Disclaimer: I don't own Cheaper By The Dozen or any of the characters. Except for my OC's.

Summary: Two years was all Sarah Baker needed to finish getting her BA until an unplanned pregnancy threw a wrench in her plans. A wife and a child was all Frieze Murtaugh needed to become CEO of his family's company. When their paths cross an indecent proposal is made.

Italic are their thoughts.

Prologue

The pregnancy stick felt heavy in her hands.

"It can't be."

The positive sign contradicted her words.

Breath rushed out of her lungs and her heart beat rapidly within her ribcage.

Darkness crept in the corners of her gaze.

A knock on the door had her coming back to her senses.

"Sarah." A soft spoken voice filled with warmth sounded through the door. "Are you okay?"

Her eyes misted with tears.

"You've been there for over an hour." The door knob shook. "Sarah, if something is wrong please tell me."

She used a hand to scrub at her eyes before getting up from her position on the floor. With a deep breath she unlocked the door and opened it.

"Sarah." Mocha colored eyes that were usually filled with warmth were clouded with worry. "What's going on?"

She swallowed feeling her throat dry. "Alice." Her voice shook.

"What is it?"

Sarah showed her the pregnancy stick.

"What the…" Her eyes widened when she saw the positive sign. "How did… who is—"

"You have to help me keep this a secret." Sarah grabbed her best friend's hand. "You can't tell anyone not even Jake."

"Sarah that's not possible." Alice cupped Sarah's cheek. "In a few months you won't be able to hide this from your family. It will show."

"Until then help me hide this."

There was only one answer to give. Alice loved Sarah like a sister and this was her secret to share. She nodded.

A young man with slicked back dark hair regarded an older man with a guarded look. "You wanted to see me."

"Take a seat." The older man with dark colored hair leaned back in his seat. His suit and polished dress shoes oozed wealth. His mere presence dominated the room and demanded attention. A smirk curved on his lips and calm before the storm eyes danced with amusement.

He did not let his dislike for the man reflect on his expression or posture as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and took a seat.

"It has come to my attention that I need to announce who will be my successor."

His only response was a slight narrowing of icy blue eyes.

"It should have gone without saying that it would have been your older brother."

He refrained from commenting that Storm had not wanted to become the next CEO.

"But that all went down the drain with his passing away." The man regarded him coolly. "That still does not make you my successor even if you are the next in line."

"Will you give it to Flayme?"

He tsked. "We both know he has no interest in becoming CEO."

"Then who do you have in mind?"

"There's still your cousins."

"Mother stated in her will that she will not let another that is not her blood inherit the company."

"That's true." He smirked. "But Storm's twins and daughter stand a chance to inherit it."

"Do you despise me that much that you would rather give this company to your grandchildren than your own son?"

"I don't recall ever saying I despised you."

"Your actions prove otherwise."

"I didn't know you were so sensitive, Frieze."

"I'm not." Frieze shrugged as he leaned back in his seat mimicking his father's pose. "I am only stating the facts. If they make you uncomfortable the fault lies with you."

David threw his head back and laughed.

"It warms my heart to see that I am able to amuse you."

The older man shook his head slightly and grinned when he heard the sarcasm in his son's voice. "Let's get back to the subject at hand." He placed his elbows on the desk and twined his fingers together. His amethyst eyes narrowed on the young man that sat across from him. "You want this company."

I've earned it. Frieze had wanted to say but refrained from doing so.

"I have spoken in great detail with your uncles about this. They all agree that you should be my successor."

His uncles may have agreed, but his father made no mention if he had agreed as well.

"To a certain extent I agree with them as well." David stood from his seat. "You have earned the spot." He placed his hands on the desk and leaned forward until he peered down at his son.

Frieze was forced to crane his neck upwards and look up at his father in order not to break eye contact. A part of him wanted to lash out. His hands curled into fists. He wasn't in the mood for his father's intimidation tactics.

"But you don't look the part." The older man sighed in mock disappointment. "This company runs on the image of family. My image shows that I'm a family man."

Frieze bit back a snort. The public may think his father was a family man, but his sons and brothers knew the truth.

"I may now be a widow, but when I built this company it was with the help of your mother and uncles. Over the years the public saw me be a father to three sons. Due to my eldest son marrying and having children before his untimely death with his wife, I became a grandfather."

"Your popularity with the public skyrocketed."

"Exactly." His grin was predatory. "The CEO is the face of the company. If you were to become the face of the company then you will have to follow in my footsteps."

"You want me to marry?" Icy blue eyes widened.

"Not just marry. I want you give me a grandchild as well."

"That can be easily arranged."

"Then why haven't you done so?"

Frieze just hasn't had the time to find the right one. The thought of letting someone in again. The risk of letting that person hold power over him in any form. It didn't sit well with him. Left him feeling nauseated with anger and discomfort. It felt like an itch under his skin. He couldn't reach it, but it was there and made him feel uncomfortable in his own skin. The sudden urge to pace clawed at him. A clench of his jaw was the only sign he let show his discomfort.

"Marry a woman and give me a grandchild." David stood up straight. "If you do then I'll give you the company with my blessing."

If he had to get a wife then it will be in his terms. "I get to choose whoever I want."

"Of course." He took a seat again. "After all, you will be the one living with her. Just make sure that the public will adore her."

"Are those your only conditions?"

The older man nodded.

Frieze stood up and buttoned his suit jacket. "I'll take my leave."

"Frieze." David called to his son just before he walked out of his office. "Make me proud."

The younger man didn't look back but nodded as indication that he heard his father's words and walked out the office.

A click of the door closing signaled the end of their meeting.

A/N: I apologize for any grammatical errors and I hope you liked the new prologue. I guess you can say this is the rewrite of the rewrite. Instead of simply changing a few things I've decided to change most of the story. Many familiar characters will appear, but their roles will be slightly different. Mainly Eliot's character will be different. I have my fingers crossed that you will like what I have planned for his role. ;) For those who have read this fic before the rewrite, I hope you stay tuned. For those who are new I hope you will also stay tuned for what's to come. Please review telling me what you think. I would love to hear from you. (^_^)