Rocky Mountain Baby (Roberts of Silver Springs Book 9)

by Nadia S. Lee

  Then stilled.

  His baby? When had he started thinking of Emilia as his?

  He couldn’t come up with an answer. But she was definitely his. He couldn’t have felt more possessive if she were his own flesh and blood.

  Steve came out of his office with an empty coffee mug. “Hello, Charlie. Good to see you.”

  “Sir. I’m here to talk to you and Sam.”

  “I need to grab a refill here first, but why don’t you wait for me in Sam’s office, and I’ll join you?”

  “Thanks.”

  Charlie walked into Sam’s office. It was neat and functional, with lots of leather-bound legal tomes. The framed Harvard Law diploma hung on the wall.

  Dressed in a crisp, expensive suit, Sam looked up from some papers on his desk and smiled. “Hey, Charlie.”

  “Hey,” Charlie said, then sat down.

  “You look stunned. Something happened?”

  “Yeah. Emilia… She’s mine.”

  “Huh?” Sam blinked. “I thought you said you didn’t do anything to impreg—”

  “And I didn’t. But you don’t have to share DNA to be family.”

  Sam’s expression softened. “No, you don’t.”

  “I want to make sure she stays mine.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I want to adopt her legally. It’s not like her mom’s coming back for her. It’s been almost two weeks. You haven’t been able to find the woman, right?”

  Sam shook his head.

  Just then, Steve walked in with his fresh cup of coffee.

  “Dad?” Sam raised an eyebrow.

  “Charlie wanted me to join the meeting. So.” Steve shrugged. “What do you need to talk about, Charlie?

  “He wants to adopt Emilia.”

  Steve shot Charlie a surprised look.

  Sam pursed his lips. “It’s probably doable if we can convince a judge to revoke her parents’ parental rights. Since she was abandoned…”

  “I’d love that. Money’s no object.”

  “Well, then, I’ll get the process started as soon as you sign the engagement letter.”

  “Done.”

  Steve smiled. “You’re doing an amazing thing, Charlie. I’m proud of you, son.”

  “Thanks.” Then Charlie remembered what he was really there for. “Uh, there’s one other thing.”

  “Sure. Shoot.”

  “It’s about Molly.”

  Sam smiled sheepishly. “I’m supposed to tell you you shouldn’t have done it, but to be honest, I can’t thank you enough. You really saved her. It would’ve taken much longer to figure out Eddie’s relationship to Beatrice without your help, and it really means a lot to me and my folks.”

  Steve nodded. “We owe you one, son.”

  “Oh…no problem. Nothing to it. But I’m not here to talk about that.”

  “Then?”

  “I uh… Okay, I’m just gonna say it. I really like Molly. I want to date her, and need to make sure you’re cool with that.”

  Sam sat back in his seat. “And if I’m not?”

  Charlie clenched his teeth. “Then I guess I’ll lose my best friend.” He glanced at Steve, but the older lawyer’s face was shut off.

  “You like her that much?” Steve asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Wow.” Sam raked his hair. “I had no idea you felt that way about her. I thought it was a one-way street with her having a secret crush on you.”

  “How did you know about that?” Charlie’d had no clue.

  “Overheard her once. I didn’t think she realized I was there.” Sam cradled his chin in a hand, resting the elbow on the desk. “But when did you fall for her? I had no idea.”

  “Yes, since when?” Steve asked.

  Heat crept up Charlie’s neck. It was hard to deal with the interrogation when Molly’s father was present, but it was a necessary step. “When she was eighteen or so.”

  Sam’s eyes almost bulged out. “You’ve been waiting that long to make a move?”

  Charlie cleared his throat. “I didn’t want to pressure her. Your mom was big on Molly discovering her own path, and I wanted the same for her.”

  “Yeah, but…nine years?”

  Charlie shrugged. “You know what my dad hated the most about being married to my mom?”

  Sam shook his head.

