When they returned to the ballroom, the guests, unaware of the drama, teased them about their long absence. Jason laughed and Beth blushed. Then the band played his jitterbug. He twirled her until she was breathless. She laughed when Erik pulled her into the chicken dance, but it didn't keep her from watching for her mother.
When she returned to Jason, he said, "Marco is with Deidre, and Gabriel promised to keep Archer away. They won't let him hurt her."
Then Jason distracted her. He pressed his hand to her cheek and his lips to hers in a kiss meant to comfort, but soon sizzled with heat. He lifted his head when the wolf whistles and enthusiastic applause broke through the lust that flared whenever they kissed. Flushed, they turned and bowed to their friends.
While Beth danced with their guests, Jason went to the study and called Mason Reed, owner of the River Inn. He got lucky. The bridal suite was available. It had a king-size bed, a Jacuzzi, and a balcony with a view of the river and forest. Jason made a few requests that Mason promised to arrange.
Jason got back to the reception at the same time Deidre returned with his parents. Beth ran to her mother and hugged her. Deidre reassured her she was fine. He told Beth and their families about their reservations at the River Inn.
Beth's reply was immediate, "I don't want to leave Mother."
Deidre said, "You need to celebrate your marriage and not worry about me. I'll be fine."
Helen put an arm around Beth. "Your mother needs time to figure out how to deal with all that's happened. She won't be alone. We'll stay here until you return."
"I can't avoid the problems in my marriage or bury my head in the sand any longer." Deidre frowned. "Archer's behavior has hurt the family and the business. It has to stop."
Beth nodded. "All right, but promise you'll call if he causes trouble."
Deidre laughed. "Gabriel made it clear that Archer is not welcome here."
Jason said, "Gabriel isn't a man you want to cross."
With a cocky grin, he lifted Beth into his arms. The musicians stopped playing, and he turned to their guests. "Thank you for helping us celebrate this happy day. Please stay and enjoy yourselves, but I've waited nine years to go on this honeymoon and refuse to wait any longer."
Beth laughed while the guests cheered and clapped. Jason carried her to the limousine under a shower of confetti. Before they got into the car, Beth reminded him she wanted to throw the bouquet. Jason turned, and she threw it over her shoulder. Loud laughter rang out. They turned to find Erik, his face a deep crimson, holding the bouquet.
Although it wasn't the honeymoon he planned, Jason wanted Beth to have happy memories of this day. He refused to let Archer ruin their wedding or cast a dark shadow over their marriage.
At the Inn, Mason greeted them and told Jason, "Your room is ready."
Beth opened her mouth, but he pressed a finger over her lips and winked. "It's a surprise." At the door to their suite, he again lifted Beth into his arms and walked into the room. "At last."
He kicked the door shut and took her lips in a kiss that demanded all she had to give. She returned his kiss with an intensity that drove his need to the edge. When she parted her lips, his tongue slid in to tangle with hers. In desperate need of satisfaction, he caressed the sensitive skin of her mouth. He lowered her legs to the floor and brushed his hand over her cheek then stepped back.
Beth grabbed his arms. "Don't stop."
"I want to be certain no one disturbs us." He locked the door.
"Oh, Jason. This is beautiful."
He turned to find a fantasyland. He'd asked Mason for candles, but he never expected this. Lighted candles and vases of flowers were everywhere. Next to the Victorian style loveseat was a bucket of ice with a magnum of champagne set to chill. If they got hungry, on the table was a silver platter with hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
Jason dropped his coats and shirt then went to stand behind Beth. He wrapped his arms around her waist before kissing a path down her neck and shoulders. "You're beautiful in this dress, but you'll look even better out of it."
He flicked a button on the back of her dress. "I noticed these earlier. Did you do this to torture me?"
Beth grinned when she shrugged. "Callie thought it would be fun."
"Little sisters cannot be trusted," Jason mumbled while he struggled with the first button. After it was undone, he managed the rest of the buttons without a problem. He turned Beth, but she'd crossed her arms and held her dress in place. He frowned and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I bought you a gift, but I didn't want to unveil it until I had your full attention."
"You have my complete, undivided attention." He grinned.
A coy smile curved her lips when she released her bodice and wiggled her hips. Her dress drifted to the floor and formed a white, chiffon cloud at her feet.
Jason's mouth fell open. Beth still wore white, but now she wore her satin and lace corset, lace thong, a garter belt and white thigh-high stockings. She was an invitation to sin no sane man could deny.
