Forever and a Day (Seven Brides Seven Brothers Pelican Bay Book 5)

by Belle Calhoune

  They sat there for a moment in silence. Both of them, Daniel imagined, were thinking about how much had changed in their parent’s relationship over the last year. Relationships were funny things, Daniel realized. He was the last person who should give marital advice, but he desperately wanted his parents to make things work in their marriage. Stick it out. Hadn’t that been the Donahue motto when times got tough? Whether it was overnight camp, Boy Scouts or Little League, Daniel had always been urged to stick it out by both of his parents. They had never subscribed to the idea of giving up on things. He felt guilty about thinking it, but at times he wondered if they had given up on each other.

  “I think they would understand,” Daniel said, crossing his hands in front of him. “Our family unit is solid. Nothing can take away from that.”

  Nash chewed on his lip. “You’re right. We’re a tight family unit, despite what’s going on with Mom and Dad.”

  Daniel could easily see the stress and strain imprinted on his brother’s face. For some reason, Nash seemed to be taking the situation with their folks harder than anyone else. He wondered if it was one of the reasons Nash was suddenly looking for answers about his past. “Hey, I know it’s not easy to wrap our heads around the fact that our parents might not stay together.”

  Nash blinked away the moisture in his eyes. “I don’t know why it triggers something so dark inside of me. That’s one of the reasons I want to get some answers about my past. It might explain some of these feelings I’m struggling with.”

  “Just know we’re here for you if things spiral out of control. Don’t be afraid to reach out,” Daniel cautioned. He was worried about Nash. Normally he radiated like the sun. These days his demeanor was a bit more subdued. It was something he needed to keep an eye on to make sure his brother was all right.

  Nash smiled at him. “That’s one thing about being a Donahue. There’s never a shortage of people to reach out to.”

  “You got that right. I think we should both keep the faith about Mom and Dad. Faith has always been a part of our lives, so why stop now?”

  “Agreed,” Nash said with a nod. “Why don’t we get down to business?”

  Daniel rubbed his hands together. “I’m really excited about this business venture and having you on board at DD Studios. You really are a talented photographer, Nash. You’ve got an incredible eye.”

  “Thanks. Every morning when I wake up I thank God for giving me the desire and the ability to be a photographer. So many people spend their whole lives wondering what their talent is. I’ve never had to wonder. Ever since I was little I’ve known photography would be my future.”

  “That really is a blessing when you know where your passion is,” Daniel said. “Why don’t we get started. If we’re going to launch this project in six months we have to get crackin’.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Nash said. “And maybe later you can tell me about how you found your model for the Rhiannon character. It sounds like quite a story.”

  Daniel smiled at his brother. He would tell Nash the story once they had concluded their business meeting. Try as he might, thoughts of Lorelei still lingered in his mind. It wasn’t just her beauty that attracted him. If the truth be told, Daniel had beautiful women chasing after him all the time. For some reason the lure of his video game empire attracted them. He knew it had nothing to do with him as a person. Frankly, he wasn’t that interesting. Or appealing. He shoved all thoughts of the intriguing redhead out of his mind.

  A woman like Lorelei was out of his league and he didn’t mix business with pleasure. She probably thought he was a bit of a mess after the events of today. It didn’t really matter. He’d found his Rhiannon. He knew he’d almost messed it up, but thankfully he had found a way to fix things.

  Daniel smiled as an idea flashed into his mind, something that might just bring a smile to Lorelei’s face. He was going to shower her with roses!

  “Being afraid is normal. But living your life in fear is like living in prison. Part of living is being free.”

  Parker Donahue

  Chapter Three

  “So Daniel Donahue sent you all of these flowers?”

  Lorelei chuckled at the look of disbelief etched on her best friend, Bethany Turner’s face. With her corkscrew dark curls and wide brown eyes, Bethany resembled a beautiful doll. Her long dark lashes and bow-shaped lips lent an expressive quality to her features.

  “Yes, Bethany. For the hundredth time, yes. The florist rang my bell and began delivering buckets and buckets of these gorgeous flowers.”

