* * *
The following morning was a rush of baby feeding and baby crying and baby swinging. Last night after their time on the patio together, Brenna and Riley had picked up Derek, spent a little time with Shannon, then fed their son and put him to bed. After that they’d crawled into Riley’s big bed together and taken up where they’d left off earlier. Now with noon approaching quickly, Derek was in his swing and Riley had gone to the Shamrock to help his dad get ready for tonight. She’d wanted to go, too, but he’d told her he and his dad and his staff could handle it. She should just bring Derek at 4:00 and they’d start the celebration.
She was looking forward to it. She was looking forward to her family and his finally finding peace. Basically last night all they’d done was douse the fire in the outdoor fireplace before driving to Shannon’s. So now Brenna brought in the candles from the patio, cooed and gooed at Derek and set his swing in motion again. He loved to be moving. Did that mean he’d like horseback riding? Bike riding? Motorcycle riding? The last she’d rather not think about. She knew watching her son grow as he stretched his wings would cause more than one gray hair. But that was part of having kids and loving them.
Last night Riley had placed the crock from the slow cooker into the sink to soak it overnight. Now Brenna rinsed it, lifted it out and upended it on a towel on the counter. Next she took napkins from the other side of the counter and was about to drop them into the trash when one slipped to the floor. Stooping to retrieve it, she saw something lodged near the molding under the cupboards. It looked like a business card.
Pulling it free, she straightened, turned it in her hand and read it. Walter Turnbull, Attorney At Law, specializing in custody matters. There was an office phone number and a cell phone number.
Brenna’s heart fell so far she didn’t know if she’d ever find it again. Where had this come from? Had Riley called this man and consulted with him? Had he decided a custody agreement was the way to go? Had he planned that seduction scene last night to wear her down, to convince her to think his way?
She felt heat suffuse her cheeks. She felt her whole body almost vibrate. She wasn’t sure what she felt most. Betrayal? Or was she so upset because he’d made a fool of her? He hadn’t murmured words of love anytime in the past week or last night. They hadn’t talked about the future. That’s because she’d thought they were finding the road to the future—their future. But now she didn’t know if Riley would ever be more than a father to Derek. She didn’t know if he was planning something behind her back that would make her regret returning to Miners Bluff and telling him he was a dad.
Chapter Twelve
Brenna arrived at the Shamrock Grill and saw that a crowd had already gathered. She’d been hoping to take Riley aside and talk to him about the business card she’d found. But now—
She spotted Shannon and her little boy, and Riley’s two brothers, who had changed over the years but not so much that she didn’t recognize them. One had his arm around a pretty brunette and two kids seemed to migrate around them. That was Sean. Patrick was near the door to the kitchen, talking to Liam. Around twenty-five other people milled about and she guessed they were friends of Liam’s, or Riley and his brothers’. Liam had asked who Brenna might want at the celebration. She had given him Celeste and Clay’s names along with Mikala and Dawson, Jenny and Zack, and Katie. All but Katie were seated at one long table, and Brenna’s heart warmed that they had come to support her and to celebrate Derek’s birth. Katie had told Brenna she’d be a little late.
Riley seemed to appear out of nowhere, smiling, his gaze sending heat waves through her. She remembered everything about last night. She just hoped it hadn’t all been a sham.
He took Derek and the car seat from her arms saying, “Over here. Dad has us set up at this long table. Almost everybody came right on time. Do you want hors d’oeuvres?”
Brenna spotted the hors d’oeuvres laid out on the long buffet table. It was definitely more than a veggie tray and dip. She could see warming holders, a fruit tree, as well as small pastries of some kind.
“Your dad went to a lot of trouble.”
“Wait until you see the dinner. There are ribs and turkey and all the fixings.”
Her hand on Derek’s little head, she felt she needed to be grounded. She gazed up at Riley and asked, “Did you help with all of this?”
“Some. Mostly with the restaurant setup. Dad’s cook did the rest.”
Liam saw her and waved, his expression happy and exuberant.
“I should talk to your dad and thank him.”
Just then, the door to the restaurant opened and Angus and Carol McDougall walked in. For a moment a sort of hush ran over the crowd and even Brenna felt as if she took in a long breath and held it.
Then Riley broke the spell. He said to her, “Stay with Derek. I’ll bring them over.”
In that moment she felt relief and so much love for Riley that she wanted to cry. Could they really do this? Was he going to forget about the past?
Brenna’s dad had worn a suit and tie, her mother one of her charity board meeting dresses. They were a little more dressed up than some, but the crowd was varied, from Sunday church clothes to casual. Brenna herself had worn a sundress with a shrug and low pumps. After all, this was a celebration.
Her dad looked terrifically uncomfortable until he spotted her, and then he smiled. But when Riley started toward him that smile turned into a cautious expression. She couldn’t hear what Riley said to her parents, but after what she expected were a few short hellos, he led them toward the table and everyone else in the room started chattering again. Riley had set the tone and she just hoped it continued.
