The Webleys will fully manage all of the MacWebley properties until their finances are in the black. At which point the management would be re-organized in a way that both families would benefit.
They were giving us an option not just to help us out, but to get us back on our feet.
Natalie was doing one hell of a service with Webley and the town. Could she and the Webleys do the same for us?
“I couldn’t do anything without talking to my great-grandfather.” I tried to keep my voice even, but my hand shook as I reached into my pocket.
Instead of feeling the cool metal of my device, something soft and squishy ran across my fingertips. I pulled out the item, and my entire body stiffened as the pink velvet hairband stared back at me.
Are we like boyfriend and girlfriend now and you’ll wear my scrunchie on your wrist?
Madison.
I had no idea how the hell that had got there. But my throat and chest seized up as my fingers ran over the soft material.
If Great-Grandfather agreed to this…
If…I agreed to all of this…
It would change everything.
It would go against everything I’d been taught and originally came here for.
But it would also take care of Madison’s family.
My family.
I had to bloody do it.
“Can I put my great-grandfather on speaker phone?”
Rodrick smiled. “Absolutely.”
Swallowing hard, I pulled my phone out of my pocket, keeping my fingers from shaking as I dialed his number. The first ring set my heart thudding wildly in my chest, and by the time his nurse’s voice came over the speakers, every organ had dropped down to my stomach.
“Hi, hello. This is Jacob, Lachlan’s great-grandson. Is he available to talk?”
“He is, but before you speak to him, I don’t know if anyone has told ye about his condition.”
I closed my eyes and slowly opened them as I let a breath out of my nose. That familiar pain was back in my chest. He was near the end; she didn’t have to tell me. This could be my last chance to talk to him and make everything right.
“Ah, I know he’s not doing well. Even if you could just hold up the phone to his ear, I’d like to say a few words.”
“Right away.”
“Lachlan, it’s your great-grandson, Jacob,” the nurse said with a muffled response barely audible before a static rang through the phone.
I didn’t look up at the solicitor across from me as I gripped the phone tighter. “Great-Grandfather, hi, how are you doing?”
His voice was barely a whisper, and I couldn’t make out more than a “fine.”
Tears pricked at my eyes, and I wasn’t a crier. I also wasn’t about to do that in front of the solicitor, but I had to make this conversation count.
“Great-Grandpa, I know you sent me here on your behalf to reclaim our legacy, to see what we could get back from the Webley family. But the more I’ve gotten to know them, the more I think the best way for them to help us is for the Webley family to help manage the manor.”
He wheezed, the word “what” and a few curses coming out in a garbled mess.
I winced, trying to control my breathing. “I know it seems like a cruel joke. But I’m with the family solicitor now and done everything I can here. If we don’t want to lose everything, this is the best option, and I want your blessing to go forward.”
Silence.
I waited a few more beats before speaking again, the sinking feeling in the pit of my gut. “Great-Grandpa, I love you. I know you’ve been waiting to know we’re all going to be okay. And we will be if we do this. The manor will be restored to its former glory by the Lady of Webley, who is an experienced historian, and eventually we can get back to what we once were. This is the only way I can see to preserve our legacy. I…I need to know this is okay.”
More silence.
“Great-Grandpa?”
“You do what’s best for the family.”
For the first time his words were loud and clear. But if only I knew what was best for the family and if I was making the right decision.
“What does that mean?” I begged, trying to keep my voice low so that the solicitor, pretending not to listen, wouldn’t hear.
Silence.
My shoulders shook as dread crept through my body, my throat seizing up.
“Great-Grandfather?” I croaked.
“I love you, Lachlan. You will do what’s right.”
My stomach rolled as I tried to tamp down the heavy beating in my chest. Before I could even think of a reply, the nurse was back on the phone.
“Your great-grandfather is tired now. He needs to rest for a bit.”
I took in a deep breath, trying to still my shaking shoulders. “Ah, I understand.”
But I didn’t.
I was every more confused than when I first arrived at the manor.
Those might have been the last words I ever spoke to Great-Grandfather, and I had no fucking clue what any of it meant.
“So…” Rodrick interrupted my thoughts.
I turned toward the man with his hands folded on the desk, a stack of papers in front of him. “What’s the verdict?”
…
After settling things with Rodrick, I’d returned to the inn and charged the last available room on my credit card, probably maxing it out. I should’ve gone home and talked things with my family, but I wasn’t ready to leave yet.
Hell, I didn’t know if I could.
The wedding day was fast approaching. My great-grandfather was being read his last rites possibly as I lay, tossing and turning in bed and still trying to figure out the next move. But through all of the fog, my thoughts kept turning to Madison.
Even when I blessedly got brief moments of sleep, she was there in my dreams. I’d wake up sweating, my chest pounding as I envisioned her face when I left. The complete and utter shock and disappointment.
