His Billion Dollar Baby

by Lea Nolan

  He smiled. “It’s something to me.” Deep gratitude swelled in his chest. “I can navigate the toughest of contracts but I could never explain the clinical benefits as well as you.” He marveled at her beautiful face and clear, smooth skin. Though she likely felt uncomfortable and unwieldy this far along in her pregnancy, to his eyes, she was gorgeous.

  She shrugged. “Anything for the project. The Walk It is too important to fail.”

  “Of course.” He swallowed hard, reminding himself of all he’d done to push her away. “With you on board, I’m sure that won’t happen.”

  “Fingers crossed.” She smiled weakly.

  Carter’s assistant ushered in the procurement staff from the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Carter and Gwen turned on their smiles and handed out their presentations. It was show time.

  An hour later, the presentation concluded. It was a smashing success, just as Carter knew it would be. He and Gwen bounced off each other, describing the Walk It’s origin, the evolution of its design, and detailed the shoe’s results, which showed significant and progressive improvement in the gaits of amputees who wore prosthetics. They finished each other’s sentences and even cracked jokes through the presentation, putting the government officials at ease. Carter watched with admiration as Gwen handled each question with aplomb, gracefully deflecting any of the challenges while pointing out the shoe’s benefits. She was a natural.

  Before he knew it, they were shaking hands with their beaming guests, who promised to be in touch. For the first time in months, he felt light, happy, and had laughed. It was all because of Gwen. If things didn’t go as he hoped, she’d leave and he’d return to the darkness and self-loathing. Desperate to hang on to these good feelings for just a few more moments, he accompanied her down the elevator and across the vast lobby on the first floor.

  “That was amazing. I’m sure they’re going to contract with us and it’s all because of you,” he said, unable to peel his eyes from her rose-red lips. He longed to take her in his arms and somehow convince her to change her mind, beg her to forgive him and stay in the country. But he had to be patient.

  She smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “You would have done just fine. You know everything there is to know about the Walk It. They couldn’t have stumped you.”

  “Yes, but I couldn’t have been as charming. You dazzled those big, tough procurement officers.”

  “Uh huh, me and my huge pregnant belly. Totally alluring.” Chuckling, she patted her midsection.

  He met her gaze. “More than you know.” Her eyes turned down with sadness, or maybe it was regret. Either way, he needed to change the subject. “Hey, would you like to grab some lunch to celebrate? I know a great little falafel stand.”

  She smiled. “I’d love to, but I can’t. I’ve got a prior engagement.”

  “Anything serious?” he asked, looking down at her belly.

  “It could be, but it’s not about the baby.” Gwen rubbed her midsection. “She’s fine. Couldn’t be better, actually. I can’t wait to meet her. It should only be a few weeks now.”

  “That’s great. I’m sure you’ll be a great mom,” he said, his voice filled with disappointment. “Well, I don’t want to keep you.”

  She reached for his arm. “I’m sorry. Maybe sometime before I leave for Germany?”

  Carter forced a smile. “Maybe.”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Gwen’s jaw dropped when she drove into the parking lot of D.C. Duckpin Alley. If she wasn’t so sure she was in the right place, she’d have sworn she took a wrong turn somewhere. The lot was freshly paved. The cracked exterior had been repaired and painted a striking combination of red and black, and a brand new flashing neon sign hung on the outside of the building. Most unbelievable, it was packed with cars, the most she’d ever seen in the all the times she’d been here.

  Where did Stan get the money to do this? Duckpin bowling alleys were on the decline, fighting for their lives. No bank would be crazy enough to give him a loan. Maybe he won the lottery. Or married a really rich widow.

  Yanking open her car door, Gwen stepped out of her Civic and made her way through the crammed lot into the building. The scent of brand new carpet filled her lungs, along with paint and floor varnish. The interior had been fully restored and given a 1950s retro facelift. Every lane was filled with families playing duckpin, with scores of children hauling the mini balls down the newly refurbished lanes. Something else wafted through the air, too. Rich and savory, it was familiar, though she couldn’t quite place it.

