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Bella and Fynn were hanging a banner that said, "Congratulations" while Mum and Aunts Fan and May set out a buffet of scones, cake, finger sandwiches, quiche and pies. My task was to hang pink and blue balloons from the ceiling.
Life was back to normal. But I was well aware of what was missing.
Mum's radar kicked in, as always. Standing back, ostensibly to admire the balloons, she put an arm around me. "Any news, love?"
"The usual. The nurses say she's doing well."
Mum hugged me. "New Dawn House is the best, and Rachel is getting the care she needs. Patience, sweetheart."
Which I knew, but after three long weeks, my patience was running thin. I missed my girl.
At the bar, Doc Jerry had a G&T in one hand and his phone in another. "The coroner's verdict is official, accidental death."
"A verdict in three weeks? That must have taken some doing," Quentin observed as he pulled Alex a pint. "They usually take their sweet time."
DeVere had called in section 23 again and with Alex organising the statements, it had been seamless. I had signed on the dotted line, Hogan Williams had notarized it, and I'd not heard another word. If there had been an inquest, none of us Cullens had been called.
Doc Jerry sipped his drink. "With every witness on the same page, it was basically a rubber stamp."
Alex, Karma and Tank kept mum, but they couldn't help but grin. Since Donovan had crashed through my window three weeks before, DeVere had been very keen to keep the witnesses sweet.
Alex had nipped in quick and secured planning permission for an extension to the Majestic and I had snagged a permanent parking place right in front of the Lion and Unicorn for Mum.
Quentin frowned because he knew damn well what was going on. But then he shrugged. "I guess they had enough press sticking their noses in. An inquest wouldn't have helped." But he didn't like it. At heart, Quentin is a fiend for law, order and transparency.
Doc Jerry sighed. "It means the press will be back."
Quentin glanced my way. "We only just got rid of the buggers."
"Double your prices, Quentin. That will keep them out." I hung the last balloon and noted my aunts and cousins were seating themselves.
"We're ready," Mum announced. "Sean says they'll be here in half an hour."
Quentin bustled immediately. "I'll get another cushion. Isa will want back support."
My sister had breezed through the birth, rested at home, and now, like every Cullen, she was presenting the newest family members to the clan. In her mum's pub, as she, Bella and I had been.
It was still early, but the Lion and Unicorn was crowded. Every regular was there, from Sara, Tatty and Doc Jerry to Harry and his rugger buggers. While Aunt May and Aunt Fan admired a stack of baby gift baskets, my cousins Jessie and Sorcha toasted each other with the pub's best cabernet. From the constant texts, the rest of the family were homing in.
Alex waved his beer at me. "Watch out, Trigger. Here's the Rampage."
Lavinya Shah bounced in, phone held up in my face and recording. "Trigger Cullen! What's your take on the coroner's verdict?"
It had been Lavinya who had filmed Donovan taking a dive, and as she'd been buzzing about ever since, phone out to record our every word, I was prepped. "Is this for the Rampage? Great! We're currently in the Lion and Unicorn. Did you know this pub has been in the family for six generations?"
Behind her, Alex, Tank and Karma grinned. We had worked our old game, embracing the press and boring them with useless information. It's not what the other gangs do, they prefer threats, but we Cullens have always enjoyed the more subtle passive-aggressive approach.
Lavinya had confronted me a dozen times over the weeks, but she remained tenacious. "And Rachel Fox? She's still recovering from being taken hostage?"
It took effort not to show hackle. "Is that right? What have you heard?"
The journo stiffened with annoyance and doubled down. "There's a report of a redhead in New Dawn House."
Shit. They'd found Rachel. I put on my best poker face and kept mum.
"I hear she went barking mad," Lavinya hissed. "Totally Looney Tunes. Had a complete breakdown."
That's the Rampage for you. If I blasted her, they'd edit her question, cutting out insults, and make it look as if I'd snapped. Deep breath. No response.
She didn't give up. "We'll interview her. She'll get a centre spread."
The threat settled me. If the Rampage had got into New Dawn House, they'd not be trying to get me to talk. Rachel was perfectly safe.
