The Mayor's Secret Fortune

by Judy Duarte

  Fight who? Steven’s hand fisted, and his brow furrowed. “Did that bastard come back from South America?”

  “No, and I don’t expect he ever will. The battle I was referring to is the one going on inside you.”

  He was definitely struggling. And it sounded like Ellie was, too. But a man had pride. And she was the one who’d thrown in the towel.

  “What’s holding you back?” Alma asked.

  Steven merely sat there, pondering her words, as well as his thoughts and feelings.

  “Is it the baby? I know it isn’t yours.”

  “No, that’s not it. That poor little guy can’t help it if his biological dad is an ass.”

  “That’s true. But a lot of men wouldn’t want to take on someone else’s responsibility.”

  David Fortune had. He’d adopted both Steven and Wiley, and he’d treated them both like his biological sons. Steven had appreciated being a Fortune and had wanted to prove himself worthy of the name.

  But in reality, what had he been trying to prove? David had treated all the boys the same. He went to parent-teacher conferences, watched baseball games, sent them all to camp, paid for private lessons, listened to problems. And he’d never once complained.

  Steven blew out a sigh.

  “My daughter has a stubborn streak,” Alma said. “And I can see that you do, too. She’s in love with you, but I’m not sure if she’ll be the first to admit it. And I’m fairly certain that you feel the same way about her. Don’t let your pride get in the way of your happiness.” Alma wheeled her chair back and stood. “I hope you’ll forgive me for showing up uninvited. I’m usually not one to meddle, but I couldn’t help myself this time. I’ll go now—and leave you to think about what I said. But no matter what you decide or how this ends, my husband and I have the greatest respect for you. We think you’re a good man, an honorable one.”

  “Thanks.” He wasn’t sure if he was thanking her for the compliment she left him with or for coming to talk to him. But he stood and walked her to the door.

  Before she could exit, Steven stopped her. “If Ellie loves me, then why did she leave?”

  Alma smiled softly. “You’ll need to ask her that.” Then she turned and walked away, leaving him stunned and with a lot to think about.

  * * *

  Ellie had gone to visit her parents again this afternoon, but her mom was just leaving to run an errand. Ellie told them she’d come back another day, but Papa insisted they focus on something else for a change.

  “It’ll be good for you to get out,” he’d said.

  When she agreed, he’d taken her window-shopping for baby furniture. Then he’d driven her to the hardware store to pick up some paint samples to take with them.

  He’d been right. Spending the day with him had helped a lot. She still felt incredibly sad when she thought about Steven and what might have been, but her father had helped her to realize she had a lot to be thankful for, a lot to look forward to.

  On the way home, Ellie called Daria to ask if she had given dinner any thought.

  “Hey,” Daria said. “I’m glad you called. I’ve got some news. And it’s about to bubble right out of me. The CEO of the car wash chain that purchased Happy Suds just called me and asked if I’d like to work for them.”

  “That’s great news. But I thought they already had an accountant.”

  “They do, but his wife is an officer in the army, and she just received orders to spend the next three years in Germany. So he and the entire family are going with her. He’s leaving in three weeks, so the CEO wants me to come to Houston now so I can work with him before he goes. That way, we can make a smooth transition.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “Actually, I’m already packed. The company is going to put me up in an apartment in Houston for the next couple of months. Then, once I get the lay of the land, I’ll be able to buy a place of my own. Only thing is, I’ll have to travel some. But I’m okay with that.”

  “You sound excited.”

  “I am. The pay is good. And they plan to buy more car washes, so there’s a chance for upward mobility.”

  “I’m happy for you,” Ellie said. “But I’ll miss you.”

  “Houston isn’t that far away. I can visit sometimes. And you can stay with me, too. But I have a favor to ask.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I can’t take Tank with me.”

  Ellie couldn’t tell her no. Besides, she liked the little rascal. “I might have to ask my parents to puppy-sit when I’m at work, but they probably won’t mind.”

  “That would be great,” Daria said. “I have a hair appointment in about ten minutes, so I need to run. Then I’m headed out of town. Can we talk more about this tomorrow?”

  “Sure. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Five minutes later, Ellie arrived home and let herself into the house. Daria had already left, but Tank greeted her at the door, tail wagging.

  She stooped to give him a scratch behind the ear. “Looks like it’s just you and me, Tank. And the baby makes three.”

  Tank cocked his head to the side, clearly not understanding.

  “Come on,” Ellie told him. “I’ll let you outside so you can go pee.”

  She’d just opened the slider to let the puppy into the backyard when the doorbell rang. It was probably the neighbor kids wanting to play with Tank. So she crossed the small living room, her bare feet padding on the hardwood floor, and opened the door.

  Instead of the two red-haired children she’d expected to see, she spotted Steven standing on the stoop, his Stetson in hand. Her heart dropped to her feet, and she feared her lower jaw did the same dang thing.

