Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (2 page)

“Very well….I offered
. But when the authorities do come to take your brother and sister away… remember I made you an offer and you turned it down.” Regina said standing.

“
An offer!” Bailey said shocked. “You truly expect me to just marry a total stranger so you can continue to live in your mansion?”

“It would be a marriage in name only
. Beckett has agreed to put you up in your own home, give you a generous allowance and your brother would have the finest medical attention money can buy.”

“And what does he get ou
t of this?” Bailey asked.

“His family
gets the use of our family name and all the doors it will open up for them in the south. In addition when required you will accompany him for public appearances.”

Bailey couldn’t
believe she was being serious. “And he’s agreed to this?”

“Yes….they wis
h to grow their empire and the South holds to its ways where Yankees are concerned. By marrying you he will be able to use the Montgomery name as a means to expand in the South.

“This is the 21
rst
century grandmother…..people can startup companies where ever they want and arranged marriages have long been scrapped.”

“You do not live in the
South. Our ways, our traditions and our hatred goes back further than you can imagine.” She said. “If you choose this offer than as long as you live up to the terms of the agreement you will be granted a divorce at the end of one year. The house will remain in your name and you will be given a sizeable amount of money for your troubles.”

“And what does the family get out of this?”

“The company will retain the family name and my sons will remain in their position. We will receive a monthly income and at the end of the year the Birmingham’s will purchase the company giving us not only a sizeable profit but allowing us to retain the dignity of our name.”

“Wait…your sons will retain their position
, the same sons that ran the company under? Bailey asked.

“They will retain the title….the
Birmingham’s will run the business.”

Regina watched as her granddaughter processed this last piece of information. She knew her granddaughter would have no choice which is why she timed her arrival just before social services arrived. When the
doorbell rang Bailey excused herself and went to the door. When she saw the woman with two police officers behind her she realized what her grandmother had told her was true.

“Bailey Montgomery?”
The woman asked with an air of authority meant to intimidate Bailey.

“Yes that’s me
.”

“My name is
Mrs. Bender, I am from Social Services and this gives me the authority to take into custody your brother Tristan and sister Alexis.” She said handing Bailey a sealed envelope. Bailey looked at it then at the two officers who were meant to help carry out the orders. Bailey felt her hands shake as she began to open the letter.

“That will
not be necessary.” Regina said stepping up behind Bailey. “My name is Regina Montgomery, I am Bailey’s grandmother. I have just recently arrived in town to fetch my grandchildren and take them back home to live with me.”

The woman seemed agitated that her authority was in question. “I’m sorry
Mrs. Montgomery but I have a court order as you can see.” She said trying to now intimidate Regina.

Regina took her own envelope out of her purse and handed it to
Mrs. Bender. She watched in satisfaction as she opened and read the papers.

“I believe you will see my lawyer has already been in contact with Judge
Strident and as you can see he has granted me full custody of my grandchildren. You will also see it was signed shortly after your paperwork which means you have been over ridden.”

“I have not been made aware of this
.” She said indignantly as the officers behind her smiled. It was evident they were not happy about this duty. They must have had some prior history with Mrs. Bender and were taking satisfaction seeing her flustered. “I will need to make a phone call.”

“Of course…Bailey dear, may
Mrs. Bender use your phone to clear up this matter?” Regina said sweetly as if she and Bailey were just catching up on old times.

Bailey looked from
Mrs. Bender to her grandmother who had a triumphant smile on her face. She knew she either had to agree to her grandmother’s terms or she could easily revoke the letter and the children would be carted away from their beds.

“Of course…..
it’s in the kitchen.” Bailey said stepping aside to allow Mrs. Bender to enter. As she did Regina turned to the officers.

“I believe your services will no longer be needed
. I’m sure you have more pressing duties than threatening a young girl who is just trying to keep her family together.” She admonished. Both officers looked embarrassed now looking first at Bailey than at Regina. They nodded and with their tails between their legs they left. Mrs. Bender came out of the kitchen in a huff and without a word she also left. Bailey stood there for a moment then looked at her grandmother.

