The Secret Twin

by Catherine Mann

  At first Brea ground down her teeth. Thought back to her life with her adoptive parents. The way her adoptive mother would put a cool cloth on her head when she was sick, or would read the same books she did so they could discuss them. The way her adoptive father would take her with him to work on wiring projects to provide electricity to their small community. “They treated me as if they did.”

  Jack nodded. “Then I think we have to let it rest with the courts alone if we want a clean slate to reunite as a family.”

  She knew that couldn’t have been easy for her father to say. Because he had just as much—if not more—cause than her to be furious over what had happened, to want vengeance.

  She reached out to hug him. “Daddy...”

  He hauled her in for a bear hug that was so familiar, she couldn’t imagine how she’d ever forgotten it.

  “Brea, do you want to tell me what’s really been wrong these past two weeks? Because I’m a father of daughters. I recognize the red-eyes-and-ice-cream combo.”

  He tilted his head toward the open Moose Tracks container on the coffee table in her living room.

  With a watery sniffle, she angled back, swiping at her eyes. “I’ve made a mess of things with Ward.”

  The past two weeks had been so lonely without him. She’d missed the scent of him, the way he started the day off with a smile, by having a simple breakfast together, how he discussed business with her and genuinely valued her opinion. And right now she wished she could share this news with him.

  “You and he are really a couple?” her father asked in undisguised shock. “I thought you two were working some mutually beneficial deal.”

  “You knew?” she gasped.

  He winked. “I’m a damn good businessman.”

  “Well, it started out as something, um, logical, then became more. And now I’ve pushed him away.”

  “Then go get him,” her father said simply. “Understand, I love Jeannie every bit as much as I loved your mom. But while your mother was alive, nothing would have kept me from her if I thought there was a chance to reconcile.”

  And hearing the determination in his voice, she realized, fully, that he really had thought she was dead, along with her mother.

  She hadn’t been abandoned, or merely forgotten after a short search.

  She was loved.

  She was a Steele.

  And as long as there was hope, a Steele didn’t give up.

  Ward cracked his knuckles. A habit he’d picked up when he’d been a teenager. For the most part, he’d been able to kick it. But in moments of stress—before a big meeting or closing a deal—the habit resurfaced.

  Of all the times he cracked his knuckles as an adult, none seemed as intense as this time.

  He had a lot to lose.

  Everything to lose, in fact.

  But the lights were on him and he had to tamp down the habit. Play the part of CEO. And if he was lucky, a more important victory awaited him.

  As he continued his speech, his mind was hoping he could pull off the win of a lifetime with Brea. No company stockholders’ meeting could ever be as important as winning Brea back. He was nearing the end of his speech, which would close out the meeting, and he was coming to the most important part of his presentation.

  The general Board of Directors meeting was going as well as he had anticipated. As well as he had hoped for, really. Pleased stockholders in expensive business suits nodded along at Ward’s figures and charts.

  The meeting was being held on the top floor of the Steele building. It was set up as a dinner gathering, and the clink of silverware on plates around the boardroom table was subtle as he moved through his presentation. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, restless. A trickle of sweat gathered at the nape of his neck. Luckily his collar and suit jacket hid his unease.

  Looking out on the audience around the fully set dinner table, his gaze landed on Brea. Ward’s gaze took in every alluring detail of her, down to the way her silky black dress and cashmere sweater-jacket accented her curves in simple elegance. Even in the dimmed lighting of the boardroom, he couldn’t help but notice her beauty.

  But his feelings for her were about so much more than that. The depth of emotion, of love, he felt for her floored him.

  She caught him staring as she chewed her steak delicately. The Alaska Oil Barons, Inc., held the philosophy that business was made sweeter by food. A philosophy he agreed with. Breaking bread together had a way of putting people at ease. He quickly searched her face, trying to determine if the food had indeed eased something in Brea.

  He didn’t want to, but he tore his gaze from hers to look at the stockholders as he finished his speech. The meeting would be over, and his time to win Brea would begin.

  He clicked through the slides to a blank screen. “That concludes the business part of my presentation. I want to share some words that are more personal. I feel that’s important since we’ll all be working together for a long time to come.” He grinned. “At least I hope we will.”

  His remark brought the expected chuckle that helped him transition to the more personal note. “I have had the honor of spending time with Breanna Steele. Some of you may have heard we’ve been seeing each other. As I’ve come to know her these past weeks, I’ve discovered she’s an incredible woman of strength and brilliance. Like all the Steeles—and Mikkelsons. I have big shoes to fill around this place, and I look forward to the challenge.

  “Should you trust me?” he continued. “I’ve learned that trust is a cagey thing. It comes with time.” He held Brea’s gaze. She didn’t look away. Instead that electricity danced between them. For a moment he could pretend they were the only people in the room. “And I’m willing to put in the time, the hours, weeks—years, if need be—to make sure I’m your top choice, worthy of the faith you’ve put in me.”

