The Texan's Contract Marriage

Two

As he entered a hallway his boot heels scraped on the polished oak floor. To his right through a wide-open archway, he glimpsed a piano in the corner of a large room with a hardwood floor and a brown leather sofa. To one side stood a large wooden desk. Marek drew a deep breath. An uncustomary nervousness plagued him, and he hoped he hid it. “I would like to see Noah,” he answered in a voice that deepened and sounded strange to his ears.

She closed the door and motioned with a wave of her hand. “Come with me to the nursery. Both my sisters are here.”

As he walked beside her, his pulse quickened while uncertainty grew with each step. “My nieces aren’t babies any longer. I’ve forgotten how to deal with a baby. I don’t remember much about them.”

She laughed, a soft, delightful sound that made him relax slightly. “I’ll admit, I had moments before he was born when I felt terrified and overwhelmed. I’ve found out that you learn very fast when you have a baby to care for.”

He placed a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry you were alone when he was born. I’m sorry Kern didn’t live to be there. He would have been a huge support for you. I’ll try to do what I think Kern would have wanted, but I can’t take his place. Kern was unique.”

“I hope you will, and it’ll be wonderful if you do,” she said.

He followed her into a playroom in shades of blue with paintings of animals hanging on the walls. Two other attractive women faced him. One was a pretty brunette in a red sweater and matching slacks, who stood looking at him with curious blue-green eyes. “Ashley, meet Marek Rangel, Noah’s uncle. Marek, this is my sister Ashley Avanole.” Camille turned slightly to another woman, who bore little resemblance to Camille or Ashley.

He was momentarily startled by the hostility in her cold gaze and assumed she didn’t want him involved in Noah’s life. “Stephanie, meet Marek Rangel. Marek, this is my sister Stephanie.”

Marek greeted her, lost in thinking about being an uncle. His gaze shifted to the baby in a tire-shaped cushion on the floor.

Camille swept the baby up and held him, smiling and speaking softly to him. “Marek, meet your nephew, Noah Avanole.” Noah waved his arms, blowing bubbles. She held him out to Marek, who took him carefully. He pulled the baby close, cradling him in his arms and looking down into twinkling, wide brown eyes that were filled with mischief as Noah blew bubbles and drooled. Marek felt weak-kneed as he had a moment of déjà vu. It was as if he were looking into Kern’s eyes after he had played a joke on Marek. How could a little baby look like a grown man? If Marek had had a doubt before who had fathered this baby, it vanished now.

“He’s Kern,” he whispered without realizing he was speaking aloud. For a moment, he had a flash of the future, thinking this child and Ginny’s girls would be the children in his life. Since the loss of Jillian, he never expected to marry or have a family. His arm tightened slightly around Noah. He felt a warmth toward the baby while they looked into each other’s eyes; it was as if a tangible bond formed, which Marek knew was foolishness. From the first glance there was no way he could keep from loving this baby.

“He does seem to have a resemblance, but I’m going from memory and I thought maybe it was my imagination,” Camille replied.

“There’s more than a physical resemblance. He’s like Kern. Is he always this happy?”

“Yes, he is,” Camille answered, smiling and stepping closer to look at her son with Marek. “He’s a wonderful baby.”

Babbling unintelligible sounds, Noah blew more bubbles and Marek’s smile broadened. “He’s so tiny.”

“He’ll grow. He’s gained weight and gotten much bigger since his birth.” She gave him a moment longer. “If you’re ready, I’ll take him and we can go.”

Marek handed Noah to her, brushing her arms and catching a whiff of an enticing jasmine scent. He hated to turn loose Noah, whose brown eyes gazed intently at him.

“And you’re his nanny?” he asked Ashley, glancing at her and trying to politely include her.

“Yes. When he was born, I had to learn fast. Camille hired a nurse for the first month, so she taught me quite a bit. Being his nanny right now is a good job to have.”

“And I help manage my sister’s career,” Stephanie interjected. “We love Noah very much.”

