Expecting His Secret Heir (7 page)

She'd known exactly what she wanted to wear when KC had invited her to the Blackstones' party celebrating a new chapter for the mill. The bright blue dress had called to her from the moment she'd walked past the window on the square on the way to Callahan's. Sadie was used to admiring clothes she wasn't able to buy.

Not this time.

For once, she didn't blink at the price. She didn't even use the company card Victor had given her for regular expenses. Somehow that would taint the gift of being invited in the first place. This time she wanted to experience something on her own terms—even if it ended up being a fairy tale.

The sleeveless dress had a fitted bodice that hugged her generous curves and provided ample support. Her second favorite element, besides the color, was a mesh triangle cutout between her breasts, giving a shadowy glimpse of cleavage beneath. The flowy skirt was dressed in sparkles along the calf-length hemline, adding to her festive mood.

She'd indulged in a pair of sexy silver heels without once wondering how many other outfits they would match. Practicality had no place tonight. She wore a single piece of jewelry. The necklace had been a gift from her mother on her twenty-first birthday, the length perfect to nestle a teardrop opal encircled in silver wire in the indention at the base of her throat. A silver shawl completed her dream outfit.

She wasn't sure what had gotten into her, but tonight she would simply go with the flow. Especially since it meant more time with Zachary. A quick look over her shoulder let her watch her prince as he stepped in the door to the restaurant behind her. She'd seen him plenty at the mill in the past few days, but never alone. And there had been no repeat of the night at the B and B.

She wished he had come to get her because he wanted to, not because Christina had asked him to, but the flutters in her stomach were the same, regardless. And the way his dark eyes widened when he saw her in this dress for the first time was very much appreciated.

Zach was a sight to behold himself. The fitted black suit and burgundy tie complemented his dark good looks, making her fingers itch for her camera to record tonight for posterity. She had a small one in her clutch—she was never without one—but wouldn't intrude on a personal gathering by breaking it out.

As Zach took her arm to lead her in, the look on his face was proud—at least, she liked to think so. Even though it didn't dim the wariness that would forever linger in his eyes when he looked at her, still, it made her happy.

This, at least, she could have.

“Well, somebody cleans up good,” KC said, giving her brother the once-over before a quick hug.

Zach's gaze flicked to Sadie when she murmured, “I agree.”

He wiggled his tie a little to adjust it. “You know I hate these things.”

KC shook her head as if she were disappointed in his response. “What's not to enjoy? Great food, friends—even Mom's here.” She looked between them, giving Sadie the distinct impression that she was sizing them up together. “Go introduce Sadie, why don't you?”

That definitely started the butterflies in Sadie's stomach. When she'd been here five years ago, she hadn't met any of Zachary's family, though she'd heard a lot about them.

Luckily she had time to compose herself before doing the family thing. She and Zach couldn't get more than a few feet across the floor without someone stopping them to chat. The Blackstones had spared no expense in renting out the entire restaurant for this impressive soiree, and they'd invited all of the upper management from the mill and their families, as well as Zach and KC's family, the mayor and some city officials.

To her surprise, she was almost as much in demand as Zach. The people at the mill and in town had been beyond friendly, and it was no different with tonight's crowd. Sadie felt more at home here than she ever had in Dallas, where she'd lived her entire life. Mostly because the people of Black Hills actually saw her. The real her...or as close to the real her as she could risk showing them.

Suddenly a man with an authoritative bearing appeared at Zach's side, reaching to shake his hand. “I told you this would eventually be cleared up,” he said.

“You didn't say it would take this long,” Zach answered with a knowing look.

“This is true,” the man said with a laugh.

“Sadie,” Zach said, pulling her into reach of the conversation, “this is Officer Stephens, my arresting officer.”

“What?”

To her consternation, both men chuckled. “Sorry, ma'am,” Officer Stephens said. “A little joke. I didn't actually arrest him... I just brought him in for questioning.” His wink set her at ease.

“And question me he did,” Zach said.

“Just doing my job. But you did good, buddy. Real good.”

Zach shook his head. “In the end, it wasn't even me who caught him. It was Luke.”