  He took a breath before continuing, “Luckily I’ve got some top-notch role models around here in Jack and Jeannie.” He grinned. “And I’m not just saying that to suck up. They’re an admirable couple who’ve welcomed me into the Alaska Oil Barons, Inc., family.”

  With luck, he prayed they would welcome him into their real family, as well.

  He smiled as he stepped off the podium. Board members and shareholders alike clapped. Some clapped him on his back as he walked by. Others shook his hand, offering praise. With the confident gait he was known for, he strode right toward Brea.

  He leaned in and whispered into her ear, “Gargoyle.”

  She looked at him with wide eyes, before smiling. “You want to leave? Now? This is your party. Your welcome to the company. This is your everything.”

  She looked around the table at the chatter. Toward her father, who raised a glass of whiskey in their direction.

  “You are my everything,” he said. “Now let’s find somewhere private to talk.”

  She nodded, discarding her cloth napkin onto her chair. She took his hand, squeezing lightly, her eyes shiny with emotion and even a hint of tears. Her hand shook in his but she didn’t let go. A good sign as he led her toward the elevator to his penthouse apartment.

  The ride up was silent but filled with fire and magic. Just as it had been the first day they’d met. He led her across the wood floors to the bearskin rug by the already crackling fire.

  He planned to pull out all the stops for this, needing every ounce of charm to prove to her he was ready to risk his heart again, ready to be a part of a family again, not as a replacement, but as what came next, as where he belonged.

  He loved Brea. Truly. Deeply.

  They knelt together by the fire. Brea’s knee-length black dress showing her shapely calves. After a moment she tilted her head, curls framing her beautiful face. “Was it my imagination or were you sending me some incredible messages through your speech, in your eyes?”

  Clasping her hands, he rubbed his
thumbs along the insides of her wrists. “These past two weeks thinking I’d lost you have been hell.”

  She bit her lip. Swallowing. He saw the pain reflect in her eyes. “For me, too.”

  “You’ve worked your way into my heart.”

  She stared at him, speechless.

  “Why are you so surprised? I can’t imagine I’ve hidden how much you mean to me.”

  “I know we have chemistry...”

  He shook his head. Held her hands tighter, inching closer to her. “It’s much more than that for me. Brea, I’m in love with you.”

  Her mouth opened in an O-shape of surprise. Then her eyes welled with tears. “I’m so very glad to hear that. You mesmerized me the first time I saw you, and truly every time after that, with your brains as much as your body. Ward, I’m head over heels in love with you, too.”

  He spiked his fingers through her hair and guided her head closer for a kiss, one that sealed this moment, this first time they expressed their love for each other.

  “I’m so glad you broke into my office.”

  She laughed lightly before her face turned serious again. She clasped both of his hands, squeezing. “I shouldn’t have said those hurtful things to you. I understand how painful it was for you to lose your daughter. It was wrong of me to use that against you in an argument.”

  Ward swallowed. Needing to make sure Brea knew it was her that he wanted. Not her family. Not anyone else.

  She, by herself, was valuable to him. He’d been hurt before, but she was worth taking the risk again.

  “Do you really believe I’m using you and your family as a substitute for what I’ve lost with my stepdaughter?”

  She shook her head. The tears still welling in her eyes. “I see now that you’re drawn to me—and to them—because this is the kind of family life you want. And that’s not a bad thing. I also understand it must be scary for you to risk being a part of that again.”

  “It’s tough...very tough.” His chest tightened. But looking into Brea’s eyes, he knew this was right.

  “It’s not easy for men to admit to being afraid.”

  “True enough.” He gave her a wry smile and then stroked her face gently. “I’m sorry for what I said about you using me. There’s no way I—or anyone—can fathom all that you’ve been through.”

  “I do want my family back. But I also want you. Those two ‘wants’ are not tied to each other.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” So damn glad to have this second chance with her, he kissed her deeply, their breath mingling, their tongues mating.

  Brea whispered against his mouth. “I’ve been thinking about my future.”

  “Oh, really. I’d like to hear.” He kissed her neck softly, launching tingles throughout her.

  She ran her hands through his hair. “Royce and I talked in North Dakota about his research and my experiences living off-the-grid. We would like to explore ways we can make resources more accessible to those in far-flung regions.”

  “That sounds like a great idea, professionally and personally.” Ward rested his forehead against hers, breathing in the floral scent of her shampoo. Looking forward to being a part of her life for the rest of their days.

  “We have forever together,” she said, as if reading his thoughts. “I don’t want to keep you from your board meeting.”

  “I’ve met my obligations to them. Your family—”

  “Our family,” she corrected him.

  “You truly are an amazing woman. I hope you know that.”

  “You can feel free to tell me anytime you like.” She looped her arms around his neck.

  He angled her back onto the bearskin rug, already looking forward to making love to her thoroughly throughout the night. “I hope that means you intend to keep me around.”

  Her smile lit her eyes and his heart. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more than for our relationship to be real. Maybe I’ll even break into your office every day.”

  Epilogue

  Two years later

  Brea stirred the steaming pot in her kitchen, the scent of caribou stew taking her back to her childhood, in her grandmother’s kitchen, with a clear, happy memory.

