Just One Family
Book Nine of the Billionaire Barons of Texas Series
Chapter One
The breathtaking views of Houston’s skyline were the only thing helping Leah Baron keep her sanity this afternoon. That, and the prospect of spending the weekend at the family ranch.
Her fingers rapidly tapped at the keys of her laptop, her gaze shifted from one screen to another. She’d spent a small fortune on the ergonomic leather chair specifically for days like today that didn’t want to come to an end. Thank heaven she stood her ground and insisted on taking advanced typing instead of chemistry back in high school or she’d be hunting and pecking at the keys till sunrise tomorrow in an effort to finish this blasted brief.
As much as she needed to get through this before moving on to the remaining paperwork sprawled across her desk, her phone buzzing was a welcome interruption. Maybe. Glancing at the screen, she saw a familiar contact—her baby sister, Rachel. Leah swiped to answer, multitasking effortlessly.
"You are missing all the fun!" Excitement frosted every word out of Rachel’s mouth.
Leah sighed. Fun was a way of life at Paradise Ridge. Any day of the week she’d rather be there than sitting behind a massive mahogany desk that the partners insisted on when they assigned her the corner office. Then again, she did love the law, just not the paperwork that came with it. “What’s going on?”
"Mitch’s latest equine acquisition, his prize stud, escaped the stables. Claire told him that the family needed to have better stalls for a stallion of that stamina but it looks like everyone is going to learn their lesson the hard way. Mack is out running an errand and it only took Craig, Devlin, and Porter two hours to catch the guy. I won’t tell you how long it took to get him back into the stall.”
Holding back her mirth, Leah shook her head. “I assume no one was injured in this little escapade?”
“Only their egos.”
The Barons were known for many things, being stubborn was on the top of the list. Of course, that was just one of the attributes that boosted success for every generation no matter their career choice. Though, honestly, she thought Mitch was the most reasonable of all her siblings and cousins so the fact that he didn’t listen to her veterinarian sister Claire was a surprise. “Anything else?"
"Actually, yes. Mom is looking for a headcount on who is going to attend tomorrow night’s opening of the new exhibit for the Art Museum sponsored by the Baron Foundation. Apparently, there’s a seating issue and Grams wants to make sure that the top donors get stellar status.”
“So, does that mean she does or doesn’t want as many Barons as possible to schmooze donors out of their money?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. But there’s something else.”
The conspiratorial whisper in her sister’s voice made Leah wish she was in the same room with Rachel, not on the phone. “Is this going to make my day or have me tossing my laptop across the room?”
“If I’m right, it might make your year.”
That build-up had her pulling her hands away from the keyboard and sitting back in the mostly comfortable chair, listening intently to what her sister had to say next. “I’m listening.”
“You know how Gwyneth has been a little under the weather the last few weeks?”
Leah nodded before it struck her that her sister couldn’t see her. “Yes. But she tested negative for Covid, and even if I didn’t already know she wasn’t positive, that wouldn’t be good news. To make my year you’d have to tell me something way more interesting like she’s…oh my lord.” The dots quickly connected in her mind. Besides not feeling up to snuff, Gwyneth was drinking ginger ale all the time. Leah had assumed it was because she’d been fighting a bug but now… “She’s pregnant!” It wasn’t really a question.
“Shh. Someone might hear you.”
Leah actually looked around to see who might hear, even though she knew darn well she was the only person in her office and those walls were soundproof enough to have a hard rock band practice without disturbing the other offices. Even so, Leah whispered, “I’m right, aren’t I?”
Since it took a few moments for Rachel to respond, Leah knew, just like she’d done a moment ago, her kid sister was either nodding or shaking her head. “Sorry. Yes. But I wasn’t supposed to overhear her telling Grams and the Governor. She and Mitch want to make the announcement this weekend at supper.”
“Oh, how exciting for Mitch! It doesn’t surprise me at all that they would want to start a family right away. This is so cool.” Leah could hardly contain her joy for her cousin. The man had been so devastated when he lost his first wife and had mentioned more than once how he regretted that they had put off having children until his career didn’t take him away from home so often. Staring at the words on her computer, she wanted to chuck the dumb thing and grab all her siblings and cousins and celebrate the good news. “The Governor must be thrilled to finally get a new generation of Barons on the way.”
