Debbie Macomber - The Perfect Match

Janine hadn’t thought of Zach in those terms—a challenge. Frankly, she doubted there’d be much reason for her to have any future contact with him. Gramps and Zach would be working closely together, but she had almost nothing to do with the business.

“I’ve earned his trust, but it took time,” Gramps was saying now.

“I’m glad you’ve decided to retire,” she said absently, half listening to the weather report.

“Zachary will change,” her grandfather added.

He had her full attention now. “Gramps,” she said patiently, holding in a laugh. “Why should he? He’s achieved considerable financial success. Everything’s looking good for him. What possible reason could there be for him to change?”

Anton stood and poured himself a liberal dose of brandy, swirling it slowly in the bottom of the snifter. “You’re going to change him,” he said after a thoughtful moment.

“Me?” Janine laughed outright. “I’m going to change Zachary Thomas?” she repeated in wide-eyed disbelief. That would be the day!

“Before you argue with me, and I can see that’s what you’re dying to do, I have a story I want to tell you. A rather sad one as it happens.”

Janine picked up the remote control and snapped off the television. She’d often listened to her grandfather’s parables. “So tell me.”

“It’s about a boy, born on the wrong side of the tracks to an alcoholic father and a weak mother. He never had much of a chance in life. His father was abusive enough for the state to remove the lad and his younger sister. He was barely eight and subjected to a long series of foster homes, but he refused to be separated from his sister. He’d promised her he’d always take care of her.

“Once, there wasn’t any alternative and the two were sent to separate homes. Beside himself with worry for his sister, the young boy ran away. The authorities were in a panic, but three days later, he turned up two hundred miles away at the home where they’d placed Beth Ann.”

“He probably felt responsible for her.”

“Yes. Which made matters much worse when she drowned in a swimming accident. He was twelve at the time.”

“Oh, no.” A pain squeezed Janine’s heart at the agony the boy had suffered.

“He blamed himself, of course,” Anton said softly.

“The poor kid.”

“This lad never seemed to belong to anyone after that,” Gramps said, staring into his brandy. “He never quite fit in, but that wasn’t entirely his fault.” He paused to take another puff of his cigar. “His mother died a month after his sister. They were the only ones who’d ever truly loved him. He lost contact with his father, which was probably for the best. So his family was gone and no one seemed to want this troubled, hurting boy.”

“Did he turn into a juvenile delinquent?” It made sense to Janine that he would; she’d dealt with a number of troubled teenagers through her volunteer work and was familiar with the tragic patterns that so often evolved in cases like this.

“No, I can’t say he did.” Gramps dismissed her question with a shake of his head, more interested in continuing his tale than getting sidetracked by her questions. “He drifted through adolescence without an anchor and without ever being allowed to enjoy those formative years.”

“Gramps—”

He raised his hand to stop her. “When he was eighteen, he joined the military. He did well, which isn’t surprising, considering his intelligence and the fact that he had little regard for his own well-being. There was no one to mourn if he died. Because of his courage, he advanced quickly, volunteering for the riskiest assignments. He traveled all over the world to some of the most dangerous political hot spots. His duties were often top secret. There’s no telling how far he might have gone had he chosen to remain in the armed services, but for some reason, he resigned. No one understood why. I suspect he wanted to start his life over. This was when he opened a business-supply company. Within a year, he had my attention. His methods were aggressive and creative. I couldn’t help admiring the way he handled himself and the company. Within five years, he’d become one of my most serious rivals. I saw a strength in him that age had stolen from me. We met. We talked. As a result of these talks we joined forces.”

“Obviously you’re telling me about Zachary’s life.”

Anton grinned and slowly sipped his brandy. “You noticed his remoteness quickly. I thought knowing all this would help you. Zach’s never had the security that a caring home and family provide. He’s never really experienced love, except what he shared with his sister, Beth Ann. His life has been a long progression of painful experiences. By sheer force of will, he’s managed to overcome every obstacle placed in his path. I realize Zachary Thomas isn’t going to win any Mr. Personality contests, but by heaven, he’s earned my respect.”

Janine had rarely heard such emotion in her grandfather’s voice. “Zach told you all this?”

Anton’s laughter echoed through the room. “You’re joking, aren’t you? Zach has never spoken of his past to me. I doubt that he has to anyone.”

“You had him investigated?”

Gramps puffed on his cigar before answering. “It was necessary, although I’d guessed early on that his life hadn’t been a bed of roses.”

“It’s all very sad, isn’t it?”

“You’re going to be very good for him, my dear.”

Janine blinked. “Me?”

“Yes, you. You’re going to teach him to laugh and enjoy life. But most important, you’re going to teach him about love.”

She hesitated, uncertain of her grandfather’s meaning. “I don’t think I understand. I realize Zach and I will probably see each other now and then since he’s assuming your responsibilities with the company, but I don’t see how I could have any great impact on his life.”

Gramps smiled, a slow lazy smile that curved the corners of his mouth. “That’s where you’re wrong, my dear. You’re going to play a very big role in Zach’s life, and he in yours.”

Janine was still confused. “Perhaps I missed something this afternoon. I thought you made Zach the chairman of the board.”

“I did.” A lazy swirl of smoke circled his head.

“I don’t understand where I come into the picture.”

“I don’t suppose you do,” he said softly. “You see, Janine, I’ve chosen Zachary to be your husband.”

For a stunned moment, Janine said nothing. “You’re teasing, aren’t you, Gramps?”

“No,” he said, lighting a second cigar. He paused to stare at the glowing tip, his eyes filled with mischief—and with something else, less easily defined. “I’m serious.”

“But…” Janine’s thoughts were so jumbled she couldn’t make sense of them herself, let alone convey her feelings to her grandfather.

“I’ve been giving the matter serious consideration for some time now. Zach’s perfect for you and you’re the ideal complement to him. You’re going to have beautiful blond-haired children.”

“But…” Janine discovered she was absolutely speechless. One minute she was listening to a touching story, and the next her grandfather was telling her about the husband he’d arranged for her—and even the color of her children’s hair.