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  He breathed out a quiet sigh of relief.

  “Thank you for understanding my position, Miranda. I have a few things to wrap up here in LA, but I can be back in Royal by the day after tomorrow. Let’s say we’ll meet on Thursday at 1 p.m.?”

  Miranda agreed to the time and he forwarded the info to Stasia, advising her that he’d be working from his satellite office in Royal for the next week or so.

  First, he’d settle this deal with Goddess. Then, if he hadn’t heard from Audra, he’d take Stasia’s advice, even if he had to send his message via carrier pigeon.

  * * *

  “This preliminary meeting has gone far better than I expected.” Miranda scanned the design options Darius had brought as part of Thr3d’s collaboration proposal. “I don’t know how I’m going to narrow it down to just fifteen pieces.”

  “I’m glad you’re pleased.” Darius sat in the same chair he’d occupied the first day he’d come to Royal. The day he’d discovered that he was Buckley Blackwood’s son. “I’m particularly glad that you like our interpretation of your preliminary sketches.”

  “They’re amazing.” Miranda picked up one of the legging tracksuit designs his team had reimagined. “I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled. So if Thr3d is ready to move forward on this, Goddess is, too. We’ll let the lawyers hash out the details of the contract.”

  Darius agreed and they exchanged their lawyers’ business cards.

  Miranda picked up the house phone and took a call. She hung up the phone after very few words.

  “We have a guest I think you’ll be interested in seeing. Your sister, Sophie.”

  “How did she know I was in town?” he asked.

  “She probably doesn’t. She’s here to see me.” Miranda sat on the front edge of the desk.

  “Darius, hey.” Sophie stepped into the office and gave him a big smile. She hugged him warmly before turning to her former stepmother. “Miranda, thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “We’re all done, so I’ll head out and give you two privacy,” Darius said.

  “Actually, I’d prefer that you stay.” Sophie leaned in and whispered, “I could use the moral support.”

  “Sure.” He gave her an encouraging smile and returned to his seat. Sophie sat beside him.

  “As you know, Miranda, I’m getting married soon. Lately, I’ve been thinking that I’d really like to have the wedding here at Blackwood Hollow. Both of my parents are gone, but if we could have the wedding here, at least I’ll be surrounded by the happy memories I have of them. I realize this is very last minute, and it would be an inconvenience for you, but if—”

  “Of course you can have the wedding here, Sophie,” Miranda interrupted Sophie’s nervous babbling. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. Your father would’ve loved it.”

  Sophie looked shocked. “Oh, well...thank you, Miranda. That means a lot to Nigel and me. I know it’ll mean a lot to Kellan and Vaughn, too.”

  “My pleasure. Please let me know if I can help with the arrangements in any way.” Miranda walked around the desk and sat behind it again.

  Sophie and Darius stood and turned to leave, but then Sophie turned back, reluctantly.

  “One more thing.”

  “Yes?” Miranda smiled at her brightly.

  “You’re welcome to attend.”

  “Oh. Well, thank you, Sophie.” Miranda tucked strands of her fiery red hair behind one ear. Her blue eyes suddenly looked misty. “I’d like that very much.”

  As Sophie and Darius headed to their cars, Darius nudged her with his elbow. “That wasn’t so difficult, now, was it?”

  “Thankfully.” She sighed. “Lately, I seem to muck up even the simplest things. You and Audra found your way to each other with minimal interference from me. And then she figured out that I’d meddled in your affairs and...” Sophie shook her head and sighed. “Darius, I’m so sorry about making trouble between you and Audra. I messed everything up.”

  Darius hugged his sister. “It’s not your fault, Soph. It’s mine. And I have to find a way to fix this.”

  “You two are perfect for each other. I hope you can work things out.”

  “Me, too.” He squeezed her shoulder, then headed toward his rental.

  “Wait, Darius, how long will you be in town?”

  “A week, maybe.”

  “Perfect. I’d like to give you an official welcome celebration. Maybe this Saturday at seven at my place?”

  He was going to decline. But Sophie was being thoughtful and welcoming. He should embrace it.

  Wasn’t that what he’d always wanted?

  “Sounds great, Sophie. I’ll see you then.”

  “And you’re welcome to bring along a plus-one.” A broad smile animated her brown eyes.

  Darius got inside his rental SUV and sucked in a deep breath.

  It’d been a good day so far. Miranda was moving forward with their deal and had granted Sophie’s wedding venue request. Maybe this was the day to reach out to Audra.

  Darius returned to his rental home and stood at the window overlooking the pool. He dialed Audra’s number. It went immediately to voice mail.

  “Hey, Audra. I realize you asked for time and space, and I respect that. But I wanted to tell you again how sorry I am about the mistakes I made then and now.” His heart pounded in his chest, and his throat suddenly felt dry. “I’m standing in the rental house in Royal, looking at the pool, thinking of the first day I saw you there. I couldn’t believe I’d been given a second chance to make things right with you. And I still managed to screw things up.”

