The Billionaire's Final Stand Read online

  Family comes first in the continuation of

  The Billionaire Bachelors Series

  Join the Anderson Family

  In Book Seven,

  The Billionaire’s Final Stand

  The Billionaire’s Final Stand

  Billionaire Bachelors – Book Seven

  By Melody Anne

  Copyright © 2012 Melody Anne

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Printed and published in the United States of America.

  Published by Gossamer Publishing Company

  kaz

  Editing done by Exclusive Publishing

  Cover art done by Exclusive Publishing Company

  Salt Lake City, Utah

  Look for us online at:

  www.exclusivepublishing.com

  Email: [email protected]

  Dedication

  One of the greatest men I know is my father-in-law, who I modeled Joseph after. He’s so handsome and talented, and has the biggest heart. What a great support he’s been from the beginning of my journey into the world of writing. This is dedicated to you, Ed. I adore you.

  Note from the Author

  Oh, how this book has been a joy to write, and also sad at the same time. I love the Anderson’s. I feel like they’re a part of my own family, like I can sit down with Emily and have a chat, or sit in on a board meeting with Lucas. I adore Joseph. He’s always been the key to the whole series for me. I thought of him long before any of the rest came. I’m an avid reader and I love the stories with meddling fathers, parents, neighbors, friends, and so on. I also love books that I get to read about how the lives of the main couple continue. I knew from the moment I started writing that I was going to write series books. This story continued to grow bigger because I couldn’t let the Andersons go. This is the final book… for now. There are a lot of children being born, and you all know that romance book years move much quicker than regular years. So in a year or two, I may miss them and have to come back for a visit. That’s something I always wonder about, too, when reading. How are they five years down the road? In the real world, there’s divorce and deaths and all those other awful things. Well, rest assured, I refuse to have that with my characters. Yes, people may die at times, but I want a happily ever after. I want a love between my characters that nothing can break apart. I want the fairy tale I always dreamed about as a child. I have my own fairy tale ending right now and my characters deserve the same.

  Thank you to all of my fans. I truly do read each and every one of your emails and posts on Facebook and twitter, even Goodreads. I look forward to opening Facebook in the morning and seeing all the wonderful posts from all of you. I love those sexy pictures, and I love your words of encouragement. Thank you to the many who have been there from the beginning. Just to name a few: Kim, Jane, Genny, Melissa, Nikki, Hillary, Denise, Janet, Linda, Amanda, Carolyn, Lori, Mary, Karen, Ginny, Sandra, Hilary, Julie, Cynthia. The list really goes on and on, and I almost don’t want to put names, because I in no way want to leave one of you out. I just want you to know that, yes, I do read it all, me, not my publicist. I’ve been very emphatic that Facebook will forever remain mine to communicate with. Sometimes it takes a while, but I’ll eventually get there. Thank you!!!

  Also huge thanks to Jack Martin. You’re my hero and the hardest working publisher known to man. Thank you for always immediately responding to the dumbest of questions, for going the extra mile when I email at 2am saying I have to change something right away, and for going above and beyond to find out information. I’m so very happy to have met you.

  As always, thank you to my story editor, Nikki. I adore you. Since you started, my books have become so much stronger. What you’ve done with the old manuscripts, and now each of my new ones still blows me away. Thank you for never letting me settle for less than the best, even when I’m whining that I don’t want to change another thing.

  Thank you to Stephanie for your amazing medical advice. I would know nothing about codes, how nurses speak, and most importantly, where the good spots are for having a steamy sex rendezvous. I love you, and your dirty mind.

  Many thanks to the other hard working authors out there, who have helped guide me, support me, lent an ear, and taught me so much. You’re an inspiration to me every day with how hard you work and the determination you have to write only the best. There are far too many of you to name.

  Finally, thanks to my family. Without you, there’d be no purpose in my life. I love you, heart and soul, and everything I do is for you. I can’t imagine my life without my beautiful children, who make me smile, laugh, growl, and cry. I love you. And I’m so happy to have such a large extended family. Holidays are chaotic, messy, and full of laughter.

  I apologize if I left anyone out, and I know I did. I’m incredibly blessed with many people around me who inspire, selflessly help, and make my world a better place. I could write a book about just the people who mean so much.

