Anthology - A Colton Family Christmas

JOE COLTON’S JOURNAL

A lot has happened since I last wrote. Turns out, my father, Teddy, had got himself hitched to another woman just before he married my mother. Pretty shocking to learn that your parents’ marriage wasn’t legitimate—and neither are you. On the bright side, I have a wonderful new family to add to our brood. The Coltons of Black Arrow, Oklahoma, are the descendants of my father’s legal wife, Gloria WhiteBear. They are a remarkable bunch of people and I’m delighted to meet all of them at my newfound nephew’s holiday wedding in Washington, D.C. Although trouble always seems to follow the Coltons no matter where we’re from, I just hope this wedding goes off without a hitch….


C OMANCHE B LOOD

JUDY CHRISTENBERRY

has been writing romances for over fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. She’s a bestselling author for Silhouette and Harlequin Books. A former high school French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two adult daughters.

LINDA TURNER

began reading romances in high school and began writing them one night when she had nothing else to read. She’s been writing ever since. Single and living in Texas, she recently bought her first house, which was built in 1920, and plans to spend the rest of her life restoring it. She had the 2000-square-foot home moved forty miles from San Antonio to the Texas Hill Country. When she’s not at the computer typing her next book, she’s likely to have a hammer in her hands.

CAROLYN ZANE

lives with her husband, Matt, their daughter, Madeline, and their latest addition, daughter Olivia, in the rolling countryside near Portland, Oregon’s Willamette River. Like Chevy Chase’s character in the movie Funny Farm, Carolyn finally decided to trade in a decade of city dwelling and producing local television commercials for the quaint country life of a novelist.

Judy Christenberry
Linda Turner
Carolyn Zane

A Colton Family Christmas


C OMANCHE B LOOD

Meet the Oklahoma Coltons—a proud, passionate clan who will risk everything for love and honor. As the two Colton dynasties reunite for a wedding, new romances are sparked from a near-tragic event. After all, passion and drama come with being a Colton….

Billy Colton:

The military man is disciplined in everything but women. But when he’s called on to save beautiful Eva Ritka from ruthless terrorists, can he save his own heart, too?

Julianna Stevens:

The criminal psychologist hasn’t seen her cop ex-husband in three years. But when they are forced to work together to resolve a hostage situation, she realizes that second chances only come once….

Ian Rafferty:

When he heard the gunshots ring out at the wedding, the quick-thinking entrepreneur pulled the woman next to him to safety into a closet…and into his life forever.

Joe Colton:

He’s overcome the shock that he’s not the legal Colton heir. But the happy reunion with the Coltons of Oklahoma is cut short when madmen threaten to rip the family apart once again.

THE DIPLOMAT’S DAUGHTER: Judy Christenberry


THE DIPLOMAT’S DAUGHTER

Judy Christenberry


Chapter 1

Major William Colton sat up in the luxurious bed and stretched. He definitely wasn’t in St. Petersburg, Russia, anymore. He’d returned to Washington D.C. a couple of days ago. He was glad to be back in the States, especially because so much had changed. Although he secretly wished he was at his great-grandfather George WhiteBear’s ranch in his family’s hometown of Black Arrow, Oklahoma.

Now that some of his siblings had flown the nest, it wasn’t often that they all assembled in one place. But today, Christmas Eve, they were celebrating the marriage of his brother, Jesse. And they were doing so in Georgetown, an historic, high-class section of Washington D.C., in a mansion that had recently come into their family. It had been rented for years by the Chekagovian government and used as their embassy and, later, a diplomatic residence.

Strangely enough, it was left to them by a grandfather they never knew, along with a trust fund of ten million dollars. Jesse, who did very well for himself as one of the top operatives for the National Security Agency, had used his share of the money and some of his own to purchase the mansion for his bride, Samantha. After all, he was the only family member living in Washington, D.C., and he could entertain the country’s political elite in the house, in addition to raising a big family of his own.

Right now, of course, the mansion was filled with family, but after everyone went home, Jesse and Samantha would have to produce a lot of babies to fill this big a place. Billy grinned at that thought. He’d like a lot of nieces and nephews, but not any children of his own. He wasn’t cut out for that.

He pulled on warm-up pants and a T-shirt and headed down a flight of stairs to find the kitchen. He could smell the coffee already. When he reached the large kitchen, he found his brother Jesse sitting at a big round table alone. “If I join you, will you share your coffee?” he asked.

“I think I’d better. You don’t look like you’re awake yet, Billy.”

“Probably not. I think I’m still adjusting my inner clock to U.S. time. I need caffeine. Where is everyone?”

“They’re all still asleep. It’s only six-thirty here. Which makes it five-thirty in Oklahoma,” Jesse said.

Billy grinned. “I forgot. When we were kids growing up, I thought we always got up too early. But the Army cured me of those thoughts.”

A lot of things had changed over the years. As children, they had all resembled each other, but now differences were more apparent. Billy looked more like his Irish mother, with his hazel eyes and easy manner. Jesse took after his father, who was half-Comanche Indian, with his dark brown eyes and stern features.

“They’ve cured you of a lot of things, brother,” Jesse said with a laugh. “I can’t believe they’re going to let you in the Pentagon. How did you get such a cushy job?”

“Cushy? I’ll have you know my assignment may bring about world peace! I certainly made headway in Russia with my training school.” He laughed, thinking about some of his early struggles to adjust to Russian culture.

“Well, go to it, brother. I’m all in favor of world peace.”

“Yeah. I’m actually going to design more training sessions based on what I did in Russia. It is a pretty cushy job,” he added with a grin. “At least compared to working in Russia. And it might be a little warmer here.”

“As long as you keep’em fooled about your talents,” Jesse said with a laugh.

Billy was used to the teasing. He’d gone from an unruly, headstrong boy to a spit-and-polish, well-disciplined soldier. He’d seen the world, able to use all the languages he spoke. And he’d made a good living for himself. He’d been raised in Black Arrow, Oklahoma, with his four brothers and sister by their parents Alice and Thomas. His father had served his country in the military for more than twenty years, and his wife and children followed him wherever he had to go. But Oklahoma was home.

Billy took a sip of coffee, then said, “We had a good life as kids, didn’t we?”

“Yeah,” Jesse agreed, a smile on his lips.

“Stop thinking of Samantha,” Billy ordered.

Jesse looked up in surprise. “How did you—”

“You always get this silly grin when your mind’s on her. You’re worse than anyone I know.”

Jesse chuckled. “One day you’ll understand.”

“I doubt it.”

“What do you mean? Aren’t you going to marry and have a family?” Jesse asked, concern on his face.

“Easy, brother. You don’t have to worry about me. The army life doesn’t encourage having a little woman and 2.5 children, along with all their belongings. Hell, it would’ve taken me months to move us back to the States, instead of a couple of hours.”

“But you’re going to be settled here for quite a while, aren’t you? Long enough to put down roots? Dad thought it might be permanent. He said once they got you in the Pentagon, they’d keep you.”

“Mom and Dad are wishful thinkers.”

“Yeah, ’cause they asked me to find you a nice lady.”

Billy stared at his brother in horror. “They didn’t!”

“They did. In fact, Samantha promised to help me— Hey! I forgot. We met the perfect lady for you a couple of weeks ago.”

Billy held up his hands. “Don’t even think such a thing. You got anything to eat? My stomach is uneasy about your plans.”

Jesse got up from the table and took down a plate from the cabinet. Then he opened a box on the counter and filled the plate with iced doughnuts.

Bringing them to the table, he put them in front of his brother. “Don’t eat yet. Samantha has trained me.” He returned to the counter and opened other cabinets. He came back with two saucers and napkins. “Now you can eat, in a civilized manner.”

“Man, it’s just the two of us. She’d never know. You are already trained. None of that for me.”

“Oh, yeah? The day will come when I’ll remind you of your words, and you’ll have to eat them.”

“What makes you so sure? Just because we’re brothers doesn’t mean we do everything alike,” Billy pointed out.

“It’s a human condition, brother. Man is attracted to woman. Some more than others. And then one day, smack in the face, he falls in love. And it’s over. No more prowling around, no more chasing other women. I’ve found my special lady, and I want to make her happy. You’ll see.”

“Well, she’s certainly made a good catch. This place is first class. Sure you can afford it?”

“I’m sure. But it’s funny, isn’t it? Living where our grandfather Teddy Colton was raised?” Jesse reached over for a doughnut and munched on it for a few minutes. “I can afford it, and I like the fact that we’re connected to all this elegance. It’s a bit different from our home in Oklahoma.”

“Yeah. I thought you all had gone crazy when I got the news. Grandma Gloria. Hard to believe some man made her rich. Ten million. That’s a lot of money. She knew about it, though, and never touched it. That’s what blows my mind.”

“She was a disciplined woman. A strong woman. I don’t think we inherited much worthwhile from our unknown grandfather.”

“You found out much about him?” Billy asked. He hadn’t been here for the initial discovery, and the meetings with their grandfather’s other children and grandchildren.

