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Today was going to be fantastic. Luke and Meg said they'd stop by, as did Tyler and Kendra. We always invited the whole family. Typically not many could make it because they were busy enough during the holiday season, but Dom was a big draw for them. I was honestly surprised that the whole family wasn’t attending.
A knock at my door startled me out of my thoughts.
"Come in," I said.
The door opened, and Declan stepped in.
I leaned back in my chair, grinning. "You decided to join the party after all?"
But he wasn't smiling as he took a seat in the chair opposite mine.
I straightened up, realizing he hadn't come here to talk about that.
"No. I actually forgot that the party is today. I just wanted to tell you that I've met with Malcolm's team of lawyers. They have no legal means to go after anything regarding the hotel."
I frowned. "Then why even try?"
Declan grimaced. "I don't know."
"But you have an idea. You have that face where you're not sure if you want to share it with me or not."
He sighed. "I think he’s hoping you’ll cave and just give him a check."
I jerked my head back. "Why would he even think that? I haven't caved in all these years. I’ve done nothing wrong. Why does he think I will now?"
"Beats me," Declan said. “Do you have any idea? I mean, he’s married now and employed, so I find it hard to believe it’s for pure revenge.”
“Yeah, that is odd. Maybe he just needs the money?" I groaned, my shoulders sagging. "I’m sorry, Declan. I wish I had an answer.”
He nodded. “We’ll figure it out. But you have nothing to worry about.”
"Thanks for taking care of everything. I'm ashamed that I always need you so much."
"Reese, I don't mind taking care of family business."
"I know, but I have like 500 percent more legal issues than anyone else."
"Don't worry about it, okay?"
"Well, since you're here, do you want us to go upstairs together? Can I tempt you with a drink?" I asked.
He shrugged. "Why the hell not? It's December, and I've got nothing else to do tonight."
"What’s Liz doing?”
“Catering an event.” His voice turned flat.
"And you don't like that?"
"I don't understand why she's overworking herself so much. I can take care of her."
My heart swelled as we both rose from our seats. “She knows that, but the bakery has been her dream for so long. I don't think this feels like work to her."
"That’s what she keeps saying," he grumbled under his breath.
"See? Listen to her. Oh, I love the smell already," I said as we walked up the stairs to the bar.
"But it’s smelled like mulled wine for a while,” Declan countered.