  “It’s that she got pregnant too fast. He couldn’t go to school or do anything he wanted to do because he went from ‘husband’ to ‘father with an extra mouth to feed.’ I’m not saying this situation’s exactly the same, but I never wanted Molly to feel pressured to make decisions about her future based on where I might want to live and all that stuff. It can get…confusing.”

  “Well, you’re more patient than me, Charlie. I don’t know that I could’ve waited as long. But I respect that.”

  Charlie shrugged. “I was doing what was best for her, so it didn’t bother me too much.” The shrug was replaced by a scowl. “Except when some loser hit on her. That I didn’t like.”

  Steve got a suspicious glint in his eye. “Is that why a good number of them posted on Facebook and Twitter that they had gonorrhea and had to stay away from girls within a day or two of hitting on her?”

  “Possibly. I’m pleading the fifth. Or whatever number.”

  “Oh man. So you’ve been mooning over my sister for nine years—in secret—and had the nerve to mock me earlier this year?”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know.” Charlie reached for his wallet.

  Sam waved a hand. “Forget it, man. I don’t want it, and I won’t accept any winnings.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’d rather have something better—you guys making each other happy. That’s all I want for both of you.”

  A small lump clogged Charlie’s throat, and he had to clear it. “Thanks.”

  Steve grinned. “I agree with Sam, Charlie. I couldn’t ask for a better man than you for my daughter. I think you’ll make her happy.”

  “I’d die before I did anything to hurt her.”

  “See?”

  “So…you’re okay with us dating?”

  “I’d rather see her with you than someone else. A man who’ll treat her right,” Steve said.

  Charlie nodded. “Thank you. I’ll get the engagement letter signed before I leave.” Then he paused. “Actually…I’ll sign it, but hold off on doing anything until I call you. I want to talk about this with Molly first.”

  “She won’t let you give up Emilia.”

  Charlie smiled. “Yeah, but she should get a say. I’m not an unattached man anymore, you know. I’ve got a girlfriend to think about.”

  He stopped by Lina’s desk, scrawled his name on the engagement letter she showed him and left, whistling softly.

  He started strapping Emilia back into her car seat, thinking about Molly. She was swamped with work at the moment, poor girl. He chuckled. Maybe he should call her “lucky girl,” since she was living her dream. She was also planning to do a huge Cyber Monday campaign, and he was excited to see what sort of ads she’d come up with. Maybe he could help her bounce ideas around, although he probably wouldn’t be of much use, since creative stuff like that wasn’t his forte. Or maybe she would want to come by for dinner. That would be awesome…

  Just then his phone rang and he answered it, still intent on getting Emilia situated corre—

  “You think you can get away with this, you snotty little wretch?”

  He pulled back. A blocked number. Probably a burner phone. “What am I supposed to be getting away with, Beatrice?” he asked.

  “You know you made up all that libel!”

  The skin at the back of his neck prickled. He snapped Emilia’s last buckle and straightened up, squinting around the parking lot. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Liar! You’re going to be sorry you messed with me, boy. You think you’re clean? Ha!” She hung up.

  He blew his breath out. He’d known people would figure
out who was behind the homepage hack. It wasn’t that difficult. But even with the annoyance of Beatrice’s empty threat, it had been worth the effort and risk—to protect Molly’s dream.

  Besides, if Beatrice decided to sue him, he had two of the best lawyers in the state on his side, and she had no proof he’d done anything.

  Everything would work out fine.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Molly was thrilled to pieces when Charlie called to let her know he was coming over to take her out. Guess he finally got caught up on all his projects.

  She’d felt bad that he was behind, because it was obvious she was the cause. So as a kind of happy penance, she was going to dress extra nice and make sure Charlie had a great time. After all, that was what they both deserved.

  She brushed her hair until it fell over her shoulders like chocolate silk and wore a warm apple-red dress and knee-high boots. Then, for the finishing touch, she applied fresh coats of lipstick and mascara and put on her own custom-designed earrings and three rings. Like Lina had said, it was free advertising to show her pieces in public.

