AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ciara tugs my arm. “Darcy, what’s going on?”
I press down on my stomach, preparing for the words to come out. “He wants me to go to New York with him to marry a…a family friend.”
Ciara stops chewing. “Are you shitting me?”
“No.” I now worry I’ve taken this all too lightly, considering Ciara’s eyes have practically popped out of her skull.
“You’ve been here for hours, keeping all of this inside that head of yours, and you’re only talking about it now?”
I smile and sip my juice box. It makes me think of Sadie. Ewan sent me texts throughout the morning. They look great together, and Sadie seems to already trust him completely. I won’t let that affect my decision, though.
You already made your decision, didn’t you?
“I’m still processing. I have Sadie to think about.”
“Who’s the man they want you to marry?”
“Some rich, powerful guy. Head of his family. He needs a wife.”
“And there are no available women in New York?”
“The rich guy wants to marry someone in our family. A Quinlan. Ewan’s one sister died, and the other married someone else. I’m it as far as available Quinlan females. But my dad didn’t tell Ewan I’m adopted.”
“Because it probably doesn’t matter to him. You’re his baby girl.”
That makes me smile. “I know. But this New York guy may want a full-blood Quinlan to make an alliance with Ewan.”
“Is he handsome?”
“God, yes. I can’t get him out of my mind.” I exhale, thinking of Ewan’s smile.
“You can’t get a man you’ve never met out of your mind?” She thinks I meant Kieran.
Shite…
I clear my throat. “I saw a photo. Yes, he’s handsome. His name is Kieran. Kieran is handsome.” Which he is. He’s just a stranger.
“And he wants you?”
“He doesn’t know about me yet. Ewan traveled here without telling him. He’s sure that Kieran will keep his promise to marry a Quinlan bride.” I take a breath. “Now Ewan’s not sure the man will want me.”
“Why wouldn’t he want you? You’re a stunner with big jugs.” She smushes hers together. “Makes me want to get knocked up for a free boob job.”
“Be serious.” I nudge her. “I come with baggage.” I hate calling my daughter that because, to me, she’s not. She’s the light of my life. But I’m rational enough to know how it looks on the outside.
“Only an ape would think that. What will you do?”
“He says… Ewan… He says if Kieran doesn’t want to marry me, I can stay in New York. Me and Sadie. He’ll take care of us.” I pull my legs into my chest. “It’s a chance for a life I’ve never dreamed. For the both of us.”
“Aye.” She nods. “And if this Kieran agrees to marry you, is that the life you’ve never dreamed about?”
“That, too. Marrying a man for political purposes. No chance to…love.”
No, it’s not what I want.
Ciara bobs her head back and forth. “Maybe not at first. You’re an amazing woman. Smart. Funny. Gorgeous. Men are easy. Just want to eat a hot meal and finish the day with a good rocking and rolling.” She waves me off.
“I think you mean the men here. I’ve heard in New York they lead much more complicated lives.” With more options. Models. Dancers. Actresses. Socialites. “I agreed to go.”