“But you kept pushing,” he said, patting Zach's back in that casual way comrades have. “The truth always comes out, my friend.”

Sadie forced herself not to shift in her three-inch heels as she heard the words.

“How is Luke?” the officer asked.

“Good.” Zach nodded. “He's home, but he opted to stay with Ms. Blackstone tonight. He's had enough of the spotlight for a while.”

The officer laughed, shaking his head. “I bet he has.”

The men chatted for a minute more before Officer Stephens moved along. Then Sadie turned to Zach. “Luke is the brother who was there when the mill exploded, right?” She'd heard the name all over town, but never met the man himself.

“Yes, Jacob's twin.”

As they approached the table where Jacob was solicitously getting KC settled, Sadie studied him. “After seeing the damage, I can't imagine how scary that must have been.”

Zach nodded. “They were able to dig him out, along with Mark Zabinski, who set the bomb. They were both injured, though Mark ended up in worse shape than Luke. A wall came down, pinning his legs to the floor.”

Sadie winced. “Ouch.”

“Ouch, indeed,” Zach said as they reached the table.

Not long after everyone was seated and introduced, Aiden and Christina Blackstone also made their way to the table.

“How's Mom?” Sadie heard Jacob ask after giving Christina a quick hug.

“About the same,” she replied.

For a moment, Sadie was struck by the silent communication between the Blackstones. Each gaze was tinged with sadness, with a knowledge no one wanted to admit about their beloved mother. But the words weren't spoken aloud. Her own shared glances with her mother were the same. Sadie's heart ached for what the Blackstones were going through; she was going through it with her sister's illness.

From her understanding, Lily Blackstone had been comatose for many years, but in good health...until recently. A series of infections had raised concern for the matriarch. And for Christina, Sadie realized as Aiden pulled his wife close for a moment, resting his palm against her pregnant belly. Sadie was sure the added worry of being Lily's primary nurse did not help in any way.

“What? No camera?” KC asked, distracting Sadie from her sad thoughts.

Sadie lifted her clutch. “In here. I'm rarely without one. Mr. Callahan let me borrow one of his smaller digital cameras, but I didn't want to intrude on a personal gathering. Sometimes people have a hard time enjoying themselves when a camera is in the room.”

“What a lovely consideration,” Zach's mom said.

“Yes,” KC added, “we appreciate the thought, but please feel free. We don't want people to see Black Hills as simply a pile of burning metal and soot.” She waved her hand around the room. “Life is a mixture of good and bad, not just the bad. Parties have their place, too.”

Sadie signaled her agreement with a smile, but she couldn't help but wonder why everything good in her own life had always led to heartache.

The rich, decadent Italian food only served to make the atmosphere even merrier. Laughter and the scent of tomato sauce mingled in the air. After eating, Sadie excused herself to take a few photographs but seemed to keep Zach in her peripheral vision no matter where she ended up.

He stayed close to his mother, making sure she had everything she needed, though she was far from frail. The family talked easily and continuously, leaving the impression of a perfectly formed group of people that life had brought together. Sadie knew, probably more than most, that it wasn't perfect, though. Zach's father had been a selfish man, leaving Zach's mother with a legacy of heartache and a child to raise alone. The fact that KC's father did the same years later made it that much sadder. And she knew about the Blackstone brothers' sadness over their mother and the danger they had personally faced during the mill's destruction.

But it looked postcard perfect. As did the darkly handsome man in their midst. The man who so easily cared for his family—and possessed the strength and the means to do it.

Unlike Sadie.

Suddenly feeling as if someone had dropped a bag of bricks on her chest, Sadie hurried outside. For long moments she couldn't breathe, couldn't think beyond the need for the cool, fresh air. Ever so slowly, her lungs loosened, letting the air inside, until she no longer felt that her body had seized up. Without thought she drew her phone from her pocket. A quick swipe and she was calling her own mother, almost desperate for the reassurance that she still had some semblance of a family to go home to.

Only no one answered.

There could be a lot of reasons for that. Her mother was in the other room, or tending to Amber. Still, tears welled beneath Sadie's eyelids. She missed her mother so much. And her sister, who was often too weak to talk for more than a few minutes on the phone.

