She wanted to look at Cameron and get his opinion. Her new round-the-clock protection. Who knew what that was going to look like? Yet if she agreed, she would be married. Married in name only, but it still meant no more flirting with or going on dates with Cameron.
“Please, Kayt. You know this isn’t for me. I’ve gone round and round it in my mind and with Larry. Even though I’m gifting you everything right now, they could try and fight it, but if you’re my wife and have my child, the new will should protect everything. Peter won’t want it coming out that he used your egg without your permission. He can’t risk it politically. The marriage is the right path and will protect you and the baby,” Jacob said, as decisive and in control as he always was.
Kaytlyn feared he was probably right, and she trusted Jacob more than she’d ever trusted anyone. For ten years he’d been training her and worked with her. He would never ask anything that wasn’t in her best interest. She knew it as surely as she knew her eyes were blue.
She could feel Cameron’s angst simmering next to her, but he didn’t say anything.
She looked into Jacob’s eyes, weary from the battle with cancer but still alight with intelligence and goodness. He’d spent his entire life working and accumulating funds so he could help others, and now it was her turn to take the cause forward. They both knew he wasn’t long for this world. Over three months ago, the doctors had given him weeks to live. Only his sheer determination and grit were keeping him alive. She’d be lost without him. If she agreed, she’d soon be a billionaire, a widow, and a single mother. She’d thought she was being a surrogate for Jessica and Peter. Everything had been flipped in the past half hour.
“I’ll do it,” she heard herself say. Her voice sounded like it was coming through a tunnel, and the entire moment felt surreal. She heard Cameron suck in a breath.
Jacob nodded. “You’re going to do amazing things, Kaytlyn. I trust you to raise our child to be exactly as good as you are.”
Our child. How she appreciated him assuming a responsibility that hadn’t been either of theirs, and making her feel so much less alone in the world. Kaytlyn felt tears stinging her eyes. This was crazy, but it felt right too, which maybe made it crazier. She gave Jacob a watery smile and then let herself look at Cameron. He was still standing, arms folded across his chest, brows knit together with concern. This man would protect her, but sadly they couldn’t be anything more.
The situation reminded her of King Arthur, Lady Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot, but this was no legend and their battle was against two of the most underhanded people Kaytlyn knew. She’d always suspected as much of Peter, but to know Jessica now hated her and was motivated only by money and power hurt deeply.
Her eyes traveled over Cameron’s strong form. He could easily protect her physically, but this fight was going to be emotional, sneaky, and dirty, and it would be fought in the courts.
Her life had changed four weeks ago when she’d become pregnant with her friend’s baby, well former friend. This was another life-changing moment, and a lot of responsibility, but she felt equal to the task. She prayed she could truly do amazing things and raise her child to be even better than she and Jacob could imagine. Her child. So exciting and scary. The vision she saw right now showed her doing it alone, but at least the child would have a father and a legacy to fulfill.
Cameron’s large frame overshadowed her and brought some comfort and reassurance. She had a protector and an ally, but that was all he could be, and from the look in his eyes, he knew it as well as she did.
Chapter Four
Cameron Bodily paced next to Jacob Tarbet’s bedside. Twenty minutes ago, Cameron had been handed a gift he’d been craving for two years: a date with the angelically beautiful, smart, witty, loyal, kind … He could list complimentary adjectives for Kaytlyn Klein all day long. He’d been falling for her and working up the nerve to ask her out. She was his boss every bit as much as Jacob was, and he didn’t want to step over any lines. She’d taken that worry out of the equation, teasing with him and agreeing to go out tonight.
Then they’d walked into Jacob’s room, and such innocence as a date with his perfect woman was shattered. Jacob had asked Kaytlyn to wait in the office at the bottom of the stairs for Cameron. She’d have plenty of work to do, as she always did, and she was safe with the staff and security all in place at the high-functioning thirty-thousand-square-foot mansion, nestled at the base of the mountain in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Jacob let Cameron pace, not saying anything. Obviously, Jacob knew how upset Cameron was and how much he disagreed with this course of action. Disagreed wasn’t a strong enough word. Jacob was right that this might be the only way to protect his charity, businesses, properties, and money from his scheming daughter and son-in-law, but it wasn’t fair to expect this of Kaytlyn. Too much had already been asked of her. She was carrying Peter and Jessica’s baby? Possibly her own baby? His emotions were all over the place. If he saw Peter he might tear the man apart with his bare hands.