  Both women looked around the room with awe. The room resembled a florist shop.

  “And you think he did it because you made a joke about it when he came by the house?”

  Lorelei bit her lip. “That’s the strange part. I’m not sure he realized I was joking.” She shifted in her seat and picked up her mug of coffee. “There was something about him. I can’t really explain it. He was a bit…abrupt at times. Then he was really sweet and apologetic. If I had to describe him I would say he’s quirky.”

  Bethany let out an indelicate snort. “Rich men can afford to be quirky. Working girls like us have to be down-to-earth,” she said with a shake of her head.

  Lorelei thought back to her last meeting with Daniel. He hadn’t thrown his weight around or been obnoxious. Matter of fact, he’d been incredibly humble and real. “To be fair, he didn’t radiate that rich guy vibe. I’ve met a few over the past few years and I didn’t get that feeling from him.”

  Bethany sat back in her chair and folded her arms across her chest. She grinned at Lorelei. “Sounds like you like him.” Bethany wiggled her eyebrows.

  Heat stained Lorelei’s cheeks. “That’s ridiculous. I barely know him.”

  “I think my best friend doth protest too much,” Bethany said, making a funny face. “From the pictures I’ve seen, he’s pretty easy on the eyes. I don’t blame you one little bit.”

  This was typical Bethany, Lorelei realized. Her best friend was a champion teaser. She liked to put Lorelei on the spot and bring her out of her shell. It had always been this way between them. Normally, she didn’t let it bother her. For some reason, Lorelei didn’t even want to acknowledge Bethany’s suggestion that she liked Daniel. She wasn’t sure why but she felt self-conscious about Bethany’s teasing her about Daniel. Butterflies were fluttering around in her stomach. It was a crazy kind of feeling since she didn’t even know him.

  She cast a surprised look at Bethany. “Enough already. He’s my boss. I don’t cross those lines, Bethany. You know that.” She couldn’t keep the irritation from her tone.

  Bethany’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry. You know I’m teasing, honey.” She frowned at Lorelei. “What’s wrong? Is it the flowers? Do they make you uncomfortable?”

  “No,” Lorelei admitted, glancing around at the profusion of flowers sitting in her living room. “You know I love flowers. And even though I don’t really know Daniel very well, he’s Micah’s brother. I know he’s coming from a good place.”

  “So, what’s going on? You don’t seem like yourself.”

  Lorelei shrugged. “I guess I’m just a little bit unsettled these days.”

  Bethany reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry. I know you’ve been worried about the parole hearing. Have you gotten an update?”

  Lorelei shook her head. “It’s coming up in a few months. Every day it becomes more real to me that they might actually grant him parole. They’ve asked me to appear at the hearing but I really don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “Can’t you provide a written statement?” Bethany asked. “You shouldn’t have to be there in person.”

  “They did give me that option, but they said it wouldn’t be as impactful. In other words, they want me to be there in person.” Waves of nausea washed over her at the thought of facing her stalker in person. “I’ve tried so hard to put it all behind me, but it hasn’t been easy. Just knowing he might be released from jail is raisi
ng all of my hackles. I feel a little bit numb.”

  “Oh Lorelei,” Bethany said, tears pooling in her eyes, “I’m so sorry I haven’t been aware of how deeply this has been affecting you. I’ve been so wrapped up in caring for my mother that I lost sight of how frightening this must be.”

  “Please don’t worry about it, Bethany. You’ve always been a wonderful, supportive friend. You have no idea how much it’s meant to me over the years. I know things have been really stressful for you with your mother’s lupus diagnosis. I know it’s been tearing you apart.”

  Tears slid down Bethany’s face. She put a hand over her mouth. “Mom is tough, but this disease is really bringing her to her knees. She can barely get out of bed sometimes or climb the stairs at night.”

  “I’m so sorry she’s going through all of that. Your family as well. I know how close you all are. Please don’t hesitate if you need anything. I know medical costs are high. I’ve socked away quite a bit of money the last few years. You know you’re like family to me.”

