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His mouth works like he’s trying to get words out, but before he can figure out how to make his voice work, Hayden holds up a commanding hand. “Whatever you’re about to say? Don’t bother. I think I speak for all of us when I say Meridian doesn’t want to do business with anyone who would believe half-baked rumors, pry into our personal lives, or judge us for who or how we love.”

Ford and Gabriel nod in firm agreement, presenting a united front that’s both intimidating and incredibly attractive.

George looks even more shocked, if that’s possible. I hear him sharply inhale, probably to start some kind of moral lecture, but one of the other executives stands up quickly.

“Please,” he says, putting a restraining hand on George’s arm. “Let’s not make a scene here.” He nods politely at the rest of us and then turns to leave the table, tugging George with him.

It seems that even if they don’t agree with our unconventional relationship, the other people at this table don’t want to cause a public spectacle the way George undoubtedly would. I wonder how many of them are tired of his sanctimonious bluster and wish he would tone it down.

It’s a bit awkward, just the four of us now sitting at a table set for ten people, with half-eaten meals abandoned on the other plates. But that’s fine. I know the men can afford this meal, and I’m sure they’ll ask the servers to move us to a smaller table. What’s more important is processing what the hell just happened and what it means for all of us.

“I can’t believe you just did that!” I say, my voice shaking now that we’re alone. “You’ve been working on this deal for months! Hayden’s been stressed out of his mind! And you just—you threw it all away! For me?”

“We can find another way to achieve our goals,” Ford says calmly, like he’s discussing the weather instead of torpedoing his career. “There are other companies out there we can partner with. There’s always someone else you can do business with. But there’s only one of you, Maeve. Only one.”

“You’re the most incredible woman we’ve ever known,” Gabriel adds. “Why can’t you believe that we would choose our love for you over everything else?”

My throat feels tight, like I can’t quite catch my breath. “So—you really meant it? Everything you just said?”

Hayden reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I wouldn’t say something like that about just anyone, or in front of just anyone. I don’t say things I don’t mean, especially not something like that.”

The walls I’ve been trying to keep up around my heart crumble. “Well,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “I guess I should let you know that I’m in love with you too. All three of you. I’ve been trying so hard not to be, trying to keep things simple and protect myself, but I can’t help it. You’ve become everything to me.”

Ford sweeps me into his arms almost before I finish speaking, kissing me with a passion that makes my head spin. Gabriel kisses me next, then Hayden, and I laugh breathlessly through my tears. Everyone in the restaurant is staring at us, but I don’t care anymore. People can stare all they want. We don’t have to hide anymore.

“I did mean one thing I said earlier,” Ford says, holding out his hand with a smile. “I’ll need that ring back. When I give it to you again, and I will, I’ll be giving it to you along with two others. You deserve three rings, for all three of us.”

“Everyone should know that all three of us belong to you,” Gabriel says with satisfaction.

“And that you belong to all of us,” Hayden adds, squeezing my other hand.

My heart flutters wildly as the implications of that sink in. This isn’t just about tonight, about this moment. They’re talking about a future, a real future together.

I happily slip the ring off my finger and place it in Ford’s palm. “I don’t think anyone’s ever been so excited to return their engagement ring before,” I say, laughing through my tears.

Hayden raises his hand to signal our server. “Let’s finish this meal properly and order some dessert. We have something real to celebrate now.”

We do.

57

MAEVE

I’m still processing everything that happened as we finally head back to the family house. There’s this weightless feeling in my chest, even though I’m stuffed full of the most delicious dinner I’ve had in months.

Once George and his people left, it was like someone flipped a switch. Suddenly I could actually taste the food again—every rich, decadent bite. We ordered basically the entire dessert menu, telling the staff we were celebrating. I could tell the other diners and waitstaff were dying to know what had just gone down, but since nobody had screamed or thrown punches in the middle of their upscale establishment, they seemed content to let the mystery slide.

I had no idea how much I’d been holding myself back emotionally, how tightly wound I was, until I didn’t have to anymore. Just melting against the men in the car, letting their hands find mine, touching them without second-guessing every gesture—it feels like freedom in a way it never did before. I don’t have to analyze or overthink. I can just be.

My entire body feels loose and relaxed in a way I haven’t experienced since this whole charade began. Like I’d been holding my breath for weeks without realizing it, and now I can finally exhale.

That blissful feeling lasts exactly until we pull up to the house and reality hits. I tense up again, my shoulders going rigid despite Gabriel and Hayden’s arms around me. Even their warmth can’t chase away the sudden chill.

I know Lydia’s in my corner, but what about the rest of Ford’s family? I can’t blame his parents if they think I’m some kind of home-wrecker who corrupted their son. They strike me as more traditional, and Charles especially seems set in his ways. The last thing I want is to force Ford to choose between me and his family.

We step inside, and immediately I spot everyone gathered in the living room around what looks like an abandoned board game. The atmosphere feels heavy, like they’ve been sitting in uncomfortable silence.

“You’re back!” Lydia brightens when she sees us. “How did it go?”