Now that John could hear, she screamed, "Who was that?"
John motioned with his finger for Alice to stay quiet as he used his cell phone to text someone. She was so dizzy that she couldn't form a sentence.
Then Smith caused both of them to freeze as he said, "Alice, your mom is coming with me as insurance that I get to the airport."
The front door of the main house opened and the police, Victoria, Peter, and Jennifer followed. "Where is my dad?"
Smith's inhale reverberated in the air with a ring. "You have a dad that lives here?"
Colt and Clara were also there, unless he went to the beach condo. Alice held her tongue, not wanting to give away her family to Smith. Officer Soliz and the others stayed behind her, though it was obvious that they rushed around to do something.
Her stomach clenched and her vision blurred. She closed her eyes and rocked on her feet. At any moment her father might walk in and then this would get so much worse. Her dad had a heart issue. "Oh, God."
John texted Colt. She grabbed his arm to keep him next to her, as she saw the name on her screen.
With her hands shaking, she begged into the phone, "Please leave my family alone."
Smith sighed. "I will. Tell your mom to get in the car."
No. This was wrong. She rubbed her forehead and tried to loosen her tight shoulders. "The police arrested Serena. Now is the time for you to run."
Then gunshots echoed in the house. Black spots danced before her eyes and her pulse rushed. The phone turned off as Mom screamed.
Alice trembled and the world became black even as there was a swarm of activity around her. John's arm around her waist was the only warmth she felt as he picked her up and rushed her toward his car. Alice needed her mom and in the end the arguing never mattered.
Chapter 33
Palm trees flashed by her car window and she focused on the yellow line of the road. Alice's nerves were raw. She flinched as the yellow line disappeared and the paved road turned rocky. The farm. Strawberries scented the air, and her muscles tensed.
The police sirens behind them did nothing to help her tension. As John stopped the car in front of her old house, she fought off the image of her parents dead on the floor. They had to be fine.
A moment later, her mother ran out of the front door and threw her arms around her. "Alice."
Her mother hugged her hard. "Mom."
John placed his hand on her lower spine. "Are you okay, Mrs. Collins?"
Her mother pulled away, but she kept their hands locked together. "Yes. No. Colt has that man tied up in the kitchen."
Alice stayed near John so she could smell his woodsy scent. "How is Dad?"
Her mother brushed her hair out of her face. "He's grateful you weren't here. I took Clara to our neighbors until this is over."
Alice folded her fingers over her mothers. "Good idea. Can we go in?"
Her mother lifted her hand and let the diamond shine in the sunshine. "What is this you're wearing?"
Alice took her hand away from her mother. "Mom, John and I are getting married."
Her mother's face went white. "The man wanted to kill us because of John. Now you're marrying him?"
Alice stood next to John and nodded. "It's not a question. It's a fact, Mom."
Tears formed on her mother's face, but then she reached out and hugged John too. John seemed baffled as he reached one hand around to hug her.
Ellie pulled away, but then raised her hand and finger. "Fine. John, if you hurt my daughter…."
John lowered his head. "I won't."
Her mother continued with her finger in the air. "Then keep her safe."
Alice pressed her lips together. She'd not scold him more. "Mom."
Ellie stepped to the side and pointed to the door. "Fine. Let's go inside." She then pushed her way between them and took both their arms and looped herself with them. "John, where is your family?"
John held the door for them. "Vicki wanted to stay at home in case we needed logistics. Peter is coming now."
Alice tilted her head and tried to see John. "Without Jennifer?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Did you want her?"
She'd find a way to thank Jennifer later, but right now Alice had everyone she needed. "No."
More cars parked on the dirt lot by the farmhouse and John let her mother's arm go. He waited and held the door open for his brother and Officer Soliz. A moment later, Peter came through the door with papers in his hands. Soliz walked over to Smith. John rubbed Alice's arm, but then followed Soliz. His years of FBI training instilled the law in him.
Peter went to her parents and handed them a few sheets of paper. Curious as to what made her dad smile, Alice joined them and heard, "This contract is fair."
A noise escaped her throat. "Contract?"
Peter nodded, though he stared at John who spoke with Colt and Special Agent Smith chained to a chair. "We've done business together for a decade, and now that you're marrying my brother, I figured we should ensure both of our sides stay happy."
Alice rubbed her neck. "But you said…."
Peter nodded and turned toward her, away from her parents. "I thought you hurt my brother at the funeral. Don't hold that against me."
Her mother walked away in a huff. Alice stood next to her father and shook her head. "I'm still confused."
John's hand on her back sent a warm spark through her. He studied the papers. "What's happening?"
None of this mattered. Now that she was to marry John, her life was perfect. She crossed her fingers and hoped he agreed. "Peter just renewed the contract for the farm."
Her father folded the papers. "This looks excellent, but we'll have to talk it over with Colt."
John's eyes held a sparkle though she saw both surprise and confusion. She used her thumbs to massage her wrist as he said, "That's amazing. Everything worked out."
Her stomach hardened for a moment as she reached for John's arm. "John, you offered…."
With those dimples back on his cheeks, he gave her a smile. "I still need your help with the rest of my life and where I should spend my money. You're not getting off the hook."
