Womb for Rent


Amanda Brian





Hard Shell
Word Factory





Copyright © 1999, Patti Shenberger

Published May, 1999 by
Hard Shell Word Factory
PO Box 161
Amherst Jct. WI 54407

books@hardshell.com
http://www.hardshell.com

All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and has no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. These characters are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

ISBN: ISBN:0-7408-0508-8


Electronic format made
available by arrangement with

Hard Shell Word Factory





peanutpress.com, Inc.
www.peanutpress.com
PROLOGUE

The wedding was perfect in every sense of the word. Soon to be heralded as the "Talk of the Town." So as not to miss anything going on around her, the local gossip columnist, an old and dear friend of the bride's parents, scribbled notes as fast and furiously as she could. Four hundred wedding guests milled inside the Covington Ballroom. The room was filled to capacity. Opulent bouquets of white roses adorned each table setting. Crystal candelabras graced the tables, their flickering flames twinkling off the champagne flutes beneath them.

The elegant red-haired bride stood smiling at her many guests, resplendent in an exquisite white satin gown, yards and yards of train cascaded down the winding mahogany staircase to pool at her petite white satin covered feet.

The groom exuded confidence with his every stride as he crossed the ballroom. Exuberant congratulations and hearty back slapping followed in his wake. Women stared openly in lust at him, while every man in the room wished he could command that kind of silent respect. His tuxedo fit snugly across his muscular chest, the inky blackness mirrored his ebony eyes. The bride was indeed a very lucky woman.

Waiters wove their way silently through the throng of wedding guests, their emerald green bow ties and cummerbunds a glaring contrast to the pristine white tux's they wore.

Champagne flowed down a three-tiered fountain to cascade into priceless champagne flutes placed in readiness. Caviar surrounded the base of the fountain, their tiny beads reminiscent of red and black jewels under the soft glow from the chandeliers. No expense had been spared for this event.

The bride and groom met at the center of the lace-covered bridal table. Lifting Lydia's fingers to his lips, Derek Cameron brushed a gentle kiss across her knuckles as his ebony eyes caught and held her own soft gaze.

"Happy darling?" he inquired coolly, his eyes searching her face.

A bit confused, Lydia smiled shyly at her new husband and nodded.

Sterling silver spoons chimed against Baccarat crystal to draw the guest's attention forward, as Gary Brooks, Derek's best man, held up his champagne flute in celebration.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention please. As best man and longtime friend of both the bride and groom, I would like to propose a toast." He turned to smile at Derek and Lydia. "May the stars be your guide as you ride off into the sunset to find your happiness."

Derek involuntarily choked as a sip of champagne went down the wrong way at Gary's choice of words.

Lifting their glasses high, a resounding chorus of hear - hear's filled the room.

Derek lowered his glass and faced the crowd before him. "Honored guests, I would like to thank you all for coming today, but unfortunately there will be no happy ending to this marriage. On Monday, I'm having it annulled." He set the flute on the table and surveyed the room.

Horrified gasps echoed throughout the ballroom. Whispered words mixed with shocked murmurs flew rampant. "If you would all be so kind as to flip over your place cards, you will see the reason for my announcement," he continued.

Confused guests and family alike reached in perplexed unison for the engraved place markers. Attached securely to the porcelain base was a photograph. Not just any photograph though. This one showed the newly wedded bride, her red hair standing out like a halo, seated astride the thrusting hips of Derek's best man Gary. Gary wore nothing more than his birthday suit, whereas the bride was decked out in a white cowboy hat and boots, with silver sheriff badges gracing her ample breasts.

Upon seeing the photo, Lydia pressed a shaky hand to her lips, burst into tears and fled the ballroom. Her fifteen attendants trailed nervously in her wake.

Gary sunk back down on his chair and swallowed what was left of his champagne in a hearty gulp.

Derek watched the chaos erupt around him. Calmly stepping out from behind the bridal table, he motioned to a passing waiter.

The young man hurried his steps to Derek's side. Lifting three unopened bottles of Dom Perignon from the serving tray, Derek smiled at the nameless server. "Now, I plan on spending my wedding night getting rip-snorting drunk"
Chapter 1

Five Years Later

The early February sun shone brightly through the puffy white clouds as Talli Paxton watched the four frantic dogs bound across the frozen lawn, each eager to begin their morning exercises. Talli's long, auburn ponytail swung playfully with her movements as she jogged backward toward the pool house.

Getting this job was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She bent down and quickly retied her sneaker lace to prepare herself for the canine cavalcade rapidly approaching her they clamored for her attention— barks and bays, punctuated by short yips of glee. Her hand held out in front of her, she spoke softly, yet firmly to the dogs. "Sit."

In unison, all four of their furry butts plopped in a scraggly row on the frost covered grass. Tails wagging and tongues lolling, they looked to her for further instruction.

"Good dogs." She patted each one on the head in turn, taking a few seconds to scratch their favorite spots.

"Jack, what's new big guy?" The male Dalmatian sat preening, his sleek coat smooth in the morning sun. Moving on, she ran her hands over Mary, Jack's female counterpart.

"Mary, my girl, how are you?" Mary panted against Talli's cold hand, bringing warmth to her chilled fingers.

Next to the Dalmatians sat two wiggling Basset Hounds. Talli knelt down beside the pair, her hands caressed their soft muzzles as she pressed her cheek against theirs.

"George, Gracie, how are my wiggle worms?" The two hounds squirmed delightedly under her touch. Talli lowered herself slowly to the cold cement bench at the edge of the garden, surrounded by the four excited pooches. "Good dogs."

For roughly fifteen minutes, both Talli and the dogs enjoyed the morning breeze.

Talli looked around the massive grounds in appreciation. After working here only six months, Cameron Manor already felt like home.

Consummate business professional Derek Cameron had hired her to be his live-in, full-time dog sitter. She had her own room in the main house, plus a car for her use. She looked down at her four charges and smiled. Working with animals was something Talli had always wanted to do. Even as a young child, she was forever bringing home the sick puppy or orphaned kitten or, much to her mother's dismay, an injured wild critter. Throughout the years, Talli pursued her interest in animals at various veterinarian office's and obedience facilities. It was at Yuppy-Puppy Pet Care that she spotted Derek Cameron's advertisement for live-in pet care. She had jumped at the opportunity and was hired on the spot.

What more could a girl from the wrong side of the tracks ask for? This was a far cry from the one story wood frame home she had once shared with her mother.

Talli's green gaze sought out Derek's bedroom window in the elegant red brick mansion. Rarely did their paths cross for more than a few brief minutes per day. On the occasions when they did, Talli found herself openly staring at her employer. Derek Cameron always looked as though he had just stepped off the cover of a men's fashion magazine. His clothes radiated opulence and wealth, his looks were drop dead gorgeous. Jet black hair threaded through with strands of silver framed rugged handsomeness. His ebony eyes silently spoke his requests and Talli would have willingly done anything he asked if her gaze lingered too long on his.

She allowed her thoughts to wander. What did Derek Cameron wear to bed behind those windows? Black silk boxers to match his eyes? Or maybe nothing at all. Inwardly shivering, she rose from the bench. It wasn't like she knocked on his door all hours of the night, asking inane questions about the dogs, just to see what he was or wasn't wearing. Get a grip on yourself Talli, she mentally scolded. It's time to stop thinking about your employer and get on with your duties. Lately, she'd found herself lost in daydreams involving her boss. Unfortunately, that's all they were, just daydreams. Talli knew in her heart there was no way this side of heaven or hell, Derek Cameron would ever look upon her as anything more than an employee.

Even back in high school, Derek never paid her any attention, but then why would he? She was a nobody, a tall, skinny fourteen year old. Talli remembered one incident when their paths had crossed. During study hall in the library, her nose buried in a book, Talli didn't see the boy pull her chair away as she went to sit down. The book flew from her hands, as she fought to regain her balance. The resulting boom as she and the textbook hit the cement floor had caused the other students to snicker at her misfortune.

Like Sir Lancelot, Derek had appeared out of nowhere, helping her up, scowling darkly at the offending student. Mortified, Talli had tried to turn away, but his hand held her still.

"Are you all right?" he'd asked.

She looked up at him, dressed menacingly head to toe in black leather, a dangerous gleam in his eyes and a large purple bruise covering the right side of his cheek, worn proudly like a battle scar. Talli had heard the rumors, how his father drank too much and took his anger out on Derek and his mother.

"My knight in shining armor," she blurted out without thinking, then bit her lip wishing she could take back the childish words.

"Baby, this knight's tarnished." He smiled at her, his guard down for a brief second as tenderness replaced the fierce look he normally wore.

"Not to me," she whispered, ducking her head shyly.

"You're sweet kid, stay that way." He patted her on the top of her head and sauntered away.

Talli relived the moment as if it were yesterday. She could still feel the warmth of his hand against her arm, his touch atop her head. She doubted Derek even remembered the incident. His eyes showed no sign of recognition when she interviewed for the dog sitting position and she was loathe to bring it up. Part of her hoped he would remember her, but for what? She could never be a part of his world and travel in the same circles as he. No, instead she would be content to care for his dogs and enjoy all the opportunity had to offer.

The gangly adolescent was gone, replaced by a tall, auburn haired woman with flashing green eyes. Yet the puppy love she kept buried all those years remained, hidden under a cool facade. Though she would never have the opportunity to possess his heart, at least she was able to live in his house and know that she was near him. With a sigh Talli whistled for the dogs. Time to get down to business.

Derek Cameron brought his fingers up to rest lightly on his chin. "So Mr. Maxwell, tell me again why this is the deal of a lifetime?" Derek's long dark eyelashes hid the brooding look in his ebony eyes as he scanned the boardroom.

A short portly gentleman in a rumpled, striped seersucker suit nervously twisted an orange plaid tie, and rose from his seat at the end of the eight-foot-long teak conference table.

"Uh, you see Mr. Cameron, we at Wardell Industries feel a merger between Cameron Creations and Wardell would open up a whole new set of avenues for both companies. Cameron Creations is already a household name with Wardell following a close second." The man paused to draw a breath. "With a minimal investment on your part, say one million dollars, we can guarantee a fifty percent return on your money within one fiscal year."

Derek's piercing dark eyes revealed no emotion as he openly studied the group before him. He had done his research on Wardell Industries and now watched their top negotiator ply his trade.

Clayton Maxwell finished his presentation and sank back into the richly upholstered chair, his plump hand dotting nervously at his damp brow.

Derek looked around the table, taking in the anxious faces before him. He studied each one briefly before moving on to the next. Lowering his hands to the table's edge, he rose to his feet in a fluid motion. "Gentleman, I wish to thank you for giving me the first opportunity at such an offer." He crossed the floor and opened the ornately decorated door, emblazoned with the large black letters C and C. As he walked through it, he paused, staring at the men sitting frozen around the table.

Derek met the muddled gaze of Clayton Maxwell. "By the way, have your lawyers draw up the contracts. I'll sign them first thing in the morning."

Back in his own quiet office, Derek stared at the familiar Windsor skyline outside his window. From his vantage downtown Detroit location, he could see far and wide on both sides of the river. The glass and steel structures lining the water caught and held the afternoon light. His eyes focused on the Ambassador Bridge, as he watched the steady stream of traffic inching across the mammoth steel and concrete structure outlined against the setting sun in the spring sky. Surrounded by the opulent trappings he had created for himself, Derek suddenly felt very alone.

He let his body slide downward in the chair and sat staring out the window as the day lengthened. Shadows grew longer as dusk descended. A soft knock and a slim shaft of light broke into his reverie.

"Mr. Cameron, It's six-thirty. Is there anything else you require before I leave for the night?"

Derek swivelled to face the silhouette of his secretary in the doorway. "Thank you, but no, I'm fine. Have a pleasant evening, Margaret."

"You too, sir. Goodnight."

He watched her pull the door shut leaving him facing the dark portal. Behind him, the lights of the city twinkled. The city came alive after sunset. The Canadian shoreline speckled with a profusion of bright lights, neon signs and a multitude of sounds. Across the desk, his private fax machine beeped. Derek reached over the cabinet to snap on the desk lamp and picked up the transmission.

Minutes later he wadded the message into a ball and tossed it into the waste basket. Then he reached for and turned out the desk light. Derek leaned back in his black leather chair with a sigh. The message had been a birth announcement, heralding the arrival of twins. That made five kids in as many years for Lydia and Gary. Still, going strong from the looks of things.

After the wedding fiasco, Lydia and Gary eloped barely three months later. A quickie ceremony in Las Vegas to offset the "premature" birth of their baby girl. Now, the total Brooks clan had grown to five, three girls and a set of twin boys! Obviously, Lydia had married the right man.

At one time, revenge had been sweet as he wrecked havoc at his own wedding. Now, he could hardly remember that fateful day due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

Even though the memory and pain lay etched deep down in his heart, Derek knew he and Lydia never would have been able to make a go of it. She needed a man who would be there for her - not someone traveling thirty-nine weeks out of the year. She needed someone to share her days and nights with— not a workaholic such as himself. Five years ago, he and Lydia had dated for such a long time, everyone assumed they would marry. Back then, marriage would have been the next natural step. Now, he realized the folly of his thoughts. He was no woman's prize. Not him. He was a work-driven, hard-core loner.

He saw it more and more as the years passed. His face appeared in the society pages on a regular basis, usually with a stunning blonde or ravishing brunette on his arm. Never seen with the same woman twice. Derek Cameron was touted as society's most eligible bachelor according to the local rag mags and he planned to keep it that way for a very long time. The less of a personal life he had, the better off he would be. Yet, there were still times...times when the Christmas cards arrived, filled with pictures of Lydia and Gary, holding the children close and smiling for the camera. A perfect family scene.

Every now and then, those moments tugged at the strings of his heart. Lately, the moments were coming way too often. Something had to be done about it, but what?

Derek sat alone in the dark and stared out the window. He was thirty years old, no family and no true friends to speak of. What did he have to look forward to in life? The holidays passed in quiet solitude at Cameron Manor, with only the household staff in attendance. Of course he received invitations to all the prominent social functions in town, but holidays were different. He didn't feel comfortable intruding on family times, so he choose to decline the requests. How many times had Maimie told him to get out and find himself a real woman. Not those "dyed and fried" versions, as she called them, that he dated. He smiled wryly and allowed himself an opportunity to reflect. His own housekeeper knew more about him than he did. Sometimes he thought she might be right; other times he wasn't so sure.

His only attempt at marriage had been an unmitigated disaster. Not one he planned on repeating! Growing up in a divorced home, listening to the all-night fights had taken their toll. Words spoken in a drunken stupor reverberated in his head.

Derek remembered the pride on his mother's face, the tears sliding down her cheeks as he walked across the auditorium stage to accept his diploma. His father was drunk at home, uncaring and unwilling to put down the bottle for anyone or anything. Derek had been the only one in his family to graduate from high school. After the ceremony was over, he handed his mother the slim parchment and tenderly kissed her, trying not to notice the black and blue bruise that covered most of her left cheek.

His father's verbal and physical abuse rang in his ears, even after all these years. The sounds of breaking glass mingled with explosive outbursts dogged his steps. Fights followed by his father's broken promises, half spoken truths tailed by out and out lies. If only he had intervened sooner on his mother's behalf, maybe she would still be alive today. The "if only's" were creeping back up on him again.

He closed his eyes, allowing his thoughts to drift toward the small yellowed obituary tucked safely away in the recesses of his wallet. The only remainder of the parents he once knew.

Minutes later, the front legs of the chair hit the floor with a loud thump. Why hadn't he thought of it before? It was so simple. With a swipe at the lamp, Derek bathed the office in light. He blinked momentarily, then grabbed the phone and punched in a set of numbers. As he cradled the receiver to his ear, he quickly scribbled notes on a yellow legal pad.

"Anthony, Derek Cameron here. Listen, do you have time to meet tonight? There's an urgent matter I need to go over with you. No, nothing to do with Cameron Creations. More on a personal note. I'll meet you there. Thanks, Anthony." Derek dropped the receiver back down and surveyed his notes. This might just work!

Beer sloshed over the sides of the frosted mug, spilling out on the scarred wood surface of the table.

Derek watched Anthony Baretti ram plump fingers through his thinning hair, then groan. "Are you nuts? You'd have to be to believe this would work! Derek, this has to be the craziest idea you've ever come up with." Anthony shook his head and took a healthy swallow of his beer.

Derek smiled at his longtime friend and most trusted confidant. Anthony tended to over-react at times, but never like this. He picked up his own mug, took a slow drink and watched the older man's emotions play across his face. Sputtered words hastened along by disbelief, followed by outrage, then disbelief again.

Anthony verbally listed a dozen reasons why Derek's idea was harebrained, but offered no solid negative response in return.

When his tirade of protests slowed, Derek sat his mug on the table and smiled. "Finished yet?"

"No, yes— well maybe. I'm not sure. How serious are you about this cockamamie idea of yours?"

"Very," Derek stated calmly.

"Well then, I'm not finished."

Derek held up a hand. "Give me a chance to explain. Then lambaste my idea if you must."

Anthony nodded and picked up his beer. "Go ahead. I'm listening."

Thirty minutes later Derek finished, giving Anthony the floor. The older man conceded that Derek had sound and valid reasons for his request. He couldn't fault any of them, logically they all made sense. He looked down at the scribbled notes in front of him.

"Well, it might work. But that's a mighty big might," he reiterated. "You would have to draw everything up nice and legal to be sure all gray areas are covered."

Derek nodded, smiling broadly. This would definitely work. He was one hundred percent sure of it. "Good. Put the ad in the papers tonight. Pull whatever strings you have to see that it runs first thing in the morning. I want to see all the responses, every single one of them."

"How can you be sure you're going to get any replies?"

"Oh, I'll get responses. Money moves mountains. You can be sure of that."

Talli watched the four dogs lift their heads in unison at the sound of the front door closing. Their master was home. She turned on her side to glance at the neon clock on the night stand. Two-thirty in the morning. Derek Cameron kept the strangest hours of anyone she could imagine. She fought down the mental image that he had been out with a woman. It was none of her business who he saw or what he did, but a gnawing ache made her pray she was wrong.

After listening in the dark, the dogs quietly put their heads back down on Talli's bedroom carpet. Soon the room was filled with the sounds of snoring. She smiled at her four watchdogs. Pity Derek didn't spend more time with them. But with his business, he was gone most of the time. Anyway, if he was home more, she would be out of a job.

You are cordially invited to
help Derek Cameron produce an heir
No strings attached. Generous benefits.
Resume required
Seriously interested parties apply to:

An address followed the advertisement. Talli couldn't believe her eyes! Produce an heir? He had to be kidding. The full page tricolor ad screamed out in boldface black letters, impossible to miss on the second page of the Detroit News. Somehow though she sincerely doubted this was real. Probably just another attempt to elicit media coverage. A wet nose pushed the paper off her lap and down to the damp grass as she gazed at the sorrowful face nestled there. Talli smiled as she patted the furry beast.

"So, your master wants a baby, huh? Hasn't he got enough to do with his life already?" The Basset Hounds panted in excitement. Talli rose to her feet and headed for the kitchen doorwall to let the dogs in, their antics causing her to quickly forget the ad which only minutes before she had exclaimed over.

In the kitchen doorway, Derek quietly watched Maimie clasp her hands to her heart in disbelief. "Good gracious, what has that boy gotten himself into this time?"

Joseph Henderson patted his wife's arm and spoke placatingly. "You have to trust Mr. Cameron to know what he's doing, Maimie. Don't go getting yourself all in a tizzy over it."

"A tizzy? Is that what you think I'll do? Well, listen up husband of mine. I've been working here for almost ten years and I don't plan on keeping my opinions to myself now. I'm going to give `Mr.' Cameron an earful."

The kitchen door swung open. Clad in a light blue polo shirt and faded jeans, he looked more like a college student than a serious, calculating business investor. He padded barefoot across the ceramic tile floor, smiled and bussed Maimie's cheek. "What's got you in such an uproar this morning?"

"You know exactly what's the matter. Don't you go playing all soft and cozy with me, Mister Big Shot." Her hands fluttered as she went off on her tirade.

"Now, now Maimie, remember who the boss is here." Joseph tried to calm his wife, to no avail. She was too far gone in her speech to hear him.

"I remember exactly who the boss is. Don't you worry about that none. What I'd like to know is why he thinks he needs to advertise for a woman to produce an heir?" She waved her arm at the paper on the counter.

Derek paused before answering. He let his gaze swing from Maimie to Joseph, then back again and cleared his throat. "I think you know the answer to that question already," he said softly, taking a coffee cup from the cupboard and turning away. His back presented a formidable barrier.

Maimie clucked under her tongue and approached Derek. She put her hand on his shoulder and turned him to face her. "Listen here boy, your parent's problems were just that, your parents'. You aren't to be held accountable for what happens in someone else's life, only your own."

"Maimie, it wouldn't work. What do I possibly have to offer a wife? Empty nights and long, lonely days with only the dogs for company? You know I already proved "that" theory five years ago," Derek replied.

Maimie stared at him. The son she had never been able to have. One she had come to love as her own flesh and blood. He was a good man. He took care of his own. Joseph and Maimie Henderson found that out ten years ago. Flat broke and on the streets, they happened into the right place at the right time. Derek had been in need of a housekeeper and chauffeur and they were there, ready and willing to fill both the jobs and the void in his life. Over the years, Maimie saw the angry young man grow into a confident business entrepreneur. Whatever possessed him to think he needed to advertise for a mother for his child?

"Derek, I love you like a son. But you have to realize this isn't the way to go about it. What's wrong with finding a nice girl? Try dating one for awhile, maybe ease into marriage. Better yet, what about Talli? She's a nice girl, she knows you, you know her. You've already made it past the first hurdle. Do you think the past is going to repeat itself all over again with another woman on your wedding day?" She spoke softly, her words boring straight to his heart.

No one knew the hurt and anguish he had gone through after finding out about Lydia and Gary. His own bride caught on film cavorting with his best man. Back then, he would have given anything to see them both ruined forever. Yet time, combined with Maimie and Joseph's caring, had brought him out of his cold, uncaring bitter shell and back into the world around him.

He uttered a sigh and shook his head. "I'm not even going to consider one of my own employees. Maimie, this is the only way it's going to work. Forever exists only in fairie tales. Look at me, do I look like Prince Charming to you? I'm not husband material. But I am father material and I want a child. Someone to fill my aging years with love and laughter. I'm not getting any younger, you know."

Derek watched Maimie throw up her hands in disgust. "People can change. Surely you of all people know that." She paused, her head tipped to one side as she studied him. "You are just plain stubborn, boy."

Joseph cleared his throat and furtively approached Derek. "The morning paper, sir."

"Thank you, Joseph. At least someone in this kitchen knows their place," Derek remarked grinning.

The patio door wall slid open and four baying, barking dogs barreled into the kitchen, followed by an equally exuberant Talli.

"Maimie, did you see the morning paper yet? What's he doing now...?" Talli skidded to a halt, finding the kitchen inhabited by more than just Maimie. "Oh, good morning Mr. Cameron, Joseph." She was suddenly conscious of her faded blue jeans and Loony Tunes sweatshirt.

"Good morning, Talli," Maimie greeted. "All right, you four-legged mutts, off my clean floor. Shoo, over there on your rugs!"

Talli watched Maimie push the fearless foursome across the kitchen.

Once the animals were sitting quietly, she reached inside her apron pocket and pulled out a handful of doggie treats. "There you go. There's enough for each of you. Be nice now."

"Spoils them rotten," Talli muttered under her breath.

Maimie brandished a wooden spoon in her direction. "What was that crack, young lady?"

"Nothing." Talli's eyes widened in mock fear, as she retreated to a bar stool and perched upon it.

Derek watched the scene in his kitchen. He hadn't noticed before how well Maimie, Joseph and Talli got along. As though they had known one another for years. He saw Talli sneak her fingers along the tiles to snitch a slice of raw potato, her jeans molding to her backside as she reached across the edge of the counter. His stomach lurched as the worn denim clung to her curves, igniting a fire deep within him.

As if sensing his scrutiny, Talli looked up and met his gaze. She blushed furiously and put a finger to her lips to keep him quiet. Her other hand had just closed around the potato when Maimie swung back, whacking Talli's knuckles with the wooden spoon.

"Young lady, breakfast will be served in five minutes, not before. Got that?"

"I got it," Talli answered, sticking her tongue out at the retreating form.

"I saw that," came back a retort.

Derek grinned and focused his attention on the dogs stretched out in the sunshine.

"They look good. I've been watching you work with them. You're doing a great job." He walked over to the dogs and lowered himself down to their level.

The dogs looked up expectantly at him. Derek was puzzled by their silence.

"How come they're still sitting here? Why won't they come to me?"

"I've been using certain catch phrases to train them. If you want them, all you have to say is..." She paused for a moment, a devilish gleam in her green eyes. "Just say...free."

The kitchen erupted in a frenzy of barking and baying. The dogs bounded off their mats and into the unsuspecting arms of Derek Cameron. The unexpected launch propelled him off his feet and down onto the floor amid a pile of bouncing, panting canines.

Talli bit back a laugh at the sight. Derek's look of surprise was priceless. Apparently, he hadn't thought about this reaction.

Derek glanced at the trio of people above him. Joseph stood nervously shifting from foot to foot, whereas Talli and Maimie had huge smiles on their faces.

"Okay, very funny. Now, how do I get them back to their mats?"

"Down, to your mats," Talli's voice commanded over the din. In one fluid motion, all four dogs left Derek's side and returned to their earlier positions. Quiet once again reigned.

Talli nodded, crooning softly. "Good babies. Stay now."

The dogs wiggled in unison, but remained seated.

Joseph walked over to Derek and extended a hand. "Your breakfast is ready, sir."

Derek took his place beside Talli at the counter and lifted his fork. "I'm beginning to think I was set up."

"Why, Mr. Cameron, I would never dream of such a thing." Talli feigned innocently, her green eyes wide and a broad smile on her face. "After all, you are my boss."

Minutes later, Derek dropped the napkin on the counter and pushed his plate back. "Maimie, great breakfast. Now, business beckons." Derek rose from the bar stool and, with a jaunty step whistled his way out of the kitchen. Talli's eyes followed his departure.

Maimie shook her silver-gray head and sighed sadly. "That boy don't know what's good for him, that's for sure."

Talli brought her plate to the sink and carefully set in on the counter. "Maimie, what exactly is this ad all about? Is it for real?"

"It's for real. As real as real can be. That boy has got it in his head he wants to be a daddy, but not a hubby. He wants to find someone to have his baby for him, then just up and walk away. Can you imagine?"

Talli nodded and waited for Maimie to continue.

"Well, believe you me, he won't find a proper woman with the kind of money he's offering."

Talli's head snapped up at the words. "Money? How much money?"

"Well, let me think now. What was it? It's an awful lot."

"The offer stands at fifty thousand dollars for the initial agreement. The amount will then double if the child is a boy."

Talli stared at Joseph in surprise. "Joseph, I'm shocked. You stand there so prim and proper and here all the time you knew exactly what was going on."

"Well, Miss Talli, the good Lord gave me two eyes, two ears and only one mouth. That way I can look and listen twice as much as I speak." With that said he gathered up the newspaper, tucked it under his arm and walked through the kitchen doorway.

"That man of mine. Sometimes he even makes me wonder." Maimie shook her head and wiped her hands on her apron.

"Fifty thousand dollars. That's quite a lot of money, isn't it?" Talli said softly, her mind busily working the numbers.

"Fool, he wouldn't know a good woman if the Heavens dropped one in his lap. I thought I brought him up better than that, but I guess I've failed. The good Lord knows why a man wants to find a woman in a newspaper instead of the old-fashioned way of courting her. Joseph and I may not have had much in the beginning, but the love we have for one another always saw us through. Too much fighting and bickering bout the petty things nowadays, that what's wrong with the world. What's so wrong with a little spooning now and then? Sure beats sleeping in separate beds. How's a body supposed to keep warm on a cold night? Someone needs to whack some sense into Derek Cameron, that's for sure."

Talli's stomach flip-flopped. The thought of sharing a bed with Derek was enough to raise anyone's internal thermostat.

