Baby of Fortune

by Shirley Rogers

  Still, as the evening passed, they made small talk. Justin told her a little more about the Fortunes. She learned that he and Emma weren’t the only lost heirs of the family. Miranda’s brother, Cameron, had fathered three illegitimate children. So far, they’d all been located, but his daughter, Holly Douglas, hadn’t seen fit to return their letters.

  “She lives in a remote town in the Alaskan wilderness.” Justin took a bite of his smoked pork tenderloin.

  “I wonder why she doesn’t answer the letters?” Heather replied thoughtfully. “Surely she must be curious.”

  “No telling.”

  “What about Cameron’s sons?” She wondered if she’d meet them.

  “Storm Pierce is a gunnery sergeant and Jonas Goodfellow is an international importer, I believe.”

  “You have quite a family, Justin,” she commented. She chewed and swallowed a piece of grilled asparagus. “I don’t think I can keep everyone straight.”

  “You probably won’t meet everyone on this trip. I’m not sure what Gabrielle’s and Emma’s plans are. By the way, I called Miranda. If it’s all right, I’d like to take you to meet her tomorrow.”

  Heather swallowed hard, and the food in her mouth lodged somewhere between her throat and her stomach. She wasn’t sure she was prepared for meeting any of the new people in his life yet. At the moment, they seemed more a part of him than she did. She tried to tamp down her uneasiness. “Of course. That’s why we’re here.”

  His eyes darkened with something akin to fury. “Heather, that’s not the only reason you’re here with me, and you know it.”

  Red blotches stained her cheeks. His whole demeanor changed—from the way he sat back stiffly in his chair, to the tightening of his jaw. “Well, of course, I know—”

  “Is that why you came with me?” he demanded, his tone filled with suspicion. “Just to meet the Fortunes?”

  “No. Of course not.” She was surprised by his fervent reaction. “It’s just that we haven’t really talked about us, about what happened.”

  His shoulders relaxed, and he leaned toward her, focusing his attention on her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ve thought about this a lot, and I think we should spend a day or so just being together, getting used to each other again. Let’s not force it, okay?”

  Nodding, she said, “All right.” Maybe he was right, but Heather knew there was so much more for her to think about, to stress over.

  Seven

  Instead of going straight back to their hotel, Justin took his time and drove around the city of San Antonio, pointing to several interesting sites, including the Alamodome, where sports events were played. He also drove by the Alamo and promised he’d take Heather there tomorrow.

  When he’d said the word promise, she’d looked at him, and they’d shared a smile—they both knew the meaning underlying the word. A companionable silence fell over them as they arrived back at their suite.

  “Would you like something to drink?” he asked, indicating the wet bar in the corner of the room.

  She shook her head, and auburn curls danced around her face. “Oh, no. I’m still full from dinner. That was so nice.” Her deep-green eyes shone with pleasure.

  Justin was pleased she’d enjoyed herself. He walked over to her and drew her against him, rubbing her shoulders with his hands. She stiffened slightly, but didn’t pull away, and just having his arms around her felt like a victory.

  “It’s been quite a day. Are you tired?”

  “Very,” she admitted. “What I really want is to get out of these heels.”

  He playfully wriggled his eyebrows and gave her a devious grin. “I can help with that.” She gave a squeal, as he dipped and swiftly lifted her in his arms.

  “Justin!” she screamed as she clasped her hands around his neck.

  Chuckling, he walked into their bedroom and sat on the bed, keeping her in his lap. He removed first one heel, then the other. She was still holding onto him.

  He looked at her then, and his expression turned serious. “Ah, sweetheart, I’ve missed you,” he murmured, and he nuzzled her neck with his cheek.

  “Justin.” His name came out as just a whisper from her lips.

  “Hmm?” His hand caressed her back, then slid into her hair. She tilted her head as his lips explored her skin. “I love the way you smell,” he whispered. Just like he remembered, like delicate roses. Her scent enveloped him, playing with his senses.

