She whispered, “My Caleb, I love you so very much.”
“I know you do,” I told her before returning to finish what I wanted to say to the rest of them. “A world where good efforts are made helping those who desperately need it. Not many have the resources and financial blessings I was born into, so I wanted to give something back. Blackwater has been sold off, yes, but not to just anyone—and not out of this family. The silent partner on the deed is really a nonprofit we set up called the Sanctuary at Blackwater. And I’m not talking about a sanctuary for wildlife. It was recently approved for a business license from the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services, and will begin moving forward with operations as soon as a governing board has been appointed. That’s where you all come in.” I focused my eyes on my sister. Winter was born for this job. I hoped she would take on the position of director, but if it was her choice not to accept, then I’d be okay with that, too. This would be a labor of love from all angles and only for those who felt so inspired. I merely wanted to offer my family the first opportunity to become involved with the project before going out into the community.
“Begin operations as a place for . . . ?” Winter asked hopefully.
“Women and children who need sanctuary,” I told her.
BROOKE’S eyes never left mine when I made love to her after everyone had gone. I needed the connection to her more than ever after the news I’d gotten tonight. She grounded me in a way that I realized was necessary for my future survival. Whatever had happened in the past didn’t define me, and it didn’t change me as the person I’d become. Only Brooke had been able to do that.
With our bodies flush as we lay side by side, I spoke to her belly, which was now slightly rounded with our little John William growing fast inside her. “How are you doing in there, son?” I asked.
We did this daily. I spoke to him, told him about my day, read the financial reports aloud to him, and generally made a nuisance of myself with his mother.
“He says he’s very proud of his daddy for being so generous and caring to help those who need it.” Brooke always answered for Johnny, and somehow I believed her words were his words. The whole thing was ridiculously believable to me.
“That’s nice of him to say so.”
“He’s a very nice boy . . . a great deal like his father from what I can tell.”
“I love you, Brooke. And I love you, Johnny,” I called down to him in the direction of her belly. “Just think, he already is beginning to know the sound of our voices—”
Brooke raised an eyebrow in question at my abrupt pause.
“I just figured out why I fell in love with you the moment I first heard you speak to me at that cocktail party.”
“I think I know why, now,” she said.
“Tell me your theory, baby.”
“You liked my accent because your mother spoke to you in the same British accent when she was carrying you inside her for nine months. Your subconscious memories recalled that long ago someone who sounded a lot like me loved you with all of her heart.”
“Do you think that’s possible?” I asked.
“I do, Caleb—and now you have me loving you with all of my heart.”
I kissed my sweet Brooke and thanked her for saving me in as many ways as I could show her. It would take the rest of my life probably, but I was up for the challenge. I had nothing else more important to do . . . than love her.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My first thank-you goes out to Ruth and Jan for their helpful push. This journey would never have happened if not for your encouragement. You both are an incredible inspiration to me in this business. To my agent, Jane Dystel . . . I am continually amazed at the things you can accomplish . . . and ever grateful for it. Thank you for always having my back. To my editor, Maria Gomez at Montlake Romance, thank you for taking me on and supporting me at every turn. To Luna and Franzi, who read every page of this manuscript as it was born, falling in love with the story, and begging me for the next chapter. I don’t think I can ever express what that meant to me, especially at a time when I was struggling with so much doubt. You believed in me. To Darren, for reading faithfully, even though romance books are not your thing. You never complain, and your input is invaluable. I love that we can work this gig together. To Marion, for helping me to make it through that last leg of the book race—to its polished and complete end. You are always a joy to work with. Big love and immense appreciation to the ladies of Raine Miller Romance Readers for bringing daily inspiration to so many people, and for your love and support not just for my books, but for me personally. You are the ones who keep me tapping away at my keyboard—don’t ever forget that! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t ever say it enough times.
xxoo R
READ ON FOR AN EXCERPT FROM
FILTHY LIES
A BLACKSTONE DYNASTY NOVEL
BY RAINE MILLER