Page 74 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

Carlos, Tony, and I are helping prepare the barn by stringing lights in the rafters and testing them, as well as making sure power, water, and all the other equipment needed are in place and working properly. Meanwhile, Jos, with Isabella’s help, is managing deliveries and dealing with contractors and vendors like a boss.

After confirming some supply orders, she turns to me. “I think we’re done for today. Everything is on track for the barn to officially open for events. Oh, wait! I need to double check the contract with the temp company for bartenders and extra help and confirm the wine quantities we want to keep on hand for special events.”

I pull her in for a quick kiss. “I’ll take care of those things. Anything else?”

She puts a finger to her forehead as if deep in thought, then smiles. “Actually, yes. We should set up contracts with Kennedy’s brewery for local beer and that distillery across town for Irish whiskey.”

“On it.”

“Thanks, babe. I appreciate it. And thank you for all of your help. We make a pretty good team.”

“That we do.” I bring her in close and lower my voice so we can have a private moment. “I want to thank you. For coming back and facing the past. Surrendering your emotions and body. Allowing us to rebuild trust. Freely and unselfishly handing me the power to give you what you need. These last few months have been magical. Fending off threats, introducing new wines, youand your father returning, my brother coming home—I realize with all of us back together, we can overcome anything.”

She gives me a smile that makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the world. My heart is so happy, I can’t help teasing her. “Remember when you and Emma were little, you would destroy my mother’s sunflowers, picking off the petals, and saying ‘he loves me, he loves me not?’”

Joselyn giggles, just like that precocious little girl from the past. “I do remember. And I have a confession to make. Even then, I was thinking of you as I plucked those petals, hoping that one day you would love me.”

“Jos. I always have, and I always will.”

“And I will always love you, Brennen, and love your knots.”

Each couple finds their forever, but the storm is still brewing. Keep going—you won’t want to miss what happens next!

---