Mistletoe Cottage

by Debbie Mason

  Bethany moved her head back and forth before nodding. “Yes, now that I think about it, I prefer that you do. I went through a wedding planner and two of her assistants at the last venue. It was a nightmare. I’ll speak to Michael and get back to you with a time we can meet before we leave.”

  “Perfect.” Sophie moved the salt and pepper shakers from the middle of the table and set down the carafe. “Someone will be by to bring you a fresh pot when you need it.”

  Liam held back a smile. Sophie obviously had experience dealing with women like his aunt and Bethany. She didn’t need him to come to her defense. At least that’s what he was thinking until he heard Harper call out, “Ms. DiRossi.” And his brother mutter, “For Chrissakes, Harper. Leave it alone.”

  As they moved away from his aunt’s table, Sophie went to take the pot from him. “Liam, I’m perfectly capable of handling your family. You don’t have to follow me around.”

  “You were great with Maura and Bethany, but I’m not sure you can handle this member of the family. Aidan’s ex-wife Harper is a psychiatrist. She’s been asking questions about Mia.”

  Sophie’s hands dropped to her sides, the color leaching from her face. “What kind of questions?”

  He placed his hand on her lower back. “Let’s get out of the way,” he said, and guided her to a quiet corner at the back of the room.

  “Liam, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.”

  “Relax, it’s just about Mia not—”

  “Excuse me, Liam.” Harper nudged him aside and extended her hand to Sophie. “I’m Dr. Granger. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?”

  “No, I’m afraid I haven’t. What can I do for you, Dr. Granger?”

  “Liam, do you mind? I’d like to speak with Ms. DiRossi privately.”

  “Actually, I do mind. The middle of the reception to honor my great-grandmother who just passed away isn’t exactly private, now, is it?”

  “Liam’s right. I’m a little busy at the moment. Perhaps we can arrange to speak later?”

  “Well, if you’re too busy to speak about your daughter’s issues…”

  Sophie stiffened. “My daughter is recovering from a trauma. I’ve consulted with one of the best child psychologists in LA, and I’m quite aware what to expect and how to help her with her recovery.”

  “I’m not sure I’d agree. I was at the funeral and have been observing Mia ever since. I’m concerned. As I understand it, she’s had several major upheavals in the past weeks that I believe have had a negative impact on her recovery. Mia needs stability, Ms. DiRossi. She needs to feel safe and secure.”

  “Which is why we moved back to Harmony Harbor. I appreciate your concern, but I have guests to see to. If you’ll excuse me.”

  Liam watched as Sophie wove her way through the tables to reach Mia. She crouched beside her daughter’s chair with a wide smile, as though her exchange with Harper hadn’t shaken her. Liam knew better. He’d seen the panic in her eyes before she’d banked it. His brother leaned toward Sophie and said something. Probably apologizing for his ex and trying to reassure her. Liam turned back to Harper. “Stay out of it.”

  She raised her manicured hands as if the matter was now out of them. “As a psychiatrist and a mother, I have an obligation to file a report with the authorities if I believe a child is at risk.”

  “Be careful, Harper. Two can play at that game.”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “Damn straight I am. You cause problems for Sophie, and I’ll cause them for you. My brother doesn’t see through you, but I do. You’re using Ella Rose to get back at him for divorcing you.” He cocked his head. “Is it just me or does Ella Rose seem pale to you? Maybe a little withdrawn?”

  “How dare you! You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

  He smiled. “Neither do you. But if you don’t get your head out of your ass and grant my brother shared custody, you’ll find out.”

  She gave a dismissive sniff and strode to her table. Sophie, as though sensing her approach, picked up Mia and walked to the kitchen with her in her arms.

  Liam’s threat hadn’t been an idle one. The distance between him and his brothers had gone on long enough. They now fought their battles alone instead of together like they used to. It was about time they had each other’s backs again. Right now, Aidan needed them. Liam didn’t trust the sanctimonious, high-and-mighty Harper.