She stepped out of her dress and bent to pick it off the floor. On the back of her thong was a lace bow that teased his already overwrought senses.
Jason muttered, "Have mercy."
Beth looked at him over her shoulder and smiled.
His cock went from stiff to hard as steel. If he didn't bury himself in her soon, he might pass out from a lack of blood to his brain.
He took her dress and laid it over a chair. "If I had known what you were wearing under that dress, we would have skipped the reception—maybe even the ceremony."
"That's what Callie predicted." She laughed. "I guess she knows you well."
"She shouldn't tell you all my secrets."
"Well, I think she was optimistic. She said you'd have me in bed five minutes after I took off my dress. But I'm here in the sexiest lingerie I own, and you haven't taken advantage of me."
"What is wrong with me?" With a quick move, he lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his hips. "I never want it said I disappointed my bride."
Jason sat on the sofa, and Beth straddled his lap. With a light, soft touch, he stroked her skin. Then he cupped her face between his hands and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. He'd wanted to take his time, but his control fractured.
With a tug, he pulled on the top of the corset and uncovered her breasts. Jason used his mouth to make love to her. He fondled each mound and drew circles over them. Then he swirled his tongue over her nipples. He tormented the sensitive buds and blew air over each damp nub until she moaned.
Beth shifted her hips and rubbed against the bulge of his cock. He groaned when she touched his skin as she pulled his shirt out of his pants. Her fingers raked over his chest and stomach and sent waves of fire through his body.
She pulled his shirt open. The air cooled his skin and was a welcome relief from the heat that ravaged his body. He struggled to get his shirt off while she stroked his chest and stomach. But when she sucked a nipple into her mouth, lust ripped through him.
As Beth tortured him, he undid the hooks that held her lacy corset in place. He shuddered when a wisp of her warm breath drifted over his chest as he loosened the last hook. He tossed the enticing garment over his shoulder and gazed at the creamy skin he'd revealed. A seductive smile curled her lips when her breasts crushed against his chest.
Jason slid his hand between her thighs. He pushed her lace panties aside to tease her. He smiled when she moaned. Then her back arched, and she lifted her hips to grind against his hand.
"I want you in me."
"Soon."
She grabbed his wrist. "Can't wait."
She slid back so she could stroke him where he lay hidden in his pants. Then her eyebrows dipped as she concentrated on the zipper. When she freed him, his shaft jerked to rise hard and stiff between her thighs. She ran her hand up his cock and laughed when it bobbed.
"I have fallen in love with this little bow." Jason ran the palm of his hand over her butt until he reached the bow on the back of her thong. Then he pulled. "I'll buy you a dozen of these, but now I want it gone."
With the thong out of his way, he ran his hand through her wet curls. He whirled his fingers in her cream and spread it until he was certain she was ready for him then he said, "Lift onto your knees."
When she knelt, Beth held his cock at her entrance. "Like this?"
"Yes…" Jason slipped into her and wallowed in the pleasure of her soft heat wrapped around him.
Beth moved on his cock with slow, deliberate strokes. As she rode him, she rotated her hips and ground against his pelvis. Her sexy movements and the moans she made fueled his lust.
She rode him fast and hard. Her movements frantic as she reached for her orgasm. Tingles raced along his spine. He couldn't hold back much longer. He dropped his hand between their bodies and teased her clit.
Her back stiffened. "Jason!" The muscles in her sheath clenched around his cock.
The feathery ripples wiped away the last of his restraint. He jerked his hips and arched his back as he throbbed and filled her.
Beth collapsed against his chest. They clung to each other with their arms and legs entangled, sweat coating their bodies, and pounding hearts. He nuzzled her neck and inhaled the musky aroma of sex mixed with the sweet, fruity scent of honeysuckle.
On the second day of their honeymoon, Beth sat on Jason's lap as they fed each other between kisses and caresses. It was late when they woke. She'd reached for him, but Jason insisted they first eat the breakfast Mason brought to their room.
Jason's cell phone rang, and he scowled. "This better be urgent." She laughed and moved to another chair while he checked his phone. "It's Gabriel." He hit the TALK button.
"Richards."
"We found Daniel."
The words they'd waited to hear. He told Beth, "Gabriel's found Daniel."
She ran to Jason. "Turn on the speaker."
He hit the button. "Tell us."
"For the last fourteen months, Daniel has been at a farm in Massachusetts with the Brewer family."
