THE BILLIONAIRE’S DANCE(Billionaire Bachelors Book_Two)

Chapter Six

“Surprised you could climb out of the newlywed bed long enough to join us,” Mark took a shot at his brother, while punching his arm. “Heck we didn’t see Lucas for at least six months,” he continued.

“You’re lucky you’re seeing me now. Amy’s about to have the baby,” Lucas said, while looking down at his phone for the hundredth time.

“Trust me; your ringer is working just fine. If anything happens you will be the first one who knows about it,” Mark laughed.

“I know. I know. I worry so much about her being so pregnant. I know she’s with mom and dad but man, it’s hard to be away from her right now,” he smiled sheepishly.

“Thank the lord I’m still single. You two are just a little too gushy for my tastes,” Mark sighed before jumping the fence.

Lucas and Alex were right behind him. “You’ll be next you know. We both thought we would hold out and look at us. Not only are we married but fathers as well. Your day is coming,” Alex grinned at his younger brother.

“No way man, I’m a confirmed bachelor and that’s how I would like to keep it. I have my hands full with all of these animals. I don’t have any time for women or babies in my life,” he added.

Lucas and Alex just looked at each other and smiled. They knew their younger brother would fall and it would be their pleasure to watch it happen. “I thought you said there was some work to be done,” Alex goaded him.

“You’ll be begging me to stop by the end of the day. I bet you fall over and embarrass yourself in front of your bride,” he said with a hopeful wink.

“Bring it on little brother,” Alex replied, accepting the challenge.

If an outsider was looking at the trio of men they’d think they belonged on a ranch. No one would be able to tell Lucas and Alex both worked in offices and flew around the world on Jets. Mark, of course was a full time rancher but it was by choice. He’d decided early on in his life office work wasn’t what he wanted to do.

Their father, Joseph loved his boys intensely and supported their decisions. When Mark decided to ranch he supported him one hundred percent.

Lucas, Alex and Mark looked dashing in their worn Stetson hats and boots and painted on jeans. They rode the horses around like rodeo champions and literally stopped women in their tracks when they went by.

The brothers spent the afternoon bringing the cattle in and branding them. Mid afternoon they stopped by the lake for some lunch and basked in the summer heat.

“Any time you boys are ready to trade in your suits and run the ranch with me, you know you’re welcome,” Mark said with a cheeky grin.

“You know I love the land and helping you out here is a little slice of heaven but it wouldn’t take long before the appeal of travel and a nice clean suit would be calling my name,” Alex said.

“You know dad would lasso you up for trying to take me away from the office. He’s retired and doesn’t want to go back,” Lucas added.

“I’m just saying…” Mark left the sentence unfinished.

Lucas and Alex both sighed in unison.

“Ok last one in has to do the grilling,” Mark said while stripping down to his boxers in record time and diving into the lake.

“Ah crap,” Alex yelled while trying to yank his boots off. He glanced over and saw Lucas had the lead.

Lucas dived in about two seconds before he did.

“I think you guys cheated again,” Alex laughed. “You know you just want me grilling because I’m the best one at it. You guys always burn that beautiful Angus Meat,” he added.

“Hey, when you’re right, you’re right,” Mark said before sending a slew of water right into Alex’s face.

“Now the war’s on,” Alex stated before a massive water fight erupted. When the brothers all got together, it was like they were teenagers once again. They had a bond stronger than most siblings and all three of them would take a bullet for one another. They knew they were so close due to being raised by phenomenal parents.

“Ok, ok, I call a truce,” Lucas finally said, while dragging himself out of the water. Mark and Alex followed. The three of them settled down on the soft grass and enjoyed the sounds of nature all around them.

“So how are things with your wife and amazing son going?” Lucas asked Alex.

“Things are great. Jacob is growing like a weed. I can’t believe how important he is to me. I can even imagine having about ten more of him running around,” Alex said with true fondness for his son.

“And what about Jessica?” Mark asked.

Alex hesitated for a moment. He didn’t really know how to describe his relationship with his wife. He knew if he told his brothers it was none of their business they’d back off and leave him alone but it would feel good to talk about his conflicted emotions.

“Honestly, it’s really complicated. We married because basically I didn’t give her any choice. She had my son, which she kept from me,” he said with an edge to his voice. He was still unhappy she hadn’t told him about the pregnancy. “Somewhere along the line though, in the last few months I’ve found I’m excited to see her. I look forward to coming home, knowing she’ll be there.” He didn’t add anything else. He didn’t want to even mention the Love word.