Her tone was polite, but Marek’s caution returned. Her glacial dark blue eyes held a warning, which reemphasized what he guessed was worry about his claims on Noah. For the first time, it occurred to Marek he might not ever have easy access to his nephew.

It was obvious the sisters were not in agreement about sharing Noah with his paternal relatives.

“It was nice to meet you,” Ashley stated. Stephanie merely nodded perfunctorily, and Marek was certain about her feelings toward him. At the door he couldn’t resist turning to glance back at Noah, who was playing with a rattle, kicking his legs and enjoying himself.

Marek’s glance rested only briefly on Stephanie, who glared at him. Her mouth was set in a hard line. Marek followed Camille into the hall.

“I take it your sister Stephanie doesn’t share your feelings about allowing Noah to know the paternal side of the family. I couldn’t get a reading on what Ashley felt.”

“Don’t worry about Stephanie. Noah is my child, and I want you to know him. I told you, I want him to know the Rangels and ranching. I want you as an influence in his life. Ashley is all right with letting you see Noah.”

“I’m glad,” he said, “because we all want to know him. It’s startling to me to look at him. There’s something about him that really resembles Kern.”

As they walked toward the front, he caught another whiff of the perfume she wore. When they passed the room with the piano, he glanced inside. “Is this where you practice your voice lessons?”

“Yes. It’s an office of sorts, too. Stephanie wanted an office this spring to work on taxes. Noah disturbs her sometimes, so this room is the farthest from the nursery. I study languages every day, trying to improve my grasp of Italian, French and German. Wherever we go, I take my own furniture, so that’s why we have such a minimal amount. I like having my own bed. But I rent the piano. I can’t practice in a hotel.”

“Good idea. I don’t blame you. It sounds like it works out well,” Marek said, thinking she must not have much time in her life for Noah.

In minutes they were in his black limousine, headed toward the airport. He sat facing her. “I feel as if my life is changing and I don’t have control over the changes,” he said. “That’s unusual. I’d like to work out something before you leave Texas. Something that’s permanent as far as seeing him periodically,” he added. He’d like to see more of her. She interested him and seemed different from other women he had known.

“We may have to have those lawyers yet,” she replied.

“Let’s try to work it out between us,” he urged, thinking she had a flair for the dramatic in her manner and her dress. Once again, she stood out with her midnight hair secured with a blue scarf and her deep blue dress that emphasized her lush curves and narrow waist. Her startling pale blue eyes were a vivid contrast to her thick, black lashes.

He had never associated with women in show business, much less in opera. She was an unknown in many ways. His gaze rested on her full, enticing lips. What would it be like to kiss her? His question startled him. He hadn’t noticed any women in a personal way since losing Jillian, but Camille was bringing him back into the world without any effort to do so. She had been forthright, businesslike about Noah. Yet his physical response to her was becoming more personal. “I have a lot of resources. I have a plane available at all times. Most of the time I can come and go as I please. We should be able to adjust schedules,” he said.

“We’ll try. I might be out of the United States some of the time.”

“Let’s take it as it comes,” he suggested, wondering whether they could ever work out an acceptable plan for sharing Noah. “Tell me about your life,” he said, his curiosity about her growing. “I’m sorry I don’t already know about you, but I haven’t been into opera.”

She smiled at him. “Then I believe you are in for a treat, but that’s because I love it. You will either love it or not care for it at all. To me it’s the most beautiful music possible.”

Her enthusiasm made him smile. “So you’ve always dreamed of this career?”

“Yes, actually. I started singing early and began voice lessons when I was young. Now, looking back, it seems like forever.”

He listened while she talked about growing up in Saint Louis and singing, and he wondered about her past. When she paused in her talk, he leaned closer.

“Have you ever been in love?”

“Not really. I thought I was in college, but it was never that serious. I really haven’t had much time for a social life since.”

“Maybe you should take some time.”

She laughed. “With a baby now? I don’t think this is the time. There’s no room for romance in my life. A baby plus an opera career—those would send anyone running.”

“Maybe running with you, but not from you—take another look in your mirror.”

“Thank you,” she said, smiling at him. “Seriously, I haven’t given a lot of thought to what I’ll do in the future. I need to start looking into schools for Noah.”

