Sandy: Vested Interest #7

by Melanie Moreland

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for selecting the final book in the Vested Interest series. This has been a lovely journey for the past few years. I hope you’ve come to love these characters as much as I do.

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  xoxo,

  Melanie

  Also by Melanie Moreland

  Vested Interest Series

  BAM - The Beginning (Prequel)

  Bentley (Vested Interest #1)

  Aiden (Vested Interest #2)

  Maddox (Vested Interest #3)

  Reid (Vested Interest #4)

  Van (Vested Interest #5)

  Halton (Vested Interest #6)

  Sandy (Vested Interest #7)

  Insta-Spark Collection

  It Started with a Kiss

  Christmas Sugar

  An Instant Connection

  An Unexpected Gift

  The Contract Series

  The Contract (The Contract #1)

  The Baby Clause (The Contract #2)

  The Amendment (The Contract #3)

  Mission Cove

  The Summer of Us Book 1

  Standalones

  Into the Storm

  Beneath the Scars

  Over the Fence

  My Image of You (Random House/Loveswept)

  Revved to the Maxx

  SANDY by Melanie Moreland

  Copyright © #1169995

  ISBN Ebook 978-1-988610-35-1

  Paperback 978-1-988610-34-4

  All rights reserved

  Edited by

  Lisa Hollett—Silently Correcting Your Grammar

  Cover design by Melissa Ringuette

  Monark Design Services

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any

  means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information

  storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are

  products of the author's imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any

  similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Family is often not born of blood but

  rather those special people who come into our lives and

  become a part of our heart.

  To those people in my life, thank you.

  This one is for you.

  And, as always,

  for Matthew

  who is my heart.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  Books By Melanie Moreland

  About the Author

  Sandy

  Thunder rolled, the intensity shaking the walls of my bedroom. Lightning followed, the room filling with vivid flashes of white, creating eerie shadows on the wall.

  I shivered at the ferociousness of the storm and clutched my pillow tighter. I sighed as strong, warm arms slipped around me, and I was pulled into the loving embrace of my husband. His voice was low and comforting in the dark.

  “It’s all right, my girl. I have you.”

  I smiled at his endearment. I had been his girl from the day we met. Max was divorced, an established, well-respected physician, and twenty-two years my senior. His son, Aaron, was one of my best friends. Aaron and I enjoyed each other’s company, but after one date, had agreed there was nothing between us and instead pursued an amazing friendship. He was close to his dad and talked about him often.

  I saw them across the room at an event the university was hosting, and I went over to say hello to Aaron and meet his dad. The instant our eyes met, Max and I bonded. It was as if there was an invisible thread pulling us together, and neither of us could control the draw.

  I never made it back to the dorm that night—Max and I were never apart again. We were married a short time later in a quiet ceremony and together weathered the stares, gossip, and slurs that followed us because of our age difference. Eventually, they died down, and we remained strong, proving them all wrong. Love wasn’t about age. It was about your heart, the love it contained, and how you let that love guide you.

  I relaxed into Max, allowing his strength to comfort me. “I hate storms,” I murmured.

  He kissed the sensitive spot behind my ear with a low chuckle. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”

  “It’s a bad one.”

  “It is,” he agreed, his voice getting quieter. “But you’re going to be fine. You’re a strong, brave woman, Sandy. It’s one of the reasons I loved you so much. You were my rock.”

  I frowned, a frightening grip forming in my chest. “Max, why do you sound so odd? Why are you talking in the past tense?”

  “You know why. It’s time, my girl. Time to move on.”

  A tremor went through me. “Max, no, please…”

  I felt the light brush of his mouth on my shoulder. “You’re fine, Sandy. I knew you would be. We both knew you would be. We wouldn’t have been so solid together otherwise.”

  A tear ran down my cheek. “Stay, please.”

  “I can’t, Sandy.”

  “Why?” I whimpered.

  “Because I’m not really here. You need to find your happiness again.” His voice drifted away. “You need that. I want that for you. But I love you, Sandy. I will always love you.”

  My eyes flew open. The storm was abating outside, the thunder a low boom in the distance.

  I was curled in our bed, clutching Max’s pillow, the blankets drawn tightly around me.

  I was alone in the room, the bed feeling colder than usual. I sat up, flicking on the light and peering around the room.

  I knew it was empty. I knew Max was gone. He’d never been here—it was simply another memory of the many times he’d held me during a storm.

  He had passed over a year ago. Fifteen months, to be exact.

  But there were moments, like this one, I swore he was close, even though I knew I had been dreaming.

  It made my reality all that much lonelier.

