Indivisible Souls: Book 3 of the Bound4Ireland Series

by Tricia Daniels

  John holds the door and taps on his watch. “Tick, tock, Miss James.”

  Olivia’s face turns a crimson shade of red. “Oh, Dear God! Don’t ever say that to me again, John.”

  John looks at Ethan confused and shrugs when he laughs out loud.

  Ethan sits in his Aurora Technologies office, engaged in a rather intense meeting with his boss to discuss sales targets for the following year. Ethan has never had a problem meeting them in the past, but the pressure is on to hit some pretty big numbers next year. Despite his wife’s statement of support, Ethan’s just not sure he trusts where Charles Hammond’s loyalties really are.

  “Oh, what are you basing this huge increase in expected sales on?” Ethan asks.

  “It’s the expectation pushed down from the shareholders. They are not only expecting a significant increase in revenue but also in our EBITDA.”

  “That stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization,” says a voice on the intercom, in a very thick French accent. “It’s how you call our…operating profit.”

  Ethan feels his shoulders tense. “Thank you, Jean-Pierre, I’m well aware of what it is.” He turns to his boss with an agitated expression. “Explain to me why your nephew is sitting in on this call.”

  “I thought it might help to have some fresh opinions.”

  Ethan bites his tongue. “Okay, so the shareholders are pushing out their expectations. Double-digit revenue growth in several of our smaller countries is going to be near to impossible. I need to know what’s driving their expectation. Is there new product being developed?”

  “No.”

  “New ground breaking technology?”

  “No.”

  “So stop bullshitting me. Why such an aggressive target? You have to know that you’re setting us up to fail.”

  “Ah, No. I think that this goal is certainly achievable,” Jean-Pierre interjects.

  Ethan feels his face turn red and his temper starting to boil beneath the surface. He needs to hold it together. “Well then, without new product, research, or technology; we’ll have to count on your charm to hit these targets, Monsieur Lebeau. I’ll give you to the end of the week to impress me with a plan to reach these targets in Denmark, Italy, and Finland. I’m assigning you to these regions and I look forward to your ideas.” Reaching over, he disconnects the call.

  Charles glares at Ethan from the other side of the table.

  “Don’t worry, old friend. As you frequently mention, he’s a smart boy. Our success in those countries will now be his responsibility. I’m sure he won’t disappoint either of us.” He stuffs his phone in his pocket and nods. “I’m off to another meeting. Tell your lovely wife I said hello. Olivia was quite fond of her.”

  Ethan settles in his favorite chair, with a glass of Jameson, feeling good about how he handled Charles Hammond and his nephew today. Olivia closes the front door and drops her stuff on the floor.

  “Is everything okay? I expected you half an hour ago,” he calls from the other room.

  Olivia walks down the hall, mumbling while she unlatches her bra and magically pulls it out of her shirtsleeve. Ethan is impressed at her ability to do so with such expertise. She grins. “You have no idea how good it feels to get out of that thing.” Ethan raises his eyebrows when she hangs it over the decorative wall sconce as she walks past. “It was starting to feel like a boa constrictor,” she complains, holding her breasts in her hands.

  “Where have you been?”

  “Oh, I’ve been home for half an hour. I got stuck in the hallway with your friend Mrs. Malloy. She wants to know when we’re coming for tea. And then she wanted to know, if I got my shoe fixed. Then I had to hear all about how, when she was a girl, you didn’t just throw away shoes when they became worn. There was a town cobbler, who would fix those shoes, because they were so poor they couldn’t afford to buy new ones.” She unpacks her bag and hangs her jacket while she talks. “Oh, and would you like to know about all her ailments. I know every ache and pain the woman has had in the past year, and what the doctor tells her. But you can’t trust doctors, you know, they don’t know what they’re talking about.”

  Ethan grins. “I’d rather just hear about your aches and pains. What did Dave say?”

