Promise Me, baby (insert)

Prologue

“What do you mean you’re quitting? And leaving town, nonetheless! You told me you loved it here! Did someone say or do something to you? Is that why you’re thinking about leaving?” Garnett Talbot stood beside Rachel Ann in the employee break room where they just finished having lunch.

“I am leaving in about a week, Garnett and I would like you to keep that fact to yourself, okay? I’ve been training my replacement for the past week. Do you remember Betsy Thompson? She’ll be taking my place.” As for someone bothering her her friend was absolutely correct. That someone had a name and it was Hunter Harvard, her boss’ partner. Her decision to leave hadn’t been all that surprising to herself as she helplessly watched Hunter Harvard had been carrying on with another woman for a solid month. Hunter never dated a woman that long unless it meant he was serious and she couldn’t bear to be in the same city with him anymore since she found out she was…

“Don’t you think you better at least wait until Mr. Lassiter gets back from his honeymoon?” Garnett had a feel like something more was going on here than what Rachel Ann was telling her. She first met Rachel Ann Welles in their condo complex and Rachel Ann asked if there was an opening in the office where she worked. A day later she became Jake Lassiter’s top notched sectary with little fuss or muss.

“I’m leaving him my resignation letter on his desk explaining everything. My brother called and he needs me to come home.” Okay she was going to burn in hell for lying to her friend but she couldn’t tell her the real reason why she was leaving. It was too humiliating admitting what she’d done!

“You could just take a leave of absence instead of quitting. I’m sure Mr. Lassiter wouldn’t mind.”

“Garnett you’ve known Mr. Lassiter for nearly his whole life I don’t understand why you gave me this job because you know him so well. I thought he would have been more comfortable with you.”

“Now, now dear. Jake’s not like that but Hunter Harvard is more demanding and harder to handle, and he likes things just so. Plus I worry more about that boy.” Garnett lived by Jake’s family for years and when her husband died from a heart attack he gave her a job in his successful security firm. She sold her little house too full of memories of her husband and moved into a one-bedroom condo.

“I’ll miss you so much. It’s just Warren really needs me right now and I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

“Mrs. Talbot did you get a chance to book a flight for me?” Hunter asked from the opened doorway of the employee break room frowning darkly at Rachel Ann hearing another’s man’s name roll off her tongue, and not liking it.
“Ah, yes sir. I was lucky to get you a flight tonight at seven. Is that all, sir?” Garnett wasn’t about to let Rachel Ann off the hook so easily, determined to reason with the young woman and feisty enough to get the real reason why she was leaving. She believes it strongly has a direct connection to her handsome delish boss.

“Excuse me, I really need to get back to work. Thanks for lunch, Garnett.” Rachel beat a hasty retreat brushing past Hunter, her head bend so she wouldn’t have to look at him. It hurt too much to do that and she had enough to deal with already.

“A moment if you please, Rachel.” Hunter grabbed her elbow taking away her decision to deny him, steering her into his office the one place she didn’t want to be because this was where they had their first kiss. A sweet memory she wanted to keep pure.

“Just who the hell is Warren fellow? You never mention him before. Is he your boyfriend or something?” A furious muscle worked in his clenched jaw hating to think her with another man.

“Is that what you wanted to speak to me about, sir? My personal life is private and what would it matter to you if he were? Last I knew you were too involved with Mrs. Lassiter’s bridesmaid.” She couldn’t help but to bait having seen enough of him with that bimbo Stacy Walker. She was a bridesmaid in her boss’ wedding and Hunter went after her like a dog after a tasty bone.

“Her name is Stacy Walker and I don’t like to be played as a fool, taking another man’s woman, lady. So answer the question. Who is this Warren person?”

“None of your business although rest assured when we were together I wasn’t seeing another man. I hope you have a nice trip,” she slammed the door behind her so angry she wanted to spit or scream thinking of the arrogance of that man! This was the first time her in twenty five years she wanted to…to kick up a childish tamper tantrum and woman enough to tell Hunter where he could go!
If she ever doubted herself about leaving he just reminded why she needed to leave the job she loved and the place she turned into her home. It was better this way…right?