Careful steps took her to the window. She looked in at the party, which was still in full swing. Raising the camera, Sadie took a few shots of the people inside, framed by the decorative greenery on the window casing. She hoped to capture the essence of revelry, especially the family who had so generously offered this opportunity.

But she was on the outside looking in.

And just as Sadie started to feel sorry for herself, Zach turned to face her. His gaze unerringly found her, holding her immobilized with a simple look. A look that laid his soul open, telling her he could be trusted. That a man so beloved by those around him didn't have any dark secrets to hide.

No. The secrets were all hers.

Nine

T
he minute he'd seen her through the window, he'd known he had to go to her.

Zach wanted to hold her, touch her as he had too few times. But now that he was here, he found himself hesitating. Her beauty in the half darkness, illuminated by the twinkling lights surrounding the window, took his breath away.

She didn't look at him, remaining in profile. “Your family is beautiful,” she said.

So are you.

But the yearning in her voice kept him quiet. Somehow he knew, though he could easily seduce her, that this wasn't the time.

“You've built a good life here,” she went on. “Are you happy?”

“For the most part,” he conceded. Though even surrounded by family and friends he was often lonely, aching. His nature made him a protector, yet he yearned for someone to share the burden with him. “Are you?” he asked, curious.

Sadie had talked very little about her life away from him. Oh, they'd discussed books, music, photography and many other things. But looking back, he realized how little of herself she'd actually given him. As if she were afraid to do so.

“Not often.”

In the dim glow he could see her eyes widen; she was surprised by her own response. Why? It was certainly honest. Was she surprised because she'd told him the truth?

And that would be the crux of his wariness when it came to Sadie's return. The more he was with her, the more he was convinced she was holding back, keeping things from him. That wasn't what he wanted. That was why he hadn't gone back to the bed-and-breakfast with her again, even though he wanted more than just one night with her.

So he asked, “What about your family?”

Her hesitation sparked impatience deep inside. “You do have a family, don't you, Sadie?” He took a step closer. “Or are you alone in the world?”

The thought brought sadness for her, tempered by the knowledge that he could have kept her from being alone...if she had let him.

“Tell me, Sadie.”
Something. Anything.

Then she turned to face him, and his impatience melted away. Tears stood in her eyes like small puddles left from a wintry rain. “I miss my mom,” she whispered.

Those gorgeous green eyes slid closed, cutting him off from the aching vulnerability. When they opened again, her gaze was still glassy, but more controlled.

“Where is she?” he asked.

“Dallas.” A small smile graced her lips. “I'm not a complete vagabond.”

She went quiet once more, a long silence that made him wonder if she would speak again. Just when he gave up hope, she said, “Your mom reminds me of her—hardworking, concerned over her children, never giving up hope.” Her deep breath cracked his heart. “I wish I could take care of my mom the way you take care of yours.”

“I'm sure she knows that, Sadie.” He glanced through the window, seeing people in various groups having a good time. Then he looked at Sadie once more, here on the outside. She wasn't a loner, by any means. He'd seen the way she got along with people, could draw out their stories and make them feel comfortable with her. But yes, she did still keep a part of herself distant.

Just as she did with him.

“If she needs you, why are you here?”

For a moment, he thought she wouldn't answer. Finally she shook her head. “It's the only way I know to help her now.”

She didn't elaborate on the cryptic words, so Zach asked, “Your father?”

Sadie shook her head once more. “I don't remember him. He left when I was little. We're a lot alike in that, you and I.”

Zach stiffened, bracing himself with one hand against the wall. “How did you know that?” He never talked about his father, preferring not to give attention to someone so utterly lacking in human decency. “You've been snooping around again?”

Her eyes widened, appearing almost scared in the twinkling light. “I wasn't snooping about that. I promise.” Her brows drew together. “I can't help it if people like to talk.”

“About me?”

“Well, I like talking about you, so why not?” Her lashes lowered over her expressive eyes, as if she knew she'd revealed too much. Suddenly she shivered, drawing the sparkly shawl closer around her shoulders. “Goodness, I didn't realize how cold it had gotten. We should go back inside.”