As I smiled, Lavinya ground her teeth in frustration. "Rachel Fox was taken hostage in your flat and Donovan was killed. And now the coroner returns an accidental death verdict. What is your response?"
I went instantly into my helpful act. "You were outside, weren't you? I hope you weren't hurt. That window was antique glass."
Lavinya pushed her phone in my face, hoping to rile me. "We're looking for your take on the Donovan case."
"The bloke said he can cut a new piece from an old cathedral window. But it will cost."
Lavinya frowned. "The. Verdict."
I shrugged. "I'm not up to speed on that. I'm a plumber."
Her phone vibrated and rang. Fed up with me, she checked her messages. At once, her face brightened. "I have to go."
I called out after her. "When you come back, I'll show you my flat. It has Jacobean wood panelling."
Doc Jerry sat open-mouthed. "That was amazing."
Quentin grinned. "Max gave the Guardian a twenty-minute talk on hotel security, and the Daily Mail was treated to a monologue on dos and don'ts of plumbing in heritage buildings."
Doc Jerry groaned. "That horrible woman cornered me last week. I stuck to 'no comment' and she made me look like an idiot."
Alex grinned. "Next time, advocate for healthcare."
"That's a splendid idea." Doc Jerry brightened. "Nurses should park for free at the hospital."
At that, my ribs ached in memory. When we'd piled in, the staff at Ringmere General had been fantastic, helping Isa deliver the twins, and putting Rachel in a private room while they stitched me up.
When I was all done, Isa was deep into labour. Mum was happy in the waiting room with a dozen cousins, so I went off to see my girl.
I found DeVere holding court by the lifts. Interestingly, the tiny cut on his wrist had required the bandaging of his entire forearm and a sling. With his hair dishevelled, his shirt unbuttoned at the top and artistically torn, and his jacket slung over his shoulders, he looked like the executive version of the Die Hard hero.
"I'm devastated," he began. "I can't believe that a man we trusted, an officer of the court, a respected member of the Bar, a committee member of the golf club who last year raised ten thousand pounds for charity, could be responsible for the deaths of three members of our community."
Good old DeVere, making certain that everyone shared in the toxic association.
"Did he jump or was he pushed?" Lavinya of course.
DeVere looked saintly sincere. "As it's an ongoing investigation, I can't comment." He winced artistically and cradled his arm.
"Mr. Mayor, how were you hurt?"
I looked up, recognising the voice. Roxanne, her dark locks hidden under a beret, fed in the lines.
DeVere shook his head. "I'm afraid my lips are sealed." And then the big faker winced again.
Confident he would play them beautifully, I snuck past and went to find Rachel. When I discovered she was no longer in the private room, I barged past the nurses and accessed their system.
She was squirrelled away in a cubicle used to prep surgery candidates. My temper vanished the second I saw her. She was pale, there were bruises all over arms from where Donovan had grabbed her, and she was still shivering. When she spotted me, she shrank.
Registering the signs of breakdown, I stopped short. "Just checking in on you, love. Are they treating you okay?"
"Yes." But when I sat on the bed, her hands clutched at the sheets. "I'm just a bit freaked."
"Did Grimstead bother you again?"
She shook her head. "No, but the Rampage came, and the Sun."
Bastards, hassling a vulnerable woman. "They're scum, sweetheart." But I didn't rage. Rachel was fragile enough. "I'm glad you're hidden away here."
"Steve did it. Dr Galen, I mean."
"He's a good man." I meant it too. "Do you need anything, love?"
"N-no." She smiled, but it was a pathetic effort. "He cut you. Did you get stitches? Are you sore?"
"I'm fine."
But as I put an arm around her, she shivered. "Poor love. You have had a bad time." I stroked her hair and talked soft nonsense. It worried me she was still trembling. The fright had gone deep.
A near death experience affects people differently. Back in Iraq, on that long ride back to the city, cowardly Smith had bounced back almost instantly while Khalid had been full of the joys of the life during the day but tormented with nightmares.
Rachel would deal with it; she was a tough woman. She had survived a violent father. But I felt for her, and the guilts flooded in too. Thinking she might be cold, I tucked the thin blanket around her.
