The Love Child

by Catherine Mann

  “Do you feel there’s any truth to that? Do you love her?”

  Love her? He exhaled hard. “Mom, how the hell would I know? I just know I’m wrecked at the thought of living without her.”

  Jeannie’s eyebrows pinched together in the worried mother look she’d worn more than once over the years. “How do you know? I can’t tell you what you feel. I can just say that I’ve fallen in love—and been loved in return—twice in my life. Both times were different. Your father was my high school sweetheart, a love that builds over years, a love that matures together. With Jack? It was more like a blindsiding of emotion. A lightning strike when he walked into a room and I saw him with fresh eyes, knowing that my life would never be the same in a very good and amazing way.” The worry lines smoothed, her eyes wise. The wisest he’d ever known. “Trystan, Isabeau looks at you with that ‘struck by lightning’ look. Make your decision and treat her heart with care.”

  Her words cut through him, the thought of hurting Isabeau paining him worse than his own heartache. The beginnings of a revelation that would change his world... He tried to smile, to make light of the revelation because having his world change so drastically wasn’t totally comfortable. “I thought you would be on my side.”

  “I am. Always. I want you to be happy. You’re my son and I love you. Unconditionally.” She reached to cup his cheek. “I have to confess though, I would hope you felt you had the perfect family here with us. I know that Charles and I found our family to be finally complete once you became ours.”

  Guilt tweaked at him over her words and the sense that he might have hurt her. “Mom, you know I love you.”

  “I do know that, son.”

  Son.

  He’d heard the word from her a million times, but right now, for some unknown reason, it resonated. Deeply. Instilling peace and confidence in him to face what was right there waiting for him.

  He was Jeannie and Charles Mikkelson’s son. He’d had the perfect family as their son—he still did.

  And now it was time for him to build a family with Isabeau. The woman he loved.

  Yes, loved.

  He just prayed she loved him too.

  * * *

  Her heart still raw from her breakup with Trystan, Isabeau wondered how she would make it through this Mikkelson-Steele wedding without bursting into tears. But she was here, as per her job, and she would hold herself together with the help of Paige at her side.

  Isabeau snuck a peek into the church, drinking in the lightness of the oak pews and the rich colors filtering in through the enormous stained glass windows. Arrangements of orchids and stephanotis lined the aisles of the church, elegant and, yes, fairy tale–like.

  Her eyes blurred with tears over that other wedding a month ago, how the fairy-tale feel had tempted her so.

  The man had tempted her.

  The day had led to one of the most memorable evenings of her life with Trystan. The evening they’d conceived their child.

  Absolutely breathtaking.

  Her heart pounded, nerves getting the better of her even with her Lab leaning against her leg. She’d been invited to the bridal room before the ceremony. Things had been...tense over the last few days. And that was putting it mildly. But she’d promised to see this job through to the end.

  Which was how she wound up at Jack and Jeannie’s wedding and in the bridal room with all the women in the family. Jeannie’s daughters, her daughter-in-law and her soon-to-be stepdaughters flanked her, forming a semicircle around the bride. Her lacy tea-length gown was bespoke elegance.

  Jeannie’s light blond hair was streaked with moonlight gray, making her seem ethereal. Especially since her hair was gathered into a French twist with embedded baby’s breath and peonies.

  No doubt, Jeannie Mikkelson was a stunning woman. But she wore joy as visibly as her pearl-and-diamond earrings and necklace. Truly, the blissful expression on her face became her most beautiful accessory.

  With the skill set of a conductor, Jeannie moved her hand across her body, gesturing for the conversation to fade. As commanding as she was beautiful.

  “Girls, my dear girls, I want to thank you all for being here today to celebrate. I realize this wedding could have been something to divide a family, but it means the world to me how you’ve all come together. My girls, to support me. Jack’s girls, to welcome me.”

  Glenna Mikkelson-Steele, the oldest daughter, stepped forward. “Jack’s accident was a wake-up call for all of us about what’s important. Family. Love. Unity.”

  The other daughters and the daughter-in-law, Shana, all nodded in agreement. Even Naomi nodded, resting on a floral sofa with her feet up, her eyes swollen and red. Isabeau had hoped the woman’s breakup would blow over, but it didn’t appear that was the case. Happiness could be so fleeting.

  Jeannie tucked a stray hairpin back into her chignon. “This love caught me by surprise—”

  Glenna laughed. “I bet you weren’t nearly as surprised as Broderick and I were to find you two in the shower together at work.”

  As the others giggled, Isabeau clapped a hand over her mouth. That little nugget of gossip had never made it to the press. Even Paige tipped her head to the side with an inquisitive expression in her wide brown eyes.

  Jeannie leveled a look at her daughter. “My point being, love can be in the last place you expect to find it. You could so easily miss it if you aren’t open to possibility and compromise.” She toyed with her diamond-and-pearl necklace, an engagement gift from Jack Steele. “Alright, enough with speeches and sage advice. I wish you all a lifetime of joy, my dears, and look forward to celebrating every precious moment with you.”

