It Had to Be Him

by Tamra Baumann

“Nope.” Meg shook her head. “Besides your inept computer skills, you love this town too much to ever jeopardize it. That, and you’d never risk embarrassment to the Anderson name.”

  Dad leaned back and crossed his arms. “I’m glad you finally seem to get it, Megan. And since you’re the computer whiz in the family, you need to help me clean up Mrs. Duncan’s mess.”

  “Uh, sure. That’d be fine.” Her dad had never asked her help for anything before. Although it was more of a demand, it put a little smile on her face.

  “So.” Dad cleared his throat. “The bottom line is, Mrs. Duncan had been running an illegal gaming operation, essentially stealing money from innocent people using the Internet, right here under my nose. She blamed me for it until Ryan got Barb’s testimony, which led to Mrs. Duncan finally confessing that I had nothing to do with it. She’s going to jail for a very long time. We’re all going to forget it ever happened and move on.”

  Dad’s gaze landed on her. “Agent Watts told me Josh believed I was innocent and that his opinion counts with them. He said Josh is a good man, Megan. Watts trusts Josh and is sorry he decided to leave the FBI. Seems your choice in men has finally improved.”

  Sue Ann added, “And he’s pretty damn good-looking. I’m not sure you could do much better than him. Maybe he’ll be the one who sticks for a change.”

  Not sure if that was a compliment or another slap, Meg said, “Well, I guess time will tell.” She rose from her chair. “I’m glad it all worked out, Dad. After I get the work crews started at my house in the morning, I’ll drop by and help with the computers.”

  As she started to leave, Dad said, “Wait, Megan. We need to talk about that. The Three Amigos came to visit me this morning. They said since seeing how you’re sticking this time and are going to fix up your grandparents’ place, how you’ve taken responsibility for your actions as a kid, and that you’ve taken in Eric, they wanted me to consider giving you another chance.”

  Meg flopped back into her chair in disbelief. “Really? They said that?”

  “Yep. And since they can be a royal pain in my ass when they don’t get their way, I’ve decided to give you that chance. You can have your shares back in the corporation. But this time, you’ll be in charge of all the computer systems here, at the clinic, and the central reservations systems, with an appropriate salary. I don’t want any repeats of what Mrs. Duncan got away with and I’m too damned busy to have to worry about that.”

  Before Meg could figure out what to say, Dad held out a white envelope. “When you came back a few weeks ago, jobless and hiding from Josh, I held little hope you’d ever change. But you’ve proved me wrong, and obviously some others in town too. This is all the rent money from your grandparents’ home. There’s a check for almost three hundred grand here. Fix up that lodge, but make it as nice as the hotel so you can book top celebrities. More rich clients will provide an extra shot of revenue for everyone in town. Don’t screw this up, dammit!”

  That must’ve been what they’d all been discussing before she got there. Better, her dad finally realized she’d changed. Didn’t mean he loved her or anything, but at least he must not hate her if he was giving her the money.

  She could live with that.

  She glanced at her siblings to be sure they were okay with the new plan. When they all smiled and nodded, tears stung her eyes.

  They hadn’t lost faith in her after all.

  She accepted the check, relieved she wouldn’t have to worry about the possibility of returning the pre-booking money she’d taken the risk on. But it also gave her a little extra cash to do something she’d really wanted to do, but couldn’t afford before. “Thank you. I’ll do my best not to screw things up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to run a few quick errands.”

  It was getting late and time to call it a day when Josh, elbow deep in an engine, sensed someone watching him. He lifted his head. Meg stood a few feet away with a tight smile on her face.

  Warmth rushed through him at the sight of her. “Hey there.”

  “Hi. Do you have a minute?”

  “Sure.” She seemed nervous. Had her doubts about them crept back in again? He’d probably have that to deal with for a while yet.

  He found a rag and wiped his hands, then gave her his full attention. “What’s up?”

  “First, thanks for helping my dad. We all appreciate it.”

  She came to the shop to tell him that? That made no sense. He’d see her at home in ten minutes. “I never wanted to see him in jail, Meg. But I can’t be sorry I was assigned to his case. If not, we’d have never met.”

  Slowly nodding, she licked her lips. “I got my town shares back today and my dad hired me to be in charge of all the IT.”

  He crossed to her and pulled her into a hug. “That’s awesome, Meg. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” When he released her, she stepped back and cleared her throat. “Dad also gave me all the back rent money, so I’m kinda flush for a change, and I bought you a gift. I’ve been thinking about this whole commitment and trust thing between us. I know it’s something I need to work on.”

  He held up a hand. “You didn’t have to buy me a gift to prove that. I know you love me.”

  “I do. But this gift is a really big commitment so you’ll have to agree to marry me first, or I’m taking it back.”

  His heart rolled over in his chest as he took her soft face in his hands and tilted it up. “If I had proposed to you like that, you would’ve kicked my ass. You don’t even have a ring.”

  “True.” With mischief gleaming in her eyes, she laid a quick kiss on his lips. “But what’s outside is ten times better than a ring—if you’re . . . you. And just because I’m asking you first, it doesn’t let you off the hook. You still have to buy me a really big rock. So, what’s it going to be?”

  Meg waited for his answer, beaming that big, beautiful smile of hers at him.

  He’d never been surer of an answer in his entire life. Clearing the emotion from his throat, he said, “Well, since you went to all the trouble to give me a fruit cup yesterday, and now some mystery gift . . . I guess marrying you is the least I can do. So, okay.”

