Page 14 of Shattered Union

She narrows her eyes at me. "You are?"

"Mam," I sigh, "I told you the pub I'm purchasing is almost finalised. This one is in central London. It's going to take time to get it sorted and ready for opening. Not to mention hiring people."

"I know, but I hardly see you anymore."

Damn it. Both her and Ava have said that to me. I've been so wrapped up in Denis that I've been neglecting my family. "I'm sorry. I promise I'll do better."

She kisses my cheek. "I'm so proud of you baby, and I can't wait to meet your guy."

I blink. "What?" I whisper. How does she know about Denis?

Her body shakes as she laughs. "Callie, I know everything, you should know this by now. Besides, why else would you be so preoccupied? I'm happy for you."

I press closer to her. "Thanks, Mam."

God, I don't think I've ever been happier than I have been since I've been with Denis.

4

Denis

One month later

"Mo ghrá,”I whisper as the airplane starts its descent. I shake her, hoping she’ll wake.[My love]

Her eyes flutter open, and she gives me a soft smile, her body sinking into mine. "Sorry," she whispers. "I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."

I kiss the top of her head. "You're grand, babe." She's been working hard. I found out she doesn't just work in the pubs, she owns them. My woman is a fucking smart businesswoman and I'm proud as fuck of how well she's able to transform a business. The past two weeks she's been working non-stop. Flying back and forth from Dublin to London to get the plans completed.

The past month we've both been in London more times than we've been in Dublin. It's just become natural for us to travel together. I'm not afraid to admit I hate being away from her. I'm in love with her. Nothing is going to change that. Never.

"How's Melissa?" she asks as she rests her head against my chest.

My daughter-in-law is pregnant, almost six months gone. She's a perfect match for my Danny. My son is more like me than he cares to admit. Once his mind is set on something, he doesn’t let go. Like I am with Callie. He didn’t do relationships as he never wanted to end up like me and his ma. Toxic and bitter. Melissa isn't like Zoe, and she treats my son with respect and love. That's all I can ask for him.

The expression on my son's face when he looks at his wife is the same way I look at Callie. I'd do anything I could to protect her.

"She's good, babe," I assure her.

"You have to go next week?" she asks, gripping my hand as the jet hits the runway.

I feel guilty as fuck for lying to her. Zoe's booked in for her Caesarean section next week. I'm going to meet my “son” and try not to kill Zoe. I’ve been present at every single birth and I will not miss this one either. When the time comes and Zoe dies, I’m keeping the kids. They’re mine. The week after my boy’s born, I'm flying to New York for Holly's wedding. My baby girl is getting married. It's fucking hard as hell watching as your daughter lives her life and you realise she doesn't need you anymore.

“Yeah,” I whisper, my stomach clenching at leaving her.

She’s cute as fuck and pouts. “Fine,” she huffs jokingly. “What am I supposed to do when you’re gone?”

I fucking love that she’ll miss me. I wish I could bring her with me. But that’s going to cause people to raise their brows, and I’m not having that shit at Holly’s wedding.

“Babe,” I murmur, my lips twitching as I rise to my feet, pulling her along with me. “You’re going to be busy as hell the next month getting the pub sorted. Do you think you’ll have time to miss me?”

She laughs as we step off the plane. “That’s true, my vibrator is better anyway.”

I slide my arm around her shoulders and pull her toward me, nipping at her lip when she’s close to me. “You’ll pay for that,” I tell her on a rumble. My chest vibrates with the growl which is lodged in my throat. I’m not usually a possessive man. Never had been until Callie. Now I get pissed whenever she talks about any man...or machine.

Her blueish-silver eyes are filled with laughter and mischief as she giggles. A sound that always settles me, unlike anything else. I fucking love hearing her laugh. Seeing her so carefree is something I strive to ensure.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she replies huskily, her teeth capturing her bottom lip.

---