Neither brother spoke for a few moments. They seemed to understand he was trying to figure things out in his own head.

“You know things didn’t start out so well for Amy and me either, little brother,” Lucas finally said. “I fought hard against my attraction to her. I, in no way wanted to be in a relationship. On the other hand I’d never wanted a woman like I wanted her. She would walk into the room and I was on instant alert.

I tried to tell myself it was just some weird hormonal imbalance but even though I was fighting it I knew it was a losing battle,” he finished.

“Everyone can see you and Amy were meant to be together. Things may have started out rocky for you but you’re disgustingly in love now. There isn’t a woman out there who could love you like she does.

It’s the only reason she puts up with your ugly hide,” Alex finished and punched Lucas in the arm.

“Yeah, it sounds to me as if the both of you are just love sick. Thank the Lord it will never happen to me,” Mark added with a cocky smile.

Lucas and Alex looked at each other and smiled. They knew their brother would go down kicking and screaming but they knew he would go down. It would be immensely pleasurable for them both to watch.

“I may not be in love like Lucas but it’s nice to have something to come home too,” Alex said. He felt a twinge of pain as he said the words. He figured he was lying to himself, saying he wasn’t in love but it was better than the alternative of being vulnerable.

“Yeah, I think you’re fooling yourself little bro. I’ve seen the way you look at Jessica. It’s more than just lust. You look at her the way I look at Amy. The sooner you accept that fact and enjoy being married, the sooner you can stop hurting all the time. Man, when I finally just let myself open up, my whole world changed. Seriously, if something were to ever happen to Amy, I couldn’t survive it,” Lucas finished.

He then pulled his phone out for the millionth and one time to see if he’d missed a call from his very pregnant wife.

“Give it a break bro; your wife will call you if she goes into labor. Your phone will not miraculously miss a call and if one or either of these things did happen, someone would come running to find you and rush you into the hospital,” Mark said.

“I know, I know but wait until you’re the one in my position. There’s nothing greater than your wife giving birth. It’s amazing and beautiful and at the same time terrifying. I’d gladly take her every pain if I could. It kills me to just stand by, only holding her hand. But then there’s this beautiful child resting in her arms and she’s smiling at you with this radiant joy showing on her face. There’s nothing like it in the world,” Lucas finished.

Alex sat there quietly, listening to Lucas talk. He was jealous of his brother, which was very unusual.

He wished so much he could’ve been there for the birth of his son. He was still angry Jessica had taken that from him. He should’ve been there for his son’s first cry. He should’ve been there to be able to protect them both.

“That sounds like heartache I don’t want to deal with,” Mark laughed. The joke brought Alex back to the present. He laughed but it was forced. Thankfully his brothers let it go.

“Well, we better get back to work. Everyone should be here in a couple of hours. We don’t want them to realize we play out here more than we work,” Lucas said. He got up and headed over to get back on his horse.

They all finished up with the cows and headed into the barn to brush down their horses.

“It’s about time you boys quit playing around and got back here,” came the booming voice of their father, Joseph.

“Hey Dad,” all three boys said in unison and then went up and gave their father a big hug.

“You have a house full of people all waiting on you three,” he said good naturedly.

“Well, that’s because they all know I’m doing the grilling,” Alex smiled.

“I think it’s because they know your mama and your beautiful brides have been busy making everything else,” Joseph answered back.

“Mmm, I hope Mom made her famous chicken salad,” Lucas said.

“Well you should know your mom still spoils you boys rotten. I try and tell her you’re all grown up and don’t need her spoiling but she won’t listen to me,” Joseph said. The three boys looked at each other and rolled their eyes. They knew their father was the biggest softie of them all.

“Sure Dad, Mom’s the only one who spoils us,” Mark said, while smacking his dad on the back. “Let’s head on in so we can get some of Mom’s salad and Alex can get those steaks on the grill,” he continued. His mouth was starting to water just thinking about it.

“Did you lose again,” Joseph turned his attention towards Alex.

“Ah Dad, you know they cheated because I’m the only one who can cook worth a lick,” Alex said.

They had a laugh and walked comfortably up towards the house. They could hear people laughing and talking, even from the barn. Mark loved having his family and friends at the ranch. He was a lucky man. There was no need for a woman in his life, he thought. He was surprised by the slight pang that struck his gut. He decided to push it right out of his mind.