  Grief hit me, once again capturing me in its fist and squeezing hard.

  I buried my face in my hands, and I wept.

  Sandy

  “Does anyone have anything to add?” Aiden asked, looking around the table. I glanced up from my pad of paper, pencil poised in readiness. Staff found it amusing I still took shorthand. Bentley found it invaluable. I was fast. I never missed a line at a meeting, and he found my notes helpful.

  Everyone shook their head or remained silent. As usual, it had been a quick, informative meeting, each of the partners stating their thoughts or objectives, and giving enough information, there were few questions to be asked.

  Exactly the way Bentley liked it.

  He stood and clapped his hands, signaling the meeting was over. “All right. Have a productive day.”

  I jotted down the time and flipped the cover of my notepad closed. I began to stand, but Bentley held up his hand.

  �
�A moment, Sandy.”

  He waited until everyone filed from the room, leaving only him, Aiden, Maddox, Reid, and me. Aiden shut the door and returned to the table.

  For a moment, there was silence, all of the men glancing at one another, then at me, before their gazes skittered away. I frowned at the feeling of tension in the air and smoothed my hands over my skirt under the table, my palms suddenly damp.

  Something was going on, and I didn’t like it.

  “Firing squad, boys?” I asked, trying to lighten the air.

  Those words startled them, and they all began talking at once.

  “Don’t even joke about that, Sandy,” Maddox muttered.

  “Not in this lifetime,” Aiden protested.

  “I hardly think so,” Bentley insisted.

  Reid met my eyes, his gaze serious. A rare occurrence for Reid.

  “We’re worried about you, Sandy. We want to help.”

  His words stunned me into silence.

  It was my job to worry about them, not the other way around.

  “I’m fine,” I protested. “Nothing to worry about.”

  Bentley cleared his throat. “Sandy—you forget how well we know you. You aren’t fine, and we want to help.”

  “Am I not doing my job?” I retorted, not wanting to have this conversation with them. I knew it was born of concern and love, but I still wanted to avoid it.

  “Of course you are. All of us, especially me, would be lost without you. You’re the glue that holds this place together.”

  “Then perhaps a thank-you and not an inquisition would be more appropriate.”

  Bentley’s shoulders stiffened, and his eyes narrowed.

  “Give us the room,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.

  A moment later, we were alone. He leaned closer, pulling my notepad from my hands. “Talk to me, Sandy.”

  It was impossible to ignore the worry in his blue eyes. I sighed, the sound filled with sorrow.

  “Sorry, Bentley. You hit me on a bad day.”

  “We’re worried, Sandy. All of us. We want to help, but we don’t know what to do. Tell me what you need.” He wrapped his hands around mine, the stiff businessman disappearing and the warm, caring man I knew he kept hidden under his persona emerging. “We all love you, and we want to do something. Anything.”

  I smiled at him, shaking my head. “It’s called grief, Bentley. There is nothing that you can do—that any of you can do. It’s been well over a year, but at times it feels like yesterday. Other times, I cope well. I just have to handle each day as it comes.” I huffed out a frustrated breath. “I didn’t realize anyone noticed. I thought I was doing my job well.”

  “You are. But you forget how well we know you, Sandy. Your spark is missing. Your smile is forced. We all know how much you miss Max, and we want to do something. Anything. You just have to tell us what.”

  “Bring him back.”

  Bentley looked stunned at my words. “I can’t do that,” he said slowly.

  I cupped his cheek. “Exactly. Bentley, no one can help. I have to get through each day the best way I can. Work helps—here, I’m busy and productive. Being part of your lives—seeing you all fall in love, start families, and be happy helps. I just need to do this in my own time. There’s no manual when it comes to grief. No magic wand.”

  He dragged a hand through his hair. “That’s what Emmy said. She told me to leave it alone. To let you grieve the way you need to grieve and just be there when you asked.”

  I smiled. “Emmy is a smart woman.”

  “But will you, Sandy? Will you come to us if we can help?”

  His earnest sincerity rang out, and it made me smile. To the world, Bentley was rigid, stern, and unflappable. Underneath, he was caring, sweet, and always looking out for those he loved.

  I was one of the lucky few that fell into that category.

  “Yes, Bentley, if I need help, I will ask.” I paused. “There is one thing.”

  “Anything.”

  “You and Emmy go out and let me have Addi for the night. I love spending time with that little one.”

  A grin pulled on his lips, softening his stern expression. His wife and daughter were the biggest chinks in his armor, and he adored them both.

  “I think that helps me as much as it helps you,” he stated dryly.

  I shrugged. “But I’d like it.”

  “Then I’ll arrange it.”

