Royal Holiday Baby (16 page)

“We're making progress, more slowly than I like, but it's coming along,” he said.

“And the development of new business you've been pursuing?”

“Not bad. Ericka's husband had decided to use Chantaine for some more of his films and he has spread the word among the film industry that we offer excellent terms. We're also in negotiations with a cruise ship company to become one of the stops on their itinerary.”

“That's terrific news. More jobs, more exposure.”

“But not too much,” he said. “There's a balance we're determined to keep.” He smiled. “This is part of what I've
missed with you. Bridget and Phillipa couldn't care less about infrastructure unless it interrupts their trip to the beach.”

Tina laughed. “Give them time. They've only been doing the job for about five months.”

Stefan shot her a look of doubt. “I've never been one to rely on wishful—”

He broke off as Eve served apple cider, lifting his eyebrow at Tina as a demand for an introduction.

She caught herself thinking how much fun it would be to watch Stefan try to pull his royal attitude over on Eve. “His Royal Highness, this is Eve Jackson. She's Hildie's niece, and she's excellent with horses. They call her the horse whisperer.”

He rose and extended his hand. “Really? My pleasure.”

Eve met his gaze and Tina could almost swear she felt a crackle of static electricity shoot between them.

“Your royal highness,” she said. “I've heard so much about you.”

Tina swallowed over the urge to chuckle as Stefan shot her a quick glance. “Why do I have the feeling most of it wasn't good?”

“Please excuse me,” Eve said, her voice neutral. “I really need to get back to the barn.”

“Of course,” he said then looked at Tina again. “Was that one of your staff? You know, I need a new person to work with my horses. Is she that good?”

“Yes, Eve's that good,” Tina said and rolled the idea of Eve working for her brother around in her mind. “She would love the job,” she said then reconsidered. “On second thought, I'm not sure she would be interested in working for you,” Tina said.

He lifted his chin, clearly affronted. “Why not? I would pay an excellent salary.”

“Eve is a very modern, liberated woman. I don't think she's the kind to bow to anyone.”

“Hmm,” he said, rubbing his finger over his bottom lip as he wore a thoughtful expression.

Hildie came into the room with a platter of mile-high sandwiches. “I fixed you a snack since we won't be having dinner for a few more hours.”

Stefan blinked in surprise. “Thank you. I wasn't planning to eat—”

“Please do,” Hildie said, folding her hands in front of her apron. “And your men can have a bite too.”

As soon as Hildie left, Stefan turned back to Tina. “I'm quite serious about having you return to Chantaine. My private jet is waiting for us in a small, private airport not far from here. I know the trip will be long, but the staff will make you as comfortable as possible. As you know, there will be a nurse on board if you need any medical—”

Tina put her hand on her brother's arm. “Stefan, I can't do that. I promised Zachary I would stay here at least until one month after the baby is born. He will want to be a part of the baby's life and—”

“It's not as if you're married,” he said. “Or you would even consider marrying him. There are many men more suitable—”

Tina's defenses flew to the roof. “Zachary has been very protective and considerate. I can already tell he'll be a wonderful father.”

Stefan's eyes rounded in horror. “You're not considering marrying him? Tina, I haven't mentioned this yet, but this is the kind of thing that could make the advisers suggest you surrender your title.”

She bit the inside of her lip. The idea of losing her title was less frightening to her than losing the affection of the people for whom she'd worked so hard. From the beginning of this
pregnancy, though, she'd been faced with difficult choices. “I won't be pressured into making a decision for my child based on a title. Do what you have to do.”

Hearing a loud noise at the front door, she broke off. “What—”

“Who disarmed my ranch hand? Where is Tina?”

Zach's voice roared through the house. Tina stared at her brother. “You disarmed one of Zach's men?”

Stefan shrugged his shoulders. “He wasn't hurt. My men merely relieved him of his shotgun and cell—”

Zach burst into the room with two men hanging off of him, his eyes blazing. “What's going on here?” he demanded as the two men in their chairs jumped in front of Stefan.

