* * *
The party was in full swing, and Lilah was the proverbial belle of the ball. Emma loved seeing the birthday girl, floating on air in a gorgeous lavender dress and a huge smile lighting up her face. Lilah danced from person to person soaking up the birthday wishes and love offered by family and friends. And she adored the pictures used in the party decorations. Lilah’s happy tears had made up for Emma’s sadness over leaving Haley’s Bay tomorrow and having to say goodbye to the Cole family, including AJ.
“You’ve done well, girl.” Mr. Cole stood next to Emma. “I don’t think anyone will be able to outdo the soiree you put together. Thank you from my brothers and sisters and our kids and their kids.”
“AJ’s the host.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t my son or that capable city girl assistant of his who came up with the new theme at the last minute.”
“Not last minute. Three days ago,” Emma corrected. “As soon as I met your mother, I knew Lilah needed a unique and personalized theme. Something that was all her. Fortunately the vendors were willing to work with me at the last minute to make this an eightieth birthday party she’ll never forget.”
“Haley’s Bay will never forget this. Great job.” Mr. Cole headed to the bar.
Emma looked around at the family and friends enjoying themselves, especially Lilah. The nostalgic decorations, inspired by her photographs, brought laughter and tears. The food, based on recipes she’d cooked her family and neighbors over the years, started debates on who cooked the dishes better, Lilah or the caterer. The music, chosen from each decade of her life, kept people on the dance floor song after song.
Emma was both proud and miserable at the same time. At least AJ was enjoying himself.
He’d thanked Emma for her hard work, then walked away. Probably for the best. She’d shot him down, rejected him. Was it any wonder he’d run from her like he’d always run from his family and Haley’s Bay before?
The two of them circulated separately the entire evening. He wore his host hat, visiting with guests and making sure Lilah was feted like a queen. Emma donned an imaginary event planner apron, overseeing the party schedule and keeping the DJ on track with announcements.
Being apart from AJ was good, she told herself. She needed to get used to being apart from AJ after being with him almost nonstop since they’d arrived in Haley’s Bay. He didn’t seem to mind being away from her. Especially not now. He danced with Madison, who hung on his every word as well as his body. Emma tried not to care. Thinking about AJ hurt.
No worries. After tomorrow she would never see him again. The realization made her heart ache more.
“Wonderful job, Emma.” AJ stood at her side. “If you decide you want a break from being a nanny, you should try event planning.”
“Thanks.” She had to force the word from her dry throat. “Lilah looks happy.”
“Grandma is thrilled,” he said. “She loved the digital frame with the pictures you uploaded. Thank you for coming up with the perfect birthday gift for her.”
“You’re welcome.”
Talking to him hurt. Emma pressed her arms against her side. She didn’t want to care about AJ. She wanted him to go back to the dance floor with Madison. Okay, not really. But chitchatting as if nothing had changed between them was hard. Especially since she was still supposed to be his girlfriend.
The DJ put on the song “What a Wonderful World.”
“This was my mother’s favorite song,” she said without thinking. “She and my father danced to it at their wedding.”
AJ extended his arm. “May I have this dance?”
She noticed his parents and siblings watching them. Madison, too. Emma couldn’t say no if they wanted to keep up the charade. Only a couple more hours. She ignored the pang in her heart, took his hand and followed him to the dance floor.
He placed one hand on her waist as they took a traditional dance position. “I’ve had a change of heart.”
“About?”
“Blossom.”
Her gaze jerked up to meet his.
“I’ve found her the perfect forever home.”
“Where?” she asked.
“With me.”
Emma stumbled over her feet, but AJ kept her upright. “What are talking about? You don’t like cats.”
“I might not like cats, but I love Blossom. I spoke with the shelter earlier today. I’m adopting her.”
Emma’s heart tore a little more. A selfish reaction. She should be ashamed. Living with AJ meant Blossom would have the best of everything—food, toys, cat trees and veterinary care. “Diva Kitty hit the adoption jackpot.”
“Glad you think so.”
Emma nodded. But a part of her wished Blossom could stay with her. Being temporarily involved in a family as a nanny or part of an animal’s life as a foster or shelter volunteer was no longer enough. She wanted a place to call home for longer than her typical three-month lease, furniture that didn’t come with an apartment, a pet that she could provide a forever home to. How had her life become so...transitory? Was that her way of keeping her distance?
“I spoke to the shelter director this afternoon. Blossom’s former owner built her an outdoor play area. He also took her to his office each day.”
“Looks like you have a new carpool buddy.”
“Yes, but I don’t think Blossom’s going to happy without you.” AJ spun Emma around the dance floor. “Would you consider making our arrangement more permanent?”
She stopped dancing, unsure whether to be upset or happy he wanted to employ her after all they’d been through. “What do you want me to do? Be a cat nanny? Or do you want to continue the dating charade?”
“I don’t want you to work for me. Though Emma Markwell, the billionaire’s nanny, has a nice ring to it.”