“Our flight will be leaving at 2:00
. I will have your things boxed and shipped out. My lawyer is already taking care of unrolling the children at school and getting Tristan’s medical records forwarded to our doctor. He will also settle your accounts here if you leave the bills on the desk. I will send a car to pick you up around noon; will you be ready by then?”

Bailey didn’t like the fact she felt like she was being rushed into this and was about to protest when she felt the letter from social services in her hand. She didn’t have a choice and her grandmother knew it.

“We will be ready.” She answered.

“Very good….
don’t worry Bailey, this isn’t a death sentence you know. In one year you will be free again and richer.” She smiled as she opened the door.

Bailey watched her leave then closed the door behind her. Turning she looked back at her apartment and wondered what had she just committed them too. She didn’t have time to think about it as Alexis cries came from her room. Sighing she headed for her sisters room already knowing the sounds of her nightmares.

“Maybe a change would help her.” She thought as she opened the door to her sister’s room.

Pouring himself a drink Beckett replayed his conversation with his family earlier that evening. He didn’t know what surprised him the most their reaction or their objections to the deal he made with Regina Montgomery. During the last year Trent and Justin had had their shot at purchasing the Montgomery business. Trent had tried to simply buy them out while Justin had decided to underbid their contracts trying to put them out of business. At the end of the year neither had worked. He on the other hand had done his history on not just the family but the business.

Alistair Montgomery
had started as a carpenter in his father’s shop and with a keen sense of business he had quickly taken his father’s small company of 25 and built it into a thriving business with nearly 200 employees. Alistair had originally hoped his youngest son Ryder would take over the business but Ryder had disappointed the family when he married outside his station After being disowned his youngest son moved away to California where he was killed 6 years prior by a drunk driver leaving behind a pregnant wife and two children Alistair was consumed by grief and he began drinking. His wife Regina successful kept her husband’s condition under wraps. When he was found dead a few years back in his car one winter night under suspicious circumstances she ensured the coroner ruled it as a heart attack. The reins of the company were turned over to his eldest son Braxton who had a pension for fast cars and loose women. Braxton brought in his two sons to help manage the company and in less than three years they had nearly driven the company into the ground. Cutting costs on material and labor their once golden standard was now tarnished and the market should have been easy pickings for the Birmingham family.

The South had other ideas and
they were loyal to their own. They didn’t take too kindly to a Yankee corporation encroaching on their good old boy territory. Unlike his brothers Beckett had found their weakness in Regina’s pride. As the matriarch of the family she had seen them through the scandal of Ryder’s marriage to a girl from across the tracks. Then Braxton had gotten an under aged girl pregnant. A shotgun wedding and two sons later his young wife had committed suicide. Again Regina was there to cover up the mess. Their other son Kenneth was no better marrying a young socialite with a pension for gambling. He was constantly coming to his father for a bail out whenever his wife’s streak went south. Kenneth had three children a daughter who was known for her wild streak and loose morals and two sons both of whom turned out to be gay. Again Regina was there to cover the scandal. When Beckett requested an audience with her she had originally refused. He had then sent her a file that not only caught her attention but got him an immediate meeting.

His plan was simple, expose the deterioration of the company and the financial status to her. As he explained the headlines that would follow once the
company’s financial records were made public. The family name would be dragged through the mud and it was certain law suits would follow. His offer was simple; the Birmingham’s would secretly purchase the company but leave the Montgomery men in their roles as token representatives of the company. They would have no responsibilities and slowly over the year the Birmingham’s would assume their roles until they had established their reputation and good name. Besides the upfront purchase the Montgomery men would be paid an annual salary and be kept on till the end of the first year. At which point the sale would become official and the Montgomery men would be given a gracious severance package.

As for her role they would continue to supply her with an annual allowance for the period of five years. By then she would have had sufficient time to decide what to do with her life and property. Regina had listened to his presentation without saying a word. She watched as her lawyer studied his offer. He was confident she would take it and was unprepared when she decided to counter offer his proposal. For the most part she found his offers satisfactory but she wanted added insurance they would live up to their agreement. She proposed a merger not just by contract but by marriage. Beckett had laughed at her proposal until he realized she was serious.