Not yet. As she tried to pass him, Zach reached out. His arms encircled her, his body warming hers in the only way he could in public. Then he leaned down and kissed away the chill.

When he finally pulled back, he felt rather than saw her grin. “Zachary Gatlin, are you coming on to me?” she asked.

That's what they needed—a little light, a return to the celebration inside. “I don't know—are you willing to risk another interrogation by Miss Gladys?”

He felt her breath catch beneath his palms on her back. “Oh,” she whispered. “I think it might be worth it.”

As they walked back inside, Zach let his arm remain around her shoulders. Anticipation built, bubbling beneath his skin, only to fizzle out as they rejoined their table. The Blackstone brothers were quietly gathering coats, readying everyone to leave.

“Luke called,” Aiden said, turning dark eyes Zach's way. “Mother's temperature has spiked again, but something else is going on. He's concerned. We need to skip out, but I don't want to ruin everyone's evening. Can you take over from here?”

Luckily the mingling of the crowd and the dancing in the back room distracted most everyone from the family's departure. As Zach started making final arrangements, he noticed Sadie falling into organization mode—directing the restaurant staff, taking care of last-minute requests from guests, coordinating cab rides for those who needed them.

Then Zach was left with a final conundrum: the Blackstones' butler and chauffeur, Nolen, had taken them all to Blackstone Manor, where KC and Jacob had a suite with all the baby stuff they needed. That left Zach's mother without a ride home—and her house was in the opposite direction of Sadie's B and B...by quite a distance. While he pondered, Sadie appeared at the table. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Gatlin,” she said, her voice smooth and in control.

Which simply reminded him of just what drove her out of control...

“And you as well, young lady,” his mother said. “You handled this party like someone in the know.”

“Cleanup is an art form,” Sadie said with a slight smile and dismissive wave of her hand. “Just not one normally appreciated by others.”

Her words left him to wonder just who she was always cleaning up after.

“Let me just get Mother home, then I'll come by—”

“Nonsense,” Sadie said, her eyes overly bright. “The last thing I want to be is trouble. I booked a cab for myself.” She patted his arm. He tried not to notice how her touch lingered for a few seconds longer than normal, because it reminded him of an opportunity missed.

“Y'all have a nice night,” she said.

Uncomfortable would be more like it.

* * *

Sadie told herself she'd come to Lola's because four days was way too long to go without seeing the object of her investigation. Also, a woman had to eat, right?

The impulse had nothing to do with her body's mourning over the lost opportunity or lack of a Zach fix. Not at all. Even though she knew it would have been wrong to accept, she couldn't help but think of his invitation the night of the party with longing. She wished she hadn't given him—and her—the least complicated way out, when her heart had wanted nothing more than to take him home.

The last week had been a busy one for him. The Blackstone brothers had been less hands-on at the mill, splitting their time between there and home with their dying mother. At least that's what gossip around town said: Lily Blackstone's precarious health was finally failing.

The woman's tragic story—of being comatose for many years after a car accident followed by a stroke—left Sadie weepy. She tried not to think about it. Her own sister's terminal illness made the story hit too close to home.

The situation had left Zach with a lot of administrative work on his hands, along with directing his own business. She'd watched at a distance, waiting for the moment when he'd invite her back into the inner circle...but he never did. She told herself he was tired, overworked, but a panic had started deep inside. Yes, she needed to get close to him. She seemed to have found all the superficial evidence about Zach's character she was going to get from the town. Family history, rumors and accusations—none of it would disqualify him from his inheritance. She needed to dig into the parts of his life that no one else could see. In order to find something truly damning, she'd have to find it out from Zach himself.

But the truth was, as wrong as she knew it to be, she wanted that time with him. His attention. His intensity focused on her...for just the few minutes she had left with him.

She'd guessed that he'd be here tonight. He couldn't be spending a lot of time with his family during the day, and family meant a lot to him. That much she'd learned about Zachary Gatlin. So even though he didn't have to work at Lola's, she figured he would be here in some capacity to check on his mother and sister.