“Too thrilled. He’s already barked at Chase and Kyle for lagging behind.”
Smiling, Leah shook her head. So like her grandfather to go into Marine mode. “The man does understand that having a family isn’t quite the same as ordering a pizza?”
“Actually, Kyle said something very similar.” Rachel laughed. “I think rather than take the heat off of the rest of us, this is only going to fan the flames.”
“Great.” Sarcasm rolled off her tongue. “Guess I’ll have to move having a family up a few rows on my bucket list.”
Rachel barked out a laugh. “You do that. And most definitely do not miss dinner on Sunday. It’s going to be a blast.”
“Got it.” She disconnected the call with her sister and stared at the screen. She was smiling so hard her face started to hurt. Rachel was absolutely right, this was the best news she’d had all year. Blowing out a sigh, she looked at a notepad on her desk. Maybe putting having a family of her own on her to-do list wasn’t such a bad idea at all?
* * *
Logan Miller looked down at his watch. This day was going from long to longer, and he feared he was never going to get out of here. The low hum of the office air conditioning provided little comfort as the muted glow of his computer screen cast a tired reflection in his eyes. Even the coveted view of the San Francisco bay did nothing to improve his mood.
Deleting spam email, one after another, one subject line caught his attention: "Important Announcement Regarding Company Relocation." Logan's stomach tightened with an unsettling tincture of curiosity and dread. Clicking open the message, he read about the company's strategic decision to move its headquarters from California to Texas--Texas. Acid churned in his gut. The rumors of a major move out of state were coming to pass. Reading on, the memo cited financial advantages to both employer and employees as well as the more business-friendly environment the move would provide, citing improved cost of living, housing, stellar schools, and, of course, the beloved lack of state income tax. Add a song and dance routine and it would make a great commercial for relocation company.
The words blurred together as Logan absorbed the implications. A move to halfway across the country. His life was in California. He’d been born and bred in the bay area. All his friends, and what little family he had left, all lived somewhere in Northern California. Not that he had a whole lot of time to see any of them, but knowing he had a support system if he needed them, or if they needed him, gave him some semblance of comfort. The idea of uprooting everything felt daunting.
His gaze drifted to a photo on his desk. A small hammer inside his skull began to bang out the beginnings of a nasty headache. Somehow he’d have to explain this career move to a lot of unhappy people.
Just as Logan tried to wrap his head around the life-altering news and the collateral damage, his boss, Mr. Reynolds, appeared at his office doorway. The older man wore a forced smile that failed to reach his eyes.
"Logan, I need you in the conference room," Mr. Reynolds’s tone held a mix of formality and reluctance.
Entering the conference room, Logan found himself surrounded by tense faces. The air felt heavy with anticipation as Mr. Reynolds began the presentation, emphasizing the positive aspects of the relocation—lower taxes, reduced cost of living, and improved overall profitability. Logan tried to focus on the charts and graphs, but his mind drifted back and forth to glimpses of the world he’d be leaving behind.
"Logan, you'll be part of the first wave heading to Houston," Mr. Reynolds’s announcement snapped him back to the present. "Your flight leaves Monday morning. We need you to oversee the initial transition."
Nodding, he did his best to conceal the whirlwind of emotions beneath a stoic exterior. As the meeting continued, he couldn't shake the sense of displacement that settled over him. As his boss continued to speak, shock and dread slid aside as reality and panic settled in. Monday was only five days away. Who packed up an entire life in only five days?
“Of course,” Mr. Reynolds continued, “the company will cover all relocation costs, and a hefty bonus will be included with your relocation package.”
While the idea of a bonus sounded like a good thing, he wasn’t sure it was good enough to justify uprooting his whole world.
“We’ve booked moving companies to pack everyone up, and transport your belongings to Houston. We’ve also assigned a relocation realtor to help find housing. Any questions?”
Only a million, but none of which would be appropriate in this setting. Instead, he shook his head.
“Well, if you need any more information, you know where to find me.”
Again, Logan nodded. None of this seemed real. He had enough trouble finding matching socks in the morning, how was he going to manage a change like this, moving company or not, packing a lifetime was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to upending his world. But like it or not, he had a good job with an even better future. He simply couldn’t afford to say no and find himself looking for a new job.
No, he was going to have to suck it up and make the best of it. After all, maybe Texas wouldn’t be a bad place. Maybe?
