“Hey, Mike.” Philip waved as he made his way to the counter.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I figured we’d join you.” Matt grinned, and something told Mike Billie’s brother knew precisely why he’d wanted to meet with Bill.
“Don’t mind at all.” Mike grinned back.
“Pop wouldn’t come because he said we were asses.” Matt laughed.
“You being an ass? I don’t believe it.” Mike feigned shock.
“I know. I’m an absolute pleasure to be around.” Matt sat back in the seat.
It was good to see him laugh considering what he’d dealt with over the last few months. Billie told Mike that he’d started to see a therapist to deal with his loss and anger. It looked like it was working.
“Felix is pleading guilty to all charges.” Matt’s smile faded.
“I heard.” John had filled Mike in on everything.
Felix Morris agreed to plead guilty but only if he was kept in protective custody away from any other inmates. The crown Attorney agreed to the deal as long as she was satisfied with his confession.
The imposter posing as Felix Morris was found dead in his cell the same day they brought Felix into custody. One of Morris's cohorts managed to overpower a guard and take his place. He killed the fake Felix and staged it to look like the man hung himself. Luckily the guard was not seriously hurt, and the other man was in custody.
Felix confessed to hiring someone to murder Peggy. Eugene didn't deliver Chloe like he was paid to do so Felix had him killed. He arranged the fire in Billie’s house and Abbie’s office as a distraction to get Billie. Thank God it failed. He also gave the location of where he held the children and women he’d purchased as well as the names of all of his associates.
He’d spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance of parole, and it was where he belonged. Mike was glad the man didn’t put everyone through a long drawn out trial.
“So, what’s up?” Bill asked when Philip joined them at the table.
Mike took a deep breath and glanced between Philip and Matt. Did he really want to do this with these two there?
“What the hell?” Mike sighed. “Bill, I’m pretty sure these two know why I asked you to meet me here which was why they probably suggested they join us.”
“I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.” Philip chuckled and sipped his coffee.
“Yep, what he said.” Matt laughed.
“Will the two of you shut up and let the man ask me to marry my daughter.” Bill slapped both men in the arm.
“Ahh.. well.” Mike dropped his head and laughed.
“Well, go ahead.” Matt nudged him with his foot.
“Bill, I love your daughter more than I could ever tell you. More than I ever thought I could love someone. She breathed life into me the day I met her. I want to marry her and have a family, but I want your blessing. I want the family’s blessing.” Mike glanced at the three men.
“I say let him take her off our hands.” Philip shrugged.
“She’s a real pain in the ass at times.” Matt grinned.
“I don’t care.” Mike laughed.
“You’ll take care of her?” Bill met his eyes.
“Yes,” Mike didn’t hesitate.
“You won’t raise your hand to her in anger?” Bill continued and Mike wasn’t offended considering what they saw with Peggy.
“I’d never hurt her.” Mike knew that was something he’d never do no matter how angry he was.
“She’s my baby girl.” Bill’s eyes were wet with unshed tears. “She’s got a big beautiful heart and a smile that melts me.”
“I know the feeling.” Mike smiled.
“I’ll give you my blessing on one condition.” Bill sat back in the chair.
“Anything,” Mike said confidently.
“Can you take these two off my hands too?” Bill chuckled and hitched his thumb at Matt and Philip.
“If it means I get to marry your beautiful daughter, I’ll take them too.” Mike smiled.
“No thanks.” Philip laughed.
“I’m sure Billie would love that.” Matt smiled.
“In all seriousness, I wholeheartedly give you my blessing to marry Belinda.” Bill shoved out his hand and Mike grabbed it. Philip and Matt slapped their hands down on top. “Welcome to the family.”
Chapter 30
Over the last couple of weeks, Mike acted strangely. He was attentive, but something was on his mind, and she couldn’t figure out what it was. She asked him about it several times, but he shrugged and said it was work.
She wasn’t going to worry about it tonight though because for the first time in months she was going out with her friends. Her circle had gotten larger since she met Mike and the girl’s nights now included Mike’s cousins, sisters-in-law, and Rita.
They were going to the same club she’d met Mike almost a year before. They were all meeting at Abbie’s new office and heading out from there. Mike was relaxing at home with his brothers and friends, but he was driving her to town and picking her up afterward.
The club hadn’t changed much in a year, but they rarely did. It was Stephanie’s first night out since she had her baby boy and obviously ready to enjoy herself. Emily joined them as well, but since she was five months pregnant, she was the designated driver.
They joined Sandy’s sister, Kim. Emily’s sister, Elaine and a couple of girls who worked with Kim and Emily. They had five tables pulled together for the large crowd of women.
“This is so awesome,” Dana shouted in her ear.
“Yes,” Billie laughed as Sandy, Marina, and Stephanie downed tequila shots.
“I swear those girls are party animals.” Jess sipped on her beer.
