Making Millions: Money for Love, #3

By Lexy Parker

Alex is reeling from the revelation about her mother. Everything she thought she knew is a lie. And suddenly, her decision to end things with Declan feels like a mistake. As she fights through her own insecurities, she must also fight for Declan's forgiveness. 

 

All Declan Gamble ever wanted was to protect his little girl. He believed Alex was the woman destined to become Mila's mother, but when she steps out of their lives, he struggles with questions he never wanted to answer. And with the arrival of a new woman, Declan's inner struggle extends beyond his family and interferes with the family business.

 

Torn between love and doubt, Declan will be forced to make a decision that will change his life forever. 

 

** Please note that this is the last book of a trilogy. Enjoy the HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BrixBaxter Publishing
• Release date: May 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386335665

Book preview

1

DECLAN

H ey, Dad! Wake up!

Mila’s voice drifted through my unconscious mind and coaxed me out of my deep sleep. My blue eyes flicked open to see their mirror image staring back at me from my daughter’s face. She grinned and jumped up on the edge of my bed.

What are we doing today?

I yawned and stretched my arms above my head. I pushed himself up against the pillows and ran my fingers over my short black hair.

Whatever you want, I said. I’m too tired to argue this morning.

Duck pond! Mila said with conviction. "We haven’t been in forever."

It’s been, like, two weeks, kid.

Longer.

Nope.

Yup.

I chuckled. Whatever. You win.

Yes! Mila grinned wider and hopped off the bed. I’ll go get dressed!

Mila darted out of the room and down the hall. I laughed to myself as I heard her small feet stomp up the stairs. I stretched my arms over my head again and groaned.

I wanted to stay in bed all day.

After only one day, I still wasn’t over everything that had happened between me and Alex. Her rejection hung over my head. I fought the urge to slide back beneath the covers and forget about the world.

Mila’s footsteps returned. She bounded down the stairs, and I listened as she ran into the kitchen.

Dad, I’m hungry!

I’m coming! I called back.

I groaned again and forced myself out of bed. Throwing on some clothes, I tried to put Alex Tanner out of my mind. Not for the first time, I found myself faced with the horrible prospect of living without her.

Alex was the first woman I’d cared about since Mila’s mom. Jenn had been volatile and slightly crazy, but Alex? She was strong and confident. Her determination and work ethic were unmatched. The only thing more prominent about her was her beauty.

Her deep green eyes appeared in my mind. I closed my eyes and tried to force them away. My chest grew heavy, and my stomach ached. It would take a long time to get over her.

Mila was waiting for me in the kitchen. She grinned when she saw me, her wild red hair flying out all over her face.

Did you brush your hair? I asked.

Do I have to?

Yes.

Why?

Declan rolled his eyes. Because I don’t want to spend three hours brushing out the tangles tonight.

I’ll do it, Mila said quickly. You won’t have to. I promise.

Come on. I clapped my hands and jerked my thumb toward the stairs. Get up there. It’ll take you two seconds.

After breakfast.

Now.

Ugh!

I choked back a laugh as Mila rolled her eyes like I’d done five seconds before. She truly was my daughter.

Mila marched up the stairs with attitude. When she came back, her hair was brushed and pulled back in a low ponytail.

She grimaced at me and asked, Better?

Much. I smiled and quickly made breakfast.

We ate in a hurry. Mila practically shoved every bite into her mouth with such rapid speed that I watched her like a hawk, ready to spring up if she choked.

Imdonf. Mila mumbled after her last forkful.

Chew.

Mila chewed and then swallowed hard. I’m done.

Go grab your shoes, I said. I’ll meet you at the front door.

Call Uncle Samson! Mila yelled as she ran to the living room.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and sent my brother a quick text. As I put the dishes in the sink, Samson texted back. I’ll be there. Fifteen minutes.

My shoes are on! Mila called. Let’s go!

I joined her in the living room. You’re really going to have to learn to be patient, kid.

Never!

Mila ran to the door and disappeared outside. I followed her, chuckling to myself as I pulled the front door closed behind me.

Did you bring bread? Samson asked as he climbed off his motorcycle.

