Jason and Beth arrived at her parents' home a few minutes after eight. Deidre sat in the same chair by the fireplace, and Archer stood behind her. She rushed to Beth with a huge smile on her face.
"Darling, we're so glad you came to visit. You got your cast removed."
She hugged her mother. "The doctor took it off today. Now I can shower without plastic wrapped around my arm."
A smile on her face, Deidre squeezed Jason's hand. "It's good to see you again."
"Thank you for inviting us."
She waved them to the sofa. "Would you like coffee or tea?"
Beth said, "I'll have coffee. Jason?"
"I'll have coffee, too." Jason watched Kingsley. He hadn't uttered a word. Beth had been right. Jason would need every shark-eating skill he possessed to get through this visit.
Archer snapped, "Deidre, stop fluttering."
She poured coffee and handed cups to Beth and Jason.
Archer straightened away from the mantle and pounced. "At the party, I stepped over to a window for fresh air and saw someone outside my office. I couldn't see his face, but I'm sure it was a man. The next day I checked my office and found two computer disks were missing. They are the ones that contain information about Elizabeth and her mess." Archer glared at Jason. "You took those disks, and I want them back."
Deidre gasped and stared up at Archer.
Jason set his coffee cup on the table. "No." He put an arm around Beth's shoulders.
Archer's face darkened. "You took my property. I can have you arrested for theft."
Jason smirked. "If you did that, everyone would learn about the pregnancy."
Eyes wide, Deidre asked, "I thought you wanted to help them find their child?"
"Why would I do that? If he's found, everyone will know about their bastard. People will laugh at me."
Deidre's eyes filled with tears. "Why did you lie?"
"I needed you to get them here." He looked at Jason, a sneer on his face. "After all the trouble I went through to clean up your mess, do you think I'll let you air our dirty laundry now?"
"Our son is not dirty laundry." Beth's words rang with anger.
Archer bellowed, "Why did you tell Richards about the boy?"
"I didn't. Someone sent Jason a letter."
"Who sent it?" Archer's face was red and swollen with outrage.
Jason shrugged. "We don't know. It wasn't signed."
Archer shouted at Beth, "Admit it. You sent that letter to embarrass me!"
"I didn't send it, but I'd like to know who did."
Jason smiled. "Yes, we'd like to thank him."
"Well, it doesn't matter. You'll never find your brat. I made sure of that."
"Father—"
"Don't call me that. You've been nothing but a disappointment since the day you were born. I wanted a son, an heir to carry on my legacy. Instead, I got you—"
Jason interrupted. "You don't have a son, but you have a grandson. Help us find him."
"I told you the price for my help—twenty-five million dollars."
Beth's eyes narrowed. "We won't pay your extortion."
"For years I worked to make this family respectable, powerful. I refuse to let the grandson of the town drunk take over what I built." Archer pointed at her. "You are such a fool. Do you think a man like him cares about you or your brat? Richards is a shark. All he cares about is his next deal."
"You're wrong. He wants our son, and so do I."
Archer sneered. "You were so easy to manipulate. A few misplaced letters and missed telephone calls did the trick. When that wasn't enough, I only had to threaten your beloved Jason, and you did whatever I wanted."
"I would have done anything to protect him."
Jason scowled as his patience snapped. "You won't stop us from finding Daniel. So you can either help us or stay out of our way."
"You're a fool. Did you think I'd tell you where to find your bastard spawn? Even if you paid, I wouldn't tell you."
"Enough!" Deidre shouted.
Eyes wide, everyone turned to stare at her.
"Archer, you have to let go of your obsession with social status." Deidre begged, "Please tell them where to find their son."
"No." Archer crossed his arms over his chest.
"We were wrong to force Beth to give up her child. They deserve to know what happened to him."
Archer's face was the color of cayenne pepper. "This is none of your business!"
"Yes, it is. This is my family, too." Deidre turned to Jason. "I sent that letter to you. I hoped you'd want to find your son. Then you could make sure he's happy and safe. Beth, I didn't know you were searching, or I would have told you what I know. I'm sorry."
Archer grabbed Deidre's arm. "Be quiet."
Beth's mother struggled to shake off his hand, but he held on.
"I've been quiet for too long. She begged to keep her baby, and we should have helped her. You may not want our grandson, but I will help in any way I can to find him."
"We will not discuss this any further." Archer dropped Deidre's arm and turned to Beth. "I expect the immediate return of those disks."