She smiled at Maimie. Her deep devotion for Derek showed through with her every action, even if her words spoke otherwise.

"Thanks for breakfast, Maimie. It was terrific as always. Come on, dogs. We've got work to do."

The four dogs leapt from their positions on the floor at the sound of her voice. Talli pulled the door shut behind her. Fifty thousand dollars was a lot of money to pay someone for having a baby. Right now, she could think of fifty thousand good reasons why she should be that someone.
Chapter 2

Derek lifted his weary head and let his glasses drop onto the leather inlaid desktop. "These have potential. This one here... Miss Schmitz. Set up an appointment today at eleven, follow it at twelve-thirty with Miss Casanova. Same for tomorrow with Miss Bender and Miss Hite."

"Derek, are you sure there isn't anything I can say to get you to reconsider. It's not too late. We can write it off as media hype. It's done all the time."

Derek shook his head at Anthony. "No, this isn't hype. The offer stands. All I have to do is find the right woman for the job."

He leaned back in the chair and watched the dogs run across the lawn toward Talli. She knelt on the ground and let them bowl into her - a pile of fur and denim. The same tight jeans he had found himself staring at earlier during breakfast. His fingers itched to touch the fabric, to see if it was as soft as it looked.

"She's good, isn't she?"

"What?" Distracted by the question, Derek turned from the window. "Yes, she is. Came highly recommended and the dogs really like her. Even passed inspection with Maimie."

"That old busybody? Since when does it matter if Maimie likes your employee's?"

Derek smiled at the gruff tone Anthony used in referring to Maimie. Over the years, the two had shared a mutual, yet grudging admiration and respect for one another. "Since she makes life miserable for me otherwise."

"Hmm, I see your point. So, how about Talli? She looks to be the right age. And you already know her. She's your employee. Seems perfect to me."

Derek swivelled around to face Anthony, and brought his hand down hard on the desk between them. "No way, not Talli. I would never dream of asking one of my own employees to be a surrogate mother for me. I don't want to know anything about the woman until she applies for the position."

Derek swung back to the window, his gaze following the dog's movements and Talli's as well. There was no way one of his own employee's was going to be the mother of his child. It wouldn't be right, he told himself as he watched her bend over and pat one of the Dalmatians heads, presenting him with a delectable view of her backside.

Precisely eleven o'clock the next morning, the doorbell chimed. Joseph approached the door, pausing to straighten the Renoir in the foyer as he passed. Satisfied with the angle of the painting, he continued on his way across the marble floor. Opening the door, he drew up short at the sight of the woman on the other side. The first of Derek's applicants had arrived.

As Derek strode down the hallway, Joseph drew in a deep breath and pulled the sliding doors to the living room shut behind him.

"Mr. Cameron, your interview awaits. Oh, and sir?"

"Yes, Joseph?"

"Good luck."

Derek frowned. What the heck was that supposed to mean, he wondered?

Later, Derek realized exactly what Joseph had meant by his comment. He pressed the heels of his hands against his eyelids in frustration. The past two days had been an unparalleled disaster. Four interviews and not a normal one in the bunch. On paper, they all looked impeccable, excellent references, stable backgrounds and highly qualified to raise a child. In person, the four were fearsome, flighty, fruity and footloose. Nothing seemed to be going right for him. When had his simple plan of having a child turned into a three ring circus? He looked down at the paper strewn desk and realized any more work tonight would be futile. His head pounded, tension wrecking havoc with his brain. Maybe Maimie would have something in the kitchen that would help.

Talli padded barefoot across the kitchen, a pile of peanut butter cookies stacked neatly on her plate, the worn blue and silver football jersey hanging low off one pale, bare shoulder. She tucked her feet beneath her on the chair, the silver leggings snug across her calves.

The kitchen door swung open as Derek walked in, startled to find someone else still up.

"I'm sorry, I thought everyone was asleep." Talli started to rise.

"No, stay. Don't leave on my account." Derek dropped down heavily into the opposite chair.

Talli watched him shove his fingers through his gray streaked hair with a groan. "I'm a good listener, if you want to talk, that is."

"Things aren't going the way I planned. All of the interviews I've had so far have been duds. Worse than that, I can't believe anyone would actually consider those women to be mother material."

"Why not?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

Talli shrugged. "Try me."

Derek stood. "Okay, you asked for it. Yesterday, the first interview, Helga, she was a big German woman, taller than me." He raised his hand a good five inches above his head. "She was roughly six foot six, and very muscle bound. She literally picked me up to show me how strong she was, as if that mattered. I thought she broke my ribs." Derek put his arms around an imaginary figure and bounced it up and down. "Then she kept telling me over and over, `Ja, I am strong, I make Arnold-type babies. No sissy weaklings.' Would you believe she started to take off her clothes right then and there in the living room? After I told her this was only an interview, she left, riding off on a ten speed bicycle."

Talli shook her head, unable to hide a smile. "They couldn't all be that bad?"

Derek grinned. "Oh no, well how about Lady Number Two. Tiffany, the model. She walked like a panther on the prowl. Have to admit, she had a body that would stop a train."

"She was fat?" Talli silently prayed the woman was as big as a barn.

Derek paused, a wicked gleam in his eye. "Not an ounce of fat anywhere. She was drop-dead gorgeous."

"So, what was the problem?" Talli hated the woman, sight unseen.

"Other than the fact that she was so busy preening in the fireplace mirror?" Derek placed a hand on his hip, and strutted his way across the kitchen, imitating Tiffany's walk. "Let's see, she's a vegetarian, doesn't even eat seafood and won't wear furs. She didn't realize she would actually have to get pregnant. Thought she could just wear a pillow under her clothes for nine months." He sashayed his way back across the room.

"Then what?" Talli croaked out between laughs.

"Ah yes, on to today's interviews. The infamous Betty Bender, meter maid. Did you know it takes something like thirty six million, two hundred and some seconds to have a baby? That equals nine months. Time is money, you know. When I walked into the room, she was shoveling cookies into her mouth as if it was her last meal. I thought for sure I would end up as dessert."

"You got to be kidding." Talli held her sides, tears of mirth rolling down her face. "Stop, no more."

"Can't stop yet, there's still one left to go." Derek dropped back down into the chair. "Last but not least, we had Gail, the bartender."

"A bartender? You interviewed a bartender? Gee, your standards are lower than I thought."

"Ha ha. I walked into the living room to find her making herself quite at home with a pitcher of martinis. Told me to plop my feet and cop a seat."

Talli listened, fascinated with the tales Derek was telling her.

"Told me she could be the oven for my `bun', belched continuously, then said she was saving for her own bar, was going to call it the Slurp & Burp. Original, huh?"

"Definitely," Talli laughingly acknowledged.

"If that's not enough, she started to tell me dirty jokes. Actually, I had already heard them before, but still." Derek paused, his eyes meeting Talli's. "They were definitely all one watermelon short of a picnic, that's for sure."

"You're making this up."

"I am not," Derek protested.

She shook her head, her giggles filling the silence of the room.

All at once, Derek realized, it did seem funny. Everything that had happened since yesterday replayed itself like a bad "B" movie through his head. Within minutes, he too was laughing as hard as Talli.

Derek reached across the table and stole one of Talli's cookies.

The simple movement pulled on one of the muscles Helga's show of strength had obviously bruised.

"Ouch!" he exclaimed, unable to stifle his reaction to the unexpected pain.

"Is something wrong?" Talli asked, her voice whisper-soft with genuine concern.

"It's just a pinched nerve— or bruised muscle. Obviously, I'm not as strong as my would-be surrogate, Helga. Ja!" Slowly, he rotated his shoulders and stretched his neck. "So, Talli, what do you suggest I do?"

"First, relax." Talli stood up and moved to stand behind him. Her fingers kneaded his shoulders, a slow steady stroking against his knotted muscles. "Lean forward and rest your head on your arms." She continued rubbing her palms across his shoulders, her fingers searching for and finding his tense spots.

"That feels so good," he mumbled.

"Why didn't you have your lawyer screen them first? He could have weeded out the loonies for you at least."

"Nope. I said I wanted to see all the applicants myself. I would do the screening, not Anthony."

"Anthony?"

"Anthony Baretti, my lawyer." He groaned, as Talli's fingers worked their magic on his sore shoulders.

"There, that should do it." She walked around the table and sat down, reaching for another peanut butter cookie. She closed her eyes and savored the taste. "Mmm."

Derek watched the emotions flicker across her face as she enjoyed the cookie. He found himself fascinated as she slowly chewed, then swallowed. His throat constricted at the expression of pure joy on her face. All over a cookie. What was wrong with him? He was panting after her like one of his own dogs.

Talli opened her eyes and caught him staring.

"What, is it all over my face or something?" She swiped at her chin with the back of her hand, suddenly conscious of her actions.

"No, it was nothing. Sorry."

"So, let me get this straight. You're going to keep interviewing until you find someone who fits the part?"

"Yup." Derek nodded, reaching for his iced tea.

"No offense, but are you nuts or what? Do you know what kind of riffraff is out there looking to take advantage of a guy like you?"

"Excuse me? Riffraff? So, I take it you have a better idea." Derek countered her statement with one of his own.

"As a matter of fact I do. I want to apply. Besides, you need me," Talli stated confidently.

"I do?"

"Yes."

"No, absolutely not. I can't, it wouldn't be right."

"Why? What do they have that I don't have?"

His gaze roved over her body, taking in the faded football jersey and well-worn leggings. "Other than strong babies, incessant preening, the ability to count high numbers in a single bound and an award winning belch? Not much, I guess."

"I'm serious." Talli banged her hand down on the table.

"You're my employee. You already have a position here. You're my pet sitter, for god's sake." He bit back a groan as she leaned closer, the football jersey riding dangerously low on one shoulder.

"So, isn't that what they would be as well? Your employee. Besides, it's perfect. You know me, Maimie and Joseph know me, even the dogs already know me. You wouldn't have to get used to someone new."

"No, I refuse to even consider the possibility. My answer stands." Derek shoved his chair back and left the room without so much as a backward glance at Talli.

Talli knitted her eyebrows together in frustration. Why wouldn't he let her apply? She thought it was the perfect idea. She wasn't loony like the women he had interviewed the past two days. True, she already worked here, but what difference did that make? At least he wouldn't be letting a serial killer loose on the premises.

"We'll see about that, Derek. You do need me, more than you'll ever know."

She flicked off the light, bathing the room in darkness. This would require some fancy finagling on her part to pull it off, and she knew just the man to help her.

Sliding off the stool, she headed for her bedroom.

* * *

When Derek entered the office building the next morning, the front lobby was awash with female bodies. Tall, short, thin, heavy. Every hair color imaginable met his gaze. Wall to wall women. A single man's dream, yet all Derek could think about was what was wrong with them? After the fiasco of the past two days, he closely scrutinized the faces before him. Dropping a nod in the direction of his security guard, Derek passed through the metal detector, onward toward the elevator banks.

Alone in the elevator car, Derek mentally went over his list for the day. The Carson merger was at eleven, followed by lunch with Anthony to look over the latest round of applicants, then drinks with the Mayor at seven that evening. Another busy day ahead of him, he thought. The elevator bell heralded his arrival on the fourteenth floor. Derek stepped out, nodding to his personal secretary Margaret. She rose in a smooth fluid motion to follow him into his private inner sanctum.

"Calls?"

"Yes sir. Thirty-six already this morning. I referred them to Mr. Baretti."

"Good. What else? Any schedule changes?"

"The Carson general managers will be here at eleven for you to sign the papers. Lunch with Mr. Baretti is on for noon. I've already made reservations for two at Napoleons."

Derek nodded for her to continue.

"This evening you're meeting with the Mayor and his wife about the benefit for the Children's Castle. I took the liberty of preparing a few notes for you on the pertinent figures you'll need to persuade the Mayor that this is a worthy cause for the city to back. Oh, Mr. Maxwell from Wardell sent over a basket of fresh fruit. I had it expressed to the Children's Castle less than an hour ago. The card is on your desk."

She verbally repeated what he already knew, except for the basket of fruit.

Derek smiled at Margaret. She had been with him from the start and he didn't know what he would do without her help. She was invaluable. He ought to give her a raise. She certainly deserved it.

"Excellent. Leave the papers on my desk. I'll look them over before I leave tonight."

"Yes, sir." Margaret laid the papers on the corner of his desk, and moved toward the door.

"Margaret," Derek looked up at her retreating back. "Do you think this is a foolish idea?"

She seemed to be wavering over an answer.

"Honestly, Margaret," he prompted.

"Well, Mr. Cameron. It's not the way I would have approached the situation, but you know what you want out of life. So, if you insist that you don't want a wife and yet do want a child, then I guess this is the only course of action you have open to you." She walked out of the room and pulled the door shut behind her.

Derek smiled, noting how neatly she had sidestepped giving him her opinion and foisting it back to him.

Shortly before noon, Derek buzzed the outer office.

"Margaret, have Joseph bring the car around."

"Yes, sir."

Within minutes, Derek was out of the building and on his way to meet Anthony Baretti for lunch. Settling himself into a private corner booth where he could watch the coming and going of the crowd, he sat back and ordered a martini.

Anthony slid into the seat next to him, and dropped a fresh stack of multi-colored papers on the table.

"Bring me whatever Mr. Cameron's having and make it a double."

"You all right?" Derek asked with concern, when Anthony loosened his tie and closed his eyes.

"I'm fine for now, but these women are going to be the death of me. This is your newest set of applicants. Just from this morning alone." Anthony gestured to the pile on the table. "There's fifty two there with probably another fifty filtering in this afternoon. It's been a steady stream over the weekend. They just keep coming."

"And you thought I wouldn't get any responses," Derek joked.

Anthony sat up straighter in the booth. "Seriously though, there is one resume that stands out from the crowd." He reached for the top sheet. "This one here. Check it over."

Derek picked up the off-white colored paper and started to read. "Single, young, stable background, loves kids. Hmm, says here she's in perfect health too. No emotional ties at the current time. What's the hitch?"

"No hitch. None that I can find anyway."

"Set up an interview for this afternoon then."

"What time?"

Derek looked at his watch. "Make it for five, my office."

Anthony scribbled a note on the napkin, then tucked it into his suit coat pocket. "Okay, what about these?" He pushed the remaining resumes across the table.

"I'll check them over later this afternoon and let you know if there's any I want to see."

Anthony speared a french fry, waving his fork at Derek. "So, you think the Mayor will agree to the benefit?"

"I don't see why not. I'm paying for it and having it at my place. What's not to agree?" Derek thought about the Children's Castle. An organization he would support to his dying day.

"True."

Shaking hands in the parking lot, Derek clapped Anthony on the shoulder. "Remember, my office at five."

"Right."

Anthony slid behind the wheel of his Buick Park Avenue and reached for his cellular phone. He punched in a set of numbers and waited.

"Anthony Baretti here. Yes, Mr. Cameron would like to meet with you at five this afternoon. His office." Pausing, he listened. His face broke into a wide smile and he nodded. "That's right. Great, good luck."

Dropping the phone onto the passenger seat, he checked the rear view mirror and pulled away from the curb, whistling the entire time.

Derek looked out the side window of the limousine and surveyed the buildings around him. Some had definitely seen better days. He leaned his head back on the plush leather seat and thought about the evening ahead. The Children's Castle was a project he had endorsed since its conception, which he of course had created.

He remembered back roughly five years ago when he first became aware of the plight of the homeless children in the city. They weren't at fault for their circumstances. They were just born at the wrong time. Derek felt an immediate kinship with the sad faces he saw the day he visited the orphanage for the first time. His Christmas visit was one Anthony had recommended he make, a gesture of goodwill to the city, as well as a way to get his name and face before the people of Detroit. Derek walked into the dirty, dark lobby, his steps dogged by a glum-faced photographer, not wanting to be there any more than Derek did. Derek waited patiently, his arms laden with brightly colored holiday packages. The matron slowly shuffled her way down the steps, squinting in the dim wattage of the dusty lights overhead.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" she questioned, unsure of this man being tailed by a photographer in her lobby.

"I'm Derek Cameron. I have an appointment with Mrs. Byrd to drop off gifts for the children." Derek hoped the appointment would be fast, as he had a pressing brunette dinner engagement he hoped to have conquered by dessert. Four hours later, amid the discarded colorful wrapping paper, Derek found himself playing toys on the scuffed floor with the children. Their sad eyes had turned to glee as he passed out the presents. A painfully thin little boy, three years old, started to cry upon opening his gift to discover a fire engine just for him.

Gently, Derek lifted the little boy into his lap. "What's wrong? Don't you like it?"

Sniffling, the little tike said softly. "I ain't never had a truck of my own before, Mister. I love it and I love you." The little boy continued to cry out his joy, his thin arms wrapped around Derek's neck. Derek awkwardly patted his back until the tears subsided. From that moment on, Derek was hooked. These kids deserved better and he planned to give it to them.

Over the years, he had given his time and money to the organization. He built them a new three story building exclusively for their use. This one with a huge backyard for the kids to play in. Derek had installed an on-site doctor and nurse to tend to the sick children and hired a staff of competent, caring workers. Each child had her or his own bed, their own linens and a pillow. Hot healthy meals filled their plates as the children watched in stunned silence at the food placed before them.

Last Christmas, when Derek dressed up as Santa for his Christmas visit, one little girl had wandered over to him and plopped herself down on his lap.

"What's your name, sweetheart?"

"Sarah," she replied, around the thumb wedged tightly in her mouth.

"What would you like for Christmas, Sarah?" he asked, with a merry ho, ho, ho.

The curly topped red-haired little girl popped her thumb out of her mouth and looked him straight in the eye. "I want a Mommy and a Daddy." She stated her answer very matter of fact.

Derek's heart did a flip flop. This was one wish he couldn't make come true, no matter how hard he tried. Her eyes bore straight to his heart as he vividly recalled that day. It was forever frozen in his mind. He could give them a home and a Daddy, but not a Mommy.

Mentally shaking himself, Derek brought himself back to the present as Joseph opened the rear door of the limousine.

Derek looked over the stack of resumes Anthony had given him at lunch. Out of the entire pile, only three caught his eye as potential candidates. He rifled through the pile of resumes and cursed aloud as the papers slid off the edge of his desk, slowly filtering downward to the carpet. Bending over, Derek fumbled for the papers, just as a knock sounded on his office door.

"Come in," he called from under the desk.

The door opened, allowing Derek a direct view to a pair of very long, feminine gams. Ensconced in sheer nylons, the legs whispered out a caress with each step. From his covert position under the desk, Derek watched her approach. Looking up the expanse of skin, he felt like a voyeur.

"Mr. Cameron, are you in here?" A sultry voice inquired.

Derek lifted his head and connected soundly with the underside of his desk. "Damn," he exclaimed loudly, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand.
Chapter 3

As he struggled to sit back up, Derek almost risked another run-in with the edge of the desk. He drew up short at the rest of the picture the legs failed to present. A tall, statuesque woman stood quietly on the other side of his desk. He rubbed the back of his head with his hand and studied her.

Outfitted in a tailored gray suit with a silky white blouse, she leaned across the desk, trying to see where he was. A tantalizing trail of creamy bare neck peeked out from the soft folds of her blouse as it shifted with her movements. Her face, from what he could see of it, was hidden by a pair of ugly, oversized, gray tinted horn-rimmed glasses and a huge gray fedora. A neat chignon held auburn tresses in place at the base of her neck.

"Mr. Cameron, are you all right?"

Her voice was delicate and fragile in the deafening silence of his office. Moving slowly, willing the pounding in his head to still, Derek stood, striving to recall the name he had seen on her resume. "Miss?" He faltered, at a loss.

"Tallulah Jayne Paxton, Mr. Cameron. I assume you've read my resume?"

A light blinked on in Derek's brain. That was it. Tallulah Jayne Paxton. How could he have forgotten?

"Yes, I did read your resume. Please, have a seat." Derek gestured to the chair in front of his desk and waited for the woman to sit. A moment passed before Derek claimed his own chair and began to speak.

"So, Miss Paxton, my attorney tells me you're interested in the position I'm offering. Tell me why, if you don't mind." Derek steepled his fingers and waited for her to begin. His eyes studied her intently as she began to speak.

"To be quite honest Mr. Cameron, the money was a big factor in my decision. I hope to open my own business eventually and it would give me the means to secure my future."

Derek nodded appreciatively. A businesswoman. One for the plus side. "You would be willing to put your future business on hold until my child is conceived?"

"Yes, it would be put on the back burner until a more suitable time arises."

"I see." He couldn't fault her response. Two for the plus side now. She was direct and spoke without hesitation. Derek paused before continuing. "Miss Paxton, I have to tell you, I have had more than my share of— shall we say, strange and unusual applicants these past few days. Your resume impressed me, as did your answers to the questions I've posed. You say you've lived in the area your whole life, you have no relatives here and no emotional ties at the present time. Is that accurate?"

"Yes, very accurate. I am not seeing anyone now, nor have I plans to anytime soon. I'm quite free."

Derek had to admit this one had great potential. So far, everything he'd seen or heard pleased him. Still, he wished he could see her face without those God-awful glasses. Somehow he believed her eyes would be as nice looking as the rest of her.

"I noticed on your resume that you're fond of animals. I have four very exuberant dogs at my home. Would it be safe to say that you're not adverse to having them underfoot?"

She met Derek's stare with a hint of alarm. Did he see through her disguise? Was this a test? Or possibly she was just overreacting to a very normal question. "Well Mr. Cameron, I have absolutely no problem with having dogs underfoot. Actually, I welcome their affections, as they can tell you so much about a person, more so than the average human can."

Derek nodded, letting her words filter through his brain. For a brief minute, he was sure he had heard those exact words somewhere before. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he spoke up.

"By the way, you wouldn't happen to be a vegetarian or a heavy drinker, would you?"

Miss Paxton looked amused. "No, neither, Mr. Cameron."

"Sorry, just curious." Derek placed his hands on the edge of the desk and pushed himself upward. "I may have mentioned, this is only the third day of interviews, but to tell you the truth, you are the best candidate I've seen so far."

She inclined her head politely. "Thank you, that's high praise coming from a man such as yourself." She stood and extended a hand across the desk. "Mr. Cameron, I appreciate your taking the time to see me. I hope we can do business together." Her slender fingers caressed his palm as their hands broke apart.

"I will be in touch," Derek confirmed, as he walked her to the door.

She turned at the elevator banks and paused, surprised to see Derek still in his doorway watching her, then hurried into the crowded car.

Derek watched the elevator doors close behind her. Shaking his head, he pushed away the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before.

Talli reached the parking structure and walked toward the dark car that awaited her.

The driver's window opened as a deep voice inquired from within. "Well, how did it go?"

Sliding the glasses down her nose and pulling the large gray hat from her head, Talli shook her hair free of the confining bun. "I'm not positive, but I think I've got the job."

Anthony Baretti opened the driver's door and smiled broadly. "Excellent. Allow me to escort you home." Moving to the passenger side, he opened the door and bowed low. "Your chariot awaits, my dear."

Talli laughed and slid across the cream colored leather seat, eager to rid herself of the high heels that were at this moment killing her toes.

Leaning back, she allowed her long auburn tresses to float over the back of the passenger headrest. "How do women keep their hair pinned up all day? It would drive me crazy."

Talli ran her fingers through the loose curls. "I don't think he recognized me. It was touch and go for awhile. I thought for sure he'd recognize me. If he did, he never said anything." She looked at Anthony. "You realize how mad he's going to be when he finds out I've tricked him."

Anthony turned toward Talli. "My dear, he won't find out til after the contract is signed. I'll see to that issue myself. Besides, we both tricked him. I'm as much a part of this as you are, remember that."

Talli waved from the top step of the porch, her smile cheerful in the afternoon sun. Her shoes swung from one hand as she skipped lightly up the steps, to let herself quietly into the mansion. Stopping to listen, she heard the sounds of laughter interspersed with the barking of the dogs coming from the kitchen. Maimie must be spoiling them again, she mused.

She tiptoed quietly across the foyer to the stairs when a throat cleared loudly behind her.

"Well, how did it go?"

Talli whirled, her shoes clutched to her chest, to find Joseph less than three feet from her.

"How did what go?" She stalled for time, playing dumb.

"Why, the interview with Mr. Cameron, of course."

Talli's eyes widened. "How did you know about that?" She whispered, fearing her ruse had been discovered.

"Mr. Baretti called and left word for me that he would pick you up this afternoon. We assumed from the conversation you were off to interview with Mr. Cameron."

"Well, you know what they say about assuming, Joseph. It makes an a..." Talli drew herself up to her full height, trying to look imposing as Joseph smiled, shaking his head in amusement.

Biting her lip, Talli's shoulders slumped. Defeated, she leaned back against the wall and sighed.

"You and Maimie don't miss a trick, do you? All right, I don't think he recognized me. As for the interview, it went really well— except for when he cracked his head on the underside of the desk as I was walked in."

"Really, I wonder how that happened?" Joseph queried bemused.

"I don't know. I was so nervous I didn't really pay attention."

Derek shook the distinguished hand of the Mayor and his wife and forced his thoughts to the evening ahead. There would be time to rehash his interview with Miss Paxton later. The Children's Castle was first and foremost on his mind this evening.

"Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Bryant. I want to thank you both for agreeing to meet with me tonight."

"Mr. Cameron, it is indeed a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you and the work you do for the Children's Castle." Mrs. Bryant spoke up, and reached out to shake Derek's hand.

"Thank you. I hope both you and the Mayor will agree how much this benefit would mean to the children and how the city would benefit from the function as well."

The Mayor's wife nodded. "I definitely agree. I can't tell you how much I look forward to hearing your ideas. Keeping our children safe, strong and healthy is indeed a great concern on the minds of everyone these days."

"Excuse me, Mr. Cameron. Your table is ready now, sir."

Derek stepped aside to allow the Mayor and his wife to precede him to their table. With the Mayor's wife on his side, his charity ball just might become a reality after all.

Two hours later, Derek sat back satisfied, as he watched the Mayor lift his hands in defeat. "Okay, go ahead with the ball. You already have Clarissa on your side, so I'm outnumbered two to one."

"Thank you Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Bryant. You won't regret it, I assure you. I'll have my secretary send over the arrangements once they're finalized." Derek reached across the table to clasp the outstretched hand of the Mayor. A look of deep satisfaction crossed Derek's features as he signaled for the check.

In the quiet of the limousine, he thought back to his interview with Tallulah Jayne Paxton. Such a long, Southern belle type of name for a woman as pretty as she was. His mind's eye remembered her legs as she approached his desk. Long, and lithe, surely leading up to skimpy silk lingerie.

Black - no red. Grimacing, he pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose. What was wrong with him? He shifted on the seat, trying to ease his tortured body into a more comfortable position. He was supposed to be interviewing for a surrogate mother position, not thinking about what she might be wearing under her suit. Too many long nights had taken its toll on his business sense.

Sighing, he leaned back and looked out the window at the dark night. "Bet it was red," he whispered to himself. Talli stretched cat-like in contented satisfaction and dropped the wire brush back onto the bedroom carpet.

"Perfect," she announced to the small dog before her. "You look mahvelous, dahling." The dog wiggled happily, eager to please.

Talli leaned across the pooch and reached for the remote. Now, to top off the evening with a good tear jerk movie. She settled herself back against the bed and channel surfed until she found the perfect flick. Gracie pressed closer, snuggling happily against her side. Talli reached down and idly caressed the Basset's soft, silky ears, while her other hand reached for the tissue box at her side.

Three hours later, she clicked off the television.

"Why can't real life be as wonderful as the movies," she sniffed, wiping her eyes a final time with the tissue.

"Oh, to have a man like that love me as much as the Captain loved Mrs. Muir. Gosh, what a way to go." Talli sighed at the thought.

Gracie thumped her tail on the carpet in agreement.

"Okay gang, time for bed." Talli stood, all four dogs followed suit. George pushed himself up groggily, yawning widely. Jack and Mary wagged their tails in unison.

Minutes later, they settled down on Talli's bedroom floor. Talli watched George flop his body on the carpet, snoring loudly in seconds. She shook her head and reached up to turn off the light on the bedside table. Through her window, she could see the stars lighting up the night sky. She propped herself up on one elbow and watched the twinkling orbs.

