“Okay. You have everything, right?”
Leaning on the doorframe, she crossed her arms. “Reid Matthews, of course I do. I have all the paperwork, the rings, and everything else you need.”
I winked. “That is why you’re my best lady.”
She laughed. Our wedding was going to be very small, and Becca and I decided against a traditional wedding party. Her dad would give her away, and Sandy would accompany me. They would be our witnesses. It was what we wanted, and it felt right for us. The rest of our friends were guests.
I glanced at my phone. “Do they really need to see me? They’ll all be with me on the plane tomorrow.” As a surprise, they had chartered a private plane, so I knew the journey would be a comfortable one with lots of time for talking.
She lifted one shoulder. “They’re waiting.”
“Okay. I’ll be right there.”
I shut down the laptop and made my way to Bentley’s office. Emmy walked toward me, slowly trudging down the hall, one hand resting on her rounded stomach. Bentley was leaning against his doorway, trying to look nonchalant and failing miserably. He watched over her zealously.
Stopping, I grinned at Emmy. “How you doing?” I winked. “Need some help?”
She rolled her eyes. “Is he watching?”
I cut my gaze to Bentley. “He’s pretending to be busy on his phone, but we both know he’s crap at typing without his eyes on the screen, so unless it’s hieroglyphics he’s sending, I would say yes.”
“What does he think is going to happen in the hall?” She huffed.
“Well, you are rather top-heavy now. Maybe he’s worried you’ll topple.” Emmy was petite, and her “baby belly,” as she called it, was rather prominent. She had begun wobbling around four months, and now it was a pronounced waddle. She complained constantly about not remembering what her feet looked like anymore, and she still had weeks to go before the due date. We had made sure to schedule the wedding date so she could join the celebration.
“He is driving me crazy.” A mischievous look crossed her face. “I can make him run down the hall fast by making one noise. Wanna see?”
I chuckled. “I think he heard your plans.”
“Not funny, Freddy,” he called.
She looked over her shoulder. “Whatever, Rigid. You can stop stalking me now.”
“I’m observing. Carefully,” he corrected her.
She muttered something under her breath about overly protective CEOs and blew him a kiss. She disappeared into her office, and I hurried down the hall to Bentley’s office, following him inside.
They all greeted me with a smile, but the atmosphere felt serious.
I sat down. “What’s going on?”
Bentley smiled. “Ready for the next step in your life? Big changes.”
“I think so,” I replied with a small shrug. “Becca’s been living with me the last couple of months. I don’t expect a piece of paper will change my life that much.”
All three of them laughed, making me wary. Something was going on.
Bentley slid a folder my way. “Maybe this piece of paper will change your mind.”
Curious, I pulled the folder close and opened the flap. It was fat with legal documents, and I scanned the first several pages, unsure if I was reading the documents properly.
“I-I don’t understand.”
“This is our wedding gift to you, Reid,” Maddox spoke. “We’ve each given you a share in the company. You are now a part owner of BAM.”
I blinked, shock rendering me speechless.
Maddox grinned. “Your share, albeit small, is worth a fair bit of money.” He threw out a figure that almost made me fall out of my chair. “It is a valuable asset for you.”
Bentley cleared his throat. “The documents say it all, but I’ll give you the fast version. These are non-voting shares. If, at any time, you chose to leave BAM, they revert to the original owner at the price they are valued at today. Namely, the three of us. But until that time, which we hope is never, you have a stake here.”
I shook my head to clear it. “Why?” I managed to get out.
Maddox laughed. “You’ve earned it, Reid. We wanted to give you something tangible, something for your future.” He pointed to the folder. “Check out the second set of papers.”
My hand shook as I flipped to the second set of documents. It was a pre-approved mortgage for the condo in Ridge Towers. My gaze flew to Bentley’s.
“It’s yours, if you want it. If you prefer a house or another place, the mortgage is transferrable. Your shares make you wealthy enough that you can afford to live wherever you want. A mortgage is no longer an issue.” He sat back with a smile. “Your past is no longer an issue. This gives you the ability to move forward once and for all.”
“Becca loves Ridge Towers,” I said, still in shock.
“Then it will be yours.”
“I don’t-I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you guys are doing this for me,” I mumbled, unable make my voice louder. “I never expected . . . Not in a million years . . .” My throat was thick with emotion. Gratitude filled my heart. Exhilaration hummed below my skin, making my hands shake. I stared down at the papers, the words becoming wavy as my emotions began to overtake me. It was too much to process all at once, and I didn’t know how to handle it.
Becca’s hands slid over my shoulders and the press of her lips on my cheek calmed me. In a second I was on my feet, pulling her into my arms, needing her close. I buried my face into her neck, letting the feel of her calm me.
