The #1 Bestsellers Collection 2011

by Catherine Mann

  And as an added bonus, he’d even said all those humbling words in front of her brother.

  She saw the two men, side by side, both so self-assured, successful and yes, more than a little arrogant. But men a woman could count on. Men who were willing to lay it on the line for a woman—one woman.

  Jordan was a man to trust. She knew it now without question.

  He’d won his chance to stay, a chance to tell her more about why he loved her.

  She stepped back from the rail and crooked her finger at him. “Okay, then. Come aboard and we’ll talk.”

  A deep smile creased his face, but she could swear she also saw relief in his starlit blue eyes.

  Jordan climbed the ladder to board and she got a close-up look at the ring—an emerald-cut diamond with tapered baguettes. Beautiful for its sentimentality even more than the magnificence of the cut and size. Victoria’s ring had been worn with a love that lasted all her days.

  A whistle sounded from the ski boat, from Parker. “Hello? So, Brooke? Do I go or stick around?”

  She stared at the diamond, his mother’s ring. She’d known about Jordan for a long time, thanks to gossip and common business dealings. He was the last man to show a softer side to anyone. Yet, he’d done so here, tonight. And now she knew she was woman enough to stand up to him during those times his stubbornness got the best of him.

  “Parker?”

  “Yeah, kid?”

  “You’re back in the will.” He winked. “Be happy.”

  The engine on the ski boat gurgled to life again as her brother backed the craft, then roared away into the night.

  Leaving her alone on the deck with Jordan.

  Jordan tipped her face up to his. “Is this a yes or a no?”

  The yes already sang inside her, begging to be set free, but goodness, she deserved to revel in this moment. “Could you repeat what you said out there?”

  She expected him to grin that arrogant smile of self-assurance. She’d all but told him he’d won, after all.

  Instead, his face stayed sober. Intense. “I love you, Brooke. Not because you’re carrying my child, although Lord knows that stirs something inside me I never could have imagined. I love you because you’re you. And when I’m around you, I’m a better me. Together, I believe we can build one helluva lifetime.”

  He’d made his case well.

  Joy rushed through her as strong as any tide tugging the yacht. “I guess we’re a very lucky couple, because I happen to love you, too.”

  She rested her hands on his chest. A gust of breath rocked through him at just her touch. She understood the feeling well. Brooke arched up to meet his kiss, his mouth warm and wonderful and blessedly familiar against hers. A yearning, equally as familiar and growing stronger every day, began to build inside her. A longing they would be able to fulfill, thanks to her doctor’s okay.

  She looped her arms around his neck to deepen their kiss—

  A tiny foot booted inside her. Hard. Hard enough so that Jordan jerked back in surprise.

  He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. “Wow, I guess I should be used to that now, but it’s still so damn amazing.”

  She grasped his hand to flatten along their child. “I totally agree.”

  They stood together for—well, she lost track of the time until he lifted her hand, the ring magically appearing in his other hand.

  “Brooke, will you marry me?”

  He’d asked. Not demanded. She hadn’t expected two signs in one night. But then she’d never expected to fall so utterly in love with Jordan Jefferies.

  She extended her fingers. “Yes, I will marry you, and love you and share my life with you. Together.”

  His eyes closed briefly and she understood the feeling. She knew him now as well as he knew her.

  His eyes blinked back open and he slid the ring onto her finger, sealing its placement with a kiss to her hand. Then he let out a shout that sent her laughing just as he scooped her into his arms again. He took her place in the lounger, cradling her in his lap.

  She’d expected he would take her below deck, but at the moment he seemed to be more interested in holding her, kissing her, stroking her and drawing out the moment in a way she would cherish all her life.

  Especially since she knew they would eventually end up below deck.

  Finally, he pulled back, his thumb fiddling with the ring on her finger. “If you prefer something of your own choosing for an engagement, we can pick it out together. I won’t be offended if you wear this on your right hand.”

  She shook her head, lifting her hand so the moonlight could catch the facets of the cut. “It’s perfect.”

  “You’re sure? You really don’t want to go jewelry shopping?”

  “You silly man.” She clasped his face in both hands, his five o’clock shadow rasping tantalizingly along her skin. “We both have enough money to buy anything we want. This ring is about things so much more important than money. Sentiment. Family. Love.”

  He stroked his knuckles down her cheek, his eyes shining with a hint of awe and a lot of love. “You really do trust me, then.”

  “This ring and the fact that you knew to choose it for me tells me everything I need to know.”

  His killer, gorgeous smile returned. “And to think I almost screwed up by spending a mint.”

  “You can still do that if you really want.”

  His laugh rumbled against her chest and she enjoyed the chance to laugh along with him with ease, secure in their love.

  “How did you manage to get this ring and still find me so quickly? I haven’t been gone long so you must have set out in the ski boat right away.”

  He stayed silent and the answer slowly dawned on her. “You’ve been carrying this set around? For how long?”

  “Since the day I left your office, right after you turned me down the first time I asked.”

  And to think the sentiment, his understanding of family, and yes, even the seeds of love had been there right from the start if only she’d been able to see through her own fears. “I guess I’m the one who’s been silly.”