  Charlie was standing outside his SUV by the time she shrugged into a coat and stepped out the door. He looked fantastic in a black jacket, green cashmere sweater and charcoal dress pants. She grinned and gave him a tight hug and a kiss.

  “Lovely,” he murmured. “You know we have three hours entirely to ourselves?”

  “We do?”

  “Yup. I got a babysitter for the evening so we can actually have an adult date.”

  “Well! That was thoughtful of you.”

  “Always prepared.”

  He opened the door for her, and she settled into the passenger seat. “I hope you like River House,” he said as he got behind the steering wheel.

  “River House?”

  “Yeah. We’ve never had a real date, just the two of us, and I want to treat you.”

  She laughed. “Thank you. In that case, River House is just the place for it.” She reached over and held his hand, loving the physical and emotional connection.

  They chatted about everyday stuff during the drive, from her ideas about holiday promotions and some concepts she wanted to design to Charlie’s projects, clients and some funny anecdotes about his colleagues. It almost felt as though they were a long-term couple, who fit incredibly well together. The simple pleasure of being able to hold him whenever she wanted and talk about her day… No wonder Sam had been so impatient to marry Lina.

  Their server took them to their table, located in the best section of the restaurant, showing a beautiful view of the river. Although it was dark outside, the lamps that River House put out reflected on the rippling surface of the water, making it look extra beautiful.

  Molly chose chicken and shrimp, while Charlie had a steak. After the server took their order, they chatted some more until their entrees arrived. Then Charlie said, “There’s something I have to say.”

  She blinked at how serious he looked. “Sure.”

  “It’s about Emilia.”

  Something in his voice worried her. “What is it?”

  “Her mother hasn’t come back, and Sam’s guy hasn’t been able to locate either parent. Today, I started thinking…maybe she’s meant to be my kid. Otherwise, why would fate choose my doorstep out of all the doorsteps in the county?”

  Then she knew. “You want to adopt her.”

  “Yeah. I do.”

  She beamed, warmth and love for him pulsing in her heart. “Then you should. I’m so incredibly proud of you. Not many men would do that for her.”

  “So you’re okay with the idea?”

  “Okay? Of course! I would’ve been disappointed if you hadn’t bonded with her at all. She loves you so.” She reached over and held his hand. “And so do I.”

  “Molly…”

  “I do, Charlie. You’ve got such a big, generous heart. How can anybody not love you?”

  He moved his hand until their fingers were linked. “I love you too, Molly.”

  She grinned. “I know.”

  “How?”

  “Because I wished for it. I even cast a spell or two.” She flushed.

  “You did?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

  “Yup. You know how sometimes I focus on something, really wishing it so? And then I hold a piece of paper, still concentrating on the wish, and then burn it with an ‘offering’…mostly in the form of hamburger meat on a grill?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, I did that. I wished you would love me the way I love you.”

  “Molly.” He brushed his mouth over her knuckles. Her skin tingled at the contact of his soft lips, the gentle feel of his breath on her, and she beamed, too full of happiness to speak. This was the most perfect date ever. Nobody, no other couple, would ever beat it.

  After sharing a piece of tiramisu for dessert, they went out together. The sun having been down for a while, the wind had a sharper bite. Molly wrapped a jacket tightly around herself as Charlie unlocked the SUV and opened the door.

  “Charlie!”

  Molly and Charlie both turned around. It was a voluptuous, hard-edged redhead with a pale face and even paler cheeks. She was in a black cable-knit sweater and tight black jeans that looked as tired as her cynical gray eyes. Her sweater was too thin for late November in Silver Springs, and she was hugging herself, shivering.

  “Georgie?” he said as he studied the redhead through his glasses.

  “You remember me?”

  “Yeah, of course. What are you doing in Silver Springs?”

  She licked her lips. “I’m here to talk to you.”

  “About what?”

  “About the baby. Our baby.”

  Molly drew in a sharp breath and took a step back. Charlie cursed under his breath. The foul word stunned her; she’d never heard him use such language.

