The road continued, though a little traffic began. Her mouth began to water as she saw the sign for the exit that would bring her to that wonderful coffee. Her stomach grumbled as she imagined the wonderful liquid. They were more than halfway home. She turned off the highway. Two minutes later, she was at her favorite coffee shop in the world. She'd pick up coffees for everyone and a hot chocolate for her baby girl. Clara helped her with the doors, and the order. Soon, they found places for everything in her car, and she told her car to "Call Peter."
Clara called out as she straightened her earbuds, "Uncle Peter?"
"Yes, my brother." Vicki gazed in the mirror. Her daughter sounded upset at the mention of a name, and then relaxed.
Clara closed her eyes. "I want a brother or a sister."
Vicki had no answer for that wish, so she shrugged. "Who knows? One day you might get one, but big brothers are a pain."
Clara fixed herself in her car seat, and turned her music on. As she bobbed her head, Vicki returned to stare fully at the road. Two rings later, her brother answered with a yawn, "Hello?"
"It's me." Vicki's voice went higher, and she smiled. From one syllable, she knew he'd had a late night. Some things never changed. "Did you find out what Dad did and who he hired?"
Peter's scratchy voice answered, "I was at a fundraiser last night, but yeah. I collected everything from Mr. Smith, dad's personal lawyer, who cut you out of his will."
"The dress shop you set up for me is perfect. I wanted to work in fashion, and you made my dream possible."
"It shouldn't be enough for you. You're in the House of Morgan. I'm also investigating the people Dad left money to in his will."
"That doesn't matter to me. I want to know about my daughter."
Peter's voice became clear. "I had Ms. Montenagro, the attorney we hired to fight for our inheritance, dig up everything she could on Colt Collins's daughter and how he acquired her when you never told him."
"That's Daddy," Clara piped in as she moved her headset.
"Who's with you?" Peter's voice grew tight.
Vicki coughed then answered, "Clara Collins is in the car with me. We're heading to her Uncle John's house, and then later, we go back home."
"No, you promised to pack your bag to come stay with me, and we'd go to your dress shop."
Vicki felt heat rising in her body as she nodded to her daughter. Clara turned toward her window as she listened to her music again.
Peter smacked his lips. "I'm happy Colt is being agreeable with you. It will be better for everyone if we don't have to fight."
Her brothers both had her back. Her heart constricted. Vicki stared at her daughter. This wasn't how the conversation should go. Vicki whispered, "His mother was in the nursery the day Clara was born. Colt's a good father. Clara loves her dad, and we should talk about all this in person."
"Some dads must be loveable," Peter replied with contempt. Vicki swallowed her agreement, but then, most people did not call their last name a brand when discussing family. The House of Morgan shattered all notions of love and kindness. Peter continued, "Montenagro wants a timeline documented in case we need to press for legal action."
If Colt stayed generous, then there would be no legal action. Vicki would resume the life that she'd almost lost. She stared at the road until she saw in the mirror how Clara soaked in every word. Her heartbeat grew faster. "I'll be at John's soon. Meet us there. I bought you a coffee."
Peter coughed. "You sure that's the best place to meet? Alice is his sister."
"She's marrying our brother, John. Besides, I respect Colt, and he's been amazing with me. If I hadn't listened to our dad and then pretended to be dead, all of this would have been avoided."
"It takes two to screw up this bad, Vicki."
Despite what John claimed, Peter was not exactly like their father. "We should go. Clara and I are going to have fun in the car."
"Dad had me block Colt's calls years ago." Peter swallowed. "I never knew why."
Colt had tried to call. Vicki swallowed. Her father had used his teenage son to teach him how to run their family. "We have to go. See you there."
"Vicki is cooler than Belle. I want Vicki to marry my dad," Clara added but her eyes went to her screen for a movie and she hit play.
Vicki's eyes widened as goosebumps grew on her body.
Her brother asked, "Who is Belle?"
She ought to clue her brother in more. "Colt's fiancée."
"Colt found a woman to marry him? I'm shocked."
