My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1)

by Jackie Castle

  Mom draped her arm over Elisa’s shoulder. “Each of us has put a five-thousand-dollar investment into your start-up account. We know you’ll need to hire a couple of employees and it’ll be a couple of months before you start earning an income, so we wanted to help you out.”

  Tears began to fall. “I can’t…this is…. Thank you all so much.” She went around the room, hugging everyone. With the connections she made from Duncan’s party, she had a fair start on building a stable clientele. “This is so great. I can’t wait to get started.” She planned to officially launch her new business venture as an event planner after the New Year.

  She couldn’t wait to tell Duncan about her wonderful gifts.

  * * * *

  “How’s the leg, bro?” Jeremy asked as he and Duncan piled into Suzette’s convertible Porsche. They’d all bundled up in their warmest coats. The sun was shining brightly, and Suzette wanted to drive with the top down, despite the cold temperatures.

  “Better and better every day. Please tell me that we aren’t going very far?” He asked, pulling his hood over his head and hoping it would stay. “We could have taken the Hummer.”

  “The roads are fine, Dumkins. You settled in back there, Jere-bear?”

  “Yep. If Colt and his girls had actually come, we would have never all fit in this thing.”

  Duncan had really hoped his oldest brother could have made it home, but an unexpected storm had caused Colton to have to detour and not make port soon enough to catch his flight. They had been able to connect by video chat so they could discuss a couple of things Duncan wanted to get his sibling’s opinions on.

  Everyone agreed that the house needed to stay in the family. A remodel was in order. He would arrange to have someone take care of that.

  Colton promised to try harder to make it home for Easter, as the girls were missing their uncles and aunt.

  Suzette looked over toward the empty little cottage where the House Managers lived. “I’m so glad you came up with the idea of sending those dears on an exclusive Alaskan cruise. Sam was so excited, I’ve never seen him so giddy.”

  “Margaret was actually dancing around the living room.” Duncan chuckled and tucked his cane between the seat and passenger door. “Where are we going?”

  “I told you. We’re going out for dinner. Get comfortable, it’s a bit of a drive.”

  They only made it about ten miles before putting the top back up. Suzette plastered Jeremy with question after question about how he liked working at Father’s investment bank. She wanted to know if he’d met anyone and all manner of personal questions that usually left their younger brother bristling. Finally, after forty-five minutes of it, he said, “Why aren’t you picking on Duncs? He’s sitting right there beside you. I’d hoped to catch a nap back here in peace.”

  Suzette laughed. “I’ve already drilled Dumkins. And I know he’s in love and has found a sweetie-pie of a girl. It’s you who’ve I’ve lost touch with. Since Colt isn’t here for me to pester, that leaves you.”

  Jeremy patted Duncan’s shoulder. “I’ve been thinking, and I believe Dad would agree to you selling the stores. I think your idea about making exclusive jewelry is brilliant. Everyone is either taking their business online or finding ways to personalize what they make. People want something that has meaning. Have you found a buyer yet?”

  “Yes, but I’m not selling to McAlan. I found out that he wants to shut them down so there’s less competition for his shops. I’ve invited the best designers to stay with me.” He checked the direction Suzette was driving and it wasn’t toward any town where they would be able to get a meal. None of them wanted to bother with cooking, so they’d opted to go out to eat. Suzette said she had the perfect place in mind, but it would require a bit of travel time.

  “Anyway, I’m keeping the west coast store and the one in New York. I have a couple of people who have been working in the stores that are interested in buying them from me.”

  Suzette pulled into the private airport and stopped beside the Grimwood hanger. “It’ll work out. Daddy didn’t say how much we had to make in profit, so long as we end up with more than what we started with. I think the important thing was that we found something useful to do with our lives.”

  “I’m not worried about my financial future at all,” Jeremy said. “What are we doing here?”

  She opened her door and pushed the seat forward to let Jeremy out. “Going to get dinner. We’ll take your plane since it’s recently been fueled.”