“He didn’t tell his other wife about Gloria. But I guess he felt guilty enough about Gloria to provide for her and the twins.” Their father, Thomas, was one of those twins. The other, Trevor, had died in a plane crash with his wife Sally Sharpstone, who was also half Comanche. Their five children had been taken in by Gloria.

“Dad said one of them is an ex-senator. Must’ve been a shock to him to find out he’s illegitimate,” Billy surmised.

“Not really. Joe’s cool. It’s his brother, Graham, who’s on the shady side. Joe knows his brother makes mistakes, but he doesn’t believe his brother is as bad as he is. Rand and I agree on that.”

“Who’s Rand?”

“I’ll introduce you. He’s Joe’s oldest, a great guy. We’re all meeting here because of Rand. He’s an attorney here in D.C. He helped us work everything out with the house and the trust fund.”

“Sounds like a good guy.”

Billy got up to refill his cup and did the same for his brother. “Not that you needed your share of the money, but I’m glad Mom and Pop have the extra income. Maybe they’ll travel now.”

Jesse chuckled. “Yeah. They’ll travel, all right. To wherever the grandkids are. They know what’s important.”

“You mean if I don’t produce grandkids, they won’t come see me?”

“Oh, you know they’ll come, though they’d rather not go as far as Russia. With you here in D.C., they’ll come see you. But they’d like it if there were grandchildren.”

“You’ve got babies on your mind, brother. Are you and Samantha going to start a family pretty soon?”

“We’ve talked about it. Among other things.” Jesse added, “Rand and his wife are expecting their first any time now.” His eyes were twinkling at Billy. Then he sobered. “I couldn’t have found a better partner than Samantha. I want to experience everything with her. We make each other better.”

“It’s a good thing you’re getting married today. I don’t think you could wait much longer.” Billy slapped his brother on the shoulder. “You’ve been practicing celibacy too long!”

“You think all I’m talking about is sex? It’s a lot more than that,” Jesse assured him. “Some day you’ll know, whether it sneaks up on you or smacks you in the face. There’s a woman out there who will suddenly change your life…for the better.” He looked off into space, a dreamy look in his eyes. “You’ll see. In fact, I’m going to suggest to Samantha we invite this woman we met over to meet you. After all, you’re new to town.”

“Brother, I don’t have difficulty meeting women, wherever I am. In fact, sometimes I have trouble getting them to let me go. They may get that forever feeling, but I don’t.”

Billy took another doughnut, eyeing Jesse. His brother was getting married tonight. It was normal that he’d feel that way. But it didn’t happen that way for everyone. Billy had stood by some friends who’d received “Dear John” letters. And he’d known others who cheated on their wives, still chasing skirts while some little woman waited faithfully at home.

That was why he didn’t think marriage was for him. He was in the Army. It was his chosen career. The two didn’t mix well. His father had been able to pull it off, but he wasn’t his father. He wouldn’t set himself up for failure. But he was happy for Jesse.

Chapter 2

Several hours later, Billy emerged from his bedroom dressed in his khaki uniform. The creases in his pants were sharp and precise. He wore a tan nylon jacket with thick lining to protect him from the winter cold. His shoes were brilliantly polished.

He again encountered Jesse.

“Ah. There’s my brother the major,” Jesse said. “This morning I thought maybe you’d given up some of the pomp and circumstance.”

“No way, brother. And I’m off to pick up my full dress uniform so I’ll be dressed for the wedding this afternoon in formal military tradition. Hey, I don’t want to embarrass you.”

Jesse’s grin disappeared, and he reached out to take hold of Billy’s shoulder. “Never, my brother.”

Billy almost felt tears. When he’d struggled to find his way as a young man, his brother had always been there for him, as he would be there for Jesse this evening. Whatever else his parents had taught them, they’d shown them the importance of family.

“I know. You’ve always been there for me. It’s a family tradition I don’t intend to let go of.” He clapped Jesse on the shoulder in return.

“Billy,” his father called, coming down the hall with their mother, Alice. “Jesse said you were up early. Are you going out?”

“Yeah, Pop. I took my dress uniform to the cleaners yesterday morning. I need to get it before the wedding.”

Alice frowned. “Are you sure it will be open? It’s Christmas Eve, you know.”

“I know, Mom,” he said and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “But I checked the hours yesterday. They’re open until four today.”

“All right, dear, go ahead. But when you get back, your father and I want to have a long talk with you. We think it’s time you settle down, like Jesse.”

Billy rolled his eyes at Jesse. “Mom, I’m an army man. I have to be able to pick up and go. That’s not what happens when you’re married.”

“We’ll talk when you get back,” she repeated.

“Dad?”

His father, a handsome man with stern features twinkling eyes, simply said, “Go on, boy. You’re going to need that uniform.”

Billy left, muttering to himself that the entire world had gone marriage mad.

Outside, Billy zipped his jacket against the cold. He slid his hands in his pockets and started walking to the corner where he could hail a taxi. Georgetown was well-populated. Lots of taxis came and went.

But when he reached the corner, he kept walking. It was only a few blocks to the cleaners. The walk would be good for him. There was definitely no danger. Georgetown was upscale, a place for diplomats, high government officials and the wealthy who wanted to influence any of the above.

He was glad he was in the military. He hated the games the politicians played. And just about every four years, a new horde of politicians moved into Georgetown and other neighborhoods around D.C., ready to change the direction of the government.

Billy noticed a number of pretty ladies as he walked. In Russia, there were some lovely ladies, but they were hardened by the political and economic turmoil their country was struggling with since the fall of communism. Here, the women seemed softer, more bright-eyed.

As he checked out the “scenery,” he couldn’t help but remember Jesse’s words this morning. But he really didn’t understand what Jesse had been saying. He saw some pretty ladies, a number of whom responded to his smile with an inviting look. But two minutes later, he’d find another lady just as attractive.

In spite of being brothers, he didn’t think he was like Jesse. He didn’t have the potential of finding that special woman who would knock him for a loop. It was Jesse who didn’t understand. Billy had never found someone to whom he wanted to promise forever. He felt they were passing ships in the night. Enjoyed for a few minutes, then it was over.

He wouldn’t want to promise forever and not feel like Jesse did about Samantha.

He reached the block where the cleaners were located before he even realized it. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught movement from the other side of the street. A beautiful blond woman crossed the street in the middle of the block, dashing between cars stopped at the light. “Definitely a risk-taker,” he said beneath his breath. “A beautiful risk-taker.”

He’d like a closer look, but he’d have to race down the sidewalk, and she’d think he was crazy. He smiled at his ridiculous thoughts until he saw her go into the cleaners.

“This is my lucky day.” He jogged to the cleaner’s door. Then, after taking a deep breath, he entered the small business.

She was at the counter, his risk-taker. She turned around, as if making sure there was no danger. She was a tall blonde, with big blue eyes that were framed by full lashes touched by mascara. Her cheeks were rosy, making him want to warm his hands against her beautiful skin. Her cheekbones carved her face from an oval to a heart-shape, reminding him of his father’s people.

She flashed him a smile, innocent and friendly, then turned her attention back to the man behind the counter. “Would you please look again? My father brought them in two days ago. He’ll need one of the suits for tomorrow.”

Her father. Not her husband. He was amazed at the relief that filled him. What was wrong with him? Why should it matter to him? But he noted how elegant, yet soft, her voice sounded, pure and fresh. An urge to ask her to say his name filled him.

The man behind the counter looked at him. “I’ll be with you in a moment, sir.”

“I’m in no hurry,” he said, smiling at the woman as she looked at him again.

She murmured a sweet thank-you, and the urge to kiss her shocked him. Her lips were full, soft, and covered in a luscious red lipstick. He wanted to taste her, to make contact with her, lasting contact. Man, he’d been thinking too much about what Jesse had said. It was Jesse’s power of persuasion. That’s all it was. He didn’t really feel overcome by her nearness.

Did he?



Eva Ritka was distracted from her errand by the handsome man in military uniform. He was tall, broad-shouldered, the picture of health, of strength. The perfect hero. She found her breathing speeding up. This is ridiculous! But those words didn’t settle down her reaction.

His smile when she looked at him after he’d come in left her wishing she could reach out and touch him. Had she lost her mind?

“Miss, I’ve got one more place to look. It’ll take me a minute if you both don’t mind waiting.”

Eva risked another look at the handsome stranger. “I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course not. I’m not in a hurry.”

She smiled at him again. “Thank you for being so considerate.”

The man behind the counter nodded to both of them and rushed away.

“Do you use these cleaners often?” he asked. “I’m new to town and it’s my first time bringing my clothes here.”

She realized her hands were trembling, so she clutched them together. “Y-Yes, I come here frequently. Are—are you living here now? Where did you come from?”

“Yes, I’m stationed here now. At the Pentagon. And I moved here from St. Petersburg, Russia.”

“Oh, it’s a beautiful city.”

“You’ve been there?”

“Yes. I’m from Chekagovia. You’ve probably never heard of it but—”

“Yes, I have. I know quite a bit about it.”

Her eyebrows went up and she smiled.

“After he finds your clothes, we could go next door for a cup of coffee and we could compare our experiences in St. Petersburg.”

“I’m sure that would be interesting, but I have a number of errands to do before the stores close. It is Christmas Eve, you know.”