I stuck my hand in the back seat of my truck, pulled out a loaf of bread, and held it high for Samson to see.

Samson grinned. Excellent.

Uncle Samson! Mila jumped down from the back seat and ran to her uncle. He scooped her into his arms and spun her around in a quick circle.

There’s my girl, Samson said. How you been, Mila Bila?

That is a terrible nickname.

Is it? Samson frowned. Hmm. My little princess. Is that better?

Ugh! No!

Okay. Samson put Mila down and tapped his chin. Mila Lila?

That’s the same as Bila!

Slugger?

Mila thought about it. Sure. Okay. That’ll work.

Samson laughed and turned to me. He reached for the bread and led Mila across the parking lot toward the pond.

Ducks swam across the water, flying out to grab a piece of bread every few minutes. Families circled the pond. Couples walked hand in hand along the sidewalk path. Kids giggled every time a duck came too close. Mila joined in without so much as a glance behind her.

Don’t get too close! I called as Mila opened the bread.

Mila ignored me. She pulled a slice out of the bag and began tearing off tiny pieces. In a second, ducks were all around her. She giggled and danced away from them, chucking bread around her as she moved.

She’s fearless, Samson said. He fell into step beside me.

I nodded. That’s what worries me.

It shouldn’t. Samson shrugged. She’ll be fine.

Yeah. I sighed. I hope so.

Samson glanced at me but didn’t say anything. I knew what he was thinking. He wanted to ask about Alex. I’d barely told him anything on the phone last night

Just ask, I said. I know you’re going to sooner or later anyway.

Samson snorted. You don’t know me.

Just ask, I said again.

What happened? Samson asked. You piss her off or something?

No. I shook my head. She wasn’t mad. She …

I paused and shook my head again. Mila was a few feet away, happily playing with the ducks. A smile lit up her face, and my stomach tightened painfully. She didn’t know about Alex yet.

Have you told her? Samson asked, reading my mind.

No. How can I?

Samson shrugged. You just tell her.

She’s already been asking about her mom, I said. If I tell her she isn’t going to have Alex in her life anymore—

Mila is stronger than you think.

She shouldn’t have to be. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from my daughter. She’s too young to deal with this.

Samson sighed and followed my gaze. He loved Mila as much as I did. In that moment, I felt the one thing I hadn’t let myself feel—anger.

How could she do this? I asked.

Who? Alex?

Yeah.

Which part? Samson asked. Breaking up with you? Or cutting you out of the business?

Both. I exhaled slowly. I thought we …

I fell silent. The thought of telling my little brother all about my broken heart was too much. Shaking my head, I changed the subject quickly.

I thought we could really help the shop, I said. Expansions and everything. But now? Now they’re just going to fail all over again.

Samson shrugged. Maybe not.

How could they not? We were footing the bill for everything. Alex may have made enough money to buy back the business, but there’s no way she can afford to keep up with the advertisements.

You don’t know that, Samson said. Those ads brought in a shit ton of business. It could sustain them for a while.

It didn’t matter what Samson said. I was still angry. Alex screwed everyone. She was hurting her business, risking Garret’s livelihood as well as her own, and forcing my brother out of the repair shop. And when I finally worked up the nerve to tell her, Mila would be completely destroyed.

I’m sorry. I turned to Samson. I know how much this sucks for you.

Samson shrugged casually. It is what it is, man. Nothing you can do about it.

Yeah, but it’s my fault. If Alex and I had never gotten personal, this might not be happening.

It’s not your fault. Samson’s voice was strong. Firm. This is not something you can blame yourself for, Dec.

I know how much that shop means to you.

Well. Samson grinned. We’ll just have to open our own then, won’t we?

I laughed and rolled my eyes up to the sky. That was Samson. He could find the positive side of a trash heap.

Whatever you want, little brother.

Be careful what you agree to. Samson raised his eyebrows. I just may take advantage.

I’m fine with opening a repair shop, I said honestly. Shit. It’s the least I can do.

Still not your fault. Alex made the choice. Not you.

Trust me. I know.