Her mother hugged her, then bent down to Derek. Her father took her elbow and said, “I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise?” she asked warily.
“Just wait and see. I think you’ll like it.”
She didn’t think today was a good day for surprises but before she could say so, Liam approached the table. Everyone’s voices seemed to dim down again.
“Angus,” he said.
“Liam,” her father returned, his wife watching to see what would happen. But then Angus seemed to blink first. “Thank you for having this party for Derek. Carol brought her camera and we’ll take lots of pictures to put in his baby book.”
Liam’s stance lost some of its tension. “That’s a fine idea. I think Riley brought his camera, too. We can trade.”
Carol spoke up while motioning to the food. “Everything looks and smells wonderful.”
Liam gestured to the head table. “I’ve seated us all together. Why don’t you fill your plates with hors d’oeuvres and we’ll start serving dinner.”
Brenna let out that worried breath, but was still concerned about her dad’s surprise.
The door opened and closed again and Katie entered the restaurant. When she saw Brenna, she came over to her and Riley. “What a crowd! How do you like the flower arrangements?”
Brenna gazed around and noticed one on the cashier’s desk, as well as the individual vases on all of the tables. “You did this?”
“My contribution to the celebration.”
Shannon, who had been taking everything in, wandered over from her conversation with her brother, Sean, and touched Katie’s arm. “I just love what you’ve done with the flower shop. It has a fresh look, with that new sign out front and a summer doorstep display. I picked up one of the bouquets on Friday and put it up high where Jakie can’t get it. Every time I look at it, it makes me smile.”
“That’s what flowers are supposed to do,” Katie said.
There was movement over by the kitchen doorway and Brenna saw Noah Stone step aside so a server could come through. She noticed when Noah’s gaze met Katie’s and how it lasted longer than a few moments.
&nb
sp; But then Katie looked away and said, “I’m going to check in with Celeste and Jenny and Mikala. I’ll talk to you again later.” She moved quickly toward the other side of the room, away from Noah.
Brenna hardly had time to think about that because Liam was ushering Patrick and Sean to the table with their family. Patrick gave Brenna a nod, but not a friendly look. Sean looked very serious, glanced at Brenna’s dad and then frowned. Her worries started all over again. This wasn’t just about her dad and Riley’s father. It was about their families, too. She’d wanted to question her dad more about his surprise, but she found herself seated with Riley on one side and Derek on her other. Shannon was in the chair beside Derek’s car seat and she gave Derek the attention that a baby deserved.
Brenna said to her, “I’m grateful for you keeping Derek last evening.”
“You and Riley deserve some time alone.” She gave Brenna a knowing wink. “Everybody in town is talking about the bridal extravaganza at your dad’s store. One of my friends is getting married around the holidays and she saw a gown she particularly liked. She said she’s going in this week to try it on.”
“The gown presentation did seem to go well. If you ever need one—”
“I’m not planning on it anytime soon,” Shannon responded with a smile.
Conversation ebbed and flowed as salads were served. Liam was up and about more than in his seat, overseeing everything he could. But he did sit long enough to enjoy dinner, to discuss sports with Angus and Riley, to glance at his sons with a disapproving expression when they didn’t join in. After the main course was served, friends and family Brenna didn’t know introduced themselves to her and made a fuss over Derek. But he started crying right then, and Brenna knew she should feed and change him before Liam served dessert.
Riley leaned close to her and whispered almost in her ear, “You can go to dad’s office if you want to feed him. Do you want me to come along?”
They could talk in Liam’s office, but they could also be interrupted at any time. Better if she just changed and fed Derek and came back to the table. She and Riley would have time later to talk.
She stood and gathered up Derek and the diaper bag. “I’m fine. I won’t be too long.”
She felt Riley’s gaze on her back as she threaded her way from the table, then turned left into a short hall that led to Liam’s office. She passed the restrooms and a supply room and found the door to the office open. Going inside, she partially closed the door for privacy’s sake and for a little quiet for Derek. He ate better when there wasn’t a lot of stimulation around him. She knew so much about her son, his preferences and habits, likes and dislikes, without him even being able to talk. Riley seemed to know those same things, but she still couldn’t imagine being separated from Derek even for a day.
He ate like the big boy he was becoming. After a burp and a diaper change, she lifted him to her shoulder again and kissed his little forehead. He was growing so fast. She should be taking pictures every day to capture every detail.
She was about to lift the diaper bag from the chair near the door when she heard voices in the hall...almost familiar voices.
Riley?
She was about to step out there when something in the inflection in the tone made her wait. No, it wasn’t Riley. Opening the door a little farther, she patted Derek on the back and spotted Sean and Patrick close to the restrooms. Their voices carried to her.
They were engrossed in their discussion and didn’t see or hear her.
“I told Riley he should see the lawyer that helped me,” Patrick told his brother.
“Riley’s smart,” Sean responded. “He knows he needs something in black and white.”
“Turnbull is good. I wouldn’t have the visitation rights that I have if I hadn’t hired him. I’m sure he’ll call him this week.”
