Can't Say No Read online

  When Vanessa went to get Curtis and Courtney’s booster seats, he stopped her. “No, need. There is nothing for you to worry about. I took care of everything.” He squeezed her waist as he urged her toward his gleaming Navigator. He helped her into the front seat, then went to check that the twins were buckled into a brand-new set of booster seats and Lana was strapped into the middle seat.

  “We all set?” Ralph asked as he slid into his seat.

  “Yes.” Vanessa, touched by his forethought in regard to her family, blinked back tears. Aw, oh, tears signal emotional distress. Not good. She knew she had to be cautious. She was feeling too much, which made her vulnerable.

  Ralph could be all charm. Not that she thought he would take advantage, but she was used to being in control. Tonight, she was a very long way from that. If anything, she was close to collapsing, and she didn’t want that. She was so darn needy. She should have come up with an excuse and stayed home and locked herself inside her room until she had time to pull herself together.

  The popular family restaurant was crowded. Even though it was a weeknight, the place was packed. The twins weren’t fussy eaters, but their favorite food outside of hamburgers was spaghetti and meatballs with lots of cheese.

  Vanessa did her best to hold on to her composure, asking Ralph about his trip. Deep in thought, she picked at the food in front of her. When Ralph asked if something was wrong, she shook her head. Aware of his silent inquiry she reached beneath the table for his hand and slipped hers into one of his, then whispered, they would talk later. He nodded his understanding, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  Relieved that the children were busy laughing and teasing each other, Vanessa concentrated on holding on to her smile. It took every bit of her control to succeed. She released a weary sigh when everyone settled on hot-fudge sundaes for dessert.

  “What is it?” Ralph whispered into her ear, as they walked hand in hand to the car.

  “I’ll explain when we’re alone.” When she attempted to move out of his reach he held on to her.

  She looked up at him in surprise when he said, “It’s not us, is it?”

  She shook her head. She was trembling so hard that she needed his support as he helped her into the car. She blinked back tears of stunned dismay. Suddenly, she realized she didn’t have a single doubt that Ralph would be there for her in the coming weeks. All she had to do was ask for his help. The question was, did she have the courage to ask? Or would she let her fear of repeating her mother’s mistakes prevent her from reaching out to him? This wasn’t Ralph’s problem. It was hers. In the end, she had to do what was best for her family. If only she was certain what that was.

  After the children thanked Ralph for dinner, she asked wearily, “I’ve got to go up and get the kids settled. It shouldn’t take long. Can you…”

  “I’m not going anywhere until I find out what has you so upset.” Caressing her cheek with a finger, he smiled. “Take your time. I’ll be out on the back sunporch.”

  “Okay.” She hurried up the stairs. It took less time than she expected to get the twins ready for bed. After tucking them in, she left Lana soaking in a tubful of bubbles reading a romantic novel.

  Vanessa stopped in her room to retrieve the letter she’d casually opened a few hours earlier. Now she felt as if her world were crashing in around her. She hesitated on the threshold, wondering if she was wrong to share this with Ralph. She sighed; if she didn’t, she might explode. Ralph was her friend and she badly needed a friend.

  Ralph relaxed on one end of the swing, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

  He’d switched on the floor lamp in the corner.

  “Would you care for a drink?” She braced a hand on the doorjamb. Her stomach was a mass of nerves.

  “I’m good.” He patted the cushion beside him. “Sit with me…please.”

  Vanessa, who was so close to crumbling and feared she’d end up in a heap of inconsolable sobs, didn’t argue. She went over and gave him the letter. “Read this. Then we’ll talk.”

  “This was what stole your smile all evening?”

  “Yes. The instant I saw Gregory Cummingham’s name, I knew we were in serious trouble.”

  “Gregory Cummingham?”

  “The twins’ father. Just read it.” When he finished, she whispered, “What am I going to do? I can’t believe I am telling you this, but you want to be my friend. So friend, tell me what to do. I can’t afford a high-priced attorney.”

  Vanessa shouldn’t have been surprised by how fast he moved; after all, the man had been a professional basketball player. She was in his arms, her cheek against his chest before she could ask for what she needed…she craved his strength and support.