  “Not at all. You’re a wise one, Brooke Garrison. It’s good we’re getting this right.”

  “It’s going to stick. This marriage idea. The way we love each other.”

  “Damn straight. And it’s only going to get better.” He eased up from the lounger, keeping her in his arms as he turned toward the stairway leading below deck. “Merry Christmas, beautiful.”

  She nipped his bristly jaw with a kiss. “Merry Christmas, to both of us.”

  Epilogue

  He’d seen her many times. He’d always wanted her.

  Tonight, once her family finished their meal, he would have her.

  Jordan covered Brooke’s cool, slim fingers tucked in the corner of his arm as they sat together at the reception dinner after their wedding. Eager to make things official, they’d scheduled the nuptials for the first weekend after Emilio and Brittany’s return from their European honeymoon.

  The January ceremony had been a small family affair at a chapel on the beach in the Bahamas. They’d had enough with media frenzies and gratefully accepted Cassie’s generous offer to host the private reception. A lavish event, the house full of candles, flowers, food—and family.

  He’d never seen Brooke look more beautiful than at their ceremony, with the Bahamas sunset streaming across her creamy skin and her golden yellow dress. The glow had glinted highlights on her dark hair, swept back in a twist—with a lone strand slithering free, of course.

  He stared around the table of smiling faces and couldn’t help but contrast this happy gathering with the tense confrontation the first time he’d eaten with her relatives last month.

  Tonight, her two sisters wore their green bridesmaid gowns, his groomsmen in tuxedos. He’d chosen his brother and his new business partner, Parker, surprising himself with the decision as well as the oldest Garrison offspring.

  Brooke squeezed Jordan’s arm,
smiling and nodding in the direction of her brother as steel drum music wafted softly in the distance. “I can’t believe you two are speaking, much less that Jefferies Brothers and Garrison, Incorporated are officially merging. And to have Parker in the wedding, too, I’m thrilled—and still a little stunned.”

  Jordan set aside his fork with a clink against china. “It was worth it to see the shock on his face. It’s not often anyone can render that guy speechless.”

  Parked arched a brow as he silently finished the last of his Bahamian rock lobster.

  Anna stroked her husband’s shoulder. “No brawls today, dear.”

  “Don’t worry.” Parker captured his wife’s wrist to kiss her palm. “I wouldn’t risk upsetting you or my sister in your delicate conditions.”

  Anna rolled her eyes, eyes that held a definite twinkle of excitement as she smoothed both hands over her expanding waistline. “There’s nothing delicate about me right now.”

  “You’re all the more gorgeous.” Parker placed his hand over hers on her stomach and directed his words to her pregnant swell. “Right, John?”

  Jordan took in the spontaneous family moment with an inward grin. Well, hell, the guy had a softer side after all. And what a sign of how far they’d all come in a month for Parker to name his child after the deceased patriarch who’d stirred so much turmoil for his children.

  For that matter, having a serenely sober Bonita sit at the same table with Cassie was an event even Jordan had doubted could happen. Bonita had completed her four-week program at the rehab clinic and now attended A.A. meetings at least every other day. Brooke’s mother had even approached them with her hopes to stay sober and be a healthy grandmother to her grandchildren. She radiated a quiet determination that boded well for her and her family.

  Anna broke the long, affectionate look with her husband and shifted her attention to Brooke. “Have you two chosen a name for your little guy?”

  Jordan slid an arm around his wife’s shoulders. Wife. Damn, that had an amazing ring to it. “I think I have the perfect name picked out, but I’ll need to run it past Brooke first.”

  No more unilateral decisions when it came to their future. He’d found a real partner in this quietly determined woman who’d been smart enough to make them explore their feelings for each other before committing.

  She elbowed him gently in the side. “About the name thing, I’m not going to agree with Uncle Fester no matter how nicely you ask.”

  “I think you’ll like this one better. We can talk later.” He reached to the sprawling centerpiece and pulled an orchid free. Gently, he tucked the flower behind her ear, wondering if she recalled their time here together when he’d teased her naked flesh with a similar blossom.

  From the warming of her brown eyes, she most definitely remembered.

  Brooke tipped her face to kiss him while the family applauded. The cheers and clapping faded and Brooke eased back.

  Their kiss may have been short but it was powerful. His body heated in response to her unspoken promise of the pleasure they would enjoy once they reached the yacht, anchored in the harbor. He stared into her eyes, tempted to leave now, until chuckles from around the table pulled him back to the moment.

  Blushing, Brooke turned to Cassie next to her. “Thank you so much for arranging such a lovely dinner—” She stopped abruptly and clasped her half sister’s wrist. “Hey, is that a wedding band I see along with the engagement ring?”

  Cassie exchanged an intimate grin with her fiancé—or rather apparently her former fiancé. “Brandon and I eloped. We had a secret wedding two weeks ago. We just got back from our honeymoon.”

  Squealing, Brooke threw her arms around her sister as Brittany rushed from her chair to join in the hug. The genuine emotion between all three women couldn’t be missed. In spite of the havoc John Garrison had brought to them, they’d managed to forge a bond and find peace.

