The Baby Claim

“Short engagement.”

“How short?” Naomi asked. She was more of a daddy’s girl than she liked to let on.

Jack waited until the waitress set his waffles in front of him and walked away before he continued. “Jeannie and I are getting married on my birthday. Surefire way I’ll never forget my anniversary.” A smile cracked his wind-weathered face and a slight chuckle escaped his mustached lips. Jack had clearly amused himself.

The hair stood up on the back of Broderick’s neck. A guttural, visceral reaction to the realization of what his father was saying. “Your birthday is—”

“In two weeks.” Jack’s chin dipped with a quick affirmation.

“Oh God,” Naomi whispered, but every member of the Steele clan felt the words echo deep in the pit of their stomachs.

Broderick sagged back in his chair. He sure as hell hadn’t seen that coming. Anger simmered deep in his gut. He’d let go of Glenna after one of the most memorable weekends of his life because of family loyalty. Even now, when he should be concentrating, he could almost taste her full lips... And yet he had pushed their attraction aside. He’d given everything for the Steele mantra of Family Above All Else.

Where was family loyalty now?

The anger kept his mouth closed tight. He didn’t trust himself to speak and not say something he would later regret. His siblings had no such problems. Their shocked words tumbled on top of each other in a jumble that made it tough to gauge who said what.

Broderick pried his thoughts away from Glenna and back to the future of the Steele oil empire. “And the business leaks about stock sales? Does someone else already know about your relationship? If you’ve been meeting in the office, then others may already be talking. Dad, you have to know the implications to the fiscal health of both companies.”

“Yes, about that...” Jack sawed into his waffles and speared a bite. “We want to work with you all on a presentation to the board for our plans to blend the companies.”

Blend?

Blend the companies?

Normal businesses could blend. But this would be like combining flint and matchsticks. This was fire, an explosion—the end result possibly destroying everything they’d built.

The confirmation of Broderick’s worst fear since he’d learned of those damned stock purchases stoked the flames of his anger to a full blaze. In a simple sentence, a single revelation, his father was risking what Broderick had devoted his entire adult life to preserving and growing.

“Blending the companies? As in blending everything? You can’t just expect that we’ll—I’ll—accept that.”

Jack leaned in nose to nose with his oldest son, a gesture of dominance. “That is exactly what I expect. I’m still the majority shareholder in Steele Industries, and Jeannie is majority shareholder in her company, as well. The board may have concerns. You and Glenna may have concerns. But Jeannie and I have thought this through. It’s time for the feud to end. We are merging the companies. She and I are prepared do whatever is necessary to make that happen. You can join forces to make us a more powerful entity, or you can cash in your portion and I’ll buy it at fair market value. Your choice.”

“Think about what you’re saying, brother,” Conrad hissed in alarm, placing a hand on Jack’s arm. “Are you prepared to cut out your children? Your flesh and blood?”

Broderick was wondering the same thing. If his father expected him to surrender their company without a fight, then his old man was going to be very surprised.

Jack chewed thoughtfully. “I did not say anything about cutting anyone out. I said if anyone wants to walk away from the business, they can. Family will always be welcome in my home.”

Marshall spoke up. “And what about our jobs? Our family land, our heritage?”

“You’re getting ahead of yourself, talking about things we haven’t gotten to yet,” Jack explained, looking too much at peace, considering he’d overturned their whole world. “Restructuring will create opportunities, too.”

Restructuring? The word casually rolled off his tongue in the manner of someone mentioning that Alaska was cold this time of year.

The word knocked around inside Broderick’s head for all of five seconds before gelling into an image that would create utter chaos for the Steeles and the Mikkelsons, both personally and professionally.

“Dad, I’ve given this same talk to employees on their way out the door.”

His father smiled with a hard-nosed determination they’d all seen before. “Then that gives you an edge that will put you in the running to be CFO of the whole operation.”

Just when Broderick thought his world couldn’t be any more upended, he learned otherwise. Because his father had left no room for misunderstanding.

It was Broderick or Glenna for CFO. One of them would be ousting the other.

* * *

“I hope you don’t mind that I brought my puppy.”

