The Mayor's Secret Fortune

The attractive mayor, Ms. Perfection, practically snorted. “I’m a millennial, Steven. And I’m not impressed by fancy buildings and expensive specialty shops.”

He merely studied her. He admired her passion for the town as it used to be. And he found her more than a little intriguing. He wasn’t exactly sure how old she was—late twenties, he assumed. Either way, she seemed too young to be a mayor, even of a small town like Rambling Rose.

When he didn’t respond right away, she took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put us at odds before the ceremony.”

“No worries. I’m not the least bit offended.” In spite of their difference of opinion, he actually enjoyed their banter.

He’d grown up as the oldest son of a very wealthy man, and while he and his siblings were all accomplished, the brothers had built the construction company to the point that they’d each become financially successful in their own rights. So Steven was used to being catered to, flirted with and pursued by attractive women.

But that wasn’t the case with Ellie, and he found that refreshing. She intrigued him. Yet it was more than her spunky attitude he found appealing. He’d always been attracted to brunettes, and this one had caught his interest the very first time he’d laid eyes her.

“We can talk later,” she said. “We need to climb up on that stage and get this event over with.” And with that, she was off once again.

A car door slammed shut, and Steven glanced across the parking lot, where several men and women had gathered around a white SUV, its rear door lifted high. There didn’t seem to be anything unusual about the vehicle, but there was something out of sync about the people.

When one guy reached into the back and began to hand out signs, Steven realized why.

Protesters. That’s all they needed.

Had Ellie spotted them? Apparently not, since she continued toward the makeshift dais, where a red ribbon stretched across the front of the glass doors.

Then again, maybe she had inside information and had known they’d be here. If she didn’t have to attend the grand opening in an official capacity, she might have held one of the protest signs herself. She clearly shared their sentiments. But if there was one thing Steven had come to know about Ellie Hernandez, it was that she took her job as mayor seriously.

That being the case, would she go so far as to shut down the protesters or call in law enforcement?

Another car door slammed, and three more people joined the first group. He suspected all hell was about to break loose. Steven and his brothers could handle anything they might throw their way. But how was the pretty young mayor of Rambling Rose going to respond, especially if things were to blow sky-high and a fight broke out?

Steven hated to admit it, but he couldn’t wait to find out.

Chapter Two

Ellie had been tempted to suggest that Steven wait in the parking lot for a minute or two so they could stagger their arrival, but since he seemed determined to stick by her side, she figured he’d refuse. So she gave up her efforts to shake the sexy man who looked more like a fancy cowboy than a slick businessman.

As they neared the front of the Shoppes, her steps slowed to a casual pace, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Up ahead, a crowd had gathered around the portable dais, where a well-dressed Callum Fortune stood off to the side, near a small table, checking his watch.

Two women in their mid-to late fifties turned when they heard approaching footsteps and eyed Ellie and Steven carefully, as if connecting imaginary dots and jumping to the wrong conclusion.

“Great,” Ellie uttered softly. “I knew they’d think we’d arrived together.”

“So what?” he asked. “Who cares?”

“I do. It’s bad enough that I have to stand next to you and your brother on that dais as if we were all in agreement.”

“Sleeping with the enemy, huh?”

That thought had crossed her mind more than once, and while the thought of sleeping with a man like Steven Fortune knocked her a little off stride, she stopped to set him straight.

“I’m a city official,” she said, “and my loyalty lies with my constituents.”

He flashed a dazzling, heart-strumming grin. “I moved to Rambling Rose back in October, so that makes me one of your constituents.”

“Point taken, but for now, we have a grand opening to officiate.” She offered the two women gawking at them a polite smile, then hurried toward the portable dais, with Steven matching her strides.

The moment Callum noticed them, he motioned for them to join him and Dillon on stage. Ellie blew out a sigh. Did they have to make a big Broadway production out of everything? Not that there hadn’t been other grand openings in town, but the folks in Rambling Rose kept things simple, and they served punch and cookies at the end.

As she and Steven climbed the side steps to the dais, her stomach pitched. She sucked in another comforting breath, which served to settle her nerves, as well as her tummy.

