A Hand to Hold

Chapter twelve

~ Ronan

- earlier that day…

*

Inexplicable relief came with the acquisition of my marriage license. Once signed, sealed, and delivered it represented a massive step toward my goal. And seeing Natalie’s name beside mine felt strangely… right.

*

I’d watched Natalie flourish over the past year of working together. She poured everything into her job, just as I did. Being immensely reliable and supportive, I credited much of my recent success to her. In many ways, she felt like a true partner, not merely an assistant. Perhaps that was why I felt so at ease making her my wife. I could only hope we wouldn’t prove to be better work partners than life partners.

*

After leaving Natalie to sort through her worldly possessions, I addressed my driver. “Take me to Brigid’s, please, Harrison.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh,” he answered. My grandmother lived in a remodeled Victorian home on the east side of Lincoln Park. The house was far too big, in my opinion, especially for a single woman nearing seventy. However, she was quite popular and entertained often.

*

When Harrison pulled up to the curb outside my grandmother’s place, I instructed him to accompany me inside. He needed to hear what I had to tell Brigid. We walked up the front steps, and I rang the doorbell. “Hello, George,” I said to the grey-haired man who answered. My grandmother’s butler had been in her employment almost as long as she’d lived in America, nearly twenty years. “Good morning, Master Ó Ceallaigh,” he replied.

“Is my grandmother at home?”

“She is in the sunroom.”

*

Harrison and I moved through my grandmother’s elegant home, and I found her right where George said she’d be. She lay comfortably on a chaise, reading a book and sipping from a teacup. If it were after three o’clock, there’d be a high chance of the cup containing brandy.

*

“Mo cuishle,” she said in greeting. “And Mr. Harrison, good to see you as well.” She spared a smile for him while I was lucky not to get a scowl. Evidently, our previous discussion left lingering irritation toward me. Hopefully, the news I brought would alleviate that.

*

“To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?” she inquired as she placed a marker in her book and set it aside. “After yesterday’s disagreement, I’m surprised to be seeing you so soon.”

“I thought about everything you had to say yesterday, and… you were right,” I replied. Her brows raised, taken aback by my admittance as I continued, “In fact, I was so moved by your words, I decided to take action.”

“You mean you’ll take finding a wife more seriously?” she asked hopefully.

“I already have.”

*

I presented a full-sized, off-white envelope from behind my back. “What is this?” my grandmother asked when I passed it to her.

“Open it.” She unfastened the tab and slid out a thick official document. Her eyes widened as she looked up at me and said, “A marriage license? Ronan, explain yourself.”

“I thought it was obvious. Móraí. I’m getting married.” I smiled despite myself as I looked from my grandmother to Harrison, who stared back with perplexity.

*

My grandmother stood from the chaise and gauged me questionably. “Why didn’t you tell me this yesterday?”

“It’s a recent development,” I answered.

“It’s been less than a day!” She took another look at the license. “And who is this Natalie Norris person?” I ignored Harrison’s gasp of surprise as I announced, “She is my choice of bride.”

“Yes, I can see that, buachaill. Obviously, I meant, where did you meet her?”

“She’s… a former employee,” I fibbed a little.

“Wait a minute. Ms. Norris? As in your secretary?!”

“Personal assistant,” I corrected. “Well, former assistant, now that she’s to be my wife.”

*

My grandmother dropped to the chaise in shock. “Ronan, please tell me this is your insane idea of a practical joke.”

“It’s not.”

“Why her? The press will have a field day with this. Why her?” she asked again.

“She turned out to be the right fit.”

“I’m disappointed in you, Ronan. I presented you with over a dozen much more suitable women.”

“Respectfully, I disagree.”

*

My grandmother sighed in surrender and said, “This is not an ideal situation. However… I can’t deny a part of me is relieved you will soon be one step closer to obtaining your inheritance. But you’ll need to be smart about this. Groom her to be a proper lady of high society. Make sure it’s known she is no longer in your employment, and wait a few weeks before officially beginning your courtship. Take her out publicly and—”

“No,” I said flatly.

“No? What do you mean no? There is a right way to do this, Ronan.”

“We’re getting married today,” I stated.

“What?!”

*

She was on her feet again, looking like she might slap me. “Are you out of your mind?!”

“No,” I answered calmly. “But I want this done immediately.”

“Is she already pregnant?”

“No, Móraí.”

“Then I don’t understand why you’re rushing. Why are you so willing to become fodder for the press?”

“Because I simply do not care what people think.”

“You should. The public’s opinion could tank your business.”

“I seriously doubt that. I’ve worked too damn hard building the company for it not to withstand me marrying my assistant.”

*

My grandmother looked from me to my silent driver. “And you, Mr. Harrison?” she inquired. “What is your opinion of this situation?” Harrison cleared his throat and replied, “Well, Ms. Brigid, though I don’t understand the rush, I do know it’d be a challenge to find a better bride than Ms. Norris.”

“You truly think so highly of her?”

“Móraí, you’ll like her. I promise.”

“I was asking Harrison,” she snapped.

