The Black Sheep's Secret Child

“Rafe wanted the business and he got it.”

One thing marrying Rafe had done was give her a front-row seat to the dysfunction of the Caldwell household. During the short months she’d been Rafe’s wife, she’d learned how much he’d been bothered by the rivalry Siggy had created.

“You’re right, but he didn’t want to be in it alone. He recognized that he needed your ability to scout new talent and Melody’s talents as a songwriter and producer. Siggy ruined his dream as much as he destroyed yours.”

“If you’re trying to convince me to like my brother, you’re wasting your time.”

“It’s not about you liking Rafe.” Savannah laid her cheek against his chest once more. “It’s about how the bitterness you carry for him keeps you stuck in the past.”

If Trent understood that Rafe had been Siggy’s tool, he might one day release some of the resentment that made him keep people at a distance. Maybe he’d stop running from love.

From her.

From being a family with her and Dylan.

Hopelessness swept over her. But could Trent ever see

her son as anything other than his brother’s child? And what would happen if he learned the truth? Would he hate her or could he understand why she’d chosen not to tell him?

Savannah kissed Trent, letting her love for him ignite her passion once more. His ardent response pushed her anxiety to the far reaches of her mind. She had time to sort everything out. Now all she wanted to concentrate on was this moment and this man.

Eight

“It’s so good to see you,” Savannah said, hugging her sister-in-law.

Because of Melody’s touring schedule, Savannah hadn’t seen her since Rafe’s funeral. For the past year she’d been traveling around the country opening for Nate Tucker and his band. Melody had lost weight but gained a little rock ’n’ roll flair. Dressed all in black, she wore a flared leather skirt and lacy T-shirt with ankle boots. Formerly happy to write songs and stay in the background, she’d resisted when Nate set out to convince her to open for his band. But the singer/songwriter/producer was nothing if not persistent when he recognized talent—in addition to being part owner of Club T’s, Nate had started his own record label and had a recording studio downtown.

“I’m excited to be in Las Vegas and can’t wait to get into the studio to put the finishing touches on my first album.”

“When do I get to hear some of it?”

“Soon,” Melody promised, her gaze darting to one side. “I wrote a couple more songs that I want to get into the studio and record. After that I’ll go through what I have and see what might work for the album.”

“I’m sure they’re going to be fantastic. All of them.”

“Where’s my nephew?” Melody asked. “I thought after what my father did you’d have a hard time letting him out of your sight.”

“Trent has him in the pool.” Savannah kept her expression as neutral as possible beneath Melody’s wide-eyed regard. “He’s teaching him how to swim, if you can believe it.”

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Melody said. “At Rafe’s funeral, you and Trent were on opposite sides of the room from each other the entire day. What changed?”

“Your brother and I have sort of come to an understanding. I can thank your father for that. I wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t trouble with West Coast Records. And if Siggy hadn’t threatened me with taking Dylan away.”

“It seems like there’s more going on here than just a simple understanding.” Melody put special emphasis on the last word and gave Savannah a knowing look. “I mean, you’re living with him.”

“In the guesthouse,” Savannah explained. “And you’re right—there’s more going on. Rafe’s and my finances were really bad. I’m almost a million dollars in debt. And until I’m working again, I have no income to live on.”

“What are you going to do?”

“My plan is to go to LA tomorrow with Scarlett Fontaine. Thanks to her, I’ve set up three interviews with agents.”

“Who’s watching Dylan while you’re interviewing?”

“I’m leaving him with Trent’s housekeeper. She’s been terrific.”

“Oh, good. Since you’re leaving him here, then I can pitch in. I need a little practice taking care of a baby.”

Savannah stared at Melody in confused silence, unsure if she should voice the first thing that popped into her mind. “I’d love for you to spend some time with Dylan. But why do you need practice?”