“Right. I should have wished you Merry Christmas. Do you have plans for tonight?”

“Yes, of course. Georgetown is a huge party place during the holidays.”

His gaze, gorgeous hazel eyes, remained fixed on her face, and she felt heat rise in her cheeks. “Is it a friendly city?” he finally asked.

She licked her dry lips and thought she heard him groan. “Yes, I think Georgetown is friendly. You’re not here all alone, are you?” Her voice rose in growing horror, as if he were being tortured. But the thought of this man being alone at the holiday disturbed her for some reason.

“I hope you’re not alone for the holidays,” she said.

“No, my family is here with me.”

The man behind the counter arrived with the suits Eva waited for, and she quickly paid her bill. “Thank you for finding them,” she said. Turning and looking at the handsome man she said, “Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy the holidays.” Then she stepped out of the shop.

She felt relief when she went outside. This stranger aroused a new feeling, one that scared her. It was so intense it worried her. She didn’t know him, so how could she have these feelings about him?

The cold air helped ease the intensity, but in its place she felt an inexplicable longing.



Billy watched her walk away. Something about her made him stare after her.

“Sir?”

“Uh, yes. I need to pick up my dress uniform.”

His uniform was easy to find. He paid and carried his hanger out the door. She was gone, already on her way to another errand.

How would he find her? Would he even see her again? He needed to see her again. He wanted to see her again.

He could ask the man at the cleaners if he knew her name. Although he knew she was Chekagovian. He could find her name from army sources, perhaps. As soon as Christmas was over, he made a promise to himself to find this beautiful mystery woman.

He started back down the street, his thoughts on the woman of his dreams rather than the sparkling Christmas decorations in the shop windows. He imagined them discussing the beauty of St. Petersburg. He felt like he knew her already and he’d only spent minutes with her. Maybe Jesse was right after all.

He came to an abrupt halt after he had walked past a sign offering a town house for sale. He turned back slowly, consideringly, knowing he couldn’t pass it by.

It was only a couple of blocks from Jesse’s house, a great location. He wouldn’t have a long commute to the Pentagon. Shopping surrounded it, and they’d be close to Jesse and Samantha. He opened the door and stepped into the dim hallway that led up the stairs.

As he reached the top of the stairs, a lady Realtor met him. “Good afternoon. May I show you around the town house we have for sale? It’s a real bargain.”

He took the printed sheet she offered and followed her around it. In every room, he saw the elegant blond woman from the cleaners, reading in the sitting room, baking cookies in the large kitchen with a child beside her, wearing a negligee in the bedroom. Warm and welcoming. Was he going crazy?

In the end, he offered earnest money to hold the town house for him until the day after Christmas. Somehow he believed by then he’d know if this feeling would fade.

But it felt right to him.



By the time he got to Jesse’s house, he had rationalized his action, buying a town house on impulse. He explained to his parents that he had plans for the near future, but he couldn’t tell them anything right now. Surprisingly enough, they seemed satisfied with his words.

He felt different. Maybe he looked different, too. He only knew that his world had changed since he ran into a certain lady from Chekagovia.

Chapter 3

After he donned his dress uniform, Billy wandered down to Jesse’s room. It seemed to him there were some chores the best man had to perform, but he wasn’t sure what they were. He rapped on the door.

Jesse swung the door open, calling out their sister Sky’s name.

Billy felt a little confused. He looked over his shoulder, but no one was there. “You expecting Sky? Is she here?”

“She’s supposed to be here. But her plane was canceled. But she got on the next plane out of Oklahoma City and made it to D.C. She called, but you know how traffic is.”

“Don’t worry, Sky will make it on time. Is there anything else to worry about?”

Jesse charged back into his room and Billy followed him in. “Yes, there is! Sky made Samantha’s wedding present for me.”

“You haven’t given it to Samantha yet?”

“No! I wanted it to be special. I wanted Sky to make it. It’s a diamond necklace.” Jesse was already dressed in the pants and shirt of his tuxedo, and he returned to pacing the floor. “She’s got to get here before the wedding begins.”

“You know Sky will do the best she can,” Billy assured him. Sky had become quite talented at jewelry design and had had to come to the wedding so late because she was opening another jewelry store in Houston. “Jesse, just be patient.”

“You don’t understand! I want everything to be perfect for Samantha,” Jesse almost shouted.

“Actually, I do understand, though I’m not sure I’ll go for the formal wedding routine when—if—it’s ever my turn. Will Mom and Dad mind?”

“Probably not,” Jesse said, frowning curiously. “You sound like you actually have someone in mind.”

“I do. It happened, just like you said.”

“Who is she? Do we know her? Are you sure?”

“I think I’m sure.”

“So, who is she?”

“I don’t know.”

“Damn it, Billy, now’s not the time to tease me! I’m worried about—”

When they both heard a knock, Jesse leaped across the room, abandoning their conversation, to pull the door open again. This time Sky stood on the other side of it. He crushed her in an embrace, then asked for his gift.

“Here it is. I thought you would be worried about it.” She handed it to Jesse and he sprung open the black box to look at the gorgeous diamond necklace, a small circle of diamonds with a larger diamond in the center. “It’s perfect,” Jesse murmured as Billy came to look over his shoulder. “See,” he added, “it’s to show Samantha that she’s at the center of my world.”

Billy whistled. “Yes, it’s beautiful…and pricey, too, right, little sister?”

“Jesse only wanted the best,” she assured Billy with a smile.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Jesse said. “I’m sorry you couldn’t convince Great-Grandfather to come. But I know how he hates flying. So no words of wisdom or omens from him?”

“Something about a house of dreams has many windows to the past, whatever that means,” Sky said.

“Great-Grandfather WhiteBear has always been a mystery in many ways. I wish he could have made it, but he wasn’t feeling well enough to make the long trip.”

Jesse then turned to Billy. “Billy, can you go to the church? Samantha is in the Bride’s room. I want you to give her the necklace with my love. I’d have Sky give it to her, but she has to get dressed. And I have our trusty brothers Grey, Shane and Seth running other errands.”

“Don’t you want to give it to her?”

“I’m not allowed to see her before the wedding. It’s considered bad luck.”

“You’re kidding!”

“Just go, Billy. It would actually mean a lot to have you present it to her. Please give it to her with my love. I’ll be along behind you. The wedding starts in half an hour.”

Billy closed his hand around the black leather box. “Okay, but I feel kind of strange giving this to Samantha. What if she decides she wants to marry me instead?”

Jesse noted the big grin on his brother’s face and shoved him out of the room. “I’m pretty sure Samantha won’t change her mind.”

Billy knew she wouldn’t either. The bond between her and his brother was clear for everyone to see. “All right, I’ll see you both at the church.”

The church was only a couple of streets over, so Billy briskly walked there. He knew the Bride’s room was in the front of the church. In the meantime, he thought he should think about how he wanted his wedding to look. Because he didn’t want to wait too long to claim his bride. He laughed as he had that thought. That would make Jesse laugh out loud. This morning, Billy hadn’t even wanted to consider getting married. Now he was planning his big day.

Guests had already begun to arrive and he saw his twin brothers, Shane and Seth, seating them in the church. Seth came up and whispered, “Aren’t you supposed to be at the other end of the aisle?”

“Yeah, but I have to deliver something to the bride. Did you know Jesse wouldn’t bring it because he’s not supposed to see her before the wedding?”

“Sure. It’s against the rules.”

“I don’t think I like those rules.”

“They don’t matter if you’re never going to marry. That’s what you told us yesterday,” Seth reminded him.

“A lot of things can change in one day’s time. I’m not only going to marry, I’ve already picked out my bride.” He shouldn’t be telling everyone since he didn’t even know her name. They’d think he was crazy. But he felt so different. He’d thought yesterday he’d feel sad about Jesse’s marriage even though he knew it was what Jesse wanted. But yesterday, he hadn’t understood how Jesse felt. Now he was starting to get it.

Would he be following in Jesse’s footsteps next? He gave himself a quick shake. All of this wedding stuff was really going to his head. He had to get hold of himself.

He stepped over to the door to the Bride’s room and rapped on it. An older woman opened the door a crack.

“Yes?”

“I need to speak to the bride,” Billy said, an ingratiating grin on his face.

“I’m sorry, the bride is incommunicado.”

He tried again. “I’m the best man, Billy, brother to Jesse. I was late to the rehearsal dinner last night and didn’t get to meet you. You must be Samantha’s mother, Ellen Cosgrove. Please, Jesse sent me here with a very important message for Samantha.”

Obviously, Samantha was listening, because she immediately called out, “Let him in.”

The door fell open and Ellen Cosgrove waited until Billy had come in before she closed it again. All Billy could see, however, was Samantha. He considered her a beautiful woman, but he’d never seen her look so beautiful as she did today. Her long, white wedding gown was simple but elegant. Unlike a lot of gowns, it didn’t have bows or lace or pearls or anything extra. Classic Samantha, as Jesse always said.

“You look beautiful, Samantha. Jesse is a lucky guy.” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek.

“Thank you, Billy. Is everything all right?”

“You afraid Jesse is backing out on you?” he teased.