Noting she flinched at every movement, I spoke gently. "I'm worried about you."
The door barged open, revealing a security guard with a chuntering nurse at his side. "Sir, I have to ask you to leave." Then he clocked who he was talking to. "Oh, you're Trigger Cullen." He swallowed and stood back.
I didn't bother getting to my feet. All my attention was on a sheet-white Rachel. "Thanks. As you can see, we're fine."
He wanted to exit, but the nurse pulled at his sleeve. "Strictly no visitors. Doctor's orders!"
The shrill tones had Rachel shivering again. Her eyes were enormous, too. Reluctantly, I got up. At that, the security guard grabbed her by the arm, muttering, "Sorry. We want no trouble."
As they disappeared, Rachel whispered, "I thought you'd hit him."
"The security guard? Of course not."
"That sound. I c-can't get it out of my mind."
"What sound?"
She wrung her hands. "That crack as his neck broke."
Poor Rachel. I'd heard his spine snap, too. I'd killed Donovan to save her life, so it didn't bother me. Because I have a black heart. Riding back to Bagdad, I'd slept like a baby, with not an iota of regret for the dozens of men I'd slaughtered.
But Rachel was cut from a different cloth. "You saved my life." Her eyes welled. "Sorry. I'm such an idiot, sitting here, weeping at you." She dashed the tears away. "I haven't told anyone."
"Sweetheart, maybe you should."
"If you think I'm handing you to Grimstead, you're bonkers," Rachel sniffed. "Now, give me a hug, Max."
And then she was in my arms. I kissed the soft skin and satin hair. "Thanks for protecting me. You're the bravest woman I know."
"Oh lord, I'm going to howl again."
"That's perfectly okay. Let it all out, love."
We were drying her eyes when a white coat appeared. Dr Diana Oakley. Galen had called in a shrink. "Rachel, hello. I came to see how you're doing." Amazingly, she shook my hand. "Trigger. Good to see you. How are the ribs?"
"Terrific. They did a great job."
"Glad to hear it." But she was on a mission. "A word with you?"
Outside in the corridor, the psychiatrist didn't pull her punches. "Rachel's in shock."
"What can I do?"
Doc Oakley lowered her voice. "The press are after her."
"Don't worry, Doc." Broken legs all round would keep them from bothering Rachel. "I'll fix them."
She was definitely a good shrink because she read my mind. "Don't be a damn fool. Go away and leave this to me."
"But -"
The grey eyes were firm. "This young woman had her friend murdered, was attacked twice in her own home, and today she was held at knifepoint."
"It's been an exciting few weeks."
To my surprise, she grinned. "Plonker."
"Sorry, force of habit."
"You're a good man and you saved her life. But Trigger, she's on the edge of a breakdown."
"I get it."
"I'm sending Rachel to New Dawn House. Nobody can get to her there."
And because I'm not a completely selfish bastard, I'd agreed. "I'll visit every day."
"Don't."
"Why the hell not?"
Her chin came up. "Because the press will be all over this, which means they'll be following you."
She was right. New Dawn House was protected by high walls, but if I went to visit, the press would bribe the staff, hang about the gate and perhaps try to go in undercover as patients.
There was only one answer. "Please work your miracle for her. I'll stay away until you tell me it's okay."
She patted me on the shoulder. "I'll book her in under my mum's maiden name. It will prevent anyone trying a digital search."
It killed me to be out of the loop, but I reminded myself that Rachel needed me to butt out. And that Diane Oakley was the best.
Thankfully, work had taken off in the weeks that followed. In between lecturing the newspapers on Victorian plumbing and antique glass, I installed new tubs, rainfall showers and Jacuzzis on the executive floor at the Majestic, fixed Tatty's and Sara's leaky cellar pipes, and found new clients in Primrose Gardens and Pagan Cove.
But at night I tossed and turned, hearing that bastard's neck break and wishing I could have done it differently. It wasn't the killing him that bothered me; it was the knowledge that I had hurt Rachel.
Still, it doesn't do to whine, so I picked up my drink and reminded myself that Rachel was in excellent hands. She'd heal and we could move on. Maybe it was time to think about a mortgage. Primrose Gardens was great for schools.