Mila ran back over to us and threw her arms around my waist. I hugged her back and smiled down at her.

What’s up, kid?

I need more bread!

You had a whole loaf.

It’s gone.

I laughed and shook my head. Sorry. That’s all I brought.

Samson grinned. Uncle Samson to the rescue. He ran over to his motorcycle and pulled a plastic grocery bag from under the seat.

Mila jumped up and down as Samson hurried over, waving the loaf of bread in front of him as he moved.

Can I use your phone, too? Mila asked. I want to take pictures of the ducks!

Sure. Samson handed over the bread and his phone.

Thanks! Mila ran back to the ducks.

I watched her play for a few minutes, my mind floating between Mila and Alex. Samson was more forgiving than I could have expected. No matter what he said, losing the shop was my fault. If I’d never gotten involved with Alex, none of this would have happened.

I royally fucked up, I said, more to myself than Samson.

You dated a girl. It didn’t work out, Samson said. That’s not a fuck up, Dec. That’s life.

I knew better. I narrowed my eyes and stared off at the tree line. Romance and business never mix. I, of all people, know that. How many times have I warned you to stay away from the women we meet on the job?

Alex wasn’t just some woman.

My mouth opened, an argument poised on the tip of my tongue. It never came. Samson was right. Alex was not just some woman I met.

She got scared, I said. That’s what happened. She saw me and Mila and realized our relationship was already serious. It freaked her out, and she bailed. Just like Jenn.

Hey. Samson whipped around to face me. Don’t do that. We both know Alex is nothing like Jenn.

Yeah. I nodded. Yeah. I know.

Mila ran back over to us. Her cheeks were flushed bright red, and her blue eyes were wide with guilt.

Um, she said. She looked down at the ground. I, um …

What’s up? I asked nervously. Mila, what’s wrong?

Well, I was feeding the ducks and, she glanced around, I thought maybe the fish would like some bread too.

Yeah?

So, I threw some bread in the pond, Mila said. And, um, I got too close.

I looked at her clothes. She was dry. With a frown, I realized something was missing.

Oh, crap. I laughed and glanced at my brother.

What? He looked from me to Mila and then back again. What is it?

I got too close to the pond. Mila blinked.

Go ahead, I said, trying not to laugh.

I dropped your phone, Uncle Samson. Mila stared up at him with wide, fearful eyes.

I chuckled and nudged Samson. Looks like a repair shop isn’t the only thing I have to buy you.

Ha. Ha. Samson groaned and looked down at Mila. You’re lucky you’re so cute.

Mila smiled sheepishly. Samson swept her into his arms, making her giggle. All the nervous energy drained off her.

Watching Samson play with Mila made my anger disappear. As we loaded Mila into the car, Samson turned to me with concern.

You gonna be okay? he asked.

Yeah. I forced a smile. Her loss and all that bullshit, right?

Exactly. Samson grinned and slapped my shoulder.

As he drove off, the smile faded from my lips. I could say it a million times. It was her loss. Alex was the one missing out. But, no matter how many times I said it, I still couldn’t make myself believe it.

2

ALEX

My mom’s back door taunted me as I sat in her driveway. It was right there outside my driver’s side window. All I had to do was walk through it, but instead, I stared at it while my fingers shook on the steering wheel.

This is stupid, I thought to myself. You grew up in that house. Just go. Get out of the car and go inside.

I’d done it a million times before. Why should now be any different?

My dad’s letter flashed through my mind. My mom. Pamela Tanner. The woman who raised me. The woman who held me while I cried, whose hand was wrapped in mine at my father’s funeral. That woman was not my mother.

I hated myself for caring. After all, she was still my mom, the only mom I’d ever known. My dad’s letter shouldn’t have changed a thing. Yet, it did.

The back door creaked open, and my mom’s face appeared in the doorway. She smiled out at me. Her kind, warm eyes blinked with compassion and more understanding than I deserved.

I pushed open my door and sighed.

Hi, Mom.

Come on in, she said. She jerked her head to the side. I made breakfast.

My eyes roamed over the kitchen as I walked inside. It was the same, exactly as it had always been.

