Page 196 of Destined Lovers

“Okay, is someone going to tell me what the hell is going on?” I snap.

Declan comes and sits next to me and places his hand on my neck, knowing the move always comforts me.

“This is not how I wanted to tell you, but when Declan was insistent on proposing the second you got home, I had no choice.”

“Tell me what?” I snap again, unable to help myself; Declan gives me a quick squeeze on my neck in warning.

“There is no easy way to say this, but your mam and da knew something might happen to them, so they set up your protection before they died.”

“What does that mean? My da knew he would die?” I gasp, and Declan rubs his thumb up and down my neck.

Agnes nods her head sadly. “He knew once he was appointed judge to a mob case, there would always be a possibility of something going south. Then not long after, he had a gut feeling, so right before your parents died, your da came back to Ireland to prepare protection for you and your mam. However, when threats increased, they knew the protection would only be for you.”

She pauses to make sure I’m okay and I give her a silent nod, I want to get this over with.

“Your da was friendly with Bennett through the courthouse when you still lived in Ireland. Garda had Bennett stationed there often, so they were familiar with each other and, over time, became friends. He trusted Bennett, so he paid him to keep you safe. You weren’t actually in witness protection. He was your personal protection.”

I think I’m in shock.

I shake my head in disbelief. How is this all possible? “What about the people who came to talk to me about witness protection?”

“That was real, but Bennett was the one who intervened and convinced them to send you back to Ireland. I’m not sure of all the particulars.”

“Where do you come into this all?” I ask Agnes.

“Well, you see, I’ve known your da since he was a little boy. I was best friends with his mam, your granny. We lost touch over the years, however no matter what, we were always family. Your da came to me, knowing my property well, that I had an apartment I never used in my house. He asked if you could stay with me in case of an emergency. He explained the whole situation, and of course, I said yes. I was the beneficiary of his will and your assets, which you will get now that the case is over. You couldn’t get it before because they would have tracked you down easier. ”

I take a deep breath in to calm my racing heart.

“So you were only my friend, my nan, out of obligation? Did he pay you too?” I ask, void of any other emotion.

She lied to me.

“Nora, that’s not fair. She was only doing what your da ask.” Declan cuts in, and I twist my neck to release his hand off me. I’m all of a sudden feeling suffocated.

Before I can get off the couch, Agnes grabs my hand, and I can see the tears in her eyes.

“If that’s what you truly believe, I won’t try to change your mind, child. I love you with all my heart, and I hope deep down you recognize that.”

I drop my head. I do feel it. I feel her love. This just all feels like too much.

“When you came to stay with me, I didn’t know what to think. No expectations…Just neighbors. But you became so much more. You gave me a reason for this old bat,” she winks, “To live again. You gave me a grandchild I never had, a love that can’t be replaced.”

“I’m sorry, nan. This is all too much.” I reach over, hug her, and press the side of my head into hers.

“I know, Nora. I know.” She runs her hands through my hair.

“Now you can’t say anything about money since you have your own,” Declan smirks.

I could care less about the money. He knows that. “Well, we don’t need it, do we?”

“Of course not, just making a point.”

I turn towards Agnes, “As my beneficiary, I’d like you to donate everything toThe Taylor Foundation.”

“Pip,” Declan whispers.

“Archie has us. But what about all the others?” I shrug. It can only help.

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