Jason asked, "How is he?"
"He's happy and healthy. Over the years, the Brewers have taken in several foster children. They're generous people and good to the children in their care."
Beth asked, "Can we see Daniel?"
"His caseworker gave me the information on Daniel's foster family so I could check on them. She had one condition, I had to promise not to make contact until she gave the go ahead."
"At least we know where he's living."
Gabriel said, "I didn't want to risk Daniel's being moved before you petition for custody, so I explained your situation to his caseworker, Brenda Abernathy."
Beth asked, "Did that help?"
"Brenda promised not to move Daniel to give you time to apply for custody."
Jason wrapped his arm around her, and asked, "What do we do now?"
"You're to meet with Brenda Thursday at social services in Boston. She's a tough lady, but fair. She does whatever is necessary to take care of her kids."
"Gabriel, will you go with us?" Beth asked.
"I hoped you'd ask."
She clenched her hands. "Do you think we will get custody of Daniel?"
Gabriel didn't hesitate. "When I talked to Brenda and explained your situation, she was cautious but encouraging. Once you file all the paperwork and prove you’re Daniel's biological parents, they'll conduct their investigations. If she doesn't find any problems, she'll recommend you be granted custody of Daniel."
Jason said, "My attorneys already have the general information put together."
She stared at him. "They are already working on this?"
He shrugged. "It's important to plan."
Beth hugged him. "I love you."
Gabriel chuckled. "The more information you can give Brenda on Thursday, the sooner she'll be able to do her reviews and process your petition."
Jason said, "We will have the forms and documents required by Massachusetts prepared before we meet."
Gabriel said, "Can I assume your filing for temporary custody and permanent guardianship."
"Yes. They're preparing that petition as well." Jason grinned. "Gabriel, we're grateful for all you've done."
"This is why I do this work. Let's not forget, the information you got from Beth's mother. We wouldn't have found Woodson without her help."
"Mother will be so happy."
He kissed her forehead. "We'll return to the house this afternoon and fly back to Chicago tomorrow."
"There's one last thing." Gabriel cleared his throat. "Someone got into Woodson's vault and every file has been taken. If I find them, I plan to check into the adoptions he arranged."
Jason's brow furrowed. "Would you consider a silent partner? I'd like to fund your work. Who knows how many people adopted children through Woodson and have paid blackmail?"
"I'd welcome your support as long as you understand this won't be a profit-generating business."
Jason said, "I'm not concerned about profits. Children shouldn't be bought and sold."
Beth asked, "Gabriel, what did Woodson do when he learned his files were gone?"
"I heard he ran for the Canadian border. Like that will save him."
Although Beth enjoyed her time with Jason, she was too excited to relax. Her mother would be thrilled they'd found Daniel, but how would Jason's family take the news? Would they hate her for placing him for adoption?
The families welcomed Beth and Jason home with hugs and kisses.
Deidre frowned. "I thought you'd be away for a week. You didn't cut your honeymoon short because of me, did you?"
"We'll take time for a longer honeymoon after I move to Chicago." Beth wrapped an arm around her mother's shoulder. "Did Archer cause any problems while we were away?"
Helen squeezed Deidre's arm. "You're dealing with a painful situation and have made a difficult decision. Now, you need to tell Beth what you've decided."
Deidre folded her hands together and nodded. "Let's go to the study."
Beth and Jason sat on the sofa while Deidre stood by the fireplace and twisted her wedding ring. "Even after Mr. Michael told Archer to stay away, he came here anyway. He raised such a ruckus I agreed to talk to him. He tried to bully me so I would return to the house. I hadn't realized how out of control his temper was until he threatened to cut off my income."
"We won't let that happen." Jason's eyebrows drew together. "I'll put my attorneys to work on it."
"Thank you, but it's an empty threat. I own fifty-two percent of the company, and Beth has twenty-four percent ownership. Archer has resented that he didn't have full ownership of the company. His bitterness eats at him and is, at least in part, responsible for his erratic behavior."
Deidre rubbed her hands over her arms. "Anyway, I told him I won't tolerate his abuse any longer. I threatened to file for a divorce if he didn't get help. He agreed to seek the help of a professional, but I refused to return to the house until he learns to control his anger."
Beth went to her mother and held her hand. "You can live here. We'll live in Chicago, and the house will be empty."
"We can talk about it." Deidre patted Beth's hand. "But I'm excited about having a home I can decorate the way I want it, not one staged by an interior designer with delusions of grandeur."