Chapter One

Texas six months later…

“You really have done it this time, young lady! How shall you grandfather and I ever hold up our heads in public again, I’ll never know.” Belinda Welles complained cantankerously for the tenth time just that morning. Glaring at her wayward step granddaughter then glowered at her husband of fifty years.
Rachel Ann Welles watched her grandparents silently argue, hoping when she first closed her condo back in New York they’d receive her with open arms or at least be happy to see her after being gone for seven years. How foolish indeed, she was to think that remembering how moral her step grandmother was in the past. That was a major reason why she left once she had her diploma in hand and big dreams for her future. She moved far away as she could enrolling in a community college in the city, graduated in the top five of her class.

Rachel Ann would have gone to Warren, her older brother’s house but unfortunately he was out of town and his new housekeeper refused to let her stay there. The Welles children were close as peas in a pod when they were younger and inseparable after the death of their loving wonderful parents. They’d been sent to live with their father rigid parents the night of the fatal car crash claiming Jack and Renee Welles.

Warren had been luck only living with their droll, demanding grandparents through his high school years whereas Rachel Ann was much younger and needed more attention. She worshipped her older brother all through childhood then suddenly to be left behind broke her heart.

Rachel Ann was raised by strict standards hardly having any friends to support her when Warren escaped to college. The years until graduation loomed before her like a dark threatening nightmare praying to wake from it in one piece. She never blamed her brother of leaving her but she was devastated, and happy he got out when he did. There was no telling what he would have done if he had to stay another minute with Belinda Welles.

“What do you think, Percy? Your granddaughter came home nearly six and a half months ago to have her bastard child, bringing shame to our good name. I still say she should give it up to adoption. Really, Percy Welles how does she except to support herself and a child by herself? I will not have a bastard in my house.”

“You won’t have to worry, Belinda. Once I have my baby I won’t be living with you anymore. I will not have my child feel the hate you heaped on me all my life.” Pressing her hand over the tender spot when her baby strongly kicked her, she soothed them both by rubbing lovingly. She loved her unborn baby the minute she found out she or he existed. If only Warren were home she’d be there getting the support she desperately needed not the negativity she got here. For now she was stuck here just like she was a child all those years ago. She demanded to have her family’s love during her trying time, however it looked like wishful wishing on her part.

“I am not giving up my baby, Belinda. I didn’t intend to bring shame to you but Warren wasn’t home.” Rachel Ann found out the woman couldn’t stand it when she used her given name and not the grandmother title she demanded usage in public.

“Did you hear that, Percy? Ungrateful fat brat! Do you really think your dear brother would have welcomed you back with a bastard in your big belly? I should think not! And what would that do to his standing in his community?”
Closing her eyes against the heartache of yet another cruel rejection, Rachel Ann wondered what Warren would have done if he had been home when she was there months ago. If the father of her baby and her grandparents didn’t want her would her older brother be any different?

“We’re late for church as it is,” Percy sighed heavily ushering his ladies to the waiting car anxious to avoid any arguments this morning. It seemed all his wife had to do was either look or think about their very pregnant granddaughter and she’d start bitching again. It was getting on his nerves and he didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t turn Rachel Ann away when she knocked on his doorstep. She reminded him so much of his first wife that Belinda felt threatened even though he lost his sweet Sara.

“Oh Lord, I hope our neighbors don’t think too badly of us coming with your granddaughter.” Belinda refused to have any connection with Rachel Ann other than referring her as Percy’s kin.

“It didn’t matter the last six months Rachel Ann’s been coming with us, dear, I don’t think it matters now.” Percy found them a seat in the front pew thankful for an hour’s peace of her sharp waspish tongue. A man could only take so much.

The Sunday service was mercifully longer than usual and in no time Percy escorted his ladies back to the car. Rachel Ann had felt odd all day like someone was watching her but that didn’t make sense since no one from her previous life knew where she now lived. She left Garnett a P O Box address in to keep in touch with her, needing all the friends she had. Although she still hadn’t told her about the baby.

Gasping suddenly, she doubled over clutching her hard rock like tummy with one hand and the other stretched out to steady her weak wobbly legs. A pair of familiar strong arms wrapped reassuringly about her steadying her as she vainly tried catching her breath.

“Now, see here sir, release Rachel Ann at once!” Belinda commanded harshly peeking over her shoulder hearing Rachel Ann’s gasp of surprise.

“Rach? Honey, is that you?” Hunter didn’t recognize her at first too caught up in looking for the woman he used to know. He forgot she’d be about ready to go into labor. To his child.