Whispering an age-old nursery rhyme to herself, Talli lay back down on the bed and closed her eyes, knowing morning would come quickly.

Derek rubbed the towel briskly across his chest. Droplets of water flew from his hair to land on his bare skin. Staring hard at himself in the bathroom mirror, he ran a finger through the light dusting of silver that streaked his temples. He was still in good shape. But would he be able to keep up with a child? When his son was ten, he would be forty, when twenty, he a ripe old age of fifty. Would he be able to throw a baseball and catch a twenty-yard pass without ending up bruised and aching the next morning?

Turning sideways, he sucked in his stomach and looked again. Letting out his breath in a slow steady exhale, he grinned. Hell, he was in perfect shape to have a child. And the sooner he got started, the sooner he could be outside throwing passes with his son. His son. He thought about those two little words.

He could see himself saying, "My son, why yes, he's a quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Bid out Dallas for him, that they did." Or even, "My son, why yes, he's the Tiger's star pitcher. Pitched a no- hitter three games running. Best average in the league." Then he stopped and looked at himself in the mirror. What if the child was a girl? A little girl, all ribbons and frills. He could picture her having tea parties and sleep-overs. He imagined her all grown up and ready for the prom, her date escorting her off into the night.

Derek gripped the edge of the bathroom counter. Boys, pint-size bundles of raging male testosterone picking up his little girl. Derek could see it now as some pimple-faced, leather jacketed puberty-bound punk leered at his daughter in his psychedelic conversion van, complete with a mattress in the back. No way, he knew all about what boys wanted these days. Another notch in their belt buckle and one for the road.

Not with his daughter! Mentally collecting himself, he smiled. Here he was creating a grown-up image of a child not yet conceived. Derek tossed the damp towel on the bathroom counter and headed into his bedroom. Sitting on the edge of his king-size bed, he reached for the phone and hit the speed dial, settling back against the headboard to wait.

"Anthony, Derek here. Sorry, I know it's early. Cancel the advertisement." Pausing for a moment, he listened. "Right, no more applicants. I want you to call Miss Paxton and tell her she's got the job."

Derek smiled, his face beaming as he proceeded. "Draft the agreement. I want everything covered. Medical, dental, all expenses pertaining to the pregnancy. Also, make the arrangements for a car to be at her disposal. When you're finished, present them to her and let me know when we can go ahead with a final contract. Great. Thanks, I'll talk to you then."

Dropping the receiver back down, he let out a sigh. His plan was going exactly as planned. Thank God for Tallulah Jayne Paxton. Hopefully a little over nine months from now, he would be holding his son in his arms.

Talli dropped the papers back on Anthony's desk and grimaced. "Does it really have to be this many pages and so explicit?"

Anthony peered over the top of his wire frames at the woman seated before him. "Talli, in order for the agreement to be legal, everything has to be spelled out in as thorough a manner as possible. Down to the last T crossed and I's dotted. For the safety of both parties involved, it's imperative to cover all bases."

"All right, I understand. But there is one section I have a problem with." Reaching forward, she picked up the document again.

"What would that be?" Anthony reached for his own copy of the agreement.

"Page six, about half way down the page. He wants artificial insemination. Nope, it's got to be natural or nothing." She smiled saucily at the aging lawyer across the table from her.

"You would prefer natural conception? As in the old fashioned way, I assume?" Anthony questioned, surprised, but not adverse to the turn things were taking.

"Anthony, it's bad enough that Derek has to go to all the trouble of getting a surrogate mother to have a child, but to then make it artificial? A child is a wonderful living and breathing being. A baby is the most precious gift on Earth. It's not like purchasing a package of sea monkeys in the toy store and then adding water to watch them grow. No, I want natural. At least then, he can tell the baby how he or she was conceived when they get older and want to hear the story. All kids long to hear tales of how they came to be. I know I did."

"You're a sucker for romance, aren't you?" Anthony asked gently.

She sighed wistfully. "Yup, I believe in all of it. Flowers, candy, opening doors. I want the knight in shining armor, the white stead, the whole enchilada. Every last detail," Talli replied, smiling to herself.

"Well then, it looks like I have a few adjustments to make. Anything else?"

"Yes, there is one more thing I would like covered. When I was growing up, we didn't have a lot in the way of material possessions, but we had love. My father was home every night for dinner. He kissed my mother hello and goodbye, he held her hand all the time. They never spent a night apart until...until he died," she finished softly.

Talli looked up at Anthony. "I would like something in writing for my own benefit showing that the baby inherit everything Derek has in the event that anything should ever happen to him before the child is eighteen. I want it to state that I have the option of stepping in and raising the child. It's not that I'm wishing Derek dead or anything, but it is important to me."

Talli paused, then continued. "Money is something I've worked hard for, and I've saved a decent amount since I started to work for Derek. But.."

"But," Anthony prompted.

"I don't want to sound selfish or anything, but I want to be sure my child, I mean Derek's child never wants for a thing." Talli finished quietly.

Anthony nodded. "I understand, and I don't see a problem with any of the changes you wish to institute. Let me put this together, present it to Derek, then I'll get back to you." Just wait till Derek saw the newly-amended contract, he would flip.

"Anything else?"

"Nope, that should do it." With a glance at her watch, Talli leaped up from the chair. "Sorry, I've got to run. Time to pick up Gracie and George at the vets. If there's anything else you need, you know where to find me." She paused in the doorway and looked back at Anthony seated behind the paper strewn desk.

"Derek is very lucky to have you in his life. You care a lot about him, don't you?" With a wave she disappeared through the door.

Anthony rested his head against the back of the chair. Talli was really something. Derek was going to have his hands full with her.

"What?" Derek bellowed. "She wants natural conception? Are you nuts?"

"Those were the only amendments she requested in the contract."

Derek dropped the document on the kitchen counter as if it were on fire and shoved his fingers through his hair. "The only amendments. Natural, I never thought about natural conception. I thought this was going to be a test-tube type of pregnancy. What do you think?"

Anthony feigned nonchalance. "I don't see a problem. Both parties are agreeing to a clean bill of health. She's willing to undergo any tests you deem necessary, with you doing the same of course."

"Humph." Maimie set the coffee cups down before Derek with a bang. "Artificial, huh? Sure wouldn't want any child of mine born that way. What's wrong with the natural way? That's the way God's been working things forever, why change it now? Sounds pretty cold to me."

Anthony groaned. "No one asked your opinion, woman."

Derek tried to keep his face devoid of any expression, as his lips twitched at the pair bickering before him.

"Mr. Cameron values my opinion. I tell you, it's unnatural. What are you going to tell that poor little baby? It was born in a pee-pee dish?"

Derek squeezed the bridge of his nose between two fingers and grimaced, feeling the intense pressure of an on-coming headache. "I believe the correct terminology is petrie dish Maimie, not..."

She cut him off. "I don't care what the fancy schmansy words are. It isn't right. I think it's down right unhealthy."

With a defeated sigh, Derek looked to Anthony for support.

Anthony put his hands up in the air in front of him in mock surrender. "Sorry, I happen to agree with the old battle ax on this issue."

"Battle ax, my foot. Mr. City-Slicker-Legal-Beagle here knows I'm right."

Anthony groaned and rolled his eyes. "You meddlesome bag. I never said you were right. I simply hope to make Derek realize the consequences of becoming involved on such a personal level with a complete stranger. It would seem to me it would be very difficult to say the least, for someone to remain totally unemotional when put in such, shall we say, close quarters."

Derek looked down at the coffee cup in front of him, lazily rolling it back and forth between his hands. "I had hoped to avoid any emotional entanglements." His words were spoken very quietly.

"The king of the one night stands now wants to avoid his feelings. That's a laugh," Maimie mumbled sarcastically.

"Enough." Derek slammed his hand down on the counter, causing the coffee cup to crash against the saucer. "All right. I accept the changes. Anything else?"

"No, that's all," Anthony acknowledged.

"Fine, draft a final copy and set up a meeting. Let's do it before I change my mind."

Anthony nodded his head in agreement. His gaze met Maimie's briefly, as he saw a satisfied look settle across her features.

"I wish I could have been there to see the look on his face," Talli mused.

"Child, his jaw just about hit my clean kitchen floor," Maimie declared cackling.

"So, now all I do is wait until Anthony calls, then go from there."

"Yup, that's right." Maimie stooped to take a freshly baked apple pie out of the oven.

Talli's nose twitched in appreciation. "Smells wonderful. Dessert tonight?" she asked hopefully.

"Sure is, so don't you go getting no ideas about helping yourself to a piece ahead of time. If you're hungry, there's cookies in the cookie jar."

"Yes ma'am, drill sergeant." Talli aimed a mock salute in Maimie's direction, before hoping off the stool to raid the cookie jar.

The kitchen door swung inward as Derek walked into the room.

"My, don't you look happy tonight," Maimie remarked.

"Uh huh," Derek replied, as he reached around Talli to pluck a handful of cookies from the jar.

She could smell his aftershave, the warm woodsy aroma wafting past her nose as his shoulder leaned companionably against her in his quest for cookies.

"Hey there, boy. Get out of that jar. Dinner will be served soon enough. Both of you, out now," Maimie admonished. "Lordy, how is a body to get anything done around here if every time I turn around you all are eating." Derek grinned at Talli and flashed an exaggerated wink in her direction as he moved to Maimie's side. "Maimie, what would you do without me to boss around in your life?" Planting a loud smack on her cheek, he left the kitchen as quickly as he had entered.

Talli's eyes followed his retreating form and sighed. "He's going to kill me when he finds out what I've done."

"Now you listen here, missy. You haven't done anything wrong. He wanted a good, respectable woman to have his child and you fit the bill. What's so wrong with that?"

"Because he strictly forbade me to apply and wouldn't even consider my application when I asked him about it the other day. I'm dead." Talli dropped back down onto the stool and rested her chin on her crossed arms. She looked up at Maimie and posed a more serious question. "You think he'll fire me when he finds out what I've done?" "Don't you fret a thing. Nobody's going to get fired as long as I have anything to say about it. The good Lord knows I have plenty of things I'd like to say to that boy right about now."

Maimie reached out a time-lined hand to press against Talli's cheek. "Everything will be just fine. You leave it to Mr. Legal Beagle and me. We'll take care of everything. You just wait and see." Maimie nodded, muttering more to herself than Talli with her last few words.
Chapter 4

Derek motioned for Talli and Anthony to take a seat at the massive oval shaped mahogany conference table. As she lowered herself slowly down into the cushy, dark green leather chair, Talli observed for the first time the plush surroundings of Derek's office. Done all in black and dark-toned wood, the room conveyed a sense of importance and wealth. To her right, floor to ceiling glass shelves were filled with paperweights. Row upon row of uniquely shaped and colored paperweights graced the glass.

Several of the weights were embedded with semi-precious gemstones. The afternoon sun filtered through the green vertical blinds and glittered off the shelves, to encompass the room in a swirl of multi-colored hues of light.

Concluding her visual tour of Derek's office, her gaze landed on Anthony, seated across from her. He sported a reassuring smile and flashed a quick thumbs-up. He looked so calm, unlike herself.

Talli's heart pounded relentlessly in her chest, her fingers reaching up to tug nervously on the brim of her hat. She looked to her left and covertly studied the man before her. Her eyes hidden behind oversized gray tinted glasses and a floppy hat containing her curls, she allowed herself the luxury of watching the enigmatic Derek Cameron at work. He paced like a caged tiger behind his desk, the movements causing his Armani suit to hug his muscular chest.

Derek strode back and forth, the phone cord stretched to its limit, as he relayed a crisp message to the voice at the other end of the receiver. His ebony gaze paused briefly, and touched on her face as he flashed a dazzling smile in her direction.

Minutes later, he dropped the receiver back into its cradle and approached them.

"I apologize for the hold-up. Anthony, are you ready to begin?"

Anthony picked up the file folder and took out three copies, handing one to Talli and the other to Derek, retaining a copy for himself.

"All set. Before each of you is the formalized contract for surrogacy. I would like to have us proceed one page at a time over the contents, so there will be no misunderstanding of any of the terms contained within. Now for the record, Miss Paxton has waived the privilege of having her own attorney present and has been advised of all legal ramifications in doing so."

Pausing, he looked up, first at Talli, then to Derek. "Fine, now if you will please turn to page one."

Talli opened the folder and let out a soft sigh. Well, here goes nothing, she thought. Only half listening to Anthony's words, she tried to quell her nervousness. Her thoughts were like a runaway freight train, headed for a crash course with doom.

When she had first proposed her plan to Anthony, she was full of hopes and desires for the future. The money Derek offered was more than enough to get her own business off the ground. She would finally be able to give herself the stability and pride of knowing that she had reached her life-long dream. But now, she wasn't so sure. Physically, she was ready and willing to carry this baby, but emotionally, suddenly a million doubts started to filter through her mind.

A lull in the conversation drew her attention to the present. Talli watched the feather-like laugh lines crinkle the corners of Derek's eyes. His features so sure and positive, so unlike her own. He knew what he wanted out of this agreement, did she?

"Miss Paxton has agreed to the terms listed within, as has Mr. Cameron. Both parties have offered a medical certificate stating a clean bill of health."

His own thoughts a million miles away, Derek focused on Anthony and nodded. He was once again thinking about his son or daughter. Derek smiled and spoke up confidently.

"I'm sure you covered everything perfectly, Anthony."

Anthony cleared his throat and looked at the two seated before him. His eyes bounced back and forth between the pair, as if viewing a tennis match.

"If either of you has any reservations, now's the time to say so."

Talli shook her head, her heart still pounding out of control.

Derek's eyebrows pulled together, his look somber. "I have no reservations whatsoever. Let's proceed."

"All right then. Now Derek, if you would be so kind as to sign here and here." Anthony's finger pointed out the appropriate lines. When Derek had finished, Anthony turned to Talli.

"Now Miss Paxton, if you would place your signature here and once more here please." Again, he pointed out the required lines.

Talli dropped her gaze to her lap and willed her heart to stop hammering. She brought her gaze back up as Anthony started to speak.

"Here is a copy for each of you." Separating the papers, Anthony handed Derek and Talli each a copy and made to stand.

Derek leapt to his feet, his face beaming. "Thank you, Anthony. I appreciate the promptness you've given this matter. Now Miss Paxton, I know this is short notice, and I apologize for that fact, but I was wondering if you would accompany me to the Detroit Zoological Society Auction this evening. I meant to ask you sooner, but with the melee this position has caused, I regrettably forgot."

Talli looked at Derek, then at Anthony, who dropped a curt nod in her direction. A tentative flicker crossed her lips as Talli turned back to Derek.

"Mr. Cameron, I would love to accompany you to the auction."

Derek clapped his hands together. "Wonderful. How about I pick you up at, say seven then?"

"That would be fine."

"Until we have you settled in at Cameron Manor, where shall I pick you up this evening?"

Talli reached for the yellow legal pad in front of Derek and pulled it to her side of the table. She scribbled down an address and pushed it back to him.

Derek glanced down at the paper, then back up again. "I don't understand. This is my address."

Talli took a deep calming breath and slowly removed the glasses from her face. She reached up to pull the large hat off her head and set it carefully on the conference table. Her fingers plucked the pins from her hair to allow the long auburn curls to flow freely across her shoulders.

"It is my address as well, Mr. Cameron." Talli remarked softly, hearing her voice crack with a sudden nervousness.

Derek's voice was deadly calm, his gaze steady as he leveled his eyes on Anthony. "What exactly is the meaning of this? Would one of you care to explain this to me? Now, preferably," he demanded.

"Derek, please relax." Talli watched Anthony tug at the collar of his shirt.

"I am relaxed! I want some answers. Pronto!"

Talli looked at Anthony's face across the table, his features ashen in the afternoon light. Steeling herself for the inevitable battle she was about to encounter, she rose from her chair. "Don't blame Anthony for this. I am as much at fault, if not more than he is. I wanted this position and you refused to allow me to interview for it, so I worked out a way to do it without your approval. Since when did you put stipulations in the offer? Besides, it's not my fault you didn't recognize me."

Derek jumped to his feet and bellowed, "Now it's my fault that I didn't recognize you? I'm supposed to assume every applicant is someone they aren't? Forget it, the deal is off. The meetings were set up under fraudulent terms and you are not who you're pretending to be, so this voids everything."

"Oh yes, I am. My full name is Tallulah Jayne Paxton, Talli for short. Just as my application states, I do plan to open my own business in the future, so that is accurate as well." Talli stood facing Derek, arms folded defensively across her chest.

Derek kept quiet, not trusting himself to speak. In his head, he reeled off a dozen reasons why he should tear up the contract and throw her out of his office and house. She knew how he felt about her applying for the position. He had made that abundantly clear. Pivoting on his heel, Derek turned to face Anthony, his words cool and clear as ice water. "I hold you partially responsible for this mess. I will honor the agreement, only because I can't and won't allow a mockery to be made of this situation! It is too important to me. But let me tell you two something right here and now! If I so much as hear a peep out of either one of you about this ever again, I will personally see to it that you rue the day you met me," he aimed at Talli, then turned to Anthony, "and as for you and I, I will find myself another more professional legal firm to represent my needs. Have I made myself perfectly clear?"

Anthony dropped a silent nod, his head lowered.

Talli raised her chin with a cool stare in Derek's direction. Leaning over to pick up her glasses and hat, she strode from the room, never once looking back.

Derek collapsed into his chair and cradled his head in his hands. "Good Lord, what have I gotten myself into?" A broad smile crossed Anthony's face as he watched Derek's reaction. Talli stood toe to toe against Derek Cameron and came out on top. Things were going a lot better than Anthony had hoped for!

Two hours and a thousand expletives later, Derek stormed through the front door of Cameron Manor, allowing the heavy mahogany doors to slam loudly in his wake.

Maimie wiped her hands on her stark white apron and ambled out of the kitchen. "What's got your shorts in an uproar, boy? Bad day at the office?"

Derek leveled a look in her direction that would quell a charging lion, as he ground out his next words. "You know perfectly well what the matter is. And I have every reason in the world to believe you had something to do with it." He pivoted on his heel, strode into his office and slammed that door equally if not more deafening.

Maimie chuckled as she headed back toward the kitchen. Joseph sat quietly at the counter, helping himself to a piece of her mouth-watering chocolate cake. He looked at his wife and shook his head. "Mr. Cameron is a bit testy about this whole affair, I'm afraid."

"What's to be upset about? He got himself a sweet girl and soon there will be a precious little baby on the way. Isn't that the whole idea of this surrogacy thing?"

"Well, yes," Joseph agreed, "but he isn't too happy about the way Miss Talli and Mr. Baretti went about it."

Maimie shrugged her shoulders, her eyes looking at the ceiling as she stood deep in thought. "Well then, he just don't know what's good for him."

Joseph dropped his fork with a loud clang. "Oh, no you don't. No more of your hare-brained ideas. Every time you get that look on your face, one of us ends up in the doghouse with Mr. Cameron."

Maimie lowered her eyes to meet his. "Now now, honeybun. Just you wait and see. Leave it all up to me."

Joseph slumped back down into his chair and picked up his fork. "I might as well stay out of this. It's going to get ugly."

Derek leaned his head back in the folds of the soft gray leather wing chair and stared out the window, oblivious to the sun streaming through the trees, turning the snow into a sheet of crystal. How had this become so complicated? All he wanted was a surrogate mother to carry his child for nine months. He had strictly forbade Talli to go against his wishes and apply for the position. But had she listened? No, she went ahead and did it anyway. Under a guise of secrecy no less. Was he such an ogre that she couldn't have come right out and told him she planned on defying him and applying? Apparently, he was. At least then he would have had the luxury of rejecting her application on the spot.

When she had first pulled off the hat and glasses in his office, he was astounded. He wanted to wring her neck— better yet snap it between his hands for defying his wishes. Derek imagined himself holding her lily white throat loosely in his grasp, feeling her pulse dance wildly beneath his thumbs. His fingers lingering at her chin, then slowly moving downward as he trailed hot wet kisses across her skin. God, where had that thought come from, he wondered? His mind was definitely on a depraved downward spiral. The front legs of the chair thumped down loudly as he mentally shook his head and tried to collect his thoughts.

His brain filtered in the sounds of a persistent knocking on the study door, but instead chose to ignore it, hoping whoever would go away, and let him suffer in silence.

He watched Maimie as she marched through the doorway.

Approaching his desk, she flipped the switch for the lamp, bathing the darkened room in a soft glow. "There you are. What are you doing sitting here in the dark? You got yourself a party to attend. Come on, up with you."

"I'm not going," Derek mumbled, more to himself than her, content to sit and stew.

"Of course you are. You can't let the zoo down. They're counting on your support tonight. Besides, how would it look if word got out that Derek Cameron, big bad business tycoon, let himself be bested by his pet sitter. What would the society snobs think of you then?"

"I don't care what they'd think."

"Of course you do. Now, the Derek Cameron I know wouldn't let the world see him fall flat on his face. No, siree, he would dust himself off, get himself dressed and show the world what he's made of. But if you're afraid, then..." Maimie let her voice trail off.

Derek turned, listening to the catch in her voice. "Afraid of what?"

"Oh, nothing, never mind me." Maimie tried to wave him off with a flick of her hand.

"No, tell me. I'd like to know."

"Well, I really don't know what's so terrible about the situation anyway. Miss Talli is a fine, upstanding young woman. She's never caused you an ounce of trouble and she's taken wonderful care of those beasts you call pets. You already share a house with her, what would be wrong with sharing her bed for one night?"

Derek thought for a moment on Maimie's words. He couldn't deny he felt a definite physical attraction to Talli. "Maimie, not that this is any of your business, but she did apply under false pretenses for one, and second, she is ten years younger than I am."

"So? Are you saying my Joseph is any less of a man because I'm two years younger than he is? Does that make a person wrong in everything they do because they're younger? Just because there's a little snow on the mountain don't mean the heart of a volcano isn't heating up inside of the hill. You may be older than she is, but it sure don't look like you is any wiser. Uh huh." Maimie pointed a finger at his graying temples, then down to his chest.

Derek smiled for the first time in many hours. "You always know the right thing to say to me, don't you?"

"That's why the good Lord is keeping me around so long, so I can care for my favorite peoples on this Earth." She seized his arm and dragged him from the chair. "Now, you hurry on up those stairs and get yourself changed. The party starts in little over an hour. I'll tell Joseph to have the car ready."

Derek reached the bottom of the staircase and paused. "This isn't over yet," he admonished, wagging his finger at her. "But for the sake of the zoo, I'll go."
Chapter 5

Talli let out a deep sigh and twirled slowly in front of the mirror. As she reached up to position the hairpins more securely, she fussed with a few of the curls. What had ever possessed her to think she could hob-knob with society and come out on top of the heap?

The reflection that stared back at her from the mirror showed a scared young woman, in a very low-cut halter strap black velvet gown. The skirt stopped just inches above her ankles. The dress fit her like a glove, every inch of the black velvet molded to her slender curves and contours. She bent down to slide the matching black pumps on her feet and gasped at the view the gown front afforded from this angle. She wasn't about to lean over that far tonight and cause a spectacle of herself. If she were to sneeze, she might just end up popping herself right out of the gown! As it was, the slit running down the side showed off more of her legs than she would have liked. Too late now, she thought. No time to back out. Reaching for the lacy black shawl draped over her chair, she gave herself one last appraising look in the dresser mirror. The dark velvet heightened the paleness of her face. Nervously, she chewed her lower lip. "Well, this is for all the marbles. Here goes nothing."

Derek stood at the bottom of the staircase, pacing back and forth, resplendent in a black tuxedo and tails. Every few minutes his movements stopped, his eyes searching the staircase for signs of life. Maimie fussed over him like a mother hen.

"Stand still, boy. Stop fidgeting; now you got your tie all crooked. Goodness gracious, you look like you're about to face a firing squad. Stop that. My, my, but don't you look spiffy tonight."

"I am about to face a firing squad. One consisting of pet sitters and nosy housekeepers. But, thank you anyway," Derek conceded.

There was no way he was going to forget what had occurred earlier that afternoon. This evening would be strictly business. He wasn't about to let Talli or anyone else undermine his quest to have a child. Even if they thought they were doing it for his own good.

"I am not nosy," Maimie declared with a huff. "I am merely concerned with your welfare."

"Mine and everyone else's welfa..." Derek's words trailed off as a sound from above caused him to turn. He gazed at the vision coming down the staircase toward him. His eyes took in Talli's descent as she slowly walked down the curving staircase.

From his vantage point, he could see legs. Long, lithe, luscious legs starting at her ankles and moving upward to disappear under the slit of her gown. Derek drew in a deep breath as she reached the last step. His mouth felt dry. Words struggled to come out, yet no sound issued forth. He was speechless.

"Lordy, lordy, look at my girl, will you? She's all gussied up and beautiful. Sweetiepie, you look lovely. Doesn't she, Mr. Cameron? Just as lovely as any of those high faluting society ladies you know." Maimie prodded, nudging Derek with a finger pressed into his back.

A look of genuine surprise crossed Derek's face as he nodded in agreement. "Yes, she does. I mean, you do. You look lovely tonight, Talli."

He felt so stupid, he sounded like a pimply-faced kid out on his first date. Derek couldn't believe his own response at the feelings she was invoking in him. How come he hadn't noticed her in the past six months she'd been here? Their paths rarely crossed, unless it was in the yard or the kitchen. Thank God she didn't wear outfits like this when she was exercising the dogs!

"I hope I haven't made you late."

Derek smiled, a real dazzler that reached all the way up to the corners of his eyes. "Talli, it's an unspoken rule to be fashionably late to these functions. If you arrive early, everyone will think you have nothing better to do with your life."

"Oh," Talli replied, confused why anyone would want to arrive somewhere purposely late.

Maimie silently appeared at her side and draped the lacy black shawl across her shoulders, to ward off the chill of the night air. "Your wrap, Talli."

"Thank you, Maimie."

"Now, you two run along and have a good time. Joseph is waiting out front for you with the car. Mr. Cameron, you be sure and tell the Mayor I said hello, and his missus too. Such a nice couple they are." Maimie rambled on, as she pushed the pair toward the front door.

Outside, Joseph stood in readiness, the rear door of the limousine open. "Evening, Miss Talli. My, don't you look pretty tonight? Mr. Cameron, sir." Joseph dropped a small nod in his employer's direction as he reached out a hand to escort Talli into the spacious car.

Talli slid across the seat, feeling the soft, leather upholstery caress her skin. Moving further, she made room for Derek to join her.

Derek stood outside the car, watching her skirt ride up to expose her legs even further. His imagination immediately conjured up an image of lacy red underwear hidden away beneath her black dress. Mentally cursing himself for such a momentary lapse, Derek moved forward to join Talli in the back of the limousine. He wouldn't let his hormones override his decision.

Talli looked covertly at her employer, noticing the tense set of his jaw. She had hoped that the evening would proceed smoothly, but it didn't look that way. Settling herself back against the soft leather, she sighed. "This is so fancy. I never thought I'd see myself in anything like this."

"Glad you like it." Derek commented, as his eyes roamed over her form. He admired the view from her trim ankle up to her shapely thigh. Try as he might, he couldn't remain impartial to her beauty.

Talli caught his gaze and looked down. Even in the shadows of the car, she could feel herself blushing as she reached to move the shawl across her hip to cover the view.

Derek looked up, unaware he had been caught gawking. He flashed her an apologetic look. "Sorry."

"No, you're not," she retorted.

"You're right, I'm not," he grinned. "I'm not sorry in the least."

Talli laughed, a rich melodious sound that filled the interior of the limousine.

Derek watched the merriment in her face and found himself staring at her again.

Talli forced herself to speak. Her thoughts were running away with her, being alone in the limousine with Derek. His very presence commanded ultimate attention. "Mr. Cameron, would you tell me more about this evening? I know it's a benefit for the Zoo, but that's about all I know for sure."

Derek's eyes met hers. Even in the darkness, she looked beautiful. Definitely an equal for any of the society patrons that would be in attendance tonight. He cleared his throat and tried to concentrate on her question. "The Zoological Society has an annual benefit to raise money to care for the animals currently in residence at the zoo. All of society's movers and shakers will be in attendance this evening. Their goal is to raise enough funds to care for the animals without having to rely on raised admission prices or outside monies."

