by Nora Roberts
‘‘And you’d already decided that you would.’’
‘‘I’d decided that I was going to live my life pretty much alone. I was managing that well enough until recently.’’
‘‘You see it as a noble sacrifice. I see it as ignorance.’’ She lifted her hands, knowing she was heating up again. ‘‘I guess we’d better leave it at that.’’
‘‘You know damn well that if we were to get married you’d want more children.’’
‘‘Yes, I would. And while I’ll never agree with your reasoning for not making them together, there are other ways to make a family. You of all people should know. We could have adopted children.’’
He stared at her. ‘‘You . . . I figured you’d want to get pregnant.’’
‘‘You figured right. I would want it because I would treasure your child living inside me, and knowing you were there with us. But that doesn’t mean I couldn’t find another way. What if I couldn’t have children, Ethan? What if we were in love and planning to be married, and we found out I couldn’t have babies? Would you stoploving me because of it? Would you tell me you couldn’t marry me?’’
‘‘No, of course not. That’s—’’
‘‘That’s not love,’’ she finished. ‘‘But it’s not a matter of can’t. It’s a matter of won’t. And I could have tried to understand your feelings if you hadn’t kept them from me. If you hadn’t turned me away when all I wanted was to help you. And I won’t compromise on everything. I won’t be with a man who doesn’t respect my feelings and who won’t share his problems with me. I won’t be with a man who doesn’t love me enough to stay. To make a promise to me to grow old with me and to be a father to my child. And I won’t spend my life having an affair with you and then having to explain to my daughter why you didn’t love and respect me enough to marry me.’’
She stepped toward the door.
‘‘Don’t.’’ He shut his eyes, fought down panic. ‘‘Don’t turn away from me, Grace.’’
‘‘I’m not doing the turning away. Don’t you see, Ethan? You’ve been doing the turning away all along.’’
‘‘I’ve ended up right back where I started. Looking at you. Needing you. I’m never going to be able to stop now. I made so many promises to myself about you. I keep breaking them. I let her put her hands on this, too,’’ he said slowly. ‘‘I let her put her mark on what we have. I want to clear that mark away, if you give me the chance.’’
He lifted his shoulders. ‘‘I’ve been doing some thinking.’’
She nearly smiled. ‘‘Well, there’s news.’’
‘‘Do you want to hear what I’m thinking now?’’ Following instinct, listening to his heart, he started up the stairs. ‘‘I’m thinking it’s always been you, Grace, and only you. It’s always going to be you, and only you. I can’t help it if I want to take care of you. It doesn’t mean I think you’re weak. It’s only because you’re precious to me.’’
‘‘Ethan.’’ He would make her give in. She knew it. ‘‘Don’t.’’
‘‘And I’m thinking I’m not going to be able to give you the chance to live without me after all.’’
He took her hands, holding them when she tried to tug them free. And keeping his eyes on hers, he drew her out and down the steps to catch the last gilded light of the setting sun.
‘‘I’ll never let you down,’’ he told her. ‘‘I’ll never stop needing you to stand beside me. You make me happy, Grace. I haven’t valued that enough, but I will from now on. I love you.’’
He touched his lips to her brow when she trembled. ‘‘The sun’s setting. You said that was the best time for daydreams. Maybe it’s the best time to pick the dream you want to hold on to. I want to hold on to this one. I need you to look at me,’’ he said softly and lifted her face to his. ‘‘Will you marry me?’’
Joy and hope blossomed within her. ‘‘Ethan—’’
‘‘Don’t answer yet.’’ But he’d seen the answer, and overcome with gratitude, he brought her hands to his lips. ‘‘Will you give Aubrey to me, let me give her my name? Let me be her father?’’
Tears began to swim in her eyes. She willed them back. She wanted to see him clearly as he stood watching her with his face so serious, lit by the last quiet light of the day. ‘‘You know—’’
‘‘Not yet,’’ he murmured and this time touched his lips to hers. ‘‘There’s one more. Will you have my children, Grace?’’
He saw the tears she’d been struggling to hold back spill over and wondered that he could ever have thought to deny them both that joy, that right, that promise.
‘‘Make a life with me, one that comes from love, one that I can watch grow in you. Only a fool would believe that what comes from what we have together would be anything but beautiful.’’
She framed his face with her hands, took that picture into her heart. ‘‘Before I answer, I need to know that this is what you want, not just for me but for yourself.’’
‘‘I want a family. I want to build what my parents built, and I need to build it with you.’’
Her lips curved slowly. ‘‘I’ll marry you, Ethan. I’ll give you my daughter. I’ll make children with you. And we’ll take care of each other.’’