“So Mark, when are you gonna settle down like your brothers and give your poor mama some grandbabies. You know she’s not getting any younger and she cries at night from the heartbreak of a son intent on living alone,” Joseph said.

Mark sighed before he spoke. “You know none of that’s true, Dad. You’re the one who wants all those grandbabies running around. I think Lucas and Alex are doing just fine at giving you a bunch of little Andersons,” he said. “And if Mom heard you say she was old, you’d be in for a world of hurt,” he added with a wicked grin.

“Now don’t talk back boy. Of course it’s your mama who’s worried about you,” he repeated. “And if you dare tell your mom what I said, you’ll be the one in a world of hurt,” he threatened.

“Ok Dad, you can let her know I’m staying a confirmed bachelor. There are far too many hearts that would be broken if I decided to tie the knot. I don’t want to be responsible for all that heartbreak,” he said with a chuckle.

“You know he’ll fall just like we did,” Lucas added his two cents.

“You stay out of this Lucas,” Mark said with a bit of a grumble.

“Don’t worry about it bro, married life isn’t all that bad and its way cool to be a father. Speaking of fatherhood, where’s my boy?” Alex asked his dad.

“He was playing with his cousin when I headed down here,” Joseph smiled fondly, while speaking about his grandkids.

Alex and Lucas both picked up their pace so they could see their kids. Mark shook his head, thinking his brothers had it bad. At least he liked their wives and those kids were pretty dang adorable.

Jessica stalled at the sight of Alex walking around the corner of the house. The man was stunning every day but in skin tight wranglers, boots and a worn hat he was the sexiest thing she’d every laid eyes on.

As if Alex felt her eyes on him, he looked up and they stared across the yard at each other. She forgot there was anyone else even there as he neared her. He smelled like a hard working man and she was practically drooling.

Without saying a word, he pulled her into his arms and crushed her lips to his. Her arms wrapped around his neck to pull him even closer. Her heart was racing and fireworks were shooting off, all over her body. His hands started rubbing up and down her back and she was ready to start taking off his clothes.

“Uh um, Alex those steaks should get started,” Mark interrupted them.

Jessica jumped back like lightening had just struck them both. She’d been so focused on Alex she’d forgotten anyone else was there. She could feel her face turning many dark shades of red.

Alex looked at Mark and growled. Jessica did a double take at her husband. She couldn’t believe he’d actually growled. Her mouth was gaping open in shock.

Mark laughed and pulled Alex away. “Come on bro, you have all night to be with your beautiful bride,” he said. Mark turned and gave Jessica a wink, which made her blush even more.

“Woo girl, that was enough steam I’m surprised my water didn’t burst right then.” Amy was laughing as she walked up to Jessica.

Unbelievably Jessica’s blush deepened even more. “I’m a bit mortified right now,” she managed to say.

“Don’t ever be embarrassed for desiring your husband. He’s a sexy, vibrant man and you guys are newlyweds. I can’t wait for this beautiful baby to make his entrance into the world so I can rub up against my husband again. Right now he has to try and make his way around my whale like body,” she smiled sheepishly.

“You’re the most beautiful pregnant woman I’ve ever been around,” Jessica said, meaning what she spoke.

“Thank you but I feel like I not only swallowed one watermelon but about ten of them.” She spoke the words, while rubbing her stomach. There was real pride in her eyes and voice. She may have been complaining about her baby bump but she obviously already loved her unborn child.

“I know I did a lot of moaning and groaning in the last month of my pregnancy but all the bloating and aching was well worth it when I held my baby boy in my arms. I don’t get to hold him much when this family is around though. He’s definitely a celebrity here,” she finished with a smile.

“It’s the same way with Jasmine. They adore her. I love how much this family values each of their own. I also love how much they love the adopted family members like you and I. Once you’re a part of this family, it’s for life,” Amy added with a smile.

“I’m so nervous around everyone though,” Jessica admitted. “You and Lucas obviously love each other with such a deep passion. Alex was forced to marry me because of Jacob,” she said with a sad quiver at those last words.