A huge sigh escaped her mouth. Everyone else blurred in the background as she threw her arms around John. "Deal."
He hugged her and kept her close. "I love you."
As she stepped out of his embrace, she took her dad's hand. Her mother came back toward them as Alice had John shake her father's hand. "Welcome to our family, Mr. Morgan. I hope you grow to like family."
Peter added, "There is always a job at Morgan Enterprises for my brother."
John nodded his acknowledgment and shook her father's hand. "Alice gets her eye color from you."
Her father placed his hand on her mother's back and kept her close. "Yes, she does."
John turned toward her and squeezed Alice's hand. "Thanks to you, I see what the point of a family is."
With time, her mother would accept John. The rest of the world would sort itself out.
Chapter 34
A few weeks later….
Alice stared at the stick in the bathroom one more time. Adrenaline pumped through her veins. The image of a family with John played in her head. She fanned herself, turned on the bedroom light, and jumped on the bed.
John turned toward her, but his eyes were still closed. "What time is it?"
With one glance outside, the morning sun shone. It was probably just after five AM. His arms wrapped around her waist, but he otherwise didn't stir from the bed.
This couldn't wait. A giggle escaped her lips as she shook him. "John, there is something I have to tell you."
As her hands trembled, he sat up, took her hand, and rubbed his head. "What?"
A lightness grew in her chest. A huge grin grew as she said, "I'm pregnant."
His mouth fell open and he froze with his hand still on his head. "What?"
The bed bounced as she threw her arms around him. "I said I'm pregnant."
His arms
wrapped around her waist and he hugged her. "I can't believe it."
A breathless joy settled in her as his entire face beamed as he stared at her. He lifted her legs off the floor and had her lie down where he was. "I'll call for a doctor's appointment as soon as the office opens. Let's not tell anyone until then."
He kissed her forehead and lifted the blankets back above her knees. "You're the boss."
As she lay next to him, he cradled her in his arms. Now was not the time to relax as her heart beat too strongly. She kissed his neck and chin. "I have another idea."
A yawn escaped his lips. Then he kissed her back. "You're crazy."
She turned and settled on top of his chest. He held her hands but otherwise didn't move. "Online it says that we should make love more often now that I'm with child. It helps the baby have an easier birth."
He tipped his head back and laughed. Then his hand went under the sheets and cupped her bottom. Without another word, he kissed her lips and rolled her on her back.
THE END
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Chapter 1
Victoria Morgan smiled at the young woman about to purchase the most elaborate Sophia Tolli bridal gown in her boutique. A vibration made Vicki turn and peek at the screen on her vibrating cell phone. Did you have a kid and not tell anyone?
Her lips parted and her heart skipped a beat. While she waited for the credit card to process, her unsteady fingers typed a reply. Call me.
Can't. Vicki's hands shook while she tore the receipt from the printer and handed it to the bride-to-be. Her phone vibrated again. "You're going to be so happy," she managed, handing the woman a pen, then glanced at her brother's text.
Colt's at my house with a little girl that looks like you.
She looks like me?
After shoving the receipt beneath the register tray, Vicki walked around the counter and placed trembling fingers on the soon-to-be-bride's back as she guided her to the exit. "It's a gorgeous gown, and you'll be an even more gorgeous bride."
Vicki managed to remain upright through the parting pleasantries until the moment the door latched shut. Her chest constricted, and she grabbed for a counter and doubled over, gasping for air. It couldn't be. Her baby had died. It was why she'd left town years ago. Right?
"Josie, I have to go," she called to her store manager, as she fumbled for her phone and checked her bag for keys.
"Sure. You're white as a ghost," Josie answered, as she glanced at Vicki from behind a pouf of white lace she'd been steaming. "Hope everything is okay. Can I do something to help?"
"No, thank you."
The phone vibrated again. Get over here, now.
On my way. Stall him.
She ran out the door.
Her brother, John Morgan, was engaged to Alice Collins, Colt's little sister. Vicki swallowed as she fumbled to get her keys. Her father, Mitch Morgan’s fingerprints were all over this. Her father had been the only person with her the day she found out her own daughter died, and he had always intended her to help Morgan Enterprises succeed.
His pressure to date one of his future acquisitions was why she let her family believe her to be dead.
How did Colt Collins get involved in this? And why would he have her baby?
She had a pain in her chest as she dropped the keys onto the ground. She fell to her knees to pick them up.
Her mind swirled. Alice had mentioned to her Colt was leaving his service with the Marines soon. She hadn't mentioned a child. Vicki's gaze clouded.
She brushed her knees then ran in the parking lot.
Had Colt stolen their daughter? Images of the past all collided in her head, where nothing made sense. This was too much to believe, considering how things ended between them. She hadn't told him she was pregnant. Then, the day of her baby's birth, she'd run and disappeared. Colt had been at boot camp then. He couldn't have taken her baby. She needed to breathe. Vicki ran to her Lexus SUV parked behind in the lot.
Her heart raced, and she fumbled with her keys as she tried to get them into the lock, but she succeeded and jumped into the driver's seat. Tugging at her ear, she started the engine and waited for someone in the next spot to close a car door. Her skin prickled with unease.