  Darius swallowed hard, wondering how much longer he had before the call would cut off.

  Quit babbling, and just say it.

  “I miss you, Audra. And I love you. More than anything. I can’t imagine the rest of my life without you in it.”

  His chest felt tight and it was harder to breathe. He was going to hang up. But there was something else he needed to say.

  “One more thing. Sophie’s having a little get-together this Saturday at seven to officially welcome me to town and to the family. I understand if you’d rather not attend, but nothing would make me happier than if you could be there. Take care of yourself, Audra.”

  Darius set the phone on the counter, hoping she’d call him right away. But she didn’t. Not that day or the next.

  He’d blown it with Audra, and Stasia was right. For that, he’d never forgive himself.

  Twenty-Four

  Audra inhaled a deep breath and stepped out of her car. She’d been to Sophie and Nigel’s place several times. But this trip was notably different.

  Her belly did flips, and her legs felt like Jell-O. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this nervous.

  When she stepped inside, Tessa’s face was the first one she recognized.

  “Audra, I didn’t realize you were in town.” Tessa leaned in and hugged her. “Everyone will be thrilled to see you.”

  “I hope so.” Audra forced a smile.

  “I know so.” Tessa squeezed her hand and grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing tray. She handed the flute to Audra, as if she sensed that she needed it.

  She thanked Tessa and gulped some of the bubbly liquid. It tickled her nose.

  “Audra! It’s great to see you.” Lulu Shepard leaned in and surprised Audra with a hug.

  The woman was practically beaming as Kace wrapped his arm around her waist, tucking her close to his side.

  Look who’s not being so mysterious about his feelings anymore.

  Kace smiled at her warmly. “Good to have you back in Royal, Audra.”

  He quickly returned his attention to Lulu. A giddy, love-struck gaze softened his usually serious expression.

  They were an adorable couple, and Audra was truly happy for them.


  The clinking of a spoon against a glass drew the crowd’s attention to where the Blackwood family stood with Darius at the center.

  “Vaughn sends his apologies that he couldn’t be here with us,” Kellan said, a glass of champagne in his hand. “But for everyone who doesn’t know, Darius Taylor-Pratt is our brother. Sophie, Nigel, Irina and I just wanted to formally introduce him to you as such and say welcome to our crazy family.” Kellan slipped an arm around the waist of his expectant bride. With her strawberry blond hair, dark green eyes and porcelain features, Irina practically glowed.

  “To Darius.” Kellan held up his glass and everyone followed suit, clinking their glasses with their neighbors and then sipping their champagne.

  Audra strained her neck to see Darius through the house full of people, most of whom she recognized from volunteering at the TCC clubhouse. He seemed reluctant to have all of the attention on himself, as he had been during the end of Thr3d’s runway show. But he also seemed quietly content to be accepted by this new community and by the siblings he’d never known.

  “Thank you, Kellan, Sophie, Nigel and Irina for welcoming me to the Blackwood family.” Darius smiled affectionately at his siblings and their partners. “You’ve been nothing but supportive. Words simply can’t convey just how much I appreciate you.”

  Darius turned his attention to the crowd gathered in front of him. “Thank you all for coming tonight, and for your warm welcome and the sense of community you’ve extended to me. I look forward to spending a lot more time here in Royal and getting to know you all.” He nodded his thanks in response to the enthusiastic applause.

  Darius’s eyes scanned the space. His eyes lit up when they met hers.

  Her belly fluttered and her pulse raced. She offered a small, inconspicuous wave, and her mouth quirked in an involuntary smile.

  His smile widened and he whispered something to Sophie, who cast a glance in her direction and pressed a hand to her chest. She waved at Audra, her eyes dancing with joy.

  Darius made a beeline through the crowd. “Audra, I’m so glad you’re here.” He hugged her as if he had no intentions of letting her go. “When you didn’t respond to my message—”

  “I missed you, too,” Audra blurted the words out. She’d listened to the voice message from Darius at least a dozen times. Reluctantly, she pulled back from his embrace so she could meet his gaze. “I know this isn’t the time or place, but we need to talk.”

  Darius led Audra by the hand down a dimly lit hall and into Sophie’s office. He switched on the light. And they settled onto the small sofa.

  He turned his body toward hers and held her hands in his. “Okay, Audra, I’m ready to hear whatever it is you came to say.”

  “But this party is for you. Won’t Sophie and the others be looking for you?”

  “Nothing matters more to me right now than you. My sister will understand.” His expression was a mixture of hope and apprehension. “So first, let me assure you that everything I said in that voice mail, I meant. I love you, Audra.” He pressed a light kiss to the back of her hand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you everything from the start. I really wanted to.”

