He had no idea where the dress had come from, but he’d bet anything that it was her mother’s. It was tight fitting and seemed to have been made for her as well. The veil covered her face and most of her chest, but he could see that she looked more beautiful than anyone else could have looked on their wedding day. Her grandmother was giving her away, and she held onto Addie like she was never giving her up. When they both were standing in front of him, Jarrett reached for Addie only to have Clemmie touch his hands first.
“You hurt her and I will hurt you.” He nodded and told her he knew. “Do you think I’m kidding you, son? I’m not one to trifle with about my family.”
Jarrett kissed her on the cheek and leaned into her ear to whisper. “You’re my family too now, and if you ever need me, for anything at all, you tell me. And I would rather die than hurt either of you.”
Clemmie nodded and put Addie’s hand into his. “I love you. I mean that. I know that we’ve only met, but I’ve come to love you like my own.”
“And I love you. But I’d really like to marry Addie if you don’t mind.” Clemmie flushed and smiled. Jarrett kissed her again and when she moved to have a seat, he stopped her. “I’d very much like it if you stood up with us too. My dad is my best man, and I’d like very much to have you here with us.”
Jack and Slone moved over for her, and Jack handed her the flowers she’d carried up the aisle. Slone winked at him, and Jarrett turned to his dad and hugged him again. He had family now; not that he hadn’t before, but he felt complete with it. The only person missing for this was his mom, and he was pretty sure she was watching over them all right now.
Almost too soon it was over. Jarrett kissed Addie as his wife and then again as his friend. His dad even kissed her on the cheek, welcoming her to the family. His brothers weren’t as good as their dad had been and had his wolf crazy with blood lust by the time they’d made it through the receiving line. And by the time he was able to sit down, he thought for sure they were going to have to find a dark corner to let him mark her again. But lucky for him…or his brothers…both he and his wolf were fine with them sharing her. For now.
The dinner was catered, which he supposed was good, but he barely tasted a thing. All he could think about, all that was in his mind, was that Addie was his. And that he loved her. When Clemmie sat down beside him, he turned to her and smiled.
“She’s lovely, isn’t she? And happy.” He laughed when Addie tried to get his dad to take her onto the dance floor, but he wasn’t having it, which surprised him. His dad loved to dance. Clemmie smiled too and took his hand before she spoke.
“You didn’t let her tell you what I’ve done, did you?” He shook his head and told her that it had been too wonderful of a day to talk seriously. “Be that as it may, young man. You and Addie are all I have left in the world. And any children you might have.”
“We’ve talked about them, but she’s afraid they’ll be like her.” Clemmie asked him how he’d feel about that. “I don’t care what they are, who they are, or even, for that matter, if they’re all girls or boys. So long as Addie is by my side, everything is perfect.”
“You are a romantic, aren’t you?” Jarrett thought about it and told her no, he wasn’t. “You want only the best for your wife. You love her to distraction and you more than likely don’t give any sort of care to the fact that I’ve taken all my money back.”
“Nope.” She glared at him. “I don’t care. I have money. Not as much as she…well, you do, but we’ll be all right. And I do love her very much. Even if you said I’d have to pay you back every penny for this wedding—which is really nice, by the way—I’d do it and still want you to come and visit us whenever you wish.”
“And if I wanted to live with you? What would your romantic heart say about that? I bet that would put a crimp in your happily ever after story.” Jarrett looked at her, really looked at her. “What is it?”
“You’re not the least bit pissy, are you? I mean, you might be a little and I have no idea why, but I think you’re testing me.” She didn’t even blink at his suggestion. “If you want to know how I feel, then look into my head. I give you full permission to dig as deeply as you want and as long as you want. I sincerely love Addie and everything about her.”
Clemmie was quiet for so long he thought she was searching his mind. And while he was a little nervous about what she might think of his life, he wanted her to know the truth. When she turned away from him, he looked around the room as well.
“I needed to know your worth.” He nodded without speaking. “So many have tried to take and take from her. Including her father. He was never cruel about it, but he…he should never have killed himself. He hurt her doing that. And he’d ask her things about his inventions that…well, it sort of bordered on insider trading, in my opinion.”