  “What you’re not going to do is hand over custody of the twins,” he snarled furiously as he held her tenderly, his hand gently moving over her shoulders and back.

  Vanessa did just what she’d tried to avoid, she cried scalding-hot tears she’d held in all through dinner. Beneath it all was the overwhelming fear that if she wasn’t extremely careful, she’d lose the twins.

  “Go ahead. Let it out, beautiful,” he soothed. “He won’t win. I promise.”

  Vanessa cried harder, then gradually calmed, enough to form a coherent thought. Finally, she said, “How can I stop him? He’s not only filthy rich, he’s a powerful criminal attorney. And he really is the twins’ father.” She sniffed.

  Ralph’s brow creased in concern. “No doubts?” he asked as he passed her a tissue.

  “None,” Vanessa said, unhappily, as she mopped at the steady stream of tears. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to break down like that.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for, beautiful.” Reaching for her hand, he led Vanessa back over to the swing. They sat side by side, with Ralph’s arm draped around her shoulders.

  “I’m missing the facts. Tell me about Cummingham. All I know is that he takes on high-profile cases and usually wins. And he recently married a TV journalist.”

  Vanessa released a tired sigh. “That’s right. When my mother met him at her office, she was a legal assistant. He wasn’t married then. In fact, he swore he’d never marry.” She paused, then explained, “My mother, Leah, had been a housewife until our father died from a sudden heart attack three years earlier. She was forced to go back to the work she’d done before she married.

  “While he was busy seducing her, he never bothered to tell her he was a womanizing cheat. He ended up not only breaking her heart, but her spirit as well. She loved him. And how did he repay her devotion? When she told him she was pregnant, he ran out on her and never looked back.”

  Ralph kissed Vanessa’s forehead. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

  “Yeah, me too. My mother was ashamed of being pregnant without a husband. Can you imagine how she felt? Used, degraded, and, most important, the love she so cherished was one-sided.” Vanessa bit her lip. “She was devastated. That’s when Lana and I lost her.” She broke down, sobbing.

  “Shush, beautiful. You don’t have to explain.” Ralph tightened his arms around her, but as quickly as he brushed them away, more tears welled up in her dark eyes.

  “I want to tell you. I want you to understand what kind of man Greg Cummingham is. Everyone thinks he’s such a wonderful man because he’s done so much for the black community. Well, he wasn’t wonderful to my mother. He ended up destroying her. She didn’t want to live, not for me or Lana, and not for the babies. Yes, there were problems with the pregnancy, but that’s not why she died. She gave up, Ralph.”

  The tears came, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop them. She had no idea how long the emotional storm lasted, but Ralph held her through it all. Drained, she slumped against him, exhausted.

  Unfortunately, Greg Cummingham was still the twins’ biological father, and he was seeking full custody. Yet Vanessa felt better, even stronger. And she knew the change in her had everything to do with Ralph’s support.

  For so
me reason, Cummingham wanted the twins. She would have to fight to keep them. But she would not be facing him alone.

  Sixteen

  Ralph didn’t say a word. He knew that there was nothing he could say to ease the worry or pain she was facing. She was an incredible woman who didn’t deserve this heartache. There were a few choice words that he wanted to say to that lowlife, Greg Cummingham, but nothing that could be said in front of his lady.

  “I’m…”

  He kissed her tenderly. “Stop saying you’re sorry. You have good reason to feel the way you do. Tell me, what can I do to help? Would you like me to contact my lawyer to find the top child-custody attorney in the state?”

  “I’d love to say yes, but how can I? I can’t afford any attorney good or bad.” Her velvet brown eyes were swimming in tears. Worrying her bottom lip, she admitted, “I also know I don’t have a choice. To beat Cummingham, I need the best. What am I going to do?” she whispered aloud.

  “It’s going to be all right, sweetheart. I’ll contact my lawyer. It shouldn’t take long to get things rolling. You have any idea why Cummingham is doing this? What made him change his mind? Until now he was content, pretending he didn’t have kids. Right?”

