Patricia Thayer - A Mother For The Tycoon's Child

“Nice to meet you, Reed. Justin Hilliard.” He smiled. “And they say small towns are boring.”

Reed grinned. “You just caught us on a good day.”

Paige nudged her husband. “Stop it. It’s never like this. Mr. Hilliard, Destiny is a quiet town, and most everyone gets along,” she assured him. “They elected Morgan because of her ideas on new growth and bringing in revenue.”

Justin directed his next question to Morgan. “I take it that Hutchinson is opposed to the ski resort.”

She nodded. “He says it will take away from the quaintness of the town, that we’ll be overrun with tourists. It’s not true. The skiing will be limited, and the resort is five miles out of the town. Besides, the ski lifts will only be open in the winter months.”

A hint of a smile appeared on her lovely face. “That’s not to say that we’re not hoping people return in the summer for hiking, and camping. We have to think about the jobs and the money it will bring into the community.” There was passion in her green eyes that had Justin intrigued, not by Morgan as mayor…but as a woman.

Paige Keenan-Larkin spoke up. “As I said, the majority of the citizens like Morgan’s fresh new ideas.” Paige checked her watch and glanced at her sister. “Morgan, I’m sorry, I have a doctor’s appointment but…if you need me to stay.”

“No! You go and take care of that niece of mine. She’ll be here soon.” Morgan hugged her sister. “Reed, you drive her.”

“I planned on it.” He put his arm around his wife’s shoulders and guided her to the door.

Slowly the rest of the people in the room left. Only Justin and Morgan remained. “You have a nice, big family.”

“Not that big, but when Paige’s and Leah’s babies arrive the count will be nine.”

Justin envied their closeness. He’d grown up in a large house with servants, but no family to speak of. His father, Marshal Hilliard, had never been home, and his mother wasn’t maternal. One day she’d just left, but neglected to take her ten-year-old son with her.

“That’s big to those of us who only have two members, just myself and Lauren,” he said.

“What about your parents?”

“Let’s just say my father has never been much of a family man…and my mother is…has been on an extended vacation.”

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I’d do without my family. It may sound corny but this whole town is like family to me, too. I’ve lived here most of my life, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“You never wanted to leave?”

“I did once. I went away to college for a few years, but…” A sad look spread across her face. “I missed everyone so much…I decided to come home.”

“Did you ever get the chance to finish?”

She nodded. “A few years ago I graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango.”

“That’s commendable.” He wanted to know more about this woman. “Most people who leave college never go back for their degree.”

“My mother wanted me to finish. She didn’t exactly nag, but let’s say she strongly encouraged me.”

Her smile broadened and he found it contagious.

“Always the politician,” he said.

“Dad said I was born for this job.”

“Well, you certainly have me captivated.”

Morgan hated the fact this man could get to her. Justin Hilliard was handsome, powerful and he was flirting with her. But strangely she didn’t feel threatened by him.

“Is there anything else?” she asked in an effort to cool down the situation. “I can show you around town before we head out to the resort site.”

He checked his watch. “Do we have time to stop by the Realtor’s office?”

Morgan’s heart rate picked up. “Does that mean you’re seriously considering the investment?”

He studied her closely. “If I wasn’t serious, I wouldn’t be here.”

Two hours later, they were headed out to the ranch. Morgan couldn’t stop thinking about Justin’s words. Was it really possible that this deal would come together?

She turned her car off the road toward the ranch, then glanced at the man beside her. “The Silver R Ranch has been owned by the Rawlins family for three generations. Holt just recently took over the cattle operation this past year.” She smiled. “He’s done very well for a New York financial adviser.”

“And he’s married to your younger sister, Leah.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “I take it my mother has been filling you in on the latest news.”

He was busy taking in the scenery. “Among other things. She was very kind to offer to watch Lauren today.” He drew a breath. “It’s beautiful out here. Not a bad backyard.”

“I don’t think watching your daughter is a hardship.” Morgan’s gaze went to the vast mountain range she’d taken for granted. The different brown hues of rock blended in with the tall green pines, today all trimmed with a dusting of snow.

“This is nice, but a small town has its downside, too,” Morgan said, wanting him to know everything up-front about small-town living. “We have a limited choice of restaurants, no movie theaters close by and everyone knows your business.”

“If I do decide to move here and take on this project,” he said, “the hotel will have great restaurants, and there’s always cable TV. And with a five-year-old, my social life isn’t exactly hopping.” His face grew serious. “And when you and yours have been splashed all over the media, going out has less appeal. I don’t care for myself, but my concern is Lauren. She deserves a chance at a normal life.”

Morgan’s chest tightened. He was a good dad. If she could ever consider allowing a man in her life, she could easily fall for this one…A sudden sadness swept over her. She would never be able to have a normal relationship.

No man would want someone with so many emotional scars.

“Morgan…” Justin’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“Sorry, I guess I was daydreaming.”

“Easy to do here. I feel like I’m playing hooky myself.”

“That’s how we want everyone to feel when they come to Destiny.”

Morgan parked at the back door of the two-story ranch house. It had been recently painted white with dark green trim. The once manicured lawn had the-coming-of-winter golden hue. From the shiny red barn, to the newly strung fencing, Holt had worked hard restoring the place.

“Impressive,” Justin said.

“Holt has spent the past year making improvements.”

Morgan opened the car door and stepped into the chilly air. She raised her eyes toward the gray sky, and saw threatening clouds overhead. Snow was forecast for later tonight. She hoped it would hold off until they finished the tour. She pulled her coat closer around her body as Justin came to her side. Together they walked up the steps as the back door swung open and Leah appeared.

Her baby sister was petite and cute as could be. Even pregnancy didn’t take away from her appeal.

“Welcome,” she said as she stepped aside and allowed them inside where it was warm. They passed through a mudroom into a big kitchen with natural wood cabinets and dark granite tops. The original hardwood floors had been refinished and polished to a honey color.

“Leah, this is Justin Hilliard. Justin, my sister Leah.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hilliard.”

Smiling, Justin took Leah’s small hand in his. The Keenan girls were all different and all beauties. The baby sister was blond and adorable. He just happened to prefer the willowy redheaded sister.

“Please call me Justin,” he said. “And thank you for letting me have a look around.”

“We’re excited to have you. I just wish you had a warmer day.” Leah turned back to her sister. “I tried to reach you before you left town. There’s a slight problem.”