“Impressed? You should be using every resource you have to find my daughter so we can seal this deal. For all we know she could be pregnant with your child right now. Aren’t you the least bit concerned?” Margie asked.
“If she is pregnant with my child then it’s an added bonus to this contract being proven legit and agreeable by all parties. She can try to deny it all she wants, but the documents are legal and binding.”
“Not by the laws of this land, Son. You remember that. The little witch may never be found. For all we know she’s dead somewhere,” Clarence added then released a puff of smoke into the air.
“She’s not dead. I’m not giving up on finding her. This arrangement was made years ago. Lucia will comply.”
“And if you find her, force the marriage upon her, and she still fights you on it and goes to the authorities?” Margie asked.
“Then she disappears. At least the bloodline is secured and the money from both families liquidated between the three of us. She’ll have served her purpose,” Derek stated with attitude.
“You have to find her first, and before the end of the year when contracts become void and all parties cut their ties to this arrangement. My understanding is that your mother wasn’t even aware of this agreement and that your father is considering backing out now that my daughter accused you of drugging and raping her.”
“He won’t back out. He’s concerned that this information may affect his position as CEO in the firm. He’ll get over it and this will be resolved in no time. You’ll see. Lucia will be home in time for Christmas, if not by Thanksgiving,” Derek stated confidently.
* * * *
Lucia went through the next week feeling almost normal. The demolition on the rooms was complete, and she had met with the guys over lunch and of course dinner in town, when she didn’t have a fall festival meeting, to go over ideas. She felt comfortable with the men. Although, Maxwell seemed to be involved with a case at work that took up a lot of his time. He kept apologizing for missing out on spending time with her. But the truth was, she was impressed and actually aroused by his profession and the fact he was a detective.
She smirked as she looked over some sweaters on the clothing rack in Diane and Melissa’s boutique.
“That color would look great on you,” Melissa told her as Lucia held the red sweater against her chest.
“You think so? It’s so bright and stands out.”
“What’s so bad about that? You’re a beautiful woman and want to look beautiful for your men, don’t you?” Melissa asked her and winked.
“My men?” Lucia replied, feeling her heart pound and her chest tighten.
“Of course. The Walters men. I heard they requested guardianship of you with Wyatt, and they weren’t the only ones asking.”
“What?” Lucia replied, feeling a bit nervous and on edge. Despite the ways the men explained the guardianship thing, she still felt a bit fearful to be perceived as an item, a possession and object. She knew it stemmed from what Derek had done to her and what her own parents condoned, but she was still fearful.
“It’s not a big deal. It always works out for the best. The Walters men are great men, from what my husband and the others say. They’ve been quiet over the years and barely came into town to socialize, but lately I always see them,” Melissa said, as she looked over Lucia’s shoulder, smiled, and winked. “Looks like one of them just hunted you down.”
Lucia turned as the bell above the door rang. She was surprised at how happy, excited, and aroused she was to see Maxwell.
* * * *
Maxwell suddenly felt the happiness fill him the moment he caught sight of Lucia. He had seen Dale London in town and he told him he saw Lucia go into the boutique. He couldn’t stop thinking about her this week. As his brothers spent some time with her, Maxwell had a case he was working on and only saw her for a half hour or a few minutes here and there.
“Hey, baby,” he whispered and was surprised as Lucia stepped toward him and leaned into him as he lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her softly, then wrapped an arm around her waist and hoisted her up against his chest.
“What’s going on?” he asked. Her big brown eyes held his and she smiled.
“Melissa was talking me into buying this sweater. What do you think?” she asked as she stepped back and held the sweater in front of her.
“You look good in red. I’d say yes.”
Lucia smiled. “Okay, Melissa. Sold.”
Lucia walked up to the counter to pay, giving a smile over her shoulder at Maxwell. His heart skipped a beat. God, he had it bad.
She paid and took the bag with the sweater in it and placed it into her backpack. They said good-bye then headed outside. It was a bit chilly.
Maxwell turned her toward him, and he pulled her open jacket together and began to zip it up. “It’s cold out here. You be sure to keep warm.”
“It is chilly, but it’s sunny and beautiful out.”