The local news was usually about someone bleeding, but today they waited outside his house like Colt, Vicki, or Belle had done something wrong.
Colt turned his truck around and went back to the house.
He parked his truck and stared through the windows of his house. The fog in his brain wouldn't let Vicki's discussion of love go. He had to think of what he could do to convince her that she was part of their family, and she needed to stay right here, on the farm, with him.
It was a tall order. He stared at his calloused hands and kicked the dirt under his feet as he climbed out. He never should have agreed to marry Belle in the first place. It was his fault she was in the hospital.
Afternoon rain clouds formed. He swallowed. The moment he took the first step onto the porch, his phone rang. He read the caller identification. Belle. He stepped off the porch, returned closer to his truck, and answered, "Hello."
"Hey, I'm still in the hospital while they run a few more tests on me, but I've been watching the news. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I shouldn't have called you the other day in a panic. Vicki took my sister to the doctor's. She hadn't run off."
"I'm happy for you, then."
He should at least ensure she made it back to Washington in one piece. She was his responsibility. "Do you want me to come see you?"
"You don't have to. Look, none of this might be true or it might all be. I have to ask. The news is saying Vicki Morgan used you to drive a wedge in her relationship with her father years ago, and then took off without a care for some world tour. I wanted to check on you and make sure you want to do this."
"Don't believe everything you read." His voice cracked. Their breakup scene left his gut cold. "I'm going to come over tomorrow. It will be good to see you."
"Okay. I'll look forward to it, Collins."
For years, Belle had been the one that stood by him. Belle had always called him his last name, but at least she was dependable. Vicki was unpredictable. Her blonde hair passed near one of the windows of the barn, and his heart beat twice as fast. She should be in the house and not with the horses. He had no idea what Belle said, but he said, "Bye, then."
She sighed. "Bye."
He ended the call, and walked toward the barn and Vicki. He searched through the stalls then saw her next to Clara, as they fed Clara's miniature horse.
With a giggle on her lips, Vicki called out, "Colt, our baby girl has me feeding the animals."
"Good. Everyone works on the farm." His lips tingled to kiss her, though he kept the feeling to himself.
As he approached her, Vicki tilted her head. "Where is your mom? I thought I heard her at the door."
"She was here but then had to go check on something for my father. She'll be here for lunch."
"Where did you go?"
"Tend to the farm and to ensure the fence was secure."
He scratched his five o'clock shadow. With a long, deep breath, he told her, "Vicki, I don't know what to say to you now."
"Let's get Clara to the house so we can shower and be presentable when your mom shows up."
He kept still to not spook her and repeat this morning. "I need to see you alone, Vicki."
"Okay," Vicki said, though she offered her hand to Clara. Clara bounced and then took his hand too. Then she used them both as anchors to swing.
Colt whispered to Vicki as their daughter rocked their arms, "I promised to go see Belle in the hospital."
"Okay." Vicki nodded. "Your sister can read you like a book."
"Alice?" Colt asked. "Why mention her?"
"We talked," Vicki told him. "When are you planning to go?"
"Tomorrow morning." His skin heated the longer he stared at Vicki.
His body ached to claim her and keep her in bed until she agreed to marry him, but that wasn't going to work. And he'd never been very good at seduction.
They walked in the door, and he stared at the couch. An image of Vicki's soft lips as he took off her clothes played in his mind.
He'd absolutely not touch her until she agreed that marriage was what they both wanted. He needed a plan to succeed, but seduction wasn't it. He'd find a path to keep her at his side.
Vicki set the table for dinner, even though Colt had no word from his mother. It was strange that she wasn't here yet. She'd spent less than ten minutes this morning and said she'd return soon. Now the dusk of the evening sky had already settled, and night would be here soon enough.
Vicki ensured that the knives and forks were perfectly aligned.
Colt showered early and stayed near the house instead of staying out on the farm till the last minute. She set the last plate. Everything looked amazing. Vicki sucked in her breath and opened the front door. The humidity of the day hit fast, and stirred a yawn. Colt had to be around here somewhere. Vicki called out from the front porch, "Colt."
