Read Online Battling Destiny (The Piper Anderson Series Book 6) by Danielle Stewart - Free Book Online Page A

isn’t staying in Ohio.”
    “Do I sense some bad blood?” Isobel asked, with a raised eyebrow as her fingers froze on the keypad of her phone.
    “Not at all,” Tabitha cut in and put her arm around Jules. “You know how private Michael is about his personal life. He doesn’t want his beautiful wife’s face splashed across every paper tomorrow morning.”
    “Even without photos the story is going to run. I’d be mad not to be the one to break it. It’s the media age, Michael.” Isobel’s apology was nothing but empty words as she tossed her phone back in her bag. “Sorry I can’t stay for lunch now, Tabitha, but I have work to do. I’ll show myself out.” Not seeming to mind looking ridiculous or rude, Isobel broke into a near sprint as she headed out the door.
    “Perfect, Mother. I’m sure that timing was no coincidence. Nothing you do ever is,” Michael growled and then stopped suddenly as his daughter yanked on his ear and giggled again. It was damn hard being angry when he was holding the best thing that had ever happened to him.
    “Jules,” Michael started as he realized there was so much he wanted to say, but none of it was something he’d like to share in front of his mother. Now as his sister came running down the steps, skipping two at a time, he knew the conversation would need to wait.
    “Are they here? Is this my niece?” Josephine shrieked as she nearly bowled Michael over to get to the baby.
    “Yes dear, this is your niece and your sister-in-law, Jules,” Tabitha explained, tightening her grip on Jules’s shoulder. Jules was smiling broadly, clearly unaware of the danger these people carried with them. Michael glanced over his shoulder at Piper whose expression was flat as she took in every word passing between them.
    That was what had made Michael and Piper great friends in the first place. A healthy skepticism and an ability to read between the lines of a conversation was something they both did well. Jules, on the other hand, gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.
    “I can’t believe you got married and had a baby and didn’t tell us. Who does that?” Josephine asked as she scooped Frankie out of Michael’s arms and began planting kisses on her chubby cheeks.
    “It doesn’t matter, we’re all together now and that’s what counts. Everything else can be worked out. Now lunch is about to be served,” Tabitha announced through her plastered-on smile.
    “I need to talk to Jules,” Michael insisted.
    “There will be plenty of time after lunch for that. I don’t want the food to be cold.” Tabitha began walking with her arm around Jules, ignoring Michael’s words.
    “Mother, I don’t care about the damn food. I need to speak to my wife in private.” Michael’s booming voice was not something Jules had heard frequently. He knew that, and judging by the look on her face, she didn’t like it.
    “Michael, we can talk right after lunch. Don’t be so rude.” Jules tilted her head and raked over him with her eyes as though he were suddenly a stranger.
    “That’s right,” Tabitha smiled, turning and hugging Jules tightly. They all headed toward the large dining area, and Michael hung back for a moment to catch Piper’s ear.
    “This is bad,” he said in a grumbling whisper. “She doesn’t understand what’s going on here.”
    “That’s because you left without telling her. You didn’t tell any of us,” Piper whispered back, her face washed with worry.
    “We’re leaving after lunch. All of us are getting on a plane and getting the hell out of here. I need you to help make sure that happens.”
    “Fine. But why?” Piper asked, staring up at Michael.
    “Because you trust me.”

Chapter Ten
     
    Seeing Michael holding Frankie had settled the rough seas of Jules’s heart for a moment, but the tide turned again when she heard him bark madly at his mother. Since she’d met him, Michael had been a constant beacon of self-control. He maneuvered situations with