Page 109 of On The Rocks

Patrick opened his arms for me. “Come ‘ere, love.”

With a huge grin, I let out a soft cry and flew into his arms, gripping his shoulders as he held me tight.

“You look gorgeous, my girl,” my dad whispered in my ear. “I made the right choice with Callum. Wyoming obviously agrees with you.”

I rested my cheek against his chest and snuggled in. “I missed you.”

“Missed you, too. More than you know.” He pulled back slightly, holding me at arm’s length, shaking his head disbelievingly while he studied me. “You look so beautiful. I always knew you were just like your mother. I could see it.”

“That’s so sweet,” I whispered, becoming choked up by his words. “How have you been?”

His forehead pulled together. “Nothing changes.”

My heart went out to him.

I knew who Patrick was, and I also knew he had a hard and ruthless side. I’d heard whispers about his business and the unsavory things that went on. Still, he was the closest thing to a father I had, and he’d always been very good to me. It was almost like there were two men: the crime boss and the man who took me in who was decent.

“Come ‘ere, love,” a deep voice urged gently. “My turn.”

I twisted my body and lunged at Liam, who caught me in his arms.

Out of all of my so-called family, I was closest to Liam. He loved his ma and sisters but also saw their faults. We’d always gotten along well. Liam worked for Patrick, and he was very sharp and intelligent, and also quite artistic. Sometimes, I felt sorry for him; his life had been mapped out, but he had asensitive soul, and I knew some of the things he’d done had marked him.

“How’ve you been?” I whispered.

“Better now I’ve seen you’re okay,” he assured me, turning his head and whispering in my ear, “Heads-up. Shannon kept demanding to come, and Da eventually relented. I’ll keep an eye on her, but she’s gonna see the change in you and fucking hate it. Watch your back.”

It didn’t shock me. Shannon had always been envious of the people around her. I was used to her narcissistic behavior. It was shitty and the last thing I wanted to deal with, tonight especially, but now I had Callum at my back. I could cope with anything.

I pulled back and went in for a cheek kiss, murmuring, “Thanks.”

His stare traveled down me. “I love this for you. Getting away was the best thing you ever did.”

My gaze flickered to rest on Callum, who was approaching us, and I smiled at him warmly. “Yeah, it was.” My eyes held my husband’s, and my belly whooshed from the intensity of his gaze. I was still struck by the words he said when I walked in.

‘My heart beats for you.’

How beautiful.

My husband held his hand out for me, and I took it, allowing him to pull me close and slide an arm across my shoulder. I nestled into my place at his side, finally noticing Shannon, who stood staring daggers at me.

“Oh hey!” I greeted her breezily. “Welcome to our bar. Glad you could make it.”

Callum snorted.

Her eyes met his, then came to me. “Nice dress,” she scoffed. “You look like fucking Tinkerbell.”

“Got no idea who Tinkerbell is, but she must be a stunner if Maeve looks like her,” Callum rumbled, kissing the top of my head.

“I agree. You look lovely, kiddo,” Patrick concurred, throwing Shannon a warning look before his stare came back to us. “You two make a striking couple.”

Shannon’s face paled, and I had to stop myself from laughing at her uncomfortable expression. She was so insecure, and finally, I could see through her mean-girl act. Shannon Doyle made out she was so much better than me, but she knew deep down she was lacking.

She hated herself more than she hated me.

Patrick accepted a bottle from Aislynn, who’d gone to help behind the bar, and held it up to check the color. “Maureen said you’ve brewed your own beer and Irish cider.”

“It’s special stuff,” Callum told him proudly. “Maeve smashed it.”

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