  Melody Anne

  Books by Melody Anne

  *The Billionaire Wins the Game – Book One

  *The Billionaire’s Dance – Book Two

  *The Billionaire Falls – Book Three

  *The Billionaire’s Marriage Proposal – Book Four

  *Blackmailing the Billionaire – Book Five

  *Runaway Heiress – Book Six

  *The Billionaire’s Final Stand – Book Seven

  +The Tycoon’s Revenge – Book One

  +The Tycoon’s Vacation – Book Two

  +The Tycoon’s Proposal – Book Three

  -Midnight Fire – Rise of the Dark Angel – Book One

  -Midnight Moon – Rise of the Dark Angel – Book Two

  See Melody on Facebook at facebook.com/authormelodyanne

  Melody’s Web Site: www.melodyanne.com

  Twitter: @authmelodyanne

  Coming Soon:

  Midnight Storm – Rise of the Dark Angel – Book Three

  The next book in Baby for the Billionaire Series: Loved by the Tycoon

  New Series: Because of Honor

  The Anderson Family

  Joseph Anderson – (M) – Katherine Simerly

  / / /

  Lucas Alex Mark

  Lucas Anderson (m) Amy Harper

  / /

  Jasmine Katherine (c) Isaiah Allen (c)

  Alex Anderson (m) Jessica Sanders

  / /

  Jacob (c) Katie (c)

  Mark Anderson (m) Emily Jackson

  / /

  Trevor (a,c) Tassia (c)

  George Anderson (M) Amelia Grant(d)

  (M) Esther Lion

  / / / /

  Trenton Max Bree Austin

  Trenton Anderson (m) Jennifer Stellar

  / /

  Molly (n,a) Weston (c)

  Max Anderson (m) Cassie McKentire

  /

  Ariel (c)

  Bree Anderson (m) Chad Redington

  /

  Mathew (c)

  Austin Anderson (m) Kinsey Shelton

  /

  Isabelle (c)

  (m) = Married (d) = deceased (c) = child (n) = niece (a) = adopted

  Prologue


  “I can’t believe how the time has passed. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in my empty house, worried I’d never have grandkids. Now, not only do I have a brood of them climbing the walls, but also several great-nieces and nephews. I can’t imagine life getting much better than this.”

  “You won’t hear any arguments from me. Before I decided to move the family back home, we were falling apart. Look at me now. I’m a grandfather, and our life is how it should be. I’ll miss my Amelia until the day I die, but I finally feel like it’s okay to let go of the sorrow that’s been present since her death. What helps the most is having my children close to home, and those grandkids of mine have brought joy to my life I never thought possible again,” George replied to his twin brother, Joseph.

  The two men flew down the interstate, driving with the top down, enjoying a rare warm evening in the normally cool city of Seattle. They acted more like teenage boys, than men in their sixties, as their laughter was quickly carried away on the wind, deep into the sparkling sky.

  “I thought Katherine told you to get rid of this deathtrap several months ago,” George remarked.

  “She did, so you’d better not tell her what we’ve been up to. A little wind in our hair and bugs in our teeth rejuvenate these old bodies far more than those stinking spas she drags me to. What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her – or me.” Joseph laughed at his own joke. It didn’t take long for George to join him.

  Knowing he was doing something a little dangerous felt good. His doctor told him he had to cut back on salt. His wife said he needed to get more exercise. He was tired of doing everything that was healthy and good for him. He didn’t see anything wrong in seeking adventure once in a while. When he felt a craving for an adrenaline rush, it was either stay home and go crazy, or pull the convertible out of the garage.

  “Only one more kid to marry off. What are we going to do once we take care of Austin?” George asked.

  “I’d say you’re looking at getting married, yourself,” Joseph quickly replied.

  “Don’t you even try your matchmaking on me, Joseph Anderson. We’re a team. We don’t plot against each other,” George said in a huff. Joseph laughed at the sour expression on his brother’s face.

  “Ah, don’t worry about it, George. I wouldn’t think of doing that,” he finally said, though he made sure to cross his toes. He knew something was going on between George and Esther, but he hadn’t been able to catch the two of them yet – just give him time…

  “I know we don’t talk about it, George, but since your heart attack, I’ve felt my mortality a little more with each passing day,” Joseph said, his voice growing quiet, barely audible above the screaming wind whipping through the car.

  “I was scared, Joseph. More scared than I let anyone know. I wasn’t worried about dying. I’ve lived a good life. I was worried about my family. They’ve had enough loss with losing their mother. They don’t need to go through it again,” George said, his own voice low.

  “Maybe I should sell this car, though I love it. I don’t want to admit we’re aging, but growing old does have its advantages. I get to be a grandfather, which is better than I ever imagined it being, plus I get to watch my wife grow more beautiful with each passing day. I have too much to be grateful for to risk throwing it away.”

  “Well then, brother, I’m sure glad we’ve gotten one last ride in,” George said with laughter.

  As they approached their exit, Joseph reluctantly slowed down and departed the freeway. The wind from their hundred-mile-an-hour ride decreased as they slowed to thirty and turned a corner. Neither of them was ready for the night to end, but Katherine would be home soon, and they had to get the car parked and hurry inside, or they’d be busted.

  “There was definitely something going on between Austin and Kinsey last year, but nothing came from it. I’ve watched them since then, and there are certainly sparks flying. He’s been chasing her, though trying to be cool about it, and she’s running as if the hounds of hell are nipping at her heels. I’ve also noticed some simmering looks she’s shot his way when she thinks no one is paying attention. I think it’s time to push the two of them together. I know it’s only a matter of time before they can’t resist the temptation.”