  No panic. No fog. Just a joyful, simple connection to a happy part of her past that she held tight.

  The scents of bay leaf and garlic drifted in the light-filled kitchen of her own design, the skylight perfectly positioned to let her look up and see the stars as often as she wanted. It had been Ward’s idea when they had built the house just outside of Anchorage. This spot under the skylight was her place to breathe deep and take strength from the natural world, even as she was surrounded by the deep love of her big family.

  The Steeles.

  The Mikkelsons.

  And Ward.

  Brea met his gaze across the island as he entered the kitchen. He passed off Broderick and Glenna’s daughter, Fleur, to Alayna Mikkelson, who was home from college for winter break. The whole family had gathered in Brea and Ward’s home for a combination housewarming party and a viewing of the new episode of Alaska Uncharted, featuring Alaska Oil Barons, Inc.

  Their family.

  “That smells amazing.” Ward stepped behind her while she put the cover on the stew.

  “I have been tasting as I go, and I can promise you, it will be delicious.” She leaned into him while his arms wrapped around her, his hands resting on her stomach.

  “How are you feeling?” He kissed a spot beneath her ear, sending a thrill through her even now that they’d been married for a year. “I can take over and you can put your feet up.”

  “I’m feeling fantastic. And I can’t wait for dinner. I’ve been craving this dish all week.”

  He nuzzled her neck. “The twins must be hungry.”

  This week’s appointment with the obstetrician had shown a surprise—two babies. They hadn’t even told the family she was pregnant yet, so the news would be another cause for celebration tonight. They’d had fun planning their big reveal, finally deciding on a cake for dessert that had a gold topper with two porcelain infants.

  “It’s a good thing we’re telling the family tonight. I can’t wait to quiz Naomi about everything twin related that happened with her pregnancy.”

  She had recovered her own twin bond with her sister, a bond that would only strengthen as they raised their own twins.

  Brea was three months along. They’d waited until now to tell because they’d wanted to include Paisley in the celebration. With help from Felicity on how best to approach his ex-wife, Paisley’s mother had finally consented for Ward and Brea to have contact, from phone conversations to an occasional vacation. Paisley was here now for her school’s winter break, and Brea guessed she was having fun with all of her cousins.

  The last time Brea had looked into the great room, she’d seen Paisley in a corner, reading books, side by side with Conrad and Felicity’s daughter, Kylie, a teen they’d adopted last year. Seeing the two of them that way—happily reading while warm family chaos unfolded all around them—reminded Brea so much of Marshall.

  Another joyful memory.

  “Naomi is going to be thrilled. But so is everyone else,” Ward assured her as he drew her toward the family room, where the Alaska Uncharted episode was playing in the background.

  Jack and Jeannie held hands on the couch while Naomi’s girls entertained them with the new moves they’d learned in their baby-ballet class. Marshall and Tally came in the back door, stomping snow off their boots from a horseback ride with Conrad and Felicity.

  “Did we miss it?” Tally rushed into the living room. “I told them to hurry.”

  Tally was on winter break too, her college program in social work almost finished. She and Marshall were waiting to have children until she had her degree. The semester before, Tally, Aiden and Alayna had all ended up in the same
online history class—a popular local offering since the professor was an expert on native Alaskan tribes.

  Apparently Alayna and Aiden’s short-lived romance had ended without drama. Aiden seemed happy working in the oil fields while he took classes online, and Alayna was dating one of the company’s interns.

  Glenna was seated at the desk in the far corner of the room with her toddler son, watching the screen, where Shana’s and Chuck’s faces were visible. Their three children, siblings ranging from ages two to six, adopted at the same time, took turns pressing their noses close to the camera, waving excitedly as they caught sight of their cousins.

  Their blended family kept on blending and adding, but that seemed just right when they had so much love to give.

  All was right in Brea’s world.

  She exchanged looks with Ward, the man who had helped her find her family again, while keeping her sense of self. She liked to think she’d helped him find his family, too. He held her hand in his, his thumb stroking over her knuckles.

  “Happy?” she asked him while they surveyed the room of people coming and going.

  Before he could reply, Tally hurried over to draw Brea deeper into the room.

  “This is your part, Brea. Come see.”

  Brea let herself be pulled closer to the family even though she and Ward had already seen the Alaska Uncharted episode in a preview screening.

  Thomas Branch’s distinctive voice was narrating about the new Alaska Oil Barons, Inc., Energy Outreach initiative, the effort to bring energy innovations to off-the-grid communities. Brea worked on it with Royce and Delaney, but the online network for dispensing the information had been her brainchild. A path to connect her both lines of her past in a positive way. An overture toward the kinds of communities that helped nurture her when she’d been broken. They were still a part of her.

  “I’m so proud of you,” Ward whispered in her ear, reeling her closer to rub her shoulders.

  His touch warmed her all over and she felt the tingle of tears behind her eyes. The good kind, though. She’d fought so long and hard simply to find peace, that to discover this well of deep-seated happiness was an incredible bonus.