Marek smiled. “You have time.”

“It flies past, and I may pick a school where he has to go on a waiting list.”

Marek’s thoughts shifted to Noah. He had to think of a way to keep the baby in the family. He couldn’t sit by while she went to France or Germany or Italy for a year and took Noah with her.

He took Camille to a quiet, elegant dinner club in Houston. The decor was dark blue, with dark walnut paneling and dimmed crystal chandeliers. It was a place he had gone often, and he felt they would not be disturbed by fans or his friends, but he had forgotten about the dancing. There was a small dance floor; out of courtesy he felt he needed to ask her to dance. He remembered holding Jillian in his arms, laughing at something she had said. He didn’t want to dance with this woman who was so alive and who made him feel so alive.

He realized he had ceased talking during dinner.

“You’re thinking about your fiancée,” Camille remarked. “Again, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s understandable for you to think about her. My guess is that you both came here to eat occasionally.”

“You’re right. Sorry if I got distracted. That’s past, but there are moments it comes rushing back. Would you like to dance?”

“You don’t have to dance,” she said, smiling. “This is fine.”

Relieved, appreciating her understanding, he wanted to accept her reply and forget dancing, but he had to pick up the pieces and go on with life. He stood. “C’mon. It’ll do me good to get out there and move around.”

It was the first time he had danced since he had been with Jillian. He took a deep breath and focused on Camille, smiling at her.

“You really don’t have to dance if you’d rather not,” she said gently, startling him.

“It shows that much?” he asked, focusing on her more intently.

“Maybe a little. I can also imagine,” she added gently.

“Do you like to dance?” he asked, leading her to the dance floor.

“Yes, but if you want to stop, I’ll understand why.”

He took her lightly into his arms. “You’re sensitive to other people,” he said, studying her large, thickly lashed eyes. “You look beautiful tonight,” he added, and she smiled.

“Thank you.”

“I mean it.” As he danced the first few steps, he had another moment when pain stabbed him. He missed Jillian, her slender body, her laughter. He focused on Camille and the moment passed. “I just know how I would feel if I were in your position.”

“You never saw Kern any other time?”

“No. The weekend I met your brother was the only time I was with him. While I had a wonderful time with him, we really weren’t that close.”

“Kern was the embodiment of charm and fun.” He realized she was as easy to dance with as she was to talk to. Her perfume was enticing, and the low vee of her neckline revealed the beginning of full, soft curves.

“Do you want a bigger family—a husband, maybe a sibling for Noah?”

“Yes, at some distant future point in my life. But right now I have a career to pursue, and it’s on the rise. I have a baby to take care of and he’s most important.”

A fast number began, and, in seconds, he was dancing with enthusiasm. It felt good to move, and he liked to watch her. She was an energetic, sensual dancer. While he moved, cares and heartaches dropped away and burdens lifted from his shoulders.

A samba followed and they continued dancing. He shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over an empty chair at the edge of the dance floor. He looked at Camille’s mass of black hair and wished she had left it loose. She was enticing, melting away some of his hurt and numbness. As the dance ended, he pulled her close to lean over in a dip.

When he gazed into her blue eyes, desire stirred, feelings that had ceased after his loss. Startled he swung Camille up, smiling at her.

The realization that he was beginning to get over his loss shocked him.

When a slow ballad started, he drew Camille into his arms to dance. “I have to admit, the dancing is fun. I haven’t done this in a while. Maybe it’s therapeutic.”

“Actually, it probably is,” she said. “Dancing is definitely good for me. It’s relaxing, and you’re extremely good at it.”

“Thanks. You’ve made it easy for me,” he said. Once again, he had a flash of awareness of her. He held her in his arms, and they gazed into each other’s eyes. The moment changed, became personal. Feelings that had been dormant in him for over a year stirred again, stronger this time. He looked at her full, sensuous, curving lips.

The number ended, and they returned to the linen-covered table. By the time he sat facing her, his thoughts were partially on the baby again.

“Do you know your schedule for the rest of the year?”

