Hired Bride

by Jackie Merritt

She said something similar to her mother when Zane drove her to the Laffertys to relate the good news. Lillian was appalled at her daughter’s low self-esteem. “My goodness, Gwen, your father and I are so happy for you, and instead of counting your blessings you’re looking for reasons why Zane shouldn’t love you. Well, when I look at you, I see the many reasons why he does love you, and in my opinion he’s a very lucky man that you fell in love with him.”

  Gwen’s family and friends were ecstatic over her engagement, and when Zane began taking her to his family’s homes to present his bride-to-be, no one gave Gwen any cause to doubt that the Fortunes, too, were thrilled with the liaison.

  Regardless, when Gwen was alone she trembled with uncertainty. Not because she didn’t love Zane, nor because she didn’t believe in his love for her. It was the idea of becoming a Fortune that shook her very foundation. How did a woman who had squeezed every cent out of every dollar she’d gotten her hands on for most of her adult life make such a major transition?

  The Fortunes’ immense wealth was obvious in every home Zane brought her to. Gwen truly felt like the country mouse calling upon the city mouse. She saw such splendor in the expensive clothes and jewelry her soon-to-be relatives wore so casually and comfortably, and she tried to imagine herself graciously hostessing a dinner party in a fabulous dress, and carrying it off with style and panache while making her guests feel completely at ease. It simply didn’t compute, and the awful thing was that although she knew she should talk to Zane about her fears, she couldn’t quite bring herself to do so.

  Then came the dinner party in Zane’s and her honor at Ryan Fortune’s incredible mansion on the Double Crown Ranch. This was the event that Gwen had been dreading most. She had dined at Zane’s sisters’ and brothers’ tables, been kissed and welcomed into the fold by cousins, aunts and uncles, but Ryan Fortune was the head of the family, and, to Gwen, a formidable figure, even though he’d spoken pleasantly to her on her previous visits to his ranch.

  But the idea of talking to him as his future daughter-in-law scared the daylights out of Gwen. So did the dinner party itself, because she had nothing appropriate to wear to such an important occasion. She still hadn’t accepted any money from Zane, though he’d tried to write her a check every time they saw each other. “Gwen, this is silly,” he told her. “Things are different now. You’re going to be my wife.”

  And so she swallowed her pride—which hurt like the devil—and let him write the check. When he handed it to her and she read the amount, she gasped, “Zane, this is for fifty thousand dollars! All I need is a new dress to wear to your father’s dinner party!”

  “You also need money for Christmas, and for a wedding dress, and how about old debts? Honey, I don’t ever want you worrying about money again.”

  Gwen murmured a very quiet “Thank you,” but deep in her soul she felt like a gold digger.

  Nevertheless, she deposited the check into her account, paid off every debt she had except for her house mortgage—including what she owed her parents—and then went shopping. It was such fun buying Christmas gifts for her children, and for Ramona and her kids, and then for Zane and members of his family, and for her own parents, that she nearly forgot to look for a dress for herself.

  Finally, though, she did look, and she found a little black number that appeared too severe on the hanger and then turned into a dream on her body. It was the perfect dress—she’d always liked black—and she spent the next two hours searching out the right accessories. It was an exhausting shopping trip, but she returned to her house pleased with her purchases, even if they had been bought with Zane’s money.

  It didn’t surprise her that he was at her house when she got home. She’d given him a key, and he was waiting inside. He came outside when she drove into the driveway and helped her carry in her packages. “Did you buy a dress for Dad’s party?” Zane asked.

  “A fabulous dress. At least I think it is. Would you like me to try it on for you? I really would like your opinion.”

  “I’d love to see it. What’s in all these other bags?”

  “No peeking! Some of those packages are for you. While I change into my new dress, would you mind putting everything else in one of those empty cupboards in the garage? I’ll sort and wrap when I have the time.”

  “Sure, no problem,” Zane said amiably, but as she walked out of the room with her dress in a plastic bag and several other parcels in her hands, his thoughts changed direction. The children were still at Ramona’s, he and Gwen were alone in the house, and just the sight of her had brought his body to life. He quietly walked down the hall to her bedroom—she hadn’t shut the door—leaned against the woodwork and watched her undress.