  “Can I come in?” he asked.

  She stepped aside, her heart pounding to the beat of a rock band, and allowed him to enter.

  “I’ve missed you,” he said.

  She’d missed him, too. But that didn’t mean she’d move back to the Fame and Fortune Ranch. She swept her hand toward the living room. “Come in and sit down.”

  He strode to the sofa, placed his hat on the coffee table and took a seat. She kept her distance. She’d be able to keep a clearer mind when she wasn’t breathing in his musky scent, when he wasn’t close enough to touch.

  “How are you doing?” he asked.

  “Fine. I saw the doctor yesterday, and he said everything’s good—the baby’s growing and healthy.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, but I was actually talking about your feelings.”

  His bluntness took her aback, and she realized he was talking about the goodbye letter she’d left him. It had seemed like the right thing to do at the time, but she suspected cowardice had played a large part in it.

  Unwilling to show any vulnerability, any guilt, she shrugged a single shoulder. “I’m hanging in there. I had a nice talk with my parents the other day. And I spent yesterday afternoon with my dad. So I’m moving along.”

  “How are you feeling about me?” he asked. “About us.”

  She’d be darned if she’d blurt out how she really felt. That she missed him terribly. That her heart ached for him. Her body, too.

  “You go first,” she said. “How are you feeling?”

  He sucked in a deep breath, then let it out in a long huff. “Honestly? I feel like crap, Ellie. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. And I don’t think any of that’s going to change until you come home.”

  The revelation struck her like a freight train barreling down the track. She’d left without having a heart-to-heart, which she might have owed to him. But there was no way she’d roll over and return to what they’d had.

  “I can’t go back to the ranch. If I did, then I’d be the one who couldn’t sleep or eat.” In truth, she wasn’t doing much sleeping or eating anyway.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “And I hate to
admit this, but I really let you down.”

  At that, her ears perked up. What had he done? Had he talked to the press? Had he managed to sneak around and get the planning commission to approve that blasted hotel he was dead set on building?

  “I didn’t mean for it to happen,” he said.

  Her heart battered her rib cage. “Steven, what did you do?”

  “I didn’t keep my promise. I couldn’t.” He got to his feet, reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box.

  Tears welled in her eyes, and the words wadded up in her throat, making it difficult to breathe, let alone speak.

  “I promised you that we’d be friends, that this would be a marriage in name only. But—” He reached for her hand, and when she placed it in his, he drew her to her feet. “I don’t want to just be friends. I don’t want to get a divorce. Not now, not ever. I love you, Ellie.”

  Her heart stalled in her chest, and she tried to wrap her mind around what he was saying. What she hoped he was saying. “Are you sure about that?”

  “I struggled with it long enough, but it’s the only answer I have for my foul mood, for snapping at anyone who crosses my path. I just hope you’re struggling for the same reason.”

  “I am. I love you, too. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but it did. And I was afraid to tell you.”

  “Don’t ever hold back, Ellie. I want to know it all. Be my friend, my lover and my partner in life.”

  He lifted the velvet lid, revealing a sparkling diamond, and her heart swelled to the point she thought it had filled with helium and would fly out of her chest.

  “Will you be my real wife?” he asked.

  She could scarcely speak, so she nodded. Somehow, the words seemed to bust their way through the lump in her throat. “Yes, I will.”

  He removed the ring and slipped it on her finger. “Our engagement might have started out fake, but our wedding was the real deal. And so is my love for you.”

  As he took her into his arms, she kissed him with all the love in her heart.

  When they came up for air, he cupped her face and gazed into her eyes. “Since we’re always going to be honest with each other, I have to admit something else. I felt a little hurt that you didn’t ask me to go to the doctor with you. I want to be your baby’s father in every sense of the word.”

  “My next appointment is in three weeks,” she said. “I’d love to have you go with me. In the meantime... Wait here.”

  She hurried to the bedroom and went to the nightstand, where she’d left the small scrapbook she’d created after her first visit to the obstetrician and took it to him. “Look at this.”

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “Open it and see.”

  He did, and a slow smile stretched across his lips as he saw the sonogram images she’d been saving. “This is amazing.”

  “Meet George Steven Fortune. You’ll have to wait until August to see him in person, so these will have to do for now.”

  “This is awesome,” he said. “Little George will be here before we know it. We’ll have to get busy so we can turn my guest room into a nursery.”

  Ellie bit down on her bottom lip. “Would you mind if we lived here? In my house?”

  “Don’t you like the ranch?”

  “I love it. But I’d like some private time while we create our family.”

  “I’d like that, too. Will Daria mind having a new roommate?”

  “Actually, she got a new job and moved out. So it’ll just be the two of us. And Tank.”