“I do think highly of her, yes,” he answered. “She is kind. And in this day and age, kindness is becoming a rare trait.”

*

With a nod of acceptance, my grandmother looked back at me and said, “Does she have what it takes to become the wife of someone with your social status? Everything she says and does will be under scrutiny. Can she endure the pressure?” I rubbed my beard pensively and replied, “It will be an adjustment for her, but she’s capable.”

“I agree with my boss,” Harrison backed me up.

“You know I only have your best interests at heart,” Móraí assured. “If you say she is the right fit for you, then I trust you. However, I’m concerned about the repercussions. The press will drag your name through the mud, Ronan.”

“I can take whatever they dish out.”

“But can she?”

“She can. She’s tougher than she knows.”

“I would agree with that as well,” said Harrison.

“Very well then, what do you need?”

“I need a witness to our union.” I turned to face Harrison, adding, “And an officiant.”

~~*~~

I stood in my living room with Callum, Harrison, and my grandmother, expecting my bride to arrive any minute. “Are you nervous?” Callum asked when he observed the drink in my hand. “No,” I replied nonchalantly. “Should I be?”

“I’ve heard grooms usually are.”

“I’m not the average groom.”

*

After a moment, a new thought struck me, and I turned to ask Callum, “Do you think she’s nervous?”

“To marry you? I bet she’s scared shitless. I know I would be.”

“Watch it. That’s my future wife you’re talking about.”

“You’re starting to sound like a husband already.”

“God help me if that’s true,” I muttered, taking a generous gulp of whiskey.

*

I struggled to put into words what I felt as I awaited my bride. A part of me loathed change. At least where my personal life was concerned. In business, if I wasn’t constantly changing and growing, the company couldn’t thrive. But I preferred my private life to remain constant. I didn’t want anyone in my house, and that went double for my heart. Allowing another being to take residence in my heart was just asking for pain.

*

I had my theories on why my da made such conditions for me in his will. All my life, I went out of my way to avoid romantic entanglements. My da once expressed his concern over my inability to love another person. In my entire life I’d only ever loved one person— Móraí. I couldn’t even say that I loved my father. I appreciated him, respected him, and looked up to him. But I couldn’t say I loved him.

*

After my mother died bringing me into the world, my father went into a spiraling depression. He was not a parent to me for the first six years of my existence. I’d always resented him for that, despite the fact he eventually pulled himself together. His absence was the reason I became so close to my grandmother. She stepped in to care for me as an infant, essentially becoming both a mother and a father to me. When the inevitable day came she left the earth, I knew I’d be utterly lost. Therein lie my reason for not allowing another being to take root inside my heart. If I never loved another, I’d not be forced to grieve another.

*

Natalie deserved better than a husband who could never love her. I was a selfish son of a b***h, who knew didn’t deserve her, yet wasn’t willing to give her up either. I needed a wife, and Natalie remained the only woman I knew wouldn’t make me miserable. But in the process, I was dooming her to a life without love. I promised myself I’d give her anything to make her happy… anything except my heart.

*

Relief hit me when I heard the car outside. It was the waiting that had me on edge. Any more time to my thoughts and I would’ve grown a conscience and pulled out of the deal for Natalie’s sake. If I had half a heart, I would’ve offered to protect her while asking for nothing in return. But deep down, I knew not only did I want her, but she would be safer as my wife. That title alone told the world I wouldn’t let anyone bring her harm.

*

Callum moved to the window. “Damn,” he said, peering through the glass. “Your girl is way too pretty for the likes of you. Do you think she would marry me?”

“No one would want to wake up to your ugly face every day for the rest of their lives unless they were a glutton for punishment.” He flipped me the bird, and I chuckled. This was how Callum and I showed our brotherly affection.

*

“Knock it off, boys,” my grandmother chastised. “Ronan, you’re about to be a husband. Could you please refrain from acting like a teenage hooligan?”

“Apologies, Móraí. He brings it out in me.”

“You bring it out in each other,” she corrected, and I heard Harrison snicker.

*

I stilled when I heard the front door open. Candace entered the den alone, leading my grandmother to ask, “Where is the bride?” Candace directed her answer to me, saying, “I insisted she make an entrance in an effort to make this somewhat resemble a wedding.”

“Oh, good grief,” I muttered before emptying the contents of my glass and setting it on the mantel.

“You chose your bride well, Ronan,” Candace commended. “As those were also her exact words.” I held back a smile.

*

“Just tell me what you want me to do so we can get this done,” I told Candace. She rolled her eyes before directing me to stand beside Harrison in front of the fireplace. Katrina entered the room, taking a seat near my grandmother. When Candace joined them on the sofa, she tapped her phone, and the room filled with soft music. Candace turned toward the foyer and called, “That’s your cue, Natalie!”

*

When my intended finally came into view, my entire body froze, unable to process the vision before me. She was exquisite. From her elegantly braided hair draping over her shoulder, all the way down to her… were those high heels? Hell yes. I’d never seen her look more ravishing. I couldn’t even blink as she slowly came to stand in front of me. Our eyes locked, and I uttered the first thing that came to mind, “Krasivaya.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~