Princess,
I will work fast today. Wait for me to tell Clara as a family, but it might be at dinner.
Colt
Her heart thumped a little and she folded the note in her jeans pocket. At least he was still the stand-up guy she remembered. She straightened her plain tee shirt. Clara could not know what happened last night. Vicki slipped out of her bedroom and walked out to find her daughter.
In the kitchen, Clara sat on a chair, calm and collected. Their eyes instantly met. Then Clara asked, "Did Daddy have a nightmare last night?"
"No."
Clara stared, and her eyes watered a little. "I heard noises and thought you were taking care of him."
"I did go check on him." A blush must have been on Vicki's face with the heat that emanated through her. She explained, "He's perfectly fine, so don't worry. He's strong and good."
"Okay." Clara smiled and bobbed her head. "I'm hungry, Vicki."
"Let's go to the kitchen, then, and figure out what you want to eat."
Clara bounced off the chair and half ran into the kitchen. Vicki followed behind, and immediately opened the cabinet. Clara pointed to a cereal brand, and Vicki handed her the box like this was always their routine. Then she found two bowls and set them on the counter.
When she was halfway done with pouring, her phone rang. She put the box down for a moment then ran to pick it up. "Hello?"
"Do I have to call my brother to get his permission for you to take me to my doctor's appointment today?"
"Alice. I forgot." Vicki's mind went completely blank as she ran through what she knew. Colt had said dinner in his note. She'd leave him a note on the refrigerator so he'd know where they went. "Don't worry at all. Clara and I will leave now, so we can take you to the doctor."
"Okay, perfect." Alice sighed. "It sucks that my doctor put me on bed rest. I'll wait for you rather than face John's wrath if I drive myself. Your brother is being overprotective, but it's cute."
"It's a one-day conference. You'll see him tonight." Vicki wiped her hand and picked up a pen to leave a note for Colt. "You called early. We'll be on time."
Alice then gushed, "I guessed you'd be in heaven this morning because Mom told me that Colt dumped Belle."
Last night's activities replayed in her head, and Vicki's cheeks heated. She finished jotting her note, and then returned to the cereal and finished Clara's bowl. "How did you know?"
Alice laughed. "Mom messaged me and quizzed me on what you must have done to break up the wedding."
Vicki froze. "Ohh."
"Don't worry about it," Alice assured her, "Mom will be fine. She's a lady, and not like your dad. She was always kind to everyone and will give you a fair chance."
Vicki crossed her arms. "She has to hate me and think I'm a horrible person."
"She also remembers you as my friend, and she never yelled at us. So hurry up and get over here. We'll talk in person."
His mother had saved Clara too, so Vicki needed to make friends with her. "Deal. Bye."
She swallowed hard and then told Clara, "Your Aunt Alice has a doctor's appointment and your dad is out with his chores. After breakfast, we have to change fast and head over to drive her. Is that okay with you?"
"Let's go." Clara nodded then finished her breakfast.
Vicki cleaned up, ate a fast breakfast, and then hung the note on the refrigerator with a napkin. She scanned what she'd written a minute ago to ensure that she didn't use a word that indicated feelings.
Colt,
Had to take Alice to the doctor's. Packed up Clara and took her with me. We'll be back early this afternoon. Can't wait for tonight.
See you soon.
Vicki.
She had almost written "Love, Vicki," and had to check that she hadn't. She turned to get ready to leave. He needed time and she needed to stay focused on Clara and her new family life. Today was the day. Victoria Morgan's life was about to be domesticated, and she had a few loose ends of her own to tie up.
Clara bounded into her room and Vicki smiled at her. "Give me one minute to pack a bag with snacks, sweetheart."
"Okay," Clara said, and Vicki was on the run and headed back to the kitchen.
She packed a few juice boxes and healthy snacks. Clara waited impatiently at the door, and bounded outside the second Vicki opened the door.
A few minutes later, they were secure in the car and on the road, and Vicki held in her excitement.