  Olivia crosses the room and climbs into the chair on top of him. Lifting her knees, she curls up in his lap. When he wraps his arms around her, she purrs and lays her head against his chest.

  “He doesn’t have any answers yet. He did lots of tests. I don’t think I have any blood left.” She yawns and snuggles under his chin.

  When she opens her eyes, she’s in her own bed. Ethan is sound asleep beside her. His body throwing off more heat than a Hawaiian volcano. She tries for a long time to get back to sleep, but her mind is consumed with a thousand thoughts. She reaches out to caress his cheek, gently brush her fingers across it. The bright, luminescent full moon shines through the partially open curtain and reflects off her engagement ring. Fractured moon beams project from the emerald, creating a pattern of light and shadows around the room. Overwhelming thoughts begin to weigh heavily on her. Unable to settle, she slides out of the bed and stands at the window, looking at the moon and trying to cool down.

  As always, Ethan senses her absence. When she doesn’t return, he opens his eyes. He watches her staring out the window and wonders what thoughts are rolling around in her mind.

  “Come back to bed,” he orders in a raspy sleepy tone.

  “In a minute.”

  Ethan whips the covers off and joins her at the window. He wraps his arms around her and rocks her gently. “Something bothering you?” He nibbles on her shoulder, finding that particular spot and making her sigh.

  “I just can’t sleep.” She tilts her head to the side, allowing him access to he neck.

  “Worried about the test results?”

  “No, not really.”

  “What then. Tell me.”

  “Did you love her?”

  “Love who?”

  “Jessica,” she clarifies.

  Ethan tenses for a moment, then sighs. He turns her around so he can see her face, illuminated by the moonlight.

  “Is that what has you so unsettled?”

  Olivia locks her eyes to his, waiting for an answer. “Were you in love with her?” she prompts again.

  Ethan gently traces her lips with the tip of his finger, giving his answer a lot of thought. “I’ve fallen in love a hundred times. Every time, it was with you.”

  Olivia is at a loss for words; these moments are few and far between. “Come back to bed,” he urges. “You need your sleep.” He scoops her into his arms, not giving her much of a choice. Laying her gently on the bed, he climbs in beside her.

  “I didn’t like seeing you with your arms around her today,” she admits.

  “I know. I apologize that you had to witness any of it. There’s nothing going on between us.”

  “I believe you.”

  “Good, because it’s the truth,” he says sleepily.

  “Ethan?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Why did you want to get married right away?”

  “Because, you’re the most important thing in the world to me. You and our baby. I just want us to be a family, a traditional family: two people in love. Married before the babies start popping out. I dunno. I guess I’m just an old-fashioned guy. That and I just can’t wait until you’re officially mine.”

  Olivia lets out a small laugh. “You don’t think I’m yours now?”

  Ethan turns on his side and presses his chest against her back. His leg tangles with hers, locking them together. “Yes, but I want that commitment between us on all levels. I want everybody to know that we’re husband and wife. I want to live out the rest of my life with you by my side. I know it sounds a little archaic.”

  “Actually, it sounds really romantic.”

  “I just don’t want to wait six months.” There’s a long silence. “Good night, Princess,” h
e whispers in her ear.

  “I’ll do it.”

  “I thought you fell asleep,” he says surprised. “Do what, Baby?”

  “Marry you. Tomorrow.”

  Ethan props himself up on his elbow. “You will?” he asks apprehensively.

  “My sister is going to kill me for denying her the opportunity to plan a fairy tale wedding, but yes, I will.”

  “I’ll handle your sister,” he promises.

  “Can you even plan a wedding in one day?”

  Ethan chuckles.

  “Sorry. Stupid question. I forgot who I was dealing with.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Megan, stop yelling at me,” Ethan pleads, switching to speakerphone. “Your sister flat out refused for three days, or we would have done it while you were here.”

  “How does your family feel about it, then?”

  “I’m not going to tell them until after.”

  “Because they’ll be hugely disappointed. As am I!”

  Olivia frowns. “Maybe we should reconsider.”

