Page 74 of Daring Destiny
I swear, this family could have its own reality show. They’re that entertaining.
Maureen finally brings out the cake, a massive, dark-chocolate confection from Deep Sea Sugar and Salt that I ordered because Brennan adores their cakes. It’s rich, decadent, and exactly the kind of thing he loves. But as soon as Maureen slices into it, I see her pause, her nose twitching slightly.
“Is that…beer?” She glances at me with a raised eyebrow.
My stomach drops. OhGod. How thoughtless. It didn’t even occur to me when I ordered it. The cake’s soaked in a porter beer syrup. I’m a moron.
“Oh no.” I stand up quickly, my face burning. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think…”
Cillian and Rory exchange a glance, and for a moment I brace myself, expecting a lecture or, at least, a sharp comment. But it doesn’t come. Instead, Rory is gracious.
“It’s okay, lass,” he says softly in his Irish lilt. “You didn’t mean it.”
I blink, surprised at the warmth in his voice. “Yes, but I can fix it. I’ll run out and grab something else.”
Maureen stops me, placing a hand on my arm. “No need, love. I’ve got ice cream in the freezer. It’ll be grand. And Brennan and the rest of us will still get to eat this delicious cake.”
She winks at me and the tension I hadn’t realized I was holding eases.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur of laughter, teasing, and warmth. After dinner, I end up in the living room sprawled on the floor with Ronni and the kids. The boys are trying to teach their little sister some board game that involves a lot of giggling, not much actual strategy.
They’re adorable, and I can’t help but feel a pang of longing as I watch them. I’m at the age where I better get moving if I want my own family. The lawsuit’s put a damper on Brennan and I discussing our future plans. When Teagan crawls into my lap and starts showing me her doll, I’m pretty sure my heart melts on the spot.
“Careful with that little beauty. You’re gonna get ideas.” Ronni nudges me with her elbow. “Next thing you know, you’ll be pregnant with a little McGloughlin of your own.”
My laugh comes out a bit shaky. “Would that be so bad? I mean, eventually.”
Ronni tilts her head, studying me. “Have you talked to Brennan about it?”
“Yeah. We’ve talked about getting married,” I admit, glancing toward the kitchen where I can hear him laughing with Connor and Seamus. “But with everything going on with his company, everything’s essentially on hold.”
“He loves you, I see it in the way he can’t take his eyes off you.” Ronni leans in and whispers, “When the McGloughlin brothers love, there’s nothing else like it. Connor was so patient with me and look at us now.”
“I love Brennan so much.” The words come out easily. “I want a future with him. A real one where we get married and have kids. Truthfully, the longer this drags out, I’m scared but don’t want to freak him out. I worry CognifyAI is going to get in the way.”
Ronni gives me a sympathetic look. “Have faith, Astrid. You’ll both figure it out. We had some serious obstacles and love will find a way.”
She would know. Connor and Ronni had a hellish journey to get to their happily ever after. It doesn’t loosen the knot in my chest, however.
I know what’s at stake. Brennan’s been fighting hard to keep Reuniverse separate from CognifyAI, but the lawsuit drags on. He’s spent close to three hundred thousand dollars in legal fees. They’re trying to break him through his pocketbook and it may be working.
Despite my encouragement, he’s wearing down, bit by bit. It’s a conundrum. If he signs up for the golden handcuffs they’re offering, he’ll stay in Palo Alto for at least five years and Reuniverse will be owned by CognifyAI. I’ll get a hefty payout, but we won’t live in the same city.
Because, I can’t exactly start over there. It would take years to build up my clientele in California. No matter what happens, I’ll be staying in Seattle.
I want to believe we’re strong enough to handle it, but I’m not naive. It’s not about distance. It’s about what we both want out of life, and whether our paths will still align when all of this is over.
Brennan catches my eye from across the room, and he literally beams at me. Like I’m his entire world.
I know how he feels, and I remember no matter what happens, I’ll fight for us.
Sometimes you have to hold on to what matters.
Even when circumstances try to pull it out of your grasp.
thirty
Brennan