  Duncan got out as well. “Just where are we going?”

  * * * *

  “Mom, are we expecting guests? Why are there so many table settings?” Elisa asked as she helped her nieces set the table.

  Mom waved her away, taking the plates from her hands. “We always invite someone who has nowhere else to celebrate Christmas to join us for dinner. Now you need to go get dressed. Enough of your lounging around.”

  “Who did you invite this year?” Elisa was asking while being gently shoved toward the hall.

  “Get dressed, and you’ll see. Now go, go. Time’s wasting.”

  Elisa went to her childhood bedroom where there were still posters of her favorite boy bands hanging on the wall. She put on a simple red dress with a white scarf and pearl earrings. She checked her phone to see if Duncan had called or sent a text. He’d said that he was unsure what his family would be doing, but would call as soon as he could. She missed him and wished she could introduce him to her parents.

  He’d become so important to her. His assistant had handed Elisa a stack of business cards the day after Duncan’s party. Kelly had spent the party passing out her cards to whoever made a comment on the decorations. Barbara went behind her letting people know who was really behind the festive atmosphere.

  Now her family wanted to invest in her new business. She could have spent all afternoon in tears from the love and support everyone had given her.

  By the time she came back out, the table was set and the food was being placed on the buffet. The doorbell rang. Mom called out, “There are our guests!”

  Belinda offered to answer it. Elisa didn’t argue, her sister was better at welcoming strangers in.

  A screech of recognition sent chills down Elisa’s back. The children stopped what they were doing to look toward the front door where Belinda was hugging a dark-haired woman. “Oh, hello, hello!” greeted their guest. “I’m so pleased to see you again, darling Belinda. Where’s our baby girl? I’ve brought a special gift for her.”

  Suzette?

  “No way.” Elisa hurried around the corner to find that indeed, Suzette stood in their foyer along with two men. The youngest one, who looked a lot like Suzette, glanced around a little nervously. The second man was closing the front door before he turned and caught Elisa’s eyes.

  “Duncan,” she gasped.

  “Merry Christmas,” he said, holding out his arms.

  Elisa ran to him, so happy that he was there in her family’s living room that she boldly kissed him right there in front of everyone. Matt gave a whistle. John covered his children’s eyes and laughed.

  Pulling back, her face aflame, Elisa hugged Suzette next, thanking her profusely for coming.

  “Seeing your reaction makes it totally worth it, babe.” She kissed Elisa’s cheek, then introduced her to the youngest Grimwood, Jeremy. He was handsome and much more mature than the picture she’d seen at the manor. He gracefully took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “I’m honored to meet you, Elisa. I’ve heard so many good things about you.”

  Elisa looked at the group, brows furrowed. “Isn’t there one more brother?”

  The three of them gave each other a curious look before Suzette said, “Colt couldn’t make it this time.”

  “Well, I can’t believe you are all here. Please come in.” She grabbed Duncan’s hand and pulled him toward the dining room. “I want to introduce you to my—”

  “Welcome,” Mom was saying, entering the foyer alo
ng with Dad. After introductions all around and collecting jackets, Elisa’s parents turned their attention to Duncan. Mom hugged him as if he were already one of her own. Dad shook his hand, then his brother’s. Soon, everyone was sitting around the festive dining room table.

  Elisa kept hold of Duncan’s hand under the table, unable to let him go. Part of her feared this was just a dream and she’d wake up too soon.

  Dad said the prayer, asking for a special blessing on their guests and on Elisa’s new business venture. As they ate, the Grimwoods seemed to feel right at home. Duncan especially was pleased that he wasn’t forced to eat at a cafe for Christmas. He winked at his sister, “This has been an excellent gift, Suze, thanks for organizing it.” He squeezed Elisa’s hand. “Were you in on it, Jeremy?”

