Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots (Pelican Point #1)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Emma

S even Years Ago

I step onto the stage, the weight of my achievement pressing down on me like a thousand unspoken words. The bright lights blind me momentarily, but I refuse to let the moment slip away. My fingers clutch the edges of the podium, and I take a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs and calm the nerves that are slowly unraveling.

"Congratulations, graduates." I begin my valedictorian speech, my voice steady and confident, just as I've practiced a hundred times in front of the mirror. "Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. We stand here today not just as students but as future leaders, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead."

I glance out at the sea of faces, searching for someone, anyone, who might have come to see me. But I already know the answer. The only person who cared enough to show up is sitting right in the front row, his broad shoulders filling out the expensive suit he probably bought just for today. Ryan Murphy, my oldest brother, and the only one who ever believed I could do this. The only one who ever supported my dream of leaving Pelican Point, Florida to go to Princeton Law School and make something of myself.

His eyes meet mine, and he gives me a small nod. It means everything to me, and I feel a swell of emotion that I quickly push down. This is not the time to get sentimental.

I finish my speech, the applause washing over me like a wave. I accept my diploma, shake hands with the dean, and make my way off the stage. My heart pounds in my chest, not just from the excitement but from the realization that it's all over. I’ll be a damn good lawyer, if I do say so myself.

Ryan is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, his smile wide and genuine. "You did it, Emma," he says, pulling me into a hug. His cologne is familiar, a mix of cedarwood and something distinctly Ryan. It’s comforting, reminding me of home, of the good parts of Pelican Point before everything got so complicated…before our family got so complicated.

"I couldn't have done it without you," I reply, pulling back to look at him. "You made this possible, Ryan. You believed in me when no one else did. Plus, you paid for it." I smirk at him.

He waves me off like his support and financial contribution are nothing. "You would've done it with or without me. You're the smartest person I know. I just made sure you had the chance to prove it."

My throat tightens with emotion. Ryan's always been like this—downplaying his generosity, acting like it’s no big deal when he’s the only reason I’m standing here today. "I’m going to pay you back," I say, and I mean it. "I'll be one of your company’s attorneys. I’ll make sure you get your money’s worth." I promise him.

Ryan raises an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. "Emma, I don’t give a damn about the money. You’re family. But if it makes you happy, sure, you can come work for me. Just don’t forget to live your life, okay?"

His words hit harder than I expect. I know what he means. He doesn’t want me to get trapped in the same cycle that’s consumed our family—work, work, and more work, with no room for anything else. But I have a plan, and I’m sticking to it.

"I won’t forget," I promise. "But I’m serious about this. I’m going to start my own practice in Pelican Point. Celtic Knot and Shadow Strike Ventures will be my first two clients, and I’ll build my firm from there."

Ryan’s smile fades slightly, a look of concern crossing his face. "Emma, you know Dad’s not going to be thrilled about you coming back. He’s still pissed you left in the first place."

I stiffen at the mention of our father. The man who never wanted me to leave Pelican Point, who thought my place was in the small town, running the winery or settling down like a good daughter should... like my mother did. "I don’t care what Dad thinks," I say, my voice hard. "I’m not coming back to be his little girl again. I’m coming back because it’s home. And because I want to make a difference there."

Ryan studies me for a moment, then nods. "If anyone can do it, it’s you, Emma. Just remember, I’ve got your back. Whatever you need."

Before I can respond, a voice interrupts us. "Emma, congratulations."

I turn to see Frank Morely, one of my classmates, standing with another group of my colleagues. His smile is friendly, but there’s always been something about him that puts me on edge. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me, like he’s sizing me up for something. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t trust him. Never have. I can’t prove it, but I’m sure he cheated his way to his diploma.

"Thanks, Frank," I reply, forcing a smile. "I appreciate it."

Frank’s eyes flicker to Ryan, and I can see the curiosity there. "And you must be the famous Ryan Murphy," he says, extending a hand. "Emma’s told us all about you. It’s an honor to meet you."

Ryan takes his hand, his grip firm, but there’s a chill in his voice when he replies. "Funny, Emma hasn’t mentioned you at all." I immediately elbow my brother. He can put on a five-thousand-dollar suit, but he’ll always be a SEAL.

Frank doesn’t seem to notice the cold reception, or if he does, he chooses to ignore it. He just grins, that same unsettling grin that never reaches his eyes. "Well, I won’t keep you. Just wanted to say congrats again, Emma. Maybe we’ll cross paths in the future."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I don’t want to think about crossing paths with Frank Morely ever again. He gives the term ‘slimy lawyer’ a new face.

As he walks away, Ryan leans in closer, his voice low. "Who the hell was that?"

"Nobody," I say quickly, too quickly. Ryan’s not stupid. He picks up on it right away, his eyes narrowing.

"Emma, if that guy’s bothering you?—"

"He’s not," I interrupt, shaking my head. "It’s nothing. Just someone I had classes with. We’re not friends."

Ryan doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push it. Instead, he wraps an arm around my shoulders and steers me toward the exit. "Come on, let’s get out of here and get some food."

"Great. I’m starving."

"You’re always starving. I have no idea where you put it all," he says, a grin spreading across his face.

I’ve finished packing up my dorm room when Ryan pokes his head through the door. “Ready to go?” he asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Go where?” I reply, eyeing him suspiciously. After the whirlwind of graduation, I thought he’d head back to Texas right away. Being an oil tycoon and billionaire doesn’t give him a whole lot of free time.

He grins. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

I raise an eyebrow but decide to play along. With Ryan, surprises are usually worth the suspense. “All right, but if this involves skydiving or bungee jumping, count me out. That’s all you and your adrenaline gene, one I did not inherit.”

