Page 73 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

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

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

I take some calming breaths. Despite everything, I really do want to reconcile with him. I want my brother back. It’s been too damn long, and I want to fully restore the bond that our father tore apart. I squeeze my eyes shut, struggling to find the right words to diffuse the situation. A rope in my hand would help right about now. I take a deep breath and slowly exhale, regaining my center.

“Look, man, I’m sorry,” I say, my voice rough with exhaustion. “I know you’re not here to tear me down. Youwouldn’t be here if you didn’t care. The baggage is heavy, dude, and I’m just… I’m just trying to hold it together.”

I extend a hand to my brother. He takes it. I hold onto it like a lifeline, and pull him in for a hug.

Chapter 13

Joselyn

When Brennen is a no-show for our shibari session, I know something’s not right. I haven’t seen him since the night before he left for Atlanta, the night Ryan showed up at the house. And he’s not answering his cell. I drive as quickly as the speed limit will allow to the winery.

I rush up the steps and into the winery reception area, finding Isabella looking frazzled.Something’s going on.

“Where’s Brennen? He didn’t show up for an appointment we had today.”

“There’s been a lot of…umm, activity around here. Ryan was here; Emma’s been in and out; something’s going on between Sophia and Alex; and there’s just generally a lot of chaos. You should check the family house. I have a feeling Brennen could use a hug from you right now.”

I race back out the front door and head around the side of the building to the private family entrance. I turn the knob of the front door, and it’s unlocked. I step into the foyer and call out.

“Brennen?”

He walks out to greet me. He looks like hell. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t do this with you today.”

“I don’t understand. Talk to me.”

I search his face for answers, but he’s put his wall up and doesn’t seem inclined to let me in. I take a deep breath. Now is not the time for anger. I ran away once when things got hard, and I’m not about to make that mistake again. And we’ve worked through so much together; we’ve got the tools to get through this. When Brennen sees that I’m not backing down or leaving without answers, he reluctantly opens up.

“Look, Jos. The last few days, I’ve been on a fucking roller coaster of emotions. I was excited about getting home to see you, stoked about the success of my trip to Atlanta, and Ryan being back… He didn’t just show up the other day because I finally agreed to let him help. He’s had his hands in things behind the scenes for a while. People that I’ve come to know and trust were planted here by him. Namely, Alex and Miles. And when my brother and I talked through some things, we both realized we’ve been concealing a lot of pain. I still need to come to terms with all of that bullshit and accept the fact that I can’t control everything around me. I’m just not in the right headspace to scene with you today. I can’t risk screwing up. Having you back in my life is the one thing that’s been working right. Our connection and trust are getting stronger by the day, and I can’t jeopardize that. Iwon’t. I need rope time to realign my compass, but it has to be with a rope bunny to service so I can focus onmyneeds, no one else’s.”

His words are like a sucker punch to my gut. “But…

“I’m sorry, Joselyn. It’s not happening today.”

The sting of rejection quickly changes to anger and frustration. I can feel my blood pressure rising. Moving closer, I stab his muscular chest with my pointer finger.

“Let me tell you something, Brennen Murphy. I came back to Pelican Point for a reason. I’m no longer that naive young girl who ran away from you. You’re a damn hypocrite. You said I should have trusted you, leaned on you, talked to you, instead ofrunning. Well, I’m not running now. I am here for you in every way. For the good and the bad. And I know for a fact you love me. You tell me with your ropes. You crafted the perfect love knot, and I have the picture to prove it. Trust works both ways, you know. I trust you not to hurt me when you’re hurting. Stop being an asshole. Trust me to give you what you need. Who’s trying to run now?”

I see a multitude of emotions playing out on his face. Did I get through to him? God, I hope so.

“You’d do that for me?”

“Yes, Brennen. Can’t you see? I will do anything for you.”

Chapter 14

Brennen

When Joselyn said she’d do anything for me, I gave my trust over to her and let it all go. And she’s right. I do love her with all that I am. She’s helping me realize that after almost ten years, I can finally share my burdens and know that people will have my back.Joselyn. My sister. My brother. The employees of the Celtic Knot.

For the first time in my life, I’m relinquishing control. And it’s freeing as hell. When I found out my siblings had gone to the bank to settle the debt, it was as if a thousand-pound burden had been removed from my neck. Years of blood, sweat, and tears wiped away in an instant. The Murphys have prevailed. The power of three. The trinity knot. The bond that cannot be broken, no matter how frayed. And now the baby of the three, our sister, is engaged to be married. She’s going to tie the knot with her forever love.

I’m seeing Joselyn in her element, and I’m in awe. She’s a damn good event planner with genius ideas for the business. I’ve watched as she’s transformed the dusty old barn to a receptionvenue that rivals any site in Florida. We’re planning to promote it as a rental facility for special occasions and use it for wine-related events. The possibilities are endless, and it’s another revenue stream for the winery. She already has interest from a number of potential wedding clients.

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