“I never got a chance to thank you for teaching me to sing.” Billie leaned into Jess.
“Don’t mention it.” Jess smiled, but it didn’t go right to her eyes the way it should.
“Is everything okay, Jess?” Billie had become close to Jess since everything happened.
“Have you ever wanted to do something but everyone tells you that it’s not a good idea?” Jess sighed.
“Yes,” A few people told her that it wasn’t a good idea to use herself as bait.
“I’ve had an application filled out for the police academy for five years.” Jess looked down at her hands.
“Why haven’t you turned it in?” Billie could see Jess as a great police officer.
“I don’t know. I ended a relationship because he told me he’d leave if I turned it in. I kicked his ass out, but I still didn’t do it.” It looked like this was killing her.
“Are you afraid to disappoint your dad?” Billie knew she’d hit the nail on the head when Jess’s head snapped up, and she looked at Billie.
“Yes.” Jess sighed.
“From what I’ve seen, I think your dad is proud of you. I’ve seen him watch you when you’re not looking. The pride in his expression when he looks at you and your sisters is obvious.” Billie wrapped her arm around Jess’ shoulder.
“Really?” How did she not see it?
“Turn it in Jess. Do what you want to do. Life is way too short to have regrets.” Billie hugged her.
An hour later her group took up half the dance floor. They all danced to some pumping song she didn’t like, but it was fun just to let loose.
Billie was headed back to the table when she heard her name announced over the speakers. She turned around to a bunch of grinning women.
“Billie, could you come here to the front of the stage.” The man pointed to a chair sat facing the dance floor.
“What’s going on?” Billie whispered to Abbie as she walked by her.
“I’m sure I don’t know.” Abbie fluttered her eyes.
She stood next to the chair and looked at it as if it was going to bite her. The room got quiet, and she turned around to see Mike’s brothers, all the guys from Newfoundland Security Services, Stella, and her husband as well as her own family.
“What’s going on?” Billie mouthed the words to her mother, but the woman just stood there grinning.
Billie was about to stand up when she heard the music. Mike’s voice echoed through the speakers, and she slowly turned to see him walk out of the crowd.
“Billie I wrote this for you and the guys helped me set it to music. I hope you like it.” Mike stepped in front of her and started to sing.
Here we go, girl, I’m here for you, girl.
And the one thing that you need to know is no one else will do.
My heart is yours, girl, as well my soul, girl
And as long as there’s breath in me I only have one goal.
That’s to put a smile upon your face and kiss you every day
I’ll never stray,
won’t ever go away
Here we go girl, just look around girl.
Everyone is here to celebrate the beauty that is you.
It’s all for you, girl. You're my life, girl.
There’s nothing I won’t do for you,
And on that, you can depend.
Trust your heart with me my love, and I will keep it near.
You’ll never fear.
I’ll dry every tear.
Here we go, girl, you’re all I need, girl.
And the only other thing I need is you right by my side.
It’s not for show, girl. I need to know, girl.
If you’ll make me smile and tell me that you will be my bride.
I love you with all my heart,
And I’m here on bended knee.
You’re everything to me.
Please say you’ll marry me.
Mike dropped to his knee and held out a small opened box in his free hand. The other held the microphone that he pointed toward her.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she had trouble focusing on the ring in his hand.
“Answer him.” Billie glanced over Mike’s shoulder at Matt.
“You've got to be the most romantic man in the world,” Billie cupped his cheeks in her hands. “You were right.”
“Right about what, Beautiful.” Mike smiled.
“Angels brought us here.” Billie leaned forward and made sure she was speaking into the microphone. “Yes, Mike O’Connor. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The room erupted with cheers and shouts as Mike slipped the ring onto her finger. It was a white gold band with a single diamond set between two smaller diamonds. It was simple and the type she would have picked for herself.
Mike stood up and pulled her into his arms, and she kissed him with every bit of love she felt in her heart.
Her fiancé. Her lover. Her life.
“I love you,” Mike whispered into her ear.
“I love you too.” Billie pulled back and gazed into his glistening eyes.
“You’ve just made me the happiest man in the world.” Mike brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
She knew exactly how he felt because there was nothing up to that moment in her life that could have made her happier.
Epilogue
“I think we should just buy one of these monkey suits,” Aaron complained. “Every time I turn around I’m getting shoved into one of these fucking things.”
“You should be happy your brother found the woman he wants to spend his life with.” John shoved the youngest of the O’Connor brothers.
“I’m happy for him, but it shouldn’t mean he gets the right to make me unhappy.” Aaron pulled at the tie around his neck.
“Think of it this way, when that little tart you brought sees you in that tux she’ll want to rip it off later.” Mike fixed his tie and chuckled at the change of expression on Aaron’s face.
“Good point.” Aaron grinned.
They were all lucky bastards. Four of them married now and another about to take that plunge. The other two probably wouldn’t be far behind them.
