Avalyn nodded her approval. “I also need to return to America and my family.” She cast another dark glare at Bridger. Britney was on his lap now, arms around his neck, laughing at something he’d said. He didn’t seem to mind at all. “There’s no reason for me to hang around here any longer. Would you like to join me on my jet? After my pilot drops me off in New York, he could fly you to …?”
“Montana? No. That’s too much to ask. I’d be thrilled to come with you to New York, if that is all right; then I can get a commercial flight home.”
“It’s not too much to ask. You need to get to your family.” Avalyn pressed her hand warmly. “Should we do the rounds and say goodbye to the Hawks? Except for that loser Bridger.”
Lexi didn’t think it was her place to ask about Avalyn’s animosity to Bridger. Could this world-renowned woman love the crazy extreme athlete?
Avalyn squeezed her hand. “You’ve got this.”
Lexi squared her shoulders. Guilt rushed through her as she felt like she was deserting the Hawk family on their happy day and she’d told Callum she’d wait, but it was silly to sit and wait when she could be with her family. She didn’t know what leaving would do to her and Callum’s relationship—or their contract—but she was feeling hurt and deserted and she just wanted to be home, in Snow Valley, with her family for Christmas. Thank heavens for Avalyn, her new friend and ally, for giving her this chance.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Callum grabbed his laptop and rushed out of the penthouse suite and toward the reception area. A man stepped out of an alcove and Callum darted to go around him, then stopped. “Dad?”
His father nodded solemnly. “We need to talk, son.”
Callum eyed him warily. “I’ve got to go get these papers signed or I lose this deal, Dad. We can talk when I get back.” He never liked “talking” with his father. It was always some lecture about how he didn’t measure up.
“There is always another deal,” his dad said in a steely tone. He gestured with his head. “Let’s go.”
Callum’s eyes widened. He obediently followed his dad through the reception area and into a private office. When they were alone, Callum whirled on him. “I really don’t have time for this. It’s Christmas Eve and we need the papers signed or the deal won’t go through. I’ve been working on this deal for years.”
“Do you even hear the words coming out of your mouth, son?” His father stood almost as tall as him, and the look in his dark eyes would’ve terrified Callum when he was younger. Now it just made him angrier. “It’s Christmas Eve.”
“I’m doing exactly what you taught me!” Callum roared back.
His dad faltered back a step and hung his head. Callum’s eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t know how to deal with a humble Thomas Hawk. “I taught you wrong. Please don’t make the mistakes I did, son. When’s it ever going to be enough for you?”
Callum shook his head, gripping his laptop bag tightly. “Easy to say now, isn’t it? After you’ve turned everything over to me and I’ve exceeded our every expectation with the businesses you started. I’m acquiring the Yates’ hotels today, Dad. You know what that means.”
“It means nothing,” his dad said. “There’s always another property to gain. It will mean nothing if you lose Lexi in the process.”
“I’m not going to lose Lexi. She told me to go.”
“When did a woman ever say what she meant when she’s trying to be supportive yet hoping you’ll read between the lines?”
Callum grunted, supposing that was true. A man would tell you off, smack you in the shoulder, and get on with life. Women were very different. But he loved Lexi, and she loved him. They’d both said those beautiful words at the wedding. She wouldn’t tell him to go if she didn’t mean it.
“I saw her eyes when you walked away,” his dad said. “That’s why I followed you. You’re breaking her heart, choosing a deal over being with her, being with your family. It’s Christmas Eve, son. Go to her. Tell her you love her. What would you rather have—a couple hundred more hotels, or the woman you love?”
“Did aliens take over my father’s body?” he said aloud. Every word his dad said was a gut punch.
His dad actually gave him a genuine smile. He rested a heavy hand on his shoulder and said, “I want to tell you something I never heard from my own father and I’m afraid I’ve never said aloud to you.” His dad cleared his throat and focused in on him. “I’m proud of you, son. You’re more than enough. Stop trying to prove yourself to me.”