Oh God, she must be losing her mind! Or she must be daydreaming Hunter Harvard was holding her as another powerful contraction ripped through her lower back and lower abdomen. Yes, that explained it! She was dreaming he was here like so many other times ever since she decided to move back home. Imprudent of her to think he’d come all this way for her when she knew he wasn’t interested in her or their child.

But it felt so good, so real to have his arms wrapped protectively about her as her first pains started.

“Dear God, it is you! Rach, honey can you hear me? Tell me what’s wrong just don’t tell me you’re in labor. Please, baby, tell me you’re not.” Indeed, Hunter had come for her, disgusted with himself for letting her and all this time to slip through his fingers. What an arrogant jackass he’d been too blinded by anger and something else leaving shortly after their confrontation.

“Get your hands off of her. Percy, help! This man’s trying to abduct your granddaughter in broad daylight! Someone stop that man!” Belinda shriek at the top of her very healthy lungs, pointing a long accusing finger at Hunter.
It seemed to happen all at once Rachel Ann thought dazedly as she embarrassed herself in the parking lot by wetting herself, feeling a warm gush of water gush down her legs pooling beneath her. Now what would Belinda have to say about that? She was sure she would hear about it all too soon.

“Calm down, lady. I’m taking Rachel to the hospital. In case you hadn’t noticed she’s in labor.”

“How dare you talk to me with such little respect! Not only is it Sunday a day for man, woman and child to rest, but we’re at God’s house. Oh Percy, help, help!”
Great! Just frigging great! After all these months without Rachel he finally had her in his arms righting his world after they parted in New York though at the time he thought she was still working for his company. He felt like he was drifting through life like a sleepwalker and nothing appealed to him. Then in the next breath his world turned inside out again. Damn, but he missed her like something fierce.

“Don’t pass out, lady. As you can see I’ve got my hands kinda full at the moment and won’t be able to catch you.” A charming grin curved his lips crinkling the corners of his green eyes barely sustaining control on his simpering temper. If only the old battle ship would shut up then again he wasn’t having the best of days, so why should he get even that lucky?

“I’ll do whatever I want, you fickle rounder! Just who do you think you are?” With a trembling hand poised at the base of her throat, her large enraged eyes shot poisonous daggers at him.

“I’m the father of Rachel’s baby. I wish I could say it was a pleasure meeting you however my mother taught me not to lie to my elders. And you are, who?”
“Percy, get over here this very instant! These young people have sinned and get Father Conner, also! Hurry before they get away, man!” Belinda blocked them, hands on her narrow little hips failing to intimidate Hunter towering over the incensed woman by a foot or so.

Rachel Ann couldn’t make sense of what was happening around her instead trying to stay calm. Had the world gone mad? She was in labor, Hunter was here and her moral step grandmother wanted Granddad to bring Father Conner over to them. Why? What in the world was Belinda thinking? She needed a doctor not a man of the cloth!

“This really hurts like hell,” she breathed her large blue eyes glazed agonizingly, locked with deep green ones of her ex lover. It felt like she was literally being torn apart and she’d be lucky if she lived to tell the tale. Women she met that gave birth forgot to tell her about this part and she could understand why. Although it was have been great to be prepared nonetheless.

“That does it!” Hunter bent over her, one arm curved around her legs swinging her safely in his arms and carried her to his truck easily bypassing the gaping great-grandmother-to-be. There was just so much a man could take and he quickly reached beyond his! He couldn’t bear tears or women in any physical pain. Especially Rachel Welles.

“Where are you taking my Rachel Ann, mister?” Percy bellowed furiously charging after them with Father Conner close on his heels and Belinda followed with the rest of the curious congregation sputtering righteous words from the bible.

“To the hospital, of course. You’re all welcomed as long as you don’t upset Rachel.” Damn, what was it with these people? It felt like he was in a bad episode of the some sci-fi series. A woman was in labor and people were trying to stop him from helping her, instead treating him like a monstrous fiend. Hunter was very glad he was there as it became more and more apparent that no one would have noticed Rachel Ann was in need of medical attention.
“Are you sure about this, Rachel Ann?” Percy demanded shadowing them as if he believed she was going to come to harm under Hunter’s care.

“We don’t have time for this, man!” Hunter warily placed her in the deep bucket seat closing the door then raced around the hood to the driver’s side, climbing behind the wheel.

