Page 57 of Her Bossy Daddy

“Is everyone around here a friend of your family?” I sat next to Raegan on the swing.

“Yeah, pretty much, love.” Liam took a drag off the cigarette. “What do you think, Rae?”

“I don’t know about this, but I do remember Mr. Nolan. So, what? He’d mentor me for a bit and then just hand over his firm? I don’t get it.” Rae motioned for a cigarette and Liam handed one to her.

“You’ve got an amazing opportunity up here, and I’d bet there are others. Ones you might not have access to down in Richmond.” Liam blew out a ring of smoke. “There’s something else I learned recently and I hadn’t gotten a chance to tell you yet.”

“Why are you telling me all of this now, Liam?” Rae sighed. “I’ve got to drive home in a bit.”

“I know you’re headed home, but this could be the chance to have your own firm. Mr. Nolan really had some great things to say about you.” Liam glanced at me and winked.

“It’s a lot to think about.” Rae took a drag on the cigarette. “What else do you have to tell me?”

“Ronan moved out here to work the pub with his father.” His eyes sparkled as he watched the information sink in. Liam had told me the information on the way here, and how he hoped it would sway Raegan into moving. Her own law firm, and a potential relationship.

“Ro moved here?” Her cheeks pinkened. “Did you know we dated for a bit back in Ireland, way before he left for California?” She worked her bottom lip in and out between her teeth.

“He told me as much, little sister.” Liam grinned. “Though he forgot to mention he was moving during any of our conversations. I got a hold of him last night and got the details.”

“Did, you, em, mention me?” Raegan took several quick drags from the cigarette. “Or did he?”

“I did mention you were in the area, but that you weren’t staying long.” He crushed out the cigarette and then folded his arms over his chest. “You should stop by the pub before you leave town. I’m sure he’d love to see you.”

“Right. Well, I’ve got to be going. I’m glad we were able to take care of things so neatly. If either of you need legal help again, you let me know.” Raegan patted my arm, and then got to her feet, a little rushed. She hugged Liam. “Would you send me Mr. Nolan’s contact info? I’ll look into it, but it’s a big step.”

“Of course.” He hugged her once more. “I appreciate you coming out here to assist with all of this legal nonsense. It meant a lot to me.”

“We’re family. Of course I’d do whatever you needed.” She glanced back at me. “Keep your eyes on my brother, yeah?”

“Yeah, I will.” I watched her shoulder her purse, and then she dashed down the front steps. I poked Liam in his side. “I’ve never seen someone so happy to be leaving.” I wondered if she would stop by the pub on her way home.

“Ronan is like the brother I never had. Let’s say we’ve got similar outlooks on life, love. If the two of them get involved, he wouldn’t allow her to pull an antic like shooting whiskey and then driving. If anyone could convince Rae of the amazing opportunity Mr. Nolan has offered to her, it would be Ronan.” Liam kissed my cheek. “You seemed to get along with my sister pretty well. What do you think of her being around more?”

“I’d like to get to know her better,” I nodded. “I wanted to tell you something else though, on a different topic.”

“Let’s go inside and you can tell me.”

Once we got into the house, I lost my nerve and forced distance between us. I took time to put my coat and purse away, and then brewed a small pot of coffee. I picked up my phone and scrolled through it, absentmindedly looking through social media.

Liam found me in the kitchen. He touched my hand, and I got off the device. “What’s up, love? What did you want to tell me?”

“I’m so very sorry about hanging up on you when you told me you were relocating to New York. I was so overwhelmed at the idea. I didn’t handle my reaction well.” I wrapped my arms around him, and he did the same, pulling me closer to his chest.

“We’ve worked through a lot of issues this weekend, and I don’t want you to spend another moment thinking about your transgressions. I read your letter last night, and all I’ve wanted was some clarification for where your head was at in all this. Let’s continue forward. The slate is wiped clean, Lacey.”

“How can it be so easy?”

“It’s easier to move forward rather than spend your life focused on what’s behind you. The past is over and done with. It doesn’t mean our adventure together will always be easy, but we’ve embarked on it together and we’ll continue on together.”

“Do you really forgive me for all of the crap I’ve been doing?” I bit down on my lip but he moved his hand and rubbed his thumb across my mouth.

“Of course I forgive you, but the real question in all of this, is do you forgive you?”

“No, I don’t. Deep down I don’t feel worthy enough to have someone so wonderful in my life. I can’t forgive myself for acting out, and for being selfish and demanding rules because I can’t hold my shit together.”

“Well then, love. I’ll help you learn to forgive yourself. You are worthy of all of the wonderful things you desire. I’m just lucky to be included. Try to remember what I’m about to say. You’ve searched for someone to engage your fantasies, needs, wants, and the like for a long time. I’ve done the same. What I want and desire is you, Lacey. As much as you’ve needed to fill a void in your heart, I’ve needed the same. I’ve had former girlfriends and lovers call me every name in the book, love. I’ve been called depraved, perverted, misogynistic, and the list goes on and on.”

“You’re not any of those things!” I kissed him hard, and then again. It didn’t make sense for any women to have accused him of being so awful. Liam always treated me with respect. Those women were insane if they couldn’t see it. “You’re so amazing, and patient, and kind. You’re smart, and funny. I could keep going.”

---