Tomorrow was to be Michael Gallagher’s wedding day. And now it wasn’t. His bride-to-be had just called the whole thing off.
Michael sat beside his cousin on the front steps of the manor watching the taillights of the limos that carried the bridal party fade from view, waiting for the misery and despair to kick in.
Nothing. All he felt was relief.
He rubbed his hands over his face as he tried to come to terms with his momentous mistake. “How did I miss it, Liam? How did I not know who Bethany really was? That…woman was not the one I fell in love with.” When Liam stayed silent, Michael lowered his hands and glanced at his cousin. “Just say it, I’m an idiot.”
“Well…” Liam grinned and patted Michael’s back. “What can I say? You got played, bro. She showed you exactly what you wanted to see.”
“For two bloody years?”
“The amount of time you two actually spent together probably added up to three months.”
“You know she’s been living with me for almost a year, don’t you?”
“Yeah, and I know you. You’re a workaholic, and you made up for it by giving her everything she wanted. Until now.”
Michael hated to admit it, but Liam was right. As an only child, Bethany was used to getting her way. Her parents spoiled her, and Michael had basically done the same. Now he was paying the price. Along with his Irish wolfhound, Atticus, and possibly his entire family.
In the two hours that had passed since she’d thrown her engagement ring at him, Bethany had been busy plotting her revenge. She’d already had the locks on his condo changed, planned to keep him from his dog, and hired a lawyer who she vowed would tie Michael up in court for the foreseeable future and smear his family’s good name.
They weren’t idle threats. Her wealthy Boston family had the clout and connections to make them happen.
“I gotta get in touch with my dad and let him know what she’s up to.” This was going to get worse before it got better. He’d be lucky if anyone would hire him once the Adamses got through tearing him to shreds in the court of public opinion. “So, is your pal Marco just kidding around when he says he’s got mob connections? A hit man’s sounding pretty good about now.”
“The guy has been spouting that crap since grade school,” Liam said with a laugh. Then his laughter faded. “You’re joking, right?”
“Yeah, I just have no idea how I’m going to stop this. How I’m going to get Atticus back and protect the family and the manor.”
“Knock it off with the I. We’ve got your back. And I’m here to look after the manor.”
“No shit? What changed your mind?”
“Sophie and Mia. Instead of only thinking about what the family’s lost over the past seven years, they reminded me of all the good times we had here.” Liam looked down at his hands clasped between his legs then glanced at Michael. “I’ve spent the past seven years keeping everyone at arm’s length and avoiding Greystone, and Harmony Harbor. I didn’t realize it’s exactly where I needed to be.”
“Spoken like a man in love. And speaking as a man who’s just been duped, dumped, and possibly hung out to dry, I should probably caution you that women aren’t always what they seem, but I won’t, because you and I both know you got lucky. I’m happy for you, buddy.”
“Thanks. Along those lines, I have a favor to ask.”
“Sure. Shoot.”
Liam looked back at the closed doors then leaned forward and lowered. . .
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