Jay squeezes my thigh and narrows his eyes at Cash before turning his attention back to my grandfather. “I kept your secrets for as long as I could.”

  “What secrets?” Cash scoffs.

  I swallow over the lump in my throat as my grandfather and Jay stare one another down. The silence is excruciating, and hatred drips from them both, permeating the air with bitterness.

  “I only did what you asked,” my grandfather replies, doubling down.

  “You kept my daughter from me. For twelve years. I missed twelve years of her life.”

  Cash’s eyes go wide and lock on me. My heart shatters as a look of betrayal mars his features. “She’s yours?” he whispers.

  I nod.

  “You had a baby and didn’t tell us?” he says louder, angrier, as if this is his fight.

  My grandfather holds up his hand, and like magic, all attention returns to him. “You put my family in danger. You begged me to fix your mistakes. You told me to keep her safe. How could I have done that if you knew she had a baby?”

  This time it’s my turn to break. “How could you? I begged you to tell me the truth. And my voice mails…if you heard them all, you knew. You knew how broken I was. How alone. And you let me believe he didn’t care. That he’d gotten Mia pregnant. That I was nothing to him.” A tear rolls down my cheek, and I swipe it away.

  “Wait,” Cash says, his face red with anger. “You told us that he got Mia pregnant.” He points in Jay’s direction, punctuating each word with a jab of his finger. “That he slept with her friend. You told us he betrayed them both!”

  And suddenly, the final puzzle piece clicks into place. This is why my brothers hate Jay. Why Carter, his best friend, became his enemy. Why we’re engaged in this damn war to begin with. A fucking lie that my grandfather told to keep us all apart.

  To keep us…safe.

  “I never touched Mia!” Jay bellows. “Your sister was everything to me. I gave up everything for her, and I’d do it again without a second thought. But what about you, Cash? You claim to love her. To care about her. Where the hell have you been for the last nine months? Your sister has been working herself to the bone for a company that you knew was going under. You told her you’d give her a seat at the table, and then you threw the goddamn wood in the fire and told her to watch it burn!”

  My brother’s eyes cut to me. He sees it now. That I’ve always told Jay everything. That this isn’t and never was a marriage of convenience. That Jay is the love of my life.

  Dropping his chin, he closes his eyes as shame ripples across his expression.

  But is it me he’s ashamed of? Or himself?

  Cash’s breaths are heavy. “Fuck you.”

  “No, fuck you and your lies.” Jay pushes his chair back and holds his hand out to me.

  I look between my brother and my husband, my heart splitting.

  But Cash’s lies, my grandfather’s lies, are what brought us here. We could have had it all, but they only thought of themselves. And Jay is my family now—Jay and Chloe and me—so I slip my hand into his and stand.

  “Please sit,” my grandfather says, sounding less sure of himself.

  Jay is red-faced and trembling with rage, but I tug on his hand, begging him to give me a few more minutes.

  “We had an agreement,” my grandfather starts, his eyes cold and set on Jay. “And when I got sick, you went behind my back, started going after the deal we’d discussed. You did this,” he admonishes.

  Jay’s shoulders sag. “I would never have burned your family. I’d cut out my own eye before I hurt Cat again. But Cash didn’t know about our agreements. He was angry. If I’d told him our plans, no one would have believed me.”

  Cash scoffs. “This is fucking unbelievable.”

  My grandfather clears his throat, garnering our attention again. “And then you used all the secrets I told you in confidence. The things I told you because you were a broken boy who needed the truth. And you used them to steal my company.” His booming voice vibrates through the room.

  Jay’s heavy breaths beside me are like a drumroll, beating each of his words into my brain.

  My father’s affairs. Chase’s birth mom. Even in death, Edward James’s transgressions haunt us.

  “I wasn’t stealing your company. I was fucking honoring you by continuing with our merger plans.”

  Across from us, Cash gasps.

  “The plans we made before you tried to destroy my company and force my granddaughter into a marriage she didn’t want.”