  “There is no ‘our baby,’” he said, his voice taut.

  “Yes there is. I left her with you.”

  “You may have left her, but she isn’t ours.”

  Her gaze slid toward Molly. “Are you doing this because of your friend there? Are you guys dating?”

  “She’s my girlfriend.” Charlie put an arm around Molly’s shoulders, but she was still so stunned, she stayed stiff.

  “Is she now?” Georgie sighed. “Well…I guess that makes things more complicated. Sorry about that.”

  And she did look genuinely sorry somehow…although if she were, why had she shown up and pounced on them with the announcement the way she did? Molly couldn’t understand the woman’s logic.

  “I’ll stop by later to discuss our baby, Charlie. Have a nice evening with your girl.”

  * * *

  Have a nice evening.

  After that bombshell?

  Charlie inhaled sharply as he watched Georgie retreat, then get into a car and drive off.

  A gentle hand on his arm jolted him out of his anger.

  “It’s getting cold. We should go,” Molly said quietly.

  “Right.”

  He dropped his arm from her shoulders. He’d noticed the way she’d stayed so rigid under it. She hadn’t wanted him to touch her. Did she believe what Georgie had said?

  The idea that she might sent a streak of panic through his heart. How could the evening go so quickly from perfect to this…mess?

  She climbed into the car without waiting for him to open the door for her. He got behind the wheel. “Look, Molly—”

  “Who was she to you?”

  He stopped. “What?”

  She looked straight ahead through the windshield. “She meant something to you at some point, didn’t she?”

  He raked his hair. “Georgie is my ex from college.”

  Molly’s head swiveled his way. “She went to Caltech?”

  “No. She was attending Pasadena City College. We dated for a couple of months, then broke up after my parents passed away. She wasn’t really interested in a guy who was too busy to be available to her all the time.”

>   “I know I’m supposed to say I’m sorry, but I’m not sorry you guys broke up, especially since she sounds awful.”

  He shrugged. “We were young and immature.”

  “But why is she saying Emilia is yours? Like…the two of yours?” Molly said.

  “I don’t know. We never… And we didn’t keep in touch for years. I only bumped into her in Vegas last year when I was there for a conference. She was working at some restaurant near the conference hotel. I said hi, she said hi…and that was that.”

  “So she’s lying.”

  Thank God. “Yes.”

  “But why?”

  He threw his hands in the air. “I don’t know. And I have no idea why she would be in Silver Springs. She has no family here, no friends, nothing.”

  “She has you.”

  “Trust me, Molly. She doesn’t.” He started to reach for her, then stopped, remembering how stiff she’d been just moments earlier. “She doesn’t know me or care for me, not the way you do.”

  Molly gave him a level look. Then he could see something shift inside her, a decision being made, and she reached across to bridge the gap between them. “Okay,” she said, taking his hand. “But we should find out why she’s lying. She knows about Emilia, and she’s not from around here…so Georgie’s pretty much got to be the one who left her outside your house on Halloween.”

  “Yeah…” He stilled, suddenly remembering something. “Beatrice.”

  “What about her?”

  “She called me.”

  “Oh my gosh. Why? When?”

  “To threaten me. She said that she wouldn’t let me ‘get away with it.’”

  Molly’s gaze darkened, and her throat worked as she swallowed hard. “It’s my fault. She’s a vicious woman, and helping me is what got you in her crosshairs.”

  “No. I would’ve helped you no matter what. She’s the bad guy here for trying to destroy your reputation and business, Molly. Don’t blame yourself for this.”

  “But—”

  “I mean it.”

  “Do you think she did the same thing as with Eddie? Paid your ex off to lie?”

  “Maybe. It’s hard to be sure.”

  “Can we find out?”

  “We?” A faint smile appeared on his lips.

  “Yes. We.”

  She kissed him on the back of his hand, and the simple gesture made everything inside Charlie warm and happy again. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you, Charlie. You’re my man, and Molly Roberts protects what’s hers.”