"Did you see Nathan Menzies is back at work?" Doc Jerry beamed. "He looks like a new man."
Alex leaned in. "Think he'll run for office again?"
"No way. He wants to get his marriage back."
My fingers itched to call New Dawn House, but I controlled myself.
Alex got to his feet, staring at his phone. "Quentin, stream the local station, would you?"
It was DeVere, giving an interview from his office. He still had his arm in a sling and the saintly, sincere look was in place too. "Thank you all for coming. I understand you have questions, but please allow me to make a statement first."
Alex frowned. "What the blazes is he doing?"
"Covering his arse," Quentin sneered.
"A few minutes ago, the coroner returned her verdict," DeVere intoned. "I am now free to comment."
A small gaggle of press burst into action.
"Is it true you were having an affair with both Mandy Owens and Rachel Fox?"
"Did you push Donovan out of that window?"
"Yeah, did you kill him?"
"What's your connection with the Cullens?"
DeVere raised one hand. "Please, allow me to speak. I'll explain everything."
"Oh no," Alex moaned. "He's supposed to lie low and let this blow over!"
DeVere gazed straight into the camera. "The last few months have been very difficult for all of us. It was a dreadful shock to discover we had a killer in our midst."
"He was your political advisor," Aunt May grumped at the screen.
"Exactly," Aunt Fan agreed.
From Alex's agonised face, his worst expectations were coming true. DeVere devalued his worth with every word. As he was now a Cullen asset, that punched my cousin straight in the gut.
The mayor leaned in confidentially. "Psychopaths like the Yorkshire Ripper, Ted Bundy and Harold Shipman are perfect predators because they're skilled at hiding their true selves. They rack up dozens of victims because they're above suspicion."
It was beautifully done. My aunts were nodding along and even Quentin shrugged and listened.
"Ringmere is safe. We don't have murders," DeVere lied. "When Mandy Owens was killed, I audited the police investigation. I also consulted outside experts."
Quentin shot a glance at me, but he need not have worried. DeVere would rather eat hot coals than link his name to the man with a rep for mass slaughter.
"With all our resources, we could reveal the wolf in our midst." DeVere pursed his lips and we could practically feel the hellfire. "When he was caught, he tried to escape, and he died. Frankly, I would rather have seen him suffer a lifetime in jail." He shifted his sling again. "If that offends anyone, I am sorry for it. But it's how I feel."
"Quite right," Aunt Fan burst out.
"Donovan was a beast," Aunt May agreed.
Remarkably, they were on his side. I didn't like DeVere, but he was an excellent orator.
"You little beauty," Alex sighed. "But now, please shut up!"
But DeVere wasn't done. He leaned in, and the sincerity came off him in waves. "These last few weeks have been very difficult for me personally too."
"Oh no, don't backtrack and take moral responsibility, you berk," Alex moaned. "Christ, they'll show this clip every ten seconds during the next election."
"I have been thinking deeply about blame," DeVere blurted out.
"Noooo," Alex groaned.
"Political life is tough and I'm afraid that I lost track of the hours I put in." DeVere looked pious. "My wife felt abandoned. I'm sorry to say that she, I mean we, are calling an end to our marriage."
He was throwing Lara under the bus.
"I am entirely to blame," DeVere continued. "I was so caught up with work, making Ringmere the best, that I neglected my personal life."
"Nice one," Tank grinned.
"Right, total self-sacrifice for the public good," Karma eye-rolled.
On screen, DeVere leaned into the camera confidentially. "Although our marriage will end, I love Lara very much and that will never change. I wish her all the happiness in the world."
"He's not saying it," Alex gasped. "He's not mentioning Masher. No way!"
On screen, DeVere frowned. "I would like to point out that Lara is a private person. The press are welcome to criticise me, I'm an elected official, but they have no right to question Lara's choices. Therefore, I consider the matter closed and will not be answering questions."
Alex was slack-jawed with admiration. "He cheated on her and he's forgiving her? And he's being noble in not talking about it?"
Tank was disgusted. "Jesus, that is one twisted fuck!"