Food covered every inch of the table. My mom moved straight to the counter and grabbed two coffee mugs. She poured us each a cup and turned to face me. The smile on her face faltered just slightly.

Come sit down, she said.

I followed her to the table. We sat in our usual chairs. Everything was the same, but nothing felt the same. Everything seemed different as if the truth had somehow tainted everything about us.

I don’t know what to say, I said slowly. I just … This is all -

It’s okay if you see me differently now, Mom said. I understand, Alex. This is a lot to take in. It would be a lot for anyone.

I don’t think of you differently, Mom. And when I said it, I knew it was true.

You don’t?

No. I shook my head. But everything else feels different. Like my entire life has been a lie or something.

It was never a lie, Mom said. We—your dad and I, well, Henry, he …

Mom took a breath and blew it out slowly. She chuckled and shook her head. Taking a sip of her coffee, she blinked and tried again.

This is hard for me too, she said. If I’m being honest, I never wanted you to know the truth.

I blinked. You didn’t?

God, no. Mom laughed. "You were my daughter. You are my daughter. Nothing can change that. But I was afraid if you knew, things would be different."

So, that’s why Dad never told me? I asked. Because you asked him not to?

Mom shook her head. No. Your dad had his own reasons for keeping that secret.

What reasons? I demanded.

Not for the first time, I was overcome with rage. Ever since I read my dad’s letter, I’d flipped between confusion and anger more times than I could count.

He was trying to protect you, Mom said simply. You were only two when I met Henry. He was a single father. Lonely. Isolated. And beyond protective of you.

My eyes fell to the table. Mom could have been describing Declan. The similarities were almost too much to bear.

But I grew up. I cleared my throat. When I was two, I was just a baby. Too young to understand. But what about when I was five? Or ten? Or Twenty-five? What about then?

Mom shrugged. I don’t know the answer to that, she said. I asked him a few times over the years. He always said he would tell you when the time was right.

"Why didn’t you ever tell me? I asked darkly. Why keep me in the dark all these years? You couldn’t really believe it would change our relationship."

I was worried it might. Mom sighed. You can’t possibly understand, Alex.

Then explain it to me. I glared.

I told you. You were my daughter. My girl. I couldn’t stand the thought of something coming between us. And your mother, your biological mother—

Is she dead? I demanded.

Mom shook her head sadly. No, Alex. She’s very much alive.

Where is she? What’s her name? Why—

She didn’t want you.

My mom’s words broke through my anger and crippled me. I felt a weight descend into my chest, and suddenly, I could barely catch my breath.

Panic flashed through me, and my mom reached across the table. She grasped my hands tightly in hers and squeezed.

Hey, she said. Her eyes bored into mine. "I have always wanted you. From the day Henry introduced us, you were mine. Okay?"

I nodded and brushed a tear from my cheek.

I’m sorry, I said. I shouldn’t have felt that. I know she doesn’t matter. I know I already have a mom.

Of course, she matters. Mom sat back. That’s partly why we never told you. We knew how much her rejection would hurt you.

Again, I thought of Declan. Mila had been asking questions about her mother, and Declan was terrified of breaking her heart. The way mine was breaking now.

I shouldn’t care. I laughed and ran my hands over my face. She left me. Why does it matter now? I’m twenty-seven years old.

It hurts all the same.

Mom smiled sadly and watched me as I processed everything. As angry as I was, I knew why she and Dad had lied to me. Pamela Tanner had always been my mom. From my earliest memory to this very second, she was my mom.

I love you, I said suddenly.

Mom’s eyes filled with tears. I love you, too, sweetheart.

She stroked my cheek and sniffed. Shaking herself, she laughed and quickly filled both our plates with food. I knew it was just a way to distract us both. If she didn’t do something, her emotions would overwhelm her, and then, we would both start crying.

I’m sorry you had to find out from a letter, Mom said as we ate. There were better ways.

It’s fine. I shrugged. There’s not really a good way to find out that your mom isn’t really your mom.

Yeah. Mom laughed. I guess not.

It’s so screwed up, you know? I took a bite of eggs and chewed slowly.