“How could you?” Cameron blurted as he rounded on the man he respected as much as he did his own father, his military brothers, and Sutton Smith. “How could you ask it of her?”
Jacob splayed his hands; his dark eyes were somber. “I’ve been praying and stewing about this most of the night, son. I was so low. I mean, I’ve seen how crafty, explosive, and selfish Jessica could be, worried about it throughout the years—especially when she married Peter, who’s obviously a politician and would lie to his own mother. But to hear it from her own lips, that she would destroy everything, destroy Kaytlyn, that she hated Kaytlyn. Kaytlyn who’s done so much for her, was willing to carry her child.” He shook his head. “I still can’t believe all the things she said. She was obviously out of control, but it was almost as if she really wanted me to hear them, had wanted to say them to me and Kaytlyn for years.
“It’s been awful to have to admit to myself …” His voice dropped. “That I’ve failed and my daughter is a monster. It wasn’t enough to just change the will. I can’t risk any of it falling into Peter’s hands. I’m not trying to excuse my daughter but he’s changed her, and not for the better. Kaytlyn has to be married to me, and I have to claim her baby is mine to protect the child from Peter. But I’m doing all of this for her and for the people she helps, protects, and lifts. Do you think I came by this plan easily?”
Cameron pressed his lips together, and his jaw hurt from clenching it. “No. I know how deliberate and conscientious you are, but Kaytlyn …” Cameron had thought he’d never love again when he’d lost his college girlfriend in a car rollover ten years ago. Maybe he shouldn’t even think the word love with Kaytlyn—more respect, desire, friendship—yet he could let his mind go to love, and it did. He held himself in check around her only because of years of military training.
“I believe Jessica was telling the truth about the baby,” Jacob said, interrupting his thoughts. “That it’s really Kaytlyn’s.” He shook his head. “I wanted to advise Kaytlyn against being their surrogate but how could I do that to my own daughter? Peter is such a snake and I’ve seen the way he leers at Kaytlyn. It made me mad for Jessica’s sake. Especially now I know the man has cheated on Jessica multiple times. I think the man got his sick wish of having Kaytlyn be the mother of his child.”
“I’ll kill him,” Cameron seethed, and he meant it.
“You might get the chance.” Jacob studied him. “This is going to be a rough path, fighting Peter and Jessica. Kaytlyn’s going to need you, but she’s strong … unbelievably strong.”
Cameron knew how strong she was, but he hoped that she might truly need him. He’d be there for her, any way he could.
“I know,” Jacob commiserated. “I hate what she’s going through with Jessica’s betrayal and Peter’s manipulation. She’s a special angel, isn’t she?”
Cameron nodded shortly. That was one way of phrasing it. She was perfect to him, and Peter had taken advantage of her kindness. Somehow Cameron would make
the man pay.
“You do realize Protect the Young is Kaytlyn’s brainchild and she’s done most of the work?”
Another nod. Cameron knew how smart and charitably minded she was, having observed her and Jacob far too closely the past two years as they worked, dreamed, and implemented together. He knew their relationship was platonic, but he’d been jealous of that closeness. If he was honest, the main thing bugging him right now was that he wanted Kaytlyn for himself.
“And you realize Peter could destroy all of that? Pull the funding from the children and mothers who need it so badly?”
Cameron pushed out a heavy breath and sank into the chair next to Jacob’s bed. “But marrying Kaytlyn and you pretending the baby is yours? You believe this idea is bulletproof? That Peter and Jessica can’t come after her?” Kaytlyn would have a huge target on her back, and not just for being a gorgeous billionaire. Cameron wouldn’t put it past Jessica and Peter to try to take her out. They’d struck him as two-faced almost every time he’d been around them. He felt bad that Jacob had to face the truth, but at the same time, it was good it had been uncovered.
