Page 97 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

The woman standing a few steps back, watching us like a deer caught in headlights must be Sophie Garrett. Her wide-eyed discomfort makes me think she wasn’t expecting to get caught in the middle of this.

I take a quick glance at her, but before I can say anything, Alex shakes his head subtly at her movement. She freezes, her expression turning suspicious as she narrows her eyes at him. Interesting. Alex hasn’t told her anything. Good man.

“You need me more than you realize,” I say, shifting my focus back to Brennen. My voice is quieter now, but it carries weight. “Why didn’t you call me? All you had to do was tell me you needed cash. I would’ve wired it to you—no questions asked.”

Brennen scoffs and crosses his arms, his expression bitter. “None of that matters any more, big brother.” His hand flies out, pointing at Sophie like she’s some kind of trophy. “Our new winemaker has a major hit on her hands. We’re already sold out. We won first place and best overall white wine in Atlanta yesterday.Idid that. Not you.Me!”

“Several hits,” says the winemaker.

I glance back at Sophie, and she looks like she’s trying to disappear. She shifts backward, and Brennen’s outburst draws my attention fully to her for the first time. “You’re Sophia Garrett,” I say, realizing just who she is, who her family is and where she comes from. “From the California wine family.” She blinks at me clearly nervous, but she’s got grit. “What do you mean by several hits?”

Sophie straightens her shoulders and replies, her voice surprisingly steady. “We’ll have at least four top-notch wines within the next six months. We just bottled a light red that is a masterpiece, and next is a drier white wine. I can promise it’ll be better than anything you’ve ever tried.”

I can be an intimidating sonofabitch, and while she might be intimidated, she’s determined not to show it. “Cocky little thing, aren’t you?”

Her chin tilts up, defiance flashing in her eyes. “You’re only cocky if you can’t back it up. And I can.”

I nod, unable to suppress a flicker of respect, and turn back to Brennen. “It doesn’t matter how many fucking cases you’ve sold. Based on my intel, it won’t be long before Sapphire Development can take ownership of this place. You wait much longer for help, and everything our mother worked so hard for will be gone. Come on, Brennen, do you honestly think you can stop what’s coming with just the orders for the new wine?”

Brennen glares at me, his silence stretching out as the muscles in his jaw clench and unclench. Finally, he growls, “How did you know about…”

I shrug. “Does it matter? I have my sources.”

Brennen shoots a glance at Alex and then turns to me. “You mean spies?”

“Well, yeah.”

“That’s why this guy shows up out of nowhere, isn’t it? And you had Emma plant him to spy on us?”

“And again, yep.” Sophie runs out. I turn to Alex. “Go get your girl, Alex. Brennen and I have some family things to discuss.”

Alex looks between them. “I don’t need to be told twice.”

Alex heads out after Sophie. I hope he can make her understand. From what I can tell, they’re perfect for each other.

The room falls silent as Brennen and I square off. I’m pretty sure we’re about to come to blows, and this time I’m not going to let him have a shot. I’m going to flatten him and then pay the fucking note off and go back to Texas. I need this shit like a hole in the head.

The door bursts open and baby sister walks in. Fuck. Things have just gone from bad to worse.

“What the hell is the matter with you two?” Emma asks. “I told you both that we are going to work together to get this mess figured out. But until then, I’m sentencing you both to a time out. Do not leave this room until you’ve sorted your shit.”

Emma storms out, the sharp click of her heels echoing down the hall. The door swings shut behind her, leaving Brennen and me locked in a silent standoff, eyes locked, tension thick between us.

I exhale slowly, dragging a hand through my hair. “Look, man, I’m sorry,” Brennen says, his voice rough with exhaustion. “I know you’re not here to tear me down. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t care.” Brennen shakes his head, the weight of everything seeming to press down on him. “The baggage is heavy, dude, and I’m just… I’m just trying to hold it together.”

Brennen’s expression softens—just a little—before he exhales and extends his hand. I take it. He grabs it like a lifeline and pulls me in for a hug. I’ve never been much on hugs, but this feels good, and I hug my brother tight.

Chapter 9

Ryan

The next day, I look up from my desk. “Ryan,” Brennen says, his eyes narrowing slightly as he registers the tension in my posture. “You’re here. Good. I want you to meet someone.”

The man steps forward, offering his hand. “Miles Dawson. Wine critic.”

I take his hand, gripping it a little harder than necessary as my amusement registers. Dawson is here at my request, and it would seem as though he’s hit it off with my brother and sister.

“Dawson,” I say evenly. “Good to see you again.”

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