  His lips explored her neck, then her chin. He kissed his way to her mouth, then stopped before taking it. Lifting his head, he looked deeply into her eyes. She didn’t have to say anything. Desire flamed in her pupils, and he just about came undone. He touched her mouth briefly with his thumb. “Only a kiss,” he whispered, holding her gaze captive.

  He waited a millisecond for her to protest, then lowered his mouth and took hers in an achingly hungry kiss, devouring her lips. Wriggling in his arms, she made a tiny sound of surrender. Justin felt his heartbeat take off like a rocket, sending his control into a spin. He slid both hands behind her head, and held her face still. Time ceased to exist as he ravished her lips, tasting her, remembering when he’d had the right to kiss her at will, to make love to her without thinking about anything but the erotic pleasure he could give her.

  You gave up that right when you walked away.

  The thought hit him like a cold splash of water in the face. He fought to regain control, then he lifted his mouth and leaned his forehead against hers. His breathing was ragged, and it was a few moments before he tried to speak.

  “Damn.”

  Heather heaved a deep, agonizing breath. “What?”

  Justin lifted her from his lap and set her on her feet. “I’ve got to quit making you promises,” he muttered gruffly, then looked at her, his features strained. “Why don’t you get ready for bed?” It came out as a question, but his crisp tone made her back away.

  He needed some time alone. He was hard and ready for her, wanting nothing more than to strip her clothes from her body and make love to her—the hot, fiery, lusty kind that filled his soul.

  Heather quickly gathered her clothing, then went into the bathroom and closed the door. He heard the water running and breathed hard. It had taken every ounce of his self-control to stop kissing her. How the hell was he going to get through the night sleeping with her?

  He heard her moving around in the bathroom, then the doorknob as she turned it and opened the door. She was covered in a lavender silk robe that molded her lush curves and seductively tormented him. A knot formed in his gut.

  “All yours,” she said quietly, avoiding his eyes, then she turned her back and put some of her clothing away.

  Justin escaped inside the bathroom for a cold shower. It served its purpose, cooling his skin and easing the pain in his lower anatomy. Barely. He turned the water off, dried, then pulled on some dark blue briefs in deference to their peculiar circumstances. When he opened the bathroom door, his heated gaze immediately swept the room for her.

  She was lying in the bed, the covers pulled over her body. Her hair looked soft and shiny against the stark white sheets. Hardly making a sound, Justin walked over to the edge of the bed. He switched off the light, then climbed in beside her. Moonlight shone through the gauzy curtains, bathing them with just enough light for him to see her. Rolling on his side toward her, he reached over and stroked the length of her arm with his palm.

  “Come here.”

  She rolled a fraction toward him. Her eyes were wary, her expression questioning, yet she said nothing.

  “I just want to hold you. I need to sleep with you in my arms.” He reached for her, and she scooted back toward him, then faced away again. He moved closer, spooning her with his body. She was soft and warm, and he slipped his arm around her, tugging her more tightly against him.

  “Are you comfortable?”

  Heather sighed as his heat enveloped her. “Yes,” she said softly. But she wasn’t. All she could think about was the way he’d kissed her,
and how deliciously wonderful it felt to be held by him.

  He nuzzled her neck. “I want you to know something,” he whispered in the darkness.

  “Hmm?” Heather murmured dreamily. She touched his hand where it rested on her belly, then wrapped hers around it. A closeness they’d never before shared enshrouded them.

  “There’s never been anyone else.”

  Heather’s breath caught. She hadn’t wanted to think about Justin’s life without her, so she’d purposely put it out of her mind. Now, he was telling her he hadn’t been with another woman in the year they’d been separated.

  “Justin—”

  His light kiss on her neck interrupted her. “Shh. I just wanted you to know, I’ve never wanted anyone but you.”

  Heather tucked his candid declaration in her heart. Until now, though she wanted their marriage to work, she hadn’t truly let herself believe it would. For the very first time, she felt hope.