Beth stood. "Jason gave you our answer, and we won't change our minds."
Archer smirked at them. "It doesn't matter. The information you need to find your brat isn't on those disks."
Deidre turned to Jason and Beth. "The name of the couple who adopted your baby is Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson, and their attorney was Jack Woodson. They lived and worked in Boston."
Archer shouted, "I told you to stay out of this."
"I'm tired of your schemes and manipulations." Deidre straightened her shoulders. "I don't like the way you run this family or the business. I won't let you bankrupt the company Father worked so hard to build or drive our daughter from our lives."
"Don't challenge me, Deidre." Archer glared at her and bellowed, "I run this family, and you will do as I say."
Beth rushed to her mother. "Mom, come home with us. He's so angry. I'm afraid for you."
Archer yelled, "She cannot leave. I won't let her humiliate me."
Deidre patted her hand. "Your father would never hurt me. Besides, I've ignored Archer's behavior for too long. A discussion is overdue."
She hugged her mother. "I'll call you tomorrow."
Jason held Deidre's hand. "Thank you for sending the letter."
Legs weak and shaking, Beth gripped Jason's arm as they walked to the car. She wanted to hide. When they got home, she planned to crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head. Never could she have imagined the depth of her father's betrayal.
At home, there was a message to call Gabriel. When they returned his call, as usual, he answered on the first ring.
"Glad you got my message."
"Sorry it's so late, but Archer found out we'd borrowed his disks."
"I'd bet a hundred dollars he wants them back."
"Yes, he does, but he won't get them. We found information and hope it helps in your search."
"Good, we need it. The attorney Archer hired can't help us. Massachusetts requires attorneys to keep files on closed cases for seven years. He keeps his for eight years and then shreds them. Last year he destroyed the files on Daniel and the adoption. He only remembered one detail about the case. It involved a teenage girl whose father hired him."
Beth clenched her hands. "That's disappointing."
Jason brushed circles on her back. "Then it's good we got the names of the people who adopted Daniel, and their attorney." He passed on the information Deidre had given them.
Gabriel laughed. "I'm sure a lot more happened than what you've told me."
"Yes, but nothing vital to the search."
"From what you told me, I got the impression that Beth's parents were the ones who pushed her to give up your son. What's changed?"
"Remember the unsigned letter? Deidre sent it. She wants me to find Daniel. She didn't know Beth had been searching for years." Jason cupped her cheek.
"Now that we have the attorney and parents' names, we have a good place to begin our search for your son. I'll do background checks before I approach them. Surprises can bring trouble." Gabriel paused. "I'll send one of my female investigators to the hospitals. She might get the information they wouldn't give me. Down the road, you might need the hospital records. Would you sign a power of attorney, Beth?"
"Yes. We'll fax it to you."
Jason frowned. "Do you think the attorney still has his file?"
"I hope so. If he destroyed it, he might remember some of the details of the case."
Jason asked, "Would you tell us what you learn from the background checks? We're most interested in what you find out about Mr. and Mrs. Anderson."
"No problem. Remember, to find someone we have to put the pieces together like a puzzle. It takes time. Email me any other useful information you find in the files." Gabriel disconnected the call.
Jason pulled Beth into his arms. "It's time for bed."
"I won't be able to fall sleep yet. Maybe if I read, I'll relax enough to sleep."
"You need a soak in the whirlpool and a back rub." He gave her his best wolfish grin. "Then I'll give you my special relaxation treatment."
After a peaceful sleep, Beth opened her eyes and stretched. Jason's prescription to help her relax worked better than reading ever had.
After she dressed, she called her mother. "Are you okay? What happened after we left?"
Deidre sighed. "Your father and I had a long talk about the family and business. Archer apologized for his behavior and has agreed to talk with a professional about his anger. He promised not to interfere with your search."
"Do you think he'll keep his promise?"
"Yes, I do."
"I hope so, for your sake." She wished she could be as optimistic as her mother. Archer had broken too many promises, and she didn't believe he'd changed.
After talking to her mother, Beth went to the study. Jason wasn't there. She saw the open patio doors and looked outside. He lay by the pool, asleep. She smiled and ran to change into her swimsuit. Ten minutes later she sat on the lounge chair next to him and studied his face.