  “He wasn’t destroying our company.” I squeeze Jay’s hand and look into his eyes. “He was fighting for his family.”

  “Yeah,” Cash scoffs. “He’ll always put Hanson Liquors first. That’s the point, Cat.”

  I turn to my brother, my heart pounding out of my chest. “No. I am his family. Chloe is his family. He was fighting for us. And it’s time for me to return the favor. Do whatever you want with your new company, but I’ll be working with Jay to fix the mess you’ve created. We’re continuing forward with James/Hanson Whiskey. You want to destroy it? I’ll build it back up piece by piece, and it’ll be even better than before.”

  Jay peers down at me in surprise, his mouth slightly ajar.

  “You were right, baby,” I whisper to him, no longer caring about the audience before us. “You aren’t the villain. Apparently, that role is dependent on who narrates the story. Now everyone will know the truth.”

  “I don’t need anyone else to know, Kitten. Only you.”

  Jay looks at me with such love in his eyes, I can actually feel it warming me and giving me the strength to do what I just promised. I tug him up as I stand. “Now we leave,” I whisper with a smile.

  From: CJames@Jolie.com

  To: JHanson@jolie.com

  September 20, 2023

  Subject: Dinner

  I’m going to be late again. Can you feed Chloe?

  From: JHanson@jolie.com

  To: CJames@jolie.com

  September 20, 2023

  Subject: Re: Dinner

  Wife,

  Please come home. You’re running yourself ragged.

  I love you and I’m worried.

  Still head over heels in love with you,

  Your husband

  70

  UNSTEADY BY X AMBASSADORS

  Cat

  I swipe the tears from my face and pull up the next article waiting for my approval. It’s been months since the explosion. Since my life changed so drastically. And I’m barely hanging on. The only bright spots in my life are Jay and Chloe. Even the magazine is a chore these days. I never imagined I could walk into this building feeling resentment. But every time someone asks for my opinion, I want to scream can’t you figure it out yourself?

  Night and day, I’ve been working to dig Hanson Liquors out of the debt my family put them in. Garreth and Hayden swear my family’s deception barely made a dent in their portfolio, but I can’t shake the guilt.

  I learned a lot about the liquor industry and had some really great ideas before Cash drove James Liquors into the ground. Or so I thought. And I assumed Jay and I would work our magic there like we did at Jolie.

  Instead, Jay shows virtually no interest in the liquor business and is constantly hovering over me, encouraging me to give up.

  Doesn’t he know me? Those words don’t exist in my vocabulary.

  “Hey, you’re here late again,” Sophie says as she taps on my door wearing a worried expression.

  “So are you,” I counter. I take a deep breath and bury the emotions threatening to escape.

  “Dexter and I have a date tonight, so I’m waiting for him to finish up with a photo shoot.” She walks into my office, studying me with a frown, and plops into the chair on the other side of my desk.

  “Date? What’s that like?” I ask, a sarcastic laugh bubbling up from my throat.

  “Cat.” Her tone is laced with disappointment. Or maybe it’s pity. Either way, it has the tears escaping.

  “How do you do it, Soph?”

  “Do what?” She tilts her head in question.

  “Balance everything. Work, motherhood, marriage.” I choke on a sob. “You’ve got four kids. I only have one, and I feel like I’m drowning. I’m failing her. And Jay.”

  Sophie rushes over and kneels beside my chair. “You aren’t failing them. And I don’t have it all together. I schedule kinky sex with my husband. I rely on fast food far too often, and at least twice a week, I hide in the bathtub with a glass of wine while my kids scream for me.”

  “What?” I ask, my jaw slack. “Aren’t you happy? I thought you were happy.”

  Sophie’s smile is soft. “Of course I’m happy, but this is life.”

  “But why don’t you ever talk about it? We should talk about it. I’m floundering and riddled with guilt. I feel awful because I have everything I ever wanted. Jay and I are together. Like really together. Chloe lives with us, and we have the family I’ve always dreamed of, and I just…shouldn’t I be…I don’t know, happier? Like I’m getting everything my mom didn’t. Shouldn’t it be enough?”