  “I’ll live anywhere, as long as you’re with me. Besides, it’s closer to the construction office and several of our job sites. With the wellness spa opening in a week and the restaurant opening in May, I’ll be busy. And I won’t miss the commute from the ranch.”

  “What about the hotel?” she asked. “What’s going on with that?”

  “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure if it’ll ever come to fruition, but that’s okay. I don’t mind putting that project on the back burner for a while. You and I have a baby to get ready for.”

  “My parents will insist upon helping. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. I’m going to like having them as in-laws, especially your mom.”

  Ellie kissed him again. “You are going to be the best husband ever.”

  “I thought I already was.”

  She laughed. “You’ve got that right.”

  “That reminds me, I owe you a honeymoon,” he said. “Would it be okay if we started it today? Right now?”

  “There’s nothing I’d like better.” Ellie took him by the hand and led him to her bedroom.

  As they stood beside her bed, Steven kissed her again—long and deep—savoring the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her on his tongue. He slid his hands along the curve of her back and over the slope of her derriere.

  “I love you,” she whispered as she removed her green top, revealing a lacy white bra.

  A surge of desire shot right through him, and he felt compelled to stake his claim, but they had the rest of the day and all night. And he intended to use every bit of it.

  He watched as she peeled her yoga pants over her hips. Pinch me, he thought. Ellie was a dream come true—his dream. His wife.

  Her gaze never left his as he removed his clothing, baring himself to her in a slow, deliberate fashion.

  When they were both naked, she pulled the comforter from the bed, then lay down and opened her arms, silently inviting him to join her. And he gladly did.

  She skimmed her nails across his chest, sending a shiver through his veins and a rush of heat through his blood. They continued to stroke, to touch, to taste until he thought they’d both go crazy if they didn’t quench the fire the only way he knew how.

  Unable to prolong the foreplay any longer, Steven hovered over her and gazed into her passion-filled eyes. “Are you ready?”

  “More than ready.”

  He entered her slowly at first, and her body responded to his, up and down, in and out. As she met each of his thrusts, they came together in a sexual explosion that damned near took his breath away. And as they lay in the sweet afterglow, the reality of their union was staggering as they celebrated their real love, their real marriage and the promise of a very real happy-ever-after.

  * * *

  Look for the next book in the new Harlequin Special Edition continuity The Fortunes of Texas: Rambling Rose, Fortune’s Greatest Risk by USA TODAY bestselling author Marie Ferrarella

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  Fortune’s Fresh Start

  by Michelle Major

  Fortune’s Texas Surprise

  by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Stella Bagwell

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  The Best Intentions

  by Michelle Major

  Chapter One

  “To Daniel’s memory.”

  Finn Samuelson raised his beer bottle and clinked it against Parker Johnson’s before throwing an expectant look toward Nick Dunlap.

  Nick shook his head, the flames from the firepit in his backyard crackling in the silence.

  It had been ten years since Finn had been together with his two best friends from high school in their hometown, a decade in which he hadn’t once returned to Starlight, Washington. He hated that it had taken the death of anothe
r former classmate to finally lure him back, top on his long list of current regrets.

  “Come on, Nick,” Parker urged. “Daniel’s gone, and despite what’s come to light, no one deserves that. You can honor his memory and still be loyal to Brynn.”

  Finn watched Nick’s knuckles tighten around his beer, but finally he lifted it in a half-hearted salute. “Whatever,” he muttered. “I know too much to believe there was anything honorable about Daniel Hale at this point.”

  “Have you talked to Brynn?” Finn asked.

  “Other than knocking on her door in the middle of the night to deliver the news that her husband lost control of his truck out at Devil’s Landing leaving her a widow and single mother?” Nick gave a sharp shake of his head. “Uh, no. That was about the extent of it.”

  Finn had driven the switchback road through the nearby Cascade Mountains dozens of times in high school. He pictured the hairpin turn where Daniel had gone over and inwardly cringed. He didn’t envy his friend, who was Starlight’s police chief, having to make that kind of visit to anyone, let alone the woman who’d once been his best friend. “Do you think she knew about the affair?” Daniel had died in the crash, along with the truck’s passenger, who’d turned out to be his mistress.

  Nick sighed. “It wasn’t his first. She might not have known about this one, but she understood the type of guy she’d married.”

  “It’s still hard to believe the two of you aren’t friends anymore.” Finn took a pull of his beer. “She was like your shadow back in high school.”

  “We’re friends, but things change,” Nick answered, his voice tight. “Neither of you has bothered to come back here in way too long.”

  “Everything feels the same to me,” Parker muttered. “My dad has been gone for years, but as soon as I pull into town I start to sweat. I can still feel the force of his disapproval like he’s waiting for me to come home so he can tell me what a screwup I am.”

  “Except you’re not,” Finn reminded him.

  “Somehow that’s hard to remember in Starlight.”