As a teenager, he'd been handsome in a boyish way, but it had been the kindness he'd shown a young girl that won her devotion. Now, he possessed rugged good looks and a sexy arrogance, but it was the way he treated her, with respect and dignity, that made him special. He might swim with the sharks, but he hadn't lost himself. Jason was still the man she loved.
She leaned over and kissed him. When he opened his mouth, she slid her tongue in and stroked him. She loved the taste of him. After several breath-stealing moments, they pulled apart.
"That's a wake-up call I don't mind." He pulled her to him, but she stopped him with a hand on his chest.
"Jason, I'm worried—"
"About your mother?"
"No, I talked to her. She said Archer apologized, and he's agreed to get help to control his temper."
One corner of Jason's mouth curled. "Do you think he'll keep his promise?"
"No, but that's not…" Beth wrapped her arms around her waist. "What if Daniel is with parents and a family he loves? It would be cruel to take him from a home where he's happy."
"I've thought about that possibility, too. You're right, it wouldn't be fair to upset his life. I think there is a way to show our commitment to Daniel's well-being and get the approval we need to be part of his life."
"It's important to me not to put Daniel through a court battle, but I would do almost anything to spend time with him."
"I believe we'd have a better chance to get visitation rights or custody if…." He pulled on his ear. "We should get married."
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Jason wrapped his hands around her tight fists. "We need to convince his parents that we want whatever is best for Daniel. That we won't shuffle him back and forth between our homes. It's important to give him a safe, stable, and happy place to live."
He wanted to marry her, but he wanted to marry for Daniel. Not once had he talked about their relationship. Would they be friends-with-benefits?
"Would it be a hardship to marry me?" He grinned. "I don't leave my clothes lying on the floor, I always put the cap back on the toothpaste, and I can support a family."
"Money was never a concern. I knew we'd manage." She waved a hand. "Are you certain you want to tie yourself to a wife? Maybe we should wait until we find Daniel to decide if we should marry? In a month or a year, I don't want you to regret that you married me."
"We care about each other and enjoy spending time together. I admire you. You're a kind, intelligent, and strong woman. We both love classic movies and chocolate. You've always wanted a large family, and I am happy to assist you with that. I believe we can build a good life together."
Beth stared at Jason. She heard his words, but did he mean what he said? He hadn't said a word about love or friendship between them. Did it matter? Would it be wise for her to marry him even if he didn't love her? Was her love enough of a foundation for building a life together?
"Yes, I'll marry you."
Jason released the breath he'd held. "You won't regret it."
He kissed Beth then jumped to his feet then paced back and forth. "We'll apply for a license this afternoon. There's a five-working-day waiting period. We can get married next Wednesday. I'll find a judge to marry us unless you want a church ceremony? Did you have your heart set on a big wedding?"
As far as he was concerned, he didn't care where they got married, what they wore, or if anyone attended the ceremony. He wanted to get a ring on her hand before she changed her mind.
"No, a judge is fine." She wrinkled her nose. "Are you certain you want to marry me?"
He squeezed her hands. "I've never been surer of anything."
Beth's lips formed the sweetest smile he'd ever seen.
After lunch, they drove to the county offices to apply for a marriage license. He grinned when she wrote in the name she would use when they married—Elizabeth Marie Richards. After they finished the paperwork, he drove to the jewelry store.
Beth's shoulders were rigid, and she stared out the window.
"We can't get married without rings."
Had she changed her mind? She sent him a nervous smile then she reached into her purse. After a moment's hesitation, she handed him a small box.
The box looked familiar but not until he opened it, did he remember it. His eyes widened. In the box were the wedding bands he'd saved for a year to buy. "You kept them."
Jason handed the box back to her and went around the car to open her door. When she climbed out, he kissed her. He wasn't ready to say the words, but he poured his love into their kiss. A love that hadn't faded even when he'd believed she'd betrayed him.
"I…" She hesitated. "I'd like to wear these rings when we're married. We don't need new ones."
"I'd like that, but you still need an engagement ring. I couldn't afford one nine years ago, but—." He grinned. "I can now. We need to have these rings checked for size. I want everything to be perfect."
She gave him a bright smile. "It already is."
It took a while to agree on an engagement ring. Although she thought the diamond was larger than necessary, she loved the emerald cut solitaire. After the jeweler checked the size of the wedding bands, they drove back to the house with smiles on their faces.