  Isabeau held back while the daughters hugged Jeannie, all careful not to smudge her makeup or muss her hair. Then as they dispersed, Isabeau leaned down to pass Jeannie the something blue handkerchief. “Thank you for including me in your group here.”

  Jeannie squeezed her hand. “Thank you and Paige for joining us. And thank you for all you’ve done to help our family, and Trystan in particular. Your work has made this day all the more worry-free.”

  “I’ll miss you all when I go.” Her throat went tight, and Paige nudged her.

  Jeannie’s grip tightened on her hand, her eyes probing. “I wish you didn’t have to go. You fit in quite nicely with all of us.”

  Isabeau froze. Had Trystan told her something? This certainly wasn’t the time or place to ask. But if he had, then Isabeau could swear what she saw in Jeannie’s eyes was welcome, acceptance. And a familial warmth.

  It had been a long time since Isabeau had felt that, and on a day when tears were already so close, the feeling speared deep into her heart. “Thank you. It’s been an honor to be a part of helping along a wonderful family.”

  Except she wouldn’t be cut off from them completely. Soon they would all know about the baby. All the women in this room would be a part of her life—of her child’s life.

  As the beauty of the love in this family wrapped around her, she realized how very much she wanted it—not just for her baby, but for herself.

  How much she wanted Trystan’s love, because she had fallen deeply and fully in love with an incredible man. And if she wanted a chance at having him, she would need to learn the art of compromise. If only she could hang on as he learned to love her, the way he’d so haltingly suggested that night on the beach.

  Paige’s leash loose in her hand, Isabeau walked into the nave, looking down into the church where she saw...Trystan. Unable to look away, she stared at him—so strong and formidable.

  And surprisingly careful with his words.

  The thought hitched—held—as she realized he wasn’t the kind of man to say anything he didn’t believe. Another man might have spoken of love even though he didn’t feel it. But Trystan’s deep wellspring of honesty prevented him from decorating his words. Cheapening them
with anything but his true feelings. She admired that.

  How funny that the man who’d been reputed as outspoken in this clan was simply the most honest?

  Maybe a man like that was worth waiting for. Compromising for.

  And loving until he loved her in all the ways she’d dreamed about.

  * * *

  “Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Jack Steele,” Broderick Steele announced at the top of the staircase at the reception, gesturing for Jack and Jeannie to make their grand entrance after the wedding.

  Glenna stood at Broderick’s side, their daughter on her hip. “Welcome, Mom and Jack. We’re all so happy for you both.”

  Trystan stood back, letting the moment roll through. He was more comfortable in the background anyway. And he was keeping his eyes on Isabeau, watching for an opening to make his case. He’d practiced what he wanted to say to her, and he hoped the wedding atmosphere would sweep her up once again, the way it had that unforgettable night in the boathouse.

  He missed her today. Longed for her to be on his arm through every moment. But he’d caught glimpses of her arriving at the church, conferring with the photographers, then with the Steele and Mikkelson women, hanging back but so very much there with Paige at her side.

  Light colors and equally light tunes made the hours melt away. The beloved couple were toasted again and again. Each memory caused laughter and “awwws” from the women.

  He’d done his best, making the rounds, working the reception, and now that the cake had been served, he figured he was due a moment alone on the balcony.

  Not that he was cutting out completely. Just taking a breather. Unlike Royce Miller, who was conspicuously absent. That irritated Trystan. He understood that having a broken heart stunk, but this family had welcomed Royce, he worked for the company. He should have made an appearance. The gossipy whispers had to be troubling for Naomi since gossip about their breakup had spread to the press—

  Holy hell, Trystan was thinking like a media person...and yes, like a man in love.

  And then the hair on the back of his neck prickled with awareness. Isabeau.

  He turned to find her near him, looking back at him as he stared openly at her.

  She smiled, the sight so damn welcome he realized it had been days since he’d seen the real, genuine Isabeau smile and not just the pleasant working expression necessary for business. “It was a beautiful wedding. I thought they found the perfect balance in including people, but pulling off an event with no attendants other than the sons as ushers.”

  “If we siblings had all been groomsmen and bridesmaids, there wouldn’t have been enough room on the altar for Mom and Jack.”

  “Well, it was beautifully done. And best of all, the women didn’t have to wear ugly bridesmaid dresses.” She smiled at him with emotion that reached to her eyes.

  And gave him hope.

  “I can’t imagine anything looking ugly on you.” Perhaps not the most romantic statement in the world, but he was trying.

  “Thank you.” Her smile wobbled a bit. “Maybe it’s that pregnancy glow.”

  Their baby. He swallowed a lump of emotion. Of love. “If so, you wear it well.”

  She blushed, looking down for a moment, scratching Paige’s ears in a way he’d begun to learn meant she was nervous. So he pressed ahead with small talk for now, putting his speech on hold rather than risk upsetting her. “You’re right about the wedding being pretty,” he continued, not wanting her to leave the balcony. “I’m not one for grand romantic gestures, but I have to confess that I was moved by how happy they both are. I didn’t expect to see my mom married again, but I’m glad for her.”

