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I rolled my eyes.
The door opened fully, and Gabe and Sophie stepped into the room. Gabe’s mouth was set in a grim line, eyes shadowed with guilt. He looked visibly upset and immediately crouched down beside Fee and I. “I’m sorry,” he said gently. “All of this never should’ve happened. How are you holding up?”
“Don’t be silly.” Fee smiled, and squeezed his hand. “I’m fine, thanks to all of you. It’s not anybody’s fault, so don’t worry about it.’”
Gabe’s shoulders slumped in relief. “Thank God you’re both all right. I don’t know what I’d do if…” He trailed off, then glanced at Sophie. “Anyway. I’m just glad this nightmare is over.”
“Group hug!” Sophie announced, throwing her arms around both her husband and Fee.
I bit back a laugh at their startled expressions. “Welcome to our crazy family,” I said, grinning.
Fee shot me a dry look over Sophie’s shoulder, but she was smiling. Teasing or not, it was the truth. In the short time I’d known her, Fee had become as essential to me as my own family.
Maybe even more so.
How had I gotten so lucky? To find a woman like her, who fit into my crazy family, and my complicated life as though she’d always belonged… It was nothing short of a miracle.
Fee entangled herself from Sophie’s hug. Gabe settled Sophie into a chair beside us, and the two of them started chatting immediately.
I focused back on Gabe, who rounded the bed, his expression grim. “Craig Donnelly called me an hour ago. He told me about Vince’s demands.”
The chatter died down.
“Vince refuses to take my calls,” Gabe said. “But according to Craig, he’s insisting on a marriage between you—“ he nodded at Matt “—and Jemma, as reparation for what happened?” Gabe said, his voice low and laced with confusion. “What the hell happened in Ireland?”
“Why would Vince do this?” Sophie asked, her voice soft and hesitant.
My gaze met hers, and I shook my head. “I wish I knew.”
“Maybe he’s gone insane?” Matt said.
Gabe sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “The whole thing at least sounds completely insane and completely unlike him.”
“I have no idea why Vince would demand an arranged marriage, either. I didn’t even know he knew Jemma,” I said, rubbing my neck and shifting Fee’s position in my lap.
She suddenly went ramrod straight.
I looked down into her eyes, blazing with determination. “I need to call Jemma.” She jumped off my lap, and Sophie followed her out of the room, their voices drifting back to us in agitated tones.
I studied Gabe, who was staring at the closing door, a muscle twitching in his jaw.
“What else did Craig say to this madness?” I asked.
“He’s trying to get in touch with Vince and talk some sense into him.” Gabe shook his head. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him lately. It’s like he’s on edge, even more than usual. And this. An arranged marriage. It’s like he’s becoming a whole different person.”
“He’s gone too far this time.” Matt curled his hands into fists. “If he thinks he can control my life, he’s completely off his rocker.” Matt’s voice was hard, his eyes burning with anger.
Gabe shook his head, his dark eyes clouded with anxiety. “I see storm clouds on the horizon,” he muttered.
Matt huffed, his laugh devoid of any real humor. “The storm is already here. If my dumb big brother thinks he can marry me off to just anyone, he’s got a rude awakening waiting for him.”
Gabe reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He stared at it for a split second, then handed it to me. “Almost forgot, Mom gave this to me to give to you. She said you’ll know.”
I opened the box, revealing an engagement ring that sparkled under the harsh hospital lights. A smile tugged at my lips despite the turmoil raging inside me. My mother always knew how to bring a sense of calm and normalcy amidst our crazy lives.
I grinned and thought of Fee—the woman who’d brought so much contentment and happiness into my life. Before meeting her, I was a wounded beast, lashing out, aimless, drifting.
Now, despite all the uncertainties and turbulence surrounding us, I felt calm, grateful, and happy. And it was all because of her, the woman of my dreams and the love of my life.