Amy immediately wrapped an arm around Jessica. “I love Lucas heart and soul but trust me when I say it didn’t start out strong. We seemed to have an instant dislike for each other. I wasn’t willing to marry him. I felt how you do. I felt like I was trapping him. I’d wanted a baby so badly for so long and I’d wanted to belong to a real family and I felt like I’d somehow made the pregnancy happen. We were both fighting our attraction like crazy. I thought I wasn’t good enough for him.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“I was so, so very wrong. I want to really emphasize that point to you. We fought our attraction, which was stupid, because I see that now as wasted time. We love each other and it only grows stronger. This family loves me and my daughter with a passion as well. They love you too and so do I. You will one day wake up and wonder what took you so long to see how much you’re meant to be together,” she finished.

The two women finished by giving each other a hug, even though it was a little bit difficult with Amy’s belly protruding between the two of them. Amy giggled, “See I told you this thing is always in the way.”

“Well, I repeat you’re absolutely beautiful,” Jessica said.

“There’s my pregnant wife. How are you feeling? Shouldn’t you be sitting down? Can I get you anything?” Lucas walked up, fired a bunch of questions at his wife and then placed his arm around her like he was going to pick her up and carry her off to bed.

Amy laughed at her worried husband and reached up to place her hand on his face. It was such an intimate moment Jessica felt like an intruder.

“I’m fine, hunny. You need to quit worrying so much. I told you if there was anything at all wrong, you’d be the first to know,” she reassured him. Lucas then bent down and kissed Amy with such a tender passion, it brought tears to Jessica’s eyes. She wanted that same love with Alex. She knew her heart was going to get broken into a million pieces because she fell for him more each day.

They finally broke apart and now Amy’s face was the one flushed instead of Jessica’s. “Now you go and help your brother cook while I waddle over to that comfy lounge chair and continue chatting with my favorite sister-in-law. No wait, scratch that, just my sister,” she finished smiling fondly at Jessica.

The words choked Jessica up even more. She was grateful she’d decided to put her worries aside and join the family gathering. Her son was getting all kinds of love and she knew she and Amy were going to be true friends. She needed one in her life.

“I would listen to her Lucas; pregnant women tend to change moods faster than a speeding bullet.” Both girls giggled and then Amy took Jessica’s arm and they walked towards the lounge chairs and warm fire.

“But Alex lost fair and square, which means I can hang with you,” Lucas said, sounding like a little boy. Amy gave him a look and he conceded defeat.

Lucas walked up to his brother, offering his help. “Ha, looks like you were annoying your wife as much as you were annoying us today with all your worrying,” Alex goaded him.

“I wasn’t annoying her, she was just having girl talk with your wife about you,” Lucas said with a wicked smile.

Alex’s head whipped around, as his confident smirk fell. “What were they saying?” he asked.

“You know, its girl talk. No boys allowed in that conversation,” he said, liking having the upper hand again. His smirk faded though as he sought out his wife. He wanted to take her home and keep her safe. He was worried with all the walking she was doing. He wouldn’t survive it if something happened to her or the baby.

“Yeah kinda sucks being over here huh?” Alex mocked him good naturedly as he noticed his brother staring at his wife.

“I love her so much Alex. I really can’t remember life without her,” he said with real passion. “I know you love Jessica and I know you’re confused right now and I know things aren’t perfect but they didn’t start perfect for us either. I promise you it will get better,” he finished with sincerity.

“It’s all good. Why don’t you quit talking like a girl and help me grill,” Alex said, changing the subject.

“Okay, I don’t want you running to Amy and telling her you did all the work. Then I’ll get in trouble,” he said as he grabbed some tongs and started flipping the juicy steaks over. The smell reminded him he hadn’t eaten in hours and he’d worked his butt off all day. “Let’s get this done before I die of hunger. Man, Mark worked us hard today.”

“No kidding. I think little brother was trying to kill us,” Alex laughed.

“Did I just hear you tough boys whining?” Mark suddenly popped through the doorway.

“Not whining Mark, just discussing how sore I’m going to be tomorrow,” Alex said with a chuckle. “I guess I should try and get out here a little more often. I’m getting a little too used to that desk,” He finished.

“Hey, speak for yourself. I chase around an almost two year old daily. Let me tell you it’s a workout that rivals rustling up cows.” Lucas immediately looked around until he spotted his daughter. She was, of course, being coddled by her grandfather.

“Notice how Dad’s always telling us we need to give Mom grandkids but he’s the one who’s hogging them,” Lucas said.

“I know. Dad’s all bark and no bite. We all know he wants those grandkids for himself but man, have you noticed how good he looks. I’m really glad he has those two babies in his life. It’s brought a whole new youthfulness to his entire appearance,” Alex said.

