The Delacourt Scandal by Sherryl Woods

Author:Sherryl Woods [Woods, Sherryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, General, Scandals, And Baby Makes Three
ISBN: 9780373243631
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 2000-11-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter NineTyler wasn’t nearly as relaxed as Maddie appeared to be when the doorbell rang an hour later announcing Jeb’s arrival. He knew what his brother was capable of. Maybe Emma’s presence would keep him on his best behavior.

“You were mighty late getting home tonight,” Jeb said when he came through the door, slowing his pace to accommodate Emma’s halting gait. “The munchkin and I were going to buy you ice cream.”

Tyler knew the precise moment when Jeb caught sight of Maddie, because a glint of anticipation lit in his eyes. For once Rodney had been discreet. The doorman apparently hadn’t said a word to Jeb about Tyler’s company.

“You must be Maddie,” he said at once. “I’m Jeb, the handsome one. And this is Emma, my princess.”

Maddie smiled and held out a hand to Jeb’s stepdaughter. “I’m very happy to meet you, Emma.”

Jeb turned to Tyler. “She didn’t say she was happy to meet me. What have you been telling her?” he asked with feigned indignation.

“Just the truth, big brother.”

“Don’t listen to a word he says,” Jeb advised. “I’m innocent of all charges.”

Maddie grinned. “I suppose that remains to be seen.”

Emma listened attentively to the exchange, then turned to Tyler, obviously bored by the grown-ups’ conversation. “Uncle Tyler, can I go play with your video games? Jeb promised.”

“Oh, he did, did he? He always did like to give away my toys. Go on, darlin’. If you want to get your socks beat off, call me.”

Emma laughed delightedly. “It’ll never happen. You’re pitiful.”

“And you’re entirely too smart.”

“Mama says a woman can never be too smart,” Emma said primly.

“Not when dealing with a Delacourt, that’s for sure,” Maddie agreed.

“Hey,” Tyler and Jeb protested in unison.

Emma and Maddie shared a grin.

“Maybe you should come play with me,” Emma suggested to Maddie. “I’ll bet you’re really good at video games.”

“Maybe I will, if these two get too obnoxious. But the truth is, I’ve never played a video game.”

“See you in a few minutes,” Emma said confidently. “I can teach you everything you need to know.”

Jeb regarded her with a wounded expression. “I think my little angel just insulted us.”

“She did. It hasn’t taken her long to get to know you, has it?” Tyler watched as Emma hobbled off, amazed by her fierce determination to overcome the injuries that had threatened her ability to ever walk again. Then he turned to Maddie. “Emma is Brianna’s little girl and Jeb’s stepdaughter. She was in an accident a couple of years ago. She’s just learning to walk again.”

“Forget walking. She’s running me ragged,” Jeb said. “She gets stronger every day, thank goodness.”

Tyler watched his brother as he deliberately turned his attention to Maddie.

“So, Maddie Kent, tell me all about yourself. When’s the wedding?”

“Very funny,” Tyler said. “I told you Mother got that all wrong.”

“You told me,” Jeb agreed. “Have you told her?”

Tyler shook his head. “Not a chance. It’s serving my purposes. But Maddie’s threatening to tell her.” He gave an exaggerated shudder. “Which is fine by me as long as I’m not close by for the explosion.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.