  Michael, who’d been talking to his mother and fiancée, looked over when Harper stormed off. He raised his eyebrows at Liam then said something to Bethany and stood up. As his cousin made his way to where he stood at the back of the room, Liam knew he’d found the answer to Sophie’s problem. Even though everything inside him rebelled at the thought. He wanted to be the one who solved her problems, and he knew why.

  By asking his cousin for help on Sophie’s behalf, in all likelihood, Michael would slay her dragons and become her hero. Liam pushed the thought back to where it belonged—in the past. He wasn’t twenty-three, and he was no longer in competition for Sophie’s affections. He was over his crush. And just to make sure, because his subconscious and other parts of his anatomy were calling him a liar, he looked over at his brothers to remind himself what happened when you let passion overrule your brain. It worked. What worked even better was seeing Mia and Sophie walk out of the kitchen carrying trays of cookies. This was about them, not him. He would do whatever he had to protect them.

  Michael leaned against the wall beside Liam. “What did you do to piss off Harper, buddy? Tell her it was about time she got her head out of her ass and grant Aidan shared custody?”

  “How do you do that? You got bionic ears or something?”

  Michael grinned. “It’s what I would have told her, and you and I always did think alike. Great minds and all that.”

  “Yeah, well, right now it’s your great mind I need. I have a favor to ask.”

  “You got it. Anything you need. All for one and one for all, remember? Us Gallaghers stick together.”

  He did remember. Back in the day, they were all thick as thieves. But just like Liam and his brothers, they’d grown apart. “Okay, Cape Crusader, I appreciate it. But this might prove to be a tough one, even for you. Do you remember Sophie DiRossi?”

  “Gorgeous brunette with big eyes and a rockin’ bod? Yeah, might have a faint memory of her. She was sweet. What about her?”

  Liam gritted his teeth. His memory of why he and his cousin weren’t as close as they’d once been wasn’t as faint as Michael’s memory of Sophie. Liam reminded himself this wasn’t about him and relaxed his hands that had balled into fists. “She’s managing the manor. She’s moved back to Harmony Harbor with her daughter, and she’s having a problem with Child Protective Services.”

  “Wait a minute—” Michael looked around the room, and his eyes widened. “That’s Sophie’s kid? Jesus, how old was she when she had her?”

  “Nineteen, I think. Her name’s Mia. Sophie hasn’t had it easy, Mike. She could use a break,” he said then told his cousin everything that had happened to her in LA, including her arrest. When he finished, he added, “This falls under client privilege. I don’t want anyone else to know about the arrest.”

  “You know me better than that,” Michael said, every inch the lawyer now. “Just from what you’ve told me, sounds like they’re going through the motions, and Sophie won’t have to deal with CPS after they’ve done her in-home visit. I can vouch for her and make that go away if you want me to. Do you have the name of her caseworker?”

  “Might be best if you talk to Soph. Sophie.” Liam waved her over. “Thanks, Mike. I really appreciate you handling this.”

  “Anything for you, buddy. You know that.” He turned to smile at Sophie when she approached and extended his hand. “Nice to see you again. It’s been a long time.”

  Liam frowned and looked around the room, wondering if he’d missed something. Sophie had lost all the color in her face and her hand appeared to be trembling when she shoo
k Michael’s. “Nice to see you, too, Michael. Is there a problem?” She looked from his cousin to Liam at the same time twisting her right hand around her left wrist.

  “No, Liam asked me to look into your case for you. I’m sorry what you and your little girl went through, Sophie. The last thing you need is CPS breathing down your neck. I’ll take care of that for you. All I need is your caseworker’s name, and I can handle it from there.”

  “Thank you. That’s very kind of you to offer…” she said while staring at Liam.

  Okay, he knew that expression on her face, and it wasn’t good. If looks could kill, he was a dead man. He didn’t have a clue what he’d done wrong.

  She continued. “I have it handled.” She shot another furious look at Liam before giving his cousin a tight smile. “I look forward to working with you and Bethany on your wedding. Thank you for agreeing to change venues. At this late date, I can’t imagine that was easy for you. I hope you know how much we appreciate it.”