The room swam and Callum was terrified he would cry. He wrapped his arms around his dad and hugged him. His dad grunted in surprise. They hadn’t hugged in … they’d never hugged. A handshake was the extent of physical contact between Thomas Hawk and his sons. Except for Bridger, but Bridger was crazy.
His father pulled back and looked a little watery-eyed himself. “Don’t follow in my footsteps. You’re the hardest worker I know, and I’m proud of that and I know you’ll always work hard, but remember that the deals will still be there. That beautiful lady who loves you might not always be.”
Callum nodded. “Thanks, Dad,” he squeaked out.
His dad patted his arm awkwardly. “It’s your decision, son. I’ve told you what to do enough in your life. I won’t make the same mistake here. But I thought you needed to know how proud I am of you and that Lexi is worth losing any deal. I’ve watched the two of you. You have something special together.”
His dad trusted him to make the right decision? That hit him as hard as anything. He was right that Lexi was something special. Suddenly, he wanted to tell his dad everything, even if his dad rescinded his pride. “Lexi and I’s engagement was a farce. I set it up originally so I could avoid Kiera and Cambree setting me up, and I kept it going because I fell for her and so I could help Lexi’s family out financially—her mom recently had a kidney transplant.”
His dad studied him, silently processing. Finally, he said, “There’s nothing fake about you and Lexi. You love each other.”
Warmth blossomed in Callum’s chest. He smiled. “I do love her.”
His dad nodded. “Sounds like you’ll have a really great story to tell your children.”
Children? The warmth in Callum’s chest filled his entire body. He wanted children with Lexi.
“I’ll see you out at the party. Kiera claims she’s going to teach me how to salsa dance.” He winked and pretended to shake his hips.
Callum laughed. “Good luck to Kiera.”
“For sure.” His dad turned and hurried through the door. It banged closed behind him.
Callum pulled out his phone and studied it for a few seconds. He pulled up the seller’s info and pressed call, each ring of the phone too loud and jarring his unsteady nerves.
“Well, if it isn’t the handsome Callum Hawk,” Mrs. Yates drawled out. “You flying my way, you beautiful man? After we sign the papers, I’m going to let you take my gorgeous granddaughter out to dinner.”
Callum cringed. He wasn’t taking anyone but Lexi out to dinner. “First of all, I’m sorry to hear about your husband.”
“Thank you.”
“And thank you for being willing to accept the offer. I know Hawk Enterprises will carry on the excellent tradition Yates has always inspired, both for your guests and for your employees.”
“Your reputation is why I contacted you first. How soon will you be here?”
It was the moment of truth. Hundreds of beautiful hotels or one beautiful woman. There truly was no contest. “I’m not coming your way today. My brother got married this morning and I need to stay with my family and prove to my fiancée that I’ll put her first.”
There was silence on the line for a few beats, and Callum dreaded her answer. He hated losing this deal, but his dad was right—losing Lexi would be much, much worse.
“I would still love to do the deal with you, after the New Year,” he said. “My word is my bond. The offer stands, and you can announce the sale to you
r children without reservation.”
“Wow. You’re being a little pushy.”
Callum didn’t say anything.
“But I respect a man who puts his loved ones first. Maybe if my husband would’ve done that, I wouldn’t have wished him dead so many times.”
Callum coughed, not sure how to respond.
“Let’s have the lawyers set it up for January second. Guess the date with my granddaughter is off the table.” She laughed. “See you soon, handsome.” The call disconnected.
Callum stared at the phone for half a second. He hadn’t lost the deal, and now he could show Lexi that she would come first. Maybe the problem was him, but not in the way he’d always assumed. He bent over backwards for every deal. If he structured things better, trusted his people more, and told people no sometimes, he could put Lexi and his family first.
His chest swelled and he pocketed his phone and ran for the door. He couldn’t wait to find Lexi and kiss her. Then he was going to see if he could talk her into eloping. Christmas Day. New Year’s. He didn’t care as long as he could be with her.