He stepped from the side of the house near his bedroom window and called out, "Vicki, what's up?"
He sounded so casual. She squinted to see past him. The blazing sunset blocked her view, and she couldn't peek around the house. The hair on her arms stood up, like someone else was outside with Colt, but she didn't see a car. "Dinner is done."
He nodded at her. "Great. I'll just need a fast shower. Can't wait for tonight."
He'd taken a shower less than an hour ago. She shook her head. The buzz of a car engine sounded in her ear. She turned toward the driveway and saw a silver Volkswagen heading straight for the house. Vicki stepped inside the door. "Greet your mother, Colt. I want to go straighten the napkins."
"I've never heard of straightening napkins."
"I need to make sure everything appears beautiful." The last thing she needed was to hear what a horrible choice Vicki was for Colt. Her hands shook as she raced into the house to check on the table setting.
A few minutes later, as she finished, the front door creaked open and Clara ran over to greet Mrs. Collins. "Grandma."
Her little feet thumped on the wooden floor. Vicki couldn't look at any of them. She slowly lifted her head to watch Colt's mom hug Clara.
His mother nodded at her, and Vicki was sure she'd faint. She held the chair and nodded in return. "Good evening, Mrs. Collins."
With her arms crossed at the door, his mother stood, with her feet slight apart, like she was ready for battle. "Colt told me your father lied to you about Clara."
Vicki's skin jumped off her body, but she tried to hold still. "He did. My father had a habit of lying to everyone, including his own children."
"Why?" His mother stared hard, and Vicki's skin had goose bumps.
Vicki stared at the thin lips of the woman and answered in a quiet voice, "I embarrassed the House of Morgan."
His mother dropped her hands. "Mitch Morgan was always a jerk. I had a hard time believing he'd do that to his own flesh and blood, but that sounded just like him."
"I had boatloads of practice in mocking my father," Vicki said. "Dinner is simple tonight. Tortellini with oil dressing and Caesar salads. I hope that's okay with you."
"Perfect," Mrs. Morgan answered. "If you need me to testify, I'd be more than happy."
Vicki's mouth dropped. "Testify to what?"
"Nurse Marie, who was assigned to your room, repeatedly told me and the Department of Children and Families officers that night that you signed away adoption rights and you did not wish to be bothered. I tried to go into your room, but they barred me at the door. Later I had Clara safe, and tried to get in your room again, but you were already gone."
Vicki almost dropped the serving bowl. "So you believe me?"
"I always guessed your father had done something."
Colt reached out and held the bowl. Vicki's hands shook. She sucked in her breath to try to stay calm. "You did the right thing and kept Clara safe. I never signed anything."
"Marie quit the hospital two weeks later after I stayed on her heels and demanded she tell me what happened. She bought a big house up in Orlando and hasn't been back to Miam
i, Broward, or West Palm since. Vicki, we're already family, so call me Ellie."
"Ma'am," Vicki answered automatically, then corrected, "Ellie, I expected you to hate me."
"Don't be overdramatic. If both of my children think you're telling the truth, then I have to believe them. I raised them."
"I'm glad the news hasn't affected you, then."
Ellie stared at Colt. "Now that I see everyone is fine and the news station is just spinning rubbish, let's eat dinner."
Vicki's heart skipped and her hands stopped trembling. The weight on her spine lessened. Colt helped his mother sit and Clara took the seat beside her grandmother.
Then Colt served the salad. All of this could be Vicki's, but she needed to get things straight. Colt did not love her. She'd have to change soon, but not tonight. She deserved one more night with everyone she loved.
Tonight, she was with the family she'd always wanted.
Chapter 26
Vicki stood at the door and continued to wave until she lost track of the silver car in the driveway. Clara was already in bed, and Colt had rushed off to take a shower, for the second time this evening. Alone, Vicki stared at the moon that peeked into the night sky.
If only was the worst possible way to start a thought. Vicki stepped inside. Her days were numbered here.