  My throat burns as tears roll down my face.

  “Breakfast for dinner,” Sophie mutters.

  “What?”

  She clasps her hands in her lap. “Breakfast for dinner. It’s my secret weapon.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “When I’m overwhelmed and feeling like a failure and need a small win to keep me going, we have breakfast for dinner. And it’s like magic. Everyone smiles, and it changes the mood instantly. The kids think it’s a special day, even though I’m at my worst.”

  “Breakfast for dinner,” I mutter, “Fucking brilliant.”

  She smiles and stands. “Stick with me, kid. I’ve done this four times. But we’re both still in it, and the battle never really ends. The men are great and all, and the orgasms are fantastic, but it’s okay to vent when you’re having a bad day. That’s what I’m here for.”

  I’m not the least bit surprised when I walk into the spotless kitchen. There’s a plate of food on the stove for me, and from the stillness of the house, I have no doubt Chloe is already asleep.

  While I’m struggling with this parenting thing, Jay makes it look easy. Which leaves me irrationally annoyed.

  Why is he so good at this?

  When I step into the bathroom, I let out a sarcastic “Ha!” at the sight of his dirty boxers on the floor next to the laundry bin. I pick them up and toss them in, all the while cackling like I’ve lost my mind. “See, not so perfect now, is he?”

  Feeling validated, I storm back into the kitchen, now donning my sweats, and warm up my food, then I take it into the dining room and settle at the table.

  From the living room, Jay shouts, “You going to come say hello?”

  I let out another haughty laugh and squint at him as I take a bite of my reheated pasta.

  Without looking up, he says, “Why do I feel your dragon eyes on me? I swear I can feel the fire you’re breathing.”

  “That’s the third outfit you’ve worn today.”

  He finally looks up, then he slowly stands and shuffles over to me. With a peck to my forehead, he takes the seat beside me and rests his elbows on the table. “What?”

  “This morning, you wore a T-shirt and gym shorts when you went for a run. Then you had your suit on for work. And now you’re in a pair of sweats,” I point out, as if I’m not the crazy one here.

  Newsflash, I definitely am.

  He quirks a brow. “And that’s got you shooting daggers because…?”

  “It’s a lot of laundry. Add in Chloe’s and mine, and I feel like I could do laundry every day and still not keep up.”

  Jay’s eyes soften. “We’ll hire help, Kitten.”

  With a firm shake of my head, I huff. “I can do it.”

  He doesn’t get it.

  “But why? You seem unhappy. And you have been for a while. Honestly, I’m nervous that you’re having second thoughts about us.”

  My cheeks flame, and I drop my head. Damn it. I’m just picking a fight with him because I’m overwhelmed. He’s not wrong. I am unhappy. I drop my fork and turn toward him. “Not about you. Never about you. Or Chloe. The two of you are everything to me.”

  I press my hand to his cheek, and he leans into my touch.

  “Then what?”

  “I don’t think I can save the merger.” I drop my hand to my lap. “I’ve cost you everything, and I’m drowning trying to balance that with Jolie and our family. And don’t even get me started on my family.” Pressing my lips together, I take in a long breath through my nose to keep my tears at bay. “My brother had a baby, and we haven’t spoken. Hopie is a dream. Thank God I’ve had the chance to meet her. But my brother and I have no relationship. I don’t know how to wrap my head around it all.”

  Jay closes his eyes and rubs at his forehead. When he looks at me again, his irises are darker, almost gray, and angry.

  “Have I not shown you over the last year and a half that everything I do is for you?” he whispers. “I killed my own father. You think I give a fuck about his company going under? I already handed it over to my brothers. I gave it up long ago. You should too.”

  “You what?”

  “I refuse to spend the rest of my life fighting with your brothers,” Jay says, as if the explanation is simple.

  “But—”

  “They’re Chloe’s uncles. They’re your family. I’d do anything to give you the family we never had. Even give up my own,” he says, his voice softer now.