The contractions were getting closer together and stronger stealing the very breath from her air deprived lungs. Was it supposed to supposed hurt like this? Perhaps something’s wrong with her baby. Dear God, please don’t take my baby! Rachel Ann still had another week or so before her due date. That’s what her doctor told her anyways.

“Hang in here, Rach baby. We’re almost there.” He assured her in a clam soothing voice, his large hand covered her fisted one and she wasted little time latching on to it like a lifeline. “It’s my baby, isn’t it, honey?”

Hunter knew she carried his child but for some reason he wanted to hear her admit it to him. When he read her first letter he’d been totally shaken to the depths of his soul then he was so proud he wanted to shout his joy. On his way out of the office in the New York location of Lassiter and Harvard Security, her second letter reached him enraging him, bluntly telling him she’d raise their child alone and not to worry about them. That she wouldn’t make any demands on him, emotionally nor financially.

“If you want a test to prove it then so be it, Mr. big man on the campus Harvard! However, I’ll fight you for my baby if you’re thinking about taking her from me.”

“A daughter, huh? We’re going to have a baby girl and a girl needs her father’s protection more than my son would.” Hot damn, this was getting better by the minute! “I’d never separate my child from her mother, Rachel.”

Rachel Ann didn’t much care what he said at this point because another stronger pain grabbed her in a gluttonous vise. “Oh, God this really hurts!”
“I know, baby. Just hold on a little longer.” Hunter brought their entwined hands to his mouth kissing her white knuckles reverently. For such a small thing she really had a bruising grip on his hand.

Nothing bad was going to take them away from him, not when he just found his Rach again! He’d fight the devil himself if need be assuring them a life with him.
“Hey, I need some help here! My fiancé’s in labor! Her water broke about fifteen minutes ago.” Hunter had already parked his truck at the emergency doors and plucked Rachel Ann from her seat, and into a wheelchair a discharged patient steeped from.

A stout older nurse, costumed at hearing overly frantic fathers-to be, hastily took charge of the situation before Hunter wheeled his woman passed the nurse’s station. She rolled her impatient patient into an examining room ordering another nurse to call for Doctor Mendez.

“Not so fast! You need to fill out these forms, Daddy!” Yet another white-attired nurse pressed a clipboard thick of forms in his large hands and he lost sight of Rachel Ann.

“Yeah, well my concern is to be with them, Nurse Noreen.” He spied her nametag pinned neatly on her white uniform, giving him her his most charming grins. If he could just keep Rachel Ann his sights then nothing would dare go wrong. Like Shiloh Lassiter, his best friend’s wife nearly lost her life giving birth. Of course a bullet at close range had grazed her, but still it had been touch and go for a while.

He didn’t care if he had to supervise the whole birth and doctor because he wasn’t about to lose his family! Not today nor any other day for that matter. And he was going to take care of any bills from now on despite her protestations. They had to do what was best for their baby and having a mother and a father sharing responsibility about summed it all up in his book.
“I understand, sir and you’ll be able to be with her, however those forms have to be filled out for admittance. The sooner you fill them out the sooner you’ll be with your family. Is this your first child?”

“Yeah,” he’d always wanted a houseful of kids and hoped it wouldn’t be the last. He wasn’t about let Rachel Ann and their baby slip through his fingers.
“There’s no time for that, now. She’s about to deliver! C’mon, we need to get you ready.” The older nurse that took Rachel Ann was rushed back for Hunter, handing the clipboard back to Nurse Noreen.

Hunter hastily donned the sea green scrubs and cap in the hallway before he entered the delivery room. He took his place beside Rachel Ann holding her hand and feeding her ice chips hoping she wasn’t in too much pain.
“Drugs! Give me drugs!” She begged breathlessly her face red from fighting the pains instead of breathing like she was supposed too.

“No, no drugs. Isn’t there a breathing thing you should be doing? My sister tells me it helps.” Hunter sponged the beaded sweat on her forehead and she batted his hand away from her.

“I am not your sister and breathing is a myth as far as I’m concerned! I want drugs and I wanted them an hour ago. I hate pain and this is–” another contraction blind sighted her trapping her words in her throat.

“Hello there, little Mama.” Dr. Krista Dobson stepped into the room back first her hand up raised waiting for the nurse to snap on her gloves. “A bit in a hurry I see.”

“Give me drugs, doc! I swear I’m about to die.”