She'd not be where she'd never be loved. She closed the front door and ensured all the locks were secured. The quietness of the ranch seeped into her mind and brought with it a sense of peace. Vicki proceeded to her bedroom, but halfway through the house, Colt called out, "Vicki, can I see you for a minute?"
She turned around and then her mouth fell open. Colt Collins wore a gray suit and a blue tie. She took a step forward then asked, "What's going on?"
"Come." He offered her his hand. "Let's first go out back. I want to show you something."
He'd spent the day out there. She blinked a few times then nodded.
He took her hand in his and squeezed. "This way."
At the moment, she'd follow him anywhere. He led her to the small sitting room set off the living room. She'd never gone there as nothing much was there, except plants and a door that led out to a grassy area and the canal.
With a huge smile on his face, he opened the door and pointed to an old-fashioned wooden swing. He told her, "I'm gonna build a proper porch here because you always wanted a winding porch that wrapped around a house."
"I said that years ago." Vicki's mouth fell open again. "I was just a teenager."
"So was I, Vicki." He nodded then pointed to the swing. "I rigged it up today. Mom used to have this out front, and you always liked it. A hurricane knocked it down a few years ago, and I had it in the shed."
The smile on his face matched how hard he'd worked. She tilted her head. "Why would you do this for me, Colt?"
"'Cause you matter." Colt stepped closer and stared at her. "I'd do anything for you, Vicki. Don't you know that?"
She licked her lips, eager for a kiss. "I don't know what to say."
"This is your home, Victoria Morgan."
With Colt and Clara, they were complete. She circled her arms around his neck and leaned up. She closed her eyes, and the smell of citrus that was Colt wafted in the air. She closed her eyes as she whiffed his orange and oak scent.
Then a flash of light shook her. Colt murmured something, and she widened her stance. "Who was that?"
"It's probably the press." He huffed then said, "The tactic was more like an ambush."
She ran her hand through her hair.
He massaged his neck and shoulder as he stared at her. "Okay. My timing is awful. We knew about the reporters. And tomorrow I have to go see Belle, but after that, Vicki, you and I have to talk."
Vicki went to say something, but he stormed into the house. She wished he'd finish that almost-kiss.
The tingle of her lips made her sigh. She wasn't sure what to say, so she went through the house and to her room. Tomorrow, she'd straighten everything out with him, but the patio idea was sweet. He had remembered something she had said years ago.
Perhaps if she showed him it was okay to say he loved her, then all would be well.
The next morning dawned early, and Colt tugged on his blue jeans. He'd go see Belle and find out why she'd stayed in town after he left her at the airport. She should be in D.C., not here. He'd ensure she was fine at the hospital, and then return home for lunch. With luck, Peter Morgan had persuaded the press to go find a new story. Vicki deserved his whole attention.
He tied on his sneakers and tiptoed out of the house. Usually Vicki woke up later than he did, so he'd text her the minute he parked at the hospital. The sooner there, the sooner he finished.
From the driveway, the house remained quiet and undisturbed. He fired the ignition and then drove off.
With his hands around the steering wheel, Colt's mind cleared. Perhaps if he asked Vicki to marry him with a ring. He had never given one to Belle, and a man was supposed to offer a ring. Belle wanted to buy a specific one, and ordered it herself the day they discussed marriage. It should have been a sign. Stores on weekdays opened around ten, so he'd stop on his way home.
Without much traffic, Colt soon found himself in front of the hospital. He parked the car and walked to the front gate.
Someone snapped a photo of him and adrenaline pumped in his veins. Then someone shouted, "Are you here to apologize to Belle Jordan for dumping her?"
A woman screamed out, "He doesn't deserve her."
"You're right, ma'am, I don't." Colt lowered his head. At the door to the hospital, Colt turned and stared at the woman. "Victoria Morgan has always been the woman in my heart, and the lies about her yesterday will be dealt with. She'd never hurt anyone, including Belle."