Talli nodded. "So, you feel this is a worthy cause to support?"

Derek looked at her in surprise. "As a matter of fact, I do. The zoo is a very important part of the future of our children today. It gives them the opportunity to see animals they might never come in contact with on a normal day to day basis."

"Hmm. Do the animals benefit directly from the monies raised?" Talli waited quietly for his answer.

Derek was amazed at the intensity of her questions. "They benefit one hundred percent. In fact, some of the animals will be brought in for the guests to see up close and personal this evening."

"Really?" Talli found herself getting excited at the prospect of touching the animals up close. Another perk of the business, she thought to herself.

Derek sighed softly. "Talli, do you think it might be possible for you to call me Derek, instead of Mr. Cameron?"

Talli felt herself blushing again. "I'll try."

"Thank you."

Talli was astonished at the animals on display in the ballroom. The survival of the species was imperative. Without the proper funds, their rate of survival would plummet. Talli watched enthralled as an attendant with an enormous anaconda approached their group. The other ladies shrank back and shook their heads at the offer to touch the snake. Talli moved forward, reaching out a hand. The skin felt smooth and warm beneath her fingertips, pulsating with life. She stroked the snake's length, caressing its scales.

Derek watched in amazement as Talli reached out, totally unafraid. The other women in the group had shied away at the first sign of the reptile. But not Talli. Derek saw her fingers move languorously over the snake. He swallowed hard at the thought of those hands wrapping themselves around him.

Minutes later, Talli found her attention garnered by a cuddly koala bear cradled in its keeper's arms. Tentatively, Talli looked at the attendant, who nodded her consent. Talli reached out her arms and the koala studied her with serious eyes, before climbing out of his safe haven and into Talli's embrace.

Nestled against Talli's shoulder, the small creature watched the room through sleepy, jet black eyes. Talli talked softly to him, snug and secure in her arms. The koala laid its furry head on her shoulder and was soon asleep.

Derek stood fascinated by the woman beside him here tonight. She was amazing. Throughout the entire evening, she had carried herself with pride and dignity, not showing any fear or revulsion at her unfamiliar surroundings. Members of Detroit's elitist society paused briefly at Derek's side to murmur their congratulations on his latest coup, while at the same time discussing among themselves who the stunning brunette was upon his arm. As she knelt to pet the larger animals on the floor, Talli's skirt flared with her movement. Every man's eyes were on the slit that threatened to bare all. Including Derek's.

Talli turned soft doe eyes on Derek and whispered, "Mr. Cam...I mean Derek. Look over there. Isn't she precious?"

Derek's gaze followed Talli's as he saw the newest member of the group being led in. Chester, a year old wallaby, bounced into the room on two huge rear paws. Talli's gasp of tenderness brought his eyes back to her face. She was radiant.

"Would you like to go meet Chester? Oh, and she happens to be a he." Derek asked, already knowing her answer.

Talli swung delighted eyes to him. "Could we?"

"Come on." Caught up in her exuberance, Derek reached for her hand as they threaded their way across the ballroom.

Chester paused, his eyes taking in the noise and activity around him. His tiny front paws flailing, he pulled nervously at the leash the keeper held tightly.

"Hi, baby," Talli crooned softly to the frightened wallaby.

Chester cocked his head and listened. His ears pricked as he hopped an uncertain step forward, then once more to Talli. She reached out a tentative hand and touched his soft fuzzy ears. "Hey there, little guy. You're so soft and fuzzy. Just like Gracie's ears." She laughed, talking softly to Chester.

Bemused, Derek shook his head at the attendant. "I think she's made friends with every animal you guys have brought in tonight."

Talli looked up and blushed. "I'm sorry. I just love animals. They're so fragile and helpless."

The attendant nodded in agreement. "If the Zoo had more caring, concerned people like you ma'am, we would be able to care for the animals on a much greater level."

The evening passed in a flourish of bidding and loud congratulations called out to the winning bidders on their purchases. The total presented to the Zoological Society at the end of the night was astonishing. Over one hundred and forty thousand dollars raised in a single evening. Derek found himself the proud "godparent" to a pair of North American Snowy Owls. He couldn't imagine himself bidding on them, but with Talli at his side, anything seemed possible. She kept squeezing his arm at the adoptions up for bid, oohing and aahing over the owls as Derek heard his own voice bidding, eager to keep the glowing expression on her face.

As they waited in the cool night air for Joseph to bring the limousine around, Derek again marveled at the fact that he was a "godparent."

Talli grinned, and replied with an amused look, "After all Derek, it is for a worthy cause. You said so yourself earlier this evening."

Derek was just about to respond when they were joined by another couple.

"Derek, sorry we didn't get a chance to catch up with you earlier. I don't believe we've had the opportunity to be introduced to your lovely companion," the Mayor exclaimed.

Derek forced a polite smile on his face. His mouth opened then closed, like a fish out of water. He wasn't ready to face the prying eyes of the world if he were to tell the Mayor and his wife exactly who Talli was. This was one part of the agreement he hadn't planned out in advance.

Talli watched Derek's mouth gape, yet no sound issued forth. She reached out her hand and moved toward the couple. "Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Bryant, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Talli Paxton. I work for Mr. Cameron at Cameron Manor."

Talli watched the Mayor and his wife exchange a look between them.

"Well, I'm surprised we've never met before," Mrs. Bryant replied sincerely.

"Actually, I've only been there six months, isn't that right, Mr. Cameron?"

Derek tried to follow the conversation, but was at a loss for words. "Huh? Oh, right." He closed his eyes and prayed that Joseph would arrive momentarily.

"I hope we'll get the opportunity to become better acquainted in the future," Mrs. Bryant replied.

"Miss Paxton, if you don't mind my asking, in what capacity are you employed at the Manor?" the Mayor asked curiously.

"I don't mind at all, Mr. Mayor. I am currently in charge of Derek's dogs. I have an extensive background in training and grooming, but I do hope to take on additional responsibilities in the very near future."

"Really? Well then, maybe you can tell us what the best way would be to handle an over zealous Bichon?"

Talli chose her words carefully before replying. "Well, the first thing would have to be to cut out the rattling of the candy jar. Dogs love chocolate and it's the worse possible food for them to have. It can be deadly if they eat too much."

Mrs. Bryant let out a loud burst of laughter, and heartily slapped her husband on the arm. "See, I told you so. Even Talli knows about you!" Turning to Talli, she confided, "I told him that, but does he ever listen to me? Nooo, of course not. Thank you, Talli. Well Edgar, now do you believe me?"

Edgar Bryant smiled lovingly at his wife and shook his head. "Is it my fault the dog loves candy so much?"

Derek watched the conversation volley between Talli and the Mayoral couple. He couldn't believe words had failed him. He was never at a loss for words, especially not in a crucial situation. A crisis was always an open and shut case for him. Zoom in for the kill and get out fast. Yet tonight, he stood baffled and equally bedazzled by the beautiful woman beside him. Moments later when he finally felt as though he had his wits about him, he found the Mayor and his wife had already left them.

"Oh, Mrs. Bryant, before I forget. Maimie asked us to give you and the Mayor her best regards," Talli called to the couple, as they waved and crossed to their waiting limousine.

"Please tell her we asked after her," Mrs. Bryant called out in return.

"Derek, are you all right?" Talli reached out and placed her hand on his cheek. He stood so still, as if in a trance.

Derek focused his gaze on her, as a wan smile crossed his features. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Joseph alight from the driver's side of the limousine. Better late than never, he thought.

The ride home was quiet and serene as Talli craned her neck to follow the stars in the night sky outside the car window. Derek watched her twisting first one way, then the next as she angled for a better view. Her skirt rode higher with every move she made. Unconsciously, he reached across the seat and trailed his finger down her thigh to her knee.

Talli turned, a soft gasp emerging from her lips. "You startled me."

"Sorry. Cancel that, no I'm not," he grinned in the darkness, his teeth a bright white against the inky darkness of the night.

"Mr....I mean Derek, have you given any thought to when you would like to try to...I mean for us to...oh heck, when do you want to start working on having a baby?" Talli stammered, her words sounding more confused by the minute.

Derek saw her fingers flutter as she nervously twisted them together. He leaned across the seat to take her hand in his. "How about tonight?"

Talli gulped. "Tonight?"

"Tonight," he affirmed, surprising even himself with his answer.

Talli watched Derek settle back in the plush seat and lift the phone to call up front to Joseph.

Minutes later, Talli's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. "Tonight?" she whispered to herself, her eyes on Derek as he spoke softly into the receiver.
Chapter 6

Her breath caught in her throat, as Talli felt her heart pound. She accepted Derek's outstretched hand and allowed herself to be led into the house. It had been her idea in the first place to ask when they would try to have the baby. Now that Derek had given her his answer, Talli wasn't sure she was ready for it to be so soon.

Derek opened the heavy wood front door and stepped inside.

Unsure of what to do next, Talli moved as if she was in a trance.

Derek followed her into the living room. He watched her face, noting Talli's far-off expression, immersed in thoughts of her own, a million miles away. He cleared his throat and moved toward the bar.

"Would you like a drink?"

Talli looked up startled. Her reverie broken, she instantly became aware of her surroundings.

"What? No, nothing for me, thank you. If I have too much to drink, I'll be running to the bathroom all night long and we don't want that to..." Her words trailed off, suddenly conscious of her babbling.

Derek reached across the smooth marble surface of the bar and picked up a bottle of brandy. His eyes studied her reflection in the gilded mantel mirror. He could see her chewing on her lower lip and wondered what she was thinking.

He spoke, breaking the silence of the room.

"So, tell me. How did you enjoy the evening with the Zoological Society?"

Talli whirled from where she stood in front of the fireplace.

"I loved it. It was beyond words. Thank you so much for asking me to join you tonight. I can't believe I actually got to hold that little koala. He was so cute and cuddly, and the snake and Chester..." Talli dropped to the sofa and wrapped her arms around herself as if to emphasize her words.

Derek closed his eyes, imagining what it would be like to be held in Talli's soft arms. Her fingertips caressed his skin as she had with the animals on display tonight. He groaned inwardly and pushed himself away from the bar. He crossed the room and moved to sit beside her.

"Talli, I can see that you're a bit nervous. Is there something I can say or do to make this easier for you?"

Talli felt her face flame at his words. Nervous was an understatement for how she felt right now. Sucking in a deep breath, she turned to face Derek.

"Mr. Cameron, I mean Derek... I think the best way for us to handle this would be in a very professional and businesslike manner. We are both mature adults and as such, I'm sure we can work through this." Talli paused, trying to pull her next words into a more rational thought pattern. "So, I think that the best way to proceed would be to just forge right on ahead"

"Forge on ahead?" Derek shook his head, puzzled at her choice of words. "I don't believe I'm following you"

"Oh." Talli felt herself at a loss for words.

"Talli, would you feel more comfortable if I took the lead?" Derek asked softly.

Talli sighed in relief. "Definitely"

"I was afraid of that," Derek mumbled to himself.

"Pardon me?" Talli leaned forward to catch his words.

Derek watched her move toward him. The front of her gown gaped as she shifted closer. He found his gaze drawn to the creamy mounds of flesh that threatened to tumble forth. Much to his own surprise, he could feel his stomach tighten at the thought of having her in his bed. Under him, as he pressed into her willing flesh.

"Wait," Derek groaned and leapt to his feet.

Talli blinked in surprise.

Derek reached out and pulled her to her feet. "The hell with professional and businesslike manner. Come here." He grasped her wrists gently as he brought her close. His hands slid up her arms and he pushed the black wispy shawl off her shoulders to float silently to the patterned carpet below.

Talli closed her eyes against the sensations she felt. His fingers danced lightly across her bare arms. She felt his palms brush the back of her neck as he held her close against him. She could feel his muscles rippling beneath the pristine white tuxedo shirt he wore as her hands rested lightly on his shoulders.

Her pulse quickened, and she reached higher to bury her fingers in his thick hair, softly massaging his scalp.

Derek felt her touch, so timid and unsure. His insides were ready to explode, as his fingers tightened on her. He watched her face, her lips pliant and inviting as they drew closer still.

Talli raised her gaze to find Derek staring at her. Nervously, she moistened her lips. She shivered as he lightly fingered a loose tendril of hair that had carelessly fallen to her check. "Derek, I.."

He leaned closer, his fingers continuing their leisurely exploration over her cheekbones, then down to brush his knuckles across her jaw.

He lowered his head, and gently touched her lips, feeling her sudden intake of breath. The mere touch of her skin against his sent his senses reeling. He wanted more, and he wanted it now.

His lips met hers again hungrily, giving and taking, demanding more. Fervent kisses, carrying them both higher. He couldn't help himself.

Good Lord, what was she doing to him?

Their passion flared, as though pouring gasoline on an open flame. Burning out of control. He crushed her to him, and was surprised at her own eager response. And even more confused by his own reaction.

His tongue sent shivers of desire racing through her. Talli felt her knees weaken with the intensity of their passion. Her heart beat wildly, as a shiver of wanting coursed through her. With shaky hands, Talli fumbled to undo the buttons of Derek's shirt, eager to touch the warm flesh hidden within.

A persistent knocking slowly penetrated Derek's senses. "This better be good," he muttered. Gathering Talli in his arms, he pulled her snugly to his chest. "What is it?"

"Pardon the interruption sir, but you have a phone call"

"Tell them I'll call them back later"

"Sir, the caller is the President"

"I just left the man not more than a few hours ago. What can be so important that it can't wait until morning?"

Talli buried her face against his shirtfront, inhaling the warm masculine smell that was Derek. She longed to press her lips to his skin, to taste his flesh. To...

"Sir, your caller is the President of the United States, not the Zoological Society. Shall I say you'll return his call tomorrow?"

Talli's mouth dropped open as she pushed herself from his embrace. "Derek, you have to take that call. It's the President."

His gaze traveled the length of her, coming to rest on her flushed checks. As their eyes met, he felt a shock run through him, rendering him momentarily speechless.

"Derek?"

He touched her lips with his finger and sighed. "Tell the President I'll be right there"

"Very well, sir"

Talli heard Joseph's retreating footsteps fade down the hallway.

"Talli, I'm sorry."

She swallowed hard and smiled. "No apologies. Go. Don't keep the President waiting."

Derek grinned and touched his forehead in a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am"

Talli watched Derek cross the room to the door, then pivot to face her. "Talli?"

"Yes, Derek?"

"Thank you for tonight." With that said, he vanished down the hallway to his office.

Talli dropped unto the sofa and sighed audibly. "Bottom of the first, bases loaded, the batter steps up to the plate and strikes out. Story of my life."

* * *

The next morning Talli awoke to find a dozen red roses adorning her night stand, a cream colored envelope tucked among the blooms. Carefully, she plucked the card free and read aloud.

"Talli, I have to make an emergency presentation before Congress. Please forgive my not saying goodbye in person. See you soon. Derek"

The card dropped down onto the floor as Talli leaned forward to smell the heavenly aroma of the blossoms. "Well, Mr. Cameron, there will be other nights. I'm sure of it"

The week passed in a flurry of activity. Talli found herself busier than ever. Yet in spite of her busy schedule, thoughts of Derek intruded into her day. The dogs garnered her attention and kept her thoughts occupied during the day. But late at night, her mind turned toward her employer. She yearned for the taste of his lips again.

For the memory of his hands upon her body. The memory of their last night together brought a tender smile to her face. She lay in the drowsy warmth of her bed and thought back.

Was Derek as deeply affected by the evening they spent together as she was?

Joseph cleared his throat. "Mr. Cameron will be arriving home this evening, Maimie"

"About time he got back. This baby is never gonna get to be born at this rate, not with him gallivanting all over the country"

Talli felt her cheeks heat up at Maimie's words, accurate though embarrassing. She wished there was something she could do to hasten things along. A mischievous look came into her eyes, as a shiver danced crazily down her spine at the mere thought.

"Joseph, would it be okay if I went to the airport with you this evening to pick up Derek?"

"Certainly, Miss Talli. I see no problem with that"

"Thanks, I'll be ready whenever you say." Talli pushed herself off the bar stool and carried her plate to the sink, unaware of the look Maimie sent in her direction.

Maimie waited for the patio door to close behind Talli then smiled at her husband. "That girl has something in mind for Mr. Cameron tonight. I can feel it"

"Now Maimie, don't start up with that nonsense again"

"Nonsense, my great grandmother's apple pie. Talli has something cooking, you wait and see"

Talli felt a shudder involuntarily run through her. Immersed in her thoughts, she never noticed the limousine glide silently to a stop at the curb.

"Miss Talli, we're here," Joseph announced.

"Huh? Oh thank you, Joseph." Talli looked out the window at the tall glass building towering before her. A small sigh escaped her lips as she sat awaiting Derek's arrival.

Minutes later, Derek exited the terminal with two gentlemen in tow. Joseph opened the rear door of the limo to allow the men access to the warm interior. Talli's gaze bounced back and forth in horror. She hadn't expected anyone to arrive with Derek this evening.

Derek's gray eyes widened in surprise. "Talli, what are you doing here?" "Gentlemen, may I present my ah...associate Talli Paxton. Talli, this is Grant Holden and Gary Marsh, senior officers of Entro-Bax Incorporated"

"Miss Paxton, I hope we haven't caused you any inconvenience. Derek graciously asked us to join him for dinner this evening." Gary Marsh smiled becomingly as he reached out to pump her hand emphatically.

"Dinner? No Mr. Marsh, no inconvenience at all." Talli politely acknowledged, her mind racing trying to come up with an excuse to get her out of there.

"Why don't you join us, Miss Paxton? We'd be delighted to have you, that is if Derek here doesn't mind." Grant Holden asked, his smile wide and friendly.

Derek agreed wholeheartedly with their suggestion.

Talli felt slightly befuddled within the confines of the limousine. She couldn't refuse without looking somewhat rude.

"Thank you, Mr. Holden, I'd be delighted to." Talli pulled her raincoat tighter about her, as Joseph merged the large vehicle into traffic.

Once inside the restaurant, Talli gawked at the Victorian surroundings. High back chairs nestled cozily against burgundy colored, covered round tables, bearing intimate plate settings.

What had she gotten herself into?

The hostess stood expectantly, as Derek moved to slide Talli's coat from her shoulders. She pulled the coat tighter to her and shook her head. "No thanks, I'll keep it on. I'm ah...I'm a bit chilly tonight"

Derek looked at Talli and smiled. "I can have the hostess seat us next to the fire, if you'd prefer. That would be warmer for you." He reached up again for her coat.

Talli shook her head vehemently. "Really, I'd rather keep it on." She smiled weakly and offered a silent apology to the hostess.

Talli sat down slowly, trying to conquer her fleeting nerves, then immediately jumped back up. "Gentlemen, please excuse me for a moment"

All three men rose in a fluid motion as Talli scurried from the table. Once inside the powder room, she leaned against the cool ceramic tiles and stared at her reflection in the brass mirror. A pale, wide-eyed image looked back at her.

"What am I doing here?" she muttered, and pushed herself off the ornately wallpapered wall to pace the room. "Why did I ever think this stupid idea would work?"

A knock sounded on the door, disturbing her thoughts.

"Talli, it's Derek. Are you all right in there?"

Talli exhaled and faced the wooden portal, thankful he couldn't see through it. "I'm fine, Derek," she called out, her hand trembling on the knob.

Talli stepped into the corridor and paused. Derek stood directly in front of her, a worried look etched on his features.

"Are you ill? You look pretty pale"

She shook her head and lowered her gaze to the carpet. "No, nothing like that"

Derek reached out a hand and gently lifted her chin. "Then tell me what's wrong? I know something has been bothering you since we got here"

"I'm not sick, not really." Suddenly, Talli was unsure of how to handle the turn the conversation was taking.

"Then?"

"Derek, I apologize for just showing up tonight. I thought you'd be alone. I didn't know anyone would be with you. Joseph never said anything about Mr. Marsh or Mr. Holden"

"Joseph didn't know about them," Derek broke in. "Was there a particular reason you would have preferred I was alone?"

Talli glanced around the empty hallway for any signs of customers. "Yes, there is." Slowly, she raised her gaze to his as she fumbled with the belt of her raincoat.

Derek watched her fingers tremble as she undid the belt, his gaze locked on her hands.

Talli took a deep breath and held the coat open wide, allowing Derek an intimate view of what was underneath.

His breath caught in his throat. Talli stood before him, scantily clad in a black bustier and black silk panties. Her long legs were encased in black matching nylons, the tops held up by a lace garter belt. His eyes widened at the vision in front of him, then he lowered his gaze to take in her entire body.

"What is this?" he croaked, his voice sounding very bullfrogish.

"I believe it's satin and lace," Talli answered slowly, her low tones seeping into his every pore.

"That's not exactly what I meant," Derek countered.

Talli sighed. "I had hoped you'd be alone, so we could work on having that baby you so desperately want. I thought the limousine would provide us some privacy. But, if it's an imposition, I can go on home." Talli made a move to close the coat.

Derek reached out with lightning speed, halting her hands. He stood stock-still, his mind reeling. He closed his eyes to calm his raging emotions. Now, if he could control his own gut reaction, he thought.

He felt his stomach tighten, at his own response, his evident arousal straining against his fly.

"Let me get this straight. You planned to jump my bones on the limo ride home tonight?" None of the women he had dated ever had the nerve to try to seduce him. He was always the aggressor, always the seducer. This was beginning to get very interesting.

Talli pulled the raincoat tighter around her waist, dodging his touch. "I don't know if I'd call it jumping your bones exactly"

"Well, what would you call it then?"

"Ah, I don't know exactly"

Derek found himself intrigued. He caught her wrist and tugged her forward. "Talli, come here"

Slowly, she moved toward him and drew to a halt, her fingers nervously twisting the belt of the raincoat into a wadded bunch.

Derek laced his finger through hers and forced her to loosen her death grip on the belt.

Talli gulped, her pulse thrumming crazily. She felt a momentary panic as the coat fell open.

Derek's eyes lowered to take in her heaving chest, the black lace caressing her skin as it moved with every breath she took. His fingers touched her throat, feeling her pulse beat wildly beneath his thumb. He felt her swallow and watched her shift from foot to foot, as he stood silently assessing her.

Derek dropped his gaze and saw the tiny black ribbons that secured the nylons to the garter. One tug and the ribbon would give way, to expose the creamy flesh hidden underneath.

"Talli," he groaned for her ears alone, his tormented sigh a heavy invitation.

Her lips parted in anticipation of his kiss. Her arms wove themselves around his neck, her fingers pulling his head down to met hers. As their mouths met, Talli moaned.

Derek's hands slid inside her coat. A tingling sensation filled her body as his hands lowered to cup her backside. She was caught up in her own emotions.

Talli darted her tongue forward, tasting Derek's lips, tracing their fullness. Suddenly, she felt her raincoat drawn tight about her.

"Don't move," Derek growled, pivoting about on one heel and left her standing alone in the hallway.

Before she could regain her senses, Derek was back. "Let's get out of here." He wrapped a protective arm across her shoulders and led her from the restaurant.

Joseph opened the rear door of the limo and stepped back, allowing Derek to ease Talli inside.

"Take us home and no matter what, I don't want to be disturbed. Not for any reason, is that clear?"

Joseph tipped his head. "Certainly sir, no problem at all"

A split second after the door closed behind them, Derek pulled an astonished Talli atop his lap. "Now, we're all alone. Why don't you show me what you had planned for this evening, hmm?"

Talli's startled look focused on Derek's face. "But the gentlemen in the restaurant. What about them?"

"I told them something came up that needed my immediate attention. They'll understand." Derek smiled, as he loosened the tie of the coat. "Now, where were we?"

Talli gasped as the double entendre of his words hit her. His fingers stroked her skin and she shivered.

She placed her hands lightly on his shoulder and slipped the coat from her arms. "I've never done this before. I'm not really sure how to proceed"

Derek ran his hands across her back and trailed lightly to her spine. "Well, I think you're off to a very good start"

"Oh," Talli sighed, feeling the warmth of his hands on her bare skin. Conscious of where he had touched her, Talli had no desire to remove herself from his embrace. Digging deep within herself, she forced her courage to the surface. She had planned this evening down to the tiniest detail and nothing was going to stop her.

She released her hold on his shoulder and slid her palms down the front of Derek's shirt, pausing only long enough to pop open each button on her descent. Her courage built as she continued her downward quest.

Derek watched her free his shirt. As her fingers dipped to his waistband, he smothered a groan. He shifted his weight forward and eased his suit coat and shirt off without out relinquishing his hold on her. He pressed his lips together in a tight white line, as Talli inched forward, her soft bottom pressing itself intimately against his straining arousal.

He closed his eyes and felt her tentative touch on his face, then the fleeting caress of her lips as they molded themselves to his. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on her hips and gave in to the feelings she invoked. Derek recaptured her mouth, more demanding. His tongue explored the soft inner contours of her mouth.

Talli could feel his uneven breathing, his heart hammering wildly against her own. The touch of his bare skin to hers sought to be her undoing. Her nipples strained, yearning to be released from their confines, eager for his caress.

Her head lolled back on her shoulders as she felt Derek's mouth trail down the hollow of her throat. Her hands clenched his bare shoulders, the flesh hot and hard beneath her hold. Her senses reeled, as shivers of delight followed his lips.

"Yes, Derek, please." Her last words were smothered by his lips.

His mouth seared a path down her neck, coming to rest at the edge of the black lace. Derek could feel the racing of her heart as he gently eased Talli back on the limo seat, hearing the supple leather crackle as his body covered hers.

The air in the car was charged with electricity. The cool touch of the leather upholstery beneath her bare skin caressed her nerve endings, setting her skin on fire. The touch of Derek's bare flesh short-circuited her nervousness. The mere brush of his chest hairs upon her skin caused her stomach to do major flip-flops. Through the dim glow of the lights beyond the windows, Talli could see the passion in Derek's eyes as they darkened in intensity. She held his smoldering gaze.

He lowered his head and slowly trailed his tongue across Talli's skin, the sensations causing her to arch in abandon under him. She moaned softly, her response to his touch spurred him on. Derek pressed his mouth to the black lace, feeling the pebbled bud trapped, hidden inside. His tongue slid under the edge of the bustier, teasing her nipple with tantalizing possessiveness.

Talli closed her eyes in ecstasy as his mouth claimed her breast. She pulled her hands free of his and fumbled between them, frantic to free him from his trousers.

As her fingertips brushed his highly sensitized skin, Derek groaned. Push followed by pull and his trousers and shoes fell unbidden to the floor of the car.

Derek slid his hand under the waistband of her panties, untying the tiny ribbons to slide them off her legs.

"Talli," he could hear his own voice, strained and low. Her heels scraped against the back of his legs, grazing his skin. He drew her close and settled her atop him.

"Don't say anything," Talli whispered, her forefinger pressed against his mouth, stilling the words within. Talli lowered her mouth to his, tasting the firmness of his lips under her own, covering where seconds before her fingertips had caressed.

His arousal pressed intimately against the vee of her legs. Talli lifted herself up on her knees, then guided him deep between her parted thighs. Slowly, she lowered herself downward, impaling him within her. Waves of pleasure throbbed through her, his expert touch sending her to even higher levels of ecstasy.

Derek groaned and pressed into her willing flesh. He hadn't thought it would feel like this. So good, so hot, so inviting. He matched her urgency with his own unsated needs. His body cried out for release, his thoughts rushed forward as he grasped her hips and urged her on, hurtling them both over the edge of the precipice to abandon.

Time ceased to exist for the pair, enveloped in passion. Street lights blinked past, unseen by the occupants on the other side of the tinted windows.

Talli felt herself float slowly back to earth, her rapid breaths slowing. She opened her eyes to find herself nestled in Derek's arms. She blushed furiously in the darkened interior of the car, then lifted her head.

Derek held her securely against his chest. Leisurely, he stretched his legs. The soft glow from the interior lights revealed her dewy, passion drugged lips, her auburn hair mussed from their lovemaking. Derek dropped his gaze and took in the swollen nipples, their rosy peaks pebbled in the cool night air.