She'd have married him, so her brother shouldn't be so surprised. Vicki stared at the road. "Yep."
"I'm hanging up. I can't wait to talk to you in person, sis."
"See you there."
"Wait." Peter's voice became serious.
"What?"
"I should have been a better older brother to you, sis. I should have stood up to our father."
"None of us were that strong." Her brother had been locked at their father's side and groomed to take over the family. In her heart, she hoped Peter never turned into her father, but he was well trained. John's return home had been her safety valve, as Peter was poised to run the House of Morgan. She swallowed her fear. He'd been helpful and sweet. "So don't apologize. We're more a family now than we ever could be as children."
"I wish you had met our mother. You remind me of her." Peter then changed topics sharply. "Colt was the square peg who knew exactly who he was, and demanded honesty. It's why Dad didn't like him. You can't manipulate people who know in their core what they value."
"I spent so many years lost and confused." Her voice cracked. It would be nice if she had someone in her corner, like a mother. For Clara, Vicki would be the person she had always wished returned to her life. "I had to leave home to figure out who I was. Colt's lucky. Talk soon, Peter."
She hit the red button on her mirror and ended the call. She took a glance in her mirror as Clara resettled in her seat. Vicki would have to ensure no one said anything in front of her. She rolled her shoulders and stared at the highway as she turned on to the next road.
Everything was fine. Her gut whispered that Belle had lied to her last night. Vicki needed to learn patience, and if she talked, she could make the entire situation worse. She continued to hope Colt ended things today with Belle.
Then she clutched the steering wheel to stop that thought. She took another peek at Clara. She had to ensure they stayed together as mother and daughter. It was more important than her love life.
The exit read the end of I-95. She was close to the Grove now. Her phone rang as she turned onto a side street that headed toward the bay. She hit the button for Bluetooth and then answered, "Hello?"
"Vicki." Colt's voice echoed in her car. "Morning."
This time he didn't sound edgy. His voice rang through her as sexy. She she let herself smile. "I'm glad you called. Colt, we're almost at your sister's."
His breath was audible. He was holding something back. "Take your time. I'll see you tonight, but I wish I could have said goodbye to you, alone, before you left."
With Clara in the car, he wouldn't say anything. She couldn't either. Her heart and body became weightless, and her voice lifted. "We'll be there tonight. I'm thinking of taking Clara to the zoo tomorrow. She seems to love animals."
"She'll love that," Colt answered, and then fell silent for a moment. "Everything is going to be fine."
Her skin tingled. He had so much more to say. But she understood that now was not the time. Clara was here, and hope surged through Vicki that he'd choose a life with her. She turned onto the street where John and Alice lived. "I'm almost at your sister and John's place. I bought everyone coffee."
"Sounds good. Tell them hi and give Alice a hug from me." Colt's voice became deeper. "You turned out better than I thought you would, princess. I'll be waiting to see you tonight."
What did that mean? Vicki's skin tingled. With luck, Belle would be gone, but Vicki kept that thought to herself. He had never
said otherwise, and she could've misread the whole scene because of her own desires. Perhaps they were now planning details for the wedding, so she shouldn't let her fantasy interfere with what she did or didn't know. She parked the car and told Colt, "Me too."
Again, he choked out a heavy breath, and she swore there was more he had to say. All he said, though, was, "Bye then."
She licked her lips, which tingled for his kiss. "Bye."
Her heartbeat doubled, and she envisioned him almost kissing her last night. Vicki never wanted to be a part of a triangle, and hated competition of any sort. Yet somehow she'd figure out her way. Colt made her soul soar.
Chapter 14
Vicki held her daughter's hand as they drove into the exclusive townhome section. The security guard behind a desk asked for her driver's license, and then let them through the gate.
A few minutes later, they walked to the front door of her brother’s house. Clara held her hand. The door opened, and at the kitchen bar, there was a note that directed them to the back to the private pool. Vicki squeezed her daughter's hand and Clara followed her. They headed outside, through to John's office and then to the backyard. "Guess they want to have breakfast outside."