"Deidre, it's important to do what's best for yourself. Whatever you decide, we'll support you," Jason assured her.
"Thank you." She walked to the desk. "I will need your help to undo the mess Archer has made of the company."
Jason said, "You can count on us."
Deidre sighed. "I let him run the business without oversight for too long. I'd heard rumors about his business practices but ignored them. Before Father died, I promised to take care of the company he worked so hard to build. I failed him. Instead, I tried to soothe Archer's ego and let him run the company his way. Now the company is on the brink of bankruptcy."
"Mother, you didn't know what he was doing."
"I didn't want to know." Deidre rubbed her eyes. "While you were in the hospital, I took a hard look at my life. I let Archer's wishes interfere in my relationship with my daughter." She clenched her hands. "When he broke his promise to leave you alone, I'd had enough of his lies and manipulation."
Jason said, "Deidre, you did what you thought was best for your family."
"Did I?" She shrugged. "I wanted to keep peace in our family, but the cost was too high. It's time for a change."
"Father wore you down." Beth put an arm around her mother's shoulders. "We'll help you save Grandfather's company and you will never lose me. I love you, and I'm proud of you."
While they dressed for dinner, Beth paced. "Your family will hate me. I got pregnant and gave up our son."
"You weren't in that boathouse alone. Besides, my family loves you, and they won't blame you for what happened. Although they may not be so easy on me."
"I don't want to tell them that my parents forced me to put Daniel up for adoption. They might get angry with mother, and she has so much to cope with already."
"They're my family, and I love them, but that doesn't mean they need to know every detail of our lives. We don't have to tell them why you placed Daniel for adoption. Now try not to worry." This time, when she walked across the room, Jason grabbed her and pulled her close for a kiss. "We've found Daniel. Our parents will be happy to have a grandchild, well, except Archer."
"I hope you're right."
"Let's go share our news."
They walked into the dining room. The families, including Marco and Lupita, sat at the table. Jason sat together at the head of the table with Beth to his right.
He cleared his throat and took a drink of water. "We have something to tell you."
All eyes focused on him, he shifted in his seat. "You remember that I left Serenity Bay nine years ago. Well…the night before I left town, Beth got pregnant."
There were gasps around the table. Shocked eyes focused on Beth then turned back to Jason.
Matt looked angry and pursed his lips.
Helen asked, "Why didn't you tell us?"
"I didn't know until I came back to town last month." He squeezed Beth's hand.
"I tried to tell Jason about the pregnancy, but the letters I sent never reached him." Beth grimaced. "After our son's birth, I placed him for adoption. For years, I've searched for him."
Matt's eyes narrowed. "That's why you wanted Michael's number."
Jason smiled. "Gabriel found Daniel."
Helen asked, "His name is Daniel? Was he named after you?"
Jason nodded.
"You found him." Deidre rushed to Beth. Tears fell from her eyes, but she wore a smile that lit the room. "Where is he? Will you get him back?"
She hugged her mother. "He's in foster care."
"I have a grandson?" Helen rushed to hug Jason. "I'm a grandmother."
Beth said, "The couple who adopted Daniel died in a car crash. For the last fourteen months, he's lived on a farm outside of Boston. Thursday we meet with his caseworker, and we'll file a petition for custody."
Callie frowned. "I don't understand. How did it happen?"
Jason grinned and said, "Well, there are birds and bees…"
Laughter filled the room, and Callie turned a deep, flaming shade of red.
Jason and Beth told them what they'd learned so far. They answered the questions they could, but there was so much they didn't know.
Beth said, "When we talk to his caseworker, we hope she'll tell us more about Daniel. We want to know about his life while he lived with his adoptive parents and in foster care."
Soon everyone was making plans for Daniel. Matt and Helen planned trips to the aquarium and the planetarium. Marco said they needed to get a horse and saddle so he could teach Daniel to ride.
But it was Callie's plan that had everyone laughing. She'd pulled out her phone and typed so fast her fingers were a blur. Beth asked her what she was doing.
"I want to find a set of drums that Daniel can use to drive Jason crazy."
"Little sisters should be seen and not heard." Jason raised his wine glass. "I'd like to make a toast. To Deidre, who sent the letter that brought me back to Serenity Bay and gave us the information we needed to find our son. Thank you for the chance you've given us to be a family."
Everyone lifted their glasses. "To Deidre."