  “That’s right. When you asked me what was wrong, I’m sure you didn’t expect to be caught up in my problems. Tonight wasn’t supposed to end like this. First you had to share me with my family, now you are stuck mopping up my tears.” She looked at him with eyes full of disappointment.

  “Will you stop apologizing? I enjoyed the time we have together. You and the kids are a complete package. And I’ve accepted that. What I don’t like is knowing you’re worrying about money. Let me take care of it for you.” Lightly, he pressed his fingertips to her soft full lips before she could get the protest out. “You can’t afford it without sacrificing something that I’m sure is for one of the kids. Money is not a problem for me. In fact, I’d love to be able to do this for you. Say yes, beautiful.”

  Vanessa shook her head. “You know I can’t. And you know why.”

  Frustrated, Ralph snapped, “You gave that a great deal of thought. What did it take? Six, or was than ten, seconds’ worth of deliberation?”

  Vanessa had the nerve enough to smile at his quip. She ran a hand soothingly over his chest. “Don’t be mad.”

  Ralph rose to his feet and began to move restlessly around the screened porch, which overlooked the Grants’ backyard. A warm breeze caused the leaves to dance and flutter in the old oak tree in the yard. Despite the late hour, the scorching heat of the day had not abated.

  Ralph cleared his throat before he grumbled, “I’ve never met a woman less interested in my bank balance. We’re not talking about an expensive designer bag or something as frivolous as a week in the islands. Nessa, this is the twins’ future we’re talking about here.”

  Stubbornly, lifting her chin, she said, “I appreciate your offer, but I’m really not your responsibility. While I need your support, I don’t want your money. I will find a way.”

  He could tell by the way she worried her bottom lip that her solution involved raiding the piggy bank. Not good. “How? By going into Lana’s college fund? Or the money you set aside for the kids’ school clothes? How are you going to get the money?” He was practically shouting. “And don’t you dare tell me it’s none of my business.”

  Tears shimmered in her beautiful eyes, but she didn’t let a single one fall. Her hands were balled into small fists, as she insisted, “I’m only doing what I have to do. How can I take money from you? It wouldn’t be right. There has to be another way.”

  “Such as?”

  “I don’t know!”

  He quirked a brow. “You are talking about pride, Vanessa Grant. That’s the only thing standing in your way. Why are you making it personal? You need what I’m offering, and I’m willing to give it to you. I can give you a blank check tonight. You fill in the amount.” He reached into the inside pocket of his sport coat.

  She glared at him. “Stop it! You’re making light of a very difficult and painful situation. I don’t appreciate it!”

  Ralph gritted his teeth, knowing she was picking a fight with him. Why, because she could? She was female and knew damn well she wasn’t making a bit of sense. He also knew there wasn’t a thing he could say because she had stopped listening.

  He came toward her with no intention of backing down, while she angled her chin upward and didn’t take a single step backward. She was no match for him, and they both knew it. He didn’t stop until the tips of their shoes nearly touched. Despite his frustration, he was impressed. There were grown men who would not go toe to toe with him, but, his Nessa did.

  “Don’t!”

  “What?” He grinned at her.

  “Don’t try to use masculine charm to get your way. Neither fierce determination or smooth-talking trash will get you anywhere with me, Ralph Prescott. Accept it! You’re not going to win.” Her forehead creased, but her pretty mouth tilted up a bit at the corners.

  He couldn’t help it, he laughed and leaned down to brush her soft lips against his. “Should I try another tactic? A few hot kisses.”

  “Nope. My mother made her share of mistakes, but she taught me to respect myself. I can’t do that taking your money.”

  “I could lend you the money, as your friend.”

  She shook her head. “Why? I can’t pay it back.”

  Staring into her beautiful face, he realized he was hurt. After years of hard work and having a successful career, he was powerless to help the one woman that mattered. He shoved the checkbook back into his pocket, wishing to shove her rejection away. Had he ever felt so helpless? What was a small amount to him was enormous to her. She had him so twisted inside he didn’t know what to say to get her to change her mind. But he had to! The consequence of her refusal could be disastrous. Cummingham was a shark. He would win.