As they entered the house, her smile dimmed. Did she have doubts? Jason led her to the study and locked the door behind him. He wanted privacy while he convinced her that marriage was a good idea.
"Are you having second thoughts about getting married?"
"What? No. I mean—you're right. We need to give Daniel a solid home, not shuttle him back and forth."
He didn't want to hear her say their marriage would be convenient, but she only repeated what he'd said to get her to agree to his proposal. "Then why the sad face?"
"Your home and business are in Chicago. I'll have to leave Serenity Bay." Her voice shook. "I'll have to leave my friends and my mother."
"We'll come back often." He ran his hand over her arms. "Besides, you don't have to give up everything. You could open another shop there. Could you take Abbey or Erik to Chicago and leave the other one in charge here?"
"You wouldn't mind?"
"Angel, this will be a marriage, not a prison sentence."
"I know, but you—"
"My home is on Chicago's North Shore. It's an ideal area for a coffee shop. You could open a neighborhood shop or go with a more upscale concept."
"I could leave Erik in charge of this shop. He might even agree to live in my house. I don't want to sell it, but it shouldn't sit vacant either."
"Do you think Abbey would move to Chicago?"
"Abbey has been restless. A move to Chicago might settle her wanderlust, at least for a while." Beth kissed Jason's chin. "Thank you."
"Why? What did I do?"
"You don't expect me to give up the work I love or be an ornament on your arm. That means a lot."
"You are a beautiful woman, but you're also intelligent, creative, and enjoy a challenge. I can't imagine you sitting around all day eating bonbons."
"I am marrying a wise man." She wound her arms around his waist and nipped at his lips.
"Glad I locked the door." He claimed her lips in a fiery kiss.
Later, they lay on the sofa wrapped in an afghan, their clothes scattered on the floor, as they gasped for breath. The telephone rang, but neither of them moved.
"Aren't you going to pick that up?" Beth asked.
Jason shrugged. "Someone will take a message."
After the third ring, Beth said, "Maybe you should answer it."
"If I tried to walk now, I'd fall on my face."
She giggled.
Jason yawned. "If no one answers, the service will take a message."
Two minutes later, Marco pounded on the door. "Mr. Michael wants to talk to you. Can you drag yourself to the telephone?"
Jason groaned then said, "Thank you, Marco."
A roar of laughter came from the other side of the door.
Jason struggled to get to his feet. "I'm glad I entertain him."
He hit the SPEAKER button on the telephone. "What have you found out?"
"I located the attorney for the people who adopted your son. He's a baby broker."
Wrapped in the blanket, Beth sat up. "He's a what?"
"He places babies with couples who will pay big dollars to adopt."
She gasped. "He's selling babies? That's despicable."
"Definitely scum," Gabriel said. "We need to learn more about him before we take any action. I don't want him to find out someone has checked on him. He might pack up and run. I sent in two of my operatives as a married couple. Their cover story is they're desperate to adopt a baby and have hinted they will pay any price."
"What did he say?" Jason asked.
"He took the bait." Gabriel snorted. "They have another appointment on Friday. He's promised to tell them if he can match them with a baby."
Beth asked, "What will you do now?"
"I want more information about him. My people are checking into his background. Once we have that, I'll figure out the best way to get in to see his files." Gabriel hesitated. "If I have to, I'll pay a midnight visit to his office."
"Whatever you do, don't get into so much trouble I can't bail you out of jail."
"Based on what I've learned, Woodson won't contact the police. He won't want them to look into his business practices, but that makes him more likely to run."
"Sounds like you know him." Jason grinned. "Anything else?"
"Yeah. We can't confirm the information you gave me for the Andersons. Either the name is wrong, or they used fake identifications. I won't know for sure until I can check into Woodson's files."
Jason pulled her close. "This is closer than anyone has gotten, and we trust that you'll do whatever you think is best. In the meantime, I'll keep Beth distracted." He winked at her. "If you're available, next Wednesday we're getting married. We'd like you to come."
"Congratulations. I wondered how long it would take you to figure out what a prize you had."
Jason smiled. "It took nine years to get this done, but I have staying power."
Gabriel laughed then disconnected the call.
Wrapped in the afghan, Beth got to her feet. Jason led her to the door, but she pulled away and ran back to the sofa.
Jason asked, "What's wrong?"
She bent to pick up his shirt. "I don't want Lupita and Marco to know what we were doing."
Jason coughed. "It will be our secret."