket. Perhaps it was better that she never knew her mother. Peter's voice clearly betrayed his anger. He had to find love now. She had to believe that all of them had survived Mitch Morgan. "Peter Morgan, one day you'll change your mind."

He held out a seat for her in the circle. "I doubt it, but as a wedding gift, is it okay that I give ten million to Clara's trust fund? She'll need to go to college."

Colt's eyes widened as Vicki inhaled. "That's too much."

Peter took the seat beside her. "It's nothing, Vicki. You deserve far more than that."

None of the intrigues of Mitch Morgan mattered to her. She had Colt. She had Clara. Her life was complete, here on this farm. "The House of Morgan does not need me. One day, I hope you, John, and I are simply a family that loves each other. Colt and Clara taught me the true meaning of family."

The End

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For some, joining the FBI is a long-term goal. For billionaire John Morgan, joining the Bureau is a stepping stone to proving his father is culpable for his sister’s death. After his estranged father dies, John is forced to return home and face the ghosts of his past. That proves to be more difficult than he could have ever imagined.

Alice Collins lives a peaceful life. As a farmer’s daughter, she knows what it’s like to work hard for what you want. After losing her best friend under inexplicable circumstances, her world viewpoint shifted until her small town sensibilities convinced her to attend Mr. Morgan’s funeral.

Soon, the past and the present collide and Alice is caught in the crosshairs. John comes to her aid, complicating matters for both of them.

Can a handsome billionaire on a vendetta truly fall for a small town girl or does he have something else in mind? Can a small town girl, if she gives her heart to him, ever fit of the House of Morgan?

Drama seems to follow Victoria Morgan everywhere, but she’s determined to mend her past and reclaim what was so cruelly taken from her.

Colt Collins moved on after the affair that left him heartbroken. After finding the child he bore with his ex, and serving in the US Marines, he builds a new life with his daughter on the family farm. Now, set to marry a woman he knows he can trust, he comes face-to-face with the love that abandoned him and their daughter many years ago.

When Victoria returns to town to attend her father’s funeral, the truth about what happened to her daughter is revealed, leaving Victoria willing to do anything to be in her child’s life again, even if that brings her face-to-face with the man she hurt so long ago.

Is there forgiveness after all the lies, pain, and betrayal? Can the love Colt and Victoria once shared be rekindled? Will this family torn apart by a cruel act be reunited?

Heir to a billion-dollar fortune, Peter Morgan yields a power few can deny, but behind the strong, confidant façade lies a broken man. For years he’s grappled with feelings of abandonment and pain. He’s always believed his dead father was to blame for his mother’s abandonment and now struggles to trust women. But, despite his mistrust, his ego is still large enough to bet against them. When he hatches a bet with his brother, the last thing he expects is for that bet to change his life and his heart.

Jilted at the altar, Belle Jordan wants to move past the hurt and forgive the man she lost. She believes attending his wedding will be the first step in healing, but unbeknownst to her, a handsome heir to a billion-dollar fortune has targeted her in order to win a secret bet.

Will what was supposed to be a friendly wager turn into something more? Can broken hearts be mended or will this bet lead to more long-lasting trust issues for Peter and Belle?

Dr. Luke Morgan lives the privileged life of a trust fund baby, but with little memory of his mother and a strained relationship with his father, it’s difficult for him to reconcile between who he is and who he wants to be. That self-doubt is heightened when he learns that the man who gave him all money could buy as a banker was actually his father. As more painful secrets come to light, Luke is disgusted by his fabricated past and is led to believe his “family” name is the reason his sister’s child was kidnapped.

After months spent rejecting Luke’s advances, one kiss changed everything for Caro Soliz. Now, her world is about to change again. Just like her mother before her, she’s accepted a position as the Morgan family maid. This time, her reunion with Luke leads to a whirlwind romance that throws both for a loop.

Can true love flourish in the face of so many unanswered questions? Will Luke’s family secrets lead them on a path to doom? Will Caro risk inviting Luke home to meet her family?

Kindle Scout Winner

Erica Mira, a Florida native, decides to drive up to Maine in the middle of winter to meet an investor, and ends up crashing into a tree in the middle of the blizzard. After climbing up the mountain to the chateau seeking shelter, she meets Gabriel.

Gabriel's not leaving this chateau without clearing his name of his dead wife's murder or the crimes she set him up for. He's not had company in years, let alone the company of a woman.

Erica storms in and her passion for life changes everything.

