by Tamie Dearen
Martin gloated so much, his cheeks seemed to puff out. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, such as the names of every ghost company I own.”
“Call for a vote and get this over with.” The voice belonged to Bernie Miles, a rather rotund man with a bald head and grey mustache. Steph marked his name on the list—he was obviously in the know.
“Very well,” said Martin, a frown flickering over his face as his sharp gaze rested momentarily on Stephanie. Something sick fluttered in her gut, but she lifted her chin and refused to break eye contact. He turned to look down the long conference table. “I nominate Reagan Cooper as the new CEO of Escapade Resorts.”
Reagan stood and moved to stand behind Martin. With blond, thinning hair and a weak chin, he flashed a leering smile that gave Steph the creeps. A low grumble rippled across the boardroom.
“All in favor raise your right hand.” Martin’s glare swept the room.
Two or three hands shot into the air, while others joined more reluctantly, like someone was pointing a gun at their heads. Stephanie was furiously typing names when Martin’s low voiced growled, “Mr. Bernstein? Is there something you’ve forgotten?”
Bernstein slowly rose from his chair, his jaw muscles bulging. “No, Martin. I remember everything. Every threat. Every manipulation. Every convoluted business deal.”
“You’re judging me? Ha!” Martin made a grating noise that sounded more like a scream of frustration than a laugh. “You weren’t complaining when I made you millions of dollars.”
“I’m not proud of everything I’ve done, but I’ve never broken any laws.” Bernstein’s face was the color of a ripe plum. “This personal vendetta of yours has taken you across the legal line, and you’re not taking me with you.”
“You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.” Martin’s hand balled into a fist so tight his knuckles blanched.
Bernstein shook his head, his eyes softening. “I’m sorry, Martin…”
The doors opened again, and two men with badges strode inside, moving to flank Bran’s father. The first man spoke.
“Martin Knight, you’re under arrest for violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to legal representation. Do you understand your rights?”
Steph couldn’t help feeling sad for Martin, whose face turned so white she thought he might pass out. “How dare you! Do you know who I am?”
“If you come along quietly, we won’t have to use the cuffs, Mr. Knight.”
The two men ushered Bran’s still-protesting father from the room. Silence covered the room like a funeral pall. Reagan Cooper looked like he’d eaten something that had spoiled weeks ago. Pivoting on one foot, Branson faced the board members and cleared his throat.
“If you voted with my father, it’s time for you to leave. I expect your resignations on my desk in twenty-four hours. Stephanie, do you have the list?”
Steph retrieved the list on her laptop and read off the names she’d recorded during the vote.
When one of those named muttered an objection, Branson added, “Don’t forget that every meeting has a digital video recording.” He pointed toward the window, and Steph redirected his arm until his finger was aimed at the camera.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” He beamed at her, as if his father hadn’t just torn a huge hole in his soul. “We make a great team, don’t we?”
She felt a little thrill that he used her pet name in public. While half the board members filed out, Branson called someone on his cell.
When the door closed behind the last person Branson put his phone away and rubbed his hands briskly together. “That’s it. The meeting’s adjourned, but don’t leave yet.”
“But Mr. Knight?” Ester Martel raised her hand. Then she seemed to remember Bran couldn’t see and lowered it, her face reddening. “What are we supposed to do?”
Still worried that some traitors might not have been detected, Steph continued to note the nervous reactions of the remaining board members.
Steph could see the tension of the past two weeks was finally gone when a wide smile split Bran’s face. “Stay for the party.”
The door opened again, and Finn’s face appeared. “Are you ready, Bran?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“What’s going on?” Steph stopped, her fingers still poised over her laptop keyboard. “Why is Finn here?”
Strains of music began to play over the room’s audio speaker, and a deep voice sang, with thick vibrato. “Wise men say… Only fools rush in…”
“What’s going on, Bran? Why are you playing Elvis music?”