  “Not going to happen, Liv. Decisions have been made and the plans are in motion. We need to be there in an hour.”

  She nods her head, looking disappointed.

  “Jesus, please don’t do that to me. I don’t want you feeling miserable today.”

  “Your wedding day is supposed to be a happy time,” Megan adds.

  “I’m sorry, Megan.”

  “As long as you’re happy, little sister,” Megan sniffles.

  “You two are killing me,” Ethan complains. “How about this. We’ll get married today in a small legal ceremony. After the baby is born, we’ll have a huge fairy tale wedding. You and your sister can start planning it, and invite everyone you want.”

  Olivia perks up a little. “Well, that sounds like a good compromise. Meg? What do you think?”

  “I still get to plan my little sister’s castle wedding?”

  He looks at Olivia perplexed. “In a castle?”

  She bats her eyelashes, flashing him a whimsical smile. “Don’t judge me.”

  “Lord, help me. Yes, Megan. Anything she wants,” Ethan agrees.

  “Okay,” she says, feeling excited again.

  “You two can talk about that later then.” He disconnects the call and looks at his watch. “Would you please go get ready, Liv.”

  “Ready?”

  “Yes, get ready. You’re about to get married.”

  “Oh, is there a dress code at the city hall or something?”

  “Who said we’re getting married at the city hall? Just because we’re not getting married in a church full of people we don’t know, doesn’t mean that I don’t want it to be a special and memorable day.”

  “What have you got planned?”

  “Something special and memorable.” He grins. “Now would you just go and put on something pretty. And don’t even bother pouting. It’s not going to work.”

  Olivia emerges from the bedroom thirty minutes later wearing a silky, free flowing cocktail dress. The black velvet sash against the crisp cream-colored fabric, gives it a majestic, formal kind of look. A few layers of crinoline poof out the flared skirt, making her baby bump almost disappear. Ethan stands when she enters the room and helps her with her coat. As she fastens the buttons, his arms wrap around her from behind, and he presses his lips to her ear.

  “You look stunning.”

  She glances over her shoulder and blushes. “Thank you. I was hoping you’d like this dress.”

  “I do. A little too much,” he says regretfully, as he presses his semi-erection into her backside.

  “Oh,” she whispers.

  “Mmhmm. That dress is perfect for what I have planned.”

  “Let me look after you before we go.”

  “Sadly, we don’t have time.”

  Ethan races through the Irish countryside. The sun shines brightly, masking the cool autumn air.

  “Where are we going?” Olivia asks, as she starts to recognize some of her surroundings.

  “Never you mind. Just sit back, and enjoy the drive. We’ll be there soon.”

  Olivia begins to get butterflies when he makes the next turn. She knows exactly where he’s going. He slowly maneuvers the Zagato onto the property and carefully follows the grass ruts past the ruins of the original home. Mary and George come into view, standing in front of a beautiful wooden arbor, draped in white silk and decorated with garlands of rich green ivy and delicate white flowers. A man, dressed in a black suit, stands with them. The minister, Olivia assumes.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “It is,” he agrees.

  “So beautiful, it’s a shame that none of our friends are here to share it with us,” she says sadly.

  Ethan stops and gets out of the car, moving to open her door. Taking her hand, he helps her to her feet. There’s rustling in the thick brush that surrounds the ancient trees. Alarmed, Olivia stands behind Ethan for protection. “What are you doing?” he asks amused.

  “What if it’s a…bear?” she asks nervously, as the branches part. She blinks her eyes rapidly. “Shannon?”

  Shannon’s stops short, shocked to see them. Her face turns bright red. John emerges one step behind her, trying to discreetly pick a leaf out of her hair.

  “You’re right,” Ethan teases. “It’s an old, ugly Irish bear. I thought they were just a myth.”

  “More like a legend.” John grins, dusting dirt off his trousers.

  Ethan holds out his hand and waits for Olivia to accept it. “It looks like everybody’s here. Let’s get married, shall we?”