“She never said anything about it.” Clemmie nodded. “How long do we have? I mean, we do have until this is completed with Shepard, don’t we?”
“Have until what?” Jarrett waved his hand around the room and told her all this. “You mean you think I really am kicking you out and taking all the money? Good heavens, child, why would I want to do that?”
“Because you can.” She stared at him for several seconds, then laughed. It was loud and infectious. People turned to look at them, and Jarrett loved it. “So, I guess you’re not going to leave us penniless.”
“I do like you, young man. I certainly do.” Jarrett stood up after telling her he liked her as well and put out his hand. “You want to dance with me when you have my granddaughter just over there?”
“I do, as a matter of fact. How about we seal the deal on our friendship and you coming to live with us with a nice dance?” She stared up at him and asked if he was serious. “I am rarely serious, Clemmie, but on this, I am. Come and stay with us, please.”
“I think I will.” She stood up, and he pulled her in to his body as a man would a woman doing the Charleston. His mom had insisted that they take lessons, and for the first time in his life, he was glad that she had.
Chapter 15
Addie was sitting at the kitchen table when Bill and Carrie came into the room. Both of them had been working in this house for as long as she could remember. She asked them both to have a seat.
“I don’t know what we’re doing.” Bill nodded and took his wife’s hand. “Jarrett has an apartment in his home town and I don’t know if we’re going to buy a house or not. But I was wondering if that happens, would you come and work for us?”
The relief on their faces was profound. When Bill kissed Carrie’s hand, she had a moment of worry that they were going to quit working for her family. Then Carrie got up and started cooking. Addie looked at Bill, slightly confused.
“I don’t…is that a no?” Bill shook his head and smiled. “You’ll come and help us out then? I mean, like I said, I don’t know what we’re doing right now. Jarrett said he was looking at houses, but I have no idea what that means.”
“It means, my dear wife, we are going to be taking them with us.” Jarrett sat down across from her when Bill stood up
. You should have hung around for a bit longer. I was just getting my second wind.
Addie felt her face heat up. He’d had his second and third wind already, and she wasn’t sure she could take a fourth one. When he’d gotten up to get into the shower, she’d made her escape. Not that it was really an escape, but more of a rest period. He was laughing when he turned to Carrie and Bill.
“I was looking at a house much smaller than the one I think we’ll need. Clemmie has agreed to come and live with us, and we’ll need a bit more room.” Bill told him that was good. “And then I was wondering…do you two live here or do you have a household?”
“We’ve a little house in town. It wasn’t…the first Parker’s didn’t want the help living with the house, and it has been a tradition that they live off the grounds since then.” Bill handed Addie a glass of tea as he continued. “It’s nice and the drive isn’t so bad except in the winter months. We’re happy with it.”
Jarrett was sipping his tea when he spoke to just her
. Do we build with them in the house or do we set them up with a house on the grounds? It would be better for them if they lived on the grounds but not within the house, I think. Give them a bit of privacy.
I think that would be perfect. But maybe we could make it within walking distance. I know that Ohio weather is very strange, and it might be safer for them if they were that close and not having to drive.
Jarrett agreed.
We’ll need our privacy as well, I think, with Grandmother living there.
They told the older couple what they were planning. Then the conversation turned to Duncan. He was going to be dealt with today, before they left. She had told Jarrett that going on their honeymoon with that still hanging over their head would only make them worry.
The rest of the family joined them when they were talking about how the local pack was going to be helping them. Hunter had talked with the alpha at great extent yesterday and the day before. He was just as upset about the rogues as Hunter had been.
Today was going to be busy with other things as well. There was the funeral for Benny Carter this afternoon, in addition to meetings with several of her businesses. She looked up when Slone said her name. Addie was just considering a long nap after being up most of the night with Jarrett and the huge breakfast she’d just eaten.
“I was wondering if you’d mind if I went home today. I’m exhausted and I’m never any good at being with people.” Addie put her hand on Slone’s belly and felt that the child was fine and so was Slone, but like she said, she was tired. “I’m still getting used to being with groups of people, and the wedding really took a lot out of me.”
