Page 64 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

I don’t know what to make of that revelation.

Desirae returns with two dresses draped over her arm. “Let’s start with these two. They’re both ivory, which will be lovely with your skin tone and hair color.”

The shop owner places each one over a dress form so we can see how they look. One is very simplistic with a bohemian style which would work well on the beach. The other one—it’s absolutely stunning. If I were the bride, the style would be my choice. It’s an A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline, showing just a bit of cleavage, with vintage Irish lace covering the straps and bust. The lace has a dainty floral pattern with tiny shamrocks scattered throughout. The dress flows from the waist in a light satin material with a modest slit for easy walking. The length is short enough that it would not touch the ground, or in this case, the sand.

I look over at Emma to get her take on the dresses, and I don’t have to ask which one she likes. Her eyes are set on the same one. She tilts her head toward it, and I turn to Desirae.

“Please help her try on this one.”

After they depart for the dressing room, I strike up a conversation with Isabella. “How long have you been working at the Celtic Knot?”

“About three years now.”

“I see.” We sit in silence for a few moments. I try not to think about how closely she works with Brennen. Does she know anything about our past? Instead, I try to mentally plan details of Emma’s wedding. Isabella interrupts my thoughts with a surprising statement.

“I recognize you. You used to work at the winery, right?”

I focus on a painting on the wall behind Isabella, struggling with what to say.How much do I tell her? And why would she care?But the words come tumbling out of their own accord, almost like I’m at confession and she’s the priest.

“Yes, I did. I lived there for most of my childhood. My father was the caretaker for many years. Carlos Vargas.”

“I just met Carlos recently. He’s a lovely man.” I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. “That explains why I recognize you. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you in photographs.”

“Really?”What photos would she have seen?As if I voiced that question out loud, Isabella continues.

“A while back, I pitched the idea of an anniversary celebration for the winery to the marketing manager. She didn’t seem interested in pursuing it, and then she left abruptly soon after. I’ve been thinking of proposing the idea to Brennen directly, so I did some research. I was going through some old files and pictures, and found tons of photos of the Murphy family over the years. I recognized the younger versions of Brennen and Emma, and a guy I assume is their older brother. There was also another young girl in so many of them. One day, I was going through some old newspaper articles mentioning the family, and I found an engagement announcement with a name and a photo. Your name and your photo. You were engaged to Brennen.”

“Yes.” It’s the only response I can muster as tears form in my eyes.

“When I looked through the employment files, so I could compile names of former employees, your name was there, too.”

I nod in the affirmative. Isabella continues.

“You know, ever since I’ve been working for Brennen, there’s been a sadness about him, a loneliness. He’s polite, professional, compassionate, but he keeps a distance. I think he’s often misunderstood. He has a kind soul and some people take advantage of that or mistake it for weakness. I know from conversations with Emma that their brother Ryan left a long time ago, and their parents have passed away, but I’ve never heard Brennen mention anyone special in his life besides his sister. He has the look of a man who’s been hurt in the past. And he’s put up walls all around himself.”

Now the tears are flowing freely. So many years have passed for us that we’ll never get back. And it’s my fault. “You must think I’m a horrible person. Who runs out on their fiancé?”

She takes my hand. “Look. I don’t know you at all, but I’ve been around long enough to know that fault rarely lies with one person. I’m sure you had your reasons, and that doesn’t make you a bad person. I ended up in Pelican Point because I was running from some shit myself. And the reason I know Brennen is a good man is because I needed a job and a place to land. He took a chance on me, no questions asked. And I’ll always be grateful for that. Everyone deserves a second chance. So, take it, girl. If you still care for Brennen, and it sure as hell looks like you do, you have to try. Confront the past head on, own up to your mistakes, and move forward.”

Chapter 8

Brennen

I’m a professional compartmentalizer. After speaking with my sister, I packed away the problem with Candace and the shit with Ryan, and turned back to my feelings regarding Joselyn. The conversation with Carlos gave me a better understanding of why she left. I realize we both deserve resolution and closure, and I need to determine if there’s a chance for us to develop trust again. After spending some time contemplating how to do that, I’ve come up with an idea. I just have to figure out how to approach it without scaring her off forever.

Isabella calls me out to the lobby to ask about a private tasting request as the woman foremost in my thoughts walks through the front door. She’s looking beautiful in a khaki shirt-style dress belted at the waist and brown leather sandals.

She calls out to me. “Hey.”

I stroll across the lobby to greet her by the front door, hopefully far enough away from the curious ears of Isabella. “Hey, yourself. Are you here to see Carlos?” I ask.

“Actually, I came to see you.”

Ah, the right answer. “That’s good.”

“It is?”

“Yes. I want to apologize. I’m sorry about before. You caught me off guard. I want to talk to you about something.”

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