Mark stood beside his brothers feeling a bit left out. He hadn’t felt that way since they were all young kids and they would sometimes run off ahead of him. He’d been too young to keep up but they’d eventually always come back for him.

“Well I think I’ll just enjoy being a favorite uncle,” he finally spoke up. As if Jasmine had heard him, she looked up from where she was with her grandpa and spotted her dad and uncles. She started toddling over towards them as fast as her chubby little legs would carry her.

“Unca Mar, unca Mar,” she demanded as she held out her arms towards him. Her words were getting so much better but Mark wished she would keep the sweet baby talk forever.

“How’s my beautiful princess,” he asked, while he swung her up into his arms and blew raspberries on her tummy.

“Hungy,” she said and pointed to the steaks. “That’s Uncle’s good girl. Let’s get you some dinner.

You can be my beautiful date. I will most definitely have the prettiest one here,” he said with total adoration in his eyes and voice.

“Yeah,” Jasmine replied as she clapped her hands together, then grabbed Mark’s face and gave him a sloppy kiss, which he loved.

“Looks like this is ready,” Alex said. He motioned for the staff to come and gather up everything and stepped down with his brothers to be with the rest of their family.

They all had an amazing dinner. Everyone was enjoying themselves. It was hard to get two words in with all the laughter and stories being passed around the large picnic tables set up on the massive lawn.

Jessica finally allowed herself to relax and found she having a great time. She loved to watch Alex interact with his brothers. They all acted like little boys, as they were trying to best each other and telling many embarrassing stories about one another.

“…Seriously, you should’ve seen him standing there with his pants around his ankles…” Jessica heard Mark saying as she tuned back into the conversation. She’d have to ask Alex about that later. It sounded like she’d missed out on a great story.

“Okay everyone ignore my brother. I think he’s had one too many if you know what I mean,” Alex said, as he motioned in the air like he was tipping a bottle up to his mouth.

“You’re just upset because you’re usually the one who ends up at the losing end of all these childhood stories,” Mark said as he lightly punched his brother in the arm.

Alex shrugged at the good natured teasing. He turned towards Jessica and gave her a smile. “I like the stories,” she said somewhat shyly.

Alex couldn’t help himself. He leaned down towards his wife and brushed his lips against hers in a soft kiss. It brought tears to her eyes and she quickly looked away and forced a bite of food down.

“Are you okay?” he asked her quietly.

“Yes, of course.”

He continued to stare at her for a moment, making her want to squirm in her chair. Then someone else asked him a question, which gave her some time to compose herself. She was praying no one had noticed. She missed the knowing look on Joseph’s face. He was feeling pretty smug as he watched the love growing between his son and daughter-in-law.

Jacob gave a little giggle from his high chair, sitting right next to his grandpa.

“They are pretty silly, aren’t they?” Joseph said to his grandson, which made everyone laugh.

Suddenly there was a commotion at the other end of the table. Lucas was jumping up and looking around in all directions, like danger was approaching and he was going to take on an entire army.

“What are you jumping all around for boy?” Joseph asked with concern.

Lucas looked at his father with panic in his eyes. “It’s time Dad. Amy’s water just broke,” he said like he was a lost little boy.

“Well, why didn’t you say so,” Joseph stated with some panic in his own voice.

“Boys, would you please calm down. Child birth is natural and nothing to panic about,” Katherine said to her husband and son. “How far apart are your contractions?” she asked Amy.

“About two minutes,” Amy said, a little bit short of breath.

“Well then, we’d better get you to the hospital.”

“Let’s go,” Lucas almost shouted.

“I’ll drive her Lucas. You’re far too freaked out to be driving anybody,” Katherine told him.

“Okay Mom.” He would never argue with his mother. He’d been raised too well to do something that foolish.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and spent this evening with us. You’re all so special to us,” Katherine stated to the large group consisting of family and friends. “We’ll keep you all updated on this beautiful new addition to our family and please keep Amy, Lucas and Jasmine in your prayers as they bring this new baby into the world,” she finished.

Everyone applauded, then got up to leave so the family could be together during their special time.

“Mark, you ride to the hospital with Alex and Jessica. The babies are getting tired and Julia can take them both back to Alex’s house if that’s okay with you,” Joseph said. Everyone nodded without even thinking of questioning him.

“Well good, that’s settled, let’s get going and wait for the newest member of our family to come into this world,” Joseph said excitedly.