“I understand.” And she did too. “I hope you don’t mind, but when we were looking things up on the Internet about houses last night, I came across a web site that specializes in handmade things for babies and children. Hunter said you were having a shower soon, and I bought you a bed for her.”
“He told me. You didn’t have to do that. We’ve been…well, I started to say talking about the bed, but it’s been a lot of stress. I want a fortress for her and Hunter wants a normal bed.” The two of them laughed. “But I’ve been so stressed about everything else—being a good mom, being able to keep her safe, and still dealing with the public—I guess I figured that one would just appear for me.”
Addie took her hand off her belly and decided that she’d give Slone what else she knew about her and the baby she carried. “She’ll be strong like you. And you are stronger than you think. A wolf like her father, in that she’ll be an alpha too. Her life will be long and very adventurous, and when she meets her mate, it will be as thunderous as you and Hunter had when you met. And she will be not just your daughter but your best friend for the rest of your lives.”
Slone started to cry, and Addie felt badly for it. When she pulled her into her arms, Addie hugged her back, knowing that they both needed this more than they did anything else. When she pulled back, Slone stood up and looked around the room before speaking to her again.
“I love you, Addie. You and Jack are the best things that could have happened to me. Well, except for Hunter. He’s kind of special too.” Addie laughed with her. “But I am glad that you’re my sister too. It’s wonderful having someone to talk to about everything. And we’ll have to take Jack shopping. She hates it almost as much as I do.”
“Me too.” Slone nodded. Addie stood up. “I’ll make arrangements for you to go home today. Just let someone know and they’ll set up the times.”
After Slone left to go lie down, Addie went into the yard. There were so many people still around that she just needed a minute to herself. When someone came out of the house behind her she wanted to tell them to go away, but Luke sat down in the chair next to hers.
“I would like to recommend an attorney to you.” She nodded. It was something that she needed to get set anyway, and was kind of glad that he’d done it for her. “He’s sort of brash and full of shit most of the time, but he knows the law better than anyone around.”
“You?” He tried to look wounded, but she could see that he’d enjoyed that. “Who is he and how trustworthy is he? If it’s all the same to you, I’d just as soon not have the same issues that I just had with someone.”
“I went to college with him. He’s not a wolf but a cat. Panther. Nice guy and, like I said, brash, but he’ll do well by you. And he has enough money that he won’t need to take yours.” He grinned. “And so you know, he’s here today.”
“I’ll meet him, but I have a few questions for you first.” He leaned back but took out his phone first. The man was forever taking notes with the sucker. “You know what my grandmother did for Jarrett. And you know that he’s going to need help with it all.”
“She made him the president of her holdings. And her IT department is going to be run by him as well. He’s not going to be thrilled about that.” She knew that. It’s why she’d been trying to tell him for the last two days. And now it was a done deal. “But I think Patrick can help him as well. I’m hoping that you get yourself a personal attorney as well as corporate, but have one person that is in charge of both. To sort of keep an eye on things.”
“You think Patrick is up for that?” Luke said that he was. “Then I’ll let him hire his own staff and work out what he needs before I venture too far into what Grannie wants me to do for her. Which is something I wanted to talk to you about anyway.”
“If it’s the charity thing, you can count me in. In fact, the rest of the family will help out as well. She mentioned it last night before going up to bed, and Dad was really excited.” She told him that was what she needed. “Good. Anything else before I bring Patrick out here?”
“No.” Then she paused. “Yes. I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my grandmother. She said that you were brilliant and that you were sure. I had to ask her what that meant, and she said that while you were sure of yourself, you never assumed that it was the only way to go. She prides herself on knowing a good person when she sees one.”
“She told me that she never liked Shepard.” Addie shook her head. “She met Patrick. In fact, it was her idea to bring him on board if you approve.”
“I figured as much. I saw the two of you with your heads together last night.” Luke grinned. “Are all you Emerson men charming, or is it just around your family that you are?”
Luke stood up when Jarrett came out of the house. He kissed her on the cheek before answering her. “We’re as charming as we need to be when it’s important. And you women are very important to us. But we are also predators that will kill without hesitation and with no thought to the other person should they hurt what we consider ours.”
