“I thought I was too.” She still held his shoulders. “It seems time ran out on my contraceptive implant. It quit working. And we do enjoy our lovemaking. Frequently. Without any stops for my monthly cycle or hadn’t you noticed?”
“I thought women were supposed to keep track of those things.” Why couldn’t he shut the fuck up?
“Keep talking, Pagan. You get any more insensitive and I’m going to dump you on your ass.” Her mouth had tightened.
“Oh, hell, Shannon. I love you. You’re going to have our baby?” He pulled her into his arms. “Just wait till I tell Gran. She’s going to be thrilled.”
“And what about you, Daddy?” She felt stiff, not exactly relaxing into his embrace.
“I can’t wait. We made something together. A little person. Can you believe it?” He leaned back so he could look into her eyes. So she could see that, shit, he’d teared up.
“I sure can. Especially when I’m hugging the toilet bowl.” She finally smiled again. “So you’re okay with it?”
“Baby, I can’t imagine anything better than starting a family with you.” He smoothed his hand over her stomach, still flat. But soon …
“All right then. Now you can have your nooner. Doctor says it can’t hurt Billy junior or baby Brianna.”
“Brianna? What the hell kind of name is that?” But he went to work on her buttons. One of those office blouses. White. Gran would hate it. He loved it for its easy access. Hook front bra. There they were. Her pretty breasts. Had they gotten bigger yet? He was going to google this pregnancy thing first chance he got.
“I always thought I’d name a little girl Brianna. What about you? Any ideas for names?” She had his tie off and on the floor. She was quick with buttons too.
“I never thought about it. But Billy Junior is a nonstarter. A kid needs his own name, not mine.”
“Mmm. Yes, right there.” She pressed his head against her. “I think they’re getting tender. No biting this time.” Her hand was inside his pants. “Hormones. The doctor explained I might be really horny now. Isn’t that great?”
“Baby, you’ve been horny ever since I met you. Ouch!” She’d tugged a little too hard. “Keep in mind I don’t want to have an only child, Shannon.”
“Really? Can we get the first one out before we make those kinds of pronouncements?” She laughed and moved under him. “Hurry, lover, I’m starving and Mai said I needed to feed you. You need to feed me too. I’m craving a burrito with extra chili and cheese.”
“I live to serve.” Billy was very careful as he set about pleasing the woman he loved. He was as happy as he could ever remember being. And tomorrow night was the big proposal he had planned. Good timing if he said so himself.
* * * *
“I never had grandparents.”
“What?” Billy had been tracing circles around Shannon’s belly button, an innie, and worrying about logistics. They’d need a bigger house. He’d turned one bedroom into his home gym, another into an office. That left one full of junk he should probably throw away. He could cook, Shannon didn’t pretend to. They couldn’t raise a kid on Chinese takeout. His schedule was so crazy they’d obviously need help, though he should take fewer clients. He could afford that now. Too bad Janie was talking about retiring. He liked her motherly vibe.
“Are you listening to me?” She swatted away his hand and covered herself with the throw.
“No grandparents. Why not?”
“Mama said she ran away from home as a teenager. Claimed her parents were abusive.” Shannon frowned. “Now I wonder if they kicked her out.”
“What about your father?” Billy didn’t know what he’d have done without Gran. And there had been the Chief too. He’d been a grandfather figure, making sure Billy had a strong male role model in his life.
“Daddy said he was an orphan, raised in a boy’s home. He wouldn’t talk about it. Obviously, it made him determined to succeed, no matter what he had to do.” She sat up and reached for her bra. “This is depressing. I’m hungry. Let’s get dressed.”
“Wait a minute.” Billy pulled her close. “Our child will have plenty of love, if that’s what’s on your mind.” He smoothed her hair, glad she didn’t go for one of those hard, sprayed and fussy hairdos. She’d run a brush through it when they got ready to leave and look great.
“I know that. Auntie Megan showed up at the office this morning with two little outfits, one pink and one blue.” Tears filled her eyes. “Oh, crap. I’m an emotional wreck.”