Wasn’t the first time I’d left a woman after a romp between the sheets, but with her it was different.
I’d never felt that way with another person.
Never felt like I couldn’t go on without making sure they were all right, whether they were happy and illuminating the world with their smile. Never felt like I had to personally care for them.
Fuck…
Was I falling for Madison?
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.
Of course you are, you numpty.
The woman on the train with the best laugh and freckles was never going to be a one-night thing.
Madison was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of woman.
Smart.
Cute.
Cared about everyone more than herself.
If I lost her…would it even be worth it to have the Webleys? How could I even work with her sister knowing what I’d lost in the feisty redhead?
Blast, I was in love.
I needed to crash the wedding after all.
Just not for the reasons everyone else thought.
Without thinking any further, I dressed as quickly as I could and called a taxi to the manor. Apparently, everyone else in town was using the service, too, since it took almost twenty minutes for someone to arrive at the inn.
My shoulders stiffened against the leather seats of the town car as we rounded the now familiar birch-lined path to Webley Manor. At least half a dozen other cars lined the circle path, guests exiting in their Sunday best before being led by suit-clad men out to the garden.
Once I stepped out of the car, the scent of rose and lily filled my senses, the entire path lined with the colorful yellow and pink flowers. The limestone columns were decorated with hanging floral wreaths, ones that had stood there since the grounds were first built.
The ones my fami
ly had built.
My family and the Webleys.
A lump formed in my throat as I shoved my hands into the pockets of my suit coat, following along with the crowd, hoping I wouldn’t be pointed out and kicked out immediately.
Not before I was able to talk to Madison.
“Lachlan, I didn’t expect to see you still here.”
The hair on the back of my neck stood on end as I turned toward the owner of the shrill voice.
Baroness Everly stood in her dark maroon dress and feathered fascinator like an evil villain amongst all of the white chairs and bright flowers set up for the wedding in the garden.
Other guests went around us as she took my hand, pulling me closer.
I ignored the deep pit of dread in my stomach, trying to be civil for the crowd as I politely kissed her cheek.
“Good to see you, too, Everly,” I said through gritted teeth.
“After you disappeared the other night, I didn’t think I’d see you again, especially after Miss Madison showed up to the hen party without a mention of her MacWebley date.”
I forced a smile, my jaw tightening. “Yes, well, I’m back now, aren’t I? And have you seen the fair Madison?”
She rolled her heavily made-up eyes. “You and I both know that you fucked up somehow with this family, and if you’re here for one last-ditch effort for their help, well, I may have a better solution.”
I froze, my heart beating in my ears as I swallowed. “And what might that be?”
A wicked smile crossed her lips. “Our parents still want us to get married.”
I held back a laugh, biting my tongue as I shook my head. “I’m not marrying you, Everly.”
She scoffed. “Look, you’re not my first choice, either, but if it’ll get our families off our backs, we can court for a while. My family can slowly buy the manor and gift it to us as our eventual wedding gift. What do you say?”
I swallowed hard, trying to control the bile now rising in my throat. “Everly, you don’t even like me. Why in the hell would you want to marry me?”
She smirked, letting out a small huff. “I’m approaching thirty, and that makes me an old maid by noble standards. It’s either you or my parents keep trying to set me up with some old-arse men from the highlands. I figure we don’t have to be in love, but at least we can tolerate each other.”
She put one hand on her hip and the other one out to me. “What do you say, Lachlan? No more begging. We just get this courtship over with?”
It could have been so easy.
No more begging.
I wouldn’t go against my family’s wishes.
Then I looked up to one of the balcony windows, catching the familiar flash of red hair.
Madison.
If I did this, I’d have to forget about her, about anything happening between us. The thought of it had the guilt riddling in the pit of my stomach travel up to my already pounding chest.
“This offer isn’t going to last, Lachlan,” she said, voice going hard with impatience. “Do you really think the Webleys are going to help you out after all these years?”
I swallowed hard, taking another look at the window.
This would either be the worst decision of my life or the best.
“Piss off, Everly.”
I hurried past her and went in search of my damsel.
Chapter Seventeen
Madison
Was there anything more beautiful than a wedding in the garden of a grand manor?
The sun was in the perfect spot in the sky to cascade over the limestone pillars, the floral displays sitting at the end of each row of golden chairs. My sister was a stunning array of white silk gliding down the rose petal lined path as she made her way to her smiling future husband.
I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t noticed Jacob among the guests and almost tripped as I carried Natalie’s enormous train down the aisle.
Once standing in front, the familiar pull had my gaze locked on him where he sat at the back of the room. When had he returned? And why? What more could he have to say to the Webleys or to me?
On the happiest day of my sister’s life, I should have been thrilled for her and taking part in the joyous reception. Instead, I seethed and gritted my teeth, on high alert about any last-minute move Jacob might pull to ruin the day.