Branson lifted her by the elbow and edged her away from the table until they stood, facing the door on the other end of the room. “I thought Ellie ought to see it in person.”
Right on cue, Ellie stepped inside, dressed in a beautiful coral chiffon dress, and carrying a basket with a white ribbon. She took a few halting steps, before breaking into a run. She crashed into Steph’s arms, sending rose petals flying.
“Mom, I got to skip school and I got a new dress and—”
“Shhh…” Branson was on his knees, his hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “Remember… don’t spoil the surprise.”
Ellie’s arms switched from Steph’s waist to Branson’s neck, and he lifted her up, securing her on his hip.
Laurie came through the door in a simple satin gown, the same color as Ellie’s. Stephanie knew without a doubt Laurie had chosen the dresses, since it was her favorite color—simultaneously contrasting with her dark skin and making it glow.
“Traitor,” Steph whispered, as Laurie took her place beside her. “How long have you known about this?”
Her dark eyes sparkled with humor as she shot back, “Not as long as you waited to tell me you got married in Vegas.”
As Elvis’ voice continued to croon over the speakers, Finn, Cole, and Jarrett strolled inside. Finn wore what Steph now recognized as his customary expression—a grin that said he was in the midst of a great practical joke, which seemed to be his ultimate goal in life.
When Fordham materialized in the doorway, Steph expected him to follow the other men down the aisle. Instead, he motioned with his hand at someone out in the hallway. Who else are we expecting? Hopefully, not Carina. She’s been a lot nicer lately, but I don’t want her at my wedding.
The first thing Steph saw was a mass of red curls, then a blue velvet dress with an ample bosom spilling out below massive shoulders.
“Priscilla?” Steph slapped both hands over her mouth. “Oh my gosh! Branson, what have you done?”
As Priscilla moved forward, Steph could see Billy waltzing toward them, microphone in hand, poured into a white bell-bottomed suit that sparkled in the conference room lights. George followed behind, beaming with excitement, probably because Bran had paid them more than the chapel made in a year.
She felt Branson’s warm breath in her ear. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting, but I wanted it to be the perfect surprise. Forgive me?” His lips nibbled on her earlobe, ripples of pleasure shooting all the way down into her toes.
“You’re cheating.” What was meant to sound stern came out weak and breathless. “You’re forgiven, but only if you promise this is the last surprise.”
“Then, I’m afraid we’re both out of luck.”
With Priscilla poised to begin the ceremony, Branson dropped to one knee. “Stephanie Knight, love of my life…”
Time stopped—no one breathing, no heart beating. The second hand froze in place. Though Branson’s lips moved, no sound penetrated Steph’s ears. She didn’t see the diamond engagement ring he slid onto her finger. For one single moment, she was blinded to all but one thing… she glimpsed into the soul of the man who loved her. The soul who refused to reject the society who rejected him. The soul who loved with his whole heart, even though his heart had been broken. The soul who saw her, with all her fla
ws, and called it beautiful. She saw a lovely thing—a treasure—Branson’s soul, offered into her hands for safekeeping.
As cheers and clapping broke into her cocoon, Bran kissed her hand, then turned to Ellie. From his coat pocket he retrieved a folded paper, which he handed up to Stephanie, while opening a small black jewelry case in front of Ellie.
“Ellie, will you do me the honor of being my daughter? I promise to—”
“Yes,” she cried as she jumped against him, her arms strangling his neck.
Not an eye was dry in the room, as Branson promised to love Ellie and be the best possible father he could be, over Ellie’s tearful wails. Stephanie unfolded the paper and almost choked when she recognized what she held in her hands—a legal form with Jeff’s signature. Her ex had given up his parental rights, paving the way for Branson to legally adopt Ellie.
“Surprise!” whispered Branson, as he stood up beside her. “Told you I couldn’t make any promises about that. Sorry it took me so long to get all this legal stuff done.”
“So it’s all done?” she murmured. “Because I’d like to sign that prenup and get that behind us.”