  Gwen was down to her bra and panties when she caught a glimpse of Zane in a mirror. From the expression on his face, he was a lot more interested in her than in her new dress. Her whole system went into meltdown, and since they hadn’t made eye contact, she was pretty sure he wasn’t aware that she’d spotted him in the mirror.

  Oh, how she loved him! The wonder of so much love in her heart made her emotional, and she had to blink back tears. Turning around, she smiled tremulously. “You look like a man with something on his mind,” she said softly.

  “Yes,” he said, and walked over to take her hands. “Gwen, I love you. Do you know that, do you feel it?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. “I know it. Can you tell how much I love you?”

  He nodded. “I can tell. Sweetheart, I followed you to make love, but while I was watching you undress, a subject occurred to me that we haven’t yet talked about.”

  “And that subject is?”

  “Kids. Gwen, I love your three, and while I have no idea how I could be so positive, I know in my own soul that I’m going to be a good father to them. But…well, would you mind having at least one more child?”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. He’d spoken so somberly that for a moment she’d become fearful. “Zane, I would be honored to have your baby. Oh, my darling, I would love for you and me to have a child.”

  He gathered her into his arms, but not so quickly that she missed seeing the tears in his eyes. Her own misted over, and she snuggled close to her beloved. If they could remain as happy together as they were right now, she thought, they would have a wonderful marriage.

  On the evening of Ryan’s dinner party, Gwen brought her children over to Ramona’s house just before Zane was scheduled to pick her up. The kids were excited because they were going to stay the night, and they rushed into Ramona’s house with their little bags.

  “Oh, Gwen, you look so beautiful,” Ramona exclaimed, then smiled rather shyly. “I know you’ve got to go, but I have to tell you, I met someone. Actually, I’ve known him for years, because we attend the same church. But we never did more than say hello, and today he phoned and asked me out to dinner. His name is Frank Delaney, and he’s very good-looking, and he lost his wife about the same time I became a widow. He has two kids too, same as me, and…” Ramona began winding down. “Anyway, I think something important is happening, and I wanted you to know.”

  Gwen gave her friend an emotional hug. “I’m so happy for you, Ramona. Oh, I wish I had the time to stay and hear every detail, but I’m sure Zane is already on his way to my house.”

  “We’ll have plenty of time to talk about it. You go now and have a wonderful time.”

  Gwen mustered a smile that looked rather sickly. “You’re the only person to whom I can admit that I’m scared spitless about tonight, Ramona. Promise you’ll always be my friend.”

  “Of course I will.”

  Gwen kissed and hugged each of her children. “Have fun but be sure to mind Ramona,” she told them.

  “We will,” they chorused, then ran off giggling with Ramona’s children.

  After a quick goodbye to Ramona, Gwen hurried out to her van. It pleased her immensely that her best friend might finally have met a man who was worthy of her, and it was what occupied Gwen’s thoughts as s
he drove home.

  But once there, she started thinking of the evening ahead, worrying about it. Zane was waiting for her, and after a loving kiss and compliments about her out-fit and how beautiful she looked, he told her they had better get going or they would be late arriving at the ranch. They got into his car and began the drive.

  By the time they turned in to the ranch driveway, Gwen was feeling more relaxed. Zane had talked about his childhood, his brothers and sisters as children, and Gwen had found everything he’d said very interesting and sometimes funny.

  It was when she saw at least a dozen cars parked around the mansion that she got tense again. “Zane,” she murmured uneasily. “All these cars. I wonder who else was invited.”

  “I recognize a lot of these vehicles,” Zane said. “Looks to me as though most of the family is here.”

  Gwen’s pulse began racing nervously. “I thought it was just going to be your father and Lily tonight.”

  Zane started chuckling. “I bet I know what’s happening. This is a surprise engagement party.”

  “Do you really think so?”

  Zane switched off the ignition and turned to her. “Sweetheart, don’t sound so frightened. Everyone in there already knows you, and you know them. It’ll be fun.”