  Walking toward the arbor, a crisp breeze blows across the open meadow. “Do you smell that? It smells like the ocean,” Olivia says baffled.

  “It does.”

  “How is that possible? We’re hundreds of miles inland, aren’t we?

  “Ireland is a magical place.” Ethan greets George and the minister with a handshake then kisses Mary on the cheek. The minister shows them where to stand and begins. Facing each other, they smile. Olivia’s eyes sparkle, the greens and golds changing like a kaleidoscope with the moving sun. Her hair blows, like a banner of silk, just like in his dreams.

  Excited, nervous, and very much in love, Olivia stares into his eyes and becomes settled. Just being near him, grounds her. Makes her feel safe, unafraid.

  The minister reads through the ceremony, but Ethan doesn’t hear a word. He’s captivated by the beautiful woman standing before him: his soul mate. She sees right through all the bullshit and knows who he really is. When she looks at him with that look of adoration, he’s determined to prove himself worthy of her reverence.

  The air becomes still, quiet. He instinctively reaches down to grasp her hands as they begin to tremble, giving them a gentle squeeze. A look of confusion washes over his face. “Wait,” he says, interrupting the minister.

  “Ethan?” Olivia says concerned.

  “Something’s not right.”

  “What’s wrong?” she asks, fearing that he’s changed his mind.

  “Something’s missing. I’ll be right back.” He leaves her standing there, feeling awkward as she watches him disappear behind a large tree.

  John shrugs when she turns to look at him. “I have no idea.”

  Moments later, Ethan comes back into sight, carrying a handful of daisies. Olivia smiles, her eyes welling up in tears as he gives them to her.

  “Now, everything is perfect,” he confirms.

  “You may kiss the bride,” the minister finally says.

  Ethan glides his fingertips across her cheek, caressing it tenderly. She craves the warmth of his mouth; his passionate exchange of breath. He’s kissed her a million times since she finally gave in to her desire, but this moment is the one she’s been waiting an entire lifetime for. He hovers, lingering there, taking his time and strengthening the anticipation. When he finally claims her lips, it’s as subtle as a lightening strike. Electricity seems to flash between them, fusing them
together. Rejoining their souls, making them, once again, indivisible.

  Shannon squeezes John’s hand tightly, feeling emotional. He reaches up and pulls another small twig from her hair. She closes her eyes feeling embarrassed and it makes him smile.

  “Ethan,” Olivia says, pulling away. “I think the baby needs some oxygen.”

  “I have papers for you and your witnesses to sign.” The minister holds out a pen.

  Ethan nods and then leans into her ear. “I’m coming back for more of that later.”

  “Oh, good,” she replies. “I’m counting on it.”

  After the papers are signed, Mary wraps her arms around Olivia and holds her tightly. “I have what you’ve been looking for.”

  “Pardon?”

  “That thing that you were looking for in our shop.” She holds up an object wrapped in an old hankie. Olivia takes it out of her hand and unwraps it. “How did you know?” she asks, puzzled.

  “I just know.”

  “I didn’t even know what I was looking for until right now.”

  Mary nods. “I had George polish it up a little for you. You can still read most of the inscription.”

  Olivia flips it over and reads it out loud. “Always find your way home.” Her heart starts to beat with a strange ardor. “Where did you find it?”

  “Things that are lost, find there way to me.” Mary says, as she wraps it back up and places it in Olivia’s hands.

  “What are you looking at?”

  Olivia jumps when Ethan sneaks up beside her. “You startled me,” she gasps. “Here. My wedding gift to you.”

  Ethan begins to unwrap it, looking at her in adoration. Sentimental feelings wash over him. “This is what you’re always searching for,” he says emotionally, as he turns it over and rubs his thumb across the faint inscription.

  “Mary helped me find it.”

  Tears well up in his eyes. “That doesn’t surprise me. Thank you, Mary.”

  “Well? What does she want to do with it?” George asks, approaching from behind.