Kimberly Mira spends every day of her adult life fighting to forgive herself for mistakes in her past. When an invitation to her sister’s wedding arrives, Kimberly believes returning home may be the key to healing, but getting there won’t be easy. With limited funds, she sneaks aboard a plane with the intention of returning home to beg for forgiveness. When disaster strikes, she soon finds herself in a strange place with a handsome man, whom refuses to speak to her.

A medieval castle on an island off the coast of Maine sounds like the ideal location, but for Raphael it’s more than a place to call home; it’s the perfect location to execute his plans and gather intelligence for the NSA. When a beautiful woman washes up on the shore, his plans go awry.

Assassins have marked Kimberly as their target and are bent on leading an assault on the castle to find and murder her. Doing so means they’ll have to go through Raphael first, but he may not be the only in the mysterious castle they’ll have to contend with.

Can Raphael keep Kimberly safe from harm? Will the mysterious happenings in the castle push her away or help to bring them together? Can the assassins be stopped before it’s too late?

Everyone deserves to find love on Valentine’s Day.

Beth Corsini loved Nathan all her life. Last year, at her friend’s wedding, everything changed. Nathan disappeared. She lost all hope in love, but she’s over the heartache. Ready to move on, Beth signed up for a speed dating event. She never expected Nathan to be there.

Nathan never thought Beth was serious about him, and she never acted like she cared one way or the other. But when he heard she broke up with her boyfriend, Roberto, he decided to to go for it. Beth’s been the love of his life, all his life. Can he convince her on Valentine’s Day to marry him? Can she ignore his mother’s disapproval and accept love matters more?

Gigi Dumont never forgot how she walked away from the only man she ever loved. She’s a teacher who has led her
students to the finals of an international French competition to be help in Paris. The night before the trip, the Principal tries to cancel the trip before he, in turn, loses his job to her high school boyfriend, Sean Collins.

Sean Collins has survived cancer, a divorce, and Gigi having aborted their child back in high school. He assumed he’d hate her, if they ever crossed paths again. But he discovers she’s exactly what he wants.

When Gigi and Sean are stuck together for a week in Paris, Gigi feels she has lost all her control. How can she survive her attraction to Sean? The man’s sexier now than he was back in the day, and once upon a time, he’d had her heart. She finds herself falling for him, even knowing forever is impossible.

Party girl. Art thief. All around bad girl. It’s what all the newspapers call socialite and heiress Kate Sparrow. It’s all untrue. Kate’s been set up and she’s following the orders of the FBI to get the real criminal, her father. She’ll have to put up with her sister, the wedding fiasco, and her own fears that someone is after her, trying to stop her to get what she needs to prove her innocence.

Doctor Daniel Collins joins his brothers on a cruise to the wedding of his young cousin. His cousin begs him to keep a close watch on the bride’s sister, Kate. He's to keep her from ruining the wedding.

Kate doesn’t trust Daniel's help in her life, but the man’s interference is blocking a few problems. She lets him. After all, he spent a few years in the military and having a friend like Daniel is nice. But when her fears become true, someone is after her, pretending to be in a relationship with the sexy doctor has its benefits. What she hadn’t planned was opening her heart to trusting him. But if she doesn’t open up, she’s going to lose out on far more than her life, she’d lose out on love.

When Penny Knightheart moves back to Miami, she knows she’ll be thrust back into the drama that used to be her life. With a gold-digging mother clamoring for anything she can get her hands on and friends with a flair for drama, it’s all Penny can do to not get sucked back into it, but they’re the least of her problems when she runs into Jay Marshall, her former crush who kept her firmly in the friends’ zone for years.

No one is happier to see Penny than Jay. No sooner does she arrive when he sets a plan in motion. His investors need reassurance that he can keep a stable relationship with a relatively stable woman. No one fits the bill better than the ever-loyal Penny. There’s just one hitch – after reuniting with her, he finds himself wanting her more and more. That definitely wasn’t part of his plan.

Soon, a pretend date sets off a whirlwind of trouble. From mothers who want full control of their children’s lives to the loss of Penny’s new job and obstacles neither Penny nor Jay could have seen coming. On top of that, she just might be falling for Jay all over again.

Can these longtime friends build a lasting relationship from scratch? Will their full-proof plan lead to disaster?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston then moved to Miami. Eventually, found that writing is her passion.She always wrote stories to entertain herself. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what she enjoyed doing, writing became obvious.

Also she’s the Vice President for the Florida Romance Writers. Her website is http://www.victoriapinder.com