  “Yes,” Gwen said a bit hoarsely. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  But even with Zane holding her arm, she approached Ryan’s home with dread and a most peculiar but unshakable premonition: Something was going to go wrong tonight.

  All she could do was pray that whatever it was wouldn’t affect her and Zane’s plans for a future together.

  Seventeen

  The Fortunes and their spouses crowded around the engaged couple the second they entered the house—eager, laughing and seemingly all talking at once. Gwen smiled at them and was pleased that she now knew most of their names. There was Dr. Lucinda Brightwater Fortune, married to Holden Fortune, one of Zane’s cousins, and the Kincaids, Vanessa and Devin, and Sheriff Wyatt Grayhawk, engaged to Gabrielle, another cousin, and so on. Lily, as hostess, kissed Gwen’s cheek and said with one of her beautiful smiles, “Welcome, my dear. You look especially lovely tonight.”

  Ryan stepped closer. “It’s wonderful seeing you, Gwen. Don’t let this noisy bunch throw you.” Taking her hand he wound it around his arm, and the two of them led the parade to an elegant parlor. Gwen looked back and saw Zane walking and talking with his sister Vanessa.

  The parlor was gorgeous and tastefully decorated for Christmas, with a fire in the large fireplace and soft music coming from concealed speakers. The room’s furnishings, from the sofas to the smallest trinkets, were not only beautiful but inviting. As striking and luxurious as Ryan’s mansion was, it looked lived in and comfortable.

  Some of the family members sat down, but most remained on their feet so they could move around and chat with others. Ryan, Lily and Gwen stood near the fireplace, and Gwen complimented Lily and Ryan on their Christmas decorations.

  “Lily did it all,” Ryan said with an adoring smile at his beloved fiancée.

  Champagne in elegant crystal glasses was being served, and Gwen took one from the tray offered by a waiter. Zane, also with a glass of champagne, moved to stand next to her, a warm and loving smile on his face.

  “Vanessa told me she planned this,” he said in an undertone. “She decided we needed an engagement party, and with Christmas and Dad’s wedding coming up and everyone so busy, our having dinner at the ranch tonight seemed to her like a good time to hold it.”

  Gwen murmured, “I admit that it took me by surprise, but I’m fine now.” It was almost true. Certainly she was feeling more controlled than when they arrived.

  “Well, surprise was apparently what they were aiming for.” Zane smiled while letting his gaze sweep the room. He received a dozen smiles in return. Without question he and Gwen were the focus of tonight’s affair, and it made him feel good that his family was so united in approval of his bride-to-be.

  Ryan called for quiet, and the conversations stopped. “I’d like to propose a toast—”

  Before Ryan could utter another word, the shrill voice of a woman—sounding as though it came from the front door of the house—caused everyone in the parlor to wonder out loud what in the world was going on.

  Gwen saw Lily tense up and heard her whisper to Ryan, “That sounds like Maria.”

  “Maria’s welcome here anytime, Lily.” He patted Lily’s hand. “Let me go and find out what the problem is, dearest.” He started for the parlor entrance, then stopped and stared, as everyone else was doing.

  Standing in the doorway was Maria, carrying a small child—a boy. The handsome youngster had dark blond hair and blue eyes, and while he was very still and quiet in Maria’s arms, he didn’t seem to be frightened by the many eyes appraising him.

  Still, it wasn’t just the presence of Maria and the child causing everyone to stare, it was the wild disarray of Maria’s hair, the thick layer of red lipstick enlarging and distorting the shape of her lips and the haunted, glassy expression in her eyes.

  A chill went up Gwen’s spine. Something was terribly wrong. Maria had struck her as being very strange at their first meeting, but from her appearance this evening she had gone far beyond “strange.” Gwen could tell that everyone else in the room felt the same way, because the silence was thick enough to slice. Everyone seemed to have frozen in place. Did no one know what to do next? Someone should do something, Gwen thought with growing concern.

  She felt relief when she saw Lily begin to walk slowly toward her daughter. “Maria, we didn’t expect to see you this evening. How are you, dear, and who is this handsome little fellow you have with you?”