  He shocked them both when he asked, “Would you take money from your husband?”

  She laughed as if he’d told a joke, then said matter-offactly, “Of course. Everyone knows that married couples share everything.”

  “Then marry me.” His heart pounded in his chest as he waited for her answer.

  As if doubting her hearing, she asked, “Did you…”

  “Yes. I asked you to marry me. If that’s what you need to use my money to protect those babies, then let’s get on with it. From what you’ve told me about Cummingham, I agree with you wholeheartedly. He doesn’t deserve a place in their lives.”

  Vanessa wrinkled her pretty little nose when she snapped, “What is your problem, Ralph? People don’t marry because one of them is in a jam.”

  “People marry for all kinds of reasons. You asked for my help. Well, I’m offering in a way that should appease your misplaced pride. Don’t be a fool! Take the money.”

  She crossed her arms, unwittingly drawing his gaze to her lush breasts. His body began to harden with need. For once, sex was not his primary concern. He didn’t want to stand back and watch her devastation from losing the twins. Careful not to touch her, he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets.

  “You are the one making this a lot bigger than ‘misplaced pride.’ Why would I want to marry a man I know doesn’t want to be saddled with a wife? And certainly not three kids? That’s asking for heartache. No thanks!”

  “Vanessa, you’re forgetting one important consideration. We’re friends, as well as lovers. We will both know why we’re going into this. Cummingham thinks he’s going after a young woman with limited resources. In that case, it’s a fight he is assured of winning. Right?”

  “Yes! What does that have to do with anything?”

  “It’s the reason for the suit. He knows he can win. That will change as soon as he learns you are engaged to a man who can more than match his income. He will back off, guaranteed!” Ralph could not believe this crazy discussion. What he hadn’t wrapped his mind around was the fact he had actually asked a woman to marry him, and she’d
refused.

  “You don’t know that.”

  “Sure I do,” he said stubbornly, folding his arms over his chest.

  Vanessa rolled her eyes. Throwing her hands up in sheer frustration, she hissed, “Are all men so pigheaded, or is it just you? Greg Cummingham is not afraid of you! For all I know he has half the judges in the state in his back pocket. I don’t care about what he thinks or feels. All I care about are those two babies asleep upstairs.” She paused to catch her breath. “But as much as I love them, I have no intention of ruining your life or mine, in order to play some underhanded trick on Cummingham. Forget it!”

  “Cummingham fights to win. He won’t back down,” Ralph persisted.

  “Neither will I. But marriage isn’t the answer. I will find a way to fight him, just not tonight. It’s late. And I’m tired. Please, do me a favor and go home. I’ve had enough for one day.”

  Ralph wasn’t ready to leave. If left up to him, he would stay and fight it out. He didn’t plan to stop until she quit complaining and took his money. But he could also see by the slump of her shoulders and the quiver of her bottom lip that she had had enough for one night. She was clearly exhausted.

  Rather than argue, he dropped his head and kissed the side of her neck, inhaling her sweet feminine scent. “Try not to worry, beautiful. And get some sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow. Okay?”

  “Yes.” She brushed her lips against his jaw. “Good night. And thanks for caring enough to try and help. I really appreciate it.”

  “’Night.” He gave her a gentle squeeze before he walked out the front door. “Lock up. And don’t forget the alarm.”

  “I will, good night.” Vanessa closed the door while he waited outside, listening for the sound of the dead bolt, then the beeping of the burglar alarm being activated.

  He hurried down the porch stairs, to the sidewalk and to his car. Deep in thought, he started the engine and drove off. But he didn’t head home. Instead he drove to Wesley’s home. Before he got out of the car, he punched in his attorney, Russell Morgan’s number, on his cell. Russell headed the family-owned Morgan Corporate Law Offices in downtown Detroit. Over the years the two men had become friends. Ralph wasn’t concerned by the late hour. Like Ralph, Russell was a bachelor and workaholic. The call didn’t take long. Explaining to his oldest cousin what he’d done would take longer.