But the Stantons wanted to introduce her to the town as their granddaughter. She'd refused over and over again, but had been worn down by Claire's persistently gentle coercion. There was no reason to hide, Claire told her. She was a Stanton and it was time everyone knew it.
Katherine was torn. Zach would think she was rubbing his face in it. Telling the world that she was a Stanton and he wasn't. But deep down in her heart, she wanted to be a Stanton. She couldn't help it. She had relatives, and for the first time in her life she was truly part of the circle, not an outsider, not an extra, but someone who belonged. And whether or not she went to the party wouldn't change the fact that she was a Stanton and Zach wasn't. She knew that. He knew that. But still she was conflicted, and now as she stood in Margaret's old bedroom getting dressed for the party, she wondered if she could really go through with it.
She walked over to the mirror and picked up a brush. She ran several long strokes through her hair, which she'd decided to leave down, the way Zach liked it. She couldn't stop the thought from forming in her mind, couldn't help the grimace of pain that turned her lips down as she remembered Zach running his fingers through her hair. She wondered how long it was going to hurt.
A knock came at the door, and she called, "Come in."
Claire walked into the room, dressed in a silky silver shift with a diamond clip. She looked beautiful, elegant, sophisticated.
"Katherine, you look stunning." She shook her head in amazement. "And so very much like Margaret. I'm surprised I didn't notice it the first time I saw you."
"You weren't looking then."
"Are you ready?”
She shook her head. "I'm not sure.”
Claire offered her a compassionate smile. "We love you, Katherine. I hope you believe that."
"I believe you do."
"Harry, too."
"I think that's wishful thinking on your part, but it doesn't matter. I'm not asking him to love me. I won't do that."
"Of course you won't. You are your mother's daughter, after all."
She smiled. "I feel like I know her a little better now. But more importantly, I'm starting to know who I am."
"I'm glad."
"Is anyone here yet?"
"Quite a few people. Harry is doing the greetings. I didn't think you'd want to come down alone."
"I'm not sure I want to come down at all.”
"You have to," Claire said. "Don't you think it's time we all told the truth?"
It was long past time, but she hadn't imagined herself to be the one telling the truth. That role was supposed to be played by her father, a man still to be named.
"What about Zach?" She couldn't stop the question from crossing her lips. "Is he downstairs?"
Claire shook her head. "I'm sorry, Katherine. I don't know if Zach will come. I called him. I urged him not to take out his anger on you, but you know Zach. He's very stubborn, very proud. I wish there was a way to make everyone happy. I never meant for us to hurt Zach."
"But you did. You and Harry hurt him just like you hurt my mother, and all because of bloodlines and birthrights. I don't understand why love and loyalty aren't the most important things."
Claire looked into her eyes with a curious smile. "Don't you, Katherine? Isn't that why you came here? To find your own blood?"
The words hit her like a fist to the face. She'd thought she'd gotten past all the lies, but she hadn't, because there had still been one she'd been telling herself -- that she was different, that she'd never act like the Stantons, when everything she'd done since she first found the chest was exactly what the Stantons would have done.
She sank down on the edge of the bed, feeling suddenly weak and betrayed by her own thoughts. "My God. You're right. I'm as bad as you are. These past few days I've been thinking about staying here, about being part of your family, part of the business. But I can't do that to Zach. He may not have your blood. But he has your heart. I won't steal that away from him."
Claire turned pale. "What are you saying? You can't leave, Katherine."
"I have to. I told Zach I wasn't going to give up on him, that I'd fight for him. But what I really need to fight for is this farm, because that's what he loves. Not me."
"I don't think that's true. And even if it is, Harry won't agree to your plan."
"Yes, he will," Katherine said confidently. "Because you'll convince him that the only way you'll ever have a relationship with me is if he leaves the farm to Zach. Once Zach is settled in, I can come and visit. Or you can come and visit me. That's the only way it can work. We both know that."
Claire didn't answer for a long moment, and Katherine held her breath, hoping, praying her grandmother would rise to the occasion, that this one time she'd stand up to Harry, stand up for Katherine and stand up for Zach.
"All right," Claire said. "I'll do it. For you and for Zach. But mostly for Margaret. Because I didn't do what was right then and I have to do what is right now."
"Yes, you do. And so do I." Katherine stood. "I think I'm ready to go down now. By the way, is J.T. coming?"
Claire walked with her to the door. "Yes. Mary Jo said he's well enough to come for a few minutes."
"And Jimmy Callaway?" Katherine couldn't help running down the list in her head. She still wanted to find her father.
"Yes."
"Justin Blakemore?"
Claire nodded again. "But I wouldn't expect anyone to step forward tonight, Katherine."
"I'm sure they all know by now that I'm Margaret's daughter."
"I'm sure they do. But some of your suspects have a lot to lose."
* * *
The party was in full swing. As they descended the long winding staircase leading into the formal entry, Katherine could see nothing but a sea of people dressed in their finest clothes, shoes shined, jewelry glittering, voices raised with laughter and excitement.
As soon as someone saw Claire, the chatter began to hush and every gaze in the room was turned on them.