One day at a time was her motto from now on. She stared back at her baby girl. Tonight, they told her, and it couldn't be here fast enough. Where she lived after that had to be close to Clara. Vicki refused to lose her family ever again.
Chapter 19
Colt brushed his shoes on the front porch rug then went inside. Nothing stirred. His ears perked for any signs of noise, but the house was eerily quiet. His gut had firecrackers that went off as a warning, like they had in the service when he was about to be attacked. He closed the door behind him.
Earlier Vicki was too excited to tell Clara today, and made him feel like he'd kept them apart too long already. He ignored the sirens in his head telling him he'd walked into a mistake. Instead he straightened his spine and said, "Hello?"
No one answered.
His daughter and Vicki weren't quiet people, and no noise wasn't good. Had they gone somewhere? He fished his phone out of his back pocket and checked, but no texts or voicemail messages waited for him.
Strange. Every cell in his body told him the house was empty. He almost dialed Vicki, but then told himself this might be his PTSD. They'd probably gone to the store and everyone was fine. He placed his keys on the counter and headed toward his room. He needed a fast shower.
A few minutes later, the water hadn't helped much. His body was still cold as his heart raced. If they were here, he'd feel better. As the water washed his skin, he told himself that if they went to the store, it wasn't a huge deal. He had never worried about errands in the past. With a huff, he reasoned they'd gone to buy dinner or something. Vicki never could cook, and he hadn't spotted her car in the front of the house.
The taste of the food he imagined helped his mind and body ease. He turned off the water and changed. As he took in a few deep breaths, he remembered how Vicki wanted tonight to be special for Clara. With their daughter in the room, they'd not talk about whatever happened. Tonight he made sure he didn't repeat his mistakes.
He stared in the mirror and decided to shave his five o'clock shadow. His body still had a sweet satisfaction that he'd not experienced since Vicki. All his years with Belle, she was sweet and kind and good, but she didn't leave his body in a sweaty bundle of nerves that made him ache.
He knocked himself as he shaved. Belle deserved better than that last thought.
Done, he washed his face and dressed.
As he walked into the living room, someone knocked at the door. His skin went cold, and he knew it wasn't Vicki. Adrenaline rushed as he called out, "One second."
It was probably a neighbor or someone here to sell him something. He straightened his spine and flung open the door. A man and a woman stood in black pinstriped suits with papers in their hands. He tugged his ear, and asked, "Can I help you?"
"Are you Colt Collins?" the woman asked without removing her sunglasses.
Salespeople looked straight into the eyes of would-be customers to make the sale. A cold drip went down his back. "Yes, ma'am. May I help you?"
The man handed him papers. "You've just been served."
Colt clenched the papers and stared at the man.
"Have a good day, sir." The woman nodded, grabbed the man's arm, and the pair of them rushed off his porch.
He ran his hand through his hair and opened the envelope. He'd never owed anyone anything. Then every cell in his body jumped as he read the first line. "Victoria Morgan versus Colt Collins for the custody of Clara Collins."
Ice raced up from the ground and surrounded him as he realized he'd been made a fool. Last night mu
st have been to distract him. Vicki had called their bedroom activities "fun." He should have guessed. Every moment she'd mentioned Clara.
He spun on his heels and closed the door as he read more of the lawsuit. The details turned his stomach. Vicki was suing him for custody.
His lips curled. He was a fool. Victoria Morgan was born and bred her father's daughter. She'd manipulated him and Clara to get what she wanted. He'd not let his daughter go, unless it was too late.
His fingers jittered. Perhaps Vicki hadn't run to the store. She'd taken Clara. He ran his hand through his hair. Then he covered his lips with his hands. Where would she go?
His mind raced. They had hours on him, and he had no idea where she'd gone. She'd not be stupid enough to go to her apartment, though he had never asked where she'd lived all these years. With the Morgan bank account at her disposal, she and Clara might be anywhere. His fist clenched, and he curled the paper into a ball. Then his mind raced with questions. Where were they? Would Clara call? Did she have access to a phone? He'd made her memorize the number to call him, but was that enough? Would Victoria return?
