Maddox’s POV
The sun was just starting to rise over the trees. Soft gold light fell across the wide mahogany desk in my private study. Downstairs, the house was already busy. My mother and Ryan were in the main dining room, checking table settings and flowers for the upcoming wedding.
I stood by the tall windows with a hot cup of black coffee in my hand. I watched the morning mist rise from the lawn.
A knock sounded on the heavy double doors. Two short, firm taps.
“Come in,” I said, turning around.
The door opened and Gawain walked in. We had been friends long before Maeve and I signed our engagement contract. Today, though, my old friend looked tired around the eyes. He had been working late nights with the studio lawyers, but his posture was still straight and strong. He carried a l