“Don’t you realize I trust you, by now? The only thing you need to sign is our will. It’s pretty simple. If I die, I’m leaving everything to you and Ellie.”
“But—”
His mouth descended in a kiss that made her toes curl.
A hand tapped her shoulder. She opened her eyes to find Priscilla peering at them, her toothy smile accented with bright pink lips. “Are we ready to start the wedding?”
“I am.” Branson stole another kiss. It was easy for him, since he couldn’t see George raise a disapproving eyebrow.
This time, when Branson spoke his vows, Steph knew he meant them as much as she did. Ellie was bouncing on her toes as Billy sang Love Me Tender to end the ceremony.
Ellie tugged on Branson’s sleeve, and he scooped her up to watch from a perch on his shoulder. “This is way cooler than a picture. It’s the real thing.”
Steph gazed at the two people who owned her heart. “Yes, it is.”
Within the crush of hugs at the wedding’s end, Fordham pushed his way forward and pulled the two of them aside. He handed a manila envelope to Branson.
“What is this?” Bran asked, extracting the enclosed papers. Finding no identifying Braille, he handed the pages to Stephanie. She stared, trying to make sense of the documents.
“It’s your wedding present,” Fordham told Bran. “I’ve been collecting these for the past year and a half, since you first realized you wanted to make that cystic fibrosis drug more affordable. I believe these shares of Parker-Aston should be enough to give you a controlling interest.”
Bran shook the empty envelope in his face. “Why didn’t you tell me all along? You let me almost marry Carina trying to get these stock shares.”
“Ironically, when you were acting a fool, willing to do whatever it took to get your hands on those stocks, I didn’t trust you with them. Why, when you could afford to buy the drug at any cost, would you feel compelled to marry Carina to control the price?”
Bran ducked his head. “Because I thought being married to Carina would help me get over Stephanie.”
Steph gave Bran a playful punch in the arm. “Really? You put me through all that misery because you wanted to get over me?”
“Because I knew I wasn’t good enough for you, and never would be.” Bran grabbed her hands and held them tight.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“No it’s true. No one is good enough for you, me included. But I realized something else… something more important. Nobody else loves you the way I do. I’ll become the man you deserve, or die trying.”
Fordham clapped him on the back, his lips making a wobbly smile. “That’s why you’re getting the stocks. You’re stubborn as a mule, but eventually you learn.”
Steph stood on her toes to give Fordham a kiss on the cheek. “I have a feeling I owe you a lot,” she whispered.
“For the stocks?” His brows lifted.
“No, I mean for making Branson into the man he is. You’re the best father he could ever have. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
Fordham returned the kiss on her forehead. “You just did.”
Epilogue
(Eleven months later)
Morning, Sleepyhead.” Bran’s warm lips pressed against her cheek.
Stephanie stretched and rubbed her eyes open to find her husband standing next to the bed, an affectionate smile on his face. Cradled in his muscular arms, a sleeping baby wriggled against his bare chest.
“That would make a sweet picture,” she said, blinking at sudden tears.
“I tried to let you sleep in as long as possible. I know you were up a lot last night.”
“Your baby sister has her days and nights mixed up. She’s determined to give me dark circles under my eyes.”
“Did you hear that, Lilly?” He bent to kiss the baby’s soft curls. “You mustn’t keep Steph awake at night. What’s that? You’re excited because it’s your four-month birthday? I understand, but Stephanie needs her beauty sleep.”
“It’s not like Lilly’s the only reason I have dark circles.” She smiled, thinking Branson was even more attractive when he was holding a baby. Something about a brawny man showing tenderness just tugged at the heart strings. “Anyway, I can catch cat naps today. You’re the one who has to go to work and keep our family fed.”
“Did you forget it’s Saturday?”
“Saturday!” She threw off the covers. “Finn’s coming over to tour the apartment, and it’s a wreck.”