  Gwen spun around, taking it all in. Was she dreaming?

  Stan bolted out of his office. “Gwen! I’m so happy you’re here.” He beamed, happier than he’d looked in years.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “People are playing duckpin! Isn’t it great?”

  “It’s wonderful, but how? Where did all these kids come from?”

  “Oh, they’re from the D.C. Home for Girls.” He pointed to the four lanes at the far end of the alley, then to the next four. “And those kids are from the Boy’s Home. The rest of them are here for the free family day celebration.” He reached over the shoe rental counter and grabbed a flyer advertising the event.

  “But how can you afford all this? You can’t survive giving free bowling sessions to everyone. And how did you pay for all these renovations?”

  Stan smiled. “I got a development grant.”

  “From who?” she asked, mystified as to who would invest in a dying sport.

  “Me.” Carter’s voice rang out behind her.

  Her heart leapt at the sound of his voice. Whipping around, she covered her mouth with her palm. He was wearing the most atrocious black and red bowling shirt she’d ever seen. Next to the Work It Gear logo on the breast pocket, the words “Mr. Anderson” were embroidered in red script. Behind him, Judith stood beside Rocky in his wheelchair, her hand on his shoulder.

  Rocky waved. “Hi, Gwen! I’ve missed you so much,” he uttered, his speech halting but clear.

  Tears of joy leapt from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. “Hi Mr. A. I’ve missed you, too.”

  The scent of falafel wafted in the air. But that was impossible. Ari’s cart was miles away on the Walter Reed campus. Then she noticed the concession stand had been refurbished as well, converted into a full-fledged restaurant with Ari hard at work behind the counter, tending to a line of customers.

  Just then, Emerson charged through the front door and stood off to the side. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic was killer.”

  Her mind whirled. What was going on? The most important people in her world were here, obviously in the know, yet she was as clueless as a chicken in a fox den. She felt like she’d walked into a surprise party, except today wasn’t her birthday.

  Her skin pricking, Gwen turned to Carter. “What the heck is going on?”

  “A grand re-opening of a Washington, D.C., institution,” he replied as he stepped toward her wearing brand new red and black plaid bowling shoes. They were the most un-Carter footwear she’d ever seen.

  A giggle escaped her lips. “But why?” Her question was as much about the grand re-opening as it was the bowlers.

  “Because Work It Gear is branching out to focus on more family-oriented sports. And nothing brings families together like duckpin. It did it for you and Stan, and it’ll do it for countless others. Just look at how much fun they’re having.” From the joyous look on his face, he was having fun, too. The relaxed, easy-going Carter she’d fallen for was back.

  Gwen gazed at the lanes filled with happy people. “True, but I don’t know if you’ve noticed, half the alleys in the region have shut down. You’re liable to lose a lot of money.”

  Carter cocked his head. “Money isn’t everything, Gwen. I thought you already knew that.” He smiled and his eyes were bright. “Don’t get me wrong, it certainly helps transform things fast”—he chuckled—“but in the end, it’s only a tool for helping peop
le.”

  She crossed her arms. “I’ve known that all along.”

  “You have. And thanks to you, I’ve finally figured it out. Which is why Work It Gear and several other major corporations will be sponsoring duckpin tournaments around the country with Stan as our national spokesman. I’m no fool. This has gigantic profit potential down the road what with the apparel, footwear, and equipment tie-ins, but for now, I’m just happy to help restore something great.”

  Could it be true? Had Carter really finally gotten it after all? Gwen looked at Stan. “So you’re okay with all of this? You don’t feel taken advantage of or anything?”

  Stan laughed, throwing his burly arm around her shoulder. “Okay? I’m overjoyed. I thought I’d have to close the doors this winter. This man saved my business and with a little luck, he’ll help save the sport I love. I’m more than okay.”

  Relief washed over her. Perhaps this wasn’t just a dream, maybe Carter’s change was a reality. “Well, then I guess I should say thank you.”

  “No thanks necessary. I didn’t do it for you. I did it for me,” Carter answered.