  “If you change your mind, just give me a call. I really don’t mind, Sophie,” his cousin said then glanced in his fiancée’s direction. “About our last venue…” He loosened his tie. “They kind of fired us. Bethany wants our wedding to be perfect, and she can be a little…What the hell, you’ll be working with her. She’s turned into a bridezilla. It’s not her fault. My mother and hers are making her crazy.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll do everything we can to make planning your big day more fun than stressful for Bethany. We really are honored to be hosting your wedding. It means a lot to all of us here at Greystone.”

  “Anything for the Save Greystone team. Now we just have to get my cousins on board. Including this guy right here.”

  Chapter Eleven

  No good deed goes unpunished, was the thought running through Liam’s head when his cousin outed him. So much for his nostalgic memories of cousinly bonds.

  “At least now we know who’s Team Greystone and who isn’t,” Sophie said. She rewarded the Cape Crusader with a sweet smile and shot Liam another death glare before heading for the kitchen. The force with which she slapped her hand on the door and pushed it open made him wince. No doubt about it, he was in her bad book. “Thanks a lot, pal,” he muttered at his cousin.

  “What did I…” A slow smile curved Michael’s lips. “So it’s like that, is it?” His cousin waggled his eyebrows and stuck out his hand. “Welcome to Team Greystone.”

  “I’m not Team Greystone, and you know why I’m not. There’s no way—”

  “Save the explanation for your girlfriend. But before you do, I suggest you work on your closing argument.” With a smug look on his face, Michael turned to walk away.

  “She’s not my…” He didn’t bother finishing the sentence. Michael wouldn’t hear him anyway. He was whistling “Going to the Chapel.”

  Marco, wearing a white, double-breasted jacket and checkered pants, came out of the kitchen. He whipped off his hairnet at the same time as he searched the dining room. When his eyes landed on Liam, he stalked toward him.

  He jabbed his finger in Liam’s chest. “What did you say to upset my sister?”

  “Which time? She was mad at me right from the get-go, and I have no idea why. I was…What did she say I said?”

  “I haven’t got a clue. That’s why I’m asking you. She’s banging around in the kitchen, and she’s going to deflate my chocolate soufflé.” His eyes narrowed at Liam, who pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. “One laugh out of you, and I’ll never make you another pie. Now start from the beginning. She’s upset, and I want to know why.”

  “If you’d stop talking about your soufflé and tell me what she said, I’d have a starting point.”

  “Okay, wise guy, you figure it out. We ask what’s wrong, and this is what we get. Liam, he…sniff, sniff. Liam, he…hiccough sob. Liam, he…Rinse and repeat.”

  Liam winced and began walking toward the kitchen. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to her and make it right. Seriously, bro, I thought I was doing her a favor.”

  “How so?”

  “You know, with Child Protective…” He trailed off at the stunned look on Marco’s face. “You didn’t know, did you?” The only thing he remembered Sophie telling him to keep quiet about was her mother’s involvement the day of the fire. He had to calm Marco down before he stormed into the kitchen demanding answers. “Relax, okay? There’s nothing to worry about. Michael says they’ll do one home visit, and that’ll be it. She’s a good mother, Marco. You know that. She has nothing to worry about. They had no grounds to arrest her in the first…” Aw, hell. “Wait. Marco!” He made a grab for the back of his best friend’s jacket and grabbed air instead. Several people at the tables nearest him turned to stare. He faked a smile then grimaced when Marco reached the kitchen and flung open the door, swearing at his sister in Italian. Loudly.

  Griffin was sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed and a grin on his face. Probably because swearing Italians brought back memories of his own fights with Ava. Liam waved at him to get his attention and mouthed, Music. Since his brother had personal experience with an upset DiRossi, he’d know just how loud to crank it. Liam did one more sweep of the room. Harper and Ella Rose were gone, and Mia was with her grandmother, who looked like she was about to get up. Liam shook his head, indicating everything was okay.

  With the dining room under control, he walked to what he imagined was the out-of-control kitchen. He ducked in time to avoid getting beaned by a stainless steel pot that came sailing at his head. None of the DiRossis had thrown it. The cook did. “Out! Out of my kitchen now! All of you!”