“Relax.” He pushed her back against the pillows. “Stay in bed and drink your coffee. I put it on the bedside table. Laurie said she’d get the place ready for Finn’s visit.”
Steph groaned. “What’s she going to do? Set up booby traps for him?”
He snorted with laughter, startling Lilly, but managed to rock her back to sleep.
Their new home, the entire upstairs of a converted warehouse, was huge by New York City standards. Branson had divided it into two apartments—a large one for them and a small one for Laurie, next door.
“Are you and Finn stepping on each other’s toes, now that you work in the same building all the time?” Stephanie rearranged the pillows, so she could sit up. “This is the most time you’ve ever spent together.”
“Not really.” Branson shrugged his scrumptious, broad shoulders, and Steph smiled, enjoying the view. “I’ve always had a private office suite here, just like the others. We each handle our part of the business, as usual. Honestly, I only run into him once or twice a week, unless we schedule a conference call with Cole and Jarrett.”
“Wish the other three guys were married, too.” She lifted the coffee mug and breathed in the rich aroma before taking a swallow. “Think how fun it would be if you all had babies at the same time.”
Bran’s lips stretched in a grimace. “Whatever you do, don’t say that out loud. Those guys are afraid to commit to a second date, much less marriage. If you suggest having kids, they’ll probably move to Antarctica.”
“I was hoping they’d all move to New York City, with us.”
“Doubt you’ll blast Cole out of Texas. And Jarrett isn’t about to give up skiing 150 days a year.”
“Guess we’re lucky Carina’s in love with New York—she was happy to move, even though she has a love/hate relationship with me.” Steph drank some more coffee before setting her mug down.
“Carina can’t figure you out,” he said. “She knows how horrible she was to you, but you’ve been nice to her. She’s jealous of you, but she loves that you take care of Lilly, so she can pretend she’s not a single mom.”
“How is her latest boyfriend? Think he’ll last more than two weeks?”
“Doubt it.” Bran rocked back and forth, soothing Lilly as she began to fuss.
“Have you mentioned anything to Carina about letting us have Lilly on a perm
anent basis? Do you think, maybe…” Stephanie bit her lip. She’d tried not to get attached, but it was impossible.
“One day at a time, Steph. That’s all we can do. Right now, Lilly’s here more days than she’s with Carina. We can be thankful for that. We may never get full, legal custody. We knew that from the start.”
“But I didn’t know how hard it would be.” She sniffed, wishing she wasn’t so emotional.
His awesome abs flexed as he bent to kiss her forehead while holding Lilly in his arms.
“You’re incredible, Steph. Do you know that? I still can’t believe you’d want to care for Carina’s child, after all that happened. You’re the most selfless person I know.”
“I still get mad at Carina, but Lilly’s your sister—a sweet, innocent baby. It’s impossible not to love her. I still worry your dad’s gonna find a way to use Lilly to hurt you. Like he may suddenly decide to assert his parental rights and take her away.” Steph pushed her chin forward, pursing her lips. “It’s too bad he ended up with financial penalties instead of going to prison.”
“He got hit where it hurt most—in his pocketbook and his pride. He lost control of his company, and his friends disappeared like roaches running from the light.”
Steph tilted her head, squinting at him. “How do you know what roaches do in the light?”
He lifted one shoulder. “I read a lot.”
He still surprises me.
Bran’s lips pressed together in a flat line. “But I refuse to let my dad keep me from being a part of Lilly’s life.”
A knock on the door barely preceded it flinging open. “Dad-dy,” Ellie sang his name. “It’s Saturday. Will you make chocolate chip waffles for breakfast?”
“That depends,” Branson said, pretending to debate the question, though he cooked them every Saturday without fail. “Are you gonna get all the ingredients out for me?”
“I already did.” Ellie bounced on her toes and grabbed his elbow, tugging him from the room. “Come on.”
He let her drag him out, grabbing a t-shirt from the hook on the back of the door.
