When Kayla woke she was alone. It was Saturday morning and the clock read eight fifteen. The sheets beside her were still warm and she sighed a lovely and contented sigh when she remembered how much loving they’d done during the night. First on the sofa, and then later when Liam carried her upstairs.
She swung her legs off the bed, grabbed her robe, slid her arms into it and tied the belt. She wandered to the window and stared out, immediately spotting Liam down by the jetty. He was looking out across the water and as she watched him, a wave of intense love washed over her.
With everything that had happened between them in the past couple of weeks, one thing remained strong...the love between them was as it had been from the beginning. She felt it as though it was a tender cloak wrapped around her shoulders and giving her the strength to get through anything.
And she would.
She’d spent her life whole trying to please the people she loved...from dance class, to the calculus club in high school. From getting into a great college and finishing her degree to landing a job back in Cedar River...because it was what her parents wanted. Because it validated the unending love they had given her throughout her life. Pleasing them made her feel good about who she was. It justified their belief in her. It made her the perfect daughter.
And robbed her of the ability to make her own decisions and live by them.
But then, she thought as she touched her belly and looked toward the jetty, things had spectacularly imploded. She’d fallen for the one man her parents disapproved of most. She’d dated him, fallen in love with him, married him and then made a baby with him...in secret.
And that secrecy had devalued every single moment they had shared together.
Shame, as hot as hellfire, started up her ankles and licked her calves and thighs, working its way up her abdomen, and then landed squarely in the center of her chest.
I’m such a coward.
She’d never considered herself cowardly. Good daughters weren’t cowards. They were kind and considerate and loving and...good. A good daughter made her parents proud. A good daughter always put others first. The years of programming, the years of being told she was their miracle child, their whole world, their everything...that love had somehow become a burden. An albatross. A weight of responsibility so heavy she hadn’t been able to see anything else other than her almost desperate need to please them.
And then she had crashed into Liam’s car and her whole belief system had derailed.
She looked toward the jetty and wondered what he was thinking in that moment. Liam had been open about his feelings from the beginning. He hadn’t shied away from their attraction because he’d believed it was stronger than any old family squabbles. And he was right. She’d simply been too blinded by duty and obligation to realize the truth.
But no more.
If their marriage was to survive, she needed to take hold of her gumption and make things right. For Liam. For herself. For the baby soon to come into the world.
Kayla grabbed her cell phone and quickly made a few calls. By the time she was done she felt better, stronger, and resilient and empowered. The woman she had always believed herself to be.
Once she dressed, she headed downstairs and found Liam coming through the back door. He looked so handsome in jeans and a brown checked shirt that her heart flipped over.
“We should get a dog,” he said and smiled.
“Good morning to you, too,” she said, laughing. “A dog? That’s quite a commitment.”
“It goes hand in hand with the whole marriage and babies and a cat thing, don’t you think?”
Kayla wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure Peanuts will agree. But, if that’s what you want.”
He shrugged and then looked more serious. “I’d like the peace of mind, you know, of having someone standing on point when I’m not here. When I was down on the jetty just now I realized how isolated this place actually is. It would make me feel better if we had a hound sitting on the porch, watching over things.”
“So, we’re talking a big dog? Like the ones Ash has?” Kayla asked, thinking of her friend’s pair of Ridgebacks.
“Exactly. We could go to the shelter in Deadwood next week and choose one.”
For the next hour they were at the kitchen table, looking on his laptop at animal shelters in the county, in between eating eggs and toasted sourdough. It seemed achingly normal. Without tension. Without anything interfering. Until Liam’s cell rang.
“I have to go,” he said, ending the call and then kissing her forehead. “The sous chef had an accident and I have to meet Abby at the restaurant. Looks like he got knocked over in the parking area and broke his leg. I don’t know how long I’ll be. I have to fill out a report on the accident and head over to the hospital, but I’ll call you later.”