She stared at the lights, then met his gaze with dreamy eyes. "How long have we been home?" Talli asked softly, her eyes peering through the tinted glass for any sign of activity.

"Not long," Derek replied.

Talli pushed a hand through her tousled hair and paused. "Well, that went a lot better than I had hoped it would"

Derek smiled. When he spoke, his voice was tender, almost a murmur. "Miss Paxton, I have to admit, you are definitely full of surprises"

"And hopefully soon, I'll have another surprise for you"

Talli pulled her raincoat from the floor and wrapped it around her, then reached over Derek for the door handle. She scooted out the door before he could stop her.

Once again, she had left him utterly speechless. Worse yet, he had broken his own vow to remain impassive to her.
Chapter 7

Talli sighed and blew a loose tendril of hair off her face. She propped her elbows on the dresser top and stared in the mirror. Two lines of worry appeared across her forehead. Good Lord, she had turned into a shameless hussy! What must Derek Cameron think of her right now? Sure, tonight had been her idea, but she thought it would further their progress, not turn it into a giant make-out session nestled cozily together in the back seat of his car. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips, as she thought back on the evening. Heck, she couldn't argue, she had enjoyed every minute of it, even if it was for the purpose of conception.

She walked across the bedroom and let her raincoat slip to the floor as her thoughts turned inward. Minutes later, the carpet beneath her feet lay strewn with scraps of the black lace she had worn just minutes before. She scooped the articles up into a pile and dropped them down on the chair.

Tonight had been the most wonderful experience of her life.

The feel of his hands on her skin had almost been her undoing. Talli thought for sure she would blurt out her hidden love for him. Closing her eyes, she replayed the sensation of his lips on hers, his hands roaming freely across her body, his fingers taking her higher and then... She sighed, reaching for the light on the nightstand.

To be loved by a man like Derek Cameron every night of her life, to share his bed and home, to await his return at the end of the day. With a snort, she shook her head. Her thoughts were definitely taking a twisted turn. Somewhere along the way she had taken a side trip down fantasy lane. Nothing in this lifetime or the next would convince Derek Cameron to put aside the demons of his past and enter into a relationship. She didn't know exactly what had happened in his past, but she had heard a lot of rumors. Rumors of a wedding gone awry, a bride's infidelity and the bitter, empty shell of the man left behind.

No, nothing short of a miracle would bring Derek to her bed for anything more than contractual conception reasons.

Derek stood silently before the fireplace, his thoughts a thousand miles away. Tonight had been a new experience for him. Talli had taken control from the word go, and he had enjoyed every minute of it. So much so, he would love nothing more than to race up the stairs, taking the steps two at a time and give her a repeat performance. With a grimace, he shook his head. He couldn't do that. Tonight had been strictly business, a means to an end. No emotional ties, no sentimental garbage. Any feelings that got in the way would have to be pushed to the back of his mind and made to stay there. A purely platonic business relationship, that was what they had.

Then how come he couldn't get his mind out of the gutter if that was the case? He shoved his hands in his pants pocket and smiled, withdrawing the black lace panties Talli had left in the limo. With a groan, he remembered the satiny feel of her skin as she sat astride him, slowly lowering herself down until he was buried within her. Derek crushed the lace into a wadded up ball. What happened to the cold, clinical form of conception he had assured himself would occur? Not the hot-blooded, wild lovemaking that had just happened in the back seat of his limo. With a smile, he realized he definitely preferred the latter. What was Talli doing to him?

* * *

"Here are the books you requested, Mr. Cameron." Margaret dropped the pile on the desk in front of Derek with a loud thump.

"What? There must be at least twenty books here." He surveyed the stack ruefully.

Margaret nodded. "It's a very current topic these days. What with couples having children later in life, there is a myriad of subjects to cover."

Derek pushed a hand through his hair and stood. "You've got to be kidding. All these are on conception?"

"Well, these here are on conception. Those three deal with the first year of life after the baby is born, and the remaining pile deals with preparing yourself for parenthood." She waved her arm at the books, emphasizing the need for all of them.

"Fine. Thank you, Margaret. I can see what my weekend is going to consist of."

Hours later, Derek dropped his glasses to the desk and closed the book with a sigh. He pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes and hoped his brain wouldn't explode from overload. Just skimming through a few of the books, he found topics he didn't even know existed. What positions would increase your chances of having a boy, or a girl. How to chart your temperature for proper peak times to conceive. Labor and delivery, timing contractions. What supplies to have on hand for the newborn. How to breast feed. Well, that was one subject he wouldn't have to worry about.

After a quick glance at his Rolex, it didn't surprise him to see the afternoon gone. He pushed himself to his feet to stretch and let out a small groan, reaching for the small of his back. Rubbing gingerly, he waited for the spasm to pass. This must be what labor felt like, he chuckled to himself. Having a healthy baby took work. A lot more complicated than just wham bam, thank you ma'am.

Derek picked up the large manual from the limousine seat. The title glared at him in boldface letters. Blodgett's Book of Conception, by Doctor Emmanual H. Blodgett.

Flipping past the introduction, he began to read aloud. "During normal conception, the sperm swims around the Fallopian tube until an egg arrives. The sperm's job is to then fertilize the egg. Roughly ten days after fertilization, pregnancy can be determined through medical testing. So, basically it's, Hi, I'm Mr. Sperm, you must be Ms. Egg. Let's boogie," he mumbled to himself. This was getting to be more complicated than a corporate takeover. Derek thumbed a few pages further, his eyes narrowing. "How to have a male child." He studied the picture, then turned the book around and looked at it from another angle. His eyes widening, he grinned. "Interesting." The ride home passed in silence as Derek immersed himself once more in his reading.

Talli peered through the heavy curtains that framed the front window. Every time a headlight shone through the darkness, she could feel her pulse quicken and her stomach lurch at the thought of Derek's arrival. Get a hold of yourself girl, she chided. Stop waiting for Derek to come home. Remember your place, you're the hired help, that's all. She fingered the hot pink invitation held loosely in her grasp. Leave it to her oldest and dearest friend, K.C. to send out the brightest ones she could find. K.C. always knew where to find the best of everything.

Her ten year reunion. Ten long years away from the daily grind of high school. Part of her longed to go, to mingle with old friends and see how they had changed. Another part of her tended to shy away from the hype and hoopla. There were only a few close friends she kept in touch with over the years. Emma and K.C. had each called earlier in the day to see if she was going. Neither would let her out of it. Besides, K.C. had argued, "What have we got to lose? We get a chance to see who got fat, skinny, bald or ancient looking. Certainly not us, we're still in our prime."

Laughing, Talli reluctantly agreed to go. The girls had arranged to meet inside the rented hall. From there, they would face the masses together. Talli looked at the invitation once more. Bring a date, K.C. had written in capital letters across the top. Who would she bring? She didn't know anyone well enough to ask to them escort her to the reunion. She couldn't ask Derek to take her. How would she have introduced him to her friends? "This is my boss, Derek Cameron. We're having a child together, then I'm leaving."

Oh, that would make a lovely ice breaker, not to mention a fascinating story for tomorrow's headlines. No, not Derek. When he left high school, he'd never looked back. Not once. Besides, he was too busy for that. The way his schedule was, she barely saw him. It had been over a month since they'd spent any time together. Talli felt her cheeks flush as she recalled their intimate encounter in the back seat of the limousine. Their first and last, she thought sadly. She did see him this morning though, when she was on her way out to exercise the dogs and Derek had raced past, late for a meeting. A fast smile and a hurried hello was all they could manage to get out.

* * *

The night of the reunion came faster than Talli would have liked. Sliding quietly into a chair at the kitchen counter, she watched Maimie prepare dinner.

Without turning around, Maimie had asked, "What's the matter, Talli?"

"I don't know. I kind of wish I didn't have to go tonight." Talli lowered her chin down to rest on her folded arms.

"Not go? Honey, this is your reunion. It's a time to spend getting to know old friends again, and catch up on what's new and what's old. What's not to like about going?"

"My head says you're right, but my heart just wants to stay home and hide. Besides, I feel achy all over. Maybe I'm coming down with something."

"Nonsense." Maimie wiped her hands on her apron. "Now, you get on up those stairs and get ready. I'll have Joseph drive you there. No need for you to drive yourself in the dark all alone. Go on and get ready." Maimie pulled Talli off the chair and pushed her toward the kitchen door.

Talli stopped in her tracks smiling, turning back to face Maimie. "How come you always know what everybody needs?"

"Easy. It's my job to know. Get on out of here before I take my wooden spoon to your behind." Her hands fluttered, the spoon brandished in her grip.

Talli crossed the kitchen and threw her arms around Maimie affectionately. "Thank you, Maimie. You're the best." She bussed Maimie's cheek loudly, then spun around and headed for the doorway. "I'll be ready in half an hour tops, okay?"

"Achy all over, hmmm. I wonder?" Maimie muttered, glancing toward the empty doorway Talli had just vacated.

* * *

Joseph opened the car door and held out his hand. "We're here, Miss Talli," he announced.

Accepting his outstretched hand, she stood. "Thank you, Joseph. I'm sorry about making you miss your dinner. I can call a taxi to get back home tonight."

"Nonsense. Maimie would have my hide if I let you ride home in a taxi. I'll be back whenever you wish to leave."

"I'll call you about a half hour before I'm ready. Will that give you enough time?"

"Miss Talli, my job is to serve you, not for you to worry about me," Joseph exclaimed. "But I do appreciate your consideration. Now, go on in there and have a wonderful time tonight."

"Okay." After placing a quick kiss on his leathery cheek, Talli skipped lightly up the steps and into the lobby of the banquet hall.

"What's this?" Derek questioned, picking up the invitation off the kitchen counter.

Maimie looked over her shoulder and shrugged. "I think it's Talli's reunion invite. Poor dear, she was so upset tonight. Had to go all alone to that reunion." Clucking under her breath, Maimie shook her head sadly.

"What do you mean, had to go all alone tonight? She never mentioned anything about it to me."

"You haven't been home enough for anyone to mention anything to you lately. You breeze in, breeze out like this is some big fancy hotel. Besides, you didn't even go to your own reunion. Why would she think you'd want to go to hers?"

Derek ran his finger across the gold writing on the invitation. "It says here to bring a date," he noted.

Maimie snorted, "And just who would she bring? Joseph?"

"Seven o'clock," he murmured, flipping his wrist over to see the time. "If I hurry, I can get there by eight."

"Your gray pinstripe is hanging on the closet door. I'll have Joseph bring the car around," Maimie replied efficiently.

Derek paused at the kitchen door. His eyebrows knit together as he stared at Maimie for a long second, then broke into a wide grin. "By the way, I saw right through that one. You must be getting old, you're slipping."

"I am not slipping, now hustle up. Wouldn't want you to be late."

Derek ducked through the door seconds before Maimie launched a blue flowered tea towel in his direction.

"Missed me," he laughingly called from the other side of the kitchen door.

"Not by a long shot, boy. I got you right where I want you. On your way to the reunion." Maimie cackled out a loud laugh, her ample bosom shaking with her merriment.

Talli closed her eyes and took several large deep breaths, to quell her frazzled nerves.

"Talli, over here."

Slowly opening her eyes to the sound, Talli swivelled on her heel, to search out that familiar voice. Headed in her direction, was her best friend Emma and her husband of six months, Jason Thorne. A smile crossed Talli's face as they drew near.

"Em, it's so great to see you. I've missed you," she added in a whisper, hugging her friend close. "Jason, it's good to see you." Talli found herself caught up in a warm bear hug, his arms wrapped around her.

"Talli, you haven't changed a bit. Still as lovely as ever," Jason grinned.

"Jason please, I just saw you guys two months ago."

"Well, you still look good. I've got the best of the bunch right here next to me tonight," he declared.

"What about me, big guy?" A low, sultry voice asked.

Emma and Talli squealed delightedly in unison. "K.C.!"

"In the flesh." K.C. spun around, her red skirt flaring.

"You look great." Talli declared.

"Yup, lost eighty-six pounds at last count. The new me."

Talli linked one arm through K.C.'s and the other through Emma's and looked at her friends. A blonde, a brunette and a redhead. The "Three Moussettes" as they were termed their senior year of high school. K.C. and Emma were always the leaders of the pack, with Talli following behind. No matter what the prank, they had dragged Talli with them. Some things never changed, Talli thought.

"Well, what's the scoop? Anybody turn famous out of this bunch of deadbeats? And besides, where's your man of the month tonight?" Emma always referred to K.C.'s gentleman friends as such, since the relationships never lasted more than a month at a time.

"Don't have one," K.C. replied.

Talli watched her scan the crowd, always on the look out for her next ex-boyfriend.

"I'm flying solo right now. Whoa, wait a minute. There's a hunk-o-hunk of burning love coming toward us. Hands off gals, he's mine," she stated softly.

Talli looked at Emma and shook her head. "Still the same old K.C.," she whispered, then jumped in surprise, as a pair of warm, masculine hands encircled her waist, drawing her back against an equally warm and hard chest.

"I'm sorry I'm late, sweetheart. I was tied up in a meeting downtown. Joseph got me here as fast as he could. I hope I didn't miss too much?" Derek murmured, his lips close to her ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

"Derek?" Her voice barely above a whisper, Talli turned in his embrace, her eyes widening at the sight of him. The look caused her stomach to flip flops.

"Care to introduce me to your friends? They seem to be staring at us quite intently." Derek smiled, as he touched her cheek in a wistful gesture. He lifted his eyes from Talli's and met those of her friends.

"What? Oh, right. Emma and Jason Thorne, K.C. Masters, I'd like you to meet Derek Cameron. Jason and Emma just got married six months ago." Talli couldn't take her eyes off Derek. He looked so handsome. She wished for one brief second that she could introduce him as someone more than just a friend, an employer, a...

"I'm pleased to meet you," Derek graciously acknowledged, shaking their hands.

"Talli darling, there you are." A shrill voice sluiced across the hall, bringing every conversation in the room to a grinding halt.

"Wonderful," Emma groaned. "It's Gloria VanWhos-That-With-You coming. Quick, everybody hide."

"Darlings, it's so wonderful to see you all here tonight." Gloria kissed the air perfunctorily next to the three girls cheeks, then stepped back and smiled. "And who are these dashing gentlemen you're with this evening?"

"Gloria, this is my husband Jason Thorne," Emma managed politely, eager to be rid of the boorish woman.

"Jason Thorne, oh of course, you're one of the workmen at that new radio station here in town."

"Not exactly ma'am, I own it," Jason acknowledged politely, but by then Gloria was staring openly in Derek's direction.

"Well Derek Cameron, as I live and breathe. What are you doing here tonight? Slumming it?" A fake smile pasted itself to Gloria's mouth.

"Gloria, nice to see you again. I'm here with Talli. I'm sure you remember Talli Paxton?"

"Of course, we were best friends in school, did everything together, didn't we Talli?"

"Not that I can recall, Gloria. Must have slipped my memory." Talli smiled blandly, trying to quell her stomach as it lurched in rebellion at the cloying aroma of Gloria's perfume.

Derek cleared his throat. "Tell me Gloria, how's Charlie doing these days? I hear from my associates at the Internal Revenue Service that he still hasn't been able to clear up that mess with the missing funds. I hope it won't affect your lifestyle if they're able to make the embezzling charges stick?"

Talli watched Gloria pale considerably under her fake and bake tan. "If you will excuse me, I hear someone calling my name." She practically bolted from their group, and hastened her way to the far side of the room.

Jason burst out laughing and clapped a hand across Derek's shoulders. "Derek, let me buy you a drink. That was the smoothest put-down I have ever seen. Ladies, if you will excuse us for a moment." Jason moved aside to let Derek pass and winked at Talli. "Better marry this one. I like his style."

Talli managed a wan smile at Jason's retreating back. She couldn't deny the thought had crossed her mind once or twice what it would be like to be married to Derek Cameron. Sharing his days, watching him leave for work in the morning, waiting for him to arrive home from work each night. Walking upstairs to bed together. Waking up in each other arms in the early hours of the morning together. Talli gulped at the direction her thoughts were heading.

"Girlfriend, he's adorable."

"Where did you pick him up at?"

"He's my employer. I take care of his dogs," Talli mumbled, not quite sure of what to tell her friends.

"Sure you do," K.C. replied with a leer. "He can take care of my dogs anytime he wants. Woof, woof," she panted.

"Wait a minute," Emma broke in. "Is that the same Derek Cameron who graduated three years ahead of us, the one you drooled over incessantly?"

Talli nodded. If they only knew what she was doing now.

After dinner, the lights dimmed and the band took its place on the stage while they finished their desserts. Talli closed her eyes and wished the evening would never end. The feel of Derek's hand, warm against her skin, brought back memories of another place and time. She swayed in his embrace and sighed, her cheek resting intimately against his suit coat lapel.

"Having fun?" his deep voice inquired next to her ear. Without lifting her head, Talli nodded softly. A low chuckle followed.

"Did you know the music ended about thirty seconds ago and everyone has left the floor?"

Talli's eyes opened in surprise. The dance floor was vacant. She and Derek were the only couple left. Embarrassed by her own musings, Talli groaned. "I'm sorry. I guess I didn't hear the music stop."

"No problem. Took me a few seconds to clue in as well." He wasn't about to admit it was the feel of her bare back, coupled with her cheek resting on his chest that caused him to forget. Some things were better left unsaid. Her hand in his, he led Talli off the dance floor and back to their table.

As they drew closer, their three table partners simultaneously held up their napkins. Upon each was printed a score.

K.C. spoke up first. "Their style was good, their form unique. I'd give them a nine."

Emma shook her head. "Nope, she stepped on his feet two times and he didn't slap her, so I'd have to give them a seven and a half."

Jason let out a loud laugh. "You're both wrong. They missed the end of the song by a good thirty seconds, but the blush on Talli's face is worth at least a nine and a half."

Talli felt her cheeks flame. She wished she could crawl under the table, but knew it wouldn't do any good. "Ignore them, maybe they'll go away," she muttered to Derek.

He merely grinned. "They're jealous. They know I'm with the prettiest girl here." Reassuringly, he squeezed her hand.

"Not hungry?" Derek inquired quietly, watching her toy with her torte.

Talli looked up sheepishly, unaware of his mindful stare. "I guess not. I think my nerves are on edge right now."

"Anything I can do?"

Shaking her head no, Talli suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth, and pushed back her chair. "Oh no, I think I'm going to be sick. Excuse me." She leapt up and wove her way hurriedly among the tables.

Emma glanced at Talli's retreating form, then back to Derek. "What's wrong?"

Derek shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. One minute she was saying she wasn't hungry, then all of a sudden, she looked sick to her stomach. Emma, would you mind..."

Emma patted his hand. "No problem. I'll be right back."

"Here, try this."

Talli gratefully accepted the wet towel Emma offered and pressed it to her burning cheeks. The cold cloth felt heavenly to her flushed skin. "Thanks, Em."

Her feet dangling off the vanity top, Emma tilted her head to one side and studied Talli. "So, when's the baby due?"

Talli stammered out a non-intelligible reply, her face buried in the cloth.

"Of course you're pregnant, isn't it obvious? You almost passed out from Gloria's perfume, then you play with your food, now you're in here puking up what you didn't even eat. Have you told Derek yet? It is his, right?"

Talli pushed herself upright, then leaned against the stall door, her face a myriad of emotions. "Pregnant?"

Emma smiled, rubbing a manicured pink fingernail across her front tooth. "Uh huh, you didn't know?"

"No, I didn't. What makes you so sure?"

"Easy. You're doing everything I did when I was pregnant with Mandy."

A soft sigh escaped from Talli's lips, as her hands curved protectively across her flat stomach. "Pregnant," she whispered to herself.

"Yup," Emma slid down off the counter. "Think you're ready to face the world again?"

Talli smiled at her best friend. "No, not really, but I can't stay in here all night."

"That's the spirit." Emma grinned, linking her arm through Talli's.

Derek drummed his fingers aimlessly on the table. Every minute, he checked his watch.

"About sixty seconds later than the last time you looked?" Jason's deep baritone broke into Derek's thoughts.

"Yeah," Derek admitted.

"Relax. I'm sure Talli's okay, or Em would have come back for reinforcements."

"Miss us, fellas?" Emma's voice drawled, as she leaned down to place a quick kiss on her husband's lips.

Both men quickly jumped to their feet.

"Talli, are you all right?" Derek asked, his eyes probed to her very soul, his voice full of concern.

She nodded. "I'm fine, but I think I'd like to go home, if you don't mind."

"No, whatever you prefer."

Talli hugged her friends, promising to call. Derek passed his business card to Jason. "Don't forget to call me. I think we can work something out that'll be very beneficial for both of us."

Talli sat silently chewing on her lip in the darkened back seat of the limousine, trying to find the right words to tell Derek. Finally she decided it would be best to just say it. Her voice sounding shakier than she would have liked it to be, Talli blurted out her news. "Derek, I think I'm pregnant."

"What?" The crystal goblet dropped from Derek's limp fingers, club soda puddling on the floor of the limousine.

"I said, I think I'm pregnant," Talli repeated, leaning forward to press a stack of paper napkins atop the spill.

Derek swallowed past a lump in his throat the size of an elephant. "Pregnant," he said softly.

"I'm not positive, but all the signs are there."

Instantly, he was all business. "I'll make you an appointment with my physician. He's the finest Detroit has to offer. First thing tomorrow. We'll go together. Damn, I can't go. I've got to be in Flint at eight. Can you manage alone?"

Talli nodded, a shy smile crossing her lips. "Derek, it's just a simple test. I'll be fine."

Derek blew into his office like a hurricane, his steps rushed as he came to an abrupt halt at Margaret's desk. Wordlessly, she passed a stack of messages to him. He scanned the yellow slips, his eyes dismissing the callers. "Talli hasn't called yet?"

"No sir, only these."

Pushing his office door open with more force than necessary, Derek dropped the pile down on the corner of his desk. "What the hell takes so long? Shouldn't she have been here by now?"

Margaret trailed behind her boss, picking up the mess he left in his wake. "No sir, not necessarily. A pregnancy test takes time. If the results are positive, the doctor normally performs a physical on the patient to determine how far along the pregnancy is, and if the mother to be is healthy. It does take time, Mr. Cameron."

She silently hung up his overcoat, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Derek scrubbed his hand across his face, lines of fatigue showing under his dark eyes. "Sorry, Margaret. I guess I'm still a bit tense about this whole thing."

"Certainly sir, it's only natural for you to be concerned. I'll let you know the minute she calls."

"Right." Derek turned his chair to the window. The view never failed to calm him. He pressed his fingers together and contemplated the skyline. Bright white clouds wafted past, the sky a brilliant blue canvas as far as the eye could see. Off in the distance, he could see the Ambassador Bridge. The steady stream of cars caught his attention. Leaning backward in the chair, he allowed his eyes to close.

"Derek?"

Her soft feminine voice filtered into his brain, as Derek brought the chair down hard, the sound muffled in the thick carpet.

"Talli."

Lowering herself slowly into a black leather chair opposite his large desk, she brought her eyes up to meet his. "I'm pregnant," she said softly, all the while trying to gauge his reaction.

Derek leaped out of his chair and crossed to her side in two strides. "Well, what do you know about that. Yes, I knew it." A loud whoop of excitement emerged from his mouth. Lifting her up into his embrace, he held Talli close, his hand moving to cup her stomach. "Hear that little guy, I'm your Daddy." He grinned lopsidedly, looking down at her belly.

Talli gasped at the intimate feel of his hand pressed against her stomach. She could feel her muscles tense under his gentle touch.

Derek immediately pulled his hand away. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

"No, I'm fine. You startled me, that's all."

Derek hurried to his office door, an irresistibly devastating grin splitting his features. Throwing the portal open wide, he called out. "Margaret, she's pregnant. I'm going to be a father."

"Yes, sir. I assumed that when I heard your loud war whoop."

Sheepishly, Derek quietly closed the door behind him and went back to his chair. He was going to be a Daddy!

"When is the baby due?"

"According to the doctor, if all goes along on schedule, the baby should be born January fifteenth."

Derek nodded. "January fifteenth," he repeated. "And is everything else okay? I mean, you're fine and all?"

Talli nodded. "I'm fine. The doctor gave me a few pamphlets on what to expect, what signs to look for as the pregnancy progresses. I think I left them in the car." Talli fumbled through her purse, trying to locate the pamphlets to show Derek.

"He does recommend that I have an ultrasound done in three months to assure that the pregnancy is on schedule."

Derek shook his head in agreement. "Whatever the doctor recommended we'll do. Right down to the very last word."

Talli pushed herself up from the chair. "Derek, I think I'm going to head on home now. I'm a little tired, and I do need to work with the dogs for a while today. They're getting a bit rambunctious at being inside with the weather being so cold and all."

Derek rose and was at her side in a split second. "Don't you worry about the dogs. You go on home and rest. That's the important thing right now. I'll take them out when I get home. I plan on leaving early today, so it won't be a problem. Is the Jeep downstairs?"

"Yes, in the parking garage," she confirmed.

"Good. Leave it there. I'll have Joseph take you home, and I'll drive the Jeep home myself tonight."

"Derek, I'm allowed to drive. The doctor didn't say that I'm an invalid just because I'm pregnant."

"I know, Talli." Derek put his hands on Talli's shoulders, one hand reaching out to tenderly cup her cheek. "Just humor me, okay? I'm about to become a father."

Talli stood frozen under his touch. Swallowing hard, she squared her shoulders, agreeing to his request.

* * *

Talli arrived at Cameron Manor amid a flurry of activity.

Maimie rushed out to greet the limousine as it pulled up to the front walkway. "Derek called. I'm so excited for you, sweetie." Talli listened as Maimie babbled on as she helped Talli from the car. "That boy is happier than a hound dog in a hub cap factory, that he is."

She pulled Talli into a warm embrace and brushed a soft kiss across the top of Talli's head. "You are going to be such a wonderful Mama, I just know it."

Talli let Maimie escort her into the house and up the stairs to her bedroom. "Now, I want you to kick off those shoes and climb into bed. You new moms to be need a lot of rest, and I'm going to see that you get it. Don't you shake your head at me, young lady. I'm in charge around here. Now, get on in there with you."

"Maimie, I'm not that tired. Besides I have work to do. The dogs need to be groomed and exercised." Talli tried to sit up, as Maimie pulled her left loafer off her foot, dropping it to the plush carpet below.

"Nope, you need to rest. Mr. Cameron said he would take care of everything when he got home. Now, move it young lady."

"Why won't anyone listen to me? I'm fine, really I am," Talli protested, as Maimie tucked the covers around her, her head fell back against the soft pillows.

"I'm only going to take a half hour nap. Then I'm getting up and doing what I have to do."

Maimie smiled down at the girl in the bed. "All right, just rest for a half hour, then."

Derek swept Talli up into his strong, sinewy arms, one hand curling tightly around her waist as the other buried itself deep in her long tresses. He bent to brush his lips gently to hers. Then he lingered, placing tingling hot wet kisses on her moist skin. His fingers slowly lowered her zipper as his hand grazed her bare skin. Deftly, he pushed the dress off her shoulders to fall noiselessly to the floor, his mouth moving slowly down her neck.

She nearly swooned from the ecstasy, as the intensity of their passion mounted. Drawing nearer, she pressed closer, then closer still, eager to feel his lips on her bare flesh.

Suddenly, she felt herself falling - falling through the air to land heavily on her backside on the carpeted bedroom floor. Her eyes opened in surprise, as she glanced about her in confused wonder. What happened? One minute she was warm and secure in Derek's arms, the next she was flat on her butt, with four wet, eager noses pressed against her neck and cheeks.

"Move," she croaked, pushing the dogs off her inert form. All four moved at the sound of her voice, more interested in the sounds coming from outside the closed bedroom door. Their noses wedged tightly against the crack at the bottom of the door, they inhaled deeply, trying to ascertain what was going on out there. Talli stood up and glanced at the clock on the night stand. Five-thirty! She was only going to sleep half an hour and here it was almost six and a half hours later. She had work to do.

Running the brush through her hair, she paused in front of the mirror. The same face stared back at her. She examined her features for any sign of her impending pregnancy, but couldn't detect a thing. Splaying her hand across her still flat stomach, she sighed.