Clara's eyes widened as she glanced across the bay. Her face went white. Vicki pressed her hand on hers and Clara turned. Her face was pinched, but then she said, "Near the pool?"
Vicki massaged her daughter's back. "I guess. Is that okay?"
Clara's face transformed into a huge smile. "That's so pretty."
At least her daughter wasn't afraid of things. Vicki didn't say a word as they made their way toward the glass screen doors. Right before they went outside, Vicki noticed one of her bathing suits in the bathroom, along with a child's suit.
Alice must have bought them both clothes in case this ever happened. Vicki smiled. She'd do the same for her frequent guests. Vicki picked them up and asked, "Did Aunt Alice take you shopping for a bathing suit?"
Clara beamed as she took the suit. "No, but she loves me."
"Everyone loves you. You're sweet." Vicki placed the coffees on the shelf outside the bathroom, and then helped her daughter into the side bathroom to change. Once Clara was done, she quickly changed too. As they left, Vicki took the coffees from the table.
Clara twirled as Vicki struggled with the door, but a second later, she had her hand free. "You ready, princess?"
"I love swimming."
Vicki took that as a yes. She took Clara's small hand in hers, and they went out and found Alice and John.
Voices near the pool grew stronger. Vicki held the coffees high in the air to ensure everyone saw. "I bought you a small hot chocolate and a tea, Alice. I wasn't sure what you wanted, as you said no coffee during the pregnancy."
Alice smiled. "Thank you. The hot chocolate is perfect."
Peter sat at a table next to John and Alice with a stack of papers.
Both of the men stood. John opened his arms, went onto one knee, and hugged Clara. Clara hugged him back as Peter kissed Vicki's cheek. John said, "Clara, let's go swimming, you and me. Alice and Peter want to talk to Vicki."
Vicki gazed at both of her brothers. At least they were no longer at each other's throats. In that second she didn't move. Clara held her hand firmly and didn't let go. Clara then tugged. "Vicki, you can swim with us if you want."
Clara probably thought the hesitation was wariness. Vicki knelt down and ensured she had a smile on her face. "Sweetheart, I might join you later. I want to talk to my brother and Alice. I want to make sure Peter is happy, but I'll be right here the whole time. You'll see me from the pool with Uncle John."
Clara's chin tilted and then she shrugged. "Okay. Don't go anywhere."
"I promise." Vicki crossed her heart. "I will be right here with you, always."
Clara let go of Vicki's hand then took John's as they walked into the pool. Vicki watched her baby girl like a hawk without blinking for a few seconds, until Clara laughed as she splashed John. She then turned and looked at Alice. "John knows what he's doing."
Her friend answered, "He's practicing for ours."
Peter placed his briefcase on the table. "None of us wants to be like our father."
Vicki walked closer to the table. "I'm happy Colt had our daughter and kept our daughter safe."
Alice stood as she approached. "You must be full of regret and anger."
"I can't change what happened." Vicki sighed and stared in the distance at both Clara and John splashing in the water.
Peter unlocked his briefcase. "I'm investigating the other heirs of the will, and personally I always wanted to know what happened to our own mother."
"I have more immediate needs, Peter." Vicki slid into the seat beside her brother and placed the coffees on the table.
Alice reached out and held her hot chocolate with both hands. "Vicki, how is my brother?"
Vicki passed Peter his coffee as he organized the files, and told Alice, "He's talking to Belle right now."
"She's the fiancée. I'd expect a conversation from John if I found out he was living with a former love." Alice took off her lid and then smelled the hot chocolate. "Our dad raised us to stick to our word, but I don't think Belle and Colt are a match made in heaven. Give my brother his space."
"Why?" Vicki took her own coffee and averted her gaze. "You don't know her."
"She wants my brother to move to D.C. and be someone he's not." Alice sipped her drink and closed her eyes, clearly enjoying the taste. Once she was finished, she sighed. "My brother intends to run our family farm."
Peter cleared his throat and placed his coffee beside him. "We're here to talk about Dad, what I gathered, and how we wish to proceed."
