Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
“Sure. Anytime. She should get counsel. And there is a website with information and places to contact to make sure it’s done properly.”
“And I have you. Best counsel around.”
She rolled her eyes. “Flatterer.”
She left, and I pondered what she’d said. A Skilled Worker visa seemed the best option. Whereas I had zero problem marrying Autumn, I knew she was a little more cautious and wanted a marriage based simply on love, not the need to stay in the country.
We would have to discuss it later.
Later at home, I peered into the oven at the dinner I had picked up. I’d run late as usual, a client calling just as I was about to leave. I got him off the phone as quickly as I could, but it put me behind enough that, instead of cooking, I picked up dinner.
Thank God for Marks and Sparks.
I had wine chilling, and hopefully Autumn would be here soon. She had a late meeting but promised to be here by seven. I had twenty minutes before she arrived.
I looked around, pleased at what I saw. The housekeeper had been in, and everything was tidy. The flat was spotless, I had the table set, including candles, and I had grabbed some pretty flowers for Autumn while at the shops. The bed was freshly made and inviting, and I hoped she would stay and mess it up with me. I had texted her early this morning, suggesting she pack enough clothes for a couple of nights, and I hoped she’d decided she liked that idea.
My computer pinged with a familiar tone, and I groaned. I didn’t have time right now, but I always answered those calls. I sat down, clicking on the app. Finn’s and Niall’s faces appeared, both of them smiling and relaxed.
“Hey,” I greeted them. “I’m pressed for time, but what’s up?”
Finn tilted his head, his dark red hair long and brushing his shoulder. “Busy night, cousin?”
“Aye.”
Niall chortled. “So we heard.”
I frowned in confusion, then groaned. Roisin hadn’t wasted any time telling them my news. This wasn’t a business call. This was personal.
“What of it?” I asked calmly.
“We heard you had an accident. Fell really hard,” Niall said with a grin. “Permanent damage.”
“Feck off,” I growled with a grin.
Finn laughed. “Tell us.”
I shook my head, knowing they wouldn’t let up until I did. They were like two gossiping old women, seeking the truth.
I gave them the quick version of how Autumn and I had met. What had occurred since. I finished with my honest thoughts. “I love her, and I want her here with me. The thought of her leaving does something to my chest. I find it hard to breathe when I think about it.”
They were quiet for a moment. Both of them understood, having fallen for their wives hard and fast as well.
“Good on ya,” