Contents

      Prologue

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Epilogue

      Prologue

      More than three decades ago…

      The three women sat in the elegant parlor, two on the original Sheraton sofa, one in a stately wing-back chair on the opposite side of an exquisite Chippendale table. Tea sat cooling in its gleaming silver pot, the one the lady of the house used for very special visitors. And today’s visitor was the most special of all.

      An expectant silence had filled the air for far too long before someone finally spoke. “I think this is the best solution for everyone,” she said with a smile that masked the inner turmoil she didn’t want the others to see. Bringing these two together was the perfect solution. She glanced at her dear friend who sat at her side. It could work. She knew it could.

      “I agree, my friend,” the oldest of the three added in that refined tone polished by years of finishing school. “I can assure you that if you choose this solution,” she said to the youngest, “the child will never want for anything. Never. The finest health care and schooling will be provided, regardless of cost. The child will have the best of everything, including parents that will love him or her with all their hearts.”

      She noticed the tears in her dear friend’s eyes as she spoke and she blinked furiously to hold back her own. This was the right thing to do. It was in the best interest of all concerned. How could any of them lose? They couldn’t. She would not have arranged this meeting otherwise.

      “I—I know both of you are right,” the young woman said hesitantly. She was eighteen, unmarried and pregnant…she was desperate. The baby’s father was missing in action, presumed dead. “It’s just that this is so hard.” Her own tears welled past her lashes and rolled down her pale cheeks. She placed her palm against her still flat abdomen and seemed to gather her courage. “But this is the best way. I know that. My child will be better off with you.” She smiled faintly through her tears. “So, how do we do this?”

      The oldest of the three smiled warmly, anticipation lighting her eyes. “Don’t worry dear, we’ll take care of everything. You won’t ever have to worry again.”

      Chapter One

      He had no choice.

      For the first time in his adult life, Zach Ashton was going to have to put his personal life before his professional one. And it wasn’t an easy task. His natural inclination was career first, and anything else worth having would follow. It was the law by which all Ashtons lived.

      “You’re sure two weeks won’t be a problem?” Zach paused in his restless pacing to study his long-time boss, Victoria Colby, as she considered his question.

      “I’m quite sure. You should take as much time as you need. We’ll be fine here.”

      He braced his hands on the backs of the two wing chairs flanking her massive oak desk and blew out a weary breath. “Johnson and Wilks have everything under control,” he said as much to himself as to Victoria. “They have my mother’s number if they need me for anything.”

      Victoria searched his face with that assessing gaze of hers and then hit the nail right on the head. “Who are you trying to convince, Zach, me or you?”

      Moving around one of the chairs, he dropped into it and leaned his head against its high back. “Me, I think.” He settled his gaze on Victoria’s then. “She’s the only family I have left, and I love her. I can’t not go.” He scrubbed a hand over his jaw. He’d agonized over this decision all night. “A week from Saturday is her birthday for Christ’s sake. I have to be there. But two weeks?” He shook his head. “Can I tolerate two whole weeks without the rush of a legal coup?”

      Victoria flared her palms. “You said yourself that considering your mother’s recent heart attack and her age, you couldn’t afford not to go for an extended visit.”

      Zach nodded. “Seventy-five’s a major milestone. And the heart attack scared the hell out of me. I have to stay the whole two weeks. I’m just not sure either of us will survive it. We’re both too accustomed to having our way.”

      Victoria smiled with understanding. She, of all people, knew Zach rarely took no for an answer when he wanted something. He’d inherited that tenacious trait from his mother.

      “Forget work,” Victoria suggested. “Enjoy your mother. Let this be her time. Acquiesce to her every demand. Who knows? Maybe you’ll have more fun than you expect.”

      He arched a skeptical brow. “In Kelso, Indiana? Population not nearly enough. I doubt it.” Zach stood. “But I’ll go.”

      “Good.” Victoria rose from her chair. “I’ll see you in two weeks then.”

      Zach hesitated at the door and produced a feigned smile. “And I’ll enjoy every