He went into the house and Jarrett took his seat. Jarrett looked like he was upset, but he didn’t say anything, so Addie decided to just let him work it out while she told him a few things.
“I called the realtor in Ohio and let them know what sort of house we’re looking for. She said that she had a few that she’d set up for us to look at. And I’ve talked to Grannie and she said that she’d sign this house over to us when we’re ready to sell.”
“Do you want to sell?” She shrugged. “I was thinking that we’d keep it for a place for us to get away. There’s plenty of room that we could have holidays here with the family, and still have plenty of room for any children that might come along.”
“I love that idea. We’d have to have a small staff here to keep an eye on things, but it would be lovely to keep it. It’s been in my family for a long time.” He nodded and looked out over the pool and the pool house. “My dad left me the cars in the garage. Hunter asked me about them, and I told him that whether you sold them or not would be up to you. I’ve never cared for any of them myself, except the little sports car. Dad bought it for me when I graduated from high school.”
“We’ll work it out.” She nodded. “Did you know that your grandmother gave me controlling interest in her company? And that she expects me to sit on the board to the rest of them? Not you, but only me.”
“I have enough businesses that I work with. She thought it would be good for you to get your feet wet before she passes away.” He nodded but looked unsure. “Grannie likes you, Jarrett, and trusts you, or she would never have done this.”
“It’s too much too fast.” Addie didn’t say anything to the panic in his voice. “I know nothing about that sort of money. And have no idea how to run a multi-million dollar company.”
“Billion.” He looked at her, confused. “It’s a multi-billion dollar company. Grannie is the second richest person in the world; second only to Slone, but not by much.”
“You’re not helping.” Addie laughed and stood up to go to him. Sitting on his lap, she let him hold her and warm her up a little. “You’re going to have to help me too. I don’t…I don’t even own a tux, and she said I’d have to be fitted for one.”
“I think you need to hire a person to help you. I would prefer you out of your tux rather than in one.” He growled low, and she giggled. “I want to go home with you. I want…I hope we find a house soon. I need something solid under my feet.”
“Me too.” They sat there just enjoying the quiet until Hunter and Cash came out, followed by the others. It was time.
“We’re not going to take the women with us. Not because we don’t think you can help, but…well, Slone is afraid.” Addie nodded and told Hunter that she and Jack would take care of her. “Thank you. But while we’re gone, I’d like it if you didn’t tell her if one of us gets hurt. I know that she’s got a bit to go with this pregnancy, but with everything else going on, she’s very stressed.”
Addie stood up and went to the door to go inside, but she turned to them all, her brothers and father, once more. “He’s in the cave and he’s going to come out soon. Duncan is nearly starved, and dehydrated as well. Don’t let that fool you into thinking that he’s not going to be strong enough to harm any of you.”
“Do you know something that might help us?” She looked at Jarrett and he smiled. “Of course you do. What is it, baby?”
Addie didn’t answer him but looked at Cash and spoke to him. “Listen to Lee. When he tells you something, you take it as gospel that he knows what he’s talking about. Please?”
Cash looked like he wanted to ask her what, but she only shook her head. All Addie knew for sure was that Lee was going to save his father’s life, but only if he listened to him. And Cash, she knew, was as stubborn as his sons about things he thought he knew more about.
“I’ll do it. I promise you.” She nodded and looked at the rest of them. “The outcome is good. But you have to listen to each other. This will not be a time to go off halfcocked. Duncan is a liar and a good one. And we’ll all be safe here.”
Nodding to them, she went into the house. Leaning against the door, she looked at Jack, who was sitting at the kitchen table with her grannie and Slone. Jack handed her a scone that was still warm from the oven.
“I’m stealing Carrie, just so you know.” Addie looked at Carrie, who was laughing while she scooped dough onto another pan. “She’s an amazing cook, and if she keeps baking these, I’m going to weigh about four hundred pounds.”
“I think we should go shopping.” Slone shook her head. “Oh, I don’t mean go somewhere, but in my office. I have a big screen television in there that I can use as a monitor, and we need to get some dresses for the Spring Fling in two months. And I need to look at furniture.”