The heat came in waves. One day stifling and the next smothering. Talli found herself staying inside the cool, air-conditioned house more and more each day. Her eagerness to be outside vanished with the onset of swelling feet and major bouts of nausea. She opened the back door, pursed her lips together and let out a piercing whistle. At the sound of her call, all four dogs stopped in their tracks and obediently trotted back inside to plop at her feet. Carefully lowering herself to the floor, she wrapped her arms around each dog in turn. Her affection for them was real, as she murmured soft endearments in their silky ears. Gracie pushed closer to Talli, her tail thumping madly on the tiles, eager for more. Talli caressed Gracie's soft ears, and buried her fingers in the folds of Gracie's neck. "Oh Gracie, if only life were as simple as you dogs have it," she whispered.

Gracie's long wet tongue licked Talli's cheek.

"Okay, guys. Time to take a breather. Everybody on their mats." Standing up, Talli settled the dogs on their rugs. "You guys be good for Maimie. I'll be back later."

"You make sure you get me pictures of this baby," Maimie declared, her head buried in the massive refrigerator that covered almost one whole wall in the kitchen. "I want to see what this little peanut looks like."

"I will, I promise."

"Did you drink all your water like the doctor told you to?" Maimie questioned, her eyes scanning the instruction sheet Derek had posted on the refrigerator door.

Talli sighed. "Yes, I did. And if I don't get going, I'm going to make a big mess giving you back all that water right here on your clean kitchen floor."

"Oh, no you're not! Any messes made around here get cleaned up by the messee, and that's not me," Maimie stated emphatically. "Now, move it."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Okay. Before we start, I want you both to know that this is a very routine test. What we're going to do is make sure the fetus is developing normally. An ultrasound works by using a transducer to bounce sound waves off the baby's bones and other body tissues to construct pictures showing the shape and position of the baby in your womb. This is a very safe, non-invasive, meaning non-surgical, method. Over one million ultrasound tests are performed annually. Any questions so far?" The technician asked, lowering the lights in the examining room. "Okay, everybody ready?"

"Yes, I think so," Talli commented, squirming to find a comfortable spot on the cold metal table. Her bladder felt ready to burst.

"Let's begin then, shall we? The first thing I'm going to do is take measurements of the baby. This will give us an accurate idea of how far along you are and we can make adjustments in your due date if necessary. Talli, if the pressure gets too unbearable, I'll let you go to the bathroom and relieve yourself, but only a little, otherwise I have to have you fill back up with more water."

Talli grimaced as the technician squirted a colorless gel across her stomach. Placing the transducer against her lower abdomen, the technician announced, "Here we go."

As long as the technician didn't push too hard, Talli was pretty confident she wouldn't embarrass herself by having an accident. She watched in fascination as a black and white image filled the monitor. She could see a lump almost at the center of the screen. A moving, breathing baby. Her baby. "Derek, look."

Derek sat in silence, his eyes searching the monitor. He watched the technician write down the measurements, then turn back to the screen and take a photograph.

"There's your baby. Ten fingers, ten toes. Best kind to have."

Talli felt Derek's fingers tighten around her own. "Our baby," Talli whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Derek gulped, feeling the sting of unshed tears in his own eyes. Blinking hard, he turned to the technician. "Is it a girl or boy?"

"Well, let's see here. If we can get the little one to shift just a little more to the left, whoops too far. Come on, just a bit more. Right there." She pressed a button, freezing the screen. "See for yourself," she said, pointing to the monitor.

Derek peered intently at the screen, squinting his eyes into narrow slits. "It's a boy," he stated, knocking his chair over in his haste to point to the tiny appendage on the monitor. "Look at that. We've made a baby boy."

The technician smiled apologetically, with a negative shake of her head. "That's an elbow, Mr. Cameron."

"Oh." Deflated, Derek stood the chair upright and dropped back down in it.

"Then, it's a girl?" Talli asked, her hopes soaring.

"Actually it is a boy, but what you were looking for happens to be over here." Picking up a pencil, the technician pointed to the far left of the screen. "At this age, we're not always lucky enough to have the baby in position to properly determine the sex, but your son just happens to be sitting with his legs wide open for all the world to see. I'll have a picture for you to take home with you in just a minute."

"Modest, just like his father," Talli murmured, sneaking a peek at Derek.

A leer played on Derek's lips. "Funny, that's not what you said the night he was conceived. By the way, did I happen to mention how sexy you look all covered up with that paper sheet?"

Tally averted her eyes from his, hoping the technician hadn't heard their exchange.

Derek turned back to the monitor. "My son. This is amazing. I'm actually looking at my son."

Talli let out a soft grunt of pain, causing Derek to turn his startled eyes to her. "Your son has a very healthy set of arms and legs. He can pack a wallop when he wants to."

"You can feel him?" Derek asked incredulously.

"Of course. Haven't you ever felt a baby kick?" Talli was surprised at Derek's negative response. "Here, give me your hand." Taking his warm hand in her own, she placed it over the sheet. "Don't move," she advised.

Derek looked at the monitor, then down at the swell of Talli's stomach. He was just about to ask what he should be feeling for, when a small kick nudged his hand. Derek's eyes flew to Talli's. A goofy grin split his face. "That was the baby?"

Talli nodded, feeling her insides turning to mush at the look on his face. "That was your son, Derek."

His hand lingered on the telltale bulge protruding from Talli's stomach. "My son," Derek whispered in awe, his warm breath fanning her face.

Talli closed her eyes, swallowed hard and bit back her tears. Our son, she thought sadly.
Chapter 8

Summer drew to a close as the days turned cooler, autumn beginning its colorful descent. Talli found herself settled into a routine that appeased both Derek and Maimie. Her activities curtailed, she felt both bored and out of sorts.

She stood in the doorway of the nursery she so lovingly decorated. Her hand trailed along the pastel blue woodwork as she moved forward into the room. Considerable time and effort had been spent to ensure everything would be perfect for the baby.

Soft, cuddly white lambs and brightly painted yellow baby chicks cavorted across the pastel blue walls, a carpet of green grass waved below. A barnyard scene covered an entire wall of the room. Billowy white balloon valances decorated the window tops, giving a feel of eternal spring. Lowering herself carefully into the bentwood rocker behind her, Talli let out a sigh.

Only a matter of months and a precious little bundle would occupy the Jenny Lind crib gracing the alcove in front of her. Kittens and puppies scampered across the white bumpers, soft pastel color ties securing the pads to the crib. Her eyes drifted shut at the feel of the yet unborn life beating a restless foot race inside her stomach.

"Talli, if you're free this afternoon, why don't you come with me to the Halloween party at the Children's Castle." Derek stood quietly at the door of the nursery, his eyes taking in everything before him, yet his words soft.

She shifted forward to push herself upward out of the rocking chair and gratefully accepted Derek's outstretched hand for assistance. "I'd love to. If it's not a bother, that is."

"Not at all. I'd like you to see it." He glanced down at his watch and noted the time. "The party begins at three, think you can be ready by two-thirty?"

Talli bobbed her head up and down. "I can be ready in five minutes if I need to be." She pressed her hand across her stomach and groaned. "Well, maybe ten minutes. I have to go to the bathroom again."

Derek grinned. He was slowly getting used to Talli's frequent bathroom breaks, had even taken to counting the times she stopped the day they went shopping for the nursery furniture.

A few minutes later, Talli reappeared in the doorway, a lightweight fall jacket tossed carelessly over her arm. "I'm ready."

Talli watched as Derek greeted each child by name at the Children's Castle, his affectionate banter drawing laughs and hugs from the children as he exclaimed over their homemade Halloween costumes. She watched him cower in mock fear as a five year old "lion" growled menacingly at him.

"Mr. D, Mr. D." Five year old Sarah shrieked, launching herself like an out of control projectile at Derek, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around his neck. "I missed you," she confided solemnly to Derek, snuggling closer into his embrace.

Derek's voice lowered as he felt his eyes grow misty. "I missed you too, Sarah."

Talli watched their tender embrace. How selflessly Derek gave of his time and energy to the children.

"I've got cookies from Maimie," Derek declared to the assembled group before him. The room erupted in noisy glee, each child clamoring to be first in line. As if sensing her eyes upon him, he looked up and dropped a tender wink in her direction.

Talli felt a warm glow go through her body at his look.

"Hi. I'm Sarah." A curly topped, red-haired little girl pulled her thumb out of her mouth with a soft plop, her free hand tugging at Talli's shirt tail.

"Hi Sarah. I'm Talli."

"Ssh, we have to be very quiet. Mommy is sleeping. She gets really mad if you wake her up." Sarah placed her fingers over her mouth and pointed to the baby doll lying on the bench.

Confused, Talli glanced at the doll on the bench, then back to Sarah.

"Are you Mr. D's friend?" Sarah asked in a whisper.

"Yes. I am." Talli confirmed, watching Sarah play with her doll, talking and rocking her "mommy."

"I like Mr. D. Are you going to marry him?"

"Sarah, it's not polite to ask grownups those kind of questions. I'm sorry, Miss Paxton," Mrs. Byrd spoke softly, smiling at Sarah as she approached the pair.

Sarah instantly popped her thumb back into her mouth and started sucking vigorously. "I'm sorry," she mumbled around the protruding thumb.

Talli knelt down on the floor in front of Sarah. "You know what, Sarah? If I do marry Mr. D, you'll be the first one I tell. Now, why don't you run over there and get some of Maimie's cookies before they're all gone?" Talli warmed to the little girl, so scared and alone in the world.

Sarah's questioning stare searched Talli's face before nodding slowly. "Will you be here if I come back?"

"I'll wait right here. How would that be?"

"Okay." Satisfied with Talli's answer, Sarah scampered off to join the rest of the children.

"I'm sorry, Miss Paxton. Sarah is still having problems adjusting."

Talli watched Sarah as she rejoined the other children. Her tiny body hanging back, she stayed on the outskirts of the group, passive among the other noisy kids.

"Mrs. Byrd, could you tell me why Sarah is here? Would it be breaking any rules?" Talli asked quietly, her gaze following Sarah.

"Sarah came to us a little over two months ago, from a chemical dependent mother and an absent father. Sarah's mother was young, too young to have a child and she took her frustrations out on Sarah. When we intervened, it was too late. The damage had already been done. Sarah had been forced to stay in the closet during the times her mother was "entertaining" gentlemen callers. From what neighbors and witnesses could tell us, her mother was prostituting herself to raise money for her drug purchases. Unfortunately, with the system so overworked, and the employees so underpaid, too many cases fall through the cracks before anything can be done about them."

Talli placed a reassuring hand on the woman's arm. "I think Sarah was one of the lucky ones. She has you and the Children's Castle behind her."

Mrs. Byrd shook her head sadly. "She only has the Children's Castle now. Her mother gave up all rights to custody yesterday. She claims Sarah would be better off placed in an adoptive home."

Talli's hand curved protectively over her own ballooning stomach. What would happen if no one wanted the baby she was carrying? The thought brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't imagine the thought of relinquishing a child. Nothing like that was going to happen to her baby, she thought fiercely. Correction, she chided herself, Derek's baby. A baby, she and Derek had created. One that lived within her at this very moment. One that she had conveniently forgotten she would willingly walk away from within a matter of months.

November brought the first winter's snowfall. Derek pinched the bridge of his nose as he slid into the comfortable softness the leather chair offered. What he wouldn't give to open the living room windows and let the cold air hit him square in the face. As he continued to look out the window, the snow fell in large swirling flakes. The radio reports were predicting a major blizzard heading their way.

Maybe Anthony was right. Perhaps he had been nuts to think this would work. In the beginning, he hadn't given much thought to the emotional ramifications of his plan, but surrogacy contracts were no different than an arranged marriage contract. Or were they? A twinge of guilt assailed his senses. He envisioned his agreement with Talli to be clinical, even sterile, yet whenever their paths crossed, his mind conjured up forbidden images of a very non-clinical settings. Not for the first time since signing his name on the dotted line, did doubts pop up in Derek's mind. He took a healthy gulp of brandy in the glass before him, feeling it burn its way down his throat.

Maimie clucked in concern, "What's the matter, Derek?"

Derek sighed before speaking. "I don't get it. I took a plate of chocolate chip cookies up to Talli's room just now, and she started to cry. I thought she loved chocolate chip cookies?"

"Uh uh. That was last week," Maimie corrected him. "This week she hates them. Now, she's in love with green peppers and cinnamon applesauce."

Throwing his hands up in the air, Derek groaned. "I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do. I can't keep up with these crazy cravings she has. I thought something was wrong with the baby, but no, she told me that Wylie E. Coyote had fallen off the cliff chasing the Roadrunner. It's a cartoon, for God's sake! He falls off a cliff in every episode. Then this morning, she went off on another tirade about how the network executives left the castaways stranded on Gilligan's Island for so many years. Oh, then she goes into a crying jag over how come Ginger and Mary Ann are so thin. Apparently they've never had to worry about stretch marks blemishing their skin on the island. Maimie, none of the books I've been reading go into any detail about what to do. How am I supposed to help her? How am I supposed to help myself to keep from going crazy until the baby arrives?"

"Honey, this is all very normal. Pregnant mama's go through a lot of different feelings. It's just their body's way of telling them that something has upset the apple cart. Once that precious little bundle of joy is born, everything will go back to normal. You just wait and see." Patting his arm, she added, "You have to have patience. Just relax."

"I don't know, Maimie. I never planned for any of this," he said wearily.

"Ssh, you listen to old Maimie now. If I say everything is going to be fine, then it's going to be fine. You just lay your head back and take a nice nap. I'll call you when dinner is ready."

Smiling at her sound reasoning, Derek laid his head back on the leather chair and closed his eyes. Maybe Maimie was right. Maybe everything would go back to normal after the baby was born. But would his feelings go back to normal? Would he be able to stop tasting the softness of her lips, the feel of her smooth skin beneath his fingers, the soft breathy sound of her moans as she cried out her pleasures? His last thought was of Talli before he fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Derek watched Talli approach through half closed eyelids. Pushing the door of the study shut tightly behind her, he watched her creep across the room, her steps slowing as she stood before his chair.

"Derek, are you awake?"

He stayed silent, keeping his breathing regular.

Talli crept closer, her eyes roaming over his face. "Well then, I'll just have to wake you up, I guess."

Derek watched her green eyes sparkle through his slitted lids, as she studied his sleeping form. He listened for her movements. Had she left? Derek tried to judge where she was, when a pair of moist lips brushed themselves gently against his own. Her lips parted as she molded her mouth to his, her tongue parrying, inviting, leaving his mouth on fire for more. He groaned, his hands reaching up for her.

"Love me, Derek," she whispered against his lips.

"Talli," he growled, his hands burying themselves in her thick tresses, pulling her toward him.

Her lips continued their quest, searching, teasing, driving him mad with desire. He could hear her gasp as his trembling fingers freed the buttons of her dress, reaching inside to push aside the lacy cup of her bra, his tongue tantalizing the tiny pink bud, his teeth teasing the sensitive peak over and over.

Instinctively, her body arched toward him, her hips squirming, pushing closer, seeking relief.

"Yes," she moaned, holding his head tight to her chest, as he laved the nipples one by one, taking her full breasts gently in his hands.

Their clothes fell to the floor of the study in disarray, in their haste to fulfill their mutual desire.

He felt her breasts crush against his chest. Derek slowly moved his hands downward, exploring her body swollen with child. His palm caressed the length of her thigh. As he roused her passion with his fingers, she moaned and slid her hand around him, holding him captive, stroking him slowly. Derek abandoned himself to temptation, as she welcomed him deep within her, his hands locked about her hips.

She met his thrusts and gave herself over to the sensations he created. Their bodies grew slick with sweat as they climbed higher, reaching oblivion together.

"I love you, Talli," Derek whispered, the words stumbling off his lips, as a deep feeling of peace and contentment entered his body.

"Mr. Cameron, sir."

Derek shrugged off the hand that was gently shaking his shoulder. What had he just muttered only seconds before? "Not now," he heard his own voice, thick and unsteady.

"Sir, Mrs. Byrd is on the phone. There's an emergency at the Children's Castle."

Derek became instantly alert in a heartbeat. "What?"

"A child is missing, sir. It's Sarah. Apparently she managed to unlatch the security gate and wandered off. Mrs. Byrd is frantic. She awaits you on the telephone." Joseph stood quietly beside the chair.

Derek reached his desk in two strides. "Mrs. Byrd, what's happened?" He listened, his eyes narrowing. "All right, I'll be right there. Alert the police, tell them everything you've just told me. I'm on my way."

Derek dropped the receiver, hurrying around the desk. "Joseph, I'll take the Jeep. It's faster for me and I can cover more ground. Tell Talli..."

"Tell me what?" Talli stood uncertainly in the open doorway of the study.

"Sarah's missing. Somehow she managed to open the gate and leave the grounds."

Talli's eyes widened as she drew a shaky hand to her lips. "Oh my God, she's just a baby. I'm going with you."

"No, I want you to stay here. It's snowing bad out there and I don't want to have to worry about you too." His eyes gentled before he continued, "Besides, if anything happens, I promise I'll call."

Defeated, Talli nodded. He was right. It wouldn't do any good for her to go out in the snowstorm and risk injury to herself or the baby.

Joseph reappeared in the doorway, bearing a warm coat and pair of gloves for Derek, a thermos of coffee cradled at his left elbow.

Derek stopped in his tracks, turning back to stare at Talli. "When did you change your clothes?"

Talli looked down at herself, then back to him confused. "My clothes? This is what I've worn all day. I haven't changed. Why?"

"Never mind. You wouldn't believe me if I told you," he mumbled, pulling the front door shut behind him.

The snow swirled wildly, the flakes large and blinding white. The headlights gave off an eerie glare in the encroaching darkness. Derek fought a growing panic, as he forced himself to ease off the accelerator. Sarah would be all right. Somehow, some way, he had to believe that she would be found. Derek lowered the window, his eyes straining in the dusk, searching for some sign of the little girl.

"Sarah?" He called, his head snow-covered as he hung out the car window awaiting her answer. Only the sound of the snow plows answered him. Derek vowed not to go home until he found her.

Talli rubbed her clammy hands together, trying to calm the nagging fear nestled in the pit of her stomach. Sarah was just a baby, how could she have gotten out without anyone noticing her? Where was Mrs. Byrd? Where were the other attendants?

She looked up at the clock on the wall of the kitchen. Barely an hour had passed since Derek left, his hurried promise to call reverberating in her ears. "How much longer?" Her words sounded shaky, even to her own ears.

"Talli, I want you to sit down and eat this soup before it gets cold. You need to keep your strength up. You have to think of your little baby." Maimie bustled about the kitchen, ladling the steaming soup into bowls.

Talli raised her head. "Was that the doorbell? I'll get it. Maybe it's Derek." She raced for the front door, her progress slowed by her protruding stomach. Coming to a halt, she peered anxiously over Joseph's shoulder. "What is it? Who's there?"

"Talli?" A tiny, frightened voice answered Talli's question.

"Sarah, baby. You're okay." Talli pulled the little girl into the foyer, enveloping her shaking body in a warm embrace, ignoring the wet snow on Sarah's coat, as she held her tight. "How did you get here?"

"This nice man brought me here in Old Bessie."

Talli raised her eyes to the man in question. His clothes ragged and patched, he stood nervously, shifting from foot to foot, his canvas sneakers threadbare.

"Name's Jack, ma'am. I found her walking down Woodward awhile ago. She was all alone and shivering. I knew she shouldn't be out there, but I didn't know what to do. She said she was on her way to Mr. D's house. She gave me this."

He held his hand out to Talli. Reaching up, she took the small white card he offered, noting the torn, fingerless ragged gloves he wore.

"Derek's business card. Sarah, where did you get this from?"

"From Mr. D. He gave all us kids one. He said if we got in trouble or anything, all we had to do was call him and he'd come. I didn't have no money to call him, so I came to see him," Sarah said innocently, her eyes wide, as she watched Talli and Jack.

Talli closed her eyes, inwardly counting her blessings. "Thank you so much for bringing her here, especially in this storm. Anything could have happened to her. I can't tell you how glad I am to ..." Talli's words trailed off, her mind thinking about what could have happened to Sarah had it not been for this kind man.

"Well, I had a daughter of my own once..." The old man's voice trailed off. "Anyway, I thought you would be able to help her better than I ever could. Goodbye Sarah, take care of yourself."

"Bye, Mr. Jack," Sarah replied, unaware of the consequences her actions could have caused.

"Mr., ah, Jack, is there anything I can do to show my gratitude?" Talli felt funny letting the man go back out into the raging snow storm.

"Thank you, ma'am, but I'm fine. Me and Ole Bessie." Talli watched as he pointed to a rusty green Ford Fairmont parked outside the door. "We do okay together." Touching his fingers to the brim of his battered felt hat, he turned toward the door.

Talli struggled to her feet, to place a gentle restraining hand on his arm. "Jack, please take this card with you. If there's ever anything you need, please call Mr. Cameron. He'll see that you get it."

"Ma'am, I appreciate your kindness, thank you. I can see Sarah will be in good hands with you nice folks."

"Thank you, Jack," Talli replied, placing a soft kiss on the old man's rough cold-reddened cheek, as she watched him shuffle back out in the cold night air, the snowflakes falling so thick and fast he was lost to her sight within seconds.

"I'll call Mrs. Byrd and Mr. Cameron," Joseph said softly, leaving Talli with Sarah alone in the foyer.

Talli led the small child into the kitchen and settled her on the window seat. Stripping off Sarah's wet Muppet Baby tennis shoes, Talli shook her head. "Sarah, what you did was very foolish. A lot of people are out looking for you right now. They're very worried about you."

Sarah's eyes filled with tears. "Are you gonna put me in the closet now?" she whispered, her tiny frame shaking, as her thumb slowly crept its way to her mouth.

"Of course not," Talli stated, giving her a quick hug. "I would never do that to you. Now, let's get you upstairs and into some dry clothes, okay?"

Sarah nodded, tears falling down her cheeks. "Will you promise to stay with me till I fall asleep?" she asked softly.

Talli nodded. "I promise."

She closed the bedroom door quietly behind her. Sarah lay sprawled fast asleep in Talli's bed, her tiny body dwarfed in one of Talli's sweat shirts, her big adventure had worn her out. All four dogs snored on the floor beside the bed, appointing themselves sentries for the sleeping Sarah.

Talli shut her eyes, and leaned against the hallway wall. Fatigue pulled at her shoulders as she slid the length of the wall to the floor, tears falling unchecked down her cheeks. Her body shook at the thought of Sarah being locked in a closet every time something happened.

Derek took the stairs two at a time, eager to see for himself that Sarah was safe. Rounding the corner, he drew up short.

Talli was curled into a ball on the floor, her body shaking with her quiet sobs.

Derek dropped to his knees and pulled her into his arms. "Hey, it's okay. She's safe now. Shh, it's over."

"No, it's not over. She thought I was going to put her in a closet for wandering off. Derek, she's just a baby. How could her own mother do that to her? It's not fair." Talli sobbed on, her face buried against his chest.

Derek felt her sobs as he held her and thought back to his own past, shutting his eyes tightly against the emotions raging through him. Scooping her up, he carried Talli down the hallway to his own bedroom, pushing the door open with a booted foot. Gently, he lowered her down on the bed then carefully knelt beside her. "Talli, Sarah is safe now. That won't happen to her anymore. Whatever her mother did to her, the scars will fade in time. She'll get all the help she needs. I'll see to it, whether emotional or physical, she'll get whatever it takes to help her to forget. I promise."

"Oh Derek, you're so good to them." Talli hiccuped, "And to me too." Another hiccup escaped from between her lips.

"No, Talli, I'm not good. I've been there and done that. I know what it feels like. I've seen it all before and it's not a place I want to go back to. My father was a lot like Sarah's mother. He drank, then blamed my mother and I for his problems. After he was done verbally abusing us, he would physically abuse us, he beat us." Derek's eyes closed at the memory as a shudder went through him. "I'm not going to let anyone have the opportunity to hurt a child as long as I have something to say about it." When his eyes reopened, Talli saw the hurt reflected there.

Before either of them knew what was happening, she pulled his mouth down to hers, to place a gentle kiss upon his lips.

"I believe you, my knight in shining armor," she whispered, her hand reaching up to push a lock of wayward black hair off his forehead. Her fingers lingered, tracing through the lines of silver gracing his temple.

Derek laced his fingers with hers, drawing her hand down to his lips. Tenderly, he placed a soft kiss on her palm. "Now, my dear Miss Paxton, you've had quite an exciting day as well. I think it might be time for you to get some sleep."

"I'm not sleepy," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she watched his lips touch her skin. "Besides, Sarah's in my bed."

"Then you can sleep in mine." He looked around the room, his gaze coming back to rest on her. "Well, what do you know? You're already in it." A flash of humor crossed his face.

"But, where will you sleep?"

"I'll have Maimie make up one of the guest rooms for me."

"You could sleep in here with me," she grinned mischievously, her fingers outlining the paisley design on the maroon comforter.

His gaze rushed over her like a match to a flame. "Are you propositioning me, Talli?"

"Maybe," she replied shyly.

Derek rewarded her with a larger smile of his own. "Talli, if I stayed in here with you, neither of us would get any sleep, especially if you wore that black lace outfit again."

Her cheeks stained with color, Talli dropped her gaze. "Oh."

Derek reached out, cupping her chin with his hand, his fingers tracing a seductive pattern on her jaw line. "Goodnight, Talli. Sweet dreams."

"Night, Derek."

Talli yearned to call him back, to beg him to stay with her as he left the bedroom, pulling the door shut behind him. Let her have one more chance to be in his arms, in his bed. Punching the king-size maroon bed pillow, she fell back against the warm flannel sheets, inhaling the scent of his woodsy after shave. Burying her face in it, she took a deep breath. As long as she lived, she vowed never to forget that smell. It would be permanently ingrained in her senses.

Derek lingered outside the bedroom door, his hand aching to turn the knob. The thought of her in black lace was causing an immediate gut-wrenching reaction to his libido. Hell, the thought of her in any outfit was doing strange things to him. He'd never reacted to a woman so strongly before. Ever. The physical attraction was there and yet there was something more.

Derek grimaced. He needed a cold shower, right away. Tomorrow he would talk to Sarah and hopefully make her understand how important it was for her not to wander off the property. Derek felt a shudder run down his spine at what could have happened out there on the streets, and made a mental note to find out what he could about "Jack" and thank the man for Sarah's safe return.

Down in his office, Derek lifted a snifter of brandy to his lips and took a deep swallow, then paused.

What had Talli said upstairs? 'My knight in shining armor.' The words rang a distant bell. Where had he heard them before? The snifter banged down on the desk as Derek turned toward the bookcase. Pulling a thick blue volume from the shelves, he quickly scanned the pages. Could it be, he wondered? His finger traced the black and white photograph.

The scrawny little girl who had deemed him her hero. All grown up and living under his roof. Derek thought back to that fateful day so long ago, when he had intervened on her behalf. She had looked up so adoring at him, a look that made him uncomfortable. He was more accustomed to a sneer, or even a backhanded slap, but never a warm smile full of promise.

"Well, what do you know," he muttered softly, as he reached for the brandy again.

* * *

Talli watched the catering staff unload the truck in the driveway, as they carried in banquet table after banquet table, serving trays laden with dishes, linens and more. She shook her head in wonder at the thought of how much this function must be costing Derek. All for a worthy cause. Derek had invited practically all of Michigan's finest from the looks of the reply cards in the brass serving tray in the foyer. No one had said no to his invitation. Talli fingered the gilded gold parchment, exquisite down to the tiniest detail. She smiled, thinking how very fortunate the Children's Castle was to have a man like Derek Cameron in their corner.

Derek fidgeted with his black tuxedo tie, redoing it for what seemed like the millionth time that night. He wanted everything to go like clockwork. This evening was too important to the Children's Castle to have anything go wrong. They depended on him and he was determined not to let them down. His nerves frayed, he angrily jerked the tie off his neck, and stormed out into the hallway, bellowing for Joseph.

"Problem, sir?"