“First, let me take a look before I order any drugs.” The rather young looking doctor took her place on the lowered stool between Rachel Ann’s tented knees.

“No drugs. They’ll harm the baby,” Hunter forbade like he had any say in the matter glaring warningly at the doctor then at Rachel Ann. “All Harvard babies were born without drugs and breastfed and by God so shall this one.”

“I feel funny a feeling like I have to push.” A low pressure began to build in her lower back traveling to her belly only to settle between her legs.

“Don’t push just yet, Rachel. You’re not ready.” There were two nurses in the room with them taking their places at the bottom of the bed, bracing Rachel Ann’s bent legs.

“Everything’s looking really good now. How do you feel? Feel that need to push, huh? Okay now what I want you to do is take several deep breaths then I want you to bear down with everything you have.”

With the next pain Rachel Ann mindlessly began to push and push until it seemed like nothing was happening. The contractions kept getting powerful and more achingly strong stealing her breath so she couldn’t even scream her misery. The next couple of hours drained her as she fought mightily to bring her child into this world.

Hunter was there every step of the way, holding her hand encouraging her when she stopped and wiping her face. He was amazed how strong a woman really was watching his child being born. If it was him lying on that little bed he knew there’d be no way in hell he’d have another one. Ever.

“You’re doing great Rachel. I want you to rest for a minute or so while I’ll see what the hold up is.” Spreading her patient’s quivering legs farther apart noting the dark crowning head she sharply commanded Rachel Ann to push again and again and again. It felt like her baby was being stubborn and didn’t want to be born leaving her safe heaven just when her weary body pushed the baby safely into the doctor’s waiting hands.

“You have a beautiful little girl,” Dr. Dobson announced holding up the indignant baby showing her to her parents before handing her over to the nurse to check her vitals.

“Okay, now Rachel you did great so I’m just going to clean you up some then off to the recovery room. If you’re sleepy…”

Rachel Ann couldn’t bear to keep her eyes opened a second longer as she drifted on the dark wings of sleep not hearing what else the doctor might have told her. Tired, so very tired.



A healthy persist wail snapped Rachel Ann from her nap finding herself in a private room and the divided curtain drawn from the rest of the room. Grabbing the curtain she weakly pushed it out of her way thinking she heard a baby’s cry. Then it hit her. She has a daughter! How could she forgot even for a moment?

“Look who you woke up, baby girl. Yes, shh Mommy’s here now.” Hunter stood cradling his tiny daughter again awed and humbled by the miracle he witnessed hours ago. “How are you feeling? Want me to get the nurse, sweetheart?”

“Um, no that is I’m a little sore.” Her breasts felt so full they’re going to burst, her nipples tingling as her milk rested heavily in them. “Hasn’t she eaten yet?”

“I tried to give her a bottle but she didn’t take to it. I guess she’s waiting for the real thing.” He nodded at her ripe breasts longing to see her nursing their daughter.

“Breast feed? Oh, I’m not doing that! She’ll just have to get used to a bottle.” Rachel Ann was horrified talking about her body like this with a man, not to mention uncomfortable as heck. Her breasts were aching answering the call of her baby’s pitiful meowing cries. “Can I have my daughter, please?”

“Why not breastfed? Not only is it good for our daughter but it’ll ease your pain.” He noticed her wince shifting her shoulders as if to relieve some pain. Anyway all Harvard babies were breastfed. It was tradition for the love of Pete!

“How did you know? Been in this situation before?” Instantly she regretted her sharp tongue wishing she could call the words back. She didn’t miss the hard look he gave her as he carefully placed the baby in her arms.

“All Harvard babies get the best and the milk your body’s been storing is the best thing she’ll get as a baby. By the way my parents are on their way here as is my sister Samara. But right now I think we best decide on a name.”

“I already have a name picked out. Evelyn Jayne Welles.”

“I’ll give you the first two, Rachel. Her last name will be Harvard just like mine.” Hunter rumbled deceptively soft so not to frighten his fussing daughter who was nuzzling against her mother’s large breast.

“I’ll compromise with you I’ll breastfed her and Welles will be her last name since I carried her for nine months. Alone. I think that’s fair.”

“Not fair enough. You will breastfed her and my last name will be on her birth certificate since I am her father. You speak of compromise like you have anything to barter with me when you knew before you quit you were carrying my baby, and you failed to tell me.”