Again he picked up his phone and no messages appeared. He almost called her, but an edgy laugh escaped his lips, and instead, he dialed his lawyer.
His heart raced. He had custody. He'd call 911 next.
On the second ring, his lawyer answered. "Victoria Morgan is seeking to overturn the adoption papers to gain full custody of Clara. I've taken excellent care of my daughter and fought in war until today. I was just served papers."
"You have custody, Colt, and she's safe with you," his lawyer reassured him. "The courts want what's in the best interest of the child."
His entire body stiffened. "Clara is not here. She's with Victoria."
"Is this a kidnapping?" The lawyer's voice pitched higher. "Do you have the police report? Did they give you any trouble because she's the mother?"
His breaths were shallow. He'd hire whomever he could to find Clara and then go extract his daughter himself. "No, I called you first. I need to fight this lawsuit."
"Fax me everything. If you suspect that Clara's gone, call the police immediately."
He rubbed his temples and stared out at the empty road. Vicki wouldn't do this, was all his heart said, and then he remembered Clara's phone. If she had it, then he had the ability to trace it.
Colt hung up and ran to his office. He booted the computer then went to the app on his phone to find Clara.
A blue dot appeared on a map, and he waited a second for the map to update with exact coordinates. She had to have her phone. He took a deep breath. Clara was fine, and he'd go get her.
He grabbed his keys and headed to the door. He'd been a fool, but it would end now.
"Is it possible you're pregnant?" Vicki's gynecologist asked her. She had agreed to her annual because Alice told her to get checked while they were here.
"Err, no." Vicki's eyes widened as the doctor removed the plastic clamps from her nether regions. Last night's memory surged in her mind. Colt had been a fabulous lover, and he'd been better than she'd ever imagined. However, they used protection, and it was too soon to know, so the question was impossible. "Are we almost done? I should probably get going."
Doctor Ramirez shook her head. "I thought you were waiting for your sister."
"My almost-sister and always best friend."
Clara had stayed in the room with her Aunt Alice to watch the baby monitor.
Vicki straightened out her legs as the exam was done, but couldn't meet the dark eyes of the woman. "Nothing strange going on, is there?"
"Nothing strange. I don't see any kind of cancer." The doctor smiled and stood. "Get dressed and return to your daughter. Alice will be just about done too."
Vicki folded her skirt neatly on her thighs as her entire body heated. She hadn't said that Clara was her daughter, so the doctor had likely assumed. Vicki bit her lip and decided to let the matter be. "Thanks. I'm glad this once-a-year thing is over with. I don't know my mother's history, so I take health seriously."
Her doctor explained, "If you want to have another child in the future, you're perfectly healthy. Enjoy life and don't stress about what you can't control."
"That's great advice." Vicki picked up her underwear and waited for the door to close. As the doctor opened the door, Vicki said, "Okay, thank you again for everything."
Vicki quickly dressed and went to find Alice and Clara. Alice sat in the waiting room with Clara. They both stood to greet her as Alice said, "You're back."
Vicki stared at her blonde, blue-eyed angel and then toward her friend. She straightened her pocketbook. "Ready?"
Alice stepped forward. "Let's go."
Clara instantly took Vicki's hand as she opened the door. As they walked in the oppressing humidity to head to the car, Vicki saw how Alice's face flickered. She whispered, "What happened?"
Alice shook her head and closed her eyes. "Nothing. I can't believe I forgot my sunglasses. Give me one minute."
Vicki smiled at her friend as Clara swung their arms in the air. The second they opened the car door, they heard her daughter's cell phone. Vicki stared as Clara reached inside the hot car to grab her phone. Vicki stood with the door open to let the air circulate. "It must be your dad."
Clara handed the phone to Vicki as she wrinkled her nose. Vicki said, "Hello, Colt."
Belle's voice had an edge to it. "Are you crazy? You can't get away with this."
Vicki's spine straightened. Then goosebumps formed on her arms. "Now isn't a good time."
Belle said, "We'll find you. I still love Colt enough where I will help him."