“That’s not funny!” a pretty brunette said, folding her arms over her chest and glaring at him.

“Samantha knows Jesse isn’t going to do that,” Billy returned. “Right, Samantha?”

“Right, Billy. My sister Juliet is apparently more nervous than I am.” Samantha glanced at the woman who still had her arms folded tightly. “But what did Jesse send you here for? Isn’t it almost time for you to meet the minister in the back?”

“Sure is. That’s why I’d better give you this.” He held out the leather box toward Samantha.

“What is it?” Samantha asked, not taking the box, as if she believed it held a trick.

“It’s Jesse’s wedding gift to you. He had our sister Sky make it special just for you.” Billy reached for Samantha’s hand and found it trembling.

“What’s wrong, Samantha? Didn’t you expect a gift from Jesse?”

“I—I’m surprised, that’s all. He didn’t need to get me a special present.”

“Jesse wants everything special for your wedding, because he doesn’t intend to do this ever again.” Billy pulled both her hands into his and pressed them around the box. “He wants you to open it now.”

“Now?”

“Now,” Billy said firmly. “And no tears. I don’t want to be accused of ruining your makeup.”

Samantha sniffed and smiled. Then she slowly, agonizingly pried open the box.

And drew in a deep breath!

Her sister, who’d protested earlier, exclaimed, “It’s gorgeous! I’ve never seen a necklace quite like that!”

Samantha’s mother looked over Samantha’s shoulder. “My, that is quite beautiful. It is real, isn’t it?”

Billy looked at her, offended. Before he could say anything, however, Samantha said, “Sky only works with real stones and Jesse wouldn’t give me anything fake.”

“Right,” Billy said emphatically.

“It’s the loveliest thing I own,” Samantha said softly. “Billy, would you fasten it around my neck?”

“Sure.”

“Don’t step on her dress!” her mother warned, but Samantha lifted up her hair and said nothing.

Billy stood behind her, fastening the fragile necklace in place. Then he looked in the mirror as Samantha stared at the necklace, reaching out one finger to gently touch it.

“Will you tell him how much I love it…and how much I love him?” Samantha said softly.

“He already knows, sweetheart, but I’ll tell him,” Billy said in return.

“Thank you, Billy,” Samantha said.

“I don’t mean to rush you, but we’re supposed to start down the aisle in five minutes. I think you should be in place by now,” Ellen Cosgrove said.

He nodded at the woman and moved to the door. “I’ll see you at the altar, with Jesse, Samantha.” He nodded to the two other ladies.

Then he was back in the lobby of the church, among the guests. More and more people were arriving. He saw his parents standing over in one corner, waiting until the wedding started to be shown to their seats.

He stepped to their side. “Are you enjoying all this mess?”

“Billy,” his mother fussed at him. “This is what the Cosgroves wanted. After all, Jesse is an important man.”

“I know but, if you had a choice, would you want this big a wedding?”

Thomas smiled. “We would want whatever kind of wedding makes our child and his or her partner happy. If you don’t want a big wedding, then don’t have one. But you’d better wait until you pick a bride. They tend to have an opinion of their own.”

“I’ll remember that,” Billy promised. He kissed his mom’s cheek and told them both he’d see them at the reception and slipped to the room behind the altar where he was to meet Jesse and the minister.

Jesse eagerly greeted Billy. “Did she like it?”

“Of course she did,” Billy assured him. “And it looks wonderful on her. You’re a lucky man, brother.”

“Yeah,” Jesse said, his eyes holding that dreamy look that announced he was thinking of Samantha.

Yesterday Billy would have asked Jesse if he was nervous, but he understood Jesse’s feelings today.

Five minutes later, the minister led them out to the altar. Billy looked out at the large audience. The reception at the house would be full of people, but many of them would be family, even if he didn’t know them yet. The West Coast Coltons had a lot of members. Joe Colton and his wife Meredith had not only had five children themselves, but they also had adopted several children, as well as being foster parents. The only obvious member of the Colton clan not there, besides Great-Grandfather George WhiteBear, was Joe Colton’s brother, Graham. He wasn’t on anyone’s good side these days.

Though the wedding was taking place in a church and included a lot of guests, the wedding party was going to be small. Just Jesse and Samantha, and Juliet and Billy.

The music changed. Then Shane brought his mom and dad to their seats on the right side of the church. They looked distinguished and happy. Then Seth escorted Mrs. Cosgrove down the left aisle to her seat, taking her place where her husband would join her after he gave their daughter away.

The music changed again and Juliet appeared to walk alone down the aisle. Billy didn’t really know her, but he guessed she was nice. She was dressed in a floor-length gown in burgundy. The color flattered her golden-brown hair. She moved up to stand on the other side of the minister. Billy wished it was a certain Chekagovian blonde.

He could feel Jesse tense beside him. It was time for the bride. The music rose and the audience rose with it, everyone staring at the back of the church.

Jesse’s face relaxed into a sublime smile that seemed to flow through him. No one could ever doubt his love for Samantha. Just as none of the children had ever doubted Thomas’s love for Alice.

Just as his lady would never doubt his love for her. He pictured the tall elegant blonde coming down the aisle to him, ready to unite her life with him. The joy that filled him was almost overpowering. Again, he had to shake himself.

Jesse took Samantha’s hand and turned to the minister. Billy suddenly remembered he was supposed to move to their side and give Jesse the ring at the right time. He’d best stop thinking crazy ideas about his own wedding, or he’d mess up Jesse’s.

When the vows were spoken and Jesse had kissed the bride, they turned to meet their family and friends for the first time as a married couple.

Billy was so happy for Jesse and Samantha. Taking Juliet’s arm, he followed Jesse and Samantha down the church aisle, ready to help them celebrate their new life together.

Chapter 4

Eva Ritka stared at herself in the mirror. Her father would hate it. He never objected to her buying expensive gowns. But they should always be appropriate for her position, hostess to him, the former ambassador and a high-ranking Chekagovian diplomat.

In other words, stuffy! But she was twenty-eight, for heaven’s sake! She wanted her life to contain a little excitement. It was Christmas Eve, but she wasn’t playing hostess. She was going to a friend’s party tonight. And she wanted to look her age.

And maybe meet someone who didn’t know how proper she was. Someone who might kiss her under the mistletoe. Someone like the soldier in the cleaners this afternoon. He’d stayed in her mind all day. She wished now she’d gone to have coffee with him. She sighed. She’d dated other men, but none of them had meant anything to her. Yet, she’d spent ten minutes with the handsome soldier and she couldn’t get him out of her mind. There had been one other man she’d gotten serious about. But she’d been more in love with love than with him.

She looked at the gown again. It was black and white, with a scarlet rose at the low vee neckline. To draw attention to her bosom. Most unladylike, according to her papa. Eye-catching, she thought. She nodded abruptly. She’d made her decision. Her gift to herself this year would be freedom, at least for a few days.

She redressed and stepped out into the main room of the store.

“Miss Ritka? Have you decided?” the sales-woman asked.

“Yes, I have, Sally. I’ll take this one.”

The lady’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? A great choice,” she hurriedly added.

“Yes, thank you.”

Once she’d left the shop, Eva pictured herself dressed in the gown, being stared at by the young men at the party. But she wished, most of all, to see and be seen by one man in particular. Could she be so lucky? She gave a cynical smile. Of course, that was impossible. Her hostess was a snob. She only invited people with the best pedigrees. But she wasn’t interested in the boring, aspiring politicians that would be at the party tonight. She wanted a strong man, well-built, like the soldier today, picking up his cleaning. Good heavens, she’d forgotten to see if he was married! He was exactly what she wanted, dark hair, hazel eyes, the total opposite of her blond, blue-eyed self.

Not a silly man more interested in counting his money than in telling his woman he loved her.

She shouldn’t blame her father for not being a hero. If her mother hadn’t died so early, she was sure her father would have been a loving husband. But with a baby and a country to serve, he’d given his life to that country.

Eva spent a great deal of time on her appearance that night, wearing more makeup than usual. She wanted someone to notice her blue eyes tonight. Eva paused on the doorstep of her first stop, drew a deep breath and reached out to ring the doorbell of the elegant Georgetown house where she’d spent twenty-four of her twenty-eight years. The original owner had died recently and the people who inherited it wanted to move in. She didn’t blame them because it was a lovely home, but it created a lot of chaos in her life.

She sighed. She’d been her father’s hostess since she was sixteen. Maybe she was tired of the role. Lately, life had seemed boring. She gave a half laugh. She should be ashamed of that thought, but she wanted more in her life which included daydreams about the soldier. Or maybe she just wanted a life. Hence, the semi-scandalous gown. Shaking off her thoughts, she finally rang the doorbell.

She drew a deep breath as the door swung open. She gasped. It was him! The man she’d seen in the cleaners. This couldn’t be happening! The man stood there staring at her, as if he found her appearance a welcome surprise. The gorgeous man she’d longed for. Was she imagining him?

He was dressed in full military dress, looking more handsome than ever. In a deep voice he said, “I guess it does pay to get the door. You must be Cinderella? I should’ve recognized you this morning.”