“Hey! I wrote you two letters months and you didn’t answer me. I tried calling you at your house but your girlfriend said you were going to be away for quite some time. I left messages with Garnett that I needed to talk to you.” Taking a deep breath to clam herself she shifted her crying daughter higher against her looking for a bottle. She didn’t want Evie to get so worked up that she’d get sick.

“What the hell are you looking for, woman? Feed my baby.” When she just stared at him he took a step closer, unbuttoned her nitie freeing her breasts and guided his daughter’s rosebud mouth to her distended nipple.

“Stop that this instant, you big bully! I was looking for a bottle.” She knew why she was being so difficult about the breastfeeding issue deicing early on she was going to breastfeed her daughter. There was something about Hunter that made her want to fight him on every little concern. It simply was because his silence was a loud enough answer and having him here made her mad.

She was prepared to raise her baby as a single parent, swearing off all men except her brother and granddad. Why did he come now after his damning silence? If he was here to gain custody of Evie she’d fight him tooth and nail. He was not getting sole custody of her baby. And she’d die first before she allowed his surgically enhanced girlfriend even touch her precious baby. If he wanted a fight he’d get one all right!

“Why are you here anyways? I got your message loud and clear as the months past that you didn’t want to be a dad. I’m fine with that. So you can go if that’s way you came.”

Hunter felt his temper simmering listening to her rambling on about not wanting to be a father to his only child. Hell, when he first learned he was going to be a dad he couldn’t wait until he found them. It looked like he got his work cut out for him if he wanted to be apart of Evelyn’s life.

“I am here for my daughter, woman. I am going to be her father and a major party in her life so you better just use to it. I am not going to allow another man to raise her.” Namely that men being Mr. Wonderful Warren she left to be with. No way, his baby was going to know who her daddy was by God!

“Who are you talking about? I’m not seeing anyone.”

“So fickle you are, sweetheart, so fickle indeed. Don’t think for a moment I didn’t forget about Warren. He’s not getting anywhere near her.”

“Of course he is! He just so happens to be–”

“I really don’t want to hear it, lady. You need to burp Evie.” He repositioned the baby on her shoulder showing her how to properly burp her. “Pat her back then rub. It helps.”

“How do you know so much about babies? I thought men were mostly all alike, never wanting to grow up rather play through life.” Rachel Ann was glad he knew what he was doing because, even though reading all those books on parenting, she was lost. And she knew Belinda wasn’t going to be much help. Thinking about her step grandmother Rachel Ann knew she couldn’t go back there. Not with Evie to think about. She saved every penny she earned from her job in New York and here in Texas but that would only last do far and not ever long.

“Did my granddad stop by while I was resting?”

“Yeah but I told him you needed to rest and to try back later. Where are you going to stay? I know you’re living with your grandparents although I don’t want Evie around your grandmother.” Not to mention what a mean old battle-axe that woman was. Also he didn’t even remotely like the idea of Rachel Ann being subjected to that woman. He was glad he told Percy to try later because Belinda was started right in, shooting off her mouth about his daughter. That was something that was going to change if Belinda wanted anything to do with her first great-grandchild.

Hunter refused to have his daughter near that woman unless she learned some control over her sharp tongue.

“I wanted Granddad to meet Evie, Harvard! You didn’t have any right to send him away before I could talk to him.” Rachel Ann settled Evie to her other breast since she was still hungry, pleased that the pressure in her chest abated so what.

“That woman, your grandmother has a nasty mouth on her and I forbid Evie to be around that. So ask my question: where are you going to live?”

“I never notice what a pushy arrogant man you were, Hunter Harvard! For you information I originally came to live with Warren but he’s not home right now.”

“You’re not going to live with him. Ever. I rented a townhouse that should meet our needs for the moment. Give me Evie.” He reached for his daughter asleep at her mother’s breast. It touched Hunter watching his woman breastfed his baby, stirring something primitive in his and he wouldn’t waste any more time he had resolved by being apart of her life, watching her grow. He would be there when she started to talk or began to walk, and would protect her from the harsh reality in a world like as his father had done for Samara.

“I can live with anyone I chose, Mr. Harvard! I will not be dictated too, do you understand me? I am a mature grown woman and a mother at that. Need I remind you that I don’t work for your company any longer?”