He chuckles. “Not this time. Come on.”

I turn to my now former roommate and fellow law school graduate and pull her into a hug. “Kennedy, I’m going to miss you so much.”

She hugs me back. “Nonsense. I’ll only be one town over. Hibiscus Harbor is practically down the street. We’ll see each other all the time. I promise.”

“You love her. She loves you. Let’s get going.” Ryan ushers me out the door with a wave.

We make our way out of the building, the late afternoon sun casting golden hues across the campus. I take a deep breath, letting the memories of the past years wash over me. It’s bittersweet leaving this place, but excitement bubbles beneath the surface.

Ryan leads me to his waiting car and driver, and we drive off campus. Instead of heading toward Ryan’s penthouse in Manhattan where he stays whenever he’s working in the northeast, we take a turn toward the outskirts of town.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask, glancing over at him.

“Patience, little sister, is a virtue,” he teases. “Good things come to those who wait.”

“Why is patience a virtue? Why can’t hurry the fuck up be a virtue?” I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. The landscape changes from collegiate brick buildings to open fields as we approach a small private airport.

“Ryan…” I begin, realization dawning.

He parks near a sleek black private jet waiting on the tarmac with the words Shadow Strike Ventures emblazoned across the side. A pilot stands at the base of the stairs, tipping his hat in greeting.

“Surprise,” Ryan says.

“You’re flying me home?” I ask, disbelief coloring my tone. “What about my stuff in my dorm? What about my car? I can drive myself home, you know.”

“Thought it’d be nicer than that cramped rust bucket you call a car,” he replies casually. “I’ve already taken care of your stuff, and it’ll be shipped to your apartment later this week. Plus, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my little lawyer sister. Is that okay?”

I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “You didn’t have to do this and I’m not a lawyer, yet. I still need to pass the Florida bar exam.”

“I wanted to do it and besides, you’ll ace that exam just like you did all your classes in law school,” he insists. “Now come on, before the tower gives our departure slot away.”

We board the jet, and soon we’re soaring above the clouds. The cabin is luxurious, all leather seats and polished wood. Ryan pours us each a glass of champagne.

“To the newest Princeton Law graduate and soon to be the best attorney in the world,” he toasts, clinking his glass against mine.

“Thanks, Ryan,” I say softly. “For paying for school, your support… for everything.”

“Don’t mention it.”

We settle into comfortable conversation, talking about my plans now that school is over.

“I’ve been thinking,” I begin, swirling the champagne in my glass. “I’m going to take both the Florida and Texas bar exams this year.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Both? That’s ambitious.”

“I know,” I admit. “But with the winery in Pelican Point and your company in Houston, it makes sense to do them simultaneously. I want to be able to work seamlessly between both companies.”

He nods thoughtfully. “Makes sense. You’ve always been one to cover all your bases.”

“Plus, I love a good challenge,” I add with a grin.

He chuckles. “That you do, but I want to talk to you about working for me. Don’t say anything to Dad or Brennen about it. They don’t need to know, and it will help you keep the peace at home. Okay?”

I watch the emotions quickly dance across Ryan’s face. Ever since he left the winery after our mother died, Dad and my other brother Brennen have not spoken to him, and I’ve been stuck in the middle. I refuse to take sides, but I also refuse to cause any more heartache.

I nod. “That’s probably best considering the circumstances. Your secret is safe with me.”

The rest of the flight passes comfortably, filled with laughter and reminiscence. Before long, we begin our descent into Pelican Point. The sight of the blue ocean meeting the sandy beaches fills me with a sense of peace I didn’t realize I’d missed while studying in New Jersey the last few years.

As we disembark, the warm and humid Florida air wraps around us like a familiar embrace. Even in the beginning of autumn, it’s still warm here. Parked near the hangar is a sleek red sports car with a big silver bow on the hood.

I stop in my tracks. “What’s that?”

Ryan slips an arm around my shoulders. “Consider it a graduation gift.”

“Ryan, you can’t be serious.”

“Dead serious,” he says, handing me a set of keys. “You can’t drive around town in that old clunker you had in college. Besides, a successful attorney needs a car that matches her ambition."

I stare at the key fob he’s holding in front of me, then at the car. It's a thing of beauty—sleek lines, pristine paint, the kind of car that turns heads.

“I don’t know what to say,” I whisper.

“Say you love it,” he suggests. “And that you’ll visit me in Houston once in a while.”

I throw my arms around him. “Thank you. This is… incredible.”

He hugs me back tightly, his voice choking ever so slightly when he speaks. “You deserve it, Emma. I’m proud of you.”

We pull apart, and he checks his watch, clearing his throat. “I have to get back to Houston. I’ve got meetings in the morning.”

“Of course,” I say, trying to hide my disappointment. We don’t see a lot of each other, and I miss my oldest brother. “Have a safe flight.”

He squeezes my hand. “Call me if you need anything. And good luck with studying. Not that you need it.”

“I might take you up on that offer to go to Houston,” I reply with a smile.

I watch as he boards the jet, waving one last time before the door closes. As the plane taxis away, I turn back to the car. My car.

Running my fingers over the glossy surface, I can’t help but grin. This is a fresh start—a new chapter. The beginning of the rest of my life.

After pulling the giant bow off the car and stuffing it into the trunk, I slide into the driver’s seat and push the start button and the engine purrs to life. The interior smells of new leather and possibilities. I adjust the mirrors and take a deep breath.

“All right, Emma,” I say to myself. “Time to get to work.”