She gave him a look.
“I’ll just come right out and say it.” He cupped her cheek. “I love you, Emma.”
Her heart slammed against her chest. Air rushed from her lungs. She held on to his hand, afraid if she let go her knees would turn to taffy again. “W-w-what?”
“I screwed up. But my family knocked some sense into me. Dad and Ellis told me they knew right away when they met their future wives, and I do, too. I can’t let you go. Please give me another chance. And another chance after that when I screw up again. We Cole men can be dense, but I’m sure you’ll straighten me out eventually. Please give me a lifetime of changes with you.”
She struggled to breathe. “But that would mean—”
“A forever home for Blossom with me and you.”
Emma sucked in air. Hyperventilating seemed inevitable.
“We haven’t known each other long, but I hope you will someday feel the same way about me,” he added.
“I...I...” Emma couldn’t speak. She was stunned. Thrilled. Frightened to death. Her first instinct was to run out of the big white tent on the bluff and not stop until she reached Portland. Because what she wanted most in life were the things she feared losing again—a home, her things, a family, her pets. Things she could have with AJ.
Did she dare take that chance? Make the leap?
Self-preservation screeched no. She’d been listening to that voice since she was ten years old, and knew the reasons well, but seeing the Cole family, especially Lilah with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, helped Emma to realize that the risk of loving and losing was natural. Living a solitary life with zero attachments and few possessions wasn’t. She couldn’t imagine walking away from AJ again.
He waited for her answer, his gaze never wavering from hers.
“You’re serious,” she said finally.
“Very.”
She took a breath.
“I’m going to need a few chances myself. I’m far from a pro at relationships. I’ve lived with families as an outsider. You pointed that out. But I’ve seen the work needed to have a successful relationship. It’s hard work. Often boring, not fun. That’s part of what sc
ares me. Good times aren’t always guaranteed. Walking away isn’t—shouldn’t be—an option. At least not with me. I can’t do that. You can’t do that to me.”
“I get that. I do. No pre nup, okay? My dad will understand. No walking away. We date, we marry then we live happily ever after through the good times, boring times and whatever else life brings.”
She couldn’t believe the words he was saying. “That’s all I want. I’m finished keeping myself distanced. From the families I worked for, the animals I’ve fostered, even things I’ve purchased and where I’ve lived. I’ve kept my emotional liabilities and attachments to a minimum, but I don’t want to do that anymore. Especially with you.”
Hope filled his eyes. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes, I’m ready to take the leap, but only with you.” The smile on her face grew by the second. “I’ll give you another chance and another after that, but only if you’ll do the same with me.”
“I love you, Emma Markwell.” AJ kissed her on the lips. “You can have as many chances as you want.”
Something bumped against her leg. She looked down. “Blossom.”
The cat purred.
Declan held on to the end of the cat’s leash. “Only for you, bro. Only for you.”
AJ laughed, then brushed his lips over Emma’s again. “I’m going to like kissing you for real.”
She nodded. “We’re going to need a lot of practice.”
“Wonderful, wonderful. My birthday wish came true!” Lilah hugged Emma, an embrace full of love, acceptance and rose-scented perfume. “Now all I need is for the rest of my unmarried grandchildren to find their true loves.”
True love.
Emma sighed, resting her head against AJ’s chest and feeling the beat of his heart against her cheek. That was what she’d found in Haley’s Bay. True love and a family.
Blossom meowed.
Not to mention a cat.
“Well, don’t look at us for help, Grandma,” AJ teased. “We’ll be too busy getting to know each other, then we’ll need to talk about the future, wedding plans and where to honeymoon. But not until after we spend more time together and make things official.”
Emma’s heart overflowed with joy at the thought of getting married and being AJ’s wife. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Except none of her dreams had ever been this good.
“Not to worry.” Lilah beamed. “These things have a way of working themselves out. Isn’t that right, Blossom?”
As if on cue, Blossom meowed. The cat rubbed against AJ’s leg, then head butted Emma’s calf.
AJ rubbed the scruff of Blossom’s neck. “Looks like our cat agrees with you, Grandma.”
“I agree, too.” Satisfaction filled Emma. She wiggled her toes. “Things do have a way of working out.”
“When you least expect it,” AJ said.
Emma’s heart sighed. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from FROM MAVERICK TO DADDY by Teresa Southwick.
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Chapter One
The little Asian girl sitting at the desk where his father’s receptionist normally sat was one heck of a surprise to Caleb Dalton. It was something you didn’t see every day, at least not in the law offices of Ben Dalton. Cute as could be, she looked about seven or eight, going on twenty-five. A dainty, beautiful little doll.
“Hi, there,” he said, politely removing his hat.
“Are you a real cowboy?” Her black eyes glittered with excitement.
“Yes, ma’am, I am.”
“Cool.” Her delicately shaped mouth curved into a smile for just a moment, then she was all business. “I’m sorry to tell you, but the office is closed. Can you come back tomorrow?”