  “You did well today. You’ve fulfilled your family’s wishes and beyond. I’m sure they’re happy and proud.”

  Music from the wedding reception drifted out onto the balcony, a live band performing a vintage love song.

  “I owe that to you. You’re an incredible teacher.”

  She was much more than that to him. He needed to find a way to make her understand that.

  “You did the work.”

  “We’re quite a team. At least, we were.” He prayed they would be again. Any other outcome was untenable. He took her hand lightly in his, determined to make the most of this moment alone with her. “Are you still angry with me for the way I reacted when you told me about the baby?”

  “I won’t lie. I was hurt. But we have time to sort through things. Months, in fact.”

  He couldn’t wait months to have her in his life. He’d missed her deeply this week. Needed to have her close to him every day going forward, for as long as she would have him.

  “About that, what if we were to decide things now?”

  Wariness lit her eyes, but she wasn’t moving away. She squeezed his hand. “Before you launch into your latest push to get married, I have to tell you I’m tired. So can we just walk and celebrate that today was a good day, and that we’re talking again?”

  “I know how you like to live in the moment.” He kissed her knuckles, then the inside of her wrist just over her pulse. “But the truth is, I can’t go another moment without you, and I need for you to understand how much I want you in my life. Not because of the baby, but because you’re...you.”

  She blinked up at him, her breath catching just a little, but she didn’t try to interrupt him or halt him. Perhaps now was the time for his speech, after all. If only he could remember it.

  He opted for the simple, amazing truth instead. “Isabeau Waters, you have turned my life upside down, but in the best of ways. Being without you even these past couple of days has made me realize I can’t face spending another day apart from you. I am completely, irrevocably in love with you.”

  Her mouth fell open. Her fingers lifted to cover her lips for a moment. “Wow.” She dropped her hand and there was something warm and wonderful in her eyes. Something that looked like possibility. “Just wow. For a man who claims not to like speeches, you have a gift.”

  “I have the truth of how I feel. And an inspiring muse in you.” Love for her filled him all over again.

  “There’s no way I can match that, except to say, I feel the same. I love you and I can’t deny it’s scary to have my heart and happiness so connected to having you in my life. But it’s more painful to think of being apart from you.” She clasped his wrist and brought his palm to her stomach. “I want us to live this fairy tale and raise our child together.”

  He dipped his face to hers, breathing against her lips. “I am so damn glad and relieved.” He stroked her stomach lightly, reverently. “Because that’s exactly what I want, as well.”

  Then he kissed her once, twice, holding, absorbing the feel of her and the reality that they could have a future. Together. “You’re glamorous and stunning and I’m scared as hell life out in the wilds of Alaska will ultimately send you running from me. I’ve seen what happened between Royce and Naomi. It gives me pause. I don’t want these past weeks to make you think I could thrive in a city. It’s not who I am.”

  “I don’t want to change you. And I think you sell me short. I’ve loved seeing Alaska through your eyes. And it’s not like you’re a hermit living in a cave. You participate in the running of a large ranch. Your life is full.”

  “But what about your life? Your career? That’s who you are, and I don’t want to change you, either.”

  He’d been weighing that in his mind for weeks while they waited to see if she was pregnant, but he’d been trying to live in the moment with her, unwilling to rush. But now, they needed a workable plan for a future together.

  Something rock solid that wasn’t going to come unglued the way Royce and Naomi’s romance was ripped at the seams. Seeing their pain made him all the more determined to get this right.

  “I’ve been thinking about working more on a consulting basis and expanding the business with trained employ
ees who pick up the stresses of travel so I can balance my career with motherhood.” Her hand fell to rest on Paige’s head, stroking the yellow Lab’s velvet fur, the dog nuzzling her palm. “Paige and I were both so happy and comfortable at your ranch. I can see us thriving there.”

  As her words filled the space between them, he could see them coming to life. He could picture riding with Isabeau, envision her in his house and, yes, in his bed. “That sounds like a good plan, but if you find living there isn’t working for you—”

  “I’ll tell you and we’ll work on a new plan. Together.” She kissed him quickly and slid her arms around his neck. “I don’t want the moon and the stars. I want someone who will look at them with me. I want you to be that person.”

  “I do love you—” he palmed his heart “—with all that I am. Isabeau, you are my bucket list.”

  As he watched her eyes fill with happy tears of emotion, Trystan knew without question, without memorization or practice, he’d found the right words.

  He’d found the right woman.

  * * * * *

  Don’t miss a single twist in the saga of the

  ALASKAN OIL BARONS

  from

  USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Mann

  THE BABY CLAIM

  THE DOUBLE DEAL

  THE LOVE CHILD

  THE TWIN BIRTHRIGHT

  Available May 2018

  Only from Harlequin Desire!

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