Dean Nash turned around and gazed through the window as she leaned into the man at her side. She’d brought a date, and it killed him, but he told her there was nothing ever going to happen between them.
“Bull, thanks for the night at the hotel.” Mike stood behind him, and he turned.
“You’re very welcome.” Dean smiled.
The seven O’Connor brothers were like his own brothers, and he’d die for any one of them. He was sure they’d do the same for him but considering what they’d dealt with over the last few years. The last thing they needed was to dive headfirst into his shit.
Keith wouldn’t like him taking off again, but he had to make sure she was safe. He’d promised her nobody would ever hurt her and that was one promise he'd keep. That and he’d never stand in the way of Kristy O’Connor finding happiness in the arms of another man.
No, that’s how much he loved her. He’d made her believe that he wasn’t interested and he should receive an Oscar his performance. Her tears had almost brought him to his knees, but Kristy deserved to be with someone without baggage.
Plus, Kristy O’Connor was so far out of his league that he shouldn’t even be in the same room with her. She was better off with the pretty boy next to her.
Be happy, Kitten.
Dean nodded to the guys as he left the room and disappeared before anyone asked any questions he couldn’t answer.
About the Author
What does someone say to describe themselves? You could start with giving what others say about you. Scratch that. It doesn't really matter what others think about you. It matters what you think of yourself. So here we go.
First of all, I'm a wife and mother. I'm also a grandmother. That alone would fulfil any woman's life and to be honest it does. But.....
I'm also a writer. Someone who loves to tell stories of love, suspense, heartache and of course happily ever after. For most of my life, I've written those stories for myself. A type of therapy, I suppose. I love the characters I create. They become part of who I am because there's part of me in them.
So.... Now that you know this about me. I hope when you read my books, you fall in love with them.
You should also know that I'm a Newfoundlander. What is that you ask? Well we're a proud people who live on an island, off the east coast of Canada. Some people believe Canada ends with Nova Scotia. It doesn't. If you keep going east, there is a beautiful island full of amazing people and magnificent scenery. That is where my stories are set because let’s face it. The best stories always come from the places you know and love.
If there is anything else you would like to know about me. Ask me!
O’Connor Brother Series
Read more about the sexy O’Connor Brothers
In Books 1, 2, 3, and 4
Available on Amazon and
Kindle Unlimited.
Dangerous Therapy
Book 1
Officer John O’Connor is giving up on life after a terrible accident. His family are at their wits end when he refuses any kind of therapy. The only thing keeping him sane is his dreams of a beautiful woman he pulled in for a traffic violation months before.
Physical Therapist Stephanie Kelly is healing from a broken heart. When she is hired by Nightingale’s personal care and physical therapy, she’s ecstatic, but she's shocked when her boss asks her to take on a new patient. Shocked because the patient is her boss's nephew and he’s not exactly keen on therapy. He’s also the cop who's been heating up her dreams.
As Stephanie helps John get back on his feet, they grow closer, but someone is out to hurt Stephanie, or worse. After multiple attempts on her life, John’s family tries to figure out who’s after the woman he loves and stop them before it’s too late.
Dangerous Abduction
Book 2
Widower James O'Connor has been fighting his growing attraction to his brother's sister-in-law for four long years, but when someone breaks into her home, destroying everything she owns, James takes her and her young son into his hom
e. The break-in wasn’t random. Marina and her son are in danger, and James swears to protect them, but can he keep them safe?
Marina Kelly dedicates her life to caring for her sweet little boy, Danny. Since she broke free from her abusive husband, she's sworn off men, but when James O'Connor keeps entering her thoughts and her dreams, it takes everything she has to keep her feelings hidden. Now, her sister and parents are out of the province, and she's in danger, Marina has no choice but to accept James’s help and try to hide her attraction and growing feelings.
The attraction between them impossible to resist. Only her ex's family secret may tear it all apart. Can Marina and James unravel the family's hidden mystery without losing each other?
Dangerous Secrets
Book 3
Ian O’Connor has everything going for him. He’s got the O’Connor drop dead good looks, an incredible body and to top it off he’s a doctor. Why wouldn’t anyone want the man but none of that was the reason Sandy Churchill was head over heels in love with the man. After he had stood her up for their first official date, she was weary of taking another chance. When she ends up in the hospital because she turned her back on a criminal determined to get away from her, Ian admits that he loves her and wants another chance. A secret from his past throws Sandy into a tailspin, but she has a secret that she’s hiding from everyone.
Ian’s on cloud nine when he finally takes a leap of faith and tells the woman he’s loved for four years how he feels and wants a chance to make up for his screw up. They have two weeks of bliss, but a murder and secrets come back to haunt him. Sandy’s reaction tells him there’s another reason why she’s avoiding him. She’s hiding something, but he has no idea what and to make matters worse there’s danger coming from her past that could hurt the people he loves the most.
Dangerous Beauty
Dangerous Silence Page 24