She nodded. “I’m heading out soon. I have a few errands to run and then I’ll be at the museum most of the afternoon preparing for the benefit. I’ll probably get dressed there.”
He nodded, promised to call as soon as he was done with the emergency and then left quickly. Kayla cleaned up, missing him as she lingered in the house for an hour and then headed to her parents’ home at midday.
There were several cars parked by the curb and she recognized most of them.
The door was open and she could hear voices. Her parents, J.D. and Gwen O’Sullivan, Kathleen and Jonah, and her grandmother were all in the living room, in various stages of conversation. J.D. and Gwen were standing by her grandmother. Her parents were huddled in one corner, with her dad giving death stares to J.D, while Kathleen was pouring coffee on a tray at the sideboard and Jonah stood alone by the fireplace, looking bored and as though he wanted to be somewhere else.
Kayla stood by the door and watched. These people were her family. By either blood or marriage, they were now her child’s family, too, and she wanted them in her baby’s life.
But only on her terms.
She cleared her throat and seven sets of eyes immediately zoomed to her direction.
“Kayla,” her father said. “What’s the meaning of this? Is this all your doing? Why have you asked everyone to—”
“Yes,” she said and took a deep breath. “It’s my doing, Dad. I asked everyone to come here today.”
“Asked?” J.D. said and made a scoffing sound. “Demanded, you mean. And where’s my son? He should be—”
“He’s at the hotel,” she explained. “I wanted to talk to you all...alone.”
“Kayla, this is—”
“Please, Dad,” she said and raised a hand. “I need to speak to all of you, all together, so no one misinterprets what I have to say.”
The silence was suddenly deafening, but she wasn’t deterred. If she backed down, it would never be said, never be resolved. And that was unthinkable. There was too much at stake for her to back out now.
“I know there’s a lot of anger and resentment in this room,” she said and looked at everyone in turn. “I know some of it has been there for a long time. And like any feeling that’s had a lot of years invested in it, letting go is difficult. Sometimes impossible. Friendships have been lost,” she said, looking at her father and J.D. “And maybe they’ll never be what they were. But I’d like to think we can all learn to get along.”
“Consider it water under the bridge, you mean?” Gwen O’Sullivan suggested.
Kayla nodded. “Exactly.”
“Easier for some,” her father said and scowled.
“I get it, Dad,” she said and sighed. “I get that you’re angry and probably won’t ever get past this...but that’s okay. I can live with that. The thing is, can you?” Before he could reply, she went on. “Six months ago I did something no one expected...including myself. I fell in love... I fell in love with a man I was always told to stay away from. A man I was told was cold and unfeeling and didn’t care about anything but wealth and power. But you couldn’t be more wrong,” she said and met her father’s gaze. “Liam is the most generous person I have ever known. He’s kind and honest and incredibly good. Of course, he can also be arrogant and stubborn and likes things done his own way...but he has this amazing integrity that is unflappable.” She looked toward Liam’s parents and sighed. “You know this about him already. You know that he would never lie, never cheat, never do anything he’d consider dishonorable.”
Gwen’s eyes shimmered and she nodded. “That’s very true.”
Kayla swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at her father again. “You see, Dad, he’s really not that much different from you. Liam is the most honorable person I have ever known. Like you. So, it’s not surprising that I fell for him as I did. And despite how badly I have behaved toward him these past few months...how much I have hurt him over and over and how I’ve refused to acknowledge our relationship, and how I’ve been afraid to tell my family and my friends that I am undeniably and completely in love with this man, he still believes in me. He still wants me. He still loves me. And that just beats all,” she said and smiled, blinking at the tears in her eyes. “Don’t you think? So, Mom, Dad...don’t ask me to choose. Don’t ask me to give him up or to give up on our marriage...because I won’t. Not ever. But I don’t want to give up on you, either.”
There was more silence, stretching out like frayed elastic. Kayla was about to turn and leave when her grandmother got up from her chair, walked across the room and stood at her side.