Help him? Alice placed her hand on Vicki's shoulder. She took a deep breath then shook her head, "This conversation is over."
Alice patted her arm and asked, "Who was that?"
Vicki took a shallow breath and rolled her shoulders. "Never mind, I don't want to talk about it."
Clara said, "Can we go get ice cream? It always makes me feel better after the doctor."
"You didn't see a doctor today." Vicki winked at her baby and nodded. "Sounds yummy. Great idea."
"Yeah!" Clara said. "We won't tell Dad if you get me three scoops."
"If I can get chocolate chip, I'll think about this deal." Vicki laughed then turned toward Alice. "Let's go to our favorite place."
"My second meeting ever, back in school, with John was there." Alice went to the passenger seat. Vicki helped Clara into her seat, and then took the driver's seat. Two minutes later, they were on the road and Alice's phone rang. Vicki kept quiet, and Alice giggled. "My fiancé is a sweetheart."
The thought of Colt crossed Vicki's mind. Tonight made her heart thump faster, as she imagined how they'd sit at the table and tell Clara. Vicki peeked in the mirror as her cheeks heated. Tonight, everything would be different.
Clara put on her headset. Vicki told her friend in a whisper, "We should head back home to your brother's soon. He's been good to me."
"My brother is a lucky man." Alice winked. "I'm glad he has you now."
Vicki couldn't talk about her fantasies or last night. She'd not pressure Colt via his sister. She brushed her hair out of her face and stared at the road to ensure she didn't miss the turn into the ice cream store. "Enough about me. What did the doctor say?"
Alice bounced in her seat. "Everything is fine, as I said. But I'm more excited about my next appointment, when I see my babies and know the gender."
Vicki hit the brakes, and the car jerked to a stop in the parking lot. "Babies?"
"John and I knew for a while it was more than one, but we're telling people now," Alice answered with a huge grin. "He's sad he missed today, but he'll be here for the ultrasound."
"I'm so happy for you!" Vicki found a spot near the ice cream store, and squealed until she parked the car and finally had the opportunity to hug her friend.
Tonight, she'd share this news with Colt, unless Alice called him first.
Chapter 20
The blue dot on his phone moved, less than a mile, and then stopped. At least they were still in town. If Clara still had her phone, then he'd find her. Colt grunted and steered his car closer to his destination. His head throbbed.
His headache subsided slightly as he realized he was almost at Alice and John's house.
Then the blue dot raced. His gut churned, but then he realized the directions Vicki drove. The pattern was his own route home. They went south toward the turnpike, heading to his house.
He pressed the bridge of his nose and turned his truck. His blood pressure was high. With the lawsuit, she'd wait and use her money and influence to prove what an upstanding mother she might be. She'd not taint the Morgan name with kidnapping. She had the means to destroy everything.
They turned onto the country road off the turnpike, and he swallowed. They were almost back to the ranch. With the lawsuit, she had to know that she'd have to leave now. She couldn't live with them and sue.
At a stop sign, he caught up to them. They were both singing in the car and giggling. He swallowed hard, as neither of them looked at him.
His heart wept that Clara was fine.
Vicki's innocence and lighthearted smile hid her true nature.
They entered the driveway at the same time, and soon she turned her car off. His blood ran cold as he parked. Then he ran his hand through his hair and went to them.
"Daddy!" Clara ran into his arms and hugged his leg.
Warmth spread through him for a moment as he petted her silky blonde hair. She was fine.
Then he glanced at Vicki as she smiled at him. With big saucer eyes, she asked, "Colt, did you go somewhere?"
Ice reentered his spine and quickly spread throughout his body. He leaned down to hug his daughter, and then he picked her up in his arms. She smelled like strawberries and ice cream. His skin felt tight. He swore he'd do a better job of protecting her. He closed his eyes, thankful she was safe, and then stared at Vicki. "You were smart to return her."
"What are you talking about?" Vicki looked like she didn't understand. "Your sister needed help. Once we finished, we came home."
[House of Morgan 01.0 - 03.0] Boxed Set Page 34