He drew her close, just to hold, while the sun slipped away and the light shimmered into evening. Her heart beat quick and light against his. Her single quiet sigh echoed seconds before the whippoorwill began to sing in the plum tree next door.
‘‘I was afraid you weren’t going to be able to forgive me.’’
‘‘So was I.’’
‘‘Then I figured, hell, she loves me too much. I can get around her.’’ The laugh rumbled out as he nuzzled her throat. ‘‘You’re not the only one who can reel somebody in like a damn rockfish.’’
‘‘Took you long enough to bait the hook.’’
‘‘If you take your time about things, you end up with the best at the end of the day.’’ He buried his face in her hair, wanting the scent and the texture. ‘‘Now, I’ve got the best. Good, solid stoneware.’’
Laughing, she leaned back so she could see his eyes. The humor there, she thought, was aimed at both of them. ‘‘You’re a smart man, Ethan.’’
‘‘Few hours ago you said I was stupid.’’
‘‘You were.’’ She pressed a noisy kiss on his cheek. ‘‘Now you’re smart.’’
‘‘I missed you, Grace.’’
She closed her eyes and held tight, thinking it was a day for forgiveness. And hope. And beginnings. ‘‘I missed you, Ethan.’’ She sighed, then gave the air a puzzled sniff. ‘‘Peanuts,’’ she said and snuggled against him. ‘‘That’s funny. I could swear I smell peanuts.’’
‘‘I’ll explain it to you.’’ He tilted her head up for one soft kiss. ‘‘In a little while.’’
This novel is a work of fiction.
Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
INNER HARBOR
A Jove Book / published by arrangement with the author
All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1999 by Nora Roberts.
Excerpt from Carolina Moon
copyright © 2000 by Nora Roberts.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Making or distributing electronic copies of this book constitutes copyright infringement and could subject the infringer to criminal and civil liability.
For information address:
The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Putnam Inc.,
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ISBN: 1-101-14604-4
A JOVE BOOK®
Jove Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
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ivision of Penguin Putnam Inc.,
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JOVE and the “J” design are trademarks belonging to Penguin Putnam Inc.
First edition (electronic): April 2001
CONTENTS
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
DEAR READER,
Home means different things to different people. Making a home can be both a challenge and a joy. Those of us who are lucky have fond memories of the place where we grewup, of the traditions set there. Inner Harbor deals with finding that home, making it, preserving it.
Ray and Stella Quinn had given Phillip a second chance at life. He’d never forgotten what they’d done for him. With his brothers, Cameron, Ethan, and nowSeth, Phillip worked to maintain their home and keep a promise to a man he loved. Maybe he preferred his life in Annapolis, the museums, the restaurants, the crowds, but he’d keep his promise even if it meant splitting his time on the Shore, laboring over hulls and homework.
Home was what Ray had wanted for his sons, all of his sons. To keep his promise, and his home, Phillip must accept the boy Ray brought into their lives, and deal with a beautiful woman who has secrets that will affect all of themÓa woman who needs both his trust and his heart.
To clear their father’s name and keep a sacred vow, the Quinns will band together. A family formed by fate and the generous hearts of a special couple.
Nora Roberts
Turn to the back of this book for a special SNEAK PREVIEW of
CAROLINA MOON
The new novel from #1 NewYork Times bestselling author Nora Roberts . . .
Available in hardcover from G. P. Putnam’s Sons
DON’T MISS NORA ROBERTS’S STUNNING
DREAM TRILOGY . . .
Margo, Kate, and Laura were brought up as sisters amid the peerless grandeur of Templeton House. Though they came from different backgrounds, they were united by friendship, loyalty, familyÓand dreams . . .
DARING TO DREAM
The daughter of the Templetons’ housekeeper, Margo Sullivan had always wanted to make her mark in the world. But when her life fell apart, she returned to the only home she had ever known, to .nd herselfÓand love . . .
HOLDING THE DREAM
Rather than languish among the luxuries of Templeton House, Kate Powell made her own way, rising to the top of the .nance business. But when she was faced with a professional impropriety, Kate was forced to look deep within herself, only to .nd something missing in her lifeÓ and in her heart . . .
FINDING THE DREAM
The daughter of a wealthy hotelier, Laura Templeton had always known comfort, privilege, and security. But by the age of thirty, her storybook marriage dissolved, leaving her emotionally and .nancially devastated. Laura had always de.ned herself as a wife, a daughter, or a mother. Now, she had to discover Laura the woman . . .
PRAISE FOR NORA ROBERTS’s SWEEPING
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
MONTANA SKY
“Roberts paints a vivid picture of the rawbeauty of Big Sky country.”
—Chicago Tribune
“[An] epic tale of love, lust, and overpowering passions.”
—Booklist
“Exciting, romantic, great fun.”