Grams grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly and Kayla felt the old woman’s support through to her bones. She had an ally and it gave her more strength than she’d imagined.
Then Grams spoke. “Right...so now, you’re all on notice. You heard my granddaughter...she loves him. He loves her. And I’ve had about enough of all this squabbling.” She looked toward Kathleen. “I’m glad my daughter had the sense to come home and sort this out and I’m glad I finally got to meet my grandson,” she said and glanced in Jonah’s direction. “The rest of you need to learn to get along. There’s a baby coming. A baby that you will share as a grandchild. So get over your bickering and grow up.”
Kayla kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “Thanks, Grams. You’re the best.”
“Life is too short to hold grudges,” Grams said, grinning, and then looked toward her son. “You might want to think about that, Derek. I lost a child for thirty years,” she said and glanced at Kathleen and then toward J.D. and Gwen. “And when their daughter, Liz, died, they lost one forever. I hope you never know that feeling, Derek. But if you keep up this anger, if you keep pushing and can’t learn to forgive, you just might.”
They were defining words in a defining moment.
Then there were tears and hugs and when her father walked across the room and took Kayla in his arms, tears on his cheeks, she held on to him, knowing everything would somehow work out. She loved her parents, but she loved Liam, too.
Now, all she had to do was tell him.
And the world.
* * *
“Is there someone we should call?”
Liam was standing in the hospital corridor, talking with Lucy and Abby about the sous chef, who was now sporting a broken leg and two cracked ribs courtesy of an unlicensed driver losing control of his car in the parking area outside the hotel.
“Connie’s checked his employee details and called his next of kin,” he said and nodded. “His sister is on her way from Rapid City. Thanks for taking care of him so quickly.”
“That’s my job,” Lucy said. “I’ll come back and check on him later.”
Once she left, he assisted Abby with the more formal details around the accident and then headed back to the hotel around three. He called Kayla and told her he’d shower and dress at the hotel and would meet her later at the museum. Staff accidents required immediate attention and he spent most of the afternoon filling out the necessary incident and insurance forms. The hotel was busy and it was after five thirty by the time he was ready to leave for the benefit. Connie was at her desk, dressed up in a red gown instead of her usual black skirt and hotel jacket. She was distracted and he was about to ask her what was wrong when Derek Rickard appeared in the entrance to the outer office. Connie immediately excused herself, grabbing her bag before she headed off and said she’d see him at the museum.
Liam waited for the other man to speak. And didn’t have to wait long.
“This is the thing...despite everything...my daughter is the most important person in the world to me.”
“And to me,” Liam said quietly.
He nodded. “And I only want her to be happy.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Derek let out a weary sigh. “What your father did was wrong. But...that was him and it was a long time ago. So, I know it might not seem like it...but I have no beef with you, son.”
Liam stilled instantly. “You don’t?”
The other man shrugged. “Earlier today my daughter told me that you were the most honorable man she has ever known. And it occurred to me that I have no reason to doubt her. You know, I never imagined anyone would come along who would cherish her more than I do...but it seems that I was wrong. So, even though it doesn’t make a difference. Even though it doesn’t matter one iota what I think...you have my blessing.”
Liam’s chest tightened. He knew he shouldn’t care. But he did. Because he knew what it would mean to Kayla. “Thank you.”
Derek sighed unevenly. “My daughter loves you very much. She made that abundantly clear to all of us today.”
Liam frowned. “All of who?”
The other man spent a good two minutes informing him of the O’Sullivan invasion into his home earlier that day and Kayla’s impassioned speech. Love, pure and simple, washed over him like a wave. And gratitude. Because she’d stood up for him. For them. For their marriage. At last. And he couldn’t have loved her more than he did in that moment.
“Well, isn’t there a fancy party we all have to go to?” Derek asked.
He nodded. “You do know my father will be there?”
“I know.” The other man half smiled. “But between his wife and my sister and that moody son of his, I reckon he’s got bigger problems than me.”