“Legally, I think we’ll be covered, but it hit me early this morning. I’m afraid Peter, and Jessica, can stoop pretty low. I don’t want anyone to hurt Kaytlyn.” He winced as he said it, and Cameron understood how sickening it was to think of Kaytlyn being hurt. He also had a brief insight into the betrayal Jacob was going through, with his child going against everything he believed in and had worked so hard for. “That’s why I’ve hired you to never leave Kaytlyn’s side.”
Cameron passed a hand over his face. “You do realize how hard it will be for me to be close to her but … not?”
Jacob stared deeply into his eyes. “I’ve noticed. Of course I have. You know how deep her beauty is, how impressive she is. You want her to be yours more than you’ve ever wanted anything in this world.”
Cameron’s eyes widened. He thought he’d behaved above reproach regarding Kaytlyn. “How did you get all of that from a few wayward glances?”
Jacob smirked. “I’m dying, but I’m not dead yet.”
“We set up a date for tonight, before …”
“I’m sorry, son. I’ve messed up your plans. You’re going to have to put them on hold.” Jacob cleared his throat, shifted on the bed, and said, “Do you trust me?”
Cameron’s back straightened. “Yes, sir.”
“How much?”
“As much as any person I know.” There was no deception or guile with Jacob. He was the best person Cameron had ever been around, besides Kaytlyn. That was partly why this idea was so shocking and hard to wrap his mind around. The Jacob he knew and respected would never ask for anything selfish or unethical. Not that this marriage was unethical, but if they didn’t consummate it, thank heavens, was it really a marriage?
“Please trust that this is for Kaytlyn. To protect her baby and her foundation. Also to try to keep Peter out of office. This scheme isn’t an old man wanting to parade around a hot young wife, or me fulfilling some fantasies by being married to the most amazing woman I know.”
Cameron met his gaze evenly. Jacob was taking Kaytlyn’s baby as his own. It was a noble move, one Cameron honestly wished he could do, but he knew his role. He was the soldier. “I believe you.”
Jacob sighed. “And if you trust me, I need you to promise me something.”
Cameron had already promised to protect Kaytlyn night and day. If only that meant he could truly be with her … but with her married to Jacob, he’d have to bury his desire for her deep. Even if it was only a marriage in name, it was still a marriage. “Anything, sir.” No matter how upset he was with what was happening and had happened to Kaytlyn, he would be loyal to her and Jacob.
“Keep yourself in control, son. Don’t act on the desire and love you have for Kaytlyn.”
“Of course I will stay in control.” He was offended at the suggestion. “You’ll be married to her, sir.”
Jacob looked at him with a wizened glance. “We both know I’m not long for this world. When I pass, you’ll still need to stay strong.”
Cameron froze. He blinked a couple of times and said, “I’m not going to be waiting around for you to die so I can pursue her, sir.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you did. But she’s going to need some time and lots of patience. Jessica’s betrayal has already changed her. The baby will change her as well, especially if it’s truly hers. I hired you to be with her night and day for more than just physical protection. I feel you’re the man that can be there for her, but you have to take it slow. Let it be on her terms. Put her needs before your own.”
Cameron understood what Jacob was saying. If he cared for Kaytlyn, he’d need to be in this for the long haul. He nodded decisively and extended his hand.
Jacob shook it—not with the strength he’d used two years ago when Cameron was first hired on to protect the man, but there was still firmness in the grip. “You’re a great man, Cameron Bodily. I’m trusting you with so much. Thank you for being worthy of that trust.”
Cameron’s throat tightened. He wanted to be the man Jacob thought he was, the man his mother and father had always inspired him to be. “Thank you, sir.”
Tiredly, Jacob released his hand and waved toward the door. “Go, keep Kayt safe.”