"And he's our twisted fuck," Alex sighed happily.
DeVere leaned in, cradling the arm that was in the sling. "It was my intention to resign. However, I am advised that bringing the election forward will be prohibitive in terms of cost. Also, we have just brought in several extensive projects."
The camera panned out a bit, showcasing the leather-bound books, the national flag and the solid antique furniture. The whole setup proclaimed dignity, money and authority.
DeVere acted the financier. "The Splash City Water Park development will double our annual income within three years. In addition, it will bring in four thousand new jobs." He smiled. "And I think it's not premature to mention here that one of our local employers is also geared to go national."
"Shit!" Alex groaned. "No-no-no!"
"The Cullen Majestic hotel chain and Cullen Breweries will expand to three more cities, but they will maintain their head office in Ringmere," DeVere said quietly. "And as the Cullen Regatta brings in lots of visitors and boosts the economy, I think we can look forward to more jobs and more revenue."
Alex cursed quietly, and Tank and Karma were equally upset. Mum shot them a look, but when she saw me not reacting, shrugged. It was unfortunate, but not the end of the world.
TV star DeVere went on with his Great Man act. "With these marvellous schemes taking off, I would never forgive myself if Ringmere lost out. Therefore, I promise to devote myself entirely to keeping us on track."
The Churchill channelling was dead obvious.
"I pledge to you I will do my best to make our fair town a national byword for excellent standards, professional success, and sustainable development. Because Ringmere rocks!"
As we all gawped, the screen cut to the press again.
"What's your role in the Splash City Water Park development?" a bushy beard asked.
"You're cosying up to the Cullens," another one shouted over him. "What's your view on organised crime, DeVere?"
"Right. What were you doing in Trigger Cullen's flat?"
The mayor shrugged and began to answer, but then a familiar voice called out, "Is it true your wife is shacking up with Masher Davidson, head of the Razors, Ringmere's nastiest street gang?"
Roxanne was earning her keep, directing the press away from DeVere's business.
DeVere pounced. "I will not comment on my wife's private life. But I can tell you that the Splash City Water Park development and the Cullen expansion will bring in thousands of jobs, and seven-figure sums. I am pleased to say we're also looking into housing an internet gambling centre."
Alex's phone buzzed imperiously. He paled and stood up. It wasn't hard to figure out who it was; His Lordship would be fuming.
As he vanished, Aunt May and Aunt Fan muckraked happily.
"Lara DeVere was always a goer."
"Yes, Pilgrim Plaskett will spit hellfire."
"Great! Let's buy the Rampage tomorrow."
"I'll text Sara and get him to save us a copy."
I was doing some texting of my own. Although Lavinya would be on DeVere's tail, I wanted to give Dr Diana a heads-up that the Rampage would be at the gate. But as I pulled up my contacts, the door opened and there she was: Rachel. She wore a happy yellow polka dot dress and the flaming hair was cut short, feathery ends curling around her face, pixie style.
I was on my feet and hugging her. "Rachel, love. God, I've missed you so much!"
She smiled, but the hug was awkward. "Hi Max. Thought I'd find you here."
"Rachel!" Mum darted over and embraced her. "How are you?"
Alex was on his feet. "Welcome back. You're a sight for sore eyes."
Karma was next, then Tank, and Quentin popped around the bar, too. "We were so worried. You look terrific."
I drank in the emerald eyes and lean, clever face. "Why didn't you call? I would have picked you up."
She looked apprehensive. "Steve gave me a lift."
I'd not even noticed the doctor behind her. "That was kind." But I didn't like it.
Galen was unperturbed. "I was visiting Diana, and the Lion and Unicorn is on my way home. Say, are you having a party?"
Rachel broke in. "Is Isa on the way? She had twins, didn't she?"
"It will be a double party," Mum exclaimed jubilantly. "Dr Steve, you'll stay too, won't you?"
"Uhm, I don't want to intrude." Rachel was thinner, and she seemed nervy.
"Don't be silly." Mum hugged her again, and so did Bella. "You're one of the family."
They didn't notice Rachel wince, but I did. From the way she glanced around and bit her lip, the crowd unsettled her.
