Page 5 of Taming a Heartbreaker

“My parents are retired college professors who moved to Cape Town five years ago. My sister Chandra is also a college professor. So is her husband, Rutledge. They both teach at Georgia State University in Atlanta.” She paused and then added, “Then there’s Elan, my twelve-year-old nephew. He’s adorable.”

Redford lifted a brow. “Adorable at twelve?”

She threw her head back and laughed. “I know, right? That’s the age when they begin getting beside themselves. So far, Elan is still as lovable as ever. However, he has informed us he intends to break family tradition since he has no intention of being a college professor. His love of trains overrules such a notion.”

Redford smiled, recalling the days when he loved trains. Like his father and grandfather, he’d wanted to become an engineer for the Skagway Railway System.

“Both my father and grandfather retired as engineers for the Alaska Railways. Dad was one of their best. Even now he occasionally works as an engineer for the train tours in Skagway. It’s such a scenic route through the mountains, glaciers and waterfalls.”

He watched her eyes light up. “I can’t wait for Elan to meet you. He will be thrilled to know the son of a train engineer.”

Redford was just about to ask her what made her think he and her nephew would ever have a reason to meet, when the dance came to an end. “Want something to drink before we dance again?”

“Yes, and will we be dancing again, Redford?”

He smiled down at her as he led her off the dance floor. “Yes.”

No need to tell her he intended to keep her in his arms on the dance floor—and later tonight in his bed.

Carmen couldn’t believe that instead of avoiding her like he normally did, Redford had stuck by her side the rest of the night. He was being very attentive, dancing with her for every dance, whether fast or slow. Even after the newlyweds left to start their honeymoon, the party continued well into the night.

The Westmorelands had been gracious enough to make sure all the attendees at the wedding had a place to spend the night on the grounds of Westmoreland Country. Some of the traveling family members would be guests in several individual homes, and others would be staying at Bella’s Retreat.

Bella was the wife of Dillon’s brother, Jason. Years ago, Bella inherited land connected to the Westmoreland property from her grandfather. When the ranch house burned down, she rebuilt it into a beautiful fifteen bedroom guest house for family, friends and associates of the Westmorelands. Over the years, as the Westmoreland family continued to grow, Jason and Bella added numerous guest cottages on the property. Carmen had been invited to stay in one of them.

“Well, it’s certainly been a wonderful day,” Carmen said, glancing up at Redford. “The newlyweds are on their way to their honeymoon in the Maldives.”

Redford chuckled as they danced to what the DJ had announced would be the last song. “Not quite. When they left, unknown to Nadia, they headed straight to Jaxon’s ranch in Virginia to stay the night. He has a special surprise for her there.”

Carmen couldn’t help but smile, wondering what the surprise could be. She started to ask Redford but changed her mind. According to Leslie, the Outlaw and Westmoreland men and their friends often exchanged confidences they didn’t share with anyone when asked not to. At times, not even with their wives. She figured it was no different from when women kept each other’s secrets. “That’s wonderful.”

When the dance came to an end, Redford asked, “So how long are you staying here?”

“I fly out tomorrow evening after dinner. What about you?”

“I plan to hang around for a few days. There are several card games happening, and I plan to participate.”

Carmen often heard how the Westmoreland and Outlaw men, along with their friends, enjoyed playing poker whenever they got together. “I wish you the best of luck.”

“Thanks.”

At the sound of a baby crying, Carmen glanced over to where Bane and Crystal Westmoreland were surrounded by six kids. Two sets of triplets. One set, around six years old, and the other set, all three in diapers, were boys they’d named Raphel, Ruark and Rance. All six of Bane and Crystal’s kids had their father’s hazel eyes and were adorable.

“Sounds like someone isn’t happy,” Redford said, removing his tie and unbuttoning the top button of his shirt but keeping his jacket on as they reached the elegant hallway that led outside. Why at that moment did he have to look so sexy?

“Yes, sounds like it,” she said, trying to concentrate on what he was saying and not on how sexy he looked. “Do you like kids, Redford?”

“Yes, I like kids. However, I don’t plan to ever have any of my own.”

His words surprised her. “Why?” she asked like she had every right to know. In a way she did. When they married, she wanted at least four.

“Because I just don’t want any.”

He’d spoken with such finality that Carmen couldn’t help wondering why he would feel so strongly. She knew from Leslie that he was an only child, but she hadn’t heard anything about him not having a good family life to the point where he wouldn’t want a family of his own one day. In fact, she could hear the love in his voice when he’d spoken of his father.

His not wanting kids would definitely be a subject they would need to address again. She suspected there was a reason he didn’t want any children, just like she knew there was a reason he never wanted to share a serious relationship with a woman.

When they headed out of the building, which was decorated with greenery and lanterns, she asked, “Is there a card game tonight?”

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