Derek jumped at the sound of Joseph's voice, directly behind him. "Jeez, don't do that. You scared fifty years off me."

Joseph smiled. "Well then, sir. Let me tell you how good you look for not even being born yet."

Derek's face began to soften as he stared at the older gentleman. "Okay, I get the point. I'll try to relax."

"Very good. It wouldn't do for the host have a heart attack in front of his guests, now would it? The caterers have everything well in hand in the kitchen. Maimie is seeing to them now."

The second the words left Joseph's mouth, Derek cringed at the sound of breaking glass, followed by a shrill shriek. "What did you say about all being under control?"

"Excuse me, sir. I need to tend to a pressing matter in the kitchen." Joseph hurried off down the stairs.

A steady stream of private cars and limousines made pulling into the drive a slow task. The valets employed for the evening ran around breathlessly, vying to keep up with the flow of cars.

From her vantage viewpoint two stories about the front lawn, Talli peeked out her bedroom window, watching the melee. She drew in a shaky breath and laid a hand on her burgeoning stomach to calm the flutter within.

"This isn't going to work," she whispered to herself. "I can't compete with all these people. Look at those women down there. They're gorgeous. My God, just look at their clothes. I have nothing to wear that would be fancy enough to mingle with the likes of them. Especially not in this condition. I'm as big as a whale," she added ruefully, sinking down on the window seat, her hands splayed across her stomach.

"I don't know about that. I happen to like whales. In fact, Shamu just happens to be my favorite."

Startled, Talli jumped up. "Derek, what are you doing here?"

He stood in her doorway, his black tuxedo mirroring the ebony inkiness of his hair, his graying temples adding a debonair look to his already stunning features. Talli felt her breath catch in her throat as she stared at him.

"Well, for one I live here and two, I brought you something." He smiled boyishly and held out a large box, tied with a single gold ribbon. An ornate bow graced the corner.

"What's this?" Talli asked nervously.

"Something to make you feel better about attending tonight. I picked it out myself. I hope you like it." Placing the box in her unsteady hands, he turned toward the door. "See you downstairs shortly?"

Talli gulped and nodded. "I'll be there as soon as I'm dressed."

With a wink, Derek started to pull the door shut behind him.

Before he could close the door entirely, Talli called out softly, "Derek?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. You didn't have to go through so much trouble for me."

"Anything for the mother of my child." With another wink and a soft smile playing about his lips, he closed the door.

Outside Talli's door, he paused. Derek could hear her soft cry of delight as she unwrapped the big box. Closing his eyes, he imagined her pulling the sweat shirt over her head, the sweat pants quickly followed as she hurried to put on the dress. Her soft, silky body swollen with child, her breasts heavy, her nipples a dark dusky rose. He groaned, pushing aside the thoughts of their lovemaking in the limousine. The memory never far from his mind.

The mother of his child. That's me, Talli thought. As soon as the door closed, she rushed to put the huge box on the bed. Throwing the cover aside, she pushed apart the layers of white tissue paper to reveal a floor-length evening gown in a russet shade of red. Nestled under the gown, was a pair of matching red low heeled pumps.

The outfit must have cost him a pretty penny, Talli thought. More money than she was used to spending on herself. Talli lifted the dress carefully from the box, laying it ever so gently on her bed. She started peeling off her baggy blue sweat shirt and pants as she made her way to the bathroom.

A short while later, she slipped the dress over her head. It caressed its way down her shoulders to settle whisper soft against her legs. She walked across the room to the bureau mirror. Taking a deep breath, she sighed at her reflection looking back at her. "It's gorgeous. I look gorgeous." Twirling slowly around, she watched the dress glide with her movements. A flared waistline flowed down trailing to just above floor length. She slid the matching shoes on her feet, enhancing the look.

Talli ran a brush through her long auburn tresses, then let her hair fall loosely to her shoulders in soft waves. She left her neck unadorned, so as not to detract from the richness of the dress. As she moved toward her bedroom door, she felt like Cinderella. A very pregnant Cinderella about to attend her first ball.

The upper hallway was shrouded in soft light from the crystal chandeliers that graced the lower foyer. From the open stairwell she could hear the strains of conversation as the guests arrived and the muted strains of the minstrels playing in the ballroom.

Slowly, Talli let herself glide down the staircase, trepidation mounting with each step. Coming into view of the main floor, she looked around at the sea of unfamiliar faces watching her descent. With a shaky breath she walked through the foyer and stood by Derek's side. He was deep in conversation with his lawyer Anthony, unaware of the murmurs rippling through the room. Talli touched his arm. Derek paused in mid-sentence, his eyes met hers as a dazzling smile split his face.

"Talli, you look beautiful. Doesn't she, Anthony?" Derek leaned close to place a kiss upon her cheek, the scent of her perfume delicately wafting through his senses, bringing back memories of another time and place. One involving the back seat of a limousine and a beautiful woman scantily clad in black.

Talli resisted the urge to place her hand over the spot he had kissed, her eyes feasting on the handsome man standing before her.

Anthony bowed low. Righting himself, he took Talli's hand in his and placed a chaste kiss upon her palm. "Talli. So nice to see you again. How are you feeling these days?" Tucking her hand beneath his elbow, he led Talli away from the security of Derek and into the ballroom.

Talli's steps faltered at the sight of so many people openly staring at her. Her breath caught in her throat as she surveyed the ballroom. It had been turned into a medieval castle. Long blue velvet drapes hung from the windows, framing the buffet table. An enormous castle sculpted from ice graced the center of the table, a pristine white flag flew from the ramparts, emblazoned with dark blue initials to represent the Children's Castle. Servers passed by, their normal attire of white tuxedos replaced with costumes of yester-year.

"Courage, my dear. You mustn't let them intimidate you. Here, let me fill you in on the guests. See the woman over there on your right with the big hair?"

Talli nodded.

"She's the biggest gossip in the world, but totally harmless. Now, smile and nod in her direction, as I wave."

Anthony raised a hand to acknowledge Greta Grayfield, real estate mogul.

Greta returned Anthony's wave, her eyes devouring Talli, storing up new gossip.

"Good, all right over here to your left. The man with the anorexic looking blonde at his side. That's Peter Millgraves. He's an expert in the field of investing."

"And the woman is his wife?" Talli asked, trying to remember the names he reeled off.

Anthony let out a loud guffaw. "God, no. She's his fourth mistress in a string of probably a hundred. She just happens to be the flavor of the month."

Talli's eyes shot to Anthony's face. "His mistress? Here in public? What about his wife?"

Anthony scanned the crowd. "She's here somewhere, I believe. Oh, there she is, over in the corner by the buffet table. She's the one in the tropical print spandex gown with the choir boy hanging on her arm."

Talli looked to where Anthony had gestured. This was unreal. Mistresses and indiscretions all were being aired in public. She shook her head and sighed. "I don't get it. They just flaunt it all over town and no one cares."

"Exactly, my dear."

"Come to think about it Anthony, you haven't told me who you're here with tonight? Your wife or your flavor of the month?" Talli asked, her lips quivering with laughter.

Another loud laugh erupted from Anthony's chest. Patting her arm in a fatherly fashion, he smiled. "Actually, neither. My wife passed away four years ago and I haven't done a thing to encourage any of these vultures to even glance my way."

"I'm so sorry. It was rude of me to even ask." Talli murmured her apology softly.

"Talli, you are definitely a refreshing change of pace from these society snobs. Most of them are here tonight in the explicit hopes of seeing the woman who snared Derek Cameron into bed. They've all tried and failed miserably."

"But, it's not that way at all," Talli protested.

"You and I know that, but them," he paused, shrugging his shoulders. "They run a different race than we do, so it's sheer nosiness on their part."

"And Derek invited them anyway?" she asked incredulously.

Anthony nodded. "He doesn't give a damn what they think or say about him. He's one of the straight and narrow. He invited them tonight for the sheer purpose of raising money for the Children's Castle. He'll do anything for charity if it involves kids, you know."

"So I've seen."

"Anthony, darling, wherever did you find this divine creature? Darling, you must be the little mother we've been hearing so much about. You look stunning and your dress is divine. You must tell me all your secrets."

Talli lifted her eyes to the woman in front of her. "I beg your pardon?"

Cornelia Vandergood tittered. "You're such a gem. So darling, tell me, is Derek as good in bed as they say he is? You can tell me, I'm one of his closest friends."

A wicked gleam entered Talli's eyes as she moved forward, lowering her voice. The woman moved closer, eager to hear Talli reveal her secret.

"Actually, Derek and I never made it to the bed. We thought it was far more romantic to just rut like pigs in the back seat of the limousine. Don't you agree?"

Talli watched Mrs. Cornelia Vandergood's eyes widen in surprise, as her bejeweled hand crept up to clutch her wrinkled neck. "You can't be serious! Rut like pigs in the back of the limousine. What on Earth did the driver say?"

"I think he took pictures, if my memory serves me correctly." Talli placed a hand on her chin, pretending to seriously think back to the night in question.

The woman summoned her wits about her and stormed off, muttering, "Well, I never. I certainly hope Derek knows what he's getting himself into with that one."

"I bet she never has either," Talli murmured.

Anthony bit his lip to hold back the laugh that threatened to spill forth. His sides shook with mirth as he took Talli's arm and led her over to the buffet table.

Her shoulders slumping in defeat, Talli put a hand on his arm, halting their progress. "Anthony, would you excuse me? I don't think this party is for me. I'd be better off in my room."

"Nonsense. Talli, look at me. I've been part of this scene for over thirty years and let me tell you, it doesn't get any easier if you try to avoid them. Face them head on, and toe to toe. Don't let them intimidate you. They're no better than you are. Besides, think of it this way. Do it for the Children's Castle, and Derek, if for no other reason. Show him you can stand up to these vultures. Anyway, that woman was due a comeuppance. Pity, I would have preferred to be the one to drop the bombshell on her." Looking at Talli, Anthony let his laughter emerge. A belly laugh rumbled from his mouth as he replayed the scene in his mind.

Talli watched Anthony silently for a minute, then felt her own mouth curling upward. They stood companionably side by side for a few minutes enjoying their shared laughter, until Talli reached a hand over her stomach. "Oh, oh. Junior just made his presence known. Must be mealtime again. What I wouldn't give for a plain old cheeseburger loaded with ketchup, mustard and tons of pickles," she mused, eyeing the vast array of food displayed before her, not a burger in sight.

A stab of pain in her lower abdomen sucked the air from Talli's lungs. Grasping the edge of the buffet table for support, she squeezed her eyes shut.

Anthony looked at her pale face. "Talli, what's wrong? Is it the baby?"

Nodding, Talli opened her eyes to meet Anthony's. "Anthony, my water just broke. Oh God, right here in front of all these people."

Anthony shook his head. "Talli, no one noticed, not even me. Now, don't move. I'll get Derek." Turning toward a passing waiter, he reached out an arm to halt the young man's progress.

"Find Mr. Cameron, bring him here. Fast." Anthony put his arm around Talli's shoulders for support. "Do you want to sit down, Talli?"

"No, there's a puddle on the floor underneath me. Oh, your shoes. They're all wet too. If I move, everyone will see it," Talli panted, her mind focusing on the sensations rushing through her body.

Derek leaned his head toward the waiter. Following the young man across the ballroom, Derek's eyes fixed on Talli's face. Pale and scared, she stood in the corner, one arm balanced on the buffet table for support. Anthony stood at her side, speaking quietly, his eyes searching through the throng of people for Derek's arrival.

"Talli, what is it? The baby?"

"My water broke. It's all over the floor under my gown. I'm so sorry."

Derek swept Talli up into his arms as carefully as he could, hoping his movement wouldn't cause her any more pain. "Well, then, Miss Paxton, I think it's time we got you to the hospital. Anthony, call the doctor. Let him know we're on our way. Maimie will give you the number." Derek strode forward through the crowd, every eye in the ballroom focused on the two of them.

Without breaking his stride, Derek called out. "Please, everyone keep eating and drinking. Don't mind us. We're having a baby." He grinned, his steps confident as he held Talli gently in his arms. The guests smiled, as Derek carried Talli from the room. Tonight was certainly proving to be a major event. This party would be talked about for weeks to come!

Maimie fluttered around the foyer, carefully tucking a cream colored crocheted afghan around Talli's bare shoulders. "I do declare, I swear you all are crazier than six cats in a tissue box. You take good care of my girl, you hear me, boy?" Maimie called after the departing pair.

"I will, don't worry." Derek called back in response.

Talli closed her eyes against the pain, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "I can't believe I went into labor tonight. Right in the middle of your party, no less."

"Most fun those folks have had all year, I bet," Derek answered, trying to keep her spirits buoyed. "Besides, it'll give them something to talk about while we're gone."

"Great, now they'll talk about how you carried me out of there. Oh...," Talli groaned, lacing her fingers across her stomach, as another contraction swept over her.

Derek placed his hands next to hers, feeling her stomach tighten with the force of the contraction.
Chapter 9

Derek nervously paced the hospital corridor, his steps echoing loudly off the pastel colored walls in the silence of his sterile surroundings. How long did this take? he thought nervously. A half hour before, Derek had followed the attendant through the double doors of the hospital's emergency entrance.

The admittance clerk immediately put out a hand to stop his progress. "Mr. Cameron, I need some information from you first, then you can go on up to the Maternity floor."

"Can't this wait until later?" Derek asked, not pleased to be asked to leave Talli's side. Her fingers slipped from his as the attendant continued forward into a waiting elevator.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cameron. I really do need the information now," the clerk repeated apologetically.

Derek leaned against the corridor wall and shoved a hand through his hair, his senses honed for Talli's voice.

"Derek, you can come in now." The doctor's voice called to him from within the half-open door.

Derek levered himself off the wall and nervously peered around the door frame. Talli lay on her side, her eyes closed, her face pale under the fluorescent lights of the sterile white room. "Is she okay?"

The doctor smiled and nodded. "She's fine, just resting between contractions. Things are moving along smoothly. Right now, she's dilated to four centimeters."

"But the baby isn't due until January. Will he be all right? What about Talli?"

"Well, from the exam I just gave her, I would say it's time. All her vital signs are stable and labor is progressing normally. The best thing for you to do now is keep her calm. First time babies sometimes take awhile to make their presence known."

The doctor clapped Derek on the shoulder and headed for the door. "Oh, you might want to change into something less formal. Labor tends to get messy. I'll have the nurse bring you a set of scrubs."

Derek nodded, his eyes on Talli's wan face. "Thanks."

Just then she rolled onto her back, hands splayed across her stomach. "Oh, oh."

Derek hurriedly moved to the bedside. "It's all right, Talli. I'm here, sweetheart. Okay, that's it. Breathe." The contraction passed, leaving Talli damp with perspiration.

Two hours later, Derek felt Talli's fingernails bite into his palm as her contractions grew in intensity.

The doctor gave a satisfied smile. "Your cervix is just about ready. You're at nine centimeters. Won't be long now."

Talli smiled at the doctor. "Good."

Derek brushed a damp curl off Talli's forehead. "You're doing great."

"Thank you for being here with me. I don't think I could have done it without you." Patting his arm, her eyes closed tightly against the wave of the next contraction.

Derek took a sip of the coffee, feeling the hot bitter liquid burn at the back of his throat. Pulling the slat of the blind down, he looked out on the quiet night. The moon, full and round, shone down brightly from its vantage point high in the sky.

His eyes followed an approaching ambulance, as it pulled up to the emergency entrance, the attendants scurrying out to admit another patient. His stomach tightened with emotions he couldn't describe. When had he felt such eagerness? Such anticipation? Realization caught him dead between the eyes. He let the blinds fall back in place and sat the cup on the night stand.

The doctor broke the silence of the birthing room.

"Well folks, I'd say it's time to have this baby. Everybody ready?"

"Definitely," Talli whispered.

Derek heard her soft voice, his heart constricting at the thought of the pain she was enduring and he wished there was something he could do to somehow take it away from her.

"Talli, I want you to push. Give it all you've got. Not yet though. Wait till your next contraction," the doctor coached.

Talli gritted her teeth. "That's now."

"Derek, support her shoulders. That's right, stand behind her. Let her lean into you. Good."

Derek positioned himself behind Talli. Her fingers clutched at his as he held her shoulders, supporting her weight with his own.

Talli closed her eyes and willed herself not to cry. She had tried so hard to be brave through all of this, now she wanted to let the tears fall. "I hurt. Oh Derek, it hurts so much."

"I know sweetie. We're almost there. Come on baby, push."

"Okay, Talli now push. The pain is going to be pretty rough, but I want you to focus all your energy on pushing. A big heave ho and we can pop this baby right out. Can you do that, Talli? I know you're tired."

Talli nodded, a single tear sliding down her cheek.

"Okay, another contraction's coming. Talli, push. Give it everything you've got. I can see the head crowning."

Talli gritted her teeth against the pain and willed her muscles into action. Every bone in her body felt like it had been run over by a truck. She could hear Derek's words of encouragement beside her ear. She pushed, then fell back against Derek exhausted.

A loud wail filled the room as Talli heard her baby's first cry.

Derek stared at the squalling infant the doctor held in his hands. "Well Daddy, it's time for you to cut the umbilical cord."

Derek moved forward to take the scissors from the nurse. He snipped the cord with shaky hands. The nurse reached out and took the scissors from Derek's limp hold, then directed him back to the chair next to Talli's bedside.

The doctor looked up in concern, "Derek, are you all right? You look a bit pale."

"That was the most amazing moment of my life," Derek admitted, tears streaming freely down his face. "I actually watched my son being born."

Talli watched the play of emotions cross Derek's face, her body shivering despite the warm blankets the nurse piled atop her.

The nurse patted her hand. "A lot of new fathers react this way. They never expect it to affect them, but it always does. You rest now. I'll be right back with your baby."

"Thank you," Talli whispered, her limbs felt as though she had climbed mountains.

Derek stood, his hands tight on the edge of the bed for support, until he could trust himself to stand unaided. He leaned over and brushed a gentle kiss on Talli's lips. "Thank you so much. You can't imagine what this means to me."

Talli closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep, the feel of his lips her last conscious thought.

Derek sat in the rocking chair and reached out nervously as the nurse gently placed his newborn son in his arms. After a long minute, the baby's dark eyes opened to peer directly into Derek's.

"Hi there, little fella. I'm your daddy."

The baby yawned and closed his eyes once more.

Derek grinned. "I got the same reaction from your mommy a few minutes ago." Your daddy, your mommy. The words rolled clumsily off Derek's tongue. He stared down at his sleeping son. Thick auburn hair like Talli's covered the baby's head, dark eyes so like his own. Derek shifted the swaddled bundle and began to rock.

Talli opened her eyes and blinked in the brightly lit room. Roses of every color and size adorned every available nook and cranny. She pushed herself upward in the bed and winced at the discomfort she felt.

"Hey good looking. I was wondering if you were going to sleep all day." Derek sauntered into her hospital room, his tuxedo shirt rumpled, arms laden with presents. His rugged good looks only enhanced by the lines of fatigue that etched his ebony eyes.

A football tucked into the curve of one arm and a baseball bat dangled from his other hand.

Talli laughed, motioning to the assortment of goodies he held. "What's all this?"

"Well, you can never start too early you know." Derek dumped his load on the chair and came toward the bed. "How are you feeling this morning? Long night, huh?" He reached out to tenderly cup her cheek with his hand.

Talli cleared her throat. "Derek, I think there's something you need to know about last night."

"Such as?"

"Before my water broke, I sort of had a few words with one of your guests. I got a little angry and said a few things I shouldn't have."

Derek reached over and picked up two papers off the chair. "You mean something like 'Derek Cameron ruts in back seat of limousine with household help in an attempt to have a baby' or maybe something like this one 'Love child result of tryst between Derek Cameron and mystery woman.' Those sort of words?" He pointed to the headlines in the two daily papers.

Mortified, Talli tried to look anywhere but at Derek. "It made the papers? Twice?"

"Talli, look at me." Derek commanded.

Her eyes met his in chagrined dismay, only to find Derek grinning broadly.

"I'm really sorry, Derek. Can you ever forgive me? I don't know what came over me. She was so nosy and I..."

Derek leaned over, silencing Talli with a finger pressed tenderly to her lips. "Talli, I thought it was great. Cornelia needed to be taught a thing or two about nosiness."

"But the paper, the articles."

Derek shrugged. "So what? Let them guess what really went on that night." He leered at Talli, his eyes taking in the pink stain on her cheeks. He leaned close and whispered in her ear, his warm breath causing a case of wild shivers to rush through her body. "Besides, look what we got out of it. A beautiful baby boy."

A beautiful baby boy, Talli thought. Our baby.

A chorus of raised voices in the hallway outside her door caused Talli to force her thoughts to the present.

Maimie bustled through the door, trailed by Joseph and Anthony. "Child, how are you? Oh, my sweetie girl had a beautiful baby boy. I'm so happy for you. Are they taking care of you in here?" Maimie ambled her way to Talli's bedside to place a kiss on her cheek.

Joseph and Anthony shook hands with Derek, his grin infectious as they heartily slapped him on the back. Joseph walked over to Talli. "Is there anything I can get for you, Miss Talli? Anything you need?"

Talli grasped his outstretched hand. "Thank you, Joseph. I'm fine. Also, I'd like to thank you for getting me here so quickly last night."

Joseph bowed and backed away from the bed, embarrassed by her public display of affection.

Anthony took his place. "Well, well, how's our new little mother doing today?"

"Fine, a little sore in places I didn't know even existed though," Talli acknowledged, as she shifted herself about in the bed.

Anthony turned to Derek. "Derek, I have the figures that were raised last night for the Children's Castle. Thought you might like to see them." He pulled a piece of folded paper from his coat pocket and passed it to Derek.

Derek studied the paper. "Well, what do you know."

Talli searched his face. "Is it good?"

"See for yourself." Derek offered the paper to her.

She glanced at the figures and let out a loud gasp of surprise. "You raised over five hundred thousand dollars last night alone?"

"Not just Derek. You raised one hundred thousand yourself," Anthony stated.

Talli looked dumfounded. "Me, how could I raise any money?"

"Remember the conversation you had with Cornelia Vandergood?"

Talli's cheeks flushed crimson as she thought back and recalled her words.

"It seems a gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous overheard your conversation and donated a very substantial amount to the Children's Castle, saying he thought it was well worth every dollar spent to see Cornelia speechless beyond words."

"But it was a thoughtless, stupid thing for me to say and do. Derek's all over the newspaper's now, thanks to me, and I'm sure the press can't be that good."

Derek spread his arms wide. "Well, I guess some bad press is better than no press at all."

Maimie, Joseph and Anthony all looked at their employer in shocked surprise. He was willing to let the papers have a field day with him, and he didn't care! They weren't sure what had changed him, but there was no doubt in their minds that Talli was definitely good for their boss!

A knock on the door caused all five heads to turn in unison at the sound.

Talli's heart melted at the sight of her son, held snugly in the nurse's arms. The nurse crossed the room to place the tiny bundle in Talli's embrace. Talli looked down at the baby, not trusting herself to speak.

Maimie inched closer. "Look at that little precious bundle of joy. Oh, he has your hair, Talli and his Daddy's eyes. What a heartbreaker he's going to be when he grows up. Just like his Daddy."

Talli bit her lip, knowing full well what Maimie meant. Her heart was already breaking with the memory.

"Now, you do everything those doctor's and nurses tell you. I want to get you home and take care of you two myself, you hear me?" Maimie wagged a finger in Talli's direction, her eyes held captive by the tiny cherub cuddled in the blue blankets.

"We will, I promise Maimie," Talli looked up fondly at the older woman.

"Have you decided on a name for the baby yet?" Anthony asked Derek.

"Not officially," Derek replied. "I've been thinking about it and I like the name Tyler. Tyler Paxton Cameron. What do you think, Talli?" Derek focused his attention on her and awaited her response.

"It's very nice. Thank you for including my name." Talli acknowledged, touch by Derek's thoughtful gesture. Did this mean what she thought it did? Could Derek possibly be starting to care for her as more than just a surrogate for Tyler?

"Now, come on gentlemen. It's high time we leave the little momma here to rest. Derek, you too, boy. You need your rest just as much as Talli does. It's been a long night for the both of you," Maimie sternly addressed her employer.

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be sure and get some rest. More than likely, it won't be until later today though. Unfortunately, I have a board meeting with Wardell Industries at noon." Derek stopped to consult his watch.

"Sweetie, I'll call you later and see if you need anything," Maimie called from the doorway, Joseph in tow.

"Thanks, Maimie."

Anthony placed a chaste kiss on Talli's cheek before heading for the doorway. "Call me if you need anything."

"Thank you, Anthony. I'll be fine."

Derek stood silent by the bedside, his gaze frozen on the picture before him. Talli lightly stroked Tyler's downy head, her fingers lovingly brushing the tiny strands of auburn hair. His son lay sound asleep within her warm embrace, content and secure in his mother's arms. Derek felt a momentary tug on his heart as he contemplated the scene. He cleared his throat and spoke up.

"I better get going too. I need to shower and shave before the meeting."

Talli looked up, unaware of his silent appraisal. "Oh, right. I hope your meeting goes well." Unspoken thoughts rushed through her head. Tell me, Derek. Tell me how you feel about me. Do I mean anything more to you than just Tyler's mother? Say you love me and you want me to stay on at Cameron Manor. Please, say you want me to be your wife.

"Talli, I..."

A knock on the door drew their attention from one another.

"Hello, anybody home?" K.C. Masters stood on the threshold, her arms laden with flowers and gifts. With a smile, she entered the room, unaware of the tension surrounding the pair.

"K.C., how did you know I had the baby? Wait, don't tell me. The newspaper, right?"

"Yup," she nodded, dropping her gifts into the nearest chair and sat the bouquet of flowers on the window sill. She brushed a kiss across Derek's cheek as she moved to Talli's side.

"Congratulations, you two. Oh, he's so adorable. He has your hair, Talli."

Derek ran his thumb across Tyler's hand, watching the tiny fingers curl around his. "I'll be back after the meeting. I don't know how long I'll be though."

"Derek, I'm fine. Really, I am."

"And I promise not to stay too long or tire her out. Scouts honor." K.C. held her hand up in a mock promise.

Derek smiled at K.C. "You were never a Boy Scout," he stated.

K.C. shook her head with a saucy smile. "No, but I helped plenty of Boy Scouts earn their CPR badges."

"Now that I believe." With a wave and another promise to return as soon as possible, Derek was gone.

Talli watched him walk from the hospital room, her hopes sinking with his every retreating step.

"Girlfriend, you've got it bad."

Talli looked up in surprise. "What? K.C., this time you've got it all wrong. There's nothing going on between Derek and I," she protested.

"Right. You just happen to live in the guy's house and have his baby. Uh huh, nothing's going on. Sure and I've got some swampland in Nevada I'd like to sell you."

Talli sighed. "I get discharged from the hospital tomorrow and hand over the baby to him. No strings attached, remember?"

"Then how come you're so miserable?"

"I wish I knew," Talli shook her head sadly, and let the hot tears slip down her cheeks.

"Honey, if you spend your life wishing for things instead of doing them, you'll end up with empty photo album?"

Later that afternoon, Talli walked slowly down the quiet hospital corridor to the nursery. She pressed her fingers lightly to the nursery window and smiled. Two rows of newborn babies filled her vision, their pink and blue stocking caps the only designation as to their sex. Her eyes sought out Tyler in the second row and Talli motioned for the nurse to lift him up. She watched him yawn, stretching his tiny fists into the air as the nurse interrupted his rest.

"He looks just like his Daddy," Talli whispered. She waved a thank you and with shaky steps, retraced her route to her hospital room.

He was the spitting image of his daddy, yet his cherubic face reflected his mother's porcelain features. His tiny mouth suckled eagerly at the bottle as he nursed in blissful contentment in Derek's arms.

Talli sat quietly in the window seat, her gaze on Tyler's face. Derek rocked the chair slowly back and forth, one arm around Tyler, the other attempting to hold the bottle at the correct angle according to all the baby books he had read. Not too far or the baby will gag, not far enough and the baby will take in too much air and not enough formula. Talli recalled him boasting as he perfected his technique.