Billy stepped back in surprise at seeing the woman of his daydreams today standing right in front of him. She looked like a princess. But she’d looked beautiful this morning, too. His dream girl…in a very sexy dress. There was a split that ran right up her very firm thighs. It invited thoughts for which his mom would’ve washed out his mouth. And the curve of her breasts, visible in the low neckline, were creamy, inviting and he wanted to touch them.

What luck that he’d been standing in the hall when the doorbell rang and he’d told William, one of the caterers at the wedding reception, that he’d help out by answering the doorbell.

Billy had a hundred questions to ask her, but he had to remember to go slow. She might not have thought about him as much as he’d thought about her.



Eva blushed when her soldier noticed her flattering stare. Her dream man. Of course she was staring. As much as she’d hoped to see him tonight, she hadn’t really thought the impossible could happen. And he was as perfect as she remembered. Maybe that explained why her body had lit up at the sight of him. “No,” she said, answering his question of her identity. “I’m Eva Ritka. I apologize for disturbing your evening.” She could hear beautiful music in the ballroom.

“You could never be an unwelcome interruption, Cinderella. Tell me, will I do as the handsome prince?”

If only she could forget her reason for being there, and pretend with him. She quickly squeezed her eyes shut and imagined him with his chest bare, exposing his beautiful muscles. She desperately wanted to touch his skin, to be sure he was real. But now? Here? She hadn’t thought she would meet the gorgeous stranger here, among people she’d met. She wanted to smile and throw herself into his arms. Instead, she pulled herself together. “You’re certainly handsome, sir, but a major in the U.S. Army might be a little overcommitted. I’ve heard Uncle Sam is very demanding.”

He seemed surprised that she recognized his rank from his military uniform. Obviously he knew nothing about diplomatic training.

“Hmm. Well, the least I can do is ask you in. Perhaps you’re a long-lost cousin I haven’t met yet.”

She blinked in surprise, and gave a sudden thank-you that she wasn’t kin to the handsome man. Not that it mattered. She’d probably never see him again. It amazed her how her heart ached at that thought. What was wrong with her?

“No, I don’t think so. My name is Eva Ritka,” she said again, “a former resident of this house.”

“Are you interested in moving back in? I have space in my room. Or I’m planning on moving into a town house soon. There will be plenty of room there.”

She laughed and he smiled in return. Ah, someone who didn’t take himself so seriously…unlike her father. This man’s smooth flirtation didn’t disturb her. As a diplomat’s daughter, she’d had a lot of experience with flirtatious young men. But most of them took themselves so seriously. “I appreciate your sacrifice, but I don’t think it will be necessary. Actually, I simply want to retrieve a personal object I left behind.”

His hazel eyes narrowed. “You certainly dress well for such a mundane errand.”

She couldn’t hold back another blush. Her pale skin that accompanied her blond hair and blue eyes was part of her heritage. Her country, Chekagovia, was a middle-European state that had evolved from the unrest after World War Two. It was a good thing she didn’t know any state secrets. She’d be under his spell in no time and tell him anything he wanted to know. “Thank you for the compliment, but I am on my way to another party.”

“Ah. Are you sure a fairy godmother didn’t dress you?”

Before she could think of an answer in response to his charming silliness, someone else entered the hall. “Miss Eva! What are you doing here?”

“William! How are you?”

“Fine, miss, but the Coltons have moved in. I don’t know what—”

“It’s nothing really, William. I didn’t know the Coltons used the same caterers as my father.” She turned to Billy. “May I run upstairs to retrieve something I forgot?” Then she could put this bothersome chore behind her.

The caterer bid her goodbye and continued with his duties, serving the guests. The handsome military man said, “Of course. I’ll accompany you to be sure you don’t steal the family silver.”

Eva had no choice in the matter, apparently.

“Thank you,” she said softly, moving forward to take his extended hand. The strength of his grip gave her second thought. He would not be easily led.

“Now, Cinderella, where shall we begin our search?”

“Major Colton, I promise you can trust me not to steal anything.”

“Probably,” he said agreeably, “but I refuse to abandon you now that I have you in my clutches.”

His playacting of a villain was admirable and brought a smile to her lips. “Very well, sir, you have me in your clutches. Shall I lead the way to the attic?”

“Après vous, princesse,” he said with a deep bow.



Billy held his pose until the beautiful lady passed him on her way to the stairs. He had teased her by calling her Cinderella, but her beauty was more than sufficient for that role. He guessed, however, she’d never scrubbed the kitchen floors. She moved with the elegance and grace of a true princess. He’d already recognized that quality in her.

He was used to beautiful women. Not only did his rank provide opportunity to meet important people, but also his broad shoulders and good looks worked wonders in his favor. But there was something almost overpowering about this woman, as if danger lay in being close to her. But he had already discovered her power that morning. Never one to resist a challenge, Billy studied her even more as he followed her to the second floor.

There was something unusual about her reason for being there. She said she’d forgotten something in the attic.

If it was worth a great deal, he thought, as he imagined a royal crown covered with rubies and emeralds and diamonds, it shouldn’t have slipped her mind. After all, as beautiful as she was, he’d also noticed the intelligence visible in her beautiful blue eyes.

If it was a toy she’d loved as a child, why hadn’t she kept it closer to her, in her bedroom?

If it was neither of those, why was it so important to retrieve it on Christmas Eve?

The thought of a mystery, involving a beautiful woman, was as enticing as her gown. But the most important thing about her arriving this evening, was that he now knew her name. He now knew who he intended to marry.

He’d just returned a few days ago from St. Petersburg. He’d been staying at his brother Jesse’s new home, but he realized now that he’d scarcely seen any of it. Certainly he hadn’t been to the attic. But why hadn’t Jesse or his new wife Samantha checked out the attic before they moved in? Why did Eva think whatever she was looking for was still there?

“Where do you now reside, Miss Ritka?” he asked casually, as if her place of residence didn’t matter at all. In actual fact, his heart beat faster.

As she reached the second floor, she paused to smile at him over her shoulder. Unfortunately, her cashmere coat covered her shoulder, distracting him. “May I take your coat? We don’t want you to grow overheated.”

She thought about his offer before she slowly agreed and slipped from the heavy covering. He folded it over his arm as his gaze appreciated the soft, pale skin of her shoulders and arms.

“Thank you.”

“Why is this object located in the attic?”

“I used to play there as a child.”

He walked the length of the hall and hung her coat in a large closet. “No one will touch your coat here and we can pick it up on our way down.”

Again she hesitated, but then she nodded and smiled that glorious smile again.

He closed the closet door and extended his arm. When she laid her hand on his arm, he felt as if he’d been given the highest award.

They climbed to the third floor and she led him directly to another door that appeared to lead to a generous closet. However, when the door was opened, they discovered stairs that led up. Billy found the switch that lighted the stairs all the way to the top and another door.

“You seem quite sure of your destination. Why did you forget it?” Somehow, he had the feeling this object had a lot of significance. Her casual story didn’t fit.

“We moved quickly and I forgot it in all the hustle and bustle.” She smiled again. Then she hurried up the stairs.

By the time Billy had reached the large attic space, the elegant lady was standing before one of the dormer windows. She was slowly counting the windows.

“Have you forgotten?” he asked as he reached her side.

“No. I always had to count. There are twelve windows, you see.”

“What is the significance?”

“The sixth window has a hiding place that I discovered accidentally. I bragged about my hiding place to Papa. He gave me a present but he asked me to keep it in my hiding place. As I grew older, I didn’t visit the attic as much. That is why I forgot it when we moved. I had too much to do. I came back shortly after, but I think I checked under the wrong window. As I said, I was a little harried back then.”

So she hid the object because her father requested her to do so. Why would he ask her to hide her gift? Billy watched as she slid a panel under the window to the left, revealing an empty space in the wall. “Is it gone?” he asked, not wanting her to be upset.

“No,” she said confidently as she reached into the darkness. Then she pulled forth a small item. “Here it is!”

Billy stared at the small golden box. It was a nativity scene with the traditional figures, including three wise men. Several palm trees framed the scene, and resting on the highest one was a star.

“It’s charming. Does it play music?” he asked.

“Oh, yes,” she said in reverent tones as she pulled out a key that fit perfectly into the base of the music box, so smoothly that he would never know it was there, surprising Billy. She inserted the key into a small hole and turned it. Immediately a beautiful sound filled the attic, the song “Silent Night,” which seemed so appropriate in the darkness of the attic on Christmas Eve.

“No wonder you returned for it. It is beautiful.”

“Yes. I would hate to lose it. But I have to confess. I lied to my father. I told him I had it safe even though I knew I had forgotten it.” She gave him a wry smile that charmed him. “Papa would be horrified if he knew I was here.”

He leaned closer. “Are the Coltons not good enough for the Ritkas?”

She didn’t show any fear at his closeness. “Don’t be silly. Of course it’s not that. You have money, that is the devisor these days, you know. Money, not blood.”

“You are more cynical than I would have expected, princess.” But she was good, he reminded himself. Her words took interest away from the music box, yet she hadn’t explained why her father would be horrified that she had forgotten it.

“I am no more a princess than you are a prince.”