  The younger brother simply smiled and said, “I was promised an excellent meal, and as usual, our sister didn’t lie. Thank you all for having us. We let the staff off to enjoy their holidays and realized none of us really know much about cooking at all.”

  “Duncan can hold his own,” Elisa bragged. “But yes, he does need help. And he’s never been too proud to admit it.”

  The look he gave her made her heart melt.

  After dinner was cleaned up, the kids went outside along with Suzette and Jeremy to play on the sleds. Matt, being the stoic lawyer, watched and took pictures. He was getting along well with Jeremy. Elisa was glad to see the two families meshing so well.

  “Dumkins,” Suzette said, pulling a sled with two giggling children behind her. “It’s too bad your poor leg is still healing. Remember how we used to do this every winter when we were children?” She smiled at Elisa’s nieces. “We need more children in our lives.” Her suggestive wink had Duncan’s face blazing red. “Are you going to give our girl her present?”

  Duncan shook his head. “I didn’t bring it. You didn’t tell me this is where we were going, remember?”

  Suzette sent a look at the younger brother. “My bag, Jere-bear. That’s where I put it. Would you be so kind?”

  Elisa’s eyes widened. “You got me a gift? I thought we’d said—”

  “We agreed to no extravagant Christmas gifts. This isn’t a Christmas gift. It’s a…gift, gift. A thank you gift.”

  She folded her arms over her chest, narrowing her eyes at him. Jeremy brought a brightly wrapped box and handed it to Duncan.

  Elisa accused, “That looks like Christmas wrap.”

  “It was all I had.” He handed her the box but didn’t let it go when she took it in her hands. “You inspired me, Elisa Lucken. You encouraged me to look at life with new eyes. And to remind me that life is a gift from God, and He is the master craftsman. I’ll never create anything as wonderful as He has, and I don’t have to.” He released the box. “This is my thank you for opening my heart again.”

  She lifted the lid of the box to find a necklace like the one she’d drawn in his study when they brainstormed ideas. It was so intricately made. Silver and blue beaded strands wove around snowflakes made from… “Oh my, those are not diamonds, are they? And the blue stones?”

  He shrugged. “I used what I had laying around. May I?” He lifted the necklace out of the box. “There are earrings that match, but I’m not finished with them yet. Or the ring. But I did want you to have this.”

  After he put it on, Elisa moved to the window where she could see her dim reflection. It sat perfectly at the bottom of her neck. “But, I didn’t get you any—”

  He turned her around to face him again. “Yes, you did. Because of you, I have an enthusiasm for life again. You’ve given me hope and a desire to do better. From now on, I intend to give the tabloids only good stories to report, instead of bad.” He laughed, cupping her face in his hands. “I know it’s early to be saying that I love you, but I truly do. Very much, Elisa Lucken.”

  Elisa worried that her tears would freeze on her cheeks. But he quickly kissed them away. “I love you, too. And you’re not the only one whose life has changed for the better. I can’t wait to see what happens next.” She kissed him back.

  Everyone groaned and walked off, leaving the couple to themselves. Elisa didn’t mind at all.

  One Year Later

  Drifting snow was falling by the time they reached the mountain resort where Duncan had booked a weekend getaway with Elisa. They had officially been a couple for one year now.

  The Manor was currently under remodeling construction, so he’d decided to spend this special milestone somewhere his family had always enjoyed vacationing together: Sky-High Ski Resort.

  “It’s beautiful!” Elisa exclaimed. “Are you sure that you’re up for skiing?”

  He patted his left leg. “Yep, it’s as strong as it ever was. I’ve behaved and been dedicated to following through on my exercises.” He’d not even needed a trainer for some time and had lost the cane before summer. “And I’ve been looking forward to getting back on the slopes. It was my carrot on a stick.”

  Elisa gave him one of her beautiful smiles. “Well, although I’m ready to hit the slopes, too, I was looking forward to having a reason to snuggle with you in front of a fire.”