Tina cringed. This was not the way she'd wanted Zach and her brother to meet. She took a quick breath. “His Royal Highness, Prince of Chantaine, this is Zachary Logan.”

“Why is he here?” Zach asked.

Stefan slowly rose. “I'm here to take my sister back to Chantaine where she belongs.”

“Over my dead body.”

“That can be arranged, but it would be messy.”

“G
et off my property,” Zach said, his blood pounding through his veins. It was all he could do not to go after Stefan even though the prince's guards would likely kill him. “You're trespassing.”

Tina touched his arm. “Zach, he's my brother.”

He sucked in a deep breath. Nothing inside him softened even one millimeter. “He came to take you away.”

“I told him I wouldn't go,” she said in a low voice.

Something inside him eased just a fraction. He glanced at her. “Did you?”

She nodded. “Yes. Remember, he will be our daughter's uncle.”

Zach couldn't say he was thrilled with the idea. After all, Stefan's goons had disarmed his man and left the poor guy tied up on the side of the road. He gave a grudging shrug. “We were doing okay before you arrived.”

Stefan rose, his eyes glittering. “For a royal, okay is never enough.”

Zach stuffed his hand in his pocket to keep from punching the superior expression off of Stefan's face.

“Later,” Tina said to him, squeezing his arm.

Her tone calmed some part of him and he took a deep breath, searching for some common ground. “I'm glad to see how much you care for Tina. All of us have grown to care for her too. She's a remarkable woman.”

He saw a twinge of hostility drain from Stefan's face. “Yes, she is. You're lucky to have enjoyed her presence all these months.”

“We have,” Zach said.

“The palace wishes her to return immediately,” Stefan said.

Zach's stomach twisted into a square knot. “That's her choice,” he said, knowing he was taking a risk even though she'd said she would stay.

Stefan frowned. “She insists she wants to stay, but I still believe we can provide better medical care for her and the baby. We can provide a more thorough education for the child. More protection from the public.”

“You can't provide the baby's father,” Zach said.

“There are other men—”

“That's enough.” Zach felt his blood pressure rise. Two heartbeats later, he felt her squeeze his arm again. Her gaze told him other men couldn't replace him. He took another breath, calming himself.

“Would you like a tour of the ranch?” Tina asked her brother. “Zach has a stable of beautiful horses.”

“You like horses?” Zach asked cautiously.

“Like is an understatement,” Stefan said in a dry tone.

Over the next half hour, Zach showed Prince Stefan his horses. Even Stefan was impressed.

“They're beautiful and well-trained. Perhaps I should steal your horse whisperer away,” Stefan said.

“I'm not sure Eve will fit into your budget,” Zach said. “She has an executive salary with benefits.”

“But not from you,” Stefan said.

“No,” Zach reluctantly admitted. “But I helped her through college, so we have a deal. She takes care of my horses that need some extra attention.”

“How long would she be required to pay that debt?” Stefan asked.

Zach shot him a half grin. “As long as I say.”

Stefan nodded. “A smart man. What are your plans for my sister?”

Zach sighed. “I'm doing my damndest to get her to marry me.”

Stefan narrowed his eyes. “You are not who I would have chosen for her.”

“If there's one thing I've learned about Tina, it's that she doesn't want someone else making this kind of choice for her. You. Or me,” Zach said.

Stefan regarded him thoughtfully. “True. But Tina cannot fully turn her back on Chantaine. In one way or another, she will always be our princess. She will want to return.”

“Marriage is a negotiation,” Zach said.

“Ah, yes, you know that because of your previous marriage. Please accept my sympathies,” he said.

“You had me investigated,” Zach said.

“I wouldn't be a good brother or ruler if I hadn't,” he said. “The views of your former wife's parents are unfortunate. Her death and your child's could not have been prevented.”

“Nice of you to say so,” Zach said, the discussion turning his stomach.

“Trust me. I wouldn't say that if I couldn't find a way to
twist the story against you to influence Tina to return with me today,” Stefan said, his gaze ruthless.

“Always good to know who's got my back,” Zach said.

