Page 4 of Devlin

"What are you talking about?"

"Dad invited some of our business associates to the party."

"Like who?"

"The McKinney brothers."

He raised an eyebrow. The McKinney brothers distributed rival whisky brands around the country. "Dad hates the McKinney brothers."

"Not since we made them an offer to acquire their company. It would be a coup to take over their distribution network."

"I can't believe they want to sell."

"The older McKinney is battling cancer, and his younger brother wants to retire toHawaii. They think it might be time to get out. None of their sons or daughters are interested in taking over the company." Trey paused, giving him a sharp look. "I'm surprised you didn't know that. We've been talking about it for months."

"I've been busy lately."

"We're all busy. You should pay more attention to the whisky business. It's what funds the Boatworks."

He didn'trise to Trey's bait. He didn't care that his business wasn't the biggest moneymaker in the company; he was doing what he loved, and that was enough. He'd learned early on that life was short—sometimes brutally short.

"Let's go inside," he said, opening the door for his brother.

As they stepped into the entry, he could hear laughter and conversation coming from the living room. Beforethey could move in that direction, his cousin Brock came jogging down the stairs.

Like Trey, Brock was also in a suit, as befitting the senior vice president of brand management and the keeper of the Blackthorne brand.

"Devlin," Brock said with a welcoming smile. "Good to see you."

"You, too. Trey was telling me this isn't just a birthday party but also a business meeting."

"Your father likes to multitask," Brock replied with a shrug. "But we'll make sure it doesn't take away from Aunt Claire's birthday."

"I hope so," he murmured.

"I want to talk to you, Brock, before we see Dad," Trey said. "Devlin, do you mind?"

"Go ahead. The last thing I want to do is talk business right now."

As his brother and cousin walked down the hall, thefront door opened and two more Blackthornes entered the house: his cousins, Jason and Phillip. Jason wore jeans and a white T-shirt under a navy-blue blazer and had his phone pressed to his ear. He gave him a vague wave as he walked by.

"Devlin," Phillip said with a smile, giving him a hearty hug. "Good to see you."

"You, too. Did you come with Jason?"

"No. We met in the driveway,but he's been on the phone since he got out of the car, so I haven't actually spoken to him. He's in the midst of some TV negotiation. How's Aunt Claire? Is she feeling sixty?"

"I think this birthday might be bothering her a little."

"Really?" Phillip said with surprise. "She looks great."

"I know, but she mentioned to me the other day that sixty feels old to her. She seemeda little down."

"Well, hopefully this party will cheer her up. I have to admit I'm not used to seeing Aunt Claire in any kind of a down mood. She always has a smile on her face and is ready to deal with whatever life sends her way—like three orphaned teenage boys. I'll never be able to express my gratitude for the way she took in Jason, Brock and myself when our parents died."

"Shedidn't hesitate for even a second. Nor did my father." Graham wasn't always the most generous man, but when it came to family, he was incredibly loyal.

"Let's find the party. I could use a drink."

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