“Did you know?” I asked quietly.
“They told me this morning.”
“Becca, this changes so many things. I can give you everything.”
She cupped my face. “I have everything. I have you.” Her eyes glimmered in the light. “This changes nothing, Reid, except to show you how much you are loved. You belong here, with the people you care the most about.” She smiled. “Your brothers.”
Aiden stood and crossed the room, gripping my shoulder. “She’s right. You came to us a broken kid, Reid. Eager to learn and grow. You helped us in ways we can never repay. You’ve grown into a responsible man with a bright future. You’ve become a friend and brother to each one of us, and we want you to be a part of our future. This gift was a no-brainer for us.” His hand was heavy on my shoulder. “We’re proud of you.”
I looked at Bentley and Maddox. They were grinning in agreement. Sandy had slipped in with Emmy, her smile wide. Emmy gave me a thumbs-up.
“You three are my family. This place was the first home I ever had. Somewhere I was safe and welcome. Because of you, I met Becca.” I cleared my throat. “I can’t imagine not being here with you guys. I would be proud to be part of this company.” My gaze swept the room. “I love all of you.”
I extended my hand to Aiden. “Thank you.”
He laughed, yanking me in for a hug. His massive arms squeezed the air out of me. When he was finished, Maddox and Bentley stepped in, exchanging hugs, backslaps, and laughter. I never let go of Becca’s hand.
I met Aiden’s eyes. He had taken a chance on me, and I would never forget it. “I won’t let you down.”
“I know, kid. I know.”
* * *
THREE YEARS LATER
The office was quiet, the afternoon sun beaming into the room. Files, lists, and equipment covered my desk. I ignored it all, my focus on the small bundle in my lap.
I watched my son, his tiny fingers as they gripped mine, his wide blue gaze flitting around the room.
“New space, eh, buddy?” I whispered. My heart so filled with love for the small person I’d created with Becca, I could barely be away from him. “Today is our first baby and dad meeting. I get to have my own sidekick!”
Theodore Rodney Matthews greeted my exciting news with a wide yawn, clearly not as thrilled as I was about being at work.
Becca and I were married surrounded by our friends in BC, and we honeymooned in Mexico. Bill helped
me, and with his hard work, I had my record expunged. For the next two years, we used every day of vacation and satisfied her desire for travel—visiting England, Greece, and exploring Canada.
We moved in to Ridge Towers and settled down, deciding we were ready for our family. Neither of us expected it to happen as soon as it did. Becca came off birth control, and her doctor told us it could take months to conceive. We were fine with that. Practicing making a baby was high on my list of fun things to do with Becca.
Even after three years, not much had changed between us. My Becca was still smart and funny, and her smile sweet and shy. There were moments I was still dumbstruck, unable to formulate the right words to say to her; although her kisses usually freed them up for me. I still stopped by the corner store and picked up flowers for her from Eleanor, who’d kiss my cheek and call me a good boy.
After I arrived home one such night, Becca was busy on her laptop. I kissed the top of her head, laid the flowers on the table, and sat down across from her.
“I didn’t see you all day.”
“I had a meeting outside the office. Then I worked from home.” She shut her laptop and shifted on the sofa. She picked up her flowers, inhaled the fragrance, and looked nervous. “I got you something today too.”
“Oh yeah?”
“It’s in the kitchen.”
Curious, I got up and went to investigate. On the counter was a teddy bear, holding a card on thick stock. Inscribed were the words
Can’t wait to meet you, Daddy. See you soon!
I pivoted, finding Becca behind me, tears in her eyes. I had her in my arms in seconds, kissing every inch of her beautiful face. “Becca, BB,” I whispered adoringly. “Say it.”
“I’m pregnant, Reid. We’re going to have a baby.”
Until Theo, or Teddy, as Becca called him, was born, it was the greatest moment of my life.
Now, gazing down at my son, I knew what it was to be complete. The fierce protectiveness I felt for him was all-consuming.
My son would never wonder about his parents. He would never be abandoned or struggle to find his place in the world. He would never know the pain or fear of loneliness. His well-being and happiness were paramount to me.
My alarm went off, and with a grin, I stood. “Let’s go, Theo. Your uncles are waiting.”
* * *
The new nursery took up an entire floor of the building. It was open to all the staff, and the people who ran it were capable, warm, and loving. It was busy and vibrant with bright colors, and it was filled with laughter. Bentley and Maddox were already waiting in our favorite corner, Addi playing with Brayden, the two of them fast friends. Bentley’s second daughter, Chloe, was in front of him, clutching his fingers as he encouraged her to stand. Maddox chuckled, watching his daughter, Shelby, asleep in his arms, her pudgy hands outstretched. I sat down, holding Theo close.