“I look after Chantaine,” Stefan said.

“I look after Tina and the baby,” Zach returned.

After that, they returned to the house. Tina greeted them with an anxious expression. “How did it go?” she asked Zach, then turned to Stefan. “What did you think of his horses?”

“They are quite beautiful and well-behaved. I would like to talk to his trainer,” Stefan said, cutting his eyes at Zach.

“Eve will turn you down flat,” Zach said in a low voice.

“We'll see. In the meantime, Valentina, I must leave. Are you sure you won't join me?” Stefan asked.

Zach's gut twisted as she glanced at him then away. “I told you I can't go back right now,” she said to Stefan. “But I'm so glad you visited. Seeing you made me realize all the more how much I've missed you and the rest of the family.”

“Good,” Stefan said and kissed his sister on both cheeks. “I brought a gift for the baby.”

“Really?” Tina said in surprise. “What?”

He waved to one of his staff who hurried to the stretch limo in front of the house. Seconds later, the man appeared with a white box wrapped with a satin bow. He gave the box to Stefan, who presented it to Tina.

Tina beamed at her brother. “What is it?”

“Open it and find out,” Stefan said, laughing.

Tina removed the top of the box and her face softened. “A flop-eared bunny. You remembered.”

“You had one as a child, but one of the staff misplaced it,” Stefan said. “I thought your little Kiki might like one too.”

Tina dropped the box to the ground and threw her arms around her brother. “Thank you, Stefan. It has been so good to see you.”

Her brother squeezed her tightly in return. “We miss you, Tina. Come back soon.”

She drew back and Zach watched her draw in a deep breath. Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears. “Call me about road construction and infrastructure.”

Stefan chuckled. “I'll do that.” He turned aside and lifted his head toward Zach. “Take care of her, Zachary Logan.”

“I will,” Zach promised, and within seconds, Stefan and his entourage rode away.

Thank God.

 

As they watched the stretch limo disappear into the distance, Zach watched Tina swipe tears from her eyes as she hugged the pink flop-eared bunny to herself. “I didn't know bunnies were your favorite,” he said.

She sniffled. “You didn't ask.”

Well, hell,
he thought. How was he supposed to know he should have asked?

“Anything else I should know?” he asked and slid his hand around her waist.

She gave a soft teary chuckle. “Oh, Zachary, that kind of stuff takes a lifetime.”

“Dinner's ready,” Hildie called from the doorway. “Oh, no. Did they leave already?”

“Yes, Stefan is gone,” Tina said.

Hildie crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, that's a darned shame. I made a fresh apple pie.”

“If you put some ice cream on it, I bet we can talk Tina into eating a slice,” Zach said.

“I don't feel very hungry,” Tina said.

“I bet Kiki would like a bit of that pie,” he said.

She shot him a sideways glance. “Maybe.”

He coaxed her into joining him for dinner. At first, she wouldn't eat a bite, but she gradually ate part of her meal.

“So what is it about flop-eared bunnies?” he asked.

She smiled and took another bite. “My uncle gave me one before I was even born. He's passed away since. But that flop-eared bunny was the first stuffed animal I remember. He was also the first I remember losing.”

“He?” Zach echoed.

“I named him Erie because of his ears,” she said, her gaze growing distant.

Zach frowned. “You don't talk about your mom much. Did the two of you get along?”

Tina shrugged. “We weren't very close. She gave birth to me, then had her duties. I had mine.”

“That sounds a little cold,” he said.

“We weren't close,” she said. “After I went away to college, I realized I would want to have a different relationship with my children. Keely and her mom are so close, yet her mom gives her space.”

“And your mom?” Zach asked.

“She bred heirs to the throne and made appearances. She became ill and her health quickly deteriorated when I was in college. She died my junior year. I graduated early, so I could go home and contribute to a sense of continuity and comfort.”

“What about your father?” he asked.

“He died soon after, which put Stefan under the microscope,” she said. “That's why we're close.”

“He's lucky that you were there for him,” he said.