The woman's huff sent a chill down his spine. He lifted his chin. He never cared what anyone thought of him. He turned and proceeded inside the hospital without another word.
The greeter at the door took his name and gave him Belle's room number. He stepped toward the elevator and already smelled the sterile nothingness that every hospital reeked of.
Colt ran his hands down the sides of his pants and then stepped into the elevator the moment it opened. The doors closed, and he wasn't sure what he expected to say to Belle, but his gut churned like he was in war. If they were in the desert still, he'd duck his head and wait for bullets to fly, but he was home now. He clenched and unclenched his fists until the elevators opened.
In the hallway, nurses, doctors, orderlies, patients, and visitors walked around and seemed to have some order. He studied the numbers and figured out Belle was four doors down to the right. He walked over and knocked on the open door. "Belle, can I come in?"
"Sure." Belle sounded peppy, and it wasn't natural on her. She usually had a commanding presence. "Collins, I didn't expect you."
"I told you I was coming." He took a step into her room.
Belle nodded. "You did. I didn't expect you this early."
He crossed his arms. "Why did you stay in town? I dropped you off at the airport."
She opened her mouth and stared into his eyes. Her cold blue eyes were nothing like Vicki's brightness, but he kept his mouth shut. Finally she said, "I was numb and hurt that we broke like that. I rented a hotel room and hoped if I stayed a few more days, you'd come back to me."
He massaged his five o'clock shadow. Belle deserved better. "I shouldn't have agreed to your plan and how you needed a husband now." Colt uncrossed his arms and stood straight with his feet together. "You can't pretend to be hurt that I still love her."
Belle stared straight ahead of her at the television. Slowly she nodded. "You're right. I can't be hurt, so don't worry about me."
He waited for her to meet his gaze. The moment she did, he told her, "Belle, the sooner you go back to your life in D.C., the sooner whatever you're feeling goes."
"I'll wait for the doctors to release me then I'll get a ticket. Do me one favor?"
"What?"
"T
ell your Vicki I'm sorry for how I acted in her store and in her house. I don't like how I look when jealous, and I want you to live happily ever after with the woman you truly love."
"You've always been strong, Belle."
"Now go, Collins. You shouldn't be here. Go back to your Victoria. Don't think about me. I'll be fine."
Belle deserved someone better than he ever could be. He stood still for a moment longer then left. Now that this conversation was over, nothing would stop him.
Today he'd get Vicki to marry him, and he'd never hurt anyone ever again.
Chapter 27
Colt stared at every ring in the store and tried to figure out which one to buy Victoria Morgan. Round diamonds, pink diamonds, white gold or platinum. The saleswoman picked up another ring and his fingers trembled.
Vicki could have anything she ever wanted. They both knew this was a symbol at best.
He sucked in a breath and decided the best option he knew was to get Vicki a ring just like his own mother wore.
He ignored the saleswoman's advice and peered at every ring in the cabinet. Vicki wore her mother's necklace, which was a simple heart with a golden lace trim to it. She never took it off. Her ring should match. He wanted a diamond ring in the shape of a heart with simple yellow gold. If he saw one with lacelike design, even better. In the fourth display case, he pointed to a ring. "Can I see this one?"
The woman's eyes widened. He assumed it was expensive, but then, he'd never heard of a cheap engagement ring. He nodded as she squealed. "This one is called Enflamed Love. The diamond is extremely rare."
He peered at every detail. It would match the necklace she adored. Buying this should be the easy part. Now he had to get home. "Do you have it in a six?"
"Yes!" she practically screamed. Her fingers trembled as she asked, "Will that be all, sir?"
He handed her his credit card. For the first time in his life, he'd not worry about budgeting for Clara's college education. "Absolutely."
A few seconds later, he held the box and plastic bag in his hand. Colt opened the box, stared at the ring he'd bought, and then closed his eyes. He imagined a huge smile growing on her face as she said yes. She'd kiss him and he'd be surrounded with the taste of strawberries for the rest of his life.
[House of Morgan 01.0 - 03.0] Boxed Set Page 37