“Honey, I love it when you get all proper like that. It makes me want to kiss you breathless. Is that what you’re trying to tell me, hmm? All you had to do was ask.” Placing his sleeping angel in the bassinet he trapped Rachel Ann, a hand on each side of her pinning her hips to the bed as he leaned forward. His lips met hers in a teasing gentle kiss lingering over her sweet lips sipping at them.

“I hate it when you do that!” She lied grimly her body ached for more of him as she drew away to keep her sanity. What was he thinking, telling her she and Evie would move in with him as if having a woman and a baby living with him was a common occurrence.

“I can see that you need more proof of my abilities, Rach. Again all you had to do was ask. Where would you go if not with me? And if I heard a certain man’s name other than mine roll from you tongue, you’re in trouble. Big trouble.

“See, I’ll be a great dad. I know when to discipline and know the right time to give lovin’.”

“I’m not doubting your abilities as a father, Harvard. But that doesn’t mean that I’m just going to move in with you because you deem it. My God, how do you live with a swelled head as yours?”

“Baby, you know all about my attributes firsthand. Also you know I take all challenges personally you tend to throw my way. And know that I play to win.”

“How dare you, sir! If I were younger I’d beat the tar out of you for speaking to my granddaughter like that! I’m going to call security and get you throw out.”

Percy huffed indignantly puffing out his thin chest felling threatened by the sheer size of the man. It appeared his granddaughter had chosen a mountain of a man. She was lucky her baby was only six pounds or else she’d been worst off. Damn if she wasn’t just like his Sara!

“Go ahead call security however being the father of your granddaughter’s baby, doing no harm to her there’s no much they can do.”

“Just leave, then I don’t want Rachel Ann upset by the likes of you.”

“Ah, guys I’m right here and I can talk for myself. I think both of you should leave.” Pressing the nurses’ button at her side a white uniformed lady marched into the room.

“It’s time for the little mother to rest, out both of you.” The older woman hustled the men out with a threatening glower. “You can come back when visiting hours permit it and I don’t want to see either of you until then.”

“Thank you,” Rachel Ann smiled gratefully at the nurse about to go out of her mind if she didn’t have any peace for a while.

“Enjoy it while you can, honey because it looks like those two are going to be a real pain later. I should know. Why my father and husband don’t get along at all.”



“Lassiter, state your business and make it quick.” Jake Lassiter one of the partners of Lassiter and Harvard’s Security growled into his cell. Didn’t people understand that a man didn’t want to be bothered on his extended honeymoon?
“Good to hear from you too pal. I wanted to let you know that whatever you did to Shiloh is catching? Did she put something in the water?” Harvard not in the best of moods, demanded to know.

“What the hell are you talking about? My wife has been in my sight ever since we left. And put what in what water? You’re not making any sense, Harv. Its known the first thing to go is a man’s mind. Be careful, pal.”

Hunter had known Jake and his twin brother Dylan since childhood. After the death of Jake’s parents his parents sorta adopted them as had Garnett Talbot and her husband.

“I’m talking about I’m a father.”

A long pause of silence ensued because Jake thought he heard wrong or was waiting for a punch line. “What? Are you kidding with me? If you are you’re not the least bit funny.”

“Would I really kid around about something as serious as…fatherhood to you?” He called Jake in hopes he could help him since he was a father of two very active twins, a daughter and a son. “She didn’t tell me before she quit, dammit! I have a right to know about my daughter!”

“Hey, calm down there, pal. Where is your daughter right now?”

“She was just born not a day ago. I was scared that I was gong to miss the whole thing because I couldn’t locate Rachel.”

“Holy hell, man! Are you talking about my sectary? And what do you mean she quit? Oh friggin’ hell! Just tell me where you are.”

Hunter gave him the location glad he was going to have his best friend here to help him out on this one. After hanging up he called his parents and gave them a shock of a lifetime.

“Hi, Mom. Remember a few years back you pulled me aside and told me what to get you for Christmas? Well, it’s a little early.”

“Oh my God, Hunter Joseph Harvard! I meant I wanted you to get married before you gave me a grandchild, son. A moot point now it seems. Tell me where you are and your father and I’ll be there soon as we can.” LaRayne sighed heavily into the phone hoping she could keep her husband from taking a switch to Hunter’s hide. She taught her son better than that or she thought she had.
What she really wanted to do was to keep the press from getting wind of this until they talked to Hunter.