Maimie stood in the door, her gaze assessing the scene before her. It had been over a week since Talli and Tyler had come home. Something didn't feel right, something she couldn't put her finger on. But in time she would.

Talli lowered herself to the edge of the bed and reached for the telephone. Taking a deep breath, she dialed a familiar number with a heavy heart.

"I need to talk to you. Do you think you could come to the house?" She closed her eyes and sighed. "Thanks, I really appreciate it." She let the receiver drop back into the cradle and allowed the tears to fall freely.

* * *

"I can't do this," Talli whispered softly, a short while later. Turning tortured eyes to Anthony, the tears fell down her cheeks, as she valiantly tried to staunch her emotions.

Anthony felt his heart lurch in his chest and he sighed heavily. "Talli, I don't know what to say. Isn't there any other way?"

Her head flew up, her gaze meeting his in anger and frustration. "What other way? Every time I make a move to go to the nursery, Derek's already there. I hear Tyler fuss in his crib at night and I go in to comfort him, but I'm just in the way. He doesn't need me anymore, Anthony. I've served my purpose. I'm sorry, I know it's unfair to put you in the middle of all this. It's not your fault."

Anthony bowed his head, eyes closed. He pressed two fingers together and thought long and hard before answering.

Talli watched silently. She never realized the powerful feelings a baby would create within her body. All she had wanted to do was sit and hold Tyler. Stroke his downy head and touch his little fingers, over and over. She marveled at the maternal urges inside her, yearning to break free. But she wasn't needed here anymore. She had fulfilled the terms of the contract and now it was time to move on, whether she wanted to or not. She wouldn't risk putting Tyler in the middle. No matter what.

Forty minutes later Anthony brushed a soft kiss across Talli's cheeks and scribbled a set of numbers on the back of his business card. "Call this number if you need anything. I'll always be there for you, Talli."

"What about Maimie and Joseph?" Talli questioned. "I really should tell them."

"I'll take care of telling them. Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Anthony paused. He hoped what he was about to do wouldn't be the downfall of his friendship with Derek. Something like this definitely pushed things to the limit.

Talli shook her head no, the auburn curls cascading gently over her shoulders. "Someday, the charming knight on his white steed will come for me and sweep me off my feet, but not now I'm afraid. Take care of yourself, Anthony. I'll miss you, you've been a wonderful friend to me."

"She what?" An enraged roar bellowed through the hallway. The sound of a chair crashing against the wall sent Joseph and Maimie scurrying back to the security of the kitchen, only minutes before the office door swung inward with a mighty crash as it hit the wall. "She left without saying goodbye. She just walked out of here and no one saw her leave?" What in God's name had she been thinking of to walk out and leave him and Tyler like this? Derek thought angrily.

"This was on the hallway table." Anthony handed the letter to Derek, his hand shaky as he fought to hold it steady. Derek's fierce scowl made it virtually impossible to remain calm under the circumstances.

Derek looked at the pale cream-colored envelope in Anthony's grasp. He took a deep breath and slowly reached for the letter. His own fingers trembled as he opened the envelope to draw forth a single sheet of stationary. His eyes scanned the words, as he lowered himself to his chair. The leather creaked under his weight, but Derek didn't seem to notice.

"She said she left since the terms of the contract were fulfilled. She was afraid if she stayed, her feelings for Tyler would make it impossible for her to honor the contract."

Anthony nodded, as he waited for Derek to continue.

"According to the note, Talli says she wasn't needed anymore. She felt she was in the way between the baby and I. We needed time alone to bond as father and son." Derek let the paper drop onto the desk and swivelled his chair to face the window.

"It's what you wanted. All the details were spelled out to the letter in the contract," Anthony added quietly.

Derek nodded. "Anthony, would you mind giving me a few minutes alone?"

"Not at all. I'll just go get myself a cup of coffee."

Anthony walked out of the study and closed the door behind him.

Timidly, Maimie and Joseph peeked their heads around the kitchen door. "He took the news pretty well, I thought," Maimie said to Joseph.

"Yes, quite."

Anthony Baretti swung around to face the couple who hovered nearby. "What did you say?"

"What, you suddenly deaf now too, along with dumb and stupid?" Maimie queried of the older man.

Anthony slumped in defeat against the foyer wall. "She called, didn't she?"

Maimie gave him a 'cat got the canary' type of smile, lauding that small piece of information over Anthony.

Anthony shook his head in disbelief. "I knew this wouldn't work. If Derek gets his hands on her, he'll kill her the mood he's in right now."

"It'll work out fine. Derek just needs time to sort things out, then he'll realize how much he needs her and loves her and everything will be all right." She presented her back to the two men and strolled into the kitchen.

The men looked at one another across the marble foyer, then solemnly followed her, hoping she was right.

Derek heard the mumbled voices outside his door and looked out the fast approaching darkness. Why did Talli leave so suddenly? She could have stayed longer. He wasn't going to throw her out now that Tyler was born. She had a job to do here at the house. He slumped down in the chair, his head falling forward to rest on his chest. "She's gone," he murmured to no one in particular.

The week passed in excruciating slowness as Talli forced herself to remain busy. Her waking hours were filled with thoughts of Tyler and Derek. Were they sitting together in the nursery, Tyler's trusting face staring up at his daddy as Derek gave him his morning bottle? Did his tiny fingers wrap themselves around Derek's as he bonded with his father? Her chest tightened at the thought of the two of them together, a quaint little family picture without her. Why had she ever agreed to the contract in the first place? What had she hoped for? That Derek would profess his undying love at the birth of his son and they would all live happily ever after? Deep in her heart, she knew the answer to that question. Yes, Talli had hoped he would propose marriage to her.

Unable to deal with the thoughts floating around in her head, she set off for a Christmas Eve visit to the Children's Castle. Her arms laden with presents, she walked through the brightly lit hallways and listened to the sound of giggles emerging from every room. The children played happily in their surroundings.

Sarah dropped her doll and ran toward Talli, throwing herself into Talli's embrace. "Hi, Talli. You came."

"Of course I came. I always come to see you, don't I?"

Sarah stared at Talli, her little hands reaching up to pat Talli's cold cheeks. "You look sad. I think you should marry Mr. D and make him your daddy. All mommies need a daddy. Tyler needs a mommy too."

Talli searched Sarah's cherubic face. "You saw Tyler?"

Sarah's red head nodded vigorously up and down. "Uh huh. Mr. D let me hold him too. I held him real good. I didn't drop him, not even once," she added seriously. "Mr. D bringed him to show me today. He's cute, except when I was holding him, he made these funny noises, then he smelled really yucky, so I gave him back."

Talli smiled at Sarah, so serious as she related how Derek had entrusted her with Tyler. "Sarah, are Tyler and Mr. D still here?"

"Nope, they left. Did Mr. D make you sad, Talli?"

"What? Why do you ask?"

"Cuz, when I asked him where you were, he got all funny looking. Said he didn't know."

Talli felt her heart begin to pound. Could it be Derek was having the same feelings for her, she found herself having for him?

Derek pressed the switch as his driver's window slid quietly downward. A fast glance at Tyler showed his son sound asleep strapped securely into his car seat. Derek turned his gaze to the open window. Across the street from where he had parked sat a modest white wood-frame house, flanked neatly by two patches of snowy ground. The fresh paint on the house sparkled in the morning sunlight to invoke a sense of peace inside of Derek.

The side yard was strewn with the remnants of children at play. The tree swing lazily blew back and forth. Derek closed his eyes. Twenty-five years ago, the house was a dirty gray color, the shutters broken and the backyard covered with busted whiskey bottles. Sounds of love and laughter were few and far between. Time had dulled the memories, as he stared long and hard at the house.

While Derek continued to watch, the front door opened and a young woman emerged, a toddler in a bright yellow snowsuit trailing behind her. He saw the woman settle the child on a sled. A smile escaped his lips as the mother and child laughed together in the snow. The driver's side window slowly closed. He had seen enough. It was time to put the past where it belonged. In the past. Now was the time to plan for his own future. A future for Derek and Tyler.

Christmas Day dragged endlessly for Talli. She accepted a dinner invitation from Anthony, to keep both their minds occupied and off of the strained holiday. Earlier in the week, she had a sent a box full of gifts over to Cameron Manor, afraid that if she were to go herself she would be unable to leave. The thought of seeing Tyler and Derek again would only bring back unpleasant words about her leaving the way she had and cause an unwelcome scene.

New Year's Eve brought changes to Cameron Manor, some good, some not so good.

"Whew, that boy of yours sure can stink up a room." Maimie waved her hand in front of her face, trying to clear her senses.

"Hey there, big fella. Are you making messes again?" Derek leaned over the changing table, his hand gently chucking Tyler under his chin.

Tyler wiggled his arms and legs in response, eager to be picked up.

"This here boy is growing stronger every day, I do declare," Maimie stated. "He's drinking more and more with every bottle. There, now you're all pretty again. No more stinky-poo." She placed a soft kiss on his head and passed Tyler into Derek's waiting arms.

"Thanks, Maimie. I appreciate your watching Tyler for me these past few days. The agency hasn't been able to find a nanny that meets all our needs, I'm afraid."

"More like it, the nanny doesn't meet your needs. Seems to me the same thing happened when you tried to find yourself a surrogate mother too. Strange coincidence, isn't it Derek? When you going to admit it, things just aren't the same around here with Talli gone. You used to laugh and smile all the time. Now, you're an old sourpuss. Grumpy and crabby. The only time I see you light up is when this little baby is in your arms."

Derek raised his gaze to meet Maimie's. "We're doing just fine," he replied curtly.

"Really? How about Tyler? Is he doing fine without a mother?" Maimie asked quietly.

Derek's head snapped up again, anger flashing in his eyes.

Maimie held up a hand. "Wait a minute boy, let me finish. In all my years on this earth one thing holds true. A baby needs both its parents, not just one. When Talli held that sweet little baby there, she came face to face with the feelings she's been keeping inside of her for nine long months. How do you think she felt when it came time to hand Tyler over to you and walk away? You think she enjoyed it? You think maybe she had fun celebrating the holidays all alone without her son? Answer me that if you can?"

Her ire up, Maimie paced restlessly back and forth across the nursery. "I may not know much about birthing babies, but from what I read in those fancy schmansy baby books of yours downstairs when a mother and a baby are together they bond as one. Men have a different feel for their child when it's born. They feel the need to make contact with their parents, especially their fathers. I know you can't do that now, but according to your book, a man finds that childbirth will somehow restore their relationship. Unhappy childhood experiences may encourage a man to improve on what he received as a child. Stop me anytime I go off track here," Maimie paused to allow her words to sink in.

Derek chose his words carefully before answering.

"My childhood wasn't the greatest, Maimie. My father was a bear of a man, fast with a bottle and even faster with a raised fist. My mother and I lived in constant fear of his next outburst, never knowing from one day to the next when he'd explode. But that's not why I wanted to have a child, not to recover what I supposedly lost."

"Derek, I think it's high time you sat down and thought long and hard about why you did want a baby. And while you're at it, think about Talli as well." Maimie's voice was harsh as she opened the nursery door and strode away.

Derek listened to her footsteps recede down the hall. His own steps faltering, he pressed a soft kiss on Tyler's cheek and lowered the sleepy baby down into the crib. Derek looked at his son and felt the sudden rush of hot tears behind his eyelids. He closed his eyes and held his breath, waiting for the sensation to pass. His hands tightened unconsciously at his sides.

He stood in the hallway outside Talli's empty bedroom, his gaze searching for any sign of life, any iota of activity within the silent, empty room. So much of her remained behind, left in her haste to escape him. A pair of white tennis shoes sat stoically by the closet door, patiently awaiting their owner's arrival and desire to be worn, a copy of Blodgett's Book of Conception sat on the night stand, one of his own business cards marking the page.

Derek stepped into the room and reached for the book. The page fell open to a section on cravings. He smiled as he recalled their on-going battle about the vast variety of food Talli found herself craving during her pregnancy. He thought back to a night months before when at midnight, Talli stood by his bedside and informed him she needed a coke float with chocolate ice cream or she would just die. He obligingly got up and went out, stopping at four ice cream parlors that were already closed for the night before he convinced one owner to make the float for him. It had cost twenty-five dollars, but was well worth the money spent for the look of utter adoration Talli had bestowed upon him at his arrival home.

Her pale blue maternity sweatshirt lay neatly folded on the window seat. Derek stared intently at it as he remembered the last time she had worn it. It was the night of the Children's Castle benefit. She hadn't wanted to go, feeling big and bulky in her last few months of pregnancy. Her look of surprise and happiness at the gift he brought her flooded back to him. Derek found himself anxious to make her smile, to please her and he had. She looked stunning in the gown, motherhood definitely became her.

Would she look as lovely the next time, he wondered? The next time, Derek fought down the urge to throw something, make that anything across the bedroom, to listen to it shatter into a million pieces. Something to relieve the pain and anger he felt inside at the thought of her carrying another man's child.

He walked slowly across the snow covered grass and watched the dogs frolic in the moonlight. Their noses pressed to the ground, they trailed a long-gone rabbit scent back and forth on the lawn. Tails held high, they ran as one. Suddenly coming to an abrupt halt, the Basset Hounds stopped, their low slung bodies quivering. Noses thrust skyward, the pair bayed out their frustration at the full moon above.

"What is it, guys? Smell something better than a rabbit?" Derek asked, as he stooped to pet their soft heads. They turned mournful sad looks upon him as his gaze met and held their own.

"I know, I miss her too," he whispered. "I wish she hadn't left, but like always, I'm the last to clue in to things, aren't I?"

Gracie pushed her body closer against his legs and Derek found himself toppled over into the snow. The dogs pressed their advantage to their eye-level master, as they yearned to regain the closeness they had once shared with Talli. Derek laughed aloud in the semi-darkness. A sound he hadn't heard from his own lips in a long time. If he were to find Talli, would she be willing to come back? To forget the past and continue on as they once had? To forge a new beginning?
Chapter 10

Maimie bustled about in the darkened study, her hands tugging on the braided curtain pull to drench the room in the soft light of the afternoon. "Lordy, looks like a morgue in here."

"Go away," Derek grumbled, his frame slumped down in the big black leather chair.

"Tsk, tsk, such a crab. How's a body supposed to live with you?" she muttered under her breath. Without a second glance at the sullen figure in the chair, she continued, "What's the matter, Mr. High and Mighty? Finally got what you deserved, huh?"

"Excuse me?"

Maimie pressed on, oblivious to Derek's dark scowl. "You heard me just fine, boy. Mr. Tough Guy got his heart broken after all these years of not letting anyone in and it doesn't feel so good, does it now?"

"For your information, my heart is not broken. I was just wondering where she is right now. There is a difference, you know." Derek stated as he pulled himself upright in the chair.

"No, of course. That's very different. Why have you been moping around here all week, snapping everybody's head off and being such a sourpuss? Answer me that if you can. And this has nothing to do with that precious little baby of yours asleep upstairs." Maimie squarely faced Derek, her hands defiantly placed on her hips, as she awaited his answer. Her look defied him to respond.

Derek paused for a long moment, then his shoulders sagged dejectedly. "Maimie, I hear a song and I think of Talli. I pick up a magazine and the face I see on the cover is hers. I can't get her out of my mind. I think about her all the time."

"You love her," Maimie stated. "You look at her and you just fold up like a beach chair."

Derek stared at the lucite picture frame held tightly in his grasp. The picture had been taken at Talli's reunion. The two of them caught in a moment of merriment. He looked down at their smiling faces, Talli laughing gaily, as they both smiled broadly for the cameras, his arm draped comfortably over her shoulders.

"Surf's up." A goofy grin crossed Derek's face. "I do," he declared. "I love her, I really do." He leapt from his chair and grabbed an astonished Maimie around her ample waist and whirled her about the room, the picture frame still held tightly in his hand.

Maimie's time worn face broke into a soft smile. "Settle down, honeychild. You'll give this tired old body of mine a heart attack if you keep that up," she gasped.

Derek slowed his steps and flashed a million dollar smile at her. "Now to find Talli, beg her to marry me and come back home"

With a quick peck on Maimie's cheek, he headed for the door.

"Halt," her voice barked out.

Derek turned. "What's wrong?"

"The charity auction's tonight. You agreed to participate."

Derek slapped his hand against his thigh in frustration. "Damn. I forgot all about it."

"Well, you hustle yourself upstairs and get ready. The sooner you go, the sooner you can leave and find Talli."

Derek opened his mouth to protest.

"No buts, young man. You can go find Talli after the auction's over. There's no big rush."

"But there is," Derek stated emphatically.

"Well then, you better get a move on. The night's not going to last forever."

Derek pivoted toward the doorway, then swung back. "Maimie, thank you. You're the best. Remind me to give you a raise."

"I know I'm the best, now git." She patted a few loose strands of hair back into her bun and smiled.

Less than an hour later, Maimie turned from the front door and walked back into the kitchen. Reaching for the phone, she dialed a number, and put the receiver to her ear.

"He's on his way. Good, I'll see you then." Hanging up the phone, she began to hum a soft lullaby.

Derek stood resplendent in a black tuxedo with a black cummerbund and tie, devilishly handsome and yet all he felt was gloom. Surrounded by beautiful women eager to bid on him and all he wanted was to get out of there and find Talli.

The auctioneer looked around the room filled with women ogling the men as if seeing fresh pieces of meat for the first time in their lives and smiled. The evening ahead would bring a lot of money to the various charities involved.

"Alrighty then ladies. Good evening. My name is Terry Gibson and I want to thank you all for your patronage. As you know, tonight is a very special evening for us here in Detroit. We are gathered together to graciously donate to the charities these here fine looking gentlemen on the stage beside me are involved in. Each one of them has chosen a charity in which to donate all proceeds that he garners from this evening. Now without further ado, let the games begin." He picked up a stack of index cards and called out the first name on the list.

"Ah ladies, a real treat for you tonight. I have our very own Mayor of Detroit on hand to start the proceedings. What am I bid for him? Come on ladies, he is our Mayor. I would like to start the opening bid at one hundred dollars. Do I hear one hundred?"

"I'll bid one hundred."

"Okay ladies, I have our first bid of the evening. Shall we make it one-fifty?"

Minutes later, the Mayor of Detroit left the stage, his own charity My Cops six hundred and fifty dollars richer. The next three gentlemen each earned five hundred dollars apiece from their bidders.

Derek found himself to be the next bachelor in line. He walked across the stage and looked out over the crowd. All of the city's finest society ladies were here this evening. Come to oh and ah over the gentlemen, each offering an evening of their time to support a worthy cause. A smile crossed his face without reaching his eyes. At one point in time, he would have been flattered to have been asked to participate and walk out of here with any of the beautiful women eager to purchase his time, but tonight his mind was on one woman and one woman only. Talli. He wondered what she was doing right about now? Derek focused his thoughts on the crowd as the auctioneer began his bidding.

"Ladies, what am I bid for Derek Cameron? Do I have an opening bid of one hundred dollars to get the ball rolling?"

"One hundred."

"One fifty." The voices of the creme de la creme filled the room, each striving to outbid the other.

"Two hundred."

"Two fifty."

"Ladies, I have two hundred and fifty dollars, do I hear three hundred?" The auctioneer wiggled his fingers to the crowd of women. "Come on ladies, look closer at him. What do you say? Three hundred?"

"Three hundred." Excited voices filled the air, each woman trying to snag Detroit's most prominent bachelor for an evening.

"Three hundred. The bid stands at three hundred dollars. Do I hear four?" Terry Gibson worked the crowd, his eyes searching for a raised hand.

"I bid one hundred thousand dollars." The dulcet tones filled the air, penetrating Derek's senses. He squinted his eyes against the glare of the floodlights and strained to see to the back of the room. A round of hushed whispers filtered through the ballroom, as a young woman slowly walked forward.

"Excuse me ma'am, did I hear you correctly? You bid one hundred thousand dollars?"

"That's right." Talli moved into the room gracefully, her black evening gown caressing her skin as she walked forward. Rich auburn tresses cascaded down her shoulders to swing softly against her bare back. Derek's eyes widened at the sight of Talli, looking every inch the woman she was. His expressionless face broke into a tender smile.

Her gaze fixed on his, she walked through the throng of parted bodies, not stopping till she reached the edge of the stage. "My bid stands at one hundred thousand dollars."

A gasp sounded from the crowd as they watched the slender woman face Derek Cameron. He held out his hand to help her ascend the stairs until she stood directly in front of him.

"That's a lot of money to bid on a jerk like me," Derek replied.

Talli smiled. "True, but I happen to love the jerk."

Derek smiled a goofy grin and tried to speak past the lump in his throat. "Well, I'm afraid there would have to be a condition on my part before I could accept your bid."

Talli's surprised gaze flew to his face. "A condition?" she asked, trying to bring her hammering heart under control.

"Yup, you'd have to agree to marry me."

"Marry you?" Talli stammered, repeating his words.

"That's right. You see, I happen to strongly believe in sweaty palms, shaky knees, bells and whistles. I also believe in kissing good morning, good night and goodbye. If I have to take your money, then I want the whole shooting match along with it. Besides, the house isn't the same without you, even the dogs won't mind me. Maimie's going to starve me to death if I don't bring you back with me. She hasn't fed me a decent meal in days."

A sly smile escaped Talli's lips. "I'd hate to be the cause of you starving to death." She trailed a finger down Derek's chest and followed its descent with her eyes.

The room remained deadly silent. Every woman leaned forward with baited breath to hear Talli's reply. The most eligible man in the city about to be taken off the market. No one moved an inch in the ensuing silence that followed Derek's words.

Talli paused and tapped her finger slowly against her cheek.

"Hmm, are there any other benefits to this union you propose?"

"Numerous," he replied.

"I want children, lots of them," she countered.

"We can start work on that request tonight if you'd like." Derek never blinked, his gaze pinned on her. He could feel his own heart beating fast and furious. If she kept looking at him that way, they would end up working on her request right there on the stage floor.

His slow appraisal of her was beginning to make her nervous. Talli posed another question to him. "And how soon would this wedding occur?"

"Within an hour. I don't think I can bear to be without you much longer." He reached a hand inside his tuxedo pocket and withdrew a small velvet box.

Talli's face flooded with surprise. She hadn't expected that answer.

Crooking a finger, Derek motioned to her. "Come here," he commanded.

Taking two steps forward, Talli found herself mere inches from him. Her heart beat wildly in her chest, at the thought that he might turn her down. Her palms sweaty, she turned her bravest smile on him. He looked so handsome tonight, the snug tuxedo setting off warning bells in the pit of her stomach. She could smell his after shave. The scent brought back delicious memories of another time and place. A time when she had run her hands over his body and he covered her skin with his own. Talli swallowed past a lump in her throat and looked up.

"Well, Ms. Paxton, my condition stands. I'll accept your bid of one hundred thousand dollars in return for your hand in marriage."

"I've never had anyone ask for my hand in marriage before." Talli mused to the devilishly handsome gentleman in front of her.

"Well then, let me give you a little more encouragement." Derek opened the box and turned it toward Talli.

She let out a loud gasp and looked up at him. "It's beautiful." She lightly ran her finger over the marquis cut three carat diamond ring that lay nestled in the velvet.

"Just like you," Derek murmured, for her ears alone.

"I'm afraid my answer would have to be...." She paused.

Derek's heart plummeted to the floor. All his hopes and dreams exploding in a ball of flame.

"Yes," Talli finished, as she pulled his mouth down to hers for a long awaited kiss.

The crowd in the ballroom erupted in cheers. More than a few of the women dabbed at their eyes, wiping away tears that threatened to spill over and ruin their makeup. Seconds later, Derek lifted his head from Talli's and smiled.

"What took you so long?" He whispered for her ears alone to hear.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." The justice of the peace smiled at the couple before him. Their eyes locked on one another as they moved to embrace. Both sets of thoughts centered on escaping to a quiet corner of the earth and working on Talli's request of more children.

"Any chance you might consider postponing our honeymoon for a few days?" Derek asked, his lips mere inches from hers.

Talli sighed. "Business?"

He shook his head. "Nope, there's a little boy at home who just can't wait to see his mommy again. What do you say?"

"The heck with a honeymoon, for you and Tyler I'll wait forever. Besides, there should be enough bedrooms in that big old house of yours we could hopefully sneak a few hours privacy in, don't you think?"

"Definitely," he agreed, as his mouth settled over hers again.

Their three witnesses nodded, satisfied with the results of the evening.

"You see Edgar, I knew they were meant to be together."

The Mayor of the city of Detroit shook his head in defeat at the woman beside him. He turned to the gentleman on his other side and sighed. "They're never happy unless their matchmaking, are they?"

Anthony Baretti chuckled. "Mr. Mayor, this time I happen to agree with your wife."

Throwing his hands up in despair, the Mayor shrugged. "Not you too, Anthony."

Anthony tried to look ashamed and failed miserably. "I guess I'm a sucker for happy endings too."
EPILOGUE

Derek turned to watch the fax come across the machine. He lifted the paper from the machine and read the words scrawled in longhand on the page.

Wanted: A knight in shining armor to warm my bed and body.

Must like kids, Basset Hounds and Dalmatians. Generous benefits, many perks! P.S. Did I mention the rabbit died, again? Apply outside your office door.

Derek leapt to his feet, a loud whoop of joy filling the office as the paper fluttered to the carpet below. Dashing to the door, he stopped abruptly, turning back to the gentlemen seated around his desk.

"Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me for a minute. I'll be right back. I'm going to be a Daddy again!" Throwing open the mahogany portal, he bounded through the doorway.

Anthony Baretti looked at the bewildered man seated next to him.

"Well Jack, I have a feeling our meeting has just been concluded for the day."

The gentleman scratched his head in wonder. "Did I just see Miss Talli and Sarah out there?"

"You sure did, and unless I miss my guess, their little family is about to grow again."

Jack shrugged, an amused look crossing his face. "I have to tell you Mr. Baretti, if it wasn't for Miss Talli I wouldn't be here today. She is one of the nicest people I've met in a very long time."

"Jack, what you did that night by bringing Sarah home spoke volumes as to the kind of man you are. And the kind of man that you are is just what Derek is looking for around here. You're going to do just fine as the new night watchman for Cameron Creations."

Anthony glanced at his watch, then back to Jack. "Well, since nothing else is happening in here, how about we grab some lunch. I'm starved."

"Only if you let me pay this time. You paid the last two times we went. Since I'm working now, it's only fair I should treat you, Mr. Baretti." Jack hastened to open the door for Anthony.

"Fair enough," Anthony acknowledged, clapping the older gentlemen on the back. "Lead the way, my good man."

Derek fairly flew into the outer office. His family patiently awaited his arrival. Tyler sat babbling up at him from his stroller as "big sister" Sarah knelt beside her little brother, intently doing her part to make sure Tyler didn't try to climb out. Talli, perched on the edge of his secretary's desk, sat swinging her leg seductively back and forth.

"I hope we didn't disturb you?" she asked, a shy smile playing about her lips.

Derek walked over to the desk, slipping his arms around her waist to draw her close. "The rabbit died?"

"Yup." Talli confirmed with a nod, her arms entwining themselves in his dark hair, her fingers toying with the silver strands.

He leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers in a gentle kiss, with a promise of much more to come. "I don't suppose you might be free for a very long lunch this afternoon? I just happen to know a very secluded spot in the back of a long black limo."

"Really? Well, in that case I might be free. Anything I need to bring?" Talli asked, her lips inches from his.

"Something black and lacy perhaps."

Laughing, she looked up into his loving eyes. "That's how we got into this condition in the first place."

"Dada," Tyler's tiny voice peeped up.

Talli and Derek froze, turning toward their son in surprise.

"He called me Dada," Derek exclaimed.

"He talked. Tyler talked, Mommy," Sarah's excited voice chimed in.

"Yes sweetie, Dada." Derek swung Tyler up from the stroller and hugged his little body. Sarah jumped up and down, clapping her hands in delighted glee hearing her little brother speak his first words.

Talli looked at the faces of her son and daughter, then up to the handsome features of her husband. In that instant, she realized life couldn't get much better than this. All her hopes and dreams had come true. The "miracle of birth" is the tie that binds their lives together, forever.