"After the serenity of New Dawn House, this place is a bit rowdy, isn't it?" I pulled out my barstool so she could sit and have a little personal space. "I have your door keys. They're upstairs with your accounts and papers."
"Yes, I thought you might have them."
I handed her onto the stool. "How about a glass of champagne? And Galen, will you have one too?"
He nodded. "Just half a glass for me. I'm driving." Then, looking at his hands. "I must wash my hands. Back in a moment."
It felt off. "You've been seeing a lot of him, love?"
Rachel shook her head. "No. I haven't seen him since-" she swallowed. "Not since Donovan, uhm."
"Never mind. That's all in the past."
There was still something wrong. My spider senses were tingling.
But Rachel looked around the pub. "I always liked this place. It's beautiful. And I love the balloons."
Maybe it was just that we'd been apart for almost a month.
The beautiful eyes glanced at the television. The sound was off, but a journo was talking with DeVere's image in the background. Rachel chuckled, sounding quite like her old self. "Lucian's speech was live streamed. Twisty bugger, isn't he?"
"Yes."
She shook her head. "He really dumped Lara in it. The press will be after her."
"True." It felt stilted, but when I leaned in, she smelled of herbs and flowers. A wave of emotion took hold. "The hair is fab."
And that's when it happened. As I reached out, she flinched.
She wasn't stressed. She was afraid of me.
The knowledge blasted me. For a moment, I thought she'd lost her mind. "Rachel. It's okay. It's me. Max."
She blinked. "S-sorry."
"You okay?" I scanned her anxiously.
"Sure." But she couldn't look me in the eye. "Max," she whispered. "Can we talk?"
"Bubbly for you." Quentin whisked up, rapidly setting out wine, cocktail nibbles, and napkins. "I'm so happy to see you back, sweetheart." Then he saw her face. He blinked and then his mouth drooped. "Oh, I see."
And so did I. A block of granite settled in my gut. "Come on, we'll go upstairs."
She bit her lip. "Right. Yes. Of course."
I couldn't help but notice she edged away. It was definite. She was scared of me and it broke my heart.
We were on our way when Galen popped up again. His concerned frown set me on edge. "Everything okay?"
"Do you think she needs a bodyguard?"
Rachel gasped, "Max!"
Galen shook his head, his eyes sympathetic. "No, of course not. Not from you. Never."
"Great. Colour me relieved." Okay, it was sour, but I was hurt.
"Take your time," Galen said softly. "I'm going to have a nice long chat with Doc Jerry."
"How nice for you both." Yes, I wanted to kill him.
Upstairs, Rachel wrung her hands and delivered a speech.
I caught a few bits of it. "Very grateful" and "saved my life" figured. It meant little. All I could think of was that I'd killed for her and still lost her.
"I'm so very sorry," Rachel finished.
"Of course. These things happen. Let me get you your keys. I have your tax papers too." I was on autopilot, collecting the bag and then collecting her big tee from under my pillow. It was only when I heard the sob that I looked at her. "Oh, Rachel!"
"I'm sorry!" She flung herself into my arms. "I'm such a bitch! You saved me and I c-can't even be grateful!"
It was floods, but this time we talked properly.
"I have night terrors," Rachel confessed. "I see you killing Donovan and then you turn into my dad and kill me."
"Christ. Sorry, love."
"I hear that crack," she shuddered. "And then I'm screaming."
What can you say?
"I'm terminating the lease on the flat," Rachel continued. "I get the heaves just thinking about the place."
"Too many bad memories."
"I'm sorry." She put a hand on mine. "I feel awful, Max. But I just can't be here."
It had to be faced. "I don't love it, Rachel, but I understand." And I did.
In fact, I should have seen it coming. She'd been nervous that first night with me. I'd put it down to her being with the likes of DeVere and Jaffa. I'd seen myself as different from them. But Rachel knew better. She recognised the same evil in me as she'd seen in her father.
I didn't say it because it would only hurt her. It was a truth she felt but couldn't admit to.
"You'd never hurt me," Rachel whispered. "And I love you, Max. But I have decided to go away."
"You're leaving Ringmere?"