  Heather walked into the living area of the hotel suite from the bedroom. She’d chosen another sundress to wear—this one red, with tiny white polka-dots. Not knowing exactly what to expect, she didn’t want to be overdressed or underdressed to meet Miranda Fortune. She wanted to look perfect.

  Justin’s gaze traveled appreciatively over her as she came farther into the room. She shivered, feeling as if he’d touched her. Her eyes widened as she looked at him. He was dressed in a suit, which really didn’t surprise her. It struck her that one thing about him that hadn’t changed was the fact that he still didn’t have the slightest idea what it meant to relax. The entire time they’d been married, she’d never seen him in jeans and a T-shirt. He’d occasionally worn sweats, but only while exercising. Casual clothing to Justin usually meant wearing khaki pants and a printed, button-down shirt.

  “I think I’m underdressed,” she commented, nodding at his clothes.

  “You look wonderful,” Justin replied. “Good enough to eat.” His lips turned up slightly as he strolled toward her.

  “But you’re dressed more formally. I should have thought—”

  “Don’t change. I want you to be yourself. You don’t have to dress or act a certain way to meet Miranda.” He briefly kissed her, tasting her lips, then reluctantly pulled away.

  “If you’re sure.” Heather sucked in a rigid breath. Justin had been kissing her more and more, and she felt a thrill of excitement every time he touched her. The sexual tension between them was growing, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. She wasn’t ready to resume that part of their marriage—not until they worked through what had happened to them in the past.

  But it was so hard not to give in to the desire growing moment by moment inside her.

  Though she was still uncomfortable with her choice of clothing, Justin again reassured her she looked beautiful. Heather finally trusted him on that, and they left the hotel. A few minutes later they were heading toward Miranda’s house.

  “Oh, my,” Heather exclaimed, blinking with surprise, as Justin drove up to his mother’s home in his rental car. “This is absolutely beautiful.” She gazed with wonder at the large Mediterranean-style villa surrounded by lush native plants. Miranda’s home in the lavish community of Kingston Estates was everything he’d told her and more. Getting used to the wealth Justin had personally acquired had taken some time. Seeing the extent of the affluence of the Fortunes…well, Heather was striving hard not to gape. Obviously, they were rich beyond any capability of her imagination.

  “She’s just a person,” Justin assured her, then got out and walked around the car. He opened her door, then offered his hand for support.

  “She’s your mother.”

  He nodded. “That, too.”

  “Can I change my mind?”

  Justin favored her with a crooked smile. “Not on your life.”

  An edginess Justin hadn’t anticipated tugged at him as he led her up the walk. As he’d told Heather, Miranda had asked to meet her. That request had surprised him. He supposed it was natural for Miranda to want to meet her daughter-in-law, especially since he hadn’t been up-front about their separation. He just hadn’t been able to admit that his marriage to Heather was in trouble, that they had been living apart, that he hadn’t seen her in a year.

  Now he was feeling foolish for not being totally open about his and Heather’s relationship. Despite his resolve to remain aloof with the Fortune clan, Justin was finding it more and more difficult to keep them at a distance. He found himself looking forward to each trip he took to Texas—this one in particular.

  He wanted Heather to like Miranda. He knew Miranda would love her.

  Heather’s gaze drifted over the spacious stucco structure. Justin took her hand. “You okay?” She gave him a wan smile, as they approached the door.

  Apparently, Miranda had been watching for them. The door opened, and Miranda’s gaze lit up with excitement when she greeted them. The wall around his heart took another blow.

  “Hello, Justin,” she said, and smiled widely.

  “Miranda.” Justin’s lips lifted briefly.

  “And you must be Heather.” Miranda extended her hand, her gaze fairly bubbling with warmth and enthusiasm, as if she’d known Heather for years and was an old friend she hadn’t seen in a while.

  “Yes.” Heather nodded and shook her hand, then unconsciously stepped closer to Justin.