Kneeling, Glenna nuzzled her face into the fluffy husky puppy sitting pretty in front of her. Her heart filled with tenderness for her pup, such a source of comfort and joy after her husband’s death.

Feeling the weight of eyes on her, she glanced up to find Broderick studying her intently from the other side of his office. Electricity danced in the air between them.

“I don’t mind a bit,” he answered. “What’s the little guy’s name?”

“Kota. As in Dakota.” She unhooked the leash and stood, monitoring Kota as he sniffed around the room. The dog sniffed the leather boots curiously. The husky pup stood at attention next to the sleek black chair, glacier-blue eyes trained on Broderick.

Clearing his throat, he walked around his desk to a minibar, pulled out a sparkling water that had been bottled locally from the Kalal glacier. The fizz and bubbles jumped around the glasses as he poured.

For a microsecond, she caught his gaze and it sent tingles down her spine, flooding her awareness. Images drifted into her mind that she knew she had to temper. This was business.

“Thank you for understanding. Kota was at doggy day care while I was at work, and even though I know he’s cared for, I still want him to know me.” She ruffled Kota’s black-and-white head.

“He’s a great pup, well behaved. You’re clearly doing a good job. I don’t mind at all,” Broderick answered. They’d been number crunching for an hour, so far all business, leaving personal matters undiscussed.

Never in her wildest dreams would Glenna have guessed that in the span of thirty-six hours Broderick would storm back into her life again and she would then be working with him.

But that had been her mother’s firm request after dropping her bombshell about the companies merging. She wanted a joint report.

“How did your meeting with your siblings and your mom go?” His whiskey-warm tones tingled through Glenna’s veins like a hot toddy on a snowy day.

Glenna focused on her puppy, who was staring up at her with ice-blue eyes, trusting and pure. “Well, that’s a complex question. I’m not sure we got a true read on things, since the conversation was on speakerphone. My younger brother’s plane had trouble making it in from North Dakota. Everyone on the line stayed quietly civil during the news.”

“That’s good, though, isn’t it?” Broderick said, leaning toward her.

She raised her eyebrows in answer and shrugged. “I’m cautious in saying for sure, because I fear an explosion could happen later.”

In person.

And that storm would be unforgiving, filled with emotion and lengthy, loud conversations that would send the dogs and cats at the ranch house fleeing under tables and chairs.

Ice clinked and drew her attention to Broderick, who was preparing their water glasses with slices of lime. Then he dumped the candy out of a crystal dish and filled the empty bowl with the rest of the water.

The thoughtfulness, the precious gesture for her pet, melted her heart faster than sun baking a snowman. “My oldest brother, Charles, sounded calm, most likely thanks to his wife. I could tell, though, his teeth were grinding on the other end of the phone. Trystan, well, he’s gruff but quiet, so who knows.”

“And your baby sister?” He placed the glasses and bowl on a tray before returning to the table in the corner, not a full-out conference table, rather more of a cozy meeting area. Not nearly large enough for her liking right now.

“Alayna’s a peacemaker. So unless I’m looking into her eyes, I don’t know for sure.” She reached for the glass, her hand brushing his. Crackles of awareness sparked along her every nerve. She took a quick swallow of water to cover her nervousness. “Thank you for this.”

“I’ve ordered food to be brought up. If you’re starving now the minibar has some granola bars—”

“This is fine. Thanks. I’ll wait.”

“I ordered extra. We have a long night ahead of us.”

Her gaze shot to his, searching for a double entendre, but his eyes were serious tonight. None of the teasing from that first day in her office was visible.

It had been a sobering three days since then. “I’m not sure how we’re supposed to do this.”

She jabbed a pencil into her loose topknot. “How do we work together while protecting the interest of both companies?”

“One company, if we can take what our parents said at face value.” He knelt to offer Kota the crystal bowl of water.

“I don’t understand how they expect the employees to get over decades of secrecy agreements and distrust. I’m not sure how we’re all supposed to get over it.”

“I don’t think we have a choice in the matter.” The tenor of his voice struck something in her.