He smiled but took the cloth bag from her in which the music box had been wrapped. “Shall we rewrap it?” He thought it would be interesting to hold the music box.

“Yes, please. I must take it home before I can go to my party.”

“Why don’t I drive you home and then to your party. It will save you time.”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t impose on you to such an extent.” She smiled again and he wanted to tell her she could demand anything of him if she smiled.

“It’s not a problem. I’ll be happy to serve you, if you’ll dance with me first. After all, I will be saving you at least half an hour. That’s assuming you can get another taxi. After all it is Christmas Eve.”

And it would give him more time with the beautiful princess and her mystery music box.

“Oh! I asked my driver to wait! Good heavens, I’ll owe him a fortune.”

“I’ll go pay the bill and send him away, while you powder your nose. Deal?”

“Well, OK, but I won’t be able to stay long. My father—he wouldn’t want me to be careless with the music box, you see. It is a family treasure.”

“So are you, princess,” he assured her, his hazel eyes intent.

She smiled. “I can take care of myself, but the music box is defenseless. Anyone could steal it.”

“I don’t believe in taking chances with the most precious things and people,” he said. But she’d given him another clue. The music box was connected to the Ritka family fortunes. Taking her hand, he led her to the stairs. He turned off the light, leaving the attic filled with shadows. The stars and moonlight turned the room into a magical place, and he hated to take her back into the real world.

When they reached the second floor, Eva intended to retrieve her cashmere coat, but Billy suggested they leave it there with the music box in its pocket, away from their guests, so it wouldn’t be disturbed.

When they reached the bottom floor Billy sent her off to powder her nose while he took care of her driver. Before separating, she said, “The driver works for us frequently. His name is Jerry. Tell him I requested his departure.”

Billy nodded and watched as she walked away, finding her words strange. He didn’t like the sound of this guy Jerry.



Billy approached the white limo while he reached for his billfold, glad he carried a substantial amount of money at all times. He found it eased situations much better than words.

“Jerry? Miss Ritka thanks you for your services, but she won’t be needing you any longer,” he said with a calm smile and reached into the warm limo, its heater going full blast, with a hundred-dollar bill.

The driver immediately reached out to take the bill, but he didn’t put it away. He stared at Billy before he said, “I don’t believe you.”

“She said you probably wouldn’t. But she had to powder her nose. I swear I’ll see her home safely. I know her father guards her well. I don’t blame him.” This time, Billy used a friendly smile.

“Her father told me to see her to the party. I wasn’t supposed to bring her here.”

Billy sighed, pretending exasperation with Jerry’s stubbornness, but his alert heightened. “But she didn’t know I was home. I just got back.” He opened his wallet and drew out another bill. “For your troubles. And it means Eva won’t tell her father that you helped her.” The man’s eyes widened. Then he reached for the second bill. Almost before Billy could get his arm back from the window, the limo peeled out of the quiet, expensive neighborhood. “Hmm, dear old dad must be tough,” Billy muttered to himself. Not that he was intimidated. Not enough to abandon his Cinderella. With a smile, he headed back inside to find her.

Chapter 5

Billy entered the warmth of the house and immediately looked for Eva. When he discovered her standing by the door to the ballroom, watching the couples inside, waiting for him, his heart tightened. Waiting wasn’t something he did well. Nor, he’d discovered, something women did well. But his Cinderella was waiting, though he could name ten or twelve men in the room, unattached and quite willing to show her around. In fact, he watched as one of his twin brothers approached her, clearly offering an invitation. She refused.

He slipped up behind her and whispered, “Good decision,” in her ear.

She jumped and whirled around, her skin turning pink again.

“Your skin is like a blooming rose. Möchten Sie tanzen?” he asked and slid his arm around her small waist and nudged her into his arms. It amazed him how well she fit against him.

“Ja,” she answered softly without any comment about his switching to German, one of Chekagovia’s formal languages. He guessed she was five feet ten inches, about four inches shorter than him. He’d danced with too many short ladies and spent his evening unable to carry on a conversation because he couldn’t duck and waltz at the same time.

“You dance well, Major. I imagine dancing is part of your duties.” She leaned back to smile at him as she watched his reaction.

“Et vous aussi, mademoiselle,” he said. Then he added, “My partner makes it easy, princess.” His lips seemed to move closer to those luscious soft lips until she turned away.

“Don’t like me?” he asked softly.

“I don’t even know your first name, Major.”

“Billy!” A man across the ballroom floor called.

She didn’t react to the name so he added an explanation that would let her know she had her answer.

“There you have it. Everyone calls me Billy.” He turned to acknowledge the person who had called his name as he’d answered her question. Joe Colton was a tall man and a voice with authority. And respect. He was just getting to know him. “Evening, Joe.” He stopped dancing but kept his arm around Eva’s small waist.

Joe looked at Eva and Billy’s arm. “I would guess this young lady was from your side of the family if she weren’t so fair. Introduce me, please.”

“May I present Cinderella. I found her scrubbing the floors in the kitchen and begged her to keep me from being lonely.”

“Ah, kitchen maid uniforms have changed considerably. Thank you for gracing our wedding party.”

Eva took his story in stride. “Thank you, Senator Colton. A Christmas wedding is a lovely thought. I’m Eva Ritka.” And offered her hand.

Joe brought her hand to his lips and Billy was surprised to discover jealousy in himself. He was never jealous. Until now.

Joe added, “You are the former resident. Is your husband here also?”

“She’s not married,” Billy interrupted, perhaps a bit too brusquely. But he hoped he was right. Only her father had been mentioned.

“My father leased the house, Senator. We were sorry to leave because it is a delightful house, but we were planning to move to our new residence anyway, for security reasons.”

“So I heard from my son, Rand. I want my wife to meet you. There she is across the room. I’ll go get her. Keep her here, Billy.”

Billy glared at him.

Before he could decide what to do, several tall, handsome men surrounded them. Eva had no doubt that these men were connected to Billy because of their likeness, though she still thought he was the most handsome. Before either of them said anything, they began talking in a language she didn’t recognize. She loved languages and learned them easily, but this one she couldn’t identify.

Billy felt Eva’s stare. His brothers had been asking questions in their native Comanche. Though they used English most of the time, they used Comanche if they didn’t want to be understood.

“I’ll make apologies for my brothers and cousin, Eva. This is my cousin Logan, and my brothers Grey, Shane and Seth.”

She nodded and smiled. A family. She’d always longed for brothers and sisters. Billy was surprised by the question that followed.

“I didn’t recognize the language you were speaking. What was it?”

Grey, Billy’s oldest brother, laughed. “You seem perfect for Billy. He’s a natural linguist and a new language gets him more excited than girls.” Everyone laughed except Billy. “That’s Comanche,” Grey continued.

She turned to Billy. “Could you teach it to me?”

“It’s hard. How many languages do you speak now?”

She ducked her head, and he was learning fast she either didn’t want to answer the questions or her answer was less than the truth. “Five or six, but I’d love to learn Comanche.”

“We’ll talk about it.” Carefully promising her nothing.

“You boys doing all right?” Thomas Colton asked, probably sent by Alice, his wife, to make peace, as he had many times in their childhood.

“Yeah, Dad,” Billy said. “Dad, I’d like you to meet Eva Ritka. She and her father were the tenants until we got here.”

“I see. I hope we didn’t inconvenience you too much, Miss Ritka.”

“Of course not, sir. We understood,” she assured the distinguished man.

Before anything else could be said, Joe returned with both his wife, Meredith, and Alice, Billy’s mother, introducing them.

In a beautiful, mellow voice, Alice said, “I hope my boys are behaving themselves.”

“Mom!” several voices protested.

“Your children are lovely gentlemen, especially Billy.” For the first time since she’d met him, Eva could see the slightest hint of a flush on Billy’s tanned skin.

“Did you meet our son Jesse and his bride, Samantha?” Alice asked, pride in her voice.

When Eva said she had briefly met them a couple of months ago when they were out visiting the house, Alice insisted Billy take her across the room to say hello to the wedding couple. He was grateful. It meant he could escape all of them.

Billy led Eva over to Jesse and Samantha. They’d just been having a visit with some of their new Colton cousins. When Jesse looked around and discovered Billy, he greeted him, but his gaze continued to check out the woman.

“Jesse, Samantha, this is Eva Ritka.”

“Eva!” Samantha exclaimed, reaching out to take Eva’s hand.

Billy stared at his new sister-in-law. “You act like you know her!”

“But I do,” Samantha agreed.

Jesse clapped his brother on his shoulder. “Remember, I told you we’d met a lady just perfect for you. This is her!”

Eva’s cheeks turned red, which made her even prettier in Billy’s eyes. “I’m glad I talked Eva into joining me tonight. You see,” Billy continued, “she came here looking for something she left behind. It was a terrific surprise since I ran into her this morning at the dry cleaners.”

Samantha leaned forward. “Oh, can I help you find it Eva? We haven’t noticed anything but—”

“Oh, no,” Eva said. “Billy had already helped me, thank you. I’m sorry I crashed your wedding reception. I tried to skip in unnoticed, but Billy wouldn’t let me.” Then she flashed Billy a smile.