The breathtaking views of Houston’s skyline were the only thing helping Leah Baron keep her sanity this afternoon. That, and the prospect of spending the weekend at the family ranch.
Her fingers rapidly tapped at the keys of her laptop, her gaze shifted from one screen to another. She’d spent a small fortune on the ergonomic leather chair specifically for days like today that didn’t want to come to an end. Thank heaven she stood her ground and insisted on taking advanced typing instead of chemistry back in high school or she’d be hunting and pecking at the keys till sunrise tomorrow in an effort to finish this blasted brief.
As much as she needed to get through this before moving on to the remaining paperwork sprawled across her desk, her phone buzzing was a welcome interruption. Maybe. Glancing at the screen, she saw a familiar contact—her baby sister, Rachel. Leah swiped to answer, multitasking effortlessly.
"You are missing all the fun!" Excitement frosted every word out of Rachel’s mouth.
Leah sighed. Fun was a way of life at Paradise Ridge. Any day of the week she’d rather be there than sitting behind a massive mahogany desk that the partners insisted on when they assigned her the corner office. Then again, she did love the law, just not the paperwork that came with it. “What’s going on?”
"Mitch’s latest equine acquisition, his prize stud, escaped the stables. Claire told him that the family needed to have better stalls for a stallion of that stamina but it looks like everyone is going to learn their lesson the hard way. Mack is out running an errand and it only took Craig, Devlin, and Porter two hours to catch the guy. I won’t tell you how long it took to get him back into the stall.”
Holding back her mirth, Leah shook her head. “I assume no one was injured in this little escapade?”
“Only their egos.”
The Barons were known for many things, being stubborn was on the top of the list. Of course, that was just one of the attributes that boosted success for every generation no matter their career choice. Though, honestly, she thought Mitch was the most reasonable of all her siblings and cousins so the fact that he didn’t listen to her veterinarian sister Claire was a surprise. “Anything else?"
"Actually, yes. Mom is looking for a headcount on who is going to attend tomorrow night’s opening of the new exhibit for the Art Museum sponsored by the Baron Foundation. Apparently, there’s a seating issue and Grams wants to make sure that the top donors get stellar status.”
“So, does that mean she does or doesn’t want as many Barons as possible to schmooze donors out of their money?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. But there’s something else.”
The conspiratorial whisper in her sister’s voice made Leah wish she was in the same room with Rachel, not on the phone. “Is this going to make my day or have me tossing my laptop across the room?”
“If I’m right, it might make your year.”
That build-up had her pulling her hands away from the keyboard and sitting back in the mostly comfortable chair, listening intently to what her sister had to say next. “I’m listening.”
“You know how Gwyneth has been a little under the weather the last few weeks?”
Leah nodded before it struck her that her sister couldn’t see her. “Yes. But she tested negative for Covid, and even if I didn’t already know she wasn’t positive, that wouldn’t be good news. To make my year you’d have to tell me something way more interesting like she’s…oh my lord.” The dots quickly connected in her mind. Besides not feeling up to snuff, Gwyneth was drinking ginger ale all the time. Leah had assumed it was because she’d been fighting a bug but now… “She’s pregnant!” It wasn’t really a question.
“Shh. Someone might hear you.”
Leah actually looked around to see who might hear, even though she knew darn well she was the only person in her office and those walls were soundproof enough to have a hard rock band practice without disturbing the other offices. Even so, Leah whispered, “I’m right, aren’t I?”
Since it took a few moments for Rachel to respond, Leah knew, just like she’d done a moment ago, her kid sister was either nodding or shaking her head. “Sorry. Yes. But I wasn’t supposed to overhear her telling Grams and the Governor. She and Mitch want to make the announcement this weekend at supper.”
“Oh, how exciting for Mitch! It doesn’t surprise me at all that they would want to start a family right away. This is so cool.” Leah could hardly contain her joy for her cousin. The man had been so devastated when he lost his first wife and had mentioned more than once how he regretted that they had put off having children until his career didn’t take him away from home so often. Staring at the words on her computer, she wanted to chuck the dumb thing and grab all her siblings and cousins and celebrate the good news. “The Governor must be thrilled to finally get a new generation of Barons on the way.”
“Too thrilled. He’s already barked at Chase and Kyle for lagging behind.”