  Liam held up his hands. “Ava and Marco are just helping out for today, Helga. They’ll get out of your hair as soon as the reception’s over.”

  “Ha! A lot you know.” The older woman pointed at Sophie, who’d bent down to pick up a broken plate. “She’s trying to steal my kitchen out from under me.”

  Hands on his hips, Marco stood over his sister. “You tell my best friend, but you don’t think I have a right to know that you were arrested, Sophie? Arrested!”

  Ava stood in the corner, her long hair piled on top of her head. “Marco, leave her alone. I’m sure there’s—”

  Helga crossed her arms and nodded. “I knew there was something off about that one. You should fire her. Fire the whole lot of them.” She plunked a pot on the stove to make her point.

  Marco rushed to the oven and opened it. “Una vecchietta grizosa! You ruined my soufflé.”

  “No one wants your snotty soufflé anyway.”

  Liam ignored the escalating war of words between Marco and Helga and focused on the woman throwing the broken plate in the trash. She was too pale and too quiet. “Soph, I didn’t—”

  She opened the walk-in cooler, got inside, and slammed the door.

  Ava narrowed her eyes at him, jerking her thumb at the cooler. “Fix it.”

  Easy for her to say. Liam didn’t know what he’d done wrong. Apart from sharing with her brother that she got arrested and, thanks to his cousin, that he wasn’t a member of Team Greystone. He opened the door and walked inside. “Soph—” She threw a head of lettuce at him. He caught it and put it on the shelf. “Look, I know you’re—” She threw another head, which he also caught. “Okay, can you stop with the—” He ducked as a bunch of carrots hit the door behind him. Now he was ticked and stalked toward her. “Stop it. Now.” Closing his fingers around her wrist, he moved into her, pressing her against the back wall with carrots dangling over her head. “All right, that’s better.” Only it wasn’t because he was so close that her body was pressed against his, and when she moved…“Stay still. I’m not letting you go till you hear me out.”

  She lifted her big, luminous eyes. “Why? Why did you do it?”

  The look of betrayal in her gaze gutted him. “Swear to God, Soph. I had no idea you didn’t tell Marco about the arrest. I promised I wouldn’t say anything to him about your mother’s involvement, and I didn’t�
�”

  The cooler door swung open. “What about my mother? And what the hell are you doing with my—”

  Liam took the carrots from Sophie’s hand and flung them at Marco’s head. “Stay out of it.”

  Ava grabbed her cousin and pulled him back, shutting the cooler door.

  Liam looked down at Sophie. “Will you come with me someplace private so I can explain why I did what I did?”

  When she nodded, he released the breath he’d been holding and went to step back. He couldn’t; he was stuck.

  He was about to try again when Sophie fisted her hands in the lapels of his suit coat. “Don’t move. My chain’s caught on the button of your shirt.” She swore in Italian and wriggled to maneuver her hands between them. She froze, her eyes lifting to his.

  “Sorry, it’s cold in here, but it’s not that cold. And hearing you swear in Italian turns me on.”

  “Don’t make jokes, Liam. This isn’t funny.”

  “I’m telling you the truth, Soph. I’m not trying to be funny. I was only trying to help you when I told Michael. I’d never do anything to intentionally hurt you. Here, let me try.” The longer they were plastered against each other like this, the harder it became to remember why he wanted to keep Sophie at arm’s length. To think about anything other than kissing her. But his brilliant idea to help loosen the chain only served to increase his desire to have his mouth on hers. As he moved his hands between them, his knuckles brushed against her warm, silky skin and the voluptuous curves of her breasts.

  A low breathy moan escaped from her, and she caught her full bottom lip between her teeth. He had to distract her, and not just because she was obviously embarrassed by her response to him. He was perilously close to forgetting why a relationship with Sophie was a bad idea. “Tell me why you’re mad at me. It’ll help you focus on something else besides…” He cleared his throat.

  “I’m not thinking about kissing you or having sex with you, if that’s what you’re insinuating.”