"Dr Diana suggested I go away for a while, to reset." She took a deep breath. "I'm moving to Cyprus. I've booked an Airbnb for a month. If it goes well, I'll find a flat."
Her dream. "When do you go?"
Her mouth trembled. "Tonight. I'm taking the train to London and staying with Honey Blue for the night. My flight leaves tomorrow lunchtime."
What can you say? "I'll take you to the station."
She twitched again. "No need. Steve offered." She blinked rapidly and as I moved to hug her, I sensed her tamp down welling panic. "I-Isa will want you here."
I couldn't bear it, but I couldn't help her. Being near her hurt her. "Quite right. Well, at least let me carry those papers downstairs for you."
The rest was a blur. I walked through the merry crowd, handed her into Galen's BMW and knew it was over.
"Max." Galen's warm brown eyes were filled with pity. "If there's anything I can do-"
"Take that holiday and go with her."
He blinked. "What?"
"She shouldn't be alone and in a strange place."
It killed me, but it was the right thing to do.
Galen glanced at the huddled shape in his passenger seat. That tell-tale soft glow was there. When Rachel glanced up, face drawn with tension, he nodded. "I'll do it."
And then I was alone. It was already getting dark and there was a hint of rain. I couldn't face going back inside, so I took a turn in the park. And then I went back to join the party.
"Max! Just in time." Isa was ensconced in the wing chair, one baby in each arm, with mum, Sean, and Bella flanking her. "Quick, love, family photo."
Posing and smiling through the Cullen motto, "Good fortune and filthy lucre!" settled me.
"Now all my boy cousins," Isa demanded. "Alex, Posh, Karma, Tank, Fynn. And is Gamer here? And Bella, round up the girls, will you?"
Mum slid her hand into mine. "Isn't it heaven, Max? We're all together, there's two new healthy babies, and I'm a grandmother!" She was so happy that she was dancing on her toes. "And guess what? I just got a booking for thirty people for lunch next week!"
"That's great! A coach party?"
"Yes." Mum was so excited that she hugged me. "I'm so happy you're back, Max. It was so miserable when you were away." She squeezed my hand. "I feel like all the colour's come back into the days."
She was right. Sean and Isa were glowing with pride and joy as they showed off the twins, both smiling at their first pub outing like proper Cullens, while Bella glowed at being a first-time aunt and Quentin promised to paint a portrait to mark the occasion.
My family were safe and healthy. My plumbing business was taking off, and I had good friends around me. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough.
Mum looked around. "Where's Rachel?"
"Chasing her dreams." It hurt, but not as much as before. "She's moving to Cyprus."
The hug was immediate. "I'm so sorry."
Quentin appeared, pushing a massive single malt into my hand. "Sorry, Max. It sucks."
"It's a shame, but it wasn't to be."
Quentin sighed. "The ocean will put it into perspective. Come out early with me tomorrow morning. We'll bag ourselves some mackerel."
"Trigger can't go fishing. He's got work to do." Despite the drink in one hand and the gold paper hat with streamers, Alex was all business. He waved his phone. "Now that bloody DeVere let the cat out of the bag, His Lordship is moving our plans forward."
"Alex, I'm out, remember?"
"Yes-yes-yes, but we want you to design a spa centre for the Majestic." Alex was already on a high. "We're thinking a Bali style theme, with a steam room, a cool pool and one of those wave machine things to mimic surf for an artificial beach."
"I'm a plumber, not an architect."
The bushy eyebrows shot up. "So learn, you plonker!"
It was insane. "Do you have any idea what you're asking?"
"It's not like we want it tomorrow," Alex said reasonably. "We thought a spring opening would be nice."
Six months away. "You want me to YouTube up an architect degree's worth of knowledge, and build you a state-of-the-art spa, and to do it in a few months."
"Exactly," Alex beamed.
"Sounds totally doable." Quentin's mouth was pinched tight to stifle his laughter.
"Work will stop you from fretting." Mum was egging me on, too.
"That's the spirit." Alex smiled benevolently. "So, Trigger, when can you start?"
Crazy, but the bit of me that loves a challenge was champing at the bit. "I'll see you in the morning."