“We’re delighted you’re here,” Samantha said.

“Thank you,” Eva said. “Samantha, that necklace is beautiful. I’ve never seen one like it.”

“Why thank you,” Samantha said glowing. “It’s Jesse’s present to me for our wedding. His sister, Sky, made it for me.”

Eva turned her gaze to Billy and Jesse. “You have a sister who can make such wonderful things?”

“Yes,” Billy said. “You’ll meet her later.”

Samantha asked Eva a question and Billy leaned over to his brother. “You’re right. She’s the one for me.”

“You mean you’ve fallen for her? That’s pretty fast.”

“I fell in love with her the moment I first saw her this morning. But I didn’t find out her name until tonight.”

“That’s going to make Samantha happy. She liked Eva when we met in October.”

“Even better, I put down money on a town house two blocks away today. But don’t tell Eva yet.” Billy grinned at his brother, knowing the warning was necessary.

“You what?” Jesse demanded. “Are you crazy?”

“Jesse, what’s wrong?” Samantha asked, but both ladies were staring at them.

“Your husband is telling me I don’t know what I’m doing, Sam.” He looked at Eva. “You believe I know what I’m doing, don’t you?”

“I suppose, Billy, but I don’t really know what you’re talking about,” Eva said.

“I made a real estate deal this morning. It’s a pretty town house only two blocks away, Samantha, so you’ll have me for a neighbor,” Billy commented.

“Oh, I’m sure it’s a great buy. Houses sell quickly in this neighborhood.”

“Good. Maybe I’ll take you to see it next week, Eva. You can give me your opinion about decorating it.”

“Well, I want to see it, too,” Samantha said.

“Don’t forget me,” Jesse said. “But we’ll see it when we get back from our honeymoon, my love. Not before.”

They all laughed.



The next half hour didn’t go the way Billy had envisioned. Meredith Colton began introducing Eva to her children, of which there were many. Rand was Billy’s favorite. He was a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and had been involved in bringing the two families together. Besides, he was happily married which meant he had no interest in Eva. Billy was still learning the West Coast Coltons. He stuck to Eva’s side, determined to get her back to the dance floor as soon as possible, where he could hold her in his arms again.

But he introduced her to his sister, Sky.

Eva immediately said, “You’re the one who made Samantha’s wonderful necklace.”

“Yes, I did,” Sky said proudly.

“Did you make the necklace you’re wearing, too? You have such unique designs.”

“Why, thank you,” Sky said. “I modeled it after a piece worn by a Comanche bride I saw in an old photograph.”

Billy enjoyed the praise Eva gave to Sky’s work. She was a talented jeweler, specializing in Native American pieces and was beginning to make a name for herself.

When they moved away from Sky, Eva leaned closer to say, “Now I really appreciate your compliments. Sky is beautiful.”

“As are you, only in a different style,” Billy assured her. But her appreciation of his sister pleased him.

Enough visiting. Time for more dancing. The soft lights from the crystal chandeliers and the gleaming wood floor always made him think of fairies and dreams. When Eva was added, he could believe anything was possible. He wrapped her in his arms. Feeling her against him was as if an essential part of his body had been restored. His cousins, Ashe and Logan, kept close to them, as if they were waiting their turn to dance with Eva. Billy had no intention of sharing what little time he had left with Eva with the vultures.

Since they were dancing near a side door, Billy edged her to the door and out into the hall.

“Where are we going?” she asked, as he grabbed her hand and with long strides turned a corner where they couldn’t be seen.

“I’m not going to share you with all the competition. We’ll go find our own place to dance.”

“I wish I could, Billy, but I need to leave right away. I should have been at the other party an hour ago. If Papa checks on me, I’ll be in real trouble.”

He remembered the limo driver’s reaction. “Real trouble? Does he punish you with a whip? Or torture?”

She looked at him, startled. “Of course not! What ever gave you that idea?”

“Jerry seemed frightened of your father.”

“He is always frightened that the generous fees will disappear.”

Billy didn’t quite buy her explanation of Jerry’s fears, but he let it go. It probably didn’t matter. “So he should be. He didn’t protect you well at all tonight.”

“But that’s your fault!”

“Right, but I have good intentions. He didn’t know that.”

“But Billy—”

She stopped because he grabbed her hand again and drew her toward the staircase. He didn’t stop until they reached the second floor. She stopped at the second closet where her coat and music box were.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Major,” she began as if she were leaving. But Billy had no intention of letting her go so soon.

“You’re not leaving yet.”

“Billy, I must. It’s almost nine o’clock.”

“Even Cinderella didn’t leave until midnight,” he assured her. “Okay, I won’t keep you that long, but I had to share you with too many people down below. I haven’t even discovered where you live now.” He tried to think of a room she would not object to. Then he saw in his mind’s eye the moonlight shining into the attic. And knew she would be comfortable there. “Come upstairs with me for only a few moments, some peaceful conversation.”

Her blue eyes softened. “Oh, I would love that. The attic is so—so fairy-tale-like in the moonlight.”

He took her hand and started up the stairs, carefully closing the door behind them so no one would search them out.

At the top of the stairs, he slowly moved to the center of the room and slid his arm around her waist. “If we had a waltz, we could continue our dancing here.”

She went willingly into his arms and they danced slowly through patches of moonlight and shadows. Afraid of where his hunger might lead him, he stepped back. “I can’t have conversation when I’m holding you.” He gathered some pillows stored across the room and piled them up on the floor. He bowed to her. “Your throne, princess.”

With a smile she dropped down upon the pillows and motioned for him to join her. He couldn’t resist doing so, even though he knew it wasn’t wise.

She was struggling with the long split in her dress, trying not to show too much thigh. “I don’t think this dress was meant for attic-room chats,” she said, a little embarrassed.

“Don’t worry, princess.” He reached for a nearby coverlet and spread it over her legs.

“Oh, thank you. That was very gallant of you.”

He smiled, then changed the subject. “So do you visit your home often?”

“My home? You mean Chekagovia? Once a year. I’m afraid it feels more like America is my country. Though German is our language, of course, and I’m fluent in it.”

“And French?”

They both spoke French for several minutes, then he slid back into German. They discussed their childhoods. She told him how jealous she was of his family. Without brothers and sisters, she was lonely, having only her father’s staff to spend time with.

“Poor baby,” he said with a teasing smile.

Eva’s cheeks flushed. “I know I shouldn’t complain, but I was lonely. Nice things can’t take away loneliness.”

He thought about that before he nodded in agreement. “Very wise, princess. My children will not be lonely. There’ll be enough cousins for one thing. Did you see all the pregnant women downstairs? Rand’s wife insisted on coming tonight even though she’s pregnant and due any moment.”

Eva giggled, an enchanting sound in Billy’s head. “Oh, my. That could cause complications.”

“Yeah, but she said she was closer to the hospital here than at their home and she didn’t want to miss all the fun. Rand agreed.” He looked at Eva, a teasing grin on his face. “But then Rand always agrees with her.”

“Are you telling me that Rand Colton, that strong, muscular man, is henpecked?”

Billy chuckled. He’d wondered the same thing when he’d first met the couple. Finally he’d gotten up enough nerve to ask Rand. Rand explained that he’d been wise enough to marry a smart woman. And he wanted her to be happy. “Now I understand what he was saying.”

“You do? Why?”

He leaned over and cupped her cheek. “Because I’d want you to be happy…always.”

In a bold move, Eva leaned forward to kiss him.

Chapter 6

Eva felt her cheeks grow hot. She wasn’t surprised. She didn’t usually initiate a kiss. But there was something about Billy. Was she the only one who felt something between them? He certainly seemed to like her, but she wanted more than liking, she finally admitted.

She was beginning to think that strange feeling this morning was love at first sight. She hadn’t even really believed that such a thing existed, but what she felt for this man, and only this man, made her forwardness seem appropriate…and exciting.

Billy drew back from their embrace to catch his breath. He’d come too close to losing control.

“Cinderella, tell me where you live. I don’t want to wait until midnight and have you run away.” It amazed him how much he feared losing her. Women came and went in his life. But he couldn’t imagine Eva doing that.

“Too bad the prince didn’t have a telephone directory.”

“You mean Cinderella was listed?”

“Why not? Do you think there are a lot of Ritkas in D.C.?” she asked, smiling.

“Maybe not, but telling me would be simpler.”

“Yes. I live three blocks east from here. The redbrick with white trim on the southwest corner.”

He stared at her. “I’ve passed that house a number of times. You really live there?” It seemed strange to him that he could have been so close to her and yet have no knowledge of her presence. Now he seemed so attuned to her presence.

“Yes. Papa didn’t want to leave the area. That house is more modern and has more up-to-date security. Papa has been more concerned with security lately. There is a lot of unrest in Chekagovia.”

Billy’s antennae went up. He had read about Chekagovia’s problems, but he hadn’t paid that much attention. His normal pattern would be to ask questions about the country’s problems, but he was more interested in Eva’s personal problems at the moment. He murmured expressions of concern. Then he lay back against a pillow and said softly, “Maybe they need an attic where they can feel safe, like you did as a child.”