Vicki's entire body stiffened. She didn't want to fight with Colt over Clara. "I need your help to figure out what depths Dad went to in ripping my daughter out of my arms. I need to know. Who did he pay? Does the person who made the arrangements for him benefit? And how deep did Dad's money get him? I might have to prove a lot to be Clara's mom, and I want to be prepared."
"It's sick what your dad did." Alice sipped her hot chocolate, again. Then she opened them and picked up one of the papers. "I'm sure my brother won't fight you."
"Colt has been nothing but wonderful."
"Wonderful doesn't protect your back." Peter took out a manila folder and handed it to Victoria. "I brought everything I found, but I'm not seeing all the connections. I was away in college at this time, so maybe you can connect the dots I don't see."
Vicki flipped open the folder and stared at the papers, unable to say anything. Peter clearly had his investigators build a case for her. "I was there."
A few titles of documents caught her eye as she scanned a pile.
Peter handed Alice a folder and told her, "This is what I found on Colt. Perhaps you can go through that and help us."
"I can't help take Clara away from him."
"I don't want that." Vicki reached across the table and pressed her hand on her friend's. "He's an amazing father. I want to ensure no one can prevent me from being a mom."
"I don't think I can be here, nonetheless. Colt is the best brother I could ever have, and I hope you know what you're doing." Alice stood and then pushed her chair closer to the table. "I'll go swimming."
The last thing Vicki would do is hurt Alice too. She quickly said, "Thank you for letting us meet here, and I hope you understand."
"I do." Alice nodded. "John can't be with me for my ultrasound, and I was hoping for some mental support at the doctor's office tomorrow. Can you come?"
"Of course." Vicki had the thought that she'd escape Belle for a great reason. "You're my best friend."
Alice went in the water. Peter and Vicki sat quietly as she read more of the papers. The more she dug, the more she realized that every paper confirmed Colt's story and what she'd pieced together. Then her body went cold as she picked up one piece of evidence. She swallowed and read the check. She waved it at Peter. "What's this?"
He read it. "Who's Imogen Herrera?"
"Proof. She was the nurse assigned to me in the hospital. Dad paid the nurses and doctor."
"It's made out to cash." Peter reread the paper and pointed to the check.
Vicki understood that money was paid, and people needed hush money. No one took a personal check made out to them. Her father would never write one, as that would lead back to him. "Cashed locally three days after Clara's birth."
Peter's eyes narrowed on hers. "Doesn't tell us who cashed anything."
Vicki nodded and folded the paper in his hand. "I'm sure the House of Morgan lawyers can follow the money backward. Behind the check, with the names of my nurse, and with the papers clipped together, we can build the case that the adoption papers contained forged signatures."
Vicki stared at the document. Her name was clear, and so was Colt's. Her father had covered his bases, and hadn't expected any questions. But then, he ran a multibillion-dollar banking industry with ties to every corner of the earth. He'd tried to make her baby disappear just as her mother had left weeks after her own birth.
Peter filed the papers Vicki handed him into a folder that was pre-labeled "investigate." She searched another pile. Peter also had the public records of Colt's court appeal that proved his name was forged. "We already know one of two signatures were forged. This is clear evidence for me too."
"No, it wouldn't be. It was filed by a different person, but it might be used as backup."
Vicki crossed her arms and stared at Alice, who was in the pool. Something cold pressed against her spine, and she realized she ought to play it safe. "I'd rather work with Colt, but I don't trust Belle. Instruct Ms. Montenagro to file everything she can just in case something changes."
It was easier to blame Belle, but it was also Colt. He had to tell Clara soon. "Last night, Belle tried to forge an alliance where she kept Colt and she'd give me Clara. I don't know what to do about her."
"Never trust a woman about to lose her fiancée, Vicki, and without the ring on her finger, she has no legal say in anything."
"There wasn't time to talk to Colt this morning, and the tension in the room was already high. Something else was going on." Vicki stood, folded the papers into the folder, and squared her shoulders. "Tonight, I'll tell him. He has a right to know, and I will find a way to corner him to tell him."
[House of Morgan 01.0 - 03.0] Boxed Set Page 31