Callum removed a handheld microphone from a small table and addressed the crowd. “On behalf of Fortune Brothers Construction and all the store owners, I’d like to welcome you to the grand opening of the Shoppes at Rambling Rose.”

Several people clapped heartily, most of them newcomers. But the ones Ellie recognized in the small crowd had a more reserved response.

“My brothers and I are happy to be a part of Rambling Rose’s renaissance,” Callum said as he handed the mic to Steven. Ellie, who’d taken her place to the left of the men, slapped on another polite smile and stood with her hands clasped behind her back.

“I’ve only been in town for the past four or five months,” Steven said, “but in that short period of time, I feel as though I’ve become part of the community.” He glanced at Ellie as if hoping she’d back him up, but she’d already gone above and beyond to do her job today—and to keep her thoughts and opinions to herself.

Most of them, anyway. She hadn’t wanted to put a damper on the festivities, especially since the rain had stopped.

Callum handed Steven a stack of gold-trimmed envelopes, then picked up the scissors Ellie would use to cut the red ribbon that stretched across the doorway leading to the stores.

“As a gift from Fortune Brothers Construction,” Steven said, “as well as the store owners and eateries, each of you will be given coupons for discounts on today’s purchases and a chance to win prizes.”

At that, the crowd cheered and clapped.

“So without further ado,” Steven said, “we’ll ask Mayor Hernandez to cut the ribbon so you can go inside and meet the newest members of the Rambling Rose Chamber of Commerce.”

Steven gave Callum the mic, exchanging it for the scissors, but before he could pass them to Ellie, a male voice shouted, “Fortunes, go home!”

She didn’t have to see the man who’d interrupted the grand opening. She recognized Mel Sullivan’s graveled voice. The woolly, white-haired man was one of the older townspeople and a regular at the Roadside Diner, as well as at Mariana’s Market. Mel had been voicing his opinions loud and clear for months, and since he stood front and center of the group of protesters, he appeared to be the ringleader. She also recognized the others with him, six to the right and four to the left, all carrying hand-painted signs as they moved forward and approached the dais.

“Rambling Rose doesn’t need any more of those highfalutin rich people parading around town and showing off their wealth,” Carl Wagner shouted. “Send ’em packing, and tell them to take their money with ’em.”

Ruthanne Garrison cried out, “Save our town, Mayor!”

That’s it. Enough was enough. Ellie snatched the microphone from Steven and took center stage. “Friends, neighbors, I understand your concern, and I support your First Amendment rights, but the people gathered here today have every right to go shopping without any trouble or turmoil.”

Ellie handed the mic to Steven. “You cut the ribbon. I’m going to talk to them.”

“Want me to go with you?” he asked.

She slowly shook her head. “That would only make things worse.” Then she turned and made her way down the steps to speak to the people she considered her friends and, hopefully, convince them to get into their cars and go home.

Mel, Carl, Ruthanne and the others were all good people—and well-intentioned. She’d known them all her life, and they’d watched her grow up. They trusted her to send the Fortunes packing and to save their quaint town from further ruin.

Hopefully, she wouldn’t let them down. At least, not with respect to the Fortunes. But the time was coming when she’d have to humbly face the community at large and reveal her secret.

She cringed at the thought of letting them down, of admitting that she’d failed to live up to everyone’s expectations. Ever since childhood, she’d tried to be perfect and had worked hard to develop a respectable reputation. And up until now, she’d succeeded. But she’d recently made a big mistake, and she would soon have to deal with the repercussions.

A few of the townspeople might not give it another thought. Yet some would be shocked and others disappointed to learn that in five short months, Ellie Hernandez, hometown superstar, would become an unwed mother with no husband in sight.

The glass-enclosed lobby of the Shoppes wasn’t especially large, but it was certainly fancy, boasting a colorful Spanish-tile waterfall in the center of the room that had been created by a Texas artisan. Even the floor tile provided a rich look that would appeal to the wealthy newcomers.