“I love you, Shannon Calhoun.” Billy kissed the tears from her cheeks. “You wreck me.”
She threw her bra across the room. “You have such a way with words. No wonder juries love you. So do I.” Shannon pulled him on top of her. “It’s going to be a very late lunch, counselor.”
* * * *
“Shannon, they need you in your sister’s office.” Caroline stopped in front of her desk. “I don’t know why you don’t just move up there.”
“I’m sorry, Caroline.” Shannon had just gotten off the phone with a reporter from the Wall Street Journal. She pulled a bag of saltines from her desk drawer and stuffed one into her mouth. The nausea was back and heartburn from a drive-thru taco wasn’t helping. She’d spent way too much time playing in Billy’s office so that had been the best they could do for lunch. Now she was suffering for it. She gulped water and brushed cracker crumbs off her blouse.
“I heard some of what you said to that reporter. You’re getting really good at handling those calls.” Caroline smiled as Shannon stuck the crackers in her purse and tried to juggle her laptop, water, and purse on the way to the elevator. “Are you feeling all right?”
“A little heartburn. I’m swearing off tacos.” Shannon closed her lips over a burp. “Thanks, Caroline. Clearly you know about the claims against the company now. We got a break with the judge and now we know how much money we have to come up with.” She punched the up button with her elbow. “Hopefully I can spin things so the stock doesn’t take a tumble.”
“I’m all for that. Good luck.” Caroline grabbed the water bottle when it started to slip. “I’ll put this back on your desk. I feel sure your sister will give you a new one up there in the executive suite.”
“Okay, thanks.” Shannon stepped into the elevator. What now? She’d like nothing more than to go home and take a nap. The doctor had given her something for nausea, but it had warnings about causing drowsiness so she hadn’t dared take it yet. She had too much work to do. The lurch when the elevator stopped wasn’t kind to her stomach. She held on to the door and breathed, finally stepping out when the doors almost closed on her.
“Shannon, are you all right? You’re pale.” Holly Rogers, Cassidy’s executive assistant, hurried forward to take her computer.
“A little woozy. Let me sit for a minute.” Shannon collapsed into a chair.
“I’ll get you some water.” Holly set the computer on the chair next to her and rushed away. She was back in a minute with a glass of cold water. “Here.”
“Thanks, Holly.” Shannon sipped, then dug out a saltine. “I’m pregnant. Still early but it’s hitting me with all those symptoms you read about.”
“Oh, congratulations! Cass didn’t tell me!” Holly sat on the other side of her. “When are you due?”
“July. Not sure of the exact date. We’re still working on that.” Shannon sipped some more water and finally felt the nausea and dizziness pass. “I guess Cass is waiting for me.”
“Cass and someone else.” Holly glanced at the closed office door. “I think it means trouble, Shannon. When they asked for you, I wondered why.”
“Who’s in there?” Shannon knew Holly was sharp and not much went on at Calhoun that she didn’t know about. Cass trusted her and she was one of the few people outside the family who knew the truth about Conrad and his dealings.
“
Mindy Foster. Cass hopes to sell her our pipeline division.” Holly stood. “Ms. Foster doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
“Oh, I know that, believe me. But why am I here?” Shannon picked up her laptop.
“Ms. Foster asked for you.” Holly took the empty water glass. “You sure you feel up to this? Nothing that woman does is easy. I got that vibe from her.”
“Anyone else in there?” Shannon stood. Thank God the room didn’t move.
“Lawyers. Dylan MacKenzie and Rand Pierce. They’re trying to hammer out the terms of the sale.” Holly heard her phone buzz. “Bet that’s them wondering what the holdup is.” She hurried to her desk and picked up her phone. “Yes, she just got here. I’m sending her in now.”
“How do I look?” Shannon wished she’d had time to freshen her lipstick.
“Pale, but okay. I like your hair like that.” Holly was trying to be nice.
Shannon straightened her shoulders. Her hair was pulled back in a twist because she’d made a mess of it with Billy. The less seen of it the better. Maybe pale was okay. Not that she’d get pity from Mindy. That shark had no pity for anyone. If Mindy got joy from sticking it to Calhoun in front of her former friend, Shannon would be damned if she let her see how much it hurt. She’d keep smiling no matter what Mindy tried to pull in there.
