Page 21 of Fix You

After stepping out onto the pavement, I eased Murphy onto the ground. He made a beeline for the grass and began sniffing around. “Maeve? Is that you?” someone called from behind me.

Instantly, I froze. Pinching my eyes shut, I silently willed them away. As the footsteps drew nearer, Eamon stepped between us. “Careen, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”

A high-pitched giggle erupted from Careen. She was the daughter of one of my father’s captains. We’d grown up together before her family had moved to join my father in Boston. “Eamon Kavanaugh, I see you’re still incorrigible.”

“I’ve grown in many ways except for that.”

Before I knew it, Eamon had practically dragged Careen away from me. The breath I’d been holding whooshed from my lips. Considering my reaction, I didn’t know how in hell I was going to be able to make it through the day. I wanted nothing more than to disappear.

But I couldn’t. Deep down I knew I had to face my fears. I wasn’t ever going to be able to move past what had happened to me if I didn’t.

Once Murphy had done his business and I didn’t feel I could stall any longer, I drew my shoulders back and started for the stairs. “Here, miss, let me,” Nolan said, before scooping Murphy into his arms.

With Murphy taken care of, I started making my way up the stairs. When I reached the top of the landing, Nolan’s voice echoed behind me. “I’m right here, miss,” he said softly.

I bobbed my head. “Thanks,” I whispered.

My trembling hand reached out for the door handle. When I stepped inside, buzzing conversations smacked me in the face. Although I felt the urge to flee, I continued on into the foyer.

At the sight of Callum, I rushed forward and dove into his waiting arms. Closing my eyes, I fought the rising tears. All my life his embrace had given me protection and comfort. Even though he was only eight years older than me, he’d always been a father figure.

“Mo dheartháir,” I whispered into his ear.Brother Mine.

When I pulled away, I turned my attention to the stunning brunette at his side. While Mam had worried about Caterina hating us, I’d been fighting my own fears that I would hate her. She was the woman who had the potential to come between me and Callum. The selfish part of me couldn’t bear the thought of his love and affection shifting from me to her. I still depended on it so much.

But with one look, I knew my fears had been unwarranted. With her welcoming smile and warm expression, I knew she could never be an enemy.

As I continued taking her in, Caterina Neretti didn’t seem like a captive with her captor. She didn’t exhibit any signs of trauma I’d learned so much about in therapy. Instead, she appeared willingly by my brother’s side. “Hi, I’m Caterina,” she said.

Since she seemed to know who I was, I then searched her eyes for the usual reaction. Instead of pity or disgust, her eyes were incredibly kind. Even though she’d only spoken two words to me, I couldn’t help liking her. She had an inviting aura about her, which I’m sure served her well during her time in the religious order.

Despite my usual aversion to touch, I reached out to hug her. "Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you.”

As I pulled away, I couldn’t help thinking of what she’d endured in the last week. Staring into her eyes, I said, “Although I do have to say, I’m sorry for the way you had to join it."

To my utter shock, Catherina grinned. “It’s okay.”

Apparently she didn’t mind being kidnapped into marriage with a man she’d never met. Or maybe she was still in shock and putting on a brave face. I wonder if she had her own breathing techniques to get her through today.

Turning my attention to my offending brother, I countered, “Believe me when I say, it is not okay. My mam and I are horrified that he would do such a thing.”

Caterina laughed. “Yes, your mother let her feelings be known by slapping Callum.”

Inwardly, I chuckled that Eamon had been right. With a grunt, Callum said, “Excuse me while I go greet our other guests and miss out on you both talking shit about me.”

I couldn't help laughing at him stomping off. It was so typical of Callum. "He hates it when he disappoints Mam and me. Trust me, the two of us were fit to be tied when we got wind of what happened.”

With a sly smile, Caterina said, “Don’t worry. I plan on making your brother pay for his transgressions.”

Oh, I really liked her. I could tell we were going to be fast friends. "He certainly deserves it.”

"Truthfully though, he’s treated me far better than I could’ve ever hoped for in such a situation.”

"That is some comfort to us.” Deep down, I knew Callum would never mistreat a woman. Violence might be in his blood, but it never correlated to women. It wasn’t just my assault that guided his behavior. He’d always been that way.

"I hear you’re at Trinity College,” Caterina said with genuine interest.

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