Katherine searched the crowd for a familiar face and saw a few. The Callaways, Jimmy and Leeanne, were present. Justin Blakemore stood next to a woman she assumed to be his wife. And Mary Jo and J.T. were seated on a bench in the foyer.
Claire paused on the third step from the bottom. "Since you're all here, and we have your attention," she said with a little laugh, "there's something I'd like to say.”
She motioned for Harry to join them on the steps. After a brief hesitation he did so. Claire took Harry's hand and Katherine's as well, uniting them as a family for the very first time. "Tonight is a celebration," Claire said.
Before she could continue the front door opened. Two men walked in. Katherine's stomach flipped over. Zach, dressed in a black suit, his dark hair slicked back, his eyes compelling, somber, stood next to Sam Jamison, who looked awkward and comfortable in his party attire. Neither man was smiling and neither one appeared happy with the attention they were receiving.
"I'm glad you're both here," Claire said. "I'm about to make an announcement."
Katherine couldn't take her eyes off Zach. The crowd of people between them blurred into the background. She could only see him, and he could only see her. But she couldn't tell what he was thinking. There was no emotion in his eyes. Whatever he was feeling was locked deep inside his heart.
Zach had always thought he needed the Stantons to be somebody, but seeing him now, standing proud and strong, Katherine knew he didn't need anybody. He was his own man, a good man, an honorable man -- the man she loved and the man she couldn't have.
She wanted to go to him, to beg for one last chance, but Claire had a hold of her hand and had begun to speak.
"Some of you know Katherine," she said, "but for those of you who don't, we have some happy news to share. We've recently discovered that Katherine is Margaret's daughter and our granddaughter, and we are very, very happy to have her here in Paradise. We hope you'll all welcome her to the town just as we have welcomed her into our family."
&nb
sp; The crowd burst into murmurs of surprise and speculation. Then one man's voice came out of the crowd, one man who drew everyone's attention to him -- Jackson Tyler.
She darted a quick look at Zach and saw that he'd gone completely still. Then she looked back at Jackson, who was smiling up at them with pure gleeful wickedness.
"Aren't you going to tell them who Katherine's father is?" Jackson asked.
Murmurs of "What is he doing here?" ran through the room.
Then Zach stepped forward. He crossed the room, standing in front of his father. It was then that Katherine realized Zach was much taller than his dad. She wondered if he'd finally realized he was big enough to take down his father.
Zach said something to Jackson, something quiet and forceful.
He was protecting her, Katherine realized. Even now, after everything that had happened, he was protecting her from his father. A small seed of hope took root.
"He doesn't have anything to say," Zach said more loudly. "He's leaving now."
Jackson raised his champagne glass. "Not without toasting the new Stanton heir, the new soon-to-be-owner of Stanton Farms. To Zach's replacement -- Miss Katherine Stanton."
The crowd didn't move, didn't speak, barely breathed.
Jackson wasn't done yet. He set down his glass and pulled something glittery out of his pocket. "Before I go, I found a cuff link, Katherine. I believe it matches the one Margaret saved to remind her of your father." He held it up in his hand. "I'm sure someone will want to claim this."
She drew in a quick shaky breath. How could Jackson have the cuff link? It was tucked away in her chest. Glancing around the room she saw J.T. reach out a hand to his wife, a hand that was ignored. Leeanne and Jimmy couldn't seem to look at each other. Justin stood by the door with his wife, a pretty pale blonde with innocent eyes who seemed to have no idea what anyone was talking about.
Then she looked at Zach. He answered her plea. He took the cuff link out of his father's hand. "That's enough," Zach said. "You've had your fun. It's over."
"Not quite," Jackson said. "There's still Mrs. Stanton's wedding ring to discuss." He directed his gaze toward Claire. "Zachary took it, you know. Sold you out. Amusing, isn't it? He's spent so much time pretending he isn't exactly like me."
Katherine's heart sank. She prayed that neither Claire nor Harry would turn on Zach now, not here, not in front of everyone.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Tyler," Claire said calmly. "I have my wedding ring." She held up her hand.
Jackson shrugged. "It's a copy.”
"No, it's not. It's the real thing and it was given in love. Now it's time for you to leave, Mr. Tyler."
"Yes, it is," Zach said. "And if you don't go on your own, I'd be more than happy to throw you out."
"You're my son," Jackson hissed.
"God help me, I am. I may have to live down your reputation every day of my life, but I certainly don't have to do it in your presence. You're leaving now."
Jackson stiffened, but he still didn't move.
Nor did Zach. The battle between them would end on this night.
After a moment, Sam stepped forward to stand at Zach's side, followed by Justin, and another man and another, until half the valley was aligned with Zach.
Tears came into her eyes. Thank God, the people of Paradise had finally realized that Zach Tyler was not their enemy; he was their friend.
"You're done here," someone in the crowd said.
"Go away, you bastard," another taunted.
Jackson gave Zach a bitter smile, then turned to the crowd. "Just for that, I won't tell you who Katherine's father is tonight. But I know the truth. I know which one of you is squirming right now. So just wait and wonder, my friends, and know that at any moment Jackson Tyler can take you down." Jackson turned on his heel, pushed his way to the front door and tipped his head as he left the house.