  Her brow furrowed. “For you?”

  He smiled. “Yes. I fell in love with this sport, too. Playing with you was some of the best times I’ve had in years. But there are a couple things I would like to give you.” He walked to Rocky’s wheelchair and retrieved a thick envelope from a bag hanging off the back. Returning to her side, he pulled a packet of pages from inside and tucked the rest of the packet under his arm.

  Drawing a deep breath, Carter gazed into her eyes. “I hope you can take this with the very best of intentions because honest to God, that’s how I’m offering it, no strings attached. It took me a while to realize just how wrong I was to misjudge you and try to manipulate you into doing what I wanted. I’ve got to live with the consequences of such a colossal mistake. But I can make one thing right. My father understood the wisdom of family working together to make Work It Gear successful. I couldn’t appreciate that until I had all the control but no one to share my success with. It was very lonely.” He turned the document to face her. It was the proxy vote agreement that had caused so much pain and sorrow. He tore it in half, then half again.

  Gwen gasped. “What are you doing?”

  “Restoring a family company to the family.”

  She shook her head. “But I don’t know a thing about running a business. I can’t make decisions for Work It Gear.”

  He shrugged. “You’re going to have to learn. That little angel of yours has quite a large inheritance you’ll need to manage, which will include your share of the Walk It royalties, assuming you still don’t want them. But don’t worry, you only control a third of the corporate shares. You’ll still have to deal with me and my mother.” He smiled.

  “I don’t suspect that will be much of a problem.” Judith grinned. “At least from my perspective.”

  Gwen’s mind reeled, suddenly realizing the weight of responsibility she’d just been granted. “I don’t know if I’m up to it.” Her chest tightened.

  “Sure you are,” Carter said. “You’re a natural. And we’ll do it together. As partners. For real.”

  She stared into his gorgeous navy blue eyes. Old feelings she’d tried so hard to bury bubbled to the surface, making her pulse thrum. If only she could dive into his arms and be enveloped in his caress. But too much had passed between them and it was too late. Why hadn’t he realized this earlier? They could have been so much more than business associates.

  Ripping her gaze from his, she looked down at the new carpet. “You didn’t have to do this.”

  Gently, he reached out his hand to lift her chin. “I know, but I wanted to. Not because I had to, but because it’s the right thing to do. And, not that it’ll change a damn thing, because I know I’ve already screwed up everything beyond all repair, but it’s because I love you.” He brushed a lock of hair off her forehead and tucked it behind her ear.

  Her breath caught. “You love me?”

  He nodded. “I’m totally, head-over-these-ugly shoes, madly in love with you. I realize I started falling in love with you the moment we met. And even though she isn’t born yet, I love that little baby growing inside you.”

  Gwen swallowed hard. They were the words she’d longed to hear. But were they enough? Her heart longed to say yes, but her brain flashed the caution sign.

  “Do you love me, Gwen?” He gazed into her eyes, searching her soul.

  Unable to hide her truth, she nodded. “I do.” Her heart leapt at the admission, but reality jerked it back. “But so much has happened, Carter, and so much is about to change.” Her throat clenched. “I’ll be a mom, I’m moving, and I’ll be starting a new job and—”

  He lifted his hand. “I know. Things are complicated. But I wouldn’t be the businessman I am if I quit negotiating the first time I got turned down.” He nodded at Stan who brought him two boxes of brand new shoes. Dropping to one knee, Carter opened the larger of the two boxes, revealing a woman’s pair of black and red plaid bowlers, a perfect match to his own. Then he opened the second, smaller box containing a coordinating set of plaid leather baby booties.

  Emotion surged as Gwen stared into Carter’s misty eyes. His gaze told her so much more than words could convey. Despite all that had gone on before, she loved him, not just because he’d rebuilt this alley and would revive a dying sport, but because of who he was on the inside, and for how much he obviously cared for her.