Holly threw open the door. “Shannon Calhoun.” She stepped back, closing the door softly behind Shannon.
“You took your sweet time getting here.” Mindy Foster sat on the leather couch, one Louboutin high heel dangling from her foot where she’d crossed her legs. She wore a red power suit that matched the soles of those shoes. Shannon had to admire her look.
“I was on the phone with the Wall Street Journal. I was happy to tell them about our progress in making Calhoun a strong and profitable company again.” Shannon carefully set her laptop on the coffee table then settled next to Mindy. Why not? She was just as important here.
“Shannon really is great with the press.” Cass had moved out from behind her desk for this meeting and was in a chair beside the two lawyers. They all had stacks of paper in their laps the size of a small phone book.
“Did you call me here to write a press release? About the pipeline deal?” Shannon smiled at Mindy. “You do love your pipelines.”
“Yes, I do. Especially when I can get them at fire sale prices.” She leaned back and stared at Cass. “I was just telling your, um, sister, that I won’t pay what she’s asking. I know Calhoun is hard up for cash. Fifty million. That’s my offer.” Her smile gave Shannon the shivers.
“It’s worth one-fifty, Mindy.” Cass wasn’t smiling. “The connections it will give you in Louisiana and Oklahoma more than make up for any of the issues you and Rand pointed out earlier.”
“Some of those pipes are old and need replacing. Pumping stations are out of date. Though I do like those right-of-ways.” Mindy glanced at Shannon. “I’m sure this is way over Shannon’s head. Don’t let us bore you. I got you in here to ask about your house. Is the family selling that place in River Oaks? I always did like the mansion’s location.”
“You want to buy our house?” Shannon reared back, thinking about the home where she’d grown up.
“Why not? It’s on a prime piece of real estate, right down the street from the country club. Of course, I’d tear it down and build something more to my tastes. Modern, not a Gone With the Wind knock-off.” Mindy patted Shannon’s knee. “Remember when we were in junior high school and you showed me your daddy’s circus-themed bedroom?” She laughed. “My God! We should have figured out then and there the man was cracked.”
Shannon jumped up, knocking her laptop to the floor. “What’s wrong with you, Mindy? Junior high? We were best friends then. Daddy took us to the circus and we rode the roller coaster together at the carnival there.” She stomped around the table to face Mindy. Damn it, she was setting this bitch straight once and for all.
“Listen to me and listen good. I never said a word about your damned date at our come-out. It was your idiot cousin who told everyone that he’d been paid to take you to the dance.”
Mindy flushed.
“Oh, you didn’t know that, did you? Instead, you blamed me. Made me into your enemy. I, I didn’t deserve it!” Shannon fought tears. Oh, no. She couldn’t cry. Stupid hormones.
Mindy stared up at her. “Why should I believe you? Your daddy was a liar. Look what he did to those poor people he robbed.”
“Mindy, I never lied to you. I’m not like my daddy. None of us are.” Shannon looked over at Cass who was by her side suddenly, taking her hand. “We’re ashamed of Daddy. And so, so sorry for what he did. We’re doing our best to make things right.”
“Shannon, don’t waste your breath.” Dylan stood on her other side. “I’ve known Mindy as long as you have. She’s here to do business, not travel down memory lane.”
“MacKenzie is right. Maybe Shannon should leave. She looks a little unsteady. Been drinking at lunch? Mindy tells me you have a habit of that.” Rand Pierce had moved closer to his client. “Why are we talking about what happened decades ago? I thought we were here to do business.”
Mindy dropped both feet to the floor. “Shut up, Rand.”
“I’ve given up drinking. I’m not drunk, I’m sick.” Shannon held onto Dylan and Cass. She wasn’t going to fall down now. “Mindy, I’m sorry. We won’t be selling the house. Not to you, anyway. I don’t want it torn down. It’s full of memories. Some bad, I admit it. But there were good ones too.” She wished Megan was here, Ethan too. They’d back her up. Would Billy want that house? Oh, she wasn’t thinking straight. “I need to get out of here.”