He sprinted back to the wedding party, ignoring the odd looks some people gave him. Most people were sitting down and eating. He couldn’t see Lexi anywhere. He hurried up to Bridger and bent down to whisper, “Where’s Lexi?”
Bridger pulled away from Britney and stood. He tugged Callum away from the party and muttered, “I saw her with Ava Baby.”
“Where are they now?”
Bridger’s eyes were dark and stormy. His fists clenched. Callum tried to remember the last time he’d seen Bridger upset. It had to be when Bridger was a teenager, Callum had been home for a college break, and the brothers had seen Ava Baby kissing Justin Neiderhauser on the beach. They’d had to haul Bridger away, kicking, swinging, and cursing Justin.
“They didn’t say anything to me,” Bridger said, “but Emmett and Cambree said they told them goodbye and that they were flying home to be with their families for Christmas.”
“What?” Callum’s body swayed. Lexi had left? Oh, no. What must she be thinking? She’d claimed she was okay with him going, but that obviously hadn’t been the truth. Could he catch her in time?
“Stupid woman anyway,” Bridger muttered.
Callum grabbed a fistful of his brother’s shirt. “Don’t you ever talk about Lexi like that.”
“Lexi?” Bridger stared at him and then laughed darkly. He pushed Callum’s hand away. “Not Lexi, Ava Baby.”
“What is the deal with you and Ava?”
“Nothing.” He clenched his fists. “No matter what I do, she barely gives me the time of day. I thought maybe Britney would make her jealous.”
“Bro.” Callum shook his head. “You’re the one that has all the experience with women, but you’re acting like a complete … doofus.” He smiled at Lexi’s word.
“A doofus?” Bridger glared at him. “You want to throw down right here?”
Callum rolled his eyes. “I haven’t got time for this. I’ve got to find Lexi, but you need to listen up. Never use another woman to make a woman jealous. It’s disrespectful to both of them. If you like Ava Baby …” Callum couldn’t believe he was encouraging this. Avalyn would never date his adrenaline-junkie little brother. “Be a man and tell her.”
Bridger stared at him like he might actually be listening.
“I’ve got to go. Do you know what airport Ava’s jet was at?”
“No clue, but I’ll come with you.”
“Let’s go, then.” Callum felt a twinge of guilt that they were rushing out on Creed and Kiera’s wedding party, but his dad had told him to dump the deal for Lexi. Hopefully he’d also approve of Callum chasing her to Montana.
Honestly, it didn’t matter anymore if his dad approved or not. Lexi was his first priority now.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lexi enjoyed the three-hour flight from Cancun to New York, chatting with Avalyn the entire way. Avalyn didn’t tease her when Lexi clammed up and prayed during the takeoff, simply put her hand on Lexi’s and prayed quietly with her. The woman was simply impressive and one of those people who made you feel like a million bucks. It was hard to say goodbye to her newfound friend, and even harder to endure the quiet five-hour flight to Montana. Now that Avalyn wasn’t with her, she second-guessed leaving. She’d told Callum she would wait for him.
She missed the beauty and warmth of Cancun as she descended from the plane at a private airport in Billings. The wind blasted into her, but she missed Callum more than sunny skies. How would he react when he found out she’d left? Would he call her or come for her, or would he be upset and call the entire engagement farce off?
Then again, how long would it take him to notice? He was probably still signing documents in LA.
She pulled her coat out of her bag and shuffled into it, but she was still freezing in her dress and heels. The stewardess who had helped her off the jet with her luggage glanced around at the empty airport. “I can’t leave you here. Come back into the plane.”
“My sister’s coming …” Lexi smiled and pointed as her dad’s old truck roared into the parking lot. “There she is. Thank you.”
The woman nodded and bolted back into the plane, shutting the door behind her.
Lexi hurried as best she could across the ice-slick pavement in the beautiful silver heels Callum had bought her, dragging her suitcase and hefting her carry-on. Hannah leapt out of the truck and bolted toward her. Lexi dropped her luggage. They slammed into each other and hugged and hugged.
