Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Pat turned around on his stool, beaming. “Bronte is here? Well, where is she, son? Why didn’t you bring her in to meet us?”
William rubbed his jaw, his throat tightening at the old man’s ease with him. His own grandfather was around the same age, but while he knew the man secretly adored him, he’d hidden it with masterful skill for most of his life.
Pat Collins wasn’t one to repress his emotions, and he had a talent for listening that few truly possessed. He did it so well that over the last month or two, William had shared some of his past and a few of his hopes for the future. Most of those were centered around one woman. Bronte Wayne.
Bronte Finn.
“This is the first time she’s come to see you,” Keira said, her curiosity bringing her closer to the bar. “Has something changed that you haven’t told us about?”
That was the question. “She wants to talk.”
“Talk, huh?” Trevor Collins shook his head regretfully. “That doesn’t bode well.”
William was already forgetting why he liked the man. “It’s nothing like that,” he assured them and himself swiftly. “She has something to tell me and she thought it was important to surprise me by doing it in person, that’s all.”
It sounded worse when he said it out loud. Fuck.
Keira glanced at Trevor reproachfully. “Don’t tease him. Not about this.”
William shook his head. “No, I can take it. To be honest, I’m not sure why she came. But whatever the case, she’s here and I have to hope that no matter what her reasons, I can work her thoughts around to other things.”
Pat slapped his knee, his proud smile easing some of William’s fears. “I’m betting you can. You sound as determined as Trevor and Ewan were when they fell for their wives.”
Keira wrapped an arm around her father, her smile matching his. “From what he’s told us, it doesn’t sound like an easy proposition, Pop. William did all his romancing in the wrong order.”
“I don’t know about that.” William watched the voluptuous Bubbles take a seat beside Pat at the bar. “Waking up married with a hangover has happened in your family before. That is how I met Riley and her man, back when I was a ‘ho in Vegas. That turned out all right for everybody.”
William swallowed his laugh. This particular family friend was a firecracker. “I appreciate the vote of confidence.” He turned back to Trevor. “I know it’s last minute but—”
“Go,” Trevor said, jerking his chin toward the door. “I’ll get one of the kids to cover for you tonight. Maybe Finn’s available. That way no one will even notice you’re gone.”
William winked at Keira. “He’s a comedian, your brother.”
“He thinks so. Before you leave—do you have any food at your place? If she’s here to talk, a good meal could go a long way.”
He hadn’t been thinking about that at all, but after her long drive he imagined she’d be thankful for something to eat. But it wouldn’t be at his place. Yet.
He told them what she said about where she was staying and Pat snorted. “That’d be Hunter’s aunt. She’s so proud of his success she can’t stop bragging. We all are.”
“Maybe Bronte would appreciate a sandwich or two?”
“After you dragged that couple out of here before someone called the police? We’ll have Riley make her the best sandwich she’s ever put in her mouth.”
He’d already reached the door to Sunday’s Side when Pat called out to him again. “Did you tell her?”
William felt his neck heat. “Not yet.”
Pat shook his head. “Fix that, William. And we expect to meet her soon, son. Don’t let us down.”
He nodded, his heart racing and his stomach in knots. He’d say he felt like a teenager, but not even then had he been this upside down over a woman.
They were right. He’d done it all backwards. And there were more uphill battles ahead. His family and hers. His past and their future.
There were only two things on his side at the moment. If her reactions to him were any indication, she still wanted him as badly as he wanted her.
And he was completely and utterly in love with his wife.
All he had to do was convince her that she loved him back and wanted to stay married before she found out what he’d been keeping from her.
Was it greedy to ask for two miracles in one day?
Chapter Three
Bronte headed straight for the shower as soon as she got back to her room. Along with washing off the grime of the road, she was hoping the water would jumpstart her sluggish brain since coffee had not done the trick.
Stupid shamrock.
The extra care she’d taken to clean and lotion every inch of her body had nothing to do with wanting to look better for William.