The Fortunes had gone to great lengths to lay out a remarkable welcome to the potential shoppers. They’d set a variety of refreshments on several linen-draped tables, each adorned with orchids and other exotic floral arrangements that had been provided by Tropical Paradise, the new flower shop located on the lower level.

Servers dressed in black slacks and crisply-pressed, tailored white shirts carried silver trays, some of which held flutes filled with champagne or sparkling apple cider, while others displayed a variety of fancy hors d’oeuvres. Ellie chose to pass on everything, especially since she hadn’t quite kicked the morning sickness that had plagued her early in her pregnancy.

A woman in her thirties, who stood with a group of friends, opened her gold-lined envelope and let out a happy shriek. “Oh my gosh! I won a pair of jade earrings from Sebastian’s Fine Jewelry.”

The server carrying the goose-liver pâté walked by, close enough for Ellie to get a tummy-swirling whiff. She quickly took a step back and turned toward the fountain, hoping she wouldn’t have to run to the restroom. She swallowed hard, took a deep breath of fresh air, cooled and cleansed by gurgling water, then stepped to the side and turned her back to the server.

“There you are.”

Ellie looked up and spotted Steven sauntering toward her, carrying two flutes of champagne. He handed one to her, but she slowly shook her head. “Thank you, but I’ll pass.”

“Seriously?” he asked.

She actually liked champagne and would have accepted a glass, had she not been pregnant. She also could have held on to it, pretending to take part in the festivities, but she wasn’t in the mood to fake it.

“Come on, Ellie. Lighten up. Can’t you think of anything to celebrate?”

“I’m here, aren’t I?” She offered him a smile that was more sincere than any of the others she’d managed on prior occasions when their paths had crossed.

Steven’s smile faded, as if he might be slightly offended—or bothered. Or…?

Oh, for heaven’s sake. Who knew what a rich man like Steven Fortune ever really had on his mind? Even his last name screamed wealth.

“It’s not what you think,” she said. “It’s just that I need to keep a clear head while I’m on the job.”

At that, his grin returned, recreating a pair of dimples that threatened to unravel her. And Ellie rarely let things get to her. She glanced at her wristwatch. Had she stayed at the grand opening long enough? Could she find an excuse to cut out now?

As one of the servers walked by with several more flutes, Steven motioned for the man to come over.

“Here,” he told the server, as he placed one of the glasses back on the silver tray. “Can I trade you for one of the apple ciders?”

“Absolutely, Mr. Fortune.” He reached for a single flute, its contents a bit darker than the rest, and gave it to him. “Here you go, sir.”

Steven thanked him, then handed the sparkling juice to Ellie and lifted his glass of champagne in a toast. “To Rambling Rose.”

She would have been hard-pressed to join him in celebrating the Fortune brothers’ latest venture, but how could she not drink to the town she loved?

She clinked her glass to his, setting off the rich, resonating sound of fine crystal, which only served to remind her of the wealth that threatened to turn her beloved Rambling Rose into a metropolis.

Still, she took a sip of the sweet bubbly.

What would Steven say if she told him the real reason she’d passed on an alcoholic drink? Not that it mattered. He’d find out soon enough. And so would her parents.

Her gut clenched at the thought of the loving couple she’d tried so hard to make proud. It would kill her to see the disappointment in their eyes.

“Hey,” Steven said, “what’s with the turned-up nose? Did you get a bad pour? Bitter champagne instead of sweet cider?”

Ellie hadn’t meant to let her thoughts alter her expression, let alone her demeanor, especially at a public event. So she forced a carefree grin and tried to laugh it off. “No, the drink is fine. I’m fine. It’s just that I… Well, a weird thought crossed my mind, and I drifted off for a moment. That’s all. No big deal.”

But it wasn’t just a fleeting thought that had stolen her away from the present and set off a flurry of concern. It was cold, hard reality. And once her tummy bulge turned into a full-on baby bump, it was actually going to be a big deal. A huge one.

Ellie had never backed down from a challenge, but this one scared her silly. After the truth came out and she experienced her fall from grace, there’d be more than a few awkward or embarrassing moments. Sure, they’d soon fade and life would go on. But there was something else she found troubling, something she’d need to deal with. Because, when push came to shove, she wasn’t sure if she could handle the mayorship and motherhood. But that’s the last thing in the world she’d ever reveal to Steven.