  “Are we done?”

  He bent close, his voice serious. “We’re here, Sandy. You are family—we all love you. Remember that, and all you have to do is ask. We’ll be there. All right?”

  My throat was thick.

  I could only nod.

  The rest of the day went quickly. Each of my boys stopped by my desk for a hug, a quiet word, or in Reid’s case, a long visit. He pulled up a chair behind my “throne,” as he called it, opened his laptop, and began to work.

  “Problem with your office?” I asked, already knowing why he was there.

  “Nope. I just like the view here better. I get to see you.”

  I squeezed his hand and let him stay. I adored the youngest member of the BAM family. A lost soul, he needed this place as much as it needed him. His upbringing had been horrendous, and there was something in his expression the day I met him that drew me to him. He lit my maternal instinct ablaze, and it had been I who insisted Aiden give him a chance. The more I got to know Reid, the more he pulled at my heartstrings. I loved all my boys, but Reid was special. Everyone knew it. But they felt much the same toward him. He was the boys’ younger brother, and they looked out for him. We all did. In return, we had his fierce loyalty and affection.

  We worked in companionable silence, broken only by the occasional call. My duties had changed when Max got sick. All the day-to-day business like answering the phone, or dealing with mail, and other smaller tasks went to a junior person in the office, but I handled everything that had to do with the partners. That alone kept me very busy.

  Becca, Reid’s live-in girlfriend, dropped by the desk. His smile for her was wide, his gaze filled with adoration as he looked at her. “Hey, B. Looking for me?”

  She shook her head, ignoring his pout. “I’m looking for Sandy.”

  “What can I do for you?” I asked with a fond smile. She was good for Reid, and I liked her a lot. She was strong, capable, and completely infatuated with him. They were a great couple and spent a lot of time with me.

  “Are you busy on Saturday?”

  “No.”

  “Great. We’re calling girls’ time, and Emmy has booked a suite at The Four Seasons. Spa day!” She grinned.

  “I see,” I murmured, wondering how much this had to do with the conversation I’d had earlier with Bentley. It wouldn’t surprise me that he asked Emmy to do something to cheer me up. Yet the thought of spending time with all the girls pleased me. And it would be a break from the constant quietness of the house.

  “That sounds wonderful,” I told her.

  She beamed, her relief evident.

  “Awesome. We’ll go from here. Emmy has it all arranged. A driver, lunch, spa treatments, and pampering. Then to their place for dinner and movies afterward. He’s having the meal catered.”

  “Wonderful. Thank you for including me.”

  She waved her hand. “Of course. You’re one of us!”

  She walked away, blowing Reid a kiss over her shoulder. He leaned close. “They want you there, you know.”

  “I know,” I agreed. “It’s a lovely thought.”

  He chuckled. “I made sure to add some of your favorite red wine to the menu.”

  “Does Bentley know you did that?” I asked, one eyebrow raised in question, my theory now confirmed.

  He grinned. “I helped choose the menu. We got everyone’s favorites. We’re gonna have a guys’ day at Bentley’s while you girls are busy. Well, us, and Addi.”

  I laughed. Addi was doted on by all her uncles. She was a lucky little girl.


  “I don’t think Addi is quite ready for pizza and wings.”

  He winked. “We got chicken fingers and fries for her. Shake up that ‘bottle only’ diet thing she’s got going. Give her something new to try. I ordered the dipping sauce mild.”

  I laughed at his silly comments. “Good luck with that.”

  He became serious. “I want you to have a good time. Relax. Enjoy yourself.”

  I stood and bent low, kissing his cheek. “I’ll try.”

  “Please have a good time,” he whispered. “Max would want you to laugh and enjoy yourself.”

  I nodded, unable to speak. He was right. Max and I had talked about his death a lot when we were first together. Given our age difference, it seemed a natural conclusion, one day I would be without him. But back then, it seemed far away and remote. It was easy to laugh and tease. To tell him I would get a younger man next time around. A boy toy.

  “We’ll spend all your money on sex and booze,” I swore.

  Max had laughed when I made that statement.

  “You do that, my girl. Someone who loves an older, sexy woman. Make sure he treats you right while he’s spending my money. Make him earn it.”

  I winked at him. “I’ll do that.”

  Once he was diagnosed with late-onset MS, the conversations were numerous but not as funny. Even then, I was in denial he would ever leave me. I couldn’t imagine life without him.

  Now, I was having trouble remembering life with him. Happiness seemed difficult to find and harder to hold.

  Life was harder.

  I cupped Reid’s cheek and offered him a tight smile.

  “I’ll do my best.”