Smiling, Leah shook her head. So like her grandfather to go into Marine mode. “The man does understand that having a family isn’t quite the same as ordering a pizza?”
“Actually, Kyle said something very similar.” Rachel laughed. “I think rather than take the heat off of the rest of us, this is only going to fan the flames.”
“Great.” Sarcasm rolled off her tongue. “Guess I’ll have to move having a family up a few rows on my bucket list.”
Rachel barked out a laugh. “You do that. And most definitely do not miss dinner on Sunday. It’s going to be a blast.”
“Got it.” She disconnected the call with her sister and stared at the screen. She was smiling so hard her face started to hurt. Rachel was absolutely right, this was the best news she’d had all year. Blowing out a sigh, she looked at a notepad on her desk. Maybe putting having a family of her own on her to-do list wasn’t such a bad idea at all?
* * *
Logan Miller looked down at his watch. This day was going from long to longer, and he feared he was never going to get out of here. The low hum of the office air conditioning provided little comfort as the muted glow of his computer screen cast a tired reflection in his eyes. Even the coveted view of the San Francisco bay did nothing to improve his mood.
Deleting spam email, one after another, one subject line caught his attention: "Important Announcement Regarding Company Relocation." Logan's stomach tightened with an unsettling tincture of curiosity and dread. Clicking open the message, he read about the company's strategic decision to move its headquarters from California to Texas--Texas. Acid churned in his gut. The rumors of a major move out of state were coming to pass. Reading on, the memo cited financial advantages to both employer and employees as well as the more business-friendly environment the move would provide, citing improved cost of living, housing, stellar schools, and, of course, the beloved lack of state income tax. Add a song and dance routine and it would make a great commercial for relocation company.
The words blurred together as Logan absorbed the implications. A move to halfway across the country. His life was in California. He’d been born and bred in the bay area. All his friends, and what little family he had left, all lived somewhere in Northern California. Not that he had a whole lot of time to see any of them, but knowing he had a support system if he needed them, or if they needed him, gave him some semblance of comfort. The idea of uprooting everything felt daunting.
His gaze drifted to a photo on his desk. A small hammer inside his skull began to bang out the beginnings of a nasty headache. Somehow he’d have to explain this career move to a lot of unhappy people.
Just as Logan tried to wrap his head around the life-altering news and the collateral damage, his boss, Mr. Reynolds, appeared at his office doorway. The older man wore a forced smile that failed to reach his eyes.
"Logan, I need you in the conference room," Mr. Reynolds’s tone held a mix of formality and reluctance.
Entering the conference room, Logan found himself surrounded by tense faces. The air felt heavy with anticipation as Mr. Reynolds began the presentation, emphasizing the positive aspects of the relocation—lower taxes, reduced cost of living, and improved overall profitability. Logan tried to focus on the charts and graphs, but his mind drifted back and forth to glimpses of the world he’d be leaving behind.
"Logan, you'll be part of the first wave heading to Houston," Mr. Reynolds’s announcement snapped him back to the present. "Your flight leaves Monday morning. We need you to oversee the initial transition."
Nodding, he did his best to conceal the whirlwind of emotions beneath a stoic exterior. As the meeting continued, he couldn't shake the sense of displacement that settled over him. As his boss continued to speak, shock and dread slid aside as reality and panic settled in. Monday was only five days away. Who packed up an entire life in only five days?
“Of course,” Mr. Reynolds continued, “the company will cover all relocation costs, and a hefty bonus will be included with your relocation package.”
While the idea of a bonus sounded like a good thing, he wasn’t sure it was good enough to justify uprooting his whole world.
“We’ve booked moving companies to pack everyone up, and transport your belongings to Houston. We’ve also assigned a relocation realtor to help find housing. Any questions?”
Only a million, but none of which would be appropriate in this setting. Instead, he shook his head.
“Well, if you need any more information, you know where to find me.”
Again, Logan nodded. None of this seemed real. He had enough trouble finding matching socks in the morning, how was he going to manage a change like this, moving company or not, packing a lifetime was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to upending his world. But like it or not, he had a good job with an even better future. He simply couldn’t afford to say no and find himself looking for a new job.
No, he was going to have to suck it up and make the best of it. After all, maybe Texas wouldn’t be a bad place. Maybe?