The restaurant was full, but not as packed as the last time she'd been here. The scents of grilled meat and some kind of spicy barbecue sauce had her mouth watering in anticipation. She waved to a few friends she'd made as she crossed the floor to nab a small two-top along the wall near the bar, hoping the position would help her see and be seen by one very specific person.

Her disappointment mounted as a waitress took her order and served her food. She'd shared a smile with Ms. Gatlin, Zach's mother, as she busied herself behind the bar. But as dinner wore on, there was no sign of Zach, or even his sister, KC.

As Sadie finished up, the arrival of three women distracted her. They claimed the table directly in Sadie's line of sight near the dance floor. As she looked closer, she noticed that only two of the girls were young, probably early twenties. The other was significantly older. They settled in the chairs and ordered from the waitress.

As soon as she headed back to the kitchen, the older woman smiled at the other two. “You girls head onto the dance floor. It will be a while before the food is here.”

They each kissed one of the woman's cheeks, then walked toward the dance floor with eager steps. She smiled after them but didn't look sad to be left behind in the least.

Without warning, her gaze swept over the room before coming to rest on Sadie. They shared a smile.

“Hello, my dear,” she said, their tables close enough together that she didn't have to yell, though her voice had certainly not been weakened by age. “Are you dining alone tonight?”

Sadie nodded. “Yes. Just finishing up, actually.” She wiped her lips with her napkin, hoping she'd removed any stray barbecue sauce. “Lola's has some of the best food I've found in town.”

The woman patted the empty chair next to her. “Indeed they do, which is the excuse I give my granddaughters for bringing me here,” she said with a knowing smile. “Join me for a moment. Are you visiting Black Hills?”

“Yes,” she confirmed, sliding into the chair. “Thank you, Ms....”

“Saben, dear.”

“Ms. Saben. I'm a photographer, working on documenting the rebuilding of the mill.”

“Ah, yes. I heard about that. Very exciting.”

It certainly had been, but probably not in the way Ms. Saben meant.

“The town—and the Blackstones in particular—have had a very exciting year,” she went on. “What with young Aiden coming home and marrying Miss Lily's nurse. Christina is such a lovely young lady.”

Ms. Saben smiled at the waitress as she served the drinks. Sadie asked for a refill on her tea and got one. “You doing okay, Miss Saben?” the waitress asked.

“Sure am. Glad to be back in for a bit.”

As the waitress went on about her way, Ms. Saben explained, “I've been coming up here for a long time. Ms. Gatlin and I are old friends. But we each have very busy lives.” She took a sip of what Sadie had overheard to be a rum and Coke. Ms. Saben tipped the drink in salute. “My granddaughters say it's bad for me to drink, so I've gotta sneak in a little tipple when I can. Otherwise I'd be left watching them down margaritas while I'm drinking water.”

Her sass had Sadie laughing out loud.

“Especially now,” Ms. Saben went on with a small smile. “I'm just fully recovered from pneumonia. Off all my medicines and pronounced one hundred percent by my doctor. If I had to stay in that house one more second, I'd have gone stir-crazy. So I offered to come out here with the girls.

“They get a fun night out from watching me,” she went on. “And I'm not afraid to get out on the dance floor myself in a bit.”

“I'll bet you know a thing or two about dancing,” Sadie said, inspired by the older woman's daring.

“Honey, you've gotta dance while you still can. Besides, I'd rather break a hip that way than push a walker at the old folks' home.”

“Amen,” Sadie said with a salute of her tea.

The same muscular server who had delivered Sadie's food earlier came bearing Ms. Saben's potato skin appetizer. Sadie suppressed a grin when the older woman said, “It's a vegetable, right?”

“You got that right, Ms. Saben,” the man said before ambling back to the kitchen area.

“I'm so glad Zach was able to hire some decent men to work around here, now that he and KC have so much going on in their lives,” Ms. Saben said. “But life does go on, especially new babies.” She eyed Sadie. “You have any babies at home?”

“Not yet,” Sadie said. Babies were far in her future, if ever. Right now, she had her mom and sister to take care of.

“Well, that little Carter is a joy, and KC deserves her happiness.”