Only the sound of Kota lapping water and icy rain beating against the windows cut through the silence.

She drummed her fingers along the edge of her laptop, still not sure how much to share in spite of what her mother had said. But Jeannie and Jack wanted a board of directors’ packet to reassure investors, and that would require Glenna and Broderick working together. “How did the meeting go with your father and your family?”

“Stunned surprise.”

She lowered the laptop screen, sliding back in her leather seat. “Not a surplus of congratulations, huh?”

“We’re all still in shock.”

“Less than an hour after the call, my sister-in-law and baby sister started sending out texts about organizing an impromptu shower or bachelorette party or something like that for the females in both families. Made me feel bad for not jumping on board with the congrats and felicitations.”

“You have to remember that they weren’t blinded by the—”

“Right. Don’t remind me. I feel bad about my reaction. My mother’s an adult. She’s entitled to her own life. It’s just tough to turn on a dime and see this relationship positively, after a lifetime of our parents bad-mouthing the business practices of the other family.”

He flipped a pencil over and over, tapping it on the tabletop rhythmically. She watched it linger between his fingers, mesmerized by the small, controlled gesture. Only the challenge in his voice broke her trance. “The business practices? What exactly do you object to in the way we do business?”

“I’m not trying to pick a fight.” Her voice rose, and her puppy sat up, whining. “We’re going to have to sort this out.”

“No. We just have to come up with a cohesive plan for the financials that we can present to the board. Ways to combine assets while preserving jobs.”

She snapped her fingers for Kota to come to her. “And staying on track for a pipeline.”

He dovetailed on her thoughts. “Building it faster and safer, to pipe more and be competitive. It’s a matter of self-preservation. Our parents haven’t given us any choice.”

“Right, of course.” She stroked her puppy’s back, the fluffy texture of his freshly washed coat soothing.

And she could definitely use all the comfort she could get right now, being closeted in this room with Broderick. Her senses were on overload from the fresh cedar scent of his aftershave, teasing and tempting her every breath. Her body wanted him...but her mind rebelled.

She still grieved for her dead husband. She’d loved him during their marriage. She’d loved him through every conflict as they’d worked so damn hard on their relationship. Yet on an earthy level, her body ached for closeness with a man. With Broderick.

Inhaling, she shivered at the delicious tingle of his scent even as she resented the tightening of her nipples. “Do you ever want more than...this? The job, the office?”

“No,” he answered without hesitation. “Does that mean you do want more? What would that be?”

Was it just her wayward imagination or had his voice lowered to an intimate level on that last question? His eyes locked on hers with a heat that seared right through her.

Her heart slugged faster in her chest even as she fought for composure. A professional distance.

“Oh, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. My job’s not up for grabs.” She pulled the pen from her hair and pointed it his way. “And neither am I.”

She needed to remind herself as much as she needed to tell him.

Hands off Broderick Steele, she reminded herself.

“Why not? The wall’s been torn down.” He gave her a truly quizzical look, as if he was genuinely considering the idea and not just flirting.

Something about his tone made her wary. And very, very hot.

She breathed deep, too aware of her body’s every response to this man.

“No, no, stop right there. From the minute you walked in my office door three days ago, you’ve been filling what you say with sexual overtones.” She had to halt this line of discussion before she started questioning if maybe he had a point. “Now more than ever, sex between us would complicate things.”

“How so?” That sly grin formed dimples in his cheeks.

“You’re smarter than that.” She looked down, shaking her head while pretending to scrutinize his boots. “We don’t need to add more tension to an already strained situation. We’re not college students who’ve had a bit too much to drink at a party.”

“You’re right. We’re not rebellious kids. We’re adults who know exactly what’s going on. Our parents are getting married. We’ll likely have to share Christmas dinner year after year. That’s a fact.” He leaned closer to her, across the table. His musky scent mingled with the playful growl in his voice. “But there’s always the mistletoe.”

At the mention of such a cozy scene, the fire in her belly cooled. The image he painted was too...personal. “This isn’t funny. You’re sexy as hell, and clearly, I’m attracted to you. But I’ve lost enough. I’m not going to risk losing my job and my family, too.”