“I’m pretty sure Mr. Dalton will see me anyway.” The man was his father and that should get him a pass.
“Do you have an appointment?”
“Sort of.” Picking his dad up to take him out for a beer should qualify.
“Mr. Dalton is doing something very important right now and can’t be disturbed. You’ll have to wait. Please take a seat.” Little Miss Efficient went back to reading her book.
Caleb wasn’t sure whether to laugh or do as he was told but finally opted for the latter, since he was in no particular hurry. And how often did a kid get to boss around grown-ups? Might be good for her self-esteem. Although from what he could tell, she was definitely not low on confidence.
Spinning his hat in his hands, he walked over to a chair against the wall and sat as ordered. The high oak reception desk where the little girl wielded power like a Supreme Court Justice separated the client waiting area from the wide doorway beyond, which was his father’s office. His paralegal worked back there, too.
Here the floor was dark wood and the beige walls were decorated with watercolor paintings of mountains, cowboys on horseback and the local waterfall for which Rust Creek Falls, Montana, was named. He’d been there less than a minute when he heard the click of high heels hurrying closer, and a young woman emerged from the back office.
“I heard the bell over the door. Is someone here...?” The woman stopped short and looked at him.
The little girl glanced up from her book. “I told him Mr. Dalton was busy.”
“With important business, I was told.” Caleb stood and walked closer, as if drawn by some invisible force.
This woman wasn’t classically beautiful, but there was something about her that intrigued him, attracted him. Maybe it was the long-sleeved white silky blouse tucked into a straight, formfitting black skirt. She wasn’t very big, but the high heels made her legs look long and sleek.
“I’m so sorry. Please tell me she wasn’t rude.”
Spoken like a concerned mother. The little girl must be adopted. “No apology necessary.”
“Lily, you should have let Mr. Dalton know his son is here.”
“You told me to read and be quiet as a mouse and not get in the way when Cecelia dropped me off,” the little girl protested.
“I know. But sometimes there are exceptions...” The woman sighed and the movement did interesting things to the body under that silky white blouse.
“How did you know?” he asked her.
“Know what?”
Caleb was sure they hadn’t met. A striking woman like her would be nearly impossible to forget. “That Ben is my father.”
“There’s a picture of you in his office. He has photos of the whole family. You’re Caleb, the youngest of the boys.” She smiled. “He brags a little.”
“Have you called him out on it?”
“All the time, but he’s not intimidated.”
“That’s my dad.” He grinned. “You have me at a disadvantage. I don’t know your name.”
“Mallory Franklin. I’m his paralegal. And this little girl is Lily. My niece. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Same here.” Caleb took the slender hand she held out and his own seemed to swallow it.
He was certainly no stranger to meeting women; it happened to him on a regular basis. But this was different. She—Mallory—was different. Her auburn hair was long and shiny, spilling past her shoulders. Warm brown eyes met his and he saw easy laughter there. What was it about the combination o
f features that made him want to charm her straight into his bed?
There was a thought Caleb wanted to put out of his mind. He didn’t see a ring on her left finger, but that didn’t mean anything. Her niece was probably adopted and he wondered why Mallory was taking care of her. There could be a husband, and marriage was a sacred line he didn’t cross. Even if she wasn’t, a woman with a child was a complication he didn’t need.
“So, you’re here to see Ben?” She looked at their joined hands and he realized he was still holding hers.
With a fair amount of reluctance he loosened his fingers. “Yeah. I’m taking him out for a beer.”
“Good. He works too hard and needs to relax.”
“That’s what my mother says.”
“I’m guessing you’re going to Ace in the Hole?” One of her auburn eyebrows lifted.
“It’s the only place in town. And I really mean that.”
“I like that Rust Creek Falls is small,” she said.
“It is that.” Instead of being grateful that he hadn’t met her sooner, the reminder of how small the town was made him wonder where she’d been. He refused to even add all my life. “You’re new here.”
“I moved here in January.”
Since it was now August, that meant she’d been there almost seven months. “How is it I haven’t seen you around?”
“I’m guessing Bee’s Beauty Parlor and the doughnut shop aren’t at the top of your list of places to hang out.”
“Good guess,” he admitted.
“What about church?”
“I go when I can. Work on the ranch keeps me busy, but on Sundays when I can’t get away, I look at the mountains, trees, falls and that’s my place of worship. It’s prettier and more fitting than the inside of a building.”
“I can’t argue with that.” She tapped her lip and a sly look turned her eyes the color of melted chocolate. “You probably don’t get over to the elementary school much, either.”
“Nope. Once a year when everyone in town pitches in to get it ready for opening day is about the only time.”
“I like that small-town spirit. Lissa Roarke captured it in her blog and caught my attention. It’s one of the reasons we moved from Manhattan. It’s a wonderful place to visit, but I grew up and lived most of my life in Helena.”
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