She shrugged. “Maybe,” she said and glanced away. “What about your sister? What is she like?”

“She's strong and independent. She's in Chicago. I haven't kept in touch like I should, but seeing you and Stefan makes me want to call her.”

Tina met his gaze and slowly smiled. “Do that. You won't regret it. Invite her here for Christmas,” she said and leaned
her head against her hand as she studied him. “What about you? Any favorite stuffed animals from childhood?”

He racked his brain. “A hippopotamus,” he finally said.

She laughed. “But they hurt people,” she said.

“Not when they're fluffy and stuffed full of cotton with painted-on smiles,” he countered.

“I guess that's true,” she said and slid her hand in his. “Do you remember your favorite childhood song?”

“If you're happy and you know it, stomp your feet,” he said. “I didn't have to sit down for it. What about you?”

“Frérè Jacques,” she said. “My nanny sang it to me before I went to sleep.”

“Oh, a night-night song,” he said. “My father tried to sing a song about the moon and me. I don't remember the words.”

“What about your mother?” she asked.

“She hugged me a lot,” he said.

“Did you sing anything to the baby before—” She broke off and dipped her head. “Before he passed on?”

Zach frowned. “How did you know the baby was a boy?”

“I didn't,” she said. “I just guessed.”

He thought back to his time with Jenny and how erratic her behavior had become later into her pregnancy. After they'd married, he'd wondered about her dramatic high and low moods and how the pregnancy had seemed to accentuate them. When they'd learned she had a mental illness, he'd kept tabs on her several times a day…except that one day when he'd been tied up with a crisis. As soon as he'd learned Jenny was in trouble, he'd scrambled to take her to the E.R.

Zach had sped toward the hospital, but Jenny had bled out. By the time he'd arrived, the doctors had been unable to rouse her and the baby was dead.

He would never forget the helpless feeling he'd experienced speeding toward the hospital. Even now, it made him break
into a cold sweat. The doctor had told him they couldn't have saved her even if she'd been in the hospital at the time of her crisis. She'd lost too much blood too quickly.

“Zach,” Tina said. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I'm okay. Not great, but okay.” He forced a smile. “Do Kiki and her mom want a bite of that apple pie?”

Tina paused as if she suspected he was remembering something painful. “I can't believe you're in the mood for apple pie.”

“I'll take a bite if you will,” he said. “You know, we haven't talked about names.”

Surprise flitted across her face. “We haven't. You haven't been around very much.”

“That will change,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers.

“Starting when?” she asked.

“Now.”

“Really? Why is that?” she asked.

“Last week, I told Daniel I wasn't coming back to the city until after the baby was born. I wanted to stay close,” he said. “And because the damned cell phone isn't dependable, I bought some two-way radios. Old school, but they should work.”

“So you'll be here for a while?” she asked, her gaze filled with a combination of relief and pleasure.

“Yeah,” he said. “As long as you need me, Tina. Now about those names,” he began.

“I've thought of a thousand,” she confessed. “Stella, McKayla, Lucia, Camille, Delphine, Martina. Of course there will be more than one name to choose.”

“I think one of her names should be Valentina,” he said.

Her lips lifted in a soft smile. “Why is that?”

“Because she's a busy girl and that's partly a testament to her mother. On another subject, Hildie tells me you haven't
ordered any baby furniture. Even I know we need to cross that off the list.”

“I hadn't really figured out where to put her. I don't think I'll need much more than a bassinet to start, especially since I'm not sure how long—” She broke off and shrugged her shoulders.

Her uncertainty twisted something inside him. “What do you need to be sure?” he demanded, struggling with his impatience.

“This is one of those areas where you and I don't share the same opinion,” she began.

“You don't share the opinion that we would be better parents together than apart?” he asked, rising from his chair.

“I didn't say that, but I have a lot of things to consider. I promised you I would stay for a month after the baby is born. Isn't that enough for now?”

“No, it isn't,” he said. “I want us to get married. We can work out what you need to do about visiting Chantaine and your family, but I think you know deep down that you belong here with me.”