“You feel it, too, don’t you? I used to pretend, when I was a little girl, that I was always safe here. My mother had recently died, and I felt so lonely.” She changed the subject suddenly, as if she wanted to hide the emotion that brought tears to her beautiful eyes. “Your parents seem nice.”

“Yes. We have a good family. We’re all very close.”

“Where are you from?”

“Oklahoma, but we traveled a bit. Dad was in the service.”

“Papa has been a diplomat all my life. I have scarcely lived in Chekagovia.”

“That must make it difficult.”

“Yes. And I always wanted a big family, like yours.”

“How about I share them with you? We’ve always got room for one more.” Mental visions of a beautiful little blond girl, alone in the big attic, made him wish he’d been there for her. She was weaving a spell over him. He’d never felt like this before. He wrapped his arm around her pale shoulders and drew her close to comfort her.

Comfort? It was sexual desire, of course. He wasn’t a sentimental man. She laid her head on his shoulder.

“I wish I could be part of your family. But Papa needs me. I act as his hostess, you see. I have ever since I was sixteen.”

“Didn’t you ever have a childhood? Time to get in trouble? To play and be carefree?” Billy asked, thinking about his summer days with his brothers, when they played, made up stories and fought.

She shrugged her beautiful shoulders. “There wasn’t time.”

He bent his head and softly caressed her lips. “Poor baby,” he said, sincerely this time.

She shoved against him. “I didn’t suffer,” she assured him staunchly, as if she didn’t want his concern. “I had everything I wanted. I was lucky.”

“Except a family.”

“That wasn’t my father’s fault. He loved Mama. He cried when she died.”

“Of course.” He shifted and drew her more against him. He craved her warmth.

“It’s true!”

“I believe you. But I feel badly that you were deprived of so much of your childhood.”

“Well, I can speak five languages!”

“Good for you,” he said tenderly.

“And what can you speak?” she asked eagerly.

“Russian, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Spanish, oh, and Comanche.”

“Wow! You must be very good at languages. You must be a genius.”

“I don’t think so, but they do come easily to me.” Suddenly he burst into laughter.

“What is it?”

“What if we had a child? He’d definitely be able to learn languages, wouldn’t he?”

She laughed, but then she turned serious. “How do you know it would be a boy? Maybe she’d be a girl?”

“Maybe, with my hair and your eyes. She’d be a beauty, like her mother. I’d have to work out to fight off the boys who’d chase her.”

Eva reached up to touch his face. “And she’d have brothers and sisters. She wouldn’t be alone.”

“Of course not. Making babies would be one of our favorite activities.” He stroked her arm. Just thinking about making love to Eva stirred him up. “Shall we build them an attic, too?”

“Our children wouldn’t need an attic. They’d have lots of family. And a mama and papa who loved them, who’d cuddle them when they were scared or sad.”

“Didn’t your father do that?” he asked, frowning, his heart squeezing in pain at the thought of her all alone.

“He was very busy. I had a nanny who was kind to me.”

“Oh, Eva,” he said softly and drew her even closer, “I’m glad you had the attic.” He kissed her gently on her soft lips.

“I’ve never told anyone—you mustn’t say anything to anyone.” She put her arms around his neck.

“No,” he whispered, “your secrets are safe with me.” He kissed her again and this time she kissed him back. Their kiss deepened. She began unbuttoning his uniform and he slipped the straps of her gown down her shoulders. They each wanted warm flesh to touch, to kiss.

Thought of stopping never occurred to Eva. It seemed so right, so perfect. While her father had trained Eva in correct behavior, he’d never taught her about matters of the heart. But the feelings Eva had for Billy were so strong, she couldn’t resist inviting him closer. She didn’t want to follow her father’s directives. She wanted to give Billy full rein of her heart, body and soul. Her skin yearned for his touch.



Billy had never felt this way about a woman. As if Eva were a gift for him to protect and care for. As if she actually were the mother of his future children. Nothing seemed more right than to hold her against him, to become one with her.

He stroked her body as if it were a great work of art, a sacred treasure. She shivered and he drew her closer to him. “Are you okay?” he whispered. As difficult as it would be for him, if she wanted to stop, he would. But she sighed and nuzzled closer, letting her lips run down his neck.

“I’m perfect,” she replied, and he couldn’t agree more. When he felt he could wait no longer to enter her, he gently spread her legs and lay on her, bracing his weight with his strong arms. She ran her hands over his chest, then put them around his neck and tugged, as eager for him as he was for her.

When he entered her, he paused, afraid he would hurt her, but she urged him on. “Don’t stop,” she said, breathless, holding tight to his broad shoulders. He followed her command and plunged into her, stunned by his utter desire for her, the rightness of his holding her, becoming one with her. Then he began moving slowly, wanting the experience to be perfect for Eva, his love.

His earlier conversation with Jesse, over morning coffee, flashed through his mind. He owed his brother an apology. Now he knew what Jesse had meant. He knew what Rand meant when he said he did whatever it took to make his wife happy. Forever, he would put Eva first. She, in the flash of an eye, had become his partner, his better half, his forever woman. He stroked the supple body beneath him, growing more excited by the moment, leading Eva to delirious completion, as fulfilling as love between a man and his woman could be.

Later, he held her against him, not wanting to let her go, to end the heaven they’d shared. He was making plans in his head for their future. He whispered to Eva his plans, but he wasn’t sure they made sense to her. She said nothing.

“You are safe in my arms,” he whispered.

His fingers traced designs on her skin as he thought about the evening and her words about her life. “Your father didn’t think the two of you were safe here in D.C.?”

“He didn’t think the security in this house was good. He had concerns. He said the uneducated people of Chekagovia are impatient. They are not willing to wait to be taught wisdom. Terrorist groups have been formed.”

“I have heard rumors. Your father is right about what he said, but I think more could be done.”

“My father has done his best but some of the old rulers refuse to give up the power. But those against the government don’t distinguish between those in power.”

Billy’s mind immediately snapped to. “Eva, did you tell Jerry why you were coming here?”

“I don’t think so,” she murmured, her lips inviting him to kiss her again. Then she opened her eyes wider. “I said I needed to pick up an important object. I remember thinking, for an instant, that he knew what I meant, but he said nothing.”

“It’s just that he looked frightened when I told him to leave,” he said slowly, trying to figure everything out. “Maybe he’s involved somehow with one of the terrorist groups.”

“Jerry? Surely he wouldn’t betray us!” Eva exclaimed.

“There are ways to make people do unspeakable things. Fear for their own lives…or for people they love. We’ll find out. I’ll talk to some people tomorrow.”

She sank against him. “Hold me, Billy. I want to feel safe.”

“You’re safe, my love. I promise.” Even as he held her, he sensed tension in the air.

Just then the night calm was disrupted by the sound of gunfire from below.



Alice and Thomas stood quietly drinking their last glass of champagne. “Did you see the way Billy looked at her?” Alice asked softly, finally discussing what they both were thinking.

“Of course I did. We all saw it. I hope she won’t object to his Indian blood.”

“That’s ridiculous. Besides, if she does, Billy won’t want her. Where did they go, anyway?”

Thomas rolled his eyes. “Some place private.” They were chuckling again softly, when the ballroom doors were slung back against the walls and a spray of machine-gun fire was shot into the ceiling.

There were muted screams, but Thomas checked quickly to be sure everyone was safe and where his sons and nephews were.

Then, his shoulders squared, he stepped forward quickly, followed by Senator Joe Colton, his nephew Bram, a sheriff, and numerous of their young men. Good stock, he thought to himself. “Please don’t hurt anyone. What is it that you want?”

The uncouth man who faced Thomas snarled at him. “Don’t panic, and no one will be hurt. We want Miss Eva Ritka. Don’t say she is not here, because we know she is.”

Bram spoke to his uncle in Comanche. “We cannot give her away.”

“We have no choice. Your aunt and our other ladies mustn’t be hurt.”

Jesse added, “Billy is with her.” That was enough for all of them. They knew they could rely on Billy.

“Stop that. What are you saying!” the leader screamed at them, slamming a crystal vase he had grabbed off a table beside him onto the ground, shattering it into a million pieces.

“Easy!” Thomas said. “We do not know the exact location of Miss Ritka. We believe she might have left already.” Thomas watched as the man turned back to talk to his band of thugs. They seemed unhappy with his answer. He turned back to Thomas.

The leader stated that he would take some of the men to search for Eva. One of Thomas’s sons murmured a word he did not want to hear. “Rape.” He knew, as well as his sons, that might happen if they left the ladies with these bullies.

“No. That is unacceptable. We will allow you one of our men per search group. The rest of the men stay here with our women.”

The man gave Thomas an evil grin, acknowledging his fears, but he agreed. “We have more important things on our minds tonight than women.” He divided his men into three groups, and left several of them to stay in the ballroom with him. The sons and nephews of Thomas and Joe stepped forward.

From the group, the leader chose three. Thomas offered three more, so his sons would not be alone with the terrorists. Again he showed his evil grin. “No. I do not trust your sudden cooperation.” He turned to his men and warned them to be careful, keeping their eyes on the enemy, not realizing that several of the Colton men spoke German. Like Billy, many of them had a gift for language.