Page 5 of Devlin

He followed Jason into the immense living room, which boasted a massive stone fireplace, two separate seating areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering impressive ocean views. Therewere about a dozen people in the room as well as two servers offering appetizers and glasses of champagne.

"Looks like the bar is on the patio," Phillip said, waving his hand toward the open French doors. "You want a beer or a whisky? Or are you going to have champagne?"

"A beer would be great."

As Phillip moved onto the patio, Devlin saw his youngest brother Logan talkingto a very attractive redhead. Logan gave him a grinning nod and went back to his conversation. At least one of his brothers was here to have a good time.

A moment later, Phillip handed him an ice-cold bottle of beer.

"What is with Brock and Trey?" Phillip asked. "They look like they're going to a business meeting."

"Apparently, they are. My father invited some associates tothe party." He frowned as his dad left his mother to join Brock, Trey and the McKinney brothers by the fireplace. "Mom doesn't look happy about it."

"I can't see why she would be," Phillip murmured. "Your father doesn't know when to shut it down."

"No, he does not. Let's talk to her."

They walked across the room, and his mother broke away from her conversation to give themboth hugs and kisses.

"Happy birthday, Mom," he said.

"Thank you, honey." She turned to her nephew. "Phillip, I'm so glad you could come."

"I wouldn't miss it, Aunt Claire. You look beautiful. Not a day over thirty."

"You've always been a good liar," she said with a laugh.

"True. But tonight I only tell the truth," Phillip joked.

His mom let out a smallsigh as her gaze moved to her husband. "I wish that was true of all the Blackthornes."

"Is something wrong, Mom?" he asked.

"Yes." She turned back to him. "I did not invite the McKinney brothers to my party. I can't believe your father is turning my birthday into another business opportunity. Actually, I can believe it; I'm just incredibly disappointed. I told him it was importantto me to have all my friends and family together. But not only is he doing business, he has pulled Brock and Trey into it as well."

"We'll still have a good time," he said, trying to distract her.

"Yes," she murmured, but her gaze had lost its sparkle.

"Jason is here, too," Phillip put in.

"I saw him walk out to the patio, but I haven't had a chance to say hello; he'sbeen on the phone the whole time. More business. Everyone has something else they'd rather be doing," she complained.

"I'll get my brother off the phone," Phillip offered.

"Oh, it doesn't matter," she said, waving her hand in defeat. "I've finally given up."

His gaze narrowed at her words. "What does that mean, Mom?"

"You two—you and Phillip—you've always done whatyou wanted to do, followed your dreams. Phillip stepped away from the business despite the family pressure. And you, Devlin, you work your passion—the boats, the sailing. It's not just a job to you; it's your dream."

"You encouraged me to follow my dreams."

"I did. Perhaps I should have taken my own advice. It's important to do what you love, or at least to find out what you love.The years go very quickly, faster than you'll know until you get to be my age. Then you realize everything is behind you."

"There's a lot in front of you, too," he reminded her. "Are you all right, Mom? Is there something I can do? You seem a little upset."

"I thought this party would be different. Do you remember your father's sixtieth birthday party? Or the one he had last yearfor sixty-five?"

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