Brenna knew she should make a sound, move, let them know she was there. But all of her fears and doubts froze her into place. Rooted to the spot, she could only hold Derek in almost fascinated disappointment.
Patrick’s voice was disdainful as he said, “He only took her to bed in high school as payback for what her dad did. It’s a shame that when he did it the night of the reunion it backfired.”
Riley and his brothers were close. They’d know what he was thinking, wouldn’t they? Could it be true? That Riley himself was still bent on revenge? Had he been playing her now to get rights to his son?
She felt sick, almost dizzy, and the last thing she wanted was for Riley’s brothers to know she’d overheard. Quietly she stepped back into Liam’s office and shut the door. She had to pull herself together and she had to find out the truth. But she couldn’t face off with Riley here. She needed privacy for that. Privacy, and a whole lot of courage.
* * *
Noah slapped Riley on the back. “It looks as if this is a rousing success. Who would have thought? I was concerned I might have to bring a couple of my officers along with me.”
“It’s a start,” Riley said. “I don’t know how I’ll get Sean and Patrick to come around. It will probably just take time. Shannon and I will have to wear them down.”
Riley caught sight of Brenna coming back into the room. She looked odd—pale, maybe even upset. Her shoulders were back, her chin was up. And were her eyes just a little bit too shiny?
He was about to go to her when Angus McDougall rose to his feet.
Spotting Brenna, too, her father motioned to her chair. “I’ve been waiting for you, honey. Come on. I have an announcement.”
Riley felt a chill of foreboding rush up his spine. Brenna’s dad making an announcement at his dad’s celebration.
Riley put his hand on the back of Brenna’s chair to hold it in place while she sat with Derek. But she didn’t look at him, and she didn’t lean back. She sat as straight as a soldier, and he knew something was wrong. “Brenna?” he asked.
She shook her head. “We have to talk after this,” she said, as Angus held up his hand for silence.
Riley was more concerned with Brenna than with Angus. But with Derek pressed against her, she shifted away from him, toward her father.
“It’s so good to see everyone here today,” Angus said with a broad smile. “I know many of you have children. Having a grandson now, I thought about what he needs and about what the community needs. Our medical center here is top-notch, but it’s just a medical center, not a hospital. And sometimes our kids need more than that. I’m going to donate money to Miners Bluff Urgent Care Medical Center to add on a children’s wing. It will be a pediatric center so that parents never have to worry about the care of their babies or travel the whole way to Flagstaff. It should be just what the community needs. And with a fundraiser we can have the highest-end medical equipment in it.” He looked down at Brenna and Derek. “Only the best for our kids.”
As Angus took his seat again, everyone in the room applauded. Riley knew any parent would applaud this idea. It was a wonderful gesture, but one that Angus never should have made here.
When Riley glanced at his dad, he saw his father’s face was turning red. That meant his blood pressure was soaring, and Riley knew why. His father had done everything he could today to make this celebration a wonderful time for all, his expression of his love for his new grandson.
But Angus’s grand gesture trumped it in spades.
Now Brenna did look at him, and he saw that she was as astonished as he was.
But he had to ask, “Did you know about this?”
“No, of course I didn’t know about this. How could I know?”
Suddenly it was as if everyone in the room were on their feet, many coming over to slap Angus on the back and to talk about his plans.
With dessert finished, guests milled about at will. Jenny, Mikala, Celeste and Katie crossed to Brenna, possibly because they realized what had happene
d and they wanted to give her their support. But Patrick and Sean were scowling ferociously and Shannon looked as exasperated as he’d ever seen her.
Clay stepped up beside him. “Oh, boy! You never know what’s going to happen next, do you? That was a surprise?”
“That was a Roman candle going off in the middle of a dry forest,” Riley responded.
Angus had moved away from the table and now Liam went to him and gestured to the back patio.
“Uh-oh,” Riley muttered under his breath.
“Maybe it won’t be so bad,” Clay suggested. “Maybe they’ll finally talk everything out.”
For one of the first times in his life, Riley didn’t know what to do. Should he let the two men have their say?
Brenna shot him a worried glance.
Carol McDougall watched her husband exit the room, trailing behind him and then stopping. It was as if she, too, decided maybe the time for this had come.
The thing was, after a few minutes the voices on the patio grew louder and the chatter in the restaurant grew softer.
Riley knew standing by wasn’t an option. As he approached the patio both men were practically shouting.
Liam yelled, “You ruined my marriage!”
Angus yelled back, “You ruined my reputation!”
And then...
All hell broke loose. Riley wasn’t sure who took the first swing. Both men seemed to bring up their arms at the same time. He only knew by the time he got there, Angus McDougall’s nose was bleeding, there was an angry red mark under his father’s eye and the two men looked ready to keep it up all night.
Riley stepped between them and braced a palm on each man’s chest. “That’s it!” he yelled at them. “That’s enough. Do I have to get Noah in here to arrest you for disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct?”
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