—Cosmopolitan
“Sexual tension and sexy dialogue . . . suspense . . . humor . . . a good read.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A rich narrative . . . Roberts balances the tension . . . with three romances, crackling dialogue, and a snappy infusion of humor.”
—Publishers Weekly
“If it is passion, suspense, and emotional power you want, Montana Skyhas them all.”
—Tulsa World
“NORA ROBERTS JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.”
—Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
DON’T MISS NORA ROBERTS’S EXQUISITE TRILOGY OF THREE MODERN WOMEN OF IRELAND . . .
The Concannon sisters are women of ambition and talent, bound by the timeless spirit and restless beauty of their land . . .
BORN IN FIRE
Maggie Concannon is a glassmaker, whose stunning works re.ect her spirit. But when she is swept away by romance, her reclusive world opens to a .ery love that can forgive her dark past . . .
BORN IN ICE
Brianna Concannon’s bed-and-breakfast became a cold and empty place when a harsh winter descended upon Ireland. But then a restless wanderer with a painful past came into her lifeÓand Brianna learned that sometimes fate has a plan of its own . . .
BORN IN SHAME
A talented graphic artist, Shannon Bodine’s life turned upside down when she traveled to Ireland to meet the family she never knewshe had. And amid the lush landscape, she discovered the possibility of a love that was meant to be . . .
“MOVE OVER SIDNEY SHELDON: THE WORLD HAS A NEW MASTER OF ROMANTIC SUSPENSE, AND HER NAME IS NORA ROBERTS.”
—REX REED
ALSO BY NORA ROBERTS . . .
HIDDEN RICHES
Antique dealer Dora Conroy has a passion for the .ner things in life—but sometimes possession can be a lethal obsession . . .
“This latest treasure from Roberts stars a heroine who’ll charm readers.”
—USA Today
“A sure winner!”
—Library Journal
PRIVATE SCANDALS
In the world of television talk shows, dark secrets hide behind its brightest stars . . .
“Tense, compelling, and riveting.”
—Romantic Times
“A fun read!”
—Publishers Weekly
“Top-notch . . . First-rate reading.”
—Rendezvous
HONEST ILLUSIONS
The daughter of a world-renowned magician, Roxy Nouvelle has inherited her father’s talents—and his penchant for jewel thievery.
“Roxy and Luke will steal your heart. They are magic. . . ”
—CATHERINE COULTER
“A captivating story. You’ll fall in love with these wonderful characters just as I did.”
—JULIE GARWOOD
“Honest Illusionsis pure magic.”
—EILEEN GOUDGE
For Elaine and Beth, such devoted sisters— even if they won’t wear blue organdy and sing
PROLOGUE
PHILLIP QUINN DIED AT THE age of thirteen. Since the overworked and underpaid staff at the Baltimore City Hospital emergency room zapped him back in less than ninety seconds, he wasn’t dead very long.
As far as he was concerned, it was plenty long enough.
What had killed him, briefly, were two .25-caliber ets pumped out of a Saturday night special shoved through the open window of a stolen Toyota Celica. The finger on the trigger had belonged to a close personal friend—or as near to a close personal friend as a thirteen-year-old thief could claim on Baltimore’s bad streets.
The bullets missed his heart. Not by much, but in later years Phillip considered it just far enough.
That heart, young and strong, though sadly jaded, continued to beat as he lay there, pouring blood over the used condoms and crack vials in the stinking gutter on the corner of Fayette and Paca.
The pain was obscene, like sharp, burning icicles stabbing into his chest. But that grinning pain refused to take him under, into the release of unconsciousness. He lay awake and aware, hearing the screams of other victims or bystanders, the squeal of brakes, the revving of engines, and his own ragged and rapid breaths.
He’d just fenced a small haul of electronics that he’d stolen from a third-story walk-up less than four blocks away. He
had two hundred fifty dollars in his pocket and had swaggered down to score a dime bag to help him get through the night. Since he’d just been sprung from ninety days in juvie for another B and E that hadn’t gone quite so smoothly, he’d been out of the loop. And out of cash.
Now it appeared he was out of luck.
Later, he would remember thinking, Shit, oh, shit, this hurts ! But he couldn’t seem to wrap his mind around another thought. He’d gotten in the way. He knew that. The bullets hadn’t been meant for him in particular. He’d caught a glimpse of the gang colors in that frozen three seconds before the gun had fired. His own colors, when he bothered to associate himself with one of the gangs that roamed the streets and alleys of the city.
If he hadn’t just popped out of the system, he wouldn’t have been on that corner at that moment. He would have been told to stay clear, and he wouldn’t now be sprawled out, pumping blood and staring into the dirty mouth of the gutter.