After a moment of tense silence, Harry cleared his throat. "We have drinks and food waiting. Please help yourselves."
As if released from a gate, the people broke in two directions, toward the living room and the dining room where buffet tables and waiters serving champagne awaited.
Claire turned to Katherine with a compassionate look in her eyes. "I'm sorry about that."
"It wasn't your fault." She smiled at Claire. "Did you see what Zach did? Wasn't he amazing?”
"Amazing. He loves you, Katherine."
"It wasn't about me. It was about him finding peace with himself."
"I don't think you give yourself enough credit. Why don't you talk to him? I think he's waiting for you."
Katherine turned her head to see Zach at the bottom of the stairs, a few feet from her. She walked down to him, studying every handsome line in his face, soaking up the memory to take with her. She didn't want to forget him, not ever.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"You're welcome." He gazed down at her with the same yearning intensity that burned through her body, as if he wanted her but he was afraid to touch her.
"I'm leaving Paradise," she said abruptly.
He drew in a sharp breath. "When?”
"Tomorrow."
"Why so soon?"
She licked her lips. "I don't belong here. You were right that very first day. I'm already bored. And I don't care all that much for Claire and Harry. They're my grandparents and all, but they're not my kind of people."
"You're such a liar," he said softly.
"I'm telling the truth. I don't fit in here. I told Claire that I absolutely will not have anything to do with this farm, so Harry better leave it to someone who cares about it. Someone like you."
"You don't have to do this for me."
"Why would I?"
He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "Because you love me."
Her heart stopped. "I -- I do," she said in a shaky voice, wishing she could have said I do not. But he wouldn't have believed her. "That doesn't matter. The two of us don't fit together either, remember?"
"I thought you were going to fight for me."
"I don't know how. You haven't returned my calls. And even now, you seem too far away."
"Then come with me."
"What?" Goose bumps ran down her arms at the look in his eyes.
He took her by the hand and led her through the entry, out of the house, and onto the porch where the shadowy darkness enveloped them like a warm, cozy quilt. Katherine drew in a deep breath and smelled the lavender. Suddenly she had the crazy feeling everything was going to be all right.
She looked over at Zach. "Do you smell it?"
"The lavender? I can't get it out of my head. Every time I go to sleep, I feel like I'm lying down in a bed of flowers. And you're always with me, Kat. I can't get rid of you either. And I've tried. Believe me, I've tried. The last few days have been one long agonizing pain in the--”
"Shh." She put a finger against his mouth. "If you call me a pain in the ass, you're going to break the mood here."
He smiled down at her. "I wasn't going to come tonight. I didn't think I could see you and not want you." He paused, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I was right. You look beautiful. Even if the Stantons hadn't announced you were their granddaughter, every eye in the place would have been on you."
"Not me, you. What you did tonight. It made me proud."
"Me, too," he replied with a self-mocking smile. "You were the one who wanted to walk the high wire, but I guess it took losing my own safety net -- the Stantons -- to realize that I didn't need one anymore."
"You never did, Zach."
"I did a long time ago when I was sixteen years old." He paused. "I told Harry about the ring. I guess he didn't have a chance to tell Claire. Otherwise, I don't know what she would have said."
"Exactly what she did. She knew. She told me she'd always known. But she loved you like a son."
Zach's eyes glittered with emotion. "She's something else, you know."
"I do know. And so are you.
You're bigger than your father in every way imaginable. That's why he tried to hurt you tonight. You went up against him, and he thought he could teach you a lesson, take you down to his level, only you wouldn't go."
"I would have died before I let him hurt you." He touched her cheek with one finger. "You make me want to protect you."
"I feel the same way about you, even though you don't need my protection. The people of this valley stood next to you tonight, Zach."
"They did. But the only one I really wanted by my side was you. I've spent the last few days at the track watching Rogue run, concentrating on my dream, trying to imagine not just the next couple of weeks but the next couple of years, and I couldn't do it, not without you in the picture." He grinned at her. "You're not going back to California, Kat. You have too much unfinished business here."
"Like what?"
"I still owe you a riding lesson."
"That's right, you do."
"Then you'll have to start learning about the horse business from the ground up. And then there's the racing world, a wild garden to tame, and grandparents to get to know..."
Her heart began to sing. "Do you mean that, Zach? Do you want to do it together?"
"Well, I figure if I let you go back to California, I'll probably get the farm back. If I encourage you to stay in Kentucky, I'll get both you and the farm. I might be bullheaded, but I'm not stupid."
She smiled. "And what do I get if I stay here?"
"Paradise?" he suggested wickedly.
"And what else?"
"Me."
"And what else?"
He paused. "The best sex you've ever had?”
"And what else?"
"A couple of kids," he said with a sigh.
"Don't sound so happy. What else?"
"Good grief. What else could you possibly want?"
"Your soul."
Zach stared down at her. She'd always wondered what it would be like to have Zach's energy and intensity focused only on her. Now she knew. It was heartbreakingly wonderful, and she didn't want it to end. But she couldn't have a part of him. She had to have all of him. She'd settled for less so many times before with people who liked her but didn't love her. She wouldn't do it again.
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