  “But they did this to you. To us…”

  “And I’m doing this for you. For us. Don’t you get it? Nothing in this world matters more to me than my two girls. Nothing. So give me your stress, wife. Give me your anxiety. Don’t hold it all in and resent me. Don’t stay at work late trying to fix the unfixable. Don’t miss out on this life we’ve battled for because of a meaningless brick building and some alcohol. It’s not worth it. We are worth it.”

  “Why are you so perfect?” I whisper as a tear slips down the stony mask I’ve been fighting to keep in place.

  Jay gives me a soft smile. “I’m not perfect, baby. But I am perfect for you.”

  “You really gave up your interest in the company?”

  Jay chuckles. “Don’t worry, we’re not going to be poor or anything.”

  “Oh no?” I tease. “Wouldn’t want to lose out on that jet of yours.”

  Jay winks and takes my hand. “We’ll still have plenty of trips on the jet. You’re officially looking at the owner of one-half of Bouvier Media.”

  My heart stops at his words, and I lock my gaze on him. “What?”

  “You heard me. We work so well together, and the magazine is just one facet. You can continue to run it and contribute ideas for other businesses we should acquire or create. Or you can appoint a new editor in chief for Jolie and take on more of a leadership role at Bouvier. Up to you.”

  He says it like he hasn’t just stolen my breath like he stole my heart all those years ago.

  Scanning his face, I ask, “You named it after my mother?”

  One side of Jay’s mouth kicks up. “I named it after the girl who brought me back to life. You still don’t get it, Kitten.” He shakes his head, causing his hair to fall over his eyes. “You were supposed to be my revenge, but you became my salvation. You are my fate. And every day from now until eternity, I’ll thank you for that. This is just one small way. By honoring your mother. Besides, neither of our fathers deserves the honor.”

  Throwing my napkin to the table, I clap my hands to my husband’s cheeks and plant my mouth on his. It’s desperate and frantic. Beautiful and possessive. It’s filled with promises and apologies. Years’ worth of trauma. And happiness. So much fucking happiness. Because this man, he gives me the world and then asks what I want for dinner.

  “Can we have waffles for dinner tomorrow?” I ask as I hold Jay’s face.

  He doesn’t even question me. “We can have whatever makes you happy, wife.”

  From: JHanson@jolie.com

  To: CJames@jolie.com

  September 21, 2023

  Subject: Black Label

  Wife,

  I have a surprise for you. Chloe is sleeping over at Sophie’s tonight. Meet me at the club at seven.

  Completely. Irrevocably. Head over heels,

  Your husband

  71

  RIPTIDE BY VANCOUVER SLEEP CLINIC

  Jay

  Settling into the booth across from Frank, I nod toward the drink he’s ordered for me. “Thanks. Sorry I’m late. I was doing laundry.”

  With a shake of his head, he smirks. “Oh, how times have changed.”

  I laugh. “You have no fucking idea.” I take a sip of my drink and smile. “How are things in Bristol?”

  “Not Boston,” he grumbles. Then he shrugs and sits a little straighter. “But they’re okay. The baby is cute, and Cash spends nearly half the day just staring at her.”

  I laugh. I can imagine I’d be the same way.

  Frank and I started these lunches months back. Over the past year, I’ve come to trust him more than just about anyone. Vanessa’s blackmail and Evan McCabe’s threats made me realize I couldn’t protect Cat alone. The stakes are too high. So I turned to the one man I know will protect her the way I do—who would pick her over his own damn family, just like me.

  And he did. He’s kept his ear to the ground. He’s kept tabs on the Mob’s activities and sifted through each threat to determine which are real in order to keep us two steps ahead. There is no one I trust more. With Cat’s well-being. And Chloe’s. Along with the truth of who she is to me.

  The man put himself through college, then went on to fight overseas all to earn a place outside his family. Asking him to return to that life wasn’t something I took lightly. But he didn’t bat an eye at the request. His only response was “just tell me what you need.” That alone makes him one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met.