  “I’m so happy to meet you.” She opened the door wider and stepped aside, allowing them to enter.

  Heather’s sandals clicked as they met the imported tile floor. Miranda Fortune, as it turned out, was nothing like what she had imagined. As she had guessed, Justin’s mother was beautiful. Elegantly dressed, her presence upon entering a room would demand the attention of those already present. Though Heather often felt people with the kind of money these people had were pretentious, and often snobby, she was pleasantly surprised to find Miranda cordial and welcoming.

  “Thank you.” She took note of her surroundings, hoping her fascination wasn’t too apparent. “Your home is very lovely.”

  “Thank you so much. Please come in.”

  They followed her through the house to the sun-room, where Justin sat on the sofa, and Heather took a seat beside him. He put his arm around her shoulders, drawing her closer.

  Sitting down, Miranda said, “I’m so glad you brought Heather to meet me.”

  Heather was mesmerized by the woman’s rather striking blue eyes. They were identical to that of her son’s. If ever there was a doubt of his parentage, those clear, intense, beautiful blue eyes destroyed it.

  Miranda turned her attention to Heather. “Justin told me that you’re a school teacher,” she commented. “What grade do you teach?”

  “First.”

  “I’m sure that it’s very rewarding.”

  “It is, most of the time. I love it. The children are so adorable and very anxious to learn.”

  “It’s a very time-consuming job, I’m sure.”

  Heather nodded. She thought of Timmy and how demanding her job had become once she had him. “It gets crazy at times,” she admitted.

  Miranda looked at her son. “Well, I hope you’ll be able to enjoy some of San Antonio while you’re here. How long are you planning on staying?”

  “About two weeks,” Justin answered. He looked at Heather, and she nodded.

  “That’s wonderful.” Miranda sat forward, hesitated, then said, “I know this is short notice, but I wasn’t sure if you’d be here so I didn’t mention it before. I’m involved with a local charity, and we’re having a gala tomorrow evening to raise money for it. There’ll be dinner and dancing. I would really love it if you could come.”

  Heather could tell this was something important to Miranda. She looked at Justin, but he remained silent. “What kind of charity is it?” she asked.

  “It’s for an organization called Teen House. They provide guidance and a place to live for pregnant teens.” She frowned, and remorse filled her gaze, coloring her skin slightly pink. �
�I’m sure Justin has told you of the circumstances of his birth.” He nodded, and his lips thinned slightly. Miranda took a breath. “I’m not proud of giving up my children, but at the time, I thought I was doing what was best for them.”

  Heather felt Justin tense beside her. “I’m sure you did,” she replied, understanding how difficult a decision it must have been for Miranda. Still, her loyalty was to Justin.

  Miranda gave her son a deep apologetic look. “I can’t undo the past, as much as I wish I could.”

  He nodded. “I know that.” He didn’t like talking about the past. It wouldn’t change anything. The future was another story.

  “I feel that by working with this organization, I’m helping to prevent other young women from making a mistake they, too, might later regret.”

  Justin squeezed Heather’s shoulder, but he said nothing. “That’s very admirable, Mrs. Fortune,” she said.

  “Please, call me Miranda.”

  Heather turned her head toward Justin so she could look into his eyes. “Would you like to go?”

  His composed expression didn’t change. “I’ll leave it up to you.”

  “You don’t have to give me an answer now,” Miranda assured them.

  “I think I’d love an evening of dancing,” Heather replied, hoping she was making the right decision. Still aware of the tenseness in Justin, she was pleased when Miranda’s facial muscles relaxed. “Thank you so much for asking us.”

  “Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to meet some of Justin’s family, too.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  They talked for a few more minutes, then left, assuring Miranda that they’d see her the next evening. Though Justin wasn’t totally at ease the entire time they were visiting Miranda, it was evident to Heather that he had accepted her as his biological mother, and as such, gave her the respect one would give a parent. Already it was easy to see that he now regarded her as much more than a short-term presence in his life.