  Carter cleared his throat. “Gwen Radley, you opened my heart and taught me to love again. Please stay and marry me. Let me be a father to your child. If you give me the chance, I’ll cherish and love you every moment we spend together for the rest of our lives. It may not be all strikes, but I swear there won’t be any gutter balls, either.” His voice quaked as he peered into her eyes. Gwen’s chest shuddered. He truly loved her, and he loved her child. What more could she possibly ask for?

  “Yes. Yes I will marry you.” She leaned forward to kiss him.

  Judith, Rocky, and Emerson cheered as Stan draped her shoulders with a black and red bowling shirt.

  Pulling away from her new fiancé, she glanced at the garment. “What’s this?” The pocket was embroidered with the words Mrs. Anderson.

  Carter rose to his feet. “When you’re on Team Anderson, you’ve got to have a uniform.”

  Gwen laughed. “You were pretty sure of yourself, weren’t you?”

  He smiled. “What can I say? I’m an excellent negotiator.”

  Hands cupping her face, he kissed her gently. Parting her mouth, Gwen succumbed to his touch, enraptured by the warm press of his lips. With his words and touch, he’d brought every one of her childhood dreams of family to life, and sealed the promise of their future together, just as it was meant to be.

  Epilogue

  Callie Honor Anderson sat in her grandfather’s lap and clapped her hands. “Cakey!”

  “You’d better hurry up, she’s hungry.” Rocky laughed.

  Gwen chuckled as she lifted her daughter from the crook of Rocky’s arm, then strapped Callie into her highchair. “She’s waited a whole year to eat chocolate; she can wait a few seconds more.”

  Callie was everything Gwen had imagined and more. Exuberant and demanding, the beautiful little redhead was as strong willed as her mother and each of her paternal relatives. If her father had his way, someday she’d be a formidable CEO.

  Judith shook her head as she took her place at the table. “You’re going to have your hands full with that one.” Despite her admonition, she cast an adoring gaze at the tiny powerhouse.

  Emerson scoffed. “Going to? This little spitfire’s already got us all wrapped around her little finger.” He tweaked her pink, cherubic cheek. “Don’t you, sweetie? Yes, you do.”

  “She certainly does,” Carter said as he thrust a video camera in Devon’s hands. “Hit this before the song starts.” He pointed to the button on top. “You’ll know it’s on when the red light blinks. Make s
ure you get the whole song. I don’t want to miss a second of this.”

  Devon arched his brow. “We run a multi-national corporation. I think I can handle a video camera.”

  “Maybe so, but it’s not like you get much practice, with your toiling in the office all the time. You’ve got to get out a little, man, live it up.” Carter slapped his shoulder. “I hear Washingtonian magazine is taking nominations for this year’s sexiest man.”

  “When are you going to settle down, Devon?” Judith asked. “There’s got to be a million girls out there looking for someone like you.”

  Devon scoffed. “I don’t know, Mrs. A. I guess the right girl just hasn’t found me.”

  “Leave Devon alone. He’ll find someone when the timing is right.” Gwen hoisted the cake with flaming candles. “Carter, can you get the lights?”

  “Of course, sweetheart.”

  Gwen lit the candles on Callie’s pink princess birthday cake and they all joined in to sing. With her father’s assistance, Callie managed to blow out every one of her candles. After everyone had taken a slice, Carter leaned over and kissed Gwen’s neck. “Did you make a wish?” he whispered.

  She smiled as she nuzzled close. “I didn’t need to. All my wishes have come true. How about you?”

  “I wished Callie would have lots of siblings. Maybe even a whole team’s worth.”

  “Is that so?” Gwen asked, a knowing grin creeping up her face. “Then I suppose I should tell you your wish has been granted. At least for Anderson baby number two.”

  Carter gasped. “Really?”

  “Yes, but we’ll have to discuss the size of the starting line up. I’m not sure I’m up for a full squad.”

  Carter smirked. “Have I ever mentioned I’m an excellent negotiator?”

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  Acknowledgments

  This book would never have happened if Liz Pelletier didn’t tell me she believed I could write it. With her encouragement and guidance, I did, and along the way, fell in love with writing contemporary romance. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I’ll be forever grateful for the chance you gave me, and for helping me branch into a new genre.