| While Colby and Brian shared dinner, Garrett was nursing a sore gut and berating the investigator. "Look, just pay me and I'm gone," the man told Garrett as he sipped a beer. They were in his hotel room on the other side of town. "I'm not ready to let you go." The man shot Garrett a look of surprise. "You think just because they know I'm finished, not by a long shot. They are too close. They could be sleeping together and there is no proof that the child is my dead brother's. I need to know because then maybe my father will give up this ridiculous plan." "But they have seen me, and I swear that the singer has known for a while too, but never said anything to your sister-in-law. There is no way I can be inconspicuous now." "I don't care what you do, get a different car, wear a hat, or grow a beard. I want her to know that no matter what happened today, this isn't over yet." Garret went to the door. "I'll let you know when your job is finished and not before." He left slamming the door behind him. He needed a drink and some release from the tension running through his body. Damn that woman, and that singer too. For a little guy he sure packed a solid hit. His gut still ached from the punch he had thrown. Well let them think it was over. He knew he should call his father, but the hell with him. He was going to take care of himself for once. He drove a short distance and pulled up in front of the familiar entrance. He knocked on the door and the tall, redhead answered. Garrett pushed the door open. His eyes raked her seminude body and he pulled her to him devouring her mouth with his. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Colby had a restful night. There were no more contractions and she tried to convince Brian he didn't need to stay, but he was adamant. He slept in the guest room down the hall and when Colby woke she smelled fresh coffee. As she entered the kitchen she saw Brian in the back room staring out the window. "Good morning," Colby said quietly. Brian turned and came towards her. He was already dressed and kissed her lightly on the lips; that all too familiar smell that was all his washed over her and Colby inhaled deeply. She felt that tightness in her chest again that had become too commonplace when she was in his presence. "How are you this morning?" Brian took her hand and they sat on the sofa. "I'm good. The baby and I had a good night. But something has been bothering me Brian and I need to know." She gave him a thoughtful look. "What's that?" He gave her a cheeky grin but noticed she did not smile back and slowly his faded from his face. "Did you know about the private investigator and not tell me?" Colby stared him in the eyes. He was hoping she didn't remember his outburst yesterday in all the confusion. He knew he had to tell her. They could not build this relationship on lies. She meant too much to him. He took her hands in his and looked directly in her eyes. "Yes I did, but I couldn't find out anything. I wasn't sure if they were following me or you and I didn't want to worry you. When I found out I was going to tell you. Colby he was buried so deep behind your brother-on-law's money and company. All my leads were coming up empty. But I knew he was following you because he was never at my place or my parents." Colby nodded slowly. "I'm sorry Colby. I was trying to protect you. I guess I should stick to singing. My instincts at being a sleuth aren't that good." He smiled at her and Colby laughed softly. "We were both wrong, Brian, trying to protect the other. I'm sorry too." She leaned in and brushed her lips against his. He held her tight; his love for her running through his veins like a lifeline. Brian kissed her back but his passion set her heart racing again and Colby could feel herself slipping into a state of wanton. She wanted him and her body confirmed her feelings as his kisses brought on a rush of longing so deep that Colby let out a deep groan as his mouth assaulted hers. Colby broke the kiss panting. "Brian, please!" She ran her hand along his cheek. "I can't do this not now." Her breathing came in short gasps. Suddenly, just like yesterday, Colby felt her abdomen tighten again. She let out a long deep breath. Brian took her hands as she breathed through another of the contractions. "Oh God! I can't, Brian. It's too early. The baby's not ready." "Shh." He stroked her face and dropped light kisses on her cheeks. "Call the doctor. You need to check and make sure everything is all right." Brian brought her the phone and Colby placed the call. She was told they would work her in. So they ate a light breakfast after which Colby showered and dressed and Brian took her to the doctor. Brian sat in the waiting room. He had gotten a few stares as he kissed her cheek when they called her back to see the doctor. They were probably taking a big chance by having him wait in the office for her. But he didn't care anymore. Even though the child wasn't his, his nerves were on edge. This child meant everything to Colby and he loved her. He knew that now and he wanted to tell her, but he felt she wasn't ready to hear it yet. He would love them both, never usurping Rob's place in the child's life, but he would give them both the love of a father and …" Before he could even think the word, Colby emerged and Brian stood and went to her. "So?" He tried to read the look on her face. "Braxton Hicks. They're nothing to worry about. It's normal. Although," she leaned in close to him and said quietly against his cheek, "they could have been brought on by sexual arousal." She looked at him sheepishly. He hugged her. "I'm sorry." Brian whispered against her ear. "It's okay." She smiled at him as he took her hand and they left the office. As they pulled out of the parking lot, Colby took out her phone. Brian looked at her questioningly. "I need to call Catherine. I should have last night. She needs to know what happened." Brian nodded in agreement. He listened to the conversation as they he drove through the city. "Let me ask," Colby looked at Brian. "Catherine's invited us to lunch at the house." "Oh?" He looked surprised. "Will you come with me?" Her eyes pleaded for him to say yes. "You know I will." He smiled warmly and took her hand and kissed it. "We're on our way, Catherine." Colby ended the call and directed Brian to the Estates. