Page 1 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

Love’s Hidden Knot

Annie Carlisle

Chapter 1

Emma

Seven Years Ago

I step onto the stage, the weight of my achievement pressing down on me like a thousand unspoken words. The bright lights blind me momentarily, but I refuse to let the moment slip away. My fingers clutch the edges of the podium, and I take a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs and calm the nerves that are slowly unraveling.

"Congratulations, graduates." I begin my valedictorian speech, my voice steady and confident, just as I've practiced a hundred times in front of the mirror. "Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. We stand here today not just as students but as future leaders, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead."

I glance out at the sea of faces, searching for someone, anyone, who might have come to see me. But I already know the answer. The only person who cared enough to show up is sitting right in the front row, his broad shoulders filling out the expensive suit he probably bought just for today. Ryan Murphy, my oldest brother, and the only one who ever believed I could do this. The only one who ever supported my dream of leavingPelican Point, Florida to go to Princeton Law School and make something of myself.

His eyes meet mine, and he gives me a small nod. It means everything to me, and I feel a swell of emotion that I quickly push down. This is not the time to get sentimental.

I finish my speech, the applause washing over me like a wave. I accept my diploma, shake hands with the dean, and make my way off the stage. My heart pounds in my chest, not just from the excitement but from the realization that it's all over. I’ll be a damn good lawyer, if I do say so myself.

Ryan is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, his smile wide and genuine. "You did it, Emma," he says, pulling me into a hug. His cologne is familiar, a mix of cedarwood and something distinctly Ryan. It’s comforting, reminding me of home, of the good parts of Pelican Point before everything got so complicated…before our family got so complicated.

"I couldn't have done it without you," I reply, pulling back to look at him. "You made this possible, Ryan. You believed in me when no one else did. Plus, you paid for it." I smirk at him.

He waves me off like his support and financial contribution are nothing. "You would've done it with or without me. You're the smartest person I know. I just made sure you had the chance to prove it."

My throat tightens with emotion. Ryan's always been like this—downplaying his generosity, acting like it’s no big deal when he’s the only reason I’m standing here today. "I’m going to pay you back," I say, and I mean it. "I'll be one of your company’s attorneys. I’ll make sure you get your money’s worth." I promise him.

Ryan raises an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. "Emma, I don’t give a damn about the money. You’re family. But if it makes you happy, sure, you can come work for me. Just don’t forget to live your life, okay?"

His words hit harder than I expect. I know what he means. He doesn’t want me to get trapped in the same cycle that’s consumed our family—work, work, and more work, with no room for anything else. But I have a plan, and I’m sticking to it.

"I won’t forget," I promise. "But I’m serious about this. I’m going to start my own practice in Pelican Point. Celtic Knot and Shadow Strike Ventures will be my first two clients, and I’ll build my firm from there."

Ryan’s smile fades slightly, a look of concern crossing his face. "Emma, you know Dad’s not going to be thrilled about you coming back. He’s still pissed you left in the first place."

I stiffen at the mention of our father. The man who never wanted me to leave Pelican Point, who thought my place was in the small town, running the winery or settling down like a good daughter should... like my mother did. "I don’t care what Dad thinks," I say, my voice hard. "I’m not coming back to be his little girl again. I’m coming back because it’s home. And because I want to make a difference there."

Ryan studies me for a moment, then nods. "If anyone can do it, it’s you, Emma. Just remember, I’ve got your back. Whatever you need."

Before I can respond, a voice interrupts us. "Emma, congratulations."

I turn to see Frank Morely, one of my classmates, standing with another group of my colleagues. His smile is friendly, but there’s always been something about him that puts me on edge. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me, like he’s sizing me up for something. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t trust him. Never have. I can’t prove it, but I’m sure he cheated his way to his diploma.

"Thanks, Frank," I reply, forcing a smile. "I appreciate it."

Frank’s eyes flicker to Ryan, and I can see the curiosity there. "And you must be the famous Ryan Murphy," he says, extendinga hand. "Emma’s told us all about you. It’s an honor to meet you."

Ryan takes his hand, his grip firm, but there’s a chill in his voice when he replies. "Funny, Emma hasn’t mentioned you at all." I immediately elbow my brother. He can put on a five-thousand-dollar suit, but he’ll always be a SEAL.

Frank doesn’t seem to notice the cold reception, or if he does, he chooses to ignore it. He just grins, that same unsettling grin that never reaches his eyes. "Well, I won’t keep you. Just wanted to say congrats again, Emma. Maybe we’ll cross paths in the future."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I don’t want to think about crossing paths with Frank Morely ever again. He gives the term ‘slimy lawyer’ a new face.

As he walks away, Ryan leans in closer, his voice low. "Who the hell was that?"

"Nobody," I say quickly, too quickly. Ryan’s not stupid. He picks up on it right away, his eyes narrowing.

"Emma, if that guy’s bothering you?—"

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