  Lorelei had always admired the closeness among Bethany’s family members. They had always embraced Lorelei and treated her as if she were one of their own. Since Lorelei’s own family was fractured, it had always meant the world to her to be so accepted into the Turner family fold.

  Bethany swiped her face with the back of her hand. “Mom is tough. She has great insurance thanks to her job, but I appreciate the offer. We’ll get through this. And so will you, Lorelei. If you don’t want to face him at the hearing, let’s write letters. Deep, impactful letters that will make it so he doesn’t see the light of day for a hundred years.”

  “I can’t imagine how terrifying it would be if he gets out,” Lorelei said, her body quivering with anxiety.

  “Don’t torture yourself with those kinds of thoughts. He won’t get out. We’ll make sure of it!”

  Lorelei didn’t bother telling Bethany that the legal system wasn’t always fair or based on justice. James Ellis had stalked and terrorized her for two years before he had been arrested. His attorney had gotten him out on bail and he’d only been jailed again after he had broken into her home and held her at knife point. The trial had been agonizing and stressful. Over the course of it, Lorelei’s hair had fallen out in chunks due to the stress and she’d lost twenty pounds. With her lithe frame it had made her look sickly and not in the slightest bit healthy. Her career had been in freefall. Even showing up to a photo shoot would cause Lorelei to break out in hives. A guilty verdict had given her peace of mind. Over time she had slowly gotten her life back and a small measure of peace. Now, with the notion of his release from jail, Lorelei was a nervous wreck. Even though she tried to shove it to the back of her mind and focus on her life, the reality of the hearing loomed large in her life.

  She shook off the terrifying memories. Sometimes they took her to a dark and sad place. Lorelei focused on the glorious flowers inhabiting her home. There were hydrangeas and roses and stargazer lilies. A profusion of flowers. A nice distraction from the ugliness of her past.

  Please Lord, don’t let James Ellis be released from prison. I’ve finally managed to get back a semblance of my life. I refuse to live in fear and every day will be full of terror if he’s walking the streets. I’ll always be looking over my shoulder. I’ll never be able to achieve peace. And I truly believe I’ll be in danger again. Lord, grant me strength.

  **

  Daniel didn’t know why he was nervous. He found himself pacing in his office back and forth as his stomach bunched up with nerves. Lorelei was coming to DD Studios today for some costume fittings and a photography session for promotional materials. She was also meeting with a team of make-up artists who would create a look for her as Rhiannon. Daniel had a hands-on approach to these matters so he would be seeing Lorelei up close and personal today. He’d cleared his schedule so he could oversee things. Daniel had also asked Nash to do the photography session since he was part of his staff, and in Daniel’s opinion, one of the best up and coming photographers in the country. He was determined to do anything and everything he could to give Nash a leg up in the business. That’s what big brothers were for.

  When he’d told Micah about sending Lorelei the flowers, his younger brother had been a bit perplexed by the gesture. He had asked Daniel a bunch of questions and made him second guess himself. Had Lorelei thought the flowers were strange or over-the-top? Daniel hadn’t sent the flowers to Lorelei because he was interested in her romantically. It had been a gesture of goodwill since she’d agreed to be Rhiannon and she had mentioned wanting flowers. Sometimes he did things impulsively rather than thinking them through.

  He scratched his chin. Should he apologize for sending the flowers? Or maybe just keep his mouth shut? He wasn’t the most eloquent guy on the planet. It was better to keep his mouth shut and avoid the risk of putting his foot in his mouth. He frowned. He had a tendency to do that, especially with women. It was a fatal flaw of his and perhaps one of the many reasons why he struggled in relationships.

  Love doesn’t come easily. How many times had his father told him that? But watching his brothers settling down and pairing off was making him feel a bit down about himself and his romantic prospects. Did he feel the same way others did? Then why hadn’t he ever had an epic love story? Why did it seem as if something had always been missing in the relationships? Why was he always messing up?

  Daniel had prayed a lot about it over the years. He’d asked God to make him more like his brothers, who never seemed to have the type of relationship problems as he did. Granted, some of his brothers had been through the ringer romantically, but in the end, they had all pushed through their issues and ended up blissfully happy.