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Catherine was standing on the front steps waiting as they pulled up at the house. Brian helped Colby out of the car and they ascended the steps together. Catherine hugged Colby warmly and inquired about her health and that of her grandchild. Colby assured her they were both fine and then introduced Brian. He wasn't expecting the woman before him. She was slight of stature and her eyes held a hint of mischief. She didn't look formidable, but Brian had a feeling that the Spencer men would be in for a big surprise if they crossed her. Brian took to her right away and knew that Colby had a confidant and ally she could trust. Catherine led them out to the terrace. The table was set for three and she instructed the butler to serve lunch. They made small talk until they were finally alone. Then Catherine asked for the details of their encounter with Garrett the day before. Brian sat by as Colby related the incident to Catherine. At one point she faltered while she spoke and Brian took hold of her hand in assurance. They exchanged knowing smiles and Colby felt a warm flush as Brian's smile gave her the resolve to complete her story. Catherine didn't miss the exchange. It was so obvious, his love for her. And yes, Colby too; although Catherine knew her well enough to know that she would deny her feelings or bury them deep. As Catherine watched Brian she realized how much he was like Rob. Outwardly they were like night and day but Brian seemed to value the same things Rob did, family, friends, truth and Colby. "I just want you to be careful, Catherine. I don't want them to hurt you." Colby reached out and took the older woman's hand in hers. "I don't pretend for a minute that Garrett will back off. If anything we've probably made matters worse." She let out a sigh. "I'll be fine, Colby. They can't hurt me. I just worry about the two of you." She looked from one to the other. Brian finally spoke up for the first time since Colby had started to talk. "I plan on taking good care of her." He gave them that cheeky grin Colby was beginning to find so endearing and took Colby's hand in his squeezing it tight. "I do believe you will, Brian. Now tell me, what's it like to have all those young girls throwing themselves at you all the time?" Colby laughed and rolled her eyes. "Catherine, really!" She cajoled her. But Brian just grinned. "It's quite all right. My mom has asked me the same thing." He chuckled. "It can be very disconcerting." And so for the next half hour or so Brian answered all Catherine's questions about his career and growing up in Lexington. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ They had sped out of the company parking lot, tires screeching as Garrett tore through the gears of the sports car. Neither one spoke. The meeting had left them both in a sour mood. Garrett had filled William in on the scene at the art shop the day before and William was disappointed. Colby was definitely more trouble than she was worth. If not for the child, William would have written her off. It was still a possibility, the child in exchange for her freedom. He could hire a full time nanny for the boy and she could leave and do whatever her heart desired. She could run off with that singer if she chose. No one would stop her. William knew it was a long shot and one Colby would never agree to, but he wanted that child. It was Rob's son! He knew he shouldn't be so optimistic, but he felt sure it would be a boy! Maybe this marriage idea was wrong. Maybe if given an option, and the price was right, they could both be satisfied. It was something to consider. He knew there wasn't much time left and he would have to make his move soon. William decided to think about it for a couple of days and then set things in motion. William glanced over at the speedometer again. It was well over 80! Garrett had been like a caged animal all day. Lashing out, barking orders and his abusive display at the meeting today really set William off. He should have had the company driver bring him home, but Garrett had offered and he agreed. But as they took the next curve, William let out a gasp. That was it. He'd had enough. "My God, Garrett, what the hell is wrong with you? Do you want to get us killed?" He yelled at his son. "You'd think that Littrell hit you in the head instead of the gut the way you've been acting today. Get a grip, boy." Garrett glared at his father, easing up slightly on the accelerator. "We almost lost that deal back there because of your hot headedness today. You've got to learn restraint. You can't always deal with these people like they're thugs, Garrett. You've got to woo them, not strong arm them!" They turned into the Estates. "You know, your brother…" Before he could continue Garrett slammed on the brakes, causing William to be flung toward the windshield. "What the hell?" William yelled out. "My brother!" he yelled back at him. "That's all I've heard all my life. I'm your first-born. I've always done whatever you've asked, no questions and no matter how vile or cruel. I took care of it. Just to please you. Just like I've tried to take care of this mess with his whore. Why isn't it enough father? Why?" Garrett shook his head, weary of this constant comparison. He couldn't take it any more. "You watch your mouth, Garrett. That's your brother's wife and she's carrying my grandchild." He shot him a look of distaste at his crude remark. "I'm sorry for bringing up Rob. You didn't deserve that. You have always done my bidding for me and I do appreciate your loyalty, Garrett. But you've got to learn to control your temper. That's where your brother was different from you. Oh, he always gave the other guy the benefit of the doubt and could have negotiated for a better deal, but he always treated them with respect. You could learn from that." Garrett just sat there like a little boy while his father spoke. He would always live in the shadow of his younger, now dead, brother. It was a hell of a price to pay. But maybe, just maybe if he could undermine Colby that would put him back in his father's graces. He slowly started along the drive again and tried to find the words to explore the idea running through his brain. "Father, I'm sorry for my comment about Colby, but I must say that she and that singer have gotten very close. Too close." He glanced across to see the reaction from his father. "What are you talking about?" "Well, suppose the child isn't Rob's? Suppose Colby and this guy Littrell were having an affair behind Rob's back. It could very well be that the child is his." Garrett smirked feeling pleased with this turn of events. If he could convince his father the child wasn't even a Spencer, they could forget the whole plan and Colby would be out of their lives for good. 'That's preposterous. Why would you even consider it? She's admitted to only meeting him in May. She was already pregnant then." William tried to be logical but Garrett pressed on. "That's what she has told us. How do we know that they weren't seeing each other before that?" They slowly came around the last curve in the drive. Garrett cursed as he saw the BMW convertible sitting in front of the house. "What the hell?" They pulled up next to the other car and he leaped out and ran up the front steps leaving his father trailing behind him. |