  “What do you have in mind?” George eagerly asked.

  “Well-” Joseph began.

  “What the-” George cried out.

  Joseph turned his head in George’s direction, just in time for his heart to jump into his throat as bright lights bore down on them. He didn’t even have time to blink before a full-size truck crashed into the side of their vehicle, sending the car flying through the air.

  Joseph looked at his brother for one endless, terrifying second, time standing still as they floated high above the ground.

  “I’m sorry…” Joseph whispered, not knowing if the words left his throat, let alone registered to George.

  Their car came hurtling to the ground with a sickening crunch. Glass shattered as metal twisted in on itself, making the convertible unrecognizable. The only movement was one wheel as it spun in circles on the mangled wreck of a car.

  For a brief second silence reigned in the busy city of Seattle.

  House lights began flickering on as people rushed from their homes to investigate the noise. Several brave citizens rushed forward to see if there was any hope for the people in the car.

  Neither Joseph, nor George, stirred as sirens broke the eerie silence of the dark night. Still no movement when the ambulance arrived, paramedics struggling through the twisted remains of the vehicle as they attempted to get to the two men. They were shaking their heads as they began mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions. It didn’t look good…

  Chapter One

  One Year Ago

  “You’re radiant. I’m incredibly grateful for persistent reporting, an especially for snow storms in Alaska because right now I’m the luckiest man in this room,” Max told Cassie as he suddenly dipped her low to the ground, before lifting her back up, bringing her body close to his.

  “You make me tremble,” Cassie sighed, her eyes devouring him.

  “I want to drag you out of here right now,” he growled while his hand drifted down her satin wedding gown and gripped her hip, pulling her tight against him.

  “I’m not stopping you,” she purred, a seductive smile on her face.

  Max’s eyes rounded as her words sunk in and he realized she was giving him permission to haul her away. He stopped dancing and grabbed her hand, prepared to cart her to the nearest room.

  “You may not be stopping him, but I am. Do you know how many hours I’ve spent planning the perfect wedding for you? Joseph and I have worked night and day, and there’s no flippin’ way you’re sneaking off,” Kinsey said in a stern voice. The smile she was trying to hide was showing though, taking any bite out of the words.

  “I’ll make it up to you, Kins,” Cassie pleaded with her.

  “No way. Don’t you dare give me those doe in the headlight eyes. I’ve known you too many years for that to work. We have a cake to cut, toasts to make, and a bouquet to throw,” Kinsey insisted.

  “Fine, but when you’re trying to sneak off with some hunk of a man, I promise you that I’ll be there to run interference,” Cassie threatened.

  “Don’t worry, I can’t see that happening in the near future. I think I’m safe.”

  “Yeah, you never know…”

  “Hey, trust me. I really want a niece, but you have plenty of baby-making time on your month long honeymoon. I can’t believe how spoiled you are. I really can’t believe your job is willing to wait that long for you,” Kinsey pouted.

  “I guess I’m just worth the wait,” Cassie said with a chuckle.

  “You are, Cass. You really are,” Kinsey said, all joking aside.

  “Thanks for making this day perfect, Kins. You know I love you to death,” Cass said, no longer pouting about not getting to run off with her husband.

  “I love you
, too. Let’s go cut the cake before you make me cry and ruin this expertly applied makeup,” Kinsey said.

  “Fine, but you owe me. You owe me big time,” Cassie pouted as she followed her best friend.

  The night flew by in a whirl of dancing, laughing, eating, and visiting. The Anderson family certainly knew how to throw a huge event. Yes, Kinsey had spent hours with Joseph planning, but she knew he was really the one in control.

  She’d insisted on certain things for the wedding, those special little touches she knew would matter to Cassie, but for the most part, she’d tried to just stay out of Joseph’s way. The man was a force to be reckoned with. She found it quite funny that the giant of a man liked planning weddings so much. Maybe he’d gone into the wrong business.

  “My feet are killing me. I’m thinking right now I should’ve opted for the flats instead of the three inch heels. I just like to pretend I’m taller than I really am, but that always ends up biting me in the butt,” Kinsey said to another bridesmaid as they stood on the edge of the dance floor.

  “I know what you mean. I refuse to take them off because, well, look at them. They’re stunning, but I won’t be able to walk for a week. It’s worth it though, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself,” Shelby said.

  “How many times have you been hit on tonight?” Kinsey asked with a smile.

  “About seven. I think Cassie picked out the, um, how do I say it nicely? Ah, most revealing dresses she could, for her bridesmaids. I keep double checking to make sure everything’s still covered.”

  “I know. I don’t remember the dresses being this short or low cut when we tried them on. I think she had them modified,” Kinsey said with a laugh.