The Billionaire's Borrowed Baby & Baby Business: The Billionaire's Borrowed Baby / Baby Business. Katherine Garbera

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СКАЧАТЬ what to do if I had to sit around all day. The previous owners of this grand old property were both in their nineties when they passed. They never had a family, and Sherman and I weren’t able to have children, either. This is a big, wonderful house with all kinds of interesting history. But until you and Deedee moved in, it was missing something.” She paused and smiled softly. “Mr. Luc wants to help you and that precious baby. What could be wrong with that?”

      “But it isn’t a real marriage. We’re not a family.”

      Ana shrugged. “That may be true at the moment, but things happen for a reason. I’ve seen it too many times in my life not to believe that. Take it a day at a time. You’ll be fine, Hattie dear. Now eat your breakfast and get in the shower. Mr. Luc’s not one for running late.”

      * * *

      Luc had chartered a private plane, and at ten-thirty sharp, it was wheels up. The short flight from Atlanta to the southeast coast of the state was a source of constant fascination for Deedee. She sat with Ana and Sherman, stuck her nose to the window and was uncustomarily still as she watched the clouds drift by.

      Leo and Luc huddled together in the front row talking business and who knows what else. Luc’s friend, who was to do the ceremony, sat with them. Hattie was left to chat with Ana’s niece, Patti. The young woman’s eyes were almost as big as Deedee’s.

      She took a Coke from the flight attendant and turned to Hattie with a grin. “I’ve never been on a plane before, and especially not one like this. I could get used to the lifestyle. Did you know the bathroom has real hand towels…not paper?”

      Hattie smiled at the girl’s enthusiasm. “I can’t thank you enough for helping out while we’re gone on our honeymoon.”

      Patti wrinkled her nose. “Well, I love kids, and when Mr. Cavallo offered to pay my fall tuition in exchange for the week, I wasn’t about to say no. My aunt and uncle and I will take such good care of Deedee. You won’t have to worry about a thing.”

      Hattie gulped inwardly. Her debts to Luc were piling up more quickly than she could calculate.

      Before Hattie could catch her breath and gird herself for what was to come, the plane landed smoothly on a small strip of tarmac. Three large SUVs sat waiting for the wedding party. Once in the cars, they were all whisked away to a nearby dock where they boarded a sleek black cabin cruiser.

      At first, Luc’s island was nothing more than a speck against the horizon, but as the boat cut through the choppy waves, land came into view. Down at the water’s edge, a large wooden pier had been festooned with white ribbons. Uniformed staff secured a metal ramp and soon everyone stood on dry land.

      Hattie looked around with wonder. They were too far north in latitude for the island to have a tropical flavor, but it was enchanting in other ways. Ancient trees graced the windswept contours of the land, and birds of every color and size nested in limbs overhead and left dainty footprints in the wet sand.

      Luc appeared at her side. “What do you think?”

      She smiled up at him. “It’s amazing…so peaceful. I love it, Luc. It’s perfect.”

      “We’re trying to get the state to designate it as a wildlife refuge. Leo and I have no plans to develop this place. But one day, when we’re gone, we want it to be protected.” He took her arm. “Let’s go. There’s more to see.”

      Hattie’s skin tingled where he touched her. Their hands were linked…perhaps he didn’t notice. But the intimacy, intentional or not, was poignant to Hattie.

      Dune buggies took the group up and over a crest to the far side of the island where a weathered but genteel guesthouse stood, built to blend into the landscape.

      Luc helped her out of the fiberglass vehicle. “There’s plenty of room inside for everyone to change. Will thirty minutes give you long enough? There’s no real rush.” He paused, and stared down at her, his expression pensive. “This is your day, Hattie. I know the circumstances aren’t ideal, but you’re doing a wonderful thing for Deedee.”

      For one brief moment, wistfulness crushed her chest as she wondered what it would have been like to marry Luc when she was twenty-one. Determinedly, she thrust aside regret. This was not the same situation at all. She lifted a hand and cupped his cheek. “Thank you, Luc. I don’t know what I would have done if you had turned me away.”

      The space around them was ionized suddenly, the hot, sticky air heavy with unspoken emotions. She went up on her tiptoes and found his mouth with hers. Someone groaned. Maybe both of them. He tasted like all her memories combined, hot and sweet and dangerous.

      But they were not alone.

      Luc took a step backward, and her hand fell away. Something akin to pain flashed across his face. “We both want what’s best for the baby,” he said, his voice gruff. “That’s the important thing.”

      * * *

      Sherman and Patti tended to Deedee while Ana helped Hattie get dressed. Hattie disappeared into a well-appointed bathroom to freshen up and slip into an ivory bustier and matching silk panties. Ana stepped in briefly to help with buttons and then tactfully left Hattie alone.

      The day was warm and humid, and Hattie was glad she had decided to wear her hair up. She tweaked the lace trim at her breasts, adjusted the deliberately casual knot of hair at the back of her head and looked into the mirror. Too bad Luc wouldn’t get a chance to see her in the delicate garments. They made her feel feminine and desirable, and she had charged them to one of the new credit cards without a qualm.

      Ana waited in the bedroom, the wedding dress draped over her arms. In a small exclusive boutique in Buckhead, Hattie had found exactly what she wanted. The off-white dress was made of watered silk fabric and chiffon. The halter neckline flattered her bust and the fitted drop waist fluffed out into several filmy layers that ended in handkerchief points. The ecru kid slippers she’d bought to match were trimmed in satin ribbons that laced at her ankles.

      Both women blinked away tears when Ana zipped up the dress and turned Hattie to face the mirror. It was fairy-tale perfect for a beach wedding—definitely bridal, but spritely and whimsical. Truth be told, it was not really a “Hattie” sort of dress. But it was her wedding day, damn it, and she wanted to be beautiful for Luc.

      Ana picked up the narrow tiara and pinned it carefully to the top of Hattie’s head. It was the appropriate finishing touch.

      The older woman fluffed the skirt and stepped back. “You look like an angel.” Her expression sobered. “I’m so sorry your mother and sister aren’t here with you.”

      Hattie hiccupped a sob. “Me, too.”

      Ana looked alarmed. “No crying, for heaven’s sake. My fault. Shouldn’t have said anything. Let’s touch up your makeup and get outside. I’ll bet good money you have an eager groom waiting for you.”

      Ana left to take her place, and for a moment, Hattie was alone with her thoughts. She couldn’t say in all honesty that she had no doubts. But perhaps a lot of brides felt this way. Scared and hopeful.

      There was a brief knock at the door. When Hattie opened it, Leo’s large frame took up the entrance. He looked her over, head to toe. A tiny smile lifted a corner of his mouth. “You’ll do, Parker.” He handed her a beautiful bouquet of lilies and eucalyptus. “These are from my brother. СКАЧАТЬ