He lied to me.
He lied to everyone.
I couldn’t even think about forgiving him. I’d done that so many times with Chris and where did that get me? Right in the middle of fool town.
I wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
Even though when the preacher proclaimed, “You may kiss the bride,” my gaze went directly to his. He didn’t flinch away, just stared back until people were standing and clapping as the couple embraced. Even with everyone there between us, there was still that magnetic pull. That energy.
Everything I was never going to have again.
I swallowed my heart into my chest as I followed my sister and Lord Gavin out of the room and then descended into the giant white tent filled with dozens of golden round tables. Each setting was more beautiful than the last with its ivory place settings and pink and yellow rose centerpieces.
If I could have taken out my sketchbook right there and immortalized it, I would have.
But then Gavin spoke, and my thoughts broke apart.
“Jacob, I thought that was you in the back,” he said. “I thought you’d be halfway back to Scotland by now.”
Wide-eyed, I stared at the sexy Scotsman, edging toward us with his hands in the pockets of his suit coat. That gold tie he wore after he first called me his girlfriend called to me like a beacon.
And it was easier to stare at than meeting his gaze now that we didn’t have some hundred guests between us.
Jacob snorted. “Well, I would have, but I wanted to give you and your bride a wedding present first.”
I stiffened, keeping my focus on his chest, not his face.
Not his face, dammit, or I would cave in.
Natalie seemed just as confused by his arrival and words. “Oh? You know you didn’t need to bring anything.”
“Ah, well, this one I needed to.” Jacob pulled some folded documents out of his suit coat, handing them to her.
My sister took them with shaking hands as I watched her eyes bounce from the papers to her new husband. “This…Jacob…when…wha…?”
I’d never heard my sister speechless, but she stood wide-eyed, handing the papers to Gavin.
My heart sank into my stomach.
Had he talked to a solicitor? Were the documents some sort of official claim?
“Jacob, are you serious about this? I didn’t think you’d actually agree,” Gavin asked, clearing his throat.
Wait, what? I finally looked up to see the glistening in his eyes. Agree to what?
“Ah. I talked to my great-grandfather, and he said to do the right thing.” Jacob let out a breath as if trying to control his emotions. “The Webleys will now own MacWebley Manor as well. It’s our hope that the new Lady of Webley will use her historian expertise to help restore the manor and legacy to its former glory. Once the MacWebleys get back on their feet—and we will—management of the properties will be handled by both families.”
My sister was nodding even before he finished. She let out a low breath. “Wow…this is a lot.”
Gavin took a step forward. “I never expected you to make this sacrifice, Jacob. You nor your great-grandfather. You don’t have to do any of this. I would be happy to lend you the funds to—”
“No,” Jacob snapped, then more calmly, he said, “No, thank you. I want to do it this way. It’s the best thing for us.” His bleary eyes meeting mine. “All of us.”
“Why?” I asked, surprised I could even form a word at this point.
&nbs
p; He took a step closer, nodding as he took us in. “The truth is, I fell in love.”
I gasped, unable to control the now rapid beating of my heart.
Jacob stopped, his gaze on Gavin. “With you.”
Gavin took a step back, blinking hard. “With me?”
Natalie snickered.
Jacob laughed, shaking his head. “No. No. I mean yes, you. All of you. Your family. Our family. I grew up resenting all of you, thinking every single one hated us MacWebleys. But then you all welcomed me. If grudgingly.” At this, Gavin’s lips twitched. “You didn’t treat me like the odd duck. You could have kicked me out on my arse right away, but you didn’t.”
My ears rang as I took in all he was saying, trying to control the rapid beating of my heart as I took in his words.
“I came here, not knowing what exactly I was going to do, just that I wanted to reclaim the MacWebley name, take the manor, or whatever else I could. But then I realized I didn’t need to take away anything. I just had to welcome more family into my life. If you’d have me.”
Gavin stood there, his stoic face not showing anything. Then he stepped forward and clasped Jacob on the shoulder. “Well, there’s no going back now, cousin.”
Jacob clasped him back. “No, there’s not.”
Natalie caught my gaze and nodded her head toward Jacob before nudging Gavin in the side. “We can all get together later and talk over details of uniting our families, but for now I think maybe we should greet our guests.”
Natalie and Gavin went away arm and arm to greet the rows of people slowly making their way down the green path, drinks in their hands and curious expressions on their faces.
Jacob and I were left standing alone by an ice sculpture that I watched dripping slightly in the afternoon sun. But even as I got lost in the methodical drips, it couldn’t compare to the man in front of me.
The man I was now sure I was falling in love with.
He slowly turned toward me, my breath catching in my throat as those bright green eyes locked on mine. “Madison. I should have never lied to you. From the moment I met you, I knew there was something different, and it wasn’t until I almost fucking lost you and everything else…”
Heirly Ever After Page 20