  “The least you can do? And just okay? We may have to do this part over later so you can get it right.” She took his hand and yanked. “Come outside. I’m dying for you to see what’s out here.”

  He let her pull him outside into the dusky evening.

  Charlie stood in the driveway, tied to a tree.

  After Josh’s mother had died and he’d had to harden his heart to survive being thrown into the cold world of foster care, Charlie was the only one he’d been able to love. Until he’d met Meg, and then Haley.

  As he gave the horse a quick rub, he had to bite his bottom lip for fear he might embarrass the hell out of himself and cry. He turned to Meg. “You bought Charlie for me? He’s ours now?”

  She nodded. “Eric helped. He called and convinced Mr. J, who just dropped him off. He said you were always Charlie’s favorite anyway. Mr. Bower has that big farm just outside of town and said we can board him there. This way you can see him whenever you like. See? Much better than a ring, right?”

  “Thank you, Meg. I don’t know how . . .” He couldn’t finish. There weren’t words to describe knowing that someone loved and truly understood him for the first time in his life.

  Pulling it together, he said, “Yes, much better than a ring. But I want one of those too.”

  Meg slipped her arms around his waist. “I found the perfect rings online this afternoon. Mine is going to cost you, so brace yourself. And we’re keeping Eric too, right? Forever?”

  He lifted her up and held her close as he stared into her pretty blue eyes. “Yes. To any ring you want and to making Eric part of our family. Forever.”

  When she wrapped her legs around his waist, he kissed her, taking his time about it, wanting to always remember this particular moment in the best day of his life.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

>   I’m sure you’ve heard the one about a hard task taking a village to accomplish? Well, for me it was more like a smallish city. My road to publication has been filled with potholes and detours, but in that process I’ve met some pretty fantastic people who have graciously helped me along the way.

  Probably best to start at the beginning and thank my parents, who always believed in me, including my most recent parent, who brought my dad happiness again after my mom died. To my sibs, Gary, Sue, and Lisa, for not telling on me when it mattered the most; to my aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, and many, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. (This might be a good opportunity to apologize to my neighbors for the noise level when we all get together.)

  An extra special thanks to the three people I love the most. Mark, my husband, whose patience is appreciated when I’m too deep into a scene to make dinner, and our kids, Matt and Traci. Our children turned out to be two of the kindest, most hardworking, and dedicated young adults we know—despite their goofy parents.

  I’ve had some pretty great critique partners along the way, starting with Shannon Bianco, Julie Pascal, Mindy Montgomery, and Darynda Jones. My current crit partners, fondly known as the Golden Meanies, consist of Louise Bergin, Shea Berkley, and Robin Perini. Thanks, you guys. I love all of you even more than peanut M&M’s.

  Thanks for all the support my local RWA chapter, Land of Enchantment Romance Authors. The love and support this group provides is invaluable. LERA consists of some of my favorite people on this earth. They make the second Saturday of every month a guaranteed good time.

  Also a big shout-out to my Golden Heart class, the Firebirds. A group of supportive, loving writers whose goal is to see all of our books in the hands of readers. You all hold a very special place in my heart. I will always be grateful to know each and every one of you.

  Next I want to thank my agent, Jill Marsal, for taking that initial chance on me, for suggesting I write this story, and then for helping my book find its home. I couldn’t have done it without you!

  And a big thanks to my editors at Montlake, Maria Gomez and Charlotte Herscher. Thanks to Maria for envisioning what my book could be and to Charlotte for helping take it to that next level.

  Thanks to everyone on the Montlake team, especially my patient copyeditor, Shari Miranda. (I talked to my neighbors way too much back in English class.)

  I want to thank some of my other fun writer friends for just being awesome people. They live all across the country and around the world (one of the benefits of belonging to RWA): Tracy, Terri, Keely, Wendy, Lorenda, Babette, Kim, Pintip, Joanne, Susan, Heather, Sheri, Karen, Kathleen, Cathy, Kari, Jeffe, Shelly, Vanessa, Kat, the other Kim, Colette, Pam, Brenda, Barb, Jeannie, Gabi, Monique, Sarah, Jamie, Diane, and A.J. And last, but certainly not least, Gina Robinson and Laurie Sanchez, who have both become indispensable parts of my life too. Thank you, my friends, for being sounding boards when I need it most and for sharing all the knowledge along the way.

  I think I’d be absolutely remiss if I didn’t thank my co-workers at my day job, Stephanie, Debbie, Monique, and Corky, for putting up with my dual personalities.

  And thanks to my hairdresser, for keeping up the illusion. Michael (and his partner, Gerald) brighten my days while lightening my grays the many times a year we visit. Thank you both for being such great cheerleaders.

  Lastly, thank you, kind reader, for picking up my book in the first place, and then for enduring this long list and caring enough to be introduced to the people whom I value the most.

  I have certainly forgotten someone, but not on purpose. If I have overlooked you, I promise you shall receive a bold and blatant double thanks in my next book.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo © 2012 Robyn Adams

  Tamra Baumann is an award-winning author who writes lighthearted contemporary romance. Always a voracious reader, she picked her first romance novel off the bestseller table in her favorite bookstore and was forever hooked. (Thank you, Nora Roberts!)

  She lives in the Southwest, where the sun shines most every day and the sunsets steal her breath away. She has two kids, both bilingual in English and sarcasm, and a dog who is addicted to Claritin because he’s allergic to grass. Her husband, who gamely tolerates her many book boyfriends, has been her real-life boyfriend for almost thirty years.

  Stop by and say hi at www.tamrabaumann.com.