Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
“And?”
“He wasn’t alone. And it wasn’t Sarah with him.”
I let out a low whistle.
Sean smirked. “They were pretty…cozy. That might be part of the problem.”
I stared at him. If this was true, Sarah had a whole new set of things to occupy her time. A possible failed marriage and no money would be two very hard, bitter pills for her to swallow.
“Your new mother-in-law may need a place to live, Adam.”
I grinned. “I hear accommodations at the Y are excellent.”
“You’d let that happen to her mother? You’d let her be thrown into the streets?”
“After what she did? Without another thought.”
“What about your wife?”
I exhaled heavily. “I’m sure Ally would have different thoughts on the subject.”
Despite what her mother had done, Ally would never allow her to suffer if she could help. I’d let her rot, but I wasn’t sure how Ally would react.
“I’m not saying anything right now. Keep me posted, though.” I shook my head. “What a two-faced, sanctimonious bastard he is.”
“There’s more.”
“Oh?”
“He’s sent me all sorts of investment opportunities over the years. I’ve never been interested, but the last one that came mentioned one name in particular that stood out.”
“Oh?”
“Bradley Bennett.” He raised his eyebrow in amusement. “I doubt that will happen now that the marriage is off. And if the other rumor I heard is true, he needed that deal.”
Another piece clicked into the puzzle. The reason they pushed so hard for Ally to marry Bradley—it was more than just control. Ronald needed the money. Once again, he wanted to take from Ally.
“Too fucking bad for him, isn’t it?” I grinned at Sean. “She doesn’t owe him her life. If it’s true, he made this mess. He can deal with it.”
“You’ll tell her?”
“Yes, but not today. I’m marrying her legally soon, and then I’m taking her away. We’re going to spend time on us. Nothing else.” I pulled my hand through my hair, tugging on the ends. “But she’s been lied to enough, so I’ll tell her if and when something concrete happens. I’m not jumping the gun on rumors. I’ll support her no matter what she decides.”
“Sarah may have suspected something. Maybe that was part of all her lies. She was desperate,” Sean said, rubbing his chin.
I snorted. “She was stupid. If she had supported me, us, and this happened, I would have taken care of her. She would have been as protected as Ally. I would have made sure of it.”
“You’re a good man.”
I shook my head. “Part of me is hoping shit happens and happens fast, and Sarah is screwed for a while. It would serve her right.”
“But you’d help her if Ally asked.”
“Yes.”
“Like I said, good man.”
I narrowed my eyes and glared. “Don’t let that shit get out. I have a reputation as a hard-ass.”
He laughed, and I had to join him.
Hard-ass for everyone—but my girl.
We both knew it.
As soon as we had the license, I married my Ally on Sean’s boat at the marina. It was really where it all started for us—me taking pictures of his boat. Without that request, I would never have met Ally.
The sun was setting low in the sky, and the colors of the sunset shimmered on her hair, highlighting the red. She wore a pretty cream-colored dress that floated around her feet, and I donned her favorite suit and tie. When I slipped her ring back on to her finger, the glimmer of happy tears I saw were mirrored in mine. I liked the feel of the heavy band she placed on my finger. Theo’s ring now rested on my right hand, and I didn’t plan on removing it. The meaning of the Celtic symbols resonated with me, and I felt as if I had a part of Elena close.
Our gathering was small. Emma stood for Ally, while Sean was my best man. The people we cared about witnessed us become husband and wife. Sitting on the table beside us in the place of honor was a photograph of the woman we loved and missed—Elena. Amid flowers and candles, the air filled with soft music, we celebrated our love and our marriage.
The first time.
I married her again on the beach in Fiji, just us and the stars as we recited our vows to each other. We had been there six weeks, the time away helping us heal. Our days were spent in warm sunshine, our nights in each other’s arms. We explored the island, visiting my favorite places, discovering new ones, always hand in hand. Ally rested by the shaded area of our back garden, often sleeping in my arms after we made love in the hammock or the heated water of the pool. We were rarely apart, and we were content to be that way.
I smiled all the time, and Ally was relaxed and happy, seldom a frown crossing her face, unless I hid her clothes again and called another naked day.