  “There will be time for that, love. We’ll be here all through the Christmas holiday. You’ll still get to do some shopping. You’ll love the shops here in town. I hope you’re okay about not spending the weekend at your family cabin in Michigan.”

  She gave a shrug. “They all seemed fine about me not being there. Honestly, my feelings are a little hurt. They didn’t even seem to care at all.”

  Duncan focused his gaze on the snow-covered road ahead. The Hummer that he’d rented handled the roads like they were on dry ground. He bit at his upper lip to keep the smile bubbling up in check.

  Once they reached the private two-story cabin that he’d booked for them, Elisa’s mouth dropped open. “That’s huge. Why do we need all that space?”

  He shrugged and quickly opened the door to get out. “It was the only one available. Let’s get inside where it’s warm. I’ll grab our bags.” When he went around to the back, she was waiting for him and grabbed the smaller cases while he took the larger ones.

  The inside was already warm and lit up. He’d ordered a basket of fruits and a bottle of champagne. When they entered, he set their cases next to the stairs. “Let’s leave those there for now. Come on over here.” He went to the breakfast bar and opened the bottle, pouring them both a half glass.

  “Are we the only ones here?” Elisa asked, pulling off her jacket and hanging it on the coat tree. “The lights are on and so is the heater. It seems like someone’s already been here.” Her gaze traveled around the sunk-in living room where a toy car lay on its side beside the door leading to the downstairs bedrooms.

  His eyes widened, and he quickly diverted her attention by handing her a glass. “Let’s go over here. The view from the balcony is amazing.” He slid his arm around her and directed her toward the bright nook where the evening sunset casts it last glows through the tall windows overlooking the mountain ranges. When he looked back, wondering how to get rid of the toy, it was gone. He rolled his eyes and let out a long breath.

  Frost covered the edges of the glass pane, and she was immediately drawn to the intricate patterns, just as she’d done a year ago as they’d stood in a similar spot watching another sun set behind the hills.

  “So beautiful,” she sighed, sipping the bubbly drink.

  “Sure is,” he whispered, coming up behind her and wrapping his free arm around her waist.

  She smiled. “I really should take my bags upstairs. And I shouldn’t drink too much of this before I’ve had something to eat. I don’t need it going to my head.”

  He set his glass on the table and reached into the pocket of his overcoat. “There’s something I want to talk to you about before we get too settled in.”

  Elisa leaned against the window as she watched him with a look of concern. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

  “Our futures.” He held up the box betwe
en them. “It seems kind of cliche to get down on one knee, besides, I want to see your face up close. I finally finished the last piece of your snowflake set, but I made a few, um, revisions.” He’d given her the matching earrings for her birthday back in February when they’d celebrated Valentines in Times Square.

  “Duncan? Now, what have you done?”

  He also leaned against the window and held up the box. “I’ve gone and set this whole weekend up so that I could ask if you’d be my wife. Elisa, will you marry me?” He flipped up the lid to show her the ring. The setting was a snowflake that also looked like a flower with the surrounding flourishes. The silver band was adorned with a line of tiny pearls. In the middle of the snowflake sat a round, blue diamond.

  She set her glass down, then covered her mouth with her hands. Tears gathered along her bottom lashes. “You made this, didn’t you?”

  He nodded and removed it from the box. “I put all my love into every small detail. What do you think?”

  A tear escaped and he could tell she was fighting back the urge to cry. Her head nodded and she swallowed hard before managing to say, “Yes. Yes, it’s…there are no words. And yes, I’ll marry you. Of course, I will.”

  He tried slipping the ring on her finger, but she was already kissing him and pulling him into her arms. “I love you. So much.”

  Duncan returned her kiss but held back a little. They weren’t alone. He’d told everyone to go into town until he called them, but evidently, they’d not listened. “I love you, too. And I have one more sur—”

  Doors upstairs and around the living room burst open as people flocked out, shouting and clapping and demanding to see that ring.