  Gwen frowned. No one had ever told her that Maria had a child, but wasn’t the little boy her son? Maybe it wasn’t Maria’s wild-eyed appearance that had everyone staring—maybe it was the boy!

  She felt Zane’s hand close around hers, and the physical connection gave her insight into the tension he was undergoing. It was what everyone in the room was feeling, Gwen suddenly realized. What was going on?

  It took a minute, but Maria finally focused her crazed eyes on her mother. “I want James,” she said loudly. “I came for James.”

  “And who is James, dear?” Lily asked quietly.

  Maria’s eyes darted to the faces watching her, and then stopped on Claudia and Matthew Fortune. “They have him,” Maria spat.

  A murmur went through the gathering, and Gwen heard Zane whisper, “Dad, she’s talking about Taylor.”

  Claudia gasped out loud and would have rushed forward if her husband had not caught and held her back. “Not yet, darling,” he whispered, and brought her head to his chest where she wept into his shirt and tie.

  “And…and I want five million dollars,” Maria said next. Her voice turned into a moan. “You owe me five million dollars.” Her eyes suddenly turned hard and hateful. “Do you think I can live on nothing? Raise this—this kid on nothing?”

  Gwen noticed Dr. Lucinda Brightwater Fortune sidling cautiously through her relatives toward Lily, Maria and the boy. Sheriff Wyatt Grayhawk and Devin Kincaid were also working their way closer to the trio.

  “Of course you can’t,” Lily said in a soothing voice. “He’s a beautiful child, Maria. You know I love children. May I hold him while Ryan gets you the money?”

  “Yes,” Ryan said, his expression congenial. “I’ll go to my safe and get your money right away, Maria.”

  “I deserve it. I should have had it a long time ago,” Maria said bitterly.

  “Of course you should have,” Lily said a soothing tone. “Please, Ryan, go and get the money.”

  “Go ahead and leave, Dad,” Zane whispered. “Wyatt and Devin are going to have this under control very soon now.”

  “Keep an eye on Lily for me,” Ryan whispered back. “It won’t take me long to get what cash I have on hand from the safe.”

  “I will, don’t worry,” Zane assured him.

&nbs
p; Gwen watched wide-eyed as the scene unfolded one anxious step at a time. Lucinda, Wyatt and Devin had gotten quite close, but Maria didn’t seem to notice. She began mumbling incoherently, and Lily kept saying, “Everything’s going to be all right now, Maria. You’ll have all the money you need.”

  And then Lily asked again, “May I hold the boy?”

  It seemed that Maria’s mind became clearer, because she snapped, “When I get my money.”

  “Of course, dear,” Lily quickly replied. “I understand.”

  Maria’s garishly painted lips curled into a sneer. “You understand nothing, you never have, so stop lying to me and everyone else. You still think Ryan Fortune is going to marry you, and if you believe that, you would believe anything.”

  “Maria, he is going to marry me,” Lily said quietly. “We’re going to be married two days after Christmas. I sent you an invitation. You must have received it.”

  “Where did you send it?” Maria snarled. “You have no idea where I’ve been living, or how I’ve been living.” Her arms were getting tired—the boy was becoming heavy—and she transferred him to her other hip.

  Ryan walked in with a briefcase and set it on the carpet about four feet from Maria. “Here’s your money, Maria.”

  “Let me see it!” She became so excited that she let the boy slide to the floor while she knelt down and opened the briefcase.

  Lily quickly picked up the child as Claudia ran over to them. Wyatt and Devin made a dive for Maria and each grabbed one of her arms. Maria started screaming and tried to get loose, and Dr. Lucinda did her best to calm her down.

  “It’s Bryan, I know it is,” Claudia cried as she took the boy from Lily. “My baby. Oh, my baby is back.”

  The room was in turmoil. Everyone was upset, moving around and talking loudly. Gwen clung to Zane’s arm.

  “Is that little boy Bryan? Was Maria the kidnapper? I don’t understand all of this, Zane,” she told him in a tremulous voice.

  “I don’t think anyone does,” Zane said grimly. “Not yet, they don’t.”