Once Cameron had closed the door behind him, he leaned against it and closed his eyes in a brief prayer. Help me be strong, Lord. In so many ways. He’d always been strong physically, but emotionally he’d broken when Lori had died. He didn’t want to go back there, ever. Yet he felt like Kaytlyn meant more to him already than anyone ever had, and the angelic woman was dealing with so much.
“Cameron?” Kaytlyn’s soft voice and her smooth fingers on his arm jerked him away from the door and out of any thoughts of prayer.
He stared down at her. Jacob was right: she did have the face of an angel. She was perfectly beautiful with fine-boned features, smooth skin, beguiling blue eyes, and the most perfect rosebud lips. There was such sweetness and kindness in her countenance. How had Peter and Jessica taken advantage of her like this? His promise to Jacob swirled around them. Cameron would protect her, even if that meant protecting her from himself.
“Are you okay?” she asked sweetly.
“Am I okay?” Cameron pushed out a groan. “I’m not the one anyone is concerned about at the moment.”
She smiled. “I’m concerned. You’ve given up the foreseeable future … to protect me.”
“It’s worth it,” he said swiftly and maybe too forcefully.
Her entire countenance was so full of trust and love, he found his hand lifting toward her face. He wanted to just touch the smooth cheek, have her lean into his palm. Those beautiful eyes filled with trust and love for him. Was he seeing this right? She’d been through something horrible and was now agreeing to take on the responsibility of Jacob’s businesses, in addition to her future child, and do it all while fighting Jessica and Peter. This woman was incredible, and she seemed to care for him as much as he did for her.
His hand cupped her cheek, and she softly leaned into him. His voice felt gravelly as he forced out the words. “I’m sorry about all of this.” He tilted his head toward her abdomen. “Peter and Jessica tricking you.”
Kaytlyn straightened away from his hand. He didn’t blame her, but oh, how he wished he could comfort her and take her pain away. She put her hands protectively over her abdomen. “I’m going to protect my baby.”
Cameron’s admiration for her shot through the roof. “And I’m going to protect you.”
Kaytlyn bit at her lip but gave him a grateful nod.
“I will never let anyone hurt you or your baby.”
She studied him for a few beats and then nodded. “I believe you.”
Cameron had sworn to protect her for as long as she needed. He’d never felt any pledge more deeply.
“I guess this means no date tonight,” she said softly.
“I guess you’r
e right.” He wondered if a time would come when he could date her. Not now, not with all she was dealing with.
“This is going to be hard for you,” she guessed.
“You have no idea.” Cameron shook his head, disgusted with himself. That was nothing he should be admitting to. She was all that mattered, not his desire to be there for her in every way or how much he cared for her. His focus was on helping and protecting her. His spine straightened, and he knew this job would take as much strength as any job he’d had in the military. “I’ll be fine,” he said. “All that matters is protecting you.”
She stared at him as if trying to see past his military veneer into his heart. Maybe someday he could allow that. Not today. Not in the foreseeable future. He’d give up anything to be close to her, to protect her, but he would honor her marriage to Jacob and he would honor the instruction Jacob had given. Even after their friend and boss passed, Cameron would be strong until the time was right. He sure hoped Jacob would come back as an angel and inform him when that time was, because as much as Cameron wanted to be close to Kaytlyn, he feared Jacob wouldn’t even be cold in the ground before he made a play for her heart. That was horrible to even think, so he forced it away.
Kaytlyn finally stepped back, and a professional shutter went over her blue gaze. She was sweetness personified, but she could be tough when she needed to be. “I’ll be in my office.”
She spun on her heel and walked away. Cameron followed.
They got down the grand staircase and went across the foyer toward the large office off the entryway. The windows stretched from floor to third-story ceiling, and they were framed with wood timbers in the foyer. Though the four-story mansion was sprawling and massive, it had a warm, cozy feel with all the wood and a distinctive Sun Valley flair.
Kaytlyn whirled on him, placing a hand on her hip and tossing her long blond hair. “Does guarding me night and day mean you’re my shadow now?”
The Strong Family Romance Collection Page 18
