Her little feet thumped on the wooden floor. Vicki couldn't look at any of them. She slowly lifted her head to watch Colt's mom hug Clara.
His mother nodded at her, and Vicki was sure she'd faint. She held the chair and nodded in return. "Good evening, Mrs. Collins."
With her arms crossed at the door, his mother stood, with her feet slight apart, like she was ready for battle. "Colt told me your father lied to you about Clara."
Vicki's skin jumped off her body, but she tried to hold still. "He did. My father had a habit of lying to everyone, including his own children."
"Why?" His mother stared hard, and Vicki's skin had goose bumps.
Vicki stared at the thin lips of the woman and answered in a quiet voice, "I embarrassed the House of Morgan."
His mother dropped her hands. "Mitch Morgan was always a jerk. I had a hard time believing he'd do that to his own flesh and blood, but that sounded just like him."
"I had boatloads of practice in mocking my father," Vicki said. "Dinner is simple tonight. Tortellini with oil dressing and Caesar salads. I hope that's okay with you."
"Perfect," Mrs. Morgan answered. "If you need me to testify, I'd be more than happy."
Vicki's mouth dropped. "Testify to what?"
"Nurse Marie, who was assigned to your room, repeatedly told me and the Department of Children and Families officers that night that you signed away adoption rights and you did not wish to be bothered. I tried to go into your room, but they barred me at the door. Later I had Clara safe, and tried to get in your room again, but you were already gone."
Vicki almost dropped the serving bowl. "So you believe me?"
"I always guessed your father had done something."
Colt reached out and held the bowl. Vicki's hands shook. She sucked in her breath to try to stay calm. "You did the right thing and kept Clara safe. I never signed anything."
"Marie quit the hospital two weeks later after I stayed on her heels and demanded she tell me what happened. She bought a big house up in Orlando and hasn't been back to Miami, Broward, or West Palm since. Vicki, we're already family, so call me Ellie."
"Ma'am," Vicki answered automatically, then corrected, "Ellie, I expected you to hate me."
"Don't be overdramatic. If both of my children think you're telling the truth, then I have to believe them. I raised them."
"I'm glad the news hasn't affected you, then."
Ellie stared at Colt. "Now that I see everyone is fine and the news station is just spinning rubbish, let's eat dinner."
Vicki's heart skipped and her hands stopped trembling. The weight on her spine lessened. Colt helped his mother sit and Clara took the seat beside her grandmother.
Then Colt served the salad. All of this could be Vicki's, but she needed to get things straight. Colt did not love her. She'd have to change soon, but not tonight. She deserved one more night with everyone she loved.
Tonight, she was with the family she'd always wanted.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Vicki stood at the door and continued to wave until she lost track of the silver car in the driveway. Clara was already in bed, and Colt had rushed off to take a shower, for the second time this evening. Alone, Vicki stared at the moon that peeked into the night sky.
If only was the worst possible way to start a thought. Vicki stepped inside. Her days were numbered here.
She'd not be where she'd never be loved. She closed the front door and ensured all the locks were secured. The quietness of the ranch seeped into her mind and brought with it a sense of peace. Vicki proceeded to her bedroom, but halfway through the house, Colt called out, "Vicki, can I see you for a minute?"
She turned around and then her mouth fell open. Colt Collins wore a gray suit and a blue tie. She took a step forward then asked, "What's going on?"
"Come." He offered her his hand. "Let's first go out back. I want to show you something."
He'd spent the day out there. She blinked a few times then nodded.
He took her hand in his and squeezed. "This way."
At the moment, she'd follow him anywhere. He led her to the small sitting room set off the living room. She'd never gone there as nothing much was there, except plants and a door that led out to a grassy area and the canal.
With a huge smile on his face, he opened the door and pointed to an old-fashioned wooden swing. He told her, "I'm gonna build a proper porch here because you always wanted a winding porch that wrapped around a house."
"I said that years ago." Vicki's mouth fell open again. "I was just a teenager."
"So was I, Vicki." He nodded then pointed to the swing. "I rigged it up today. Mom used to have this out front, and you always liked it. A hurricane knocked it down a few years ago, and I had it in the shed."
The smile on his face matched how hard he'd worked. She tilted her head. "Why would you do this for me, Colt?"
"'Cause you matter." Colt stepped closer and stared at her. "I'd do anything for you, Vicki. Don't you know that?"
She licked her lips, eager for a kiss. "I don't know what to say."
"This is your home, Victoria Morgan."
With Colt and Clara, they were complete. She circled her arms around his neck and leaned up. She closed her eyes, and the smell of citrus that was Colt wafted in the air. She closed her eyes as she whiffed his orange and oak scent.
Then a flash of light shook her. Colt murmured something, and she widened her stance. "Who was that?"
"It's probably the press." He huffed then said, "The tactic was more like an ambush."
She ran her hand through her hair.
He massaged his neck and shoulder as he stared at her. "Okay. My timing is awful. We knew about the reporters. And tomorrow I have to go see Belle, but after that, Vicki, you and I have to talk."
Vicki went to say something, but he stormed into the house. She wished he'd finish that almost-kiss.
The tingle of her lips made her sigh. She wasn't sure what to say, so she went through the house and to her room. Tomorrow, she'd straighten everything out with him, but the patio idea was sweet. He had remembered something she had said years ago.
Perhaps if she showed him it was okay to say he loved her, then all would be well.
#
The next morning dawned early, and Colt tugged on his blue jeans. He'd go see Belle and find out why she'd stayed in town after he left her at the airport. She should be in D.C., not here. He'd ensure she was fine at the hospital, and then return home for lunch. With luck, Peter Morgan had persuaded the press to go find a new story. Vicki deserved his whole attention.
He tied on his sneakers and tiptoed out of the house. Usually Vicki woke up later than he did, so he'd text her the minute he parked at the hospital. The sooner there, the sooner he finished.