“And just who do you propose marry whom?” He asked raising one eyebrow as he stood before her with his normal cocky grin.

“Since you were the smartest one to put this deal together I suggest you marry my
granddaughter Alicia.” She smiled. “It will be a simple arrangement; you provide her with a house and a monthly allowance. She in turn will give your roles within my company an air of legitimacy…true Southerners can smell a rat a mile away.” She grinned wiping the smirk from his face. “At the end of a year the two of you will severe your union, she will then be given a gracious sum of money for fulfilling her role as your wife during public functions.”

“
You want me to marry your granddaughter? You do realize I could just stand by and watch your company be run into the ground by your son and grandsons.”

“Yes…but then your family would not be able to expand down here. Believe me Mr
. Birmingham we Southerners not only stick together but we hold our grudges. The marriage I’m proposing doesn’t mean you can’t continue on with your affair with Miss Shelton.” She smiled knowing now she had surprised him. “Oh yes, like you I have done my history .and I know you have no intentions of marrying either her or any woman. By marrying Alicia you get the best of all worlds.”

“And how is that?”
He asked.

“You have the freedom to carry on with your mistress
with the blessing of your wife. Can you tell me another man who has that? It will also guarantee Miss Shelton won’t accidently forget to take her birth control to trap you if you are already off the market. If she decides she no longer wants to see you which I highly doubt then you are free to move on sooner than you anticipated.”

Beckett studied her and realized he had underestimated her. She had done her history and he wondered if she had even bugged his home. Macy had been dropping several hints lately about her girlfriends getting married and having children. She was two years older than him and for the last
few years had been his constant companion in bed. She was not only attractive but a wild cat when it came to sex. At first she had been content to keep their relationship purely physical but lately there had been hints of her biological clock ticking. Being married would be one way to put her off on her demands. Beckett shook his head when he realized he was actually considering her offer.

“
You’re telling me your granddaughter has already consented to this arrangement?” He asked looking for the flaw in her plan.

“Alicia likes her lifestyle
.” She stated. “I have no delusions where my family is concerned Mr. Birmingham…my husband and I failed miserably there.”

“Not with all your children
.” He said watching her reaction carefully. He was rewarded when he saw her knuckles turn white as she clenched her hands despite the icy calmness of her stare. She refused to take his bait.

“Those are my terms Mr
. Birmingham, the ball is now in your court.” She said standing clearly dismissing him. Irritated she was so pious he smiled.

“So when do I get to meet my bride
?”

She stopped and turned to him trying to determine if he was serious or just being irritating to try to goad a reaction out of her.

“My lawyer will draw up the paperwork. You can meet Alicia next week and we’ll have the engagement party in two weeks. That should give you time to arrange your families presence and deal with Ms. Shelton. If you will let my lawyer know how many will attend from your side we shall prepare rooms for you.”

“
That’s ok, we can get hotel rooms.” He protested.

“Mr
. Birmingham this is the South and you obviously have never heard of our Southern hospitality. If you wish to make this look legitimate you will stay in my home or there will be talk before you even tie the knot. I do hope you can keep your mistress away until after the ceremony.”

“And just
when exactly do you plan that?” He asked now irritated. He felt as if he was the one who had been manipulated in this deal instead of vice versa.

“
Two weeks after the engagement party. That should give you and Alicia time to put in enough appearances to make the wedding believable…don’t worry I will come up with a story to explain your whirlwind romance.”

“And will you also be supplying me with a script or do you plan on allowing me to wing it?”
He smirked.

“I believe you can handle yourself Mr
. Birmingham. I will have my lawyers draft up the paperwork and present it to you for review. Would you like me to take care of purchasing the house for your wife or do you wish to handle that?”

“I will handle that
.” He said irritated now with the arrangement.

“Very good
.” She said once again turning to leave. She stopped at the door and looked back at him. “Smile Mr. Birmingham, you were able to achieve what the rest of your family wasn’t. Your parents should be proud of you.”

He watched her leave and only after the door closed did he think about his family. He knew they were going to freak but once they learned the details
. He had assumed it would be an easy sell. Beckett went back to his hotel room and made preparations to fly home. True to her word Regina’s lawyer drafted the legal documents and had them delivered to his hotel the next morning. On the flight home he read over the documents and signed them before departing the family jet. His brother Ethan was waiting for him in the hanger office.