Liam laughed. “Yeah, I think you’re right.”
And if anyone had told him a couple of weeks ago that he’d be walking through the doors of the museum on the evening of the benefit beside Derek Rickard, he wouldn’t have believed a word of it. Nonetheless, Liam arrived just after six o’clock and most of the guests were already in attendance. Tables were set up along one wall, and wait staff were busy moving around the crowd, offering trays of canapés and drinks. The place was humming with a kind of animated energy and he stopped every few strides to greet people he knew and who recognized him. There was a small stage off to one side and an instrumental trio were playing some kind of classical tune.
When he spotted Connie talking to Lucy Monero and her fiancé, Brant Parker, he quickly headed for them.
“Have you seen Kayla?” he asked, scanning the crowd.
“Last I saw she was with Brooke and Tyler at the back of the gallery,” Connie replied.
He excused himself and wove a path through the crowd. He saw Kieran and his mother and acknowledged them as he walked toward the gallery. And then he saw her. Radiant in a long, dark blue dress that draped around her waist and was secured at her neck in a halter style. She’d never looked more beautiful.
She must have sensed his presence, because her head turned and she met his gaze, smiling. And there it was. The lightning. That intense connection and longing he had for her...and only her. It struck him way down low and then cascaded through his body like a bonfire. He met her halfway across the room, suddenly oblivious to everything and everyone else. He knew they were being watched. Cedar River was a small town and their relationship would be news on the small-town grapevine. But he ignored the stares. He ignored everything except his lovely wife making her way toward him.
“You look so beautiful,” he said and grasped her right hand when she reached him.
“You look pretty good yourself,” she said and moved closer. “Have you come to help me schmooze and sell some of this amazing artwork for charity?”
“Absolutely. The place looks incredible. And the turnout is good. Better than we hoped.”
“Three pieces of art have already sold,” she said, clearly delighted. “And there have been bids on four others. At this rate we’ll reach our goal well before the end of the evening. I have to give a speech soon...you know, thanks to the artists who donated their work and to the people who’ve helped this night come together.”
“I’m really proud of you. This event is all your doing.”
“Not all,” she corrected. “I couldn’t have done it without your support and guidance. So, thank you. By the way, your parents are here,” she said and her mouth flattened a little. “Not together, I might add. Your mom arrived with Kieran and your dad arrived alone. But at least they’re here.”
“As are yours. But I don’t think we’re in for any fireworks tonight,” he said and grinned. “I’m sure everyone will be on their best behavior. Even Jonah.”
She laughed softly. “I think I saw him hanging around the door looking for his first chance to escape.”
“I’m sure he’ll do his best to have a terrible time,” Liam said and rubbed her fingers. “But you never know, he might surprise us. Speaking of surprises,” he said and led her off to the side to a little alcove so they could speak privately. “Your father came to see me this afternoon. I think we’ve come to an understanding.”
She nodded, as though it was no surprise at all. “I’m glad. I hope he can find some place of peace where your father is concerned. Once the baby comes, there’ll be a christening and then birthdays... I want to share that with my family. With our families.”
“We will,” he promised and touched her stomach discreetly. “How’s our little champ doing?”
“She’s good.”
“She?”
Kayla smiled. “Just a feeling.”
“I hope you’re right,” he said softly, grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth. “I like the idea of my daughter having me wrapped around her finger, just like her mom.” Something glittered on her hand and he turned her palm over. The platinum-and-diamond band he’d slipped onto her finger that night in Vegas over a month ago was securely in its place. “You’re wearing your ring?”
She nodded. “For good. Forever. I love you, Liam. More than that, I need you. Always. And I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to say the words to you. I’d tell the world if I could.”
Like stars aligning, Liam experienced a strange and almost surreal sense of peace that started deep down in his chest and then worked its way across his skin and through every molecule he possessed.
“You’re saying them to me,” he said and touched her cheek. “And that’s all that matters. So, go give your speech and when you’re done we’ll do that schmoozing you wanted.”