“I like hearing that the attraction is mutual.” He twined his fingers with hers on top of her puppy.

“Again, I will say, you’re a smart man. You had to know.” Her fingers curled for an instant before she pulled away.

“I didn’t, not for sure. You made a hasty run for the door all those years ago after what I thought was an incredible weekend.”

“It was...memorable,” she said, then rushed to add, “in a good way. But we can both see now how difficult that would have been. Think how impossible it feels to have your dad marry my mom. How tough would it have been back then after that impulsive weekend to combat our families’ feuds?”

“And after that you got married.” A flatness entered his voice.

“Yes, I did.” She tipped her chin defiantly, then tried to lighten the mood. “And you have to admit your reputation as a ladies’ man is well earned. Those tabloid articles can’t be all rumor.”

“The gossips are going to be busy enough right now with my father and your mother. I don’t think they’ll have time left over for the two of us.” He skimmed his knuckles along her cheek in a flash of sensation before returning to his computer. “Think about it.”

There was no missing the invitation in his eyes. The attraction echoed inside her. And as lonely as she’d been, her body ached for the simple touch of a man. This man.

But no.

With Broderick, it would be more than a touch.

And it would never be simple.

Four

Jack Steele had known it would be tough getting his offspring and Jeannie’s adult children on board with merging their two warring companies. But hell’s bells, he hadn’t expected such a massive wall of bullheaded resistance.

His redwood mansion in the distance now, he settled deeper into the saddle, hoping the quarter horse’s rhythmic gait crunching through snow would settle his frustration. Riding had saved him from losing his cool more than once. In fact, riding had saved his sanity after his wife and daughter died in that plane crash. The open sky was his sanctuary, day or night.

Right now, the sun glistened off the snowcapped trees and mountains. Glistened off Jeannie’s hair as she rode beside him. He’d dreamed of taking her horseback riding once they could be seen in public together. Another reason he should be happy, but the world was topsy-turvy.

Jack gripped the reins loosely in his hands. He’d saddled up the Paint—Willow—for Jeannie. She was a natural. Just as he’d known she would be. The sunshine brought out the lighter shades in her golden hair, which was slipping free from the hood of her parka. She perched confidently in the saddle, the gentle curves of her slim body calling to him. The cinched waist of her parka. Her long legs that made him think of how much he would enjoy tugging off her boots, her jeans and silk leggings.

He would never forget that moment six months ago when they’d found themselves alone at a business conference in Juneau. He’d looked at her. She’d looked at him.

And the world had changed.

He’d felt it. Seen it echoed in her eyes. He’d asked her to have a drink with him. She’d said yes...and here they were. Together. Committed.

Clearing his throat with a breath of icy air, he returned his attention to the present. To the ride. His first with Jeannie. He could envision many more such outings in their future.

Once they settled the controversy between their children.

Damn it all. He scrubbed his gloved hand under the lamb’s wool collar of his coat. He and Jeannie were adults, for God’s sake. Their spouses had died years ago. He wasn’t ready to crawl in the grave, not by a longshot.

Maybe if he’d found someone else, someone without the surname Mikkelson... But life had always thrown him curve balls, and apparently, his love life wasn’t any different. Knowing how precious happiness was made him all the more determined to enjoy what he’d found.

He glanced at Jeannie as she swayed alongside him, so regally beautiful she threatened to steal his breath all over again. “Thank you for coming today, to my home.”

She smiled back at him. “Our home, soon.”

“That it will be.” He still couldn’t believe she’d agreed to leave her own home for his. “We could build a place of our own, if you wish, or if you think it would make things easier for your children.”

She scanned the stretch of land from his sprawling mansion to the seaplane bobbing on the lake. “This place is lovely. I promise I’ll be slow in putting my own stamp on things so as not to upset the Steele applecart.”

“It’s your home, too,” he said firmly. “Your choices are mine.”

Her exhalations puffed a cloud of white into the afternoon air. “If only it could be that simple. Are you sure you’re prepared for this fight? For what it could cost us?”