“How was your flight?” Ethan asked as Beckett
threw his bag in the back of the jeep.

“
Not bad.” He grinned. “So is the family celebrating?”

“
More curious as to how you pulled it off.” He grinned. “Just how did you?”

“I told you….I did my homework
.” He laughed. “You always under estimate me.”

“Maybe because you don’t take yourself seriously so why should we
. Is Macy joining the celebration or is this just a family affair?” He asked looking at his brother before pulling out on the road.

“
Just the family.” He frowned. “She doesn’t know I’m back yet.”

“Really….trouble in paradise?” Ethan said unable to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

“Look…I know you guys don’t like Macy, I’m not asking you too….it’s not like we’re ever going to get married.”

“
That will please mom.” He sighed. “Seriously why are you with her again?”

“She
’s good in bed.”

“So are half the women in
Montana. At least they’re not blood suckers.”

“She can be a little cold….reserved around you guys
.” Beckett admitted. “Maybe that’s because she knows you guys don’t like her.”

“Look we’ve tried
but it takes two for a relationship and she’s only interested in one thing; you….and your money.”

“It’s not my money….it’s our money
.” Beckett reminded him.

“That’s not what she thinks
.” He grinned

“Did we get the permits yet on the Harrison building
?” Beckett asked to change the subject.

“Yeah, the demo crew has already started gutting the place, we should have the plumbers in there by this weekend and I’ll try to get the
electricians started a few days late. I figure they can work around each other.”

“Has mom tried to redesign it again?”

“Not yet….I think dad was trying to keep her preoccupied till you got back. He knows how irritated you get when she starts putting post it notes on your designs.”

“The post it notes I can handle, it’s when she starts color coding them that I get annoyed
.”

“Yeah
.” Ethan laughed.

Settling back in his seat Beckett mulled over how he would explain to his family as the stared out the window.
Farmlands of green alfalfa lined the sides of the road until the mountains rose up in the distance. Occasionally a farm house would dot the horizon but there was no other sign of life. Beckett never understood how people could live in the city. He enjoyed his visits to Manhattan and travels with Macy but eventually the city walls began to creep in on him and he craved the wide open spaces of their ranch. Nestled in Madison Valley just outside of Ennis their nearest neighbor lived ten miles away. He had grown up on their parent’s 125 acre estate of open fields filled with pheasants, white-tailed deer and the occasional moose. They had several fishing ponds brimming with rainbow trout and panoramic views of rugged mountains in every direction. Their 5,000 square foot home sat on the banks of the pristine Madison River and with its lush green valleys was perfect for raising horses. While his parents had maintained rooms for each of his brothers in the main house they had also insisted each have their own home for privacy. Of all his brothers Beckett spend the least amount of time at home because Macy hated the isolation and knew his family resented her. His home was built the closets to his parents mainly because of his love for the horses. He had always been interested in designs and knew he would eventually go off to college for an architectural degree. His father gave him an internship in the office with his best designers and architects. Beckett had drawn up the basic design when he was a senior in high school for one of his class projects in art. When he went off to college he put the plans away but his mother found them one day cleaning and while he was away at school his family built it for him. Beckett loved the openness of his floor plan and the two story windows gave him an incredible view of the mountains. The lower level held a large living room with a walk in fireplace, a wraparound bar and a gourmet kitchen. There was an office, spare room and bathroom on the lower level. The upper level housed the master bedroom complete with a balcony and private bathroom, two additional rooms with their own bathrooms. An open loft provided a view of the living room below. Everything in the home was done in natural wood and travertine tile and he kept his colors consistent in rich browns, tans and blues. His mother had added a few ceramic pots but there was no mistaken it was strictly a man’s home. Ethan made a stop first at Beckett’s so he could change his clothes before heading to his parents. He wanted to get out of his suit and into a pair of jeans and t-shirt. As they pulled up Beckett’s parents were waiting on the porch. Beckett heard his father shout to his brothers as his mother came down to greet him.