Finally, she drove out of the back gate.
One fact repeated itself over and over in her brain as she stared at the red light. Her father had been the one with her at the hospital the day she gave birth then lost her baby.
Everyone in the House of Morgan had one person to blame, including her.
Her adrenaline spiked, but she worked out the situation. The Marines didn't let out cadets during advanced training to be an officer and they didn't let them return with infants, but Mitch Morgan had specific ideals on how he could profit on her life, like she was a business deal.
She nodded to herself. This was logical. Something else happened, and the foul taste in her mouth reeked of a Morgan trick.
Her heavy stomach refused to accept this. Her baby being alive changed everything. Cocking her head to the side of the road, she saw sunshine that beamed onto the street in front of her. What if what John texted was true and her daughter lived? Her hand flew to her chest, like she could hold in the hope growing there.
Like the humidity in Miami, the sensation pressed through faster than lightning in her skin.
Someone walked across the street, and Vicki slammed on the brakes. She'd almost missed the red light. Lowering her forehead to the steering wheel, she took a deep breath and waited for the dizziness to abate and her thoughts to clear. She inhaled deeply. She'd been so stupid.
The light turned green and she continued on. Touching her mother's necklace around her neck helped steady her. Vicki shook off the powerful fear and turned down the last street. Colt had been the most honest man she'd ever known. He was nothing like the men who wished to impress the House of Morgan, her father's way to say "family."
After driving well over the speed limit, she finally parked in John's driveway and fixed her gray floral skirt and pink blouse. She stepped out into the pressing, never-ending heat, and took a deep breath to stop her stomach from flipping.
She massaged her throat and stared at the white door. Then she gazed into the front yard. Colt's old blue pickup truck and a Marines license plate made her knees buckle. He was here. Breathlessly, she told herself there was a reason, but it didn't matter.
Her high heels clinked on the pavement of the driveway. She tried to not believe. Her baby was dead. She shouldn't let her heart race so fast. Everything was a probably a misunderstanding and wishing on her part.
Squeezing her eyes shut, she battled to steady her racing pulse. She finally pressed the doorbell and waited for someone to open. Questions flew through her head. What would her baby look like? She must have her blonde hair for John to recognize her. Perhaps her eyes too?
Seeing with her own eyes her baby being alive was all that mattered, as her foot tapped against the stoop and she heard Alice's voice inside.
Vicki stared at the ground, forced herself to inhale and exhale, but her hands twitched at her side. The lock clicked and Vicki waited. A memory flashed to the day at the hospital. Her father hadn't said anything when the nurse told her, except he said everything was as it should be.
Her breath hitched as the door opened. Mitch Morgan's crimes grew if he truly did this.
Heaviness spread down her spine and pressed against her heart.
The doors opened, and she hesitated. Vicki rubbed her forearms and fought the chill spreading through her body. Alice smiled at her and opened the door wider. "Hello. We weren't expecting you, Vicki."
She gazed into Colt's brown eyes. Her childhood crush's face lost its color, and the tension in her body lessened. For four weeks, Colt had been hers, and her mouth fell open slightly. The Marines had transformed
him from sexy, cute boy to hard-bodied, muscular man. Those strong arms, wide shoulders, and deliciously sexy body were all new. But the coldness he stared back at her with kept her silent.
Alice called out, "John, Vicki's here."
She then walked backward and went to the bedroom.
Vicki couldn't breathe. She did a double take. Colt wouldn't lie. Her father had always lied. What happened? And where was her baby?
She swallowed, and her gaze went to bedroom door.
John stood in the kitchen with a tray and coughed for her attention. She turned toward him, but she was lightheaded. Her heart cracked open. The air in the room held something, and she was in the right place. Her eyes met her brother's stare, and she asked, "Where is she?"
John's eyes widened. Vicki refused to listen. Not now. John nodded at her. "In the other room."
A moment later Alice ran out of the bedroom chasing a blonde, blue-eyed little girl. "Vicki, this is my niece Clara."
Vicki's heart melted as she stared at her daughter.
Her ears replayed the named Clara, and she swallowed. Colt had chosen his mother's name.
He had to have known from the beginning.
Impossible. Her heart beat faster, so fast it almost fell out of her ribs. Stepping backward in the hall, Vicki stared at the girl. Her heart screamed that she had found her daughter. She covered her mouth; the fluttering in her stomach had her skin all a tingle.
Colt stepped in her vision, shook his head, and picked up the little girl immediately. "Clara, honey, it's time to go."
Vicki gripped the end table, but knocked the lamp over. No. Colt could not take her away.
Alice stared at her wide-eyed. "My brother is home to stay and brought his daughter over to visit me. Vicki, you're white as a ghost."
Another betrayal, but this time from her best friend. The thought brought back some coherency.
"His daughter?" Vicki asked in a shaky voice. Then she stared at the little girl. She had her blonde hair, not Colt's dark hair. But she had her father's face. "Did you know, Alice?"
[House of Morgan 01.0 - 03.0] Boxed Set Page 20
