Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Brennen
W hen Joselyn said she’d do anything for me, I gave my trust over to her and let it all go. And she’s right. I do love her with all that I am. She’s helping me realize that after almost ten years, I can finally share my burdens and know that people will have my back. Joselyn. My sister. My brother. The employees of the Celtic Knot.
For the first time in my life, I’m relinquishing control. And it’s freeing as hell. When I found out my siblings had gone to the bank to settle the debt, it was as if a thousand-pound burden had been removed from my neck. Years of blood, sweat, and tears wiped away in an instant. The Murphys have prevailed. The power of three. The trinity knot. The bond that cannot be broken, no matter how frayed. And now the baby of the three, our sister, is engaged to be married. She’s going to tie the knot with her forever love.
I’m seeing Joselyn in her element, and I’m in awe. She’s a damn good event planner with genius ideas for the business. I’ve watched as she’s transformed the dusty old barn to a reception venue that rivals any site in Florida. We’re planning to promote it as a rental facility for special occasions and use it for wine-related events. The possibilities are endless, and it’s another revenue stream for the winery. She already has interest from a number of potential wedding clients.
Carlos, Tony, and I are helping prepare the barn by stringing lights in the rafters and testing them, as well as making sure power, water, and all the other equipment needed are in place and working properly. Meanwhile, Jos, with Isabella’s help, is managing deliveries and dealing with contractors and vendors like a boss.
After confirming some supply orders, she turns to me. “I think we’re done for today. Everything is on track for the barn to officially open for events. Oh, wait! I need to double check the contract with the temp company for bartenders and extra help and confirm the wine quantities we want to keep on hand for special events.”
I pull her in for a quick kiss. “I’ll take care of those things. Anything else?”
She puts a finger to her forehead as if deep in thought, then smiles. “Actually, yes. We should set up contracts with Kennedy’s brewery for local beer and that distillery across town for Irish whiskey.”
“On it.”
“Thanks, babe. I appreciate it. And thank you for all of your help. We make a pretty good team.”
“That we do.” I bring her in close and lower my voice so we can have a private moment. “I want to thank you. For coming back and facing the past. Surrendering your emotions and body. Allowing us to rebuild trust. Freely and unselfishly handing me the power to give you what you need. These last few months have been magical. Fending off threats, introducing new wines, you and your father returning, my brother coming home—I realize with all of us back together, we can overcome anything.”
She gives me a smile that makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the world. My heart is so happy, I can’t help teasing her. “Remember when you and Emma were little, you would destroy my mother’s sunflowers, picking off the petals, and saying ‘he loves me, he loves me not?’”
Joselyn giggles, just like that precocious little girl from the past. “I do remember. And I have a confession to make. Even then, I was thinking of you as I plucked those petals, hoping that one day you would love me.”
“Jos. I always have, and I always will.”
“And I will always love you, Brennen, and love your knots.”
Each couple finds their forever, but the storm is still brewing. Keep going—you won’t want to miss what happens next!