“Yes. After Dallas, Santa Fe and Saint Louis, I leave for Budapest in October, and I will be there until December. Next March I will be in New York at the Met, where I’m not the lead but thrilled to perform.”

“Budapest, New York—hell of a long way from Texas.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s my life at this point.”

“I understand. We’ll work on it as long as you want us to be part of his life. In the meantime, can we arrange a meeting where my sister can see Noah?”

Before Camille could answer, white china plates with greens were placed in front of them. When they were alone again, Camille set down her water goblet. “I’m sure we can work out a time for your sister to see Noah. Actually, the weekend is coming up. Saturday morning would be a good time for us. Mornings are better because Noah will be awake. He’ll nap in the afternoon. I’ll have my voice practice, and I schedule time regularly for exercise, but I won’t stay with you anyway, so that won’t matter.”

“I’ll let you know about Saturday morning. I need to run that past my sister because she has a family. I’d like to bring someone else with me, if I may. My ranch foreman has been with us all my life. He’s like a member of the family to me, and he was to Kern. I’d like him to see Noah.”

“Of course,” she said, smiling warmly. “You’re not exactly like I thought you’d be,” she added, studying him. “You’re not like Kern, either.”

“Definitely not like Kern,” he said. “So what did you expect?” Marek asked, amused and curious. When her cheeks turned pink, his curiosity grew. “You’re blushing. Your opinion must have been not so great. Now I’m curious.”

“You’re more friendly than I thought you’d be,” she said, her cheeks growing even more red. “I thought you would be like you were the first few minutes at your office.”

He smiled. “I’ll have to improve my image. I’ll have to admit, I wasn’t friendly at my office. I thought you wanted a donation for something to do with the opera.”

She laughed, a light, inviting sound, making him want to cause her to laugh often.

Conversation shifted to other topics. For the next hour over dinner, he enjoyed her company and enjoyed being out for the evening with a beautiful woman again.

Later, when they returned to the dance floor, he found it was easier. He still thought of Jillian, still missed her badly, but he had better control of his emotions and he was happier about dancing. “I really would like to see Noah again before Saturday. Is there anytime that would be convenient for me to drop by when he’s awake?”

“Of course. Just call ahead. Come tomorrow when you want. I’ll be home. I have a voice lesson, a workout and a French lesson, but I can break away briefly. We’ll be happy to see you.”

“When do you have free time?”

“I have some to be with Noah. There are moments my life is like everyone else’s. We’re all busy.”

“Very well. I’ll come in the morning if that’s all right.”

“It’s fine. It might give Ashley a bit of a break. Stephanie will vanish with errands, so you won’t cross paths with her.”

“She feels that strongly about me,” he said, shaking his head.

“She’s just scared.”

“She doesn’t need to be afraid I’m taking your baby. I would never do that. No judge would let me anyway.”

“Oh, one might. I think you have a lot of influence in this state.”

“How I wish. Where was Noah born?”

“Oddly enough, I had a special performance here and he was born in Texas. I had excellent care. I was in a Dallas hospital.”

Marek smiled. “So we have another Rangel who’s a Texan. That would please Kern.”

“I think it pleases you.”

“Yes, it does,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ve mentioned it, but I named him Noah Kern Avanole. I hope you don’t object.”

“I’m glad you did. Did you tell Kern what you planned to name him?”

“Of course, and he was delighted.”

“I’ll bet he was. I’m still amazed he didn’t call me. Usually Kern didn’t keep things to himself. Noah Kern Avanole. Good name.”

“Thank you. I thought so. Right now is a good time for everyone to see him. When I’m performing, I won’t be as free.”

“That’s what I figured,” Marek said, thinking she had a face and figure to have gone into movies instead of opera. They danced until she mentioned the time and said she had to get home.

They talked all the way during the flight back to Dallas and by the time he brought her to her condo door, he realized he had enjoyed the evening. Impulsively, he took her hand.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I still can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sharing Noah with us. There aren’t words for that.”

“I’m glad you’re happy about him and interested in him.”

“I hope your sister stops worrying. I’ll never try to take Noah from you.”