Hannah pulled back and looked her over. “Sheesh, sis, you’re gorgeous.” She tugged on her hand. “Come on. We can talk on the drive. It’s freezing out here!”
They piled the luggage into the back of the old truck, then climbed in. The heater worked. Thank heavens. Lexi rubbed her hands in front of the heater. She glanced out the windshield to see the sleek white jet take off.
“What in the heck is going on with you?” Hannah demanded, pulling the truck into gear and turning it toward the main road. “Jet-setting around with billionaires and famous people. Were you honestly on a plane with Avalyn Shaman? Are you seriously engaged to Callum Hawk?” She screamed. “What is that?”
Lexi jumped, looking around for a spider or snake.
Hannah was pointing at her left hand. “That monstrosity!” Hannah slammed on the brakes and Lexi almost hit the dash before the seat belt finally caught. “Holy crap, that’s almost as pretty as you are.”
“Thanks, sis.” Lexi gave her sister a side hug, and then she was blinking back tears.
“What is it? Why are you crying? Did you dump his butt? Is that why you’re here alone? There is no way he’d dump my sweetheart of a sister.”
Lexi blinked through her tears. “I love you so much.”
“Love you too! And now we get to be together. Mom’s doing really great.”
“Thanks. I’ve been praying hard.”
“I know.” Hannah put the truck back into gear, and the thing started shaking when she hit forty-five. She pressed on until she hit the absolute top speed of fifty-eight. It rattled so hard Lexi had to hold on to keep in her seat. “Pray this baby will get us home.”
Lexi laughed and brushed the tears off her face.
“Now tell me why you’re crying. If he hurt you, I’ll thump him.”
Lexi laughed harder at the thought of her sister thumping Callum. He took on the likes of Joseph or corrupt Mexican policemen and came out the victor. “It’s a long story,” she managed.
“We’ve got a long drive.”
“True.”
Lexi started talking, and the story spilled out quicker and quicker, along with a few more tears. They were approaching Snow Valley when the flow of words finally slowed.
Hannah had asked questions and made some interjections but mostly stayed silent. “So he’s a rocking, handsome stud but also a workaholic and you don’t think he’ll ever change?”
Leave it to Hannah to sum it up so perfectly.
“Yeah.” Lexi stared out the window. The snow-covered mountains were beautiful, but she missed Cancun, the ocean and the warmth. Mostly the warmth of Callum.
“You love him?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you willing to take his scraps, or are you going to stand up for yourself?”
Lexi glanced over at Hannah. Most people thought they were twins with their blonde hair, blue eyes, and lean builds, but Hannah was a hundred times feistier.
“Being a hard worker is an admirable quality, Lex, but it sounds like this fine-looking man needs a good woman to help him find a balance. Yet instead of standing up to him and saying, ‘No. It is Christmas Eve and your brother’s wedding and you shouldn’t go do this deal today,’ you acted all nice and basically gave him permission to go.”
“I didn’t give him permission. He should’ve known that I wasn’t happy.” She stood up for herself, always, but this last time she hadn’t put her foot down. She’d had to let him make his choice.
“Men are too thick to figure crap like that out. You have to spell it out to them, and use small words.”
Lexi laughed. “Callum is smarter than any person I know.”
“Except yours truly.”
“Yes, except you.”
Hannah smirked and turned off the main road toward the dirt road and their farm. “Look, I’m half in love with the guy for helping our family so much, keeping me in school, and being dead sexy in every picture I googled. If you don’t want to square him up, I’ll give it a go.”
“You will not.” Lexi flared up immediately.
“Ha! You love him, and you need to love him enough to sometimes put him in his place. Mama has to do it with Daddy all the time.”
“Mama gently guides Daddy.”
Hannah shrugged. “Figure out what works for you in your relationship.”
“Are you dating someone?”
“Heck no. When would I have time in PA school to date someone?”
Hawk Brothers Romance Collection Page 42