Bentley grinned at me. “Hey, Reid. How’s Becca?”
“Good. She’s only checked in on me four times since I left the condo with Theo.”
Maddox chuckled. “Dee texted me hourly the first time I left with Brayden. She’s gotten better with Shelby.”
“We miss Becca around here.”
“She misses everyone, but she’ll be back soon.” With the nursery on-site, Becca planned to return to work in a few months. We could both be close to our son.
Aiden came in, Ava wrapped in one massive arm. He sat down, releasing her. She immediately scrambled over to Theo, cooing and clapping her little hands. Ava loved babies, and she especially loved Theo. She sat beside me, leaning close, talking fast to him. He watched her, his face serious, as if he understood whatever gibberish she was saying to him.
Maddox looked at Aiden. “You okay?”
He groaned. “Cami is ready for this baby to be born. So am I. She can’t sleep, she can’t get comfortable, the little guy is pushing at her all the time and using her bladder as a soccer ball.” He shook his head. “Pretty sure I’m to blame for basically everything.”
“You are,” we all chimed in at once.
“How did I forget this part?”
Maddox laughed, shifting Shelby to his other arm. “Because they’re worth it. You doing okay, Reid? Need anything?”
“Aside from a little more sleep, nope. We’re good. Great, in fact.”
Bentley settled Chloe into his arms, sliding the nipple of her bottle into her mouth. “Then I think the weekly meeting should commence. Everyone has their baby and is ready?”
I peered down at Theo. His eyes had drifted shut. Safe, peaceful, and loved in my arms. He’d sleep there the whole time.
I was good with that.
I grinned. “Ready.”
Multiple Sclerosis touches so many families. There is much left to do for research to help those affected by this debilitating disease.
When I wrote the scenes that touched Sandy and Max so strongly, I couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the lovely and caring Darlene Avery Ward. Thank you my friend.
Please support the Nations MS Society and the work they provide to MS patients in advocating and organizing events to raise awareness and funds for research.
www.nationalmssociety.org
Van - Vested Interest #5 by Melanie Moreland
Copyright © 2019 Moreland Books Inc.
Registration # 1157176
eBook ISBN # 978-1-988610-21-4
Print ISBN # 978-1-988610-20-7
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.
To My Matthew
Because your love is the reason
for all that I am and all I am able to do.
Always
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
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Epilogue
Van
I sat down heavily, my chair squeaking under me in protest. Dust swirled from my clothes, and I ran a tired hand through my messy hair, grimacing when my fingers got stuck in some drywall compound that had splattered.
It had been a long, hard day.
A low groan left my mouth as I rotated my shoulders and flexed my sore hands. The left side of my body ached the most, my leg stiff and sore, adding another layer of discomfort to the day. To top it off, I was hungry, and unfortunately, the café at the front of the building was closed this time of night.
My office was located at the back of the main floor of the BAM building. BAM had been founded by Bentley Ridge and was a highly successful, diversified company. Along with his two best friends, Aiden Callaghan and Maddox Riley, they had turned Bentley’s vision of a land development business into a multibillion-dollar conglomerate. Huge land development deals, vast holdings, and investment opportunities were only a few of the things BAM was involved in. Bentley’s first passion for flipping houses was what kept me busy. I made sure his profit margin stayed high. I l
oved what I did—and the company I worked for. All the owners of BAM believed in one simple rule: treat your employees well and reward them for their hard work. It worked. I had never known another company that ran as smoothly as this one did.
The small café in the building was popular with the staff, especially Aiden and me. Although the public had access, it was BAM that kept the business as successful as it was—the baked goods were stellar, the sandwiches top-notch, and the couple that ran it knew us all by name, and our likes. Mine was basically everything on the menu.
Tonight, though, I would have to settle for pizza.
For a moment, I let my head fall back against the headrest and shut my eyes, enjoying the quiet.
I shared my space with Jordan Hayes, who oversaw all the details of the larger builds and projects BAM handled. Our office was filled with plans, blueprints, and models. The shelves overflowed with books and documents, and the cupboards held a lot of tools and equipment I liked to keep safe. In one end of the office was a large table we used for meetings—if we remembered not to pile junk on it. The door to the back loading dock was convenient and a great place to park my large truck.
Across the hall was the area various crews used when they needed some office space, and the rest of the floor held the design team, headed up by Olivia Rourke, who’d joined the firm over a year ago, filling a much-needed void for a designer. She handled all aspects of the final look of the houses, condos, and apartments Bentley liked to buy and flip. That end of the business kept us both busy with crews constantly working on a new project. On occasion, we were brought in on some aspects of the larger projects, but those were usually left in the capable hands of Jordan and his vast network of contractors and trades.
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 25