“Wait!” Mindy stood, brushing off Rand’s hand when he offered it. “You really didn’t tell the world that night about my cousin? My parents paid him?”
“Why would I tell anyone? We were friends. I don’t hurt my friends, Mindy.” Shannon looked around and saw a pitcher of water on the bar against one wall. Water. No, she already needed to pee. But that damned nausea was back. The room was too hot, no, cold. She breathed and clutched Dylan and Cassidy, glad for their support. How was she going to survive seven more months of this?
“All right. One-ten, best and final.” Mindy held out her hand to Cassidy.
“I can live with that.” Cass let go of Shannon and reached out to shake Mindy’s hand. “Gentlemen, draw up the contract.”
“What’s wrong with you, Shannon? You look like hell.” Mindy shoved the laptop out of her way and walked over to look into her eyes.
“Gee, thanks, Mindy. I’m pregnant.” Shannon sighed. “Now get out of my way. I’m afraid I’m fixing to lose my lunch.” She saw a trash can and grabbed it, falling onto the couch with it between her legs. Thank God, she breathed through the nausea. “False alarm.”
“Pregnant. Been there, done that. Twice. Besides, wouldn’t have been the first time I’ve seen you throw up, girlfriend.” Mindy settled beside her again and patted her back. “Remember the time…”
Shannon accepted a glass of water from Cassidy and listened to Mindy reminisce. It was about good times for once, though Mindy had to dig deep. They hadn’t been friends since that debutante ball when Mindy had jumped to the wrong conclusion. Obviously, Mindy had decided to mend fences. Shannon would allow it because the woman made a bitter enemy. Mindy’s experience with her two children meant she might also have some good advice—about schools, nannies, all the things Shannon would need to know soon.
At least now the pipeline sale would go through and help them save the company. She should call Billy. No, he was in a meeting with Rupert and the D.A. He would call her when he got out of there.
What about the house? She was supposed to finish out the year living there, according to Daddy’s will. But Dylan had figured out a loophole for Cass and she’d already moved out. He’d surely find one for her if she wanted to move in with B
illy. That would leave Ethan alone there. Unless… Would it be terrible if she asked Billy to consider living in the mansion with her? They’d have Janie for the rest of the year. Shannon would love her help, especially after the baby came.
Tonight they planned to tell Billy’s grandmother the big news. Would the old lady expect them to get married right away? Set a wedding date? Shannon wouldn’t mind it. She sure didn’t want to waltz down the aisle with a bowling ball for a stomach. Or carrying a screaming baby. She’d been to weddings featuring both.
She looked down at her boring work outfit. She should change into something colorful. Gran still wasn’t entirely happy with Billy hooking up again with the woman who’d dumped him years ago. Shannon figured the least she could do was dress to please the lady. At least now she knew it would be a long time before she’d take another drink. In fact, just the thought of champagne made her pull that garbage can closer. God, would she ever feel right again?
* * * *
“Congratulations. It took some work but Mai says Rupert is a free man.” Albert had come by Billy’s office to pick up his lady. “You got a minute?”
“Yep. I’m supposed to pick up Shannon in a while but wanted to clear up this paperwork first. Did Mai tell you? I’m going to be a daddy.” Billy couldn’t quit smiling.
“No, she didn’t tell me.” Albert came around the desk and pulled Billy up into a bear hug. “Man, that’s awesome.” He squeezed so hard Billy asked for mercy. “Sorry. I get carried away sometimes.” He wiped his eyes. “You don’t have to tell me how you feel. It’s written all over your face.”
“I’ve got the engagement ring ready to go. Now I’m worried my house is too small.” Billy walked over to sprawl on the couch while Albert took a chair. “You know real estate. Help me find a bigger place. One with quarters. We’ll need someone to live in. Maybe a nanny, maybe a housekeeper. I’ll talk it over with Shannon.”
“I’ll start looking right away. You know the style she likes?” Albert pulled out his tablet.
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