“I want to show you something,” he said.

Huh? Her brow twitched, and her head tilted. As their gazes met and locked, something stirred inside her, drawing her out of her uneasy thoughts and—

“Come with me.” He nodded toward the farthest corner of the festive lobby, where three large brass easels held a couple of fancy poster boards displaying several other projects Fortune Brothers Construction had in the works.

She couldn’t very well refuse to look at the exhibit of their future renovations, so she followed him to the impressive, professional presentation.

Steven pointed to the first poster. “This is Paz, the wellness spa we’ll be opening soon.”

Ellie studied the sketch of the exterior of a beautiful building.

“It’s going to be finished with reclaimed wood and other natural materials,” he added.

“Nice.”

“That’s it?” He feigned disbelief. “You can’t tell me that a busy mayor like you wouldn’t need to unwind once in a while at a luxurious spa.”

Of course she would. And she’d love it. But she didn’t want him to think he’d won her over, so she gave a little shrug. “I’m really not what you’d call the luxurious type.”

“I don’t believe that. Everyone needs a good massage once in a while.” He lifted his hands and moved his fingers in a kneading fashion, as if they were working their magic on an invisible body. “I’m sure you have plenty of stress built up and have a few knots. Or maybe you just need to relax. If not, you should just be pampered.”

The thought of his hands on her body sent her senses reeling and her imagination soaring.

Oh, for Pete’s sake, Ellie. Cut it out. What’s the matter with you?

No way would she let those hands anywhere near her—no matter how good she imagined they’d feel.

She moved to the middle easel, hoping to dispel any pampering thoughts—his or hers—and studied the next drawing.

“That’s the restaurant,” Steven said. “Callum found the property in January.”

“The old feed store?”

“Yes. Ashley, Megan and Nicole were in town for Callum and Becky’s wedding, and when they saw the building and property, they jumped on the idea. We’ve already started the renovations. They’re going to call it Provisions. They have a lot of experience in upscale restaurants, so I know it’s going to be popular.”

“When will it open?”

“If all goes well, it should open in May, so they’re eager to move to Rambling Rose so they can get busy.”

Great. More Fortunes would be moving to town. Not that Ellie had anything against the family—especially the sisters she’d never met. It’s just that there’d be three more wealthy people moving here.

Unable to help herself, Ellie asked, “How many sisters do you have?”

“Four. Stephanie is already here and working at Paws and Claws. And the triplets make four.”

Triplets? Ellie nearly rolled her eyes. Goodness. They came in multiples. Her hand slipped to her tummy. Thank goodness she was only expecting one baby. What would she do with three?

She shook off the overwhelming thought, then took a step to her right and focused on the last easel, which displayed the plans for and a sketch of the Fortune Hotel.

“I’m surprised you and your brothers decided to promote the sketches of this project,” she said.

“Why?” Steven crossed his arms, shifted his weight to one hip and tossed her a dazzling grin. “Just because we’ve met a little resistance from the Rambling Rose planning commission?”

“A little?” She returned his smile, although hers was smug.

“Let’s just call that a snag,” he said. “And a little inconvenience for the time being. We’ll break ground soon, and it’ll be up and running before you know it. Think of the property taxes that’ll be coming in. Believe me, once local business owners begin to see the increased revenue brought in by tourists and visitors, the community will not only accept it, but they’ll be proud of it, too.”

“Don’t be too sure about that,” she said.

“Why?”

“Because it’s not just about the money. The locals aren’t happy about the way you and your family are trying to change our way of life. I told you and your brother as much at the fund-raiser for the new animal clinic, but my words and the point I was trying to make obviously fell on deaf ears.”

“Oh, we heard you. Loud and clear. But no one succeeds by thinking small.”

She was tempted to call him on the conceit hidden within his statement, but she bit her tongue and addressed the project that wasn’t likely to pass the planning commission—ever. At least, as long as she was mayor, even if the length of her term was questionable at best.

