Page 64 of His Weekend Wife

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Declan glanced down at the papers that carried Hannigan’s signature at the bottom. “Would you like to have your attorney here before I sign?”

Roe laughed. “What for? He’s already looked these over a dozen or more times. When I’ve made my mind up about something there’s no changing it. I know this merger is for the best.”

Sliding the papers closer, Declan gave them a quick inspection. They were exactly as they’d agreed. “This is great, but what changed your mind?”

Easing back into the chair, Roe removed his glasses and laid them aside. “I think it’s time I told you a story, my friend. There’s something you don’t know and I was sworn to secrecy.”

Declan narrowed his gaze. “I’m not following.”

“You will soon enough.” He laughed. “You see, I knew your sister, Angelina.” The creases around his eyes deepened. Declan swallowed hard. “Years ago I attended a charity that she was heading up. She talked me into writing a check—a rather large check.” He steepled his fingers.

“She was good at doing that.” Declan still didn’t understand where this was heading.

“Yes, she was. I so admired her infectious personality that I invited her here to the estate to visit.”

“Were you and my sister…” Declan couldn’t seem to form the words.

Roe’s eyes widened before he erupted into laugher. “Oh my, no. She was young enough to be my daughter and although she was quite beautiful, I was interested in her for her personality only. I’m sure the feeling was mutual. Your sister had quite the keen business sense, as I’m sure you already knew. Over dinner, I had vaguely mentioned my plans to retire eventually, only if I could find the right company to sell my business to. Oh, you should have seen her light up. Like a dazzling lighthouse.”

Things were starting to come together for Declan. “Oh, so Angelina brought up the merging of Knight and Hannigan Sports?” He couldn’t understand why she didn’t mention this to Declan.

“She did. In fact, we spoke several times on the idea, and she wanted to set you and I up for a meeting. Before that could occur, she became ill.” The expression lines deepened around his eyes. “And suddenly her time line grew very narrow in getting everything done. She said to me, “’My brothers have always hated when I meddled in their lives, so I’ve had to become very creative in my meddling ways.’” He sighed. “She even brought your aunt into the picture.”

“Lucy?”

He nodded. “I’ve been on several committees with Lucy.” He swiped his hand across his forehead. “She’s a tiger.”

“Did she know about your prior discussions with Angelina?”

“I’d informed her that Angelina and I had discussed how the merger might work to all of our advantage. She didn’t know all of the finer details though.”

Declan dropped back into the chair, feeling the air spill out of his lungs. So, Lucy had made it seem as though this was all her creation? He would take care of her when he got back to Atlanta. He darted a glance at Ash who was sitting quietly, pensively. He turned back to Hannigan. “Let me get this straight. You didn’t care if I was married or not?”

He shrugged a beefy shoulder. “I do care, but not as you think. Again, Angelina was very creative in her meddling.” He rubbed his jaw.

“Yes, she was, but can you expand?” Declan wasn’t sure whether he should be angry or entertained that his sister still managed to stir the pot from her grave.

“Angelina wanted us back together,” Ash said in a shaky voice. “Isn’t that right, Roe? She pressured you into coming up with the last-minute desire to sell the company to someone more settled, married.”

Hannigan smiled. “When Angelina asked, it was difficult to deny her. She loved both of you very much and knew you two belonged together. She saw no other way, especially when she realized she wouldn’t be here much longer. She was right. The love is obvious between you two. I assure you that I have no clue what tore you apart, but the love shouldn’t be denied.” He stood and wiped his hands down the legs of his slacks. “Now, I hate to be in a hurry, but I have a flight leaving soon for Italy.”

“Italy? You’re going to find Eliza, aren’t you?” Ash asked.

He nodded. “I feel all of this playing cupid has made me quite the romantic. I owe it to myself to find closure, or rekindled romance.” He wagged his thick brows.

“That’s wonderful.” Ash jumped up and gave him a hug.

“Ahh, what a wonderful couple you two are,” Hannigan said,

Ash stepped back and the older man patted her shoulder, then turned to Declan. “Those papers only need your signature, my friend. My attorney will be arriving shortly to pick them up.” He winked.

“Thank you, sir. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

“I’m sure I won’t be.” He grabbed his jacket from the chair and pulled it on. “Oh, I’m glad I didn’t forget.” He reached into the pocket and took out a familiar envelope. He laid it on the table next to the papers. “Angelina asked me to give this letter to you once the deal was sealed. I’d say we’re close enough.”

Once Hannigan was gone, Ash sat back down, her mouth agape. “How did your sister manage this one?”

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