  Lord, make me more like my brothers. I don’t want to be alone forever.

  He had prayed this prayer for quite some time now, but so far God hadn’t heard his pleas. And on certain days he told himself his life was blessed and he shouldn’t ask for more.

  Suddenly, a knock sounded on his door. The door swung open and Nash popped his head inside. “Hey! I’m getting ready to take a few pictures of Lorelei if you’d like to come watch.”

  “Sure thing, unless you think she’ll mind the audience.”

  “Are you kidding? Models are used to an audience. It’s just a few promo pics so it’s nothing too intense. Lorelei seems really laid back. She’s not what I expected at all.”

  “Did she finish up in hair and makeup?” Daniel asked, pleased at Nash’s assessment of Lorelei. He’d wanted to check in with Lorelei earlier but he had felt a bit awkward about walking into the area designated as her dressing room. Perhaps he was overthinking things, but for a man who had already stepped in it with Lorelei the first time they’d met, he didn’t want to do anything to mess up again.

  “Yes, she’s actually all set for the photo shoot.” Nash rubbed his hands together. “We’re ready to rock and roll.”

  “That’s great,” Daniel said, heading toward the door so he could follow Nash down to the studio. As they headed toward the location Daniel felt a surge of gratitude for having all of these amenities at his business. Everything was located at DD Studios. They didn’t have to go off site for anything unless they decided to use actual locations for shoots. Generally, they could achieve the effect they were looking for through digital magic.

  Daniel spotted Lorelei the moment he walked into the room. He imagined it would be near impossible not to notice her. With her fiery hair, statuesque figure and one-of-a-kind looks, she stood out like a neon sign. All the hairs raised on the back of his neck when their gazes locked. It was such a strange sensation! Her hair had been swept up into a high ponytail and braids were resting at the crown of her head. Her makeup was subdued and fitting for her coloring. She looked beautiful. Her dark outfit was comprised of dark gray leather pants, a black bustier paired with a burgundy long-sleeved leather jacket. To cap off her look, she was wearing black boots that came almost to her kneecaps. Daniel felt blown away by her appearance. Lo
relei had been transformed into a warrior. She was just as he’d always imagined Rhiannon. She didn’t look like a princess in the slightest.

  “Lorelei. It’s good to see you again.”

  “It’s great to see you too,” she said with a nod. “I’m really excited about this.”

  Lorelei’s joy was imprinted on her stunning face. She looked as if she wanted to jump up and down with excitement. Seeing her like this caused a groundswell of happiness to rise up inside of him. Video games weren’t just a job for him. It was his life’s passion. It made him feel good to see that Lorelei was really into it. She truly embodied Rhiannon.

  He grinned at her, loving her enthusiasm. “Wait till the game actually comes out. You’re going to be a big star in the video game world.”

  Lorelei’s eyes widened. “That’s really wild. I need to get myself up to speed on the video games and the jargon so I know what I’m talking about.”

  Daniel chuckled. “It’ll take you a while so you better get started,” he said in a teasing voice. “It takes a while to get acclimated. It’s a lot of fun though.”

  “Speaking of fun, how about those flowers you sent me?” Lorelei grinned at him. “That was pretty epic.”

  “Sorry if it was over the top,” he said with a grimace, shifting from one foot to the other. “Micah brought it to my attention that it might have come across as weird.”

  “I’ll take that weird any day of the week.” She smiled. “It really brightened up my home. And my day. I’m very grateful for your thoughtfulness. It’s not every day I get a room full of flowers delivered to me. Thank you. Seriously. It really was very sweet of you,” she said, her tone gushing.

  Phew. His shoulders sagged with relief. She hadn’t thought it was a bizarre thing to do. Micah had been wrong! He couldn’t wait to tell his brother he’d read the situation wrong. He knew Micah was probably just watching out for him to make sure he didn’t look creepy, but he really hated that a thoughtful gesture could be twisted and taken out of context. Why did he get the feeling there was something Micah wasn’t telling him about Lorelei?