The #1 Bestsellers Collection 2011(209)

Brooke lounged on one of the yacht’s deck chairs, searching the starlit night for answers to the confusion swirling inside her. A gust of wind rolling in off the ocean sent her clutching her lightweight sweater closed over the bridesmaid gown she still wore.

She probably should have just gone back to her place, but all the love and sentimentality of the wedding had left her so weepy, she needed to get away. Far away, before she puddled into a serious crying jag. Thank goodness she’d been able to hire a nurse to come along on such short notice, the only way her sisters and sisters-in-law would help her leave.

In the middle of the swirl of aching feelings, a memory of spending time with her father on their yacht brought her an unexpected comfort. Right now, she appreciated the total quiet here and she needed that utter peace for her baby after the emotional hubbub of most of her pregnancy. Here in the quiet, she could sense her father’s presence, could almost hear his apology. He hadn’t been perfect, but he had been there for her as best he knew how. She could see that now as she viewed the world in a way that involved less extremes and more middle ground.

The past couple of days since seeing Jordan with Sheila McKay had been hell. She missed him more than she could have imagined. How could he have worked his way so completely into her life in such a short time?

Or had this been a long time coming?

She wanted to trust his explanation about the incident with Sheila. Her instincts shouted that he’d told her the truth. But her heart wanted a clear sign that her love was reciprocated.

Yes, she loved Jordan Jefferies. She couldn’t deny it any longer. Maybe in some corner of her heart she’d always known but had been too afraid of the family fallout to pursue the possibility. She wasn’t afraid of her family’s disapproval anymore.

She was, however, afraid of making a mistake, for her own sake and that of her baby. How would she ever know for certain?

Her gaze shifted from the stars—Orion wasn’t offering up any answers anyhow—down to the opaque ocean. A dim light chopped through the darkness, another late-night boater. The gently lapping waves might not have solutions either, but at least the rhythmic sound lulled her at a time she desperately needed ease from the agitation.

The drone of the other boat grew louder, the beam closer. The sleek craft took shape, smaller than she’d expected. Who used a ski boat this late at night? A hint of anxiousness stirred in her gut. She started to rise and alert the captain, when one of the crew came out onto her deck.

“The captain said to let you know we have company. But no worries, ma’am. The boat’s one of ours. There’s a family member on board.”

“Thank you for the update.” Family?

Brooke rose from the chair and walked toward the metal railing, curious. Concerned. Her relatives should all be at the wedding. Jordan didn’t know where she was. She’d only told the girls because she’d thought someone should be aware …

The ski boat drew nearer, two towering males becoming visible, a pair of tall figures in tuxedos standing. The craft drew up alongside. She backed a step.

Parker and Jordan.

Her heart did a quick flip-flop much like the fish plopping in the ocean. She should have known Jordan would find out and follow her. Especially after she’d turned him away. And somehow he’d won her brother over to his side. Which led him here.

Someone had ratted her out. Now she faced not only Jordan but her meddling control-freak brother, as well. Still, her pulse picked up speed at the sight of Jordan, who’d come all this way for her.

She gripped the rail and shouted, “Parker Garrison, you traitor. You’re officially out of my will.”

Her brother slowed back the engine as the boat neared the yacht. “You’ve been saying that since you were six and I kicked over your sand castle.”

Yet another instance when her family had tried to dictate her life to her.

She’d put a lot of time and dreams into that sand castle. All she’d ever wanted was a happily-ever-after of her own and damned if she would let her brother mess that up, even if he meant well. She’d had enough of putting her own needs on the back burner just to keep the peace. Making the right decision about Jordan was too important for her and her child. “I meant it then, Parker, and I really mean it now. Don’t interfere in my life.”

“I think you should hear Jefferies out.”

“You think?” Her fingers clenched around the railing, and it was all she could do not to stamp her foot in frustration. “What gives you the right to decide?”

Jordan stopped Parker with a hand to his arm. “She’s correct. She makes the decision as to whether I go or stay.” With an agile leap, he stepped up and out onto the bow of the ski boat, his balance steady as the craft rocked beneath him. “You know that we have to talk sometime. But I won’t come on board unless you want me to.”