“Nothing in life has come easily for me or mine. My children are made of tougher stuff. Once they get past the surprise—”

“Shock,” Jeannie corrected.

“Well, that’s one way of putting it.” He couldn’t hold back his chuckle at the memory of Broderick’s and Glenna’s faces when they’d opened that bathroom door. “They certainly didn’t learn in the gradual way we’d planned.”

Jeannie laughed along with him, the sound of their voices floating together on the wind. Damn, he was getting downright poetic these days.

Love did that to a man.

He reached for the reins to Jeannie’s horse and guided both animals to a stop. He reached out to stroke back Jeannie’s hair and tuck it into her hood, then cupped her neck. “What we’ve found together is a gift.”

Her blue eyes glistened with tears and she touched his wrist, squeezing. “One I didn’t expect to have again.”

“And one I’m not giving up,” he said without hesitation.

“Even if it threatens your business?”

“Even if it threatens yours?”

“Ours,” she answered with a smile. “Like the houses.”

“Exactly.” He slid his hand down to grip her waist, then lifted her from the horse and onto his lap.

“We are a team now.” She looped her arms around his neck, leaning against him. “This is real.”

“Yes, my dear, it is very real.” As real as his growing need to have her right now. But this was more than an affair. He loved her. “Our families need to get on board with our engagement. No more separate explanations, separate family meetings. They have to learn how to be together if the business merger stands a chance at working.”

“You’re right.” She kissed him once, twice, enticing as hell. “And the sooner the better. For them as well as for us, because I love you, Jack Steele.”

“I know you do. I love you, too, lady.” He hugged her closer, securing both sets of reins in his fist. “And you know what else?”

“Do tell?”

“I want you. Right now.”

And lucky for them, the plane hangar was very, very close.

* * *

Glenna clutched the edge of her chair. She was in the glassed-in sunroom at the Steele family lodge for their first big co-family gathering. It was so surreal.

Not that it was a completely blended family get-together. The women sat on different sides of the room, based on family affiliation. Glenna and Alayna stayed closer to their mother, along with their sister-in-law, Shana. Whereas the two Steele hostesses, Naomi and Delaney, stood like bookends near the wet bar, so alike in appearance even if opposite in temperament, Naomi being a partying wild spirit, Delaney an intensely serious green-issues crusader.

The men were outside, horseback riding on a sunny day that melted snow into a glistening display. It could have been a gathering at Glenna’s mother’s home—her parents’ home—except more than double the people were present.

Through the window she could see her two brothers riding expertly alongside the five Steele men. But Broderick drew her eyes most today, his Stetson a hint higher than the others since he was so tall. His collar was flipped up, with the lamb’s wool against his ears. His hand held the reins loosely, confidently.

Broderick’s bay quarter horse, Abacus, demanded nearly as much attention as his rider. They were a matched set. Dark, muscular—commanding. Even the way the bay tossed his mane said something of his wild, albeit tempered, nature. The two moved like one, almost as if Broderick’s soul had been fused to the bay. Every response, every turn seemed to happen from instinct.

Was there anything this man couldn’t handle?

Glenna’s hand dropped to Kota, stroking the puppy’s fur for comfort. Each touch of his coat soothed her ragged nerves.

She’d thought about Broderick’s proposition again and again throughout the night. But they weren’t two strangers meeting for the first time, with no entanglements. He had to understand they couldn’t just resume where they’d left off long ago.

But if she were meeting him for the first time?

Her gaze wandered back to the sight of him tall and strong on horseback. Her stomach lurched with awareness—and apprehension.

Yes, even if she were meeting him for the first time right now, she would still run. Because truth be told, this attraction was more than she could risk. Her emotions had to be off-limits. Losing her husband had already decimated her heart.

Glenna drew her attention back to the rustic luxury of the sunroom, a room that was the direct opposite of the Steeles’ sleek office space. Fat leather chairs and sofas filled the expansive, light-filled room. Rafters soared upward, dotted with skylights, as well as lantern-style lights for the long winter nights. One stone wall held a fireplace crackling with flames. Elk antlers hung above the mantel. The wet bar was laden with snacks and drinks.