  Brooke finally pulled back to reclaim her chair. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  Brandon clasped Cassie’s hand in his. “We didn’t want to take away from your special day.”

  “Take away?” Brooke waved aside the notion. “This only adds to the joy. I’m so happy for both of you. This should be a double reception. Right, Jordan?”

  “Absolutely. Congratulations!” Jordan lifted his glass of sparkling water to toast the new couple. “To Brandon and Cassie.”

  Brandon lifted his crystal glass, as well. “And to Jordan and Brooke.”

  Little Jade jumped up to stand on her chair. “And to my new baby brother or sister on the way!”

  Laughing, Stephen wrapped an arm around his blushing wife, Megan, while patting Jade on the shoulder.

  After everyone replaced their drinks and the catering staff began clearing away the china, Cassie led the way to the three-tiered wedding cake being served outside. The warm night and scent of the ocean beckoned. Beyond the sets of French doors, torches on the beach led down to the water.

  “Jordan, wait just a moment.” Brooke stopped him just shy of the open door and tugged him behind a decorative potted palm.

  He braced a hand on her back. “Is everything all right?”

  “Totally.” She leaned forward, her body brushing his. “I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful wedding—and husband.”

  He cupped her face for a kiss, this one far longer than the one at the table as he made the most of even this brief private time together. A prelude to more they would enjoy soon. Not soon enough.

  The sweet sweep of her tongue teased his senses along with the scent of the flower in her hair.

  She nipped his bottom lip as her hand slid inside his tuxedo jacket. “So tell me more about your idea for a baby name. I’m too curious to wait.”

  “I like it when you’re impatient.” He skimmed his knuckles along the side of her breast before addressing her question. “What about naming our son Garrison?”

  Jordan waited for her verdict while Brooke’s eyes took on that soft brown mulling expression. God, he loved how he understood her.

  “Garrison Jefferies.” Brooke tested the combination, a smile slowly spreading over her face. “I like it, I love it. I love you.”

  He gathered her close again, a pleasure he looked forward to pursuing further throughout their honeymoon. Thanks to Brooke, he’d learned the importance of enjoying life along the way. Already, he could imagine making a lifetime of memories, filling their house with photographs, turning his place into their home. “I love you, too, beautiful.” He curved a hand over their growing child. “And you, as well, Garrison Jefferies.”

  Garrison Jefferies—now that it was official, their child’s name settled inside him with a rightness as special as the woman in his arms waiting to share wedding cake with all their relatives.

  And wasn’t that the biggest surprise of all? Especially to a man used to being ahead of the curve on everything. He’d known the name choice offered a nice symbol of their combined empires.

  He’d just hadn’t realized how damn amazing it would be to join the Garrisons and Jefferies into one family.

  BARGAINING FOR

  KING’S BABY

  Maureen Child

  About the Author

  MAUREEN CHILD

  is a California native who loves to travel. Every chance they get, she and her husband are taking off on another research trip. An author of more than sixty books, Maureen loves a happy ending and still swears that she has the best job in the world. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two children and a golden retriever with delusions of grandeur.

  You can contact Maureen via her Web site:

  www.maureenchild.com.

  Dear Reader,

  The KINGS OF CALIFORNIA came about because I was thinking of writing about royalty. My mind whirling around with different ideas, I suddenly thought, what about men who aren’t royal, only think they are?

  The King brothers are arrogant, bossy, sure of their own place in the world and utterly gorgeous.
Needless to say, I fell in love with all three of them.

  In this book, you’ll meet the oldest of the King brothers, Adam. He’s been burned by love and has lived to tell the tale. Now he concentrates on the family ranch, building it into the biggest holding in the state. Until, of course, his neighbour Gina Torino comes to him with an offer he can’t refuse.

  I hope you fall in love with the King family, too. And I’d love to hear from you!

  Happy reading,

  Maureen

  To Carter, for bringing so much love into our lives.

  We wish for you all the good things life holds

  and we’re grateful to be able to watch you

  discover the world around you.

  One

  “You’re obsessed.” Travis King looked at his older brother and smiled. “And not in a good way.”

  “I agree,” Jackson King said, with a shake of his head. “Why is this so important to you anyway?”

  Adam King looked from one of his brothers to the other and paused for a few seconds before answering them. When he did, he used the tone he usually reserved for his employees—the tone that precluded arguments. “We agreed when we took over the reins of the family businesses from Dad that we’d each be in charge of our own areas.”

  Then he waited, because Adam knew his brothers weren’t finished. Every month, the King brothers held a meeting. They’d get together either here at the family ranch, at the vineyard Travis operated or on one of the executive jets Jackson owned and leased to the mega-wealthy of the world.

  The King family had holdings in so many different areas, the monthly meetings helped the brothers keep up with what the tangled lines of the King dynasty were up to at any given moment. But it also gave the brothers a chance to catch up on each other’s lives. Even if sometimes, Adam thought, that meant putting up with interference—no matter how well meant.