The Secret Agent's Surprises

Josiah’s expression turned crafty. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way, Miss Perkins. I would be interested in helping you adopt the babies.”

“Me!” Priscilla’s mouth dropped open. “What would I do with four children, Mr. Morgan?”

“Give them the home they need. As sad as their lives are now, I think it would be sadder to be split up in different homes, and so on and so forth.” He shook his head. “Life is going to be hard enough for them.”

“I don’t see,” Priscilla said, trying to breathe through her shock, “how you ever came to think that I would be a suitable person to adopt four children.”

“As I said before,” Josiah said, “I’d heard by way of a little birdie that you might have a soft spot for my son, Pete.”

She blinked. “Oh, I see. You’re going to do to Pete what you did to Gabe and Dane. Tie them to women with children to increase your family name.” She stared at him. “Don’t you think you’re presuming a lot? First, that Pete would want to marry me, second, that he’d want four kids and, third, that the child-welfare agency would consider me suitable parenting material?”

“You and Pete,” Josiah said. “Whether or not Pete would want to marry you wouldn’t be the issue. Second, four kids will be a shock to his system, but talking care of that many babies would be no harder than being a secret agent. You did know that’s what he does for a living, didn’t you?” He watched her carefully.

“No,” Priscilla said, “and I’m not sure that child-welfare services will find that comforting, either. But go on. I’m riveted by how you not only move your sons like pawns, but anyone else you decide you need.”

“You’re amazed that I would play God to this extent,” Josiah said equitably, “and I don’t blame you. But when a man has nothing left to lose, he may as well shoot for the stars. At least I do.” He took a healthy swig of the amber liquid she’d poured in his glass. “Have some. It helps sometimes.”

“I need clear, focused wits around you, thank you,” she shot back. “You’ve stunned me.”

“It’s simple enough,” Josiah said. “Pete needs to get married. I doubt you would be able to sleep knowing that four little newborns are going to be without parents when you could do something about it.”

“Newborns?” Priscilla straightened. “How young are the children?”

“Sadly, only a month old.”

“They’re quadruplets?”

Josiah beamed. “I did mention Nancy’s surgery, didn’t I? Worked like a charm.”

“Are they still in the hospital?”

He nodded. “That’s how I learned about them. I was visiting the hospital, and the nurses were talking about the accident. So, so sad.”

“Not to be rude, but do you just troll the hospital nursery looking for children and unwed mothers?” Priscilla asked.

“No,” he said, laughing, not offended at all. “It’s just that this time, I thought of you.”

“You know nothing about me at all. I could be a horrible person.”

“It’s not hard to find things out in small towns.” Josiah raised a glass to her. “Your parents raised you well, educated you, loved you a lot. You’re very close to them, which would mean extra grandparents for these little ones. You’ll need a lot of help, you know.”

Astonishment held Priscilla nearly numb. “Did you have my tea shop and home business reevaluated?”

He looked at her. “What do you mean?”

“I got a notice that my home is worth less now.”

“That’s happening a lot in this economy. Banks don’t have as much money to lend, so they’re weaseling a bit.” He shook his head. “No, I would never have anything to do with devaluing a property. I’ve made my money in commercial and private real estate around the world. I’d be the last one who would ever want to see property values depreciate.” He looked at her. “Is that the real reason you came to see me?”

“I knew you were a meddler,” Priscilla said, lifting her chin, “and I suppose the thought came to mind. I apologize if it was incorrect.”

“Young lady, you’re entitled to think anything you want of me, but it hurts that you’d jump to such a negative conclusion.” He sniffed. “Contrary to what my sons think of me, nowadays most people think I’m a pretty nice old fellow.”

She held his gaze. “Josiah, you’ve been called a jackass by many people, pardon the term. I’m sorry if I had my doubts, but the bad news came right after your visit. I simply wondered how badly you wanted to pull your son’s strings.”

“You’re a shrewd one, I’ll give you that.” He eyed her sternly. “The folks who call me a jackass are jealous, and I don’t let that bother me. Some folks needed to get to know me better, and some I’ve had to ask for forgiveness. I can be shortsighted. But one thing I’m not is a chiseler. Anybody who’s done anything I’ve asked has benefited enormously in the financial sense and, I’d like to think, in the emotional sense.” He shifted in his armchair. “I’m hoping people will remember me fondly when I’m gone.”

“I don’t think you’re going anywhere anytime soon,” Priscilla said.

“Don’t be so certain, missy. This deal I’m trying to work with you has a definite expiration date.”

She sighed. “You know this is an impossible situation. Even if I wanted to be a mother to four babies, I’m not confident I could manage it. I have no experience. I wouldn’t know a pacifier from a—” She stopped speaking as the front door opened. Josiah turned, his brow wrinkling.

Pete Morgan walked through the door and dropped a black duffel bag on the floor. He closed the door behind him, looking down the hallway to where he could see his father and Priscilla sitting in the den. His face was grim, an expression Priscilla hadn’t seen last month. Tall and dark and beautiful, the man who’d been so playful with her and Cricket and Suzy last month was gone. In his place was a lean, well-muscled warrior with a wary expression that hinted at something dark in his soul. Priscilla shivered. She didn’t think she’d feel as comfortable around him now as she had when he’d been teasing and carefree.

“Pop,” Pete said. “Hello, Priscilla.”

“Well, the prodigal returns,” Josiah said.

Pete shook his head. “You’re the prodigal. I heard you were in residence.”

“I’ve moved back for good,” Josiah said.

“Good for you,” Pete said. “I won’t plan on staying long, then.”

Priscilla shifted, feeling awkward. “Maybe I should go.”

“Maybe you should stay,” Pete said. “The old man needs companionship.”

“I have plenty, thank you. Gabe and Dane and their wives and children visit frequently.” Josiah’s expression turned cantankerous. “I suppose you only came home for your million.”

Pete hesitated, glanced at Priscilla. “Darn right.”

“Well. You’ll have to live here with me to get it.”

“That’s a persuasive argument.” Pete looked at Priscilla. “What would you do for a million dollars?”

Chapter Three

Priscilla stood. “I’m going to let you two go over old times. I’ve overstayed my welcome, anyway.”

Pete looked at his father. “Don’t you love the way she talks? So ladylike and proper.”

Josiah grinned. “She’s not hard to listen to at all.”

Priscilla shook her head. “You two are cut from the same cloth. I hope you enjoy your visit together.”

“Walk her to the door, Pete, will you?” Josiah shifted. “I’d get up, Miss Priscilla, but I’ve been tired lately.”