She turned toward Steven, crossed her arms and strengthened her stance. “You’re going to have difficulty getting that project to pass, because it’s not going to benefit many of my constituents.”

“Change is good.”

“That’s sometimes true. Just for the record, I’m not opposed to progress, but only if a project maintains Rambling Rose’s character. And a sprawling hotel complex fits our town like a pair of Mommy’s high heels on a preschooler playing house.”

Steven glanced down at her feet, then looked up and grinned. “Or like a pair of sneakers on the mayor?”

“Very funny.”

“Like it or not,” he said, “the town’s character is changing, Ellie. And I think you’d better try to grow with the times. Your constituents will appreciate it in the long run.”

She blew out a sigh that released only a bit of her frustration. “What do you know about the people who voted me into office? I doubt that you’ve met any of them while living in that big fancy mansion of yours.”

“That’s probably true.”

Instead of a response, she continued to stare at him, although the longer she gazed into those big blue eyes, the less she felt like arguing her point.

Damn him. Steven Fortune might be one gorgeous hunk, but he had a way of blowing the wind out of her sails. In fact, he’d become a real pain in her backside. And the fact that he seemed to enjoy their banter didn’t help.

Footsteps sounded, and she glanced over her shoulder to see Steven’s brother Callum approach. Other than their six feet or more height and close-cropped dark hair, the two men didn’t really resemble each other. They were, however, business partners and shared the same vision.

“Am I interrupting something?” Callum asked, his brown eyes glimmering with mirth.

“Only a stalemate, it seems.” Steven winked at Ellie, the playful gesture tempting her to punch him in the arm.

“Why don’t you take the mayor on a private tour?” Callum suggested.

Steven gave his brother a cursory glance before locking his gaze on Ellie. “I don’t think she wants one. She’s not happy about the new stores opening up.”

At that, Ellie bristled and felt the need to defend her stance. “I have nothing against the businesses or their owners. It’s just that the locals, the ones who were born and raised here, aren’t into designer handbags, five-hundred-dollar outfits, French pastries or artisanal cheeses.”

“That’s yet to be seen,” Steven said. “I’ll bet some of those folks will end up surprising you.”

The man just wasn’t getting it. She turned to appeal to his brother instead. “I’ll admit that Fortune Brothers Construction has made some improvements to the town, like renovating the old foundling hospital and turning it into a pediatric clinic.” In fact, Ellie would be taking her baby boy for checkups with one of the doctors there before she knew it.

“Don’t forget about Paws and Claws,” Steven said.

“We do have a lot of animal owners,” Ellie said. “In fact, last month, at the Valentine’s Day fund-raiser, my best friend and roommate spent most of the evening checking out the pets available for adoption that night and felt sorry for a scraggly dog with feet that were too big for its little body. So she brought him home right then and there. She named him Tank because of his big paws, but he’s practically doubled in size already and has been chewing up everything in the house, including my new sunglasses.”

Steven laughed, a mesmerizing sound that lightened Ellie’s mood considerably.

“Your friend didn’t know she’d adopted a puppy? I’d think someone from Paws and Claws would have made it clear that Tank wouldn’t stay small before letting her take him home.”

“I’m sure Daria was told—or had figured it out herself. But knowing her, she just didn’t care.”

“I’d like to meet Tank. And Daria.”

Yeah. Right. As if Ellie would invite the irritating but sexy hunk to her home.

“Why would you want to meet that sweet, goofy pup?” she asked. “Is it because he’s been creating havoc in my peaceful house?”

“Yep. That’s exactly why. It sounds like Tank and I have something in common. We both annoy you, but if you give us a chance, you’ll probably find us likable.”

Callum laughed and gave his brother a pat on the back. “I don’t know about that. Puppies can be trained. And I’m not so sure about you.”

“I’d tend to agree with you about that,” Ellie said, unable to stifle a smile.

“Becky just arrived.” Callum nodded toward the lobby entrance. “Our sitter was running late, so we had to drive over here separately. I’ll leave you two to fight it out on your own.”