She smiled and stepped away and he watched her walk through the crowd, her golden hair shimmering beneath the lights. He was about to seek out his father when both his brothers sidled up beside him. Kieran had a beer in one hand and Liam raised a curious brow.
“Hair of the dog,” Kieran said and grinned. “You should try it.”
Liam grimaced. “I’ll pass.”
Jonah made a scoffing sound. “You two girls can’t hold your liquor.”
“Has your blonde from last night given you the slip?” Kieran asked and took a drink.
Technically the youngest O’Sullivan—since he was born three days after Sean—shrugged one shoulder. “Two nights in a row looks too much like a relationship.”
“You sentimental fool,” Kieran teased.
Liam laughed. Maybe having another brother wasn’t so bad, after all. Jonah was even more uptight than he was. It would be a nice change not being considered the most disagreeable O’Sullivan around.
“You look happy,” Kieran said and jabbed him in the ribs with an elbow.
“I am,” he admitted.
“I almost envy you,” his brother said and drank some more beer. “Incidentally, I heard that Kayla wiped the floor with everyone today. Mom said it was something else. It must be nice knowing the woman you love has your back.”
Liam looked at Kieran and nodded. “It is.”
“Yep. I definitely envy you.”
“Now who’s being sentimental?” Jonah said just as the music stopped playing.
Liam’s attention was quickly drawn to the stage. Kayla stepped onto the small podium and began to speak, her lovely voice filtering throughout the room. And then he felt and heard nothing but her.
* * *
Kayla took a deep breath and adjusted the microphone. She’d practiced her thank-you speech a dozen times in her head and the words began to roll off her tongue.
“Thank you so much for coming tonight. My name is Kayla R—” She stopped, meeting Liam’s loving gaze across the room and changing her mind midsentence. “My name is Kayla O’Sullivan, and I am the curator of the Cedar River Museum and Art Gallery.”
She heard a few gasps, saw a few heads turn in Liam’s direction. And also saw him smiling just a little. So, she went on, thanking the artists, the local dignitaries attending, the hospital volunteers, Shirley and Ash and the caterers and anyone else who’d helped pull the event together. When she was almost done, she paused and took a breath. She could see close to one hundred pairs of eyes directed toward her, waiting for her next words. She spotted her parents and saw her dad smile reassuringly.
With her gaze fixed back to Liam, she continued, “And lastly, I’d like to thank my husband, Liam, who has generously funded this evening’s event. The O’Sullivan family has a long history of charitable work in our town and I’m very proud to now be a part of that legacy. So, thank you, Liam... I love you more than words can say.” She saw his stunned expression, took a breath and smiled. “And thank you to everyone for coming tonight and making the event such a success. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening.”
There was a short applause and she quickly handed the microphone back to the musicians and stepped off the stage. She watched as Liam said something to his brothers and then headed directly for her. By the time he reached her Kayla’s knees were shaking and her heart was full of love for him.
“So, not exactly the world,” he said and grasped her hand, linking their fingers intimately. “But close enough.”
She smiled. “I think I’ve shocked a few people already today.”
“Yes,” he said and drew her close. “I heard about your family meeting today.”
Kayla shrugged and moved into his embrace. “I was staking a claim on what was mine.”
“And what’s that?” he teased.
“You,” she replied. “Us.”
“I like the sound of that. Do you know what else I would like?” he said, smiling.
“What?”
His arms tightened around her. “To marry you again,” he said, stunning her. “In a chapel in this town with our family and friends around us.”
Kayla’s heart rolled over. “I’d like that very much.”
“So, would you have any objections if I kissed you right about now, Mrs. O’Sullivan?”
“Not one.”
His mouth met hers in a sweetly passionate kiss that made her swoon and then smile when she heard a few whoops and cheers around them. It was the happiest moment of her life. And she was happier still, knowing there was more to come. Her life with Liam. Their baby. Their family.
Which was everything.