The #1 Bestsellers Collection 2011(208)

The notion had serious merits and incredible possibilities. For that matter, it might create a lot more peace on the home front. Of course, he couldn’t make that kind of business move without having Emilio on board. Not that he could see his brother arguing, not since his marriage to Brittany. “I’ll have to confer with Emilio since we’re partners in the holding, but I’m more than intrigued by your offer.”

Parker relaxed his stance, his eyes glinting with a business acumen and excitement. “Staking a monopoly on the hotel and entertainment segment for this area would make you and me happy.”

Jordan could feel himself warming to the notion, the possibility of what they could accomplish with their combined drives. “For just South Beach? You think small, Garrison.”

Parker’s laughter rumbled free and they clinked their glasses together with the promise of a greater business celebration yet to come.

If only his problems with Brooke could be so easily negotiated and resolved. To hell with waiting for her to figure this out on her own. He could at least talk to her.

Jordan searched the crowd again to find her, tell her. Convince her. Except the bridesmaids had all scattered, their gathering spot now occupied by Brandon and Cassie sitting on the stone railing sharing a single plate of food.

He scanned the beach where Adam and Lauryn still danced. Then glanced over at the open French doors to the foyer where the band played, Stephen and his wife, Megan, making the most of the music, as well.

He looked through the window to the dining area with all the food. Bonita was helping her granddaughter, Jade, tuck a napkin in her shirt to protect her flower girl dress from her snack.

Still no sign of Brooke.

“You’re right, Garrison. I need to make things right with Brooke. I don’t want more time to pass with her so upset, especially without reason.” He couldn’t see her anyplace. “I have to speak with her.”

“She just left.” Anna spoke, having somehow snuck up behind the men undetected. She slipped an arm around her husband’s waist. “Don’t bother asking where she’s gone. I swore not to tell.”

She’d left? Hidden was more like it. “So you do know.”

Anna gauged him through narrowed eyes. “As much as I would like to watch you squirm a little—I do still owe you for that sucker punch to my husband’s gut—I’ve also seen how miserable my sister-in-law is without you.”

And he couldn’t even take pleasure from that because he hated to think of Brooke unhappy. “Then where the hell is she?”

Anna bit her lip, but hesitated only a moment.

“Think—” she tapped her forehead with a manicured nail “—and you can figure it out. If she wants to run from you, where would she go to get her head together?”

His mind churned with what he knew about her, what he’d learned during their intensely compacted time together. The answer took shape. “She would go to family. But everyone is here except the bride and groom.” He scanned the family decked out in gowns and tuxedos. His gaze hooked on Cassie. Her sister. A confidante—who would be flying home in the morning. “She’s going to Cassie’s place?”

Anna stayed silent, but smiled slightly.

Parker’s grin, however, was full-out. “I know that look on my wife’s face, Jefferies, and you’re on the right track.”

Okay, thank God. He just had to find her before she made it to the airport. “So there’s time to stop her before she joins up with Cassie and Brandon to fly out.”

Anna frowned a definite no, apparently still bent on not speaking on the subject.

“Why would she leave ahead of them—”

“God,” Anna blurted, “for a smart guy, you’re really not thinking like your corporate shark self today. You must actually be in love. It wreaks havoc with a guy’s brain if he doesn’t get things straightened out. She’s taking the family yacht to the Bahamas so she’ll get there after Cassie returns. And don’t start hollering about her health. She hired a nurse to accompany her, just to be safe.”

He exhaled his relief at having found her and, thank God, that she had the foresight to watch over herself and the baby, even during a short trip to the Bahamas.

Then the rest of Anna’s words penetrated his thoughts.

In love?

In love.

Damn straight. He loved Brooke Garrison. Not just because she carried his child, but because all other women faded around her. She was it for him. His chance to have what his parents shared, and he didn’t want to waste another second apart from her.

Now he just needed to convince Brooke he wasn’t a scumbag so he could tell her how damn much he loved her.