  “I believe you.” She squeezed his hand. “I understand why you felt you couldn’t tell me in the beginning. But I do wish you’d told me before LA.”

  “So do I. This past week without you...” There was pain in his voice. “I was afraid I’d lost you forever. I’ve never been more miserable in my life.”

  “Me, too.” She swallowed hard and freed one hand to tuck her hair behind her ear. “I want this to work, Darius. I really do. But I need to know you trust me. Fully. The same way you’d want me to trust you. We’re either full partners in this relationship or there isn’t one.”

  “I do trust you, Audra. You’re the only woman I want in my life.” Darius kissed her palm and her belly fluttered. “Forgive me?”

  “Yes,” she whispered the word as he planted a soft kiss on her wrist and then trailed a string of them up her arm. She pulled away from him and tried to clear her head. Darius needed to understand that she meant what she was about to say. She poked a finger in his chest. “But no more secrets.”

  “Promise.” He nodded solemnly, then captured her mouth in a kiss that was sweet and tentative. But it quickly became intense. Hungry and feverish. Filled with longing, want and desperation.

  Audra ached to crawl onto his lap and straddle him, deepening their kiss. But they were likely already the talk of the party. She pressed the heel of her hand against his chest, tearing her mouth from his.

  “We’d better get back out there before your little sister comes looking for us.” She kissed him once more before climbing to her feet. “But there’s one more thing. My parents will be in LA in a few weeks, and I want them to meet you.”

  He stood, too, looping his arms around her waist. “And what if they don’t approve?”

  She shrugged. “I want them to like you. But I don’t need them to. Who I love is my choice, not theirs.”

  He nodded, one edge of his mouth curled with satisfaction at her response. “I’d be honored to meet them,” he said. “And you’ve already met my dad. So my mom’s a little jealous. She insisted that I bring you by for dinner the next time you’re in LA.”

  “I can’t wait to meet her.” Audra grinned.

  “We’re going straight to the meet-the-parents stage.” Darius smiled broadly. “Guess that means this is serious.”

  “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.” The truth of the admission was both terrifying and thrilling.

  “Good.” He grinned. “I know we still have to work out the logistics. But I’m more than willing to compromise.”

  “Speaking of logistics...there’s something I haven’t had a chance to tell you. I leased a shop on Rodeo Drive while I was in Los Angeles.” She giggled in response to his look of disbelief. “It was the right decision for my brand. A move I’ve been contemplating for at least two years. But the bonus is that there’s this amazing guy I’ve fallen for, and he just happens to live in LA.”

  “Congratulations, Audra. That’s fantastic news.” Darius hugged her again. “But this won’t be a one-sided compromise. I’ll be spending a lot more time here in Texas, getting to know the family I’ve inherited and reacquainting myself with the woman I haven’t been able to get out of my head for the past five years.”

  She beamed, her heart bursting with love and a deep sense of joy. Tears clouded her vision.

  “One more thing, beautiful.” He brushed the dampness from her cheek with his thumb. “I miss everything about us. Talking to you all night. Falling asleep with you in my arms. Your face being the first one I see each morning. Our early breakfasts and late dinners together. Bubble bath therapy and the tranquility of watching you swim laps in my pool.”

  The words coming from Darius’s mouth were rushed. He paused, inhaling deeply.

  “I know we’re both busy trying to build empires—” his lips curved in a nervous smile “—but I want to spend every available moment with you. So...what I’m trying to say is... I love you, Audra, and I’d love it if you’d move in with me.”

  “In LA?” She’d hoped he’d offer but hadn’t wanted to push.

  “And here in Royal. Or maybe your place in Dallas?” He nuzzled her cheek. “No pressure, if you feel we’re moving too fast.”

  “No, we’re not moving too fast.” Audra shook her head, without an ounce of doubt. “We’re moving five years too slow. And I can’t wait to make up for lost time.” Her mouth stretched in a playful grin. “Besides, I really like that pool.”

  Darius laughed, the tension in his expression easing. His eyes were filled with emotion as he leaned in and pressed his warm, open mouth to hers and tunneled his fingers into her hair as he angled her face. Audra tipped her head back and clutched his shirt, eager for more of his kiss
.

  So maybe the party would have to wait a while longer.

  * * *

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  Forbidden Promises

  by Synithia Williams

  CHAPTER ONE

  A LARGE CALLA lily bouquet came entirely too close to slapping India Robidoux in the face the moment she entered her family’s home for the first time in four years. Only a quick slide to the right saved her from that indignity.

  The woman carrying the flowers rushed by with a barely audible “excuse me.”

  India jumped back to avoid being hit by another bouquet as a different woman with an equally large arrangement hurried by. The ornate oak-and-glass front door swung open behind her. India stutter-stepped to the right to avoid being hit. Maybe she should have taken up dancing instead of the violin. She clearly had the footwork down.