“Stephanie will be all right. She’s just scared right now because you can do more for him than we can. I don’t think she understands how I feel as a mother, wanting him to know his father’s family, to know ranching. That’s important to me.”

“I’m glad,” he said lightly, leaning forward to brush a kiss on her cheek, catching the scent of her perfume again. Her skin was soft and smooth, and he was grateful to her for making the evening enjoyable. “I’ll see you in the morning. I’ll call before I come by.”

“Fine,” she said, smiling at him. She stepped inside and closed the door.

On the drive to the ranch, he had time to consider the evening. The vision of Camille dancing around him remained indelibly etched in memory. He thought about Noah and holding him in his arms. Camille would be in Santa Fe this summer, Budapest in the fall. How could he keep Noah in their lives in Texas when he would be far away with his mother? Noah was too tiny now to take him away from her for a long visit.

*

Saturday morning Camille showered and dressed in blue slacks and a matching shirt. As she pinned up her hair, Ashley stood watching her. “You’ve gone out with him three nights this week, and he’s been here to see Noah every day. He’s crazy about Noah.”

“He’ll be a good father figure for Noah,” Camille remarked.

“I’m beginning to wonder whether Steph is right. Is Marek going to want to have custody of Noah? Or is there any chance part of it is he’s coming to see you, too?”

Camille laughed. “No. He’s interested in Noah.” Her smile faded. “He’s still having difficulty about losing his fiancée, although he seemed to get a grip on those feelings when we were dancing.” She pulled a brush through more long strands of hair before pinning them up. “As far as Noah is concerned, Marek has told me repeatedly that he won’t ever try to take Noah from me. I know he wants to be part of Noah’s life, and I think he should be. I want Noah to be part of the Rangel family. He needs to know them. Marek can show him a cowboy’s life.”

“Some cowboy,” Ashley said, laughing. “He’s a billionaire.”

“Ashley, he’s a good guy. He truly likes the baby, and he’s promised me he won’t try to take him. We’ll work out something everyone can live with.”

“Let me have Noah before you have to change again,” Ashley said, taking Noah from Camille. He went willingly, happy to be carried. Camille brushed a kiss on his cheek.

“I won’t let anyone take him from us,” Camille said quietly, feeling fairly certain Marek meant what he said. What little Kern had said about his brother indicated that he was a man of his word, yet that might have been the man Kern knew.

Thursday when Marek had come to see his nephew, she had watched him hold the baby and talk to him. All the hesitation and uncertainty Marek had shown that first time he had held Noah had disappeared. She left them alone for a time, and, when she returned, Marek was seated on the floor, holding Noah and talking to him about a large, brightly colored ball and rolling it around for him.

Marek had glanced at her and smiled, his attention quickly returning to Noah. She was constantly reminded of Marek’s loss because he seemed cool and distant in many ways. She suspected he rarely saw her as anything more than Noah’s mom, which, under the circumstances, was just as well.

“Camille, you haven’t heard a word I’ve said to you,” Ashley said as she finished changing Noah.

“Sorry, Ash, I was lost in thought about Marek.”

“I can see why. He’s a good-looking man. Even more so than his brother. I never really saw his brother in person, just pictures, so maybe that’s not fair.”

“He’s more handsome, but he has none of the laid-back charm his younger brother did. He’s far more serious.”

“You each have serious issues to deal with—how Noah will be raised, plus the personal issues. Can you trust Marek and will he ever get over his loss? Maybe he’s charming when there’s nothing at stake.”

“You’re probably right. His fiancée was stunning, constantly in society pages, and I’m sure photographers loved to take her picture. No woman can be as beautiful as she was.”

“I have to agree with you. Her pictures look like she was a movie star or top model.”

“He’s still grieving for her, but now Noah is a distraction from his loss.”

“The crash was dreadful. His grief is understandable. I’ll have Noah ready when they come. I want to get him fed now before I try to clean him up or dress him.”

“I can feed him,” Camille said, reaching for her baby.

“Not if you don’t want to have to change again. You’re dressed and ready. Let me run the risk of him blowing breakfast or spitting up.”

Laughing, Camille shrugged. “He’s yours. I’m nervous about meeting Marek’s sister.”

“Why on earth would you be nervous?”

Camille shrugged. “I suppose since she’s the mother of two. I feel like she knows more about babies. I’m still a novice at this.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Besides, Marek is nice. A little fierce-looking sometimes. And a heartbreaker. I pity anyone who falls in love with him. Since he’s still grieving over his fiancée and brother, he isn’t going to want to lose Noah, too. I still think Steph may be right on this one.”

“Time will tell, but I don’t think so,” Camille replied, feeling a tiny knot of worry surface. In spite of his reassurances and his brother’s good opinion of him, the nagging fear wouldn’t go away.

Two hours later, after introductions had been made and she and Marek had talked briefly, she gathered her sisters and left Marek and his sister and foreman with Noah.

*

At the end of their visit with Noah, Marek flew back to the ranch with Jess and worked beside him the rest of the day, finding release for pent-up feelings in sheer physical labor. He did the same on Sunday, mulling over his options regarding Noah. Sunday evening he saw Jess in the corral riding a new horse.

Marek grabbed his Stetson and went out, stretching out his legs as he walked to the corral. He perched on the fence to watch Jess work with the quarter horse. Jess turned, riding close and swinging down out of the saddle. “This is a fine horse.”

“You’ve got him as gentle as a lamb.”

“That’s what I mean. He’s a good one. You made an excellent purchase. Want to ride him for a minute?”

“Sure,” Marek replied, jumping down from the fence and climbing into the saddle. He circled the corral, urging the horse to a trot. When he finished, he returned to Jess to dismount.

“Here he is, as good as you said.” He handed the reins to Jess and walked beside him as he led the horse into the stable. In the cool shadows Marek leaned against a post to watch Jess unsaddle the horse.

“I’ve been thinking what I can do about little Noah. Whatever we do, we can’t take him from Camille. Her sisters are crazy about him, too. I don’t want to hurt anyone, but we have to be part of his life and be able to watch him grow. He’s a tie to Kern that I want in our lives.”

“I can’t see any simple solution, but I’m not thinking on it too much because that’s your worry,” Jess said, lifting the saddle off the horse.

“It’s worrying Ginny, and I can’t sleep nights for trying to come up with a workable answer. I can’t imagine Camille letting me have Noah for any significant amount of time.”

“I agree with you.”

“Ginny reminded me of how take-charge she thinks I am and how she thinks I’ve spent my life getting everyone to do what I want. I don’t quite see it that way, but she’s told me this time I won’t be able to do that.”

“Sometimes we just have to adjust to what life hands us.”

“Jess, I don’t go into things expecting to fail. I’ve looked at this every way I can think of. There’s no easy answer, but I may have something workable if I can persuade Camille to cooperate.”

“All you can do is try. And if she says no, try something else,” Jess stated shortly, beginning to groom the sorrel.

“I don’t think you’ll like it.”

“All right. Tell me. How do you plan to get her to agree?” Jess asked, frowning slightly as he studied Marek.

*

The following Friday night, a spring evening with the sun slanting in the sky, Camille sat across from Marek. They were on his patio at his Dallas home. Steaks had just been put on the grill. She was sipping her glass of wine while Marek had a barely touched martini. She had dressed with care in a red cotton sundress with high-heeled sandals and her hair was up on her head. She suspected she could have worn a gunnysack and Marek would not have noticed. She still didn’t think he ever saw her as a woman, which was just as well because she didn’t want to get into a relationship with any man at this point in her life.

Tonight, it seemed he was taking his time because he had not brought up the subject of what arrangements he hoped to make with her regarding Noah, which he had said was the purpose of asking her to dinner. She had no intention of rushing him, either. She had mulled it over constantly and the most workable plan she and Ashley could devise was for her to always get a home large enough for the Rangels to come visit when they wanted. They would be welcome wherever she lived, either here or abroad. If she could get a wing where they could stay off to themselves, she thought they might be happier. She couldn’t imagine leaving Noah behind in Texas. She and Ashley had agreed on that one and she had constantly reassured Stephanie she would stick to that decision.

Taking a deep breath, Camille hoped to calm her nerves. A steady uneasiness plagued her because she had big doubts that he would agree to what she intended to offer.

She watched him stand over the steaks, which were sending a spiral of gray smoke into the air. When he had arrived at her house to pick her up in a limousine, he had looked as commanding and successful as ever. Wearing a charcoal suit and red tie, he looked ready for an evening out. Had the suit been meant to be a reminder of his wealth and power? Enticing smells of the grilling meat would usually tempt her, but her stomach churned. Marek seemed strong willed, a man totally accustomed to getting his way. His fortune held a possible threat like a twister spinning on her horizon.

Marek picked up his drink and returned to sit near her. “Steaks will be done soon. I hope you have an appetite.”

“I’ll admit I’m nervous, and that’s killing my appetite. I’m far more anxious over this than going onstage.”

“Don’t be disturbed,” he said quietly. “We’ll work something out, hopefully to the satisfaction of all and in Noah’s best interests as well. He can’t participate in this, but he has the biggest stake.”

“That’s true,” she said, feeling better that Marek sounded as if he would put Noah first.

Marek leaned forward to take her hand lightly in his. His compelling dark eyes made her breath catch. Why was she having this reaction to him?

“Relax, Camille,” he said in a gentle tone. “We’ll try to find a solution that will be in everyone’s best interest.”

“I hope so. That’s what I’ve prayed for,” she replied, aware of the jump in her pulse. She was certain it was a very one-sided attraction that she shouldn’t have to him. And she couldn’t guess what he was going to ask her to do regarding Noah.

“Relax, have some wine, eat some steak. Let’s have dinner and then we’ll talk about Noah.”

She nodded, unable to speak. Smiling, he patted her hand and sat back to raise his drink. “Here’s to a happy solution and to you and Kern having a beautiful, adorable son.”

She had to return his smile as she touched his glass lightly. “I’ll have to drink to that,” she said, taking a tiny sip.

“And I have to say, my brother always had great taste in his female friends,” he added with an uncustomary smile as he raised his glass to her.

It was the closest he had come to flirting. “Thank you. I’m not sure about great taste. Perhaps we were thrown together on a festive occasion and everything clicked.”

“You have a great little boy. Thank you for letting me know about him.”

“I’ve told you why. I’m pleased that you’re responding in a positive way.”

He smiled and sipped his drink before glancing at the cooker. “I’ll get the steaks.”

They ate outside at a glass-topped table with dinner served by his staff. After dinner they moved back to the lawn chairs overlooking the pool and yard. The staff quietly cleared the table, and, when they were left alone, Marek turned his chair to face her.

“Tell me what you propose,” he said. He listened as she talked about getting a place wherever she went that would be large enough for all of them and how he and his family could visit whenever and however long they chose.

Marek simply listened and nodded, and her heart raced as she talked. Her palms had grown damp.

After she finished, he sat quietly, sipping a tall glass of iced tea. She waited in silence, letting him take his time. It seemed eons before he set down his drink and spoke.

“That’s a feasible plan,” he said, and she let out her breath. She couldn’t relax completely because she was certain he had something else in mind.

“I have another idea. All I ask is for you to listen to what I propose. Don’t give me an answer tonight—we can talk about it. I want you to think it over before you answer.”

“That sounds reasonable but scary.”

He smiled again, a smile that softened his features and made him slightly less intimidating. “Good. You are totally tied up in your career and Noah, right?”

“Yes. You know that.”

“I lost my fiancée, and I’m not interested in a deep commitment. Jillian had my heart. I enjoy women and the day will come when I won’t be so numb with grief, but I can’t imagine ever loving again. What I’m getting at is both of us have set loving one special person on hold, more or less.”

“You’re right,” she said, her curiosity soaring.

“Camille, will you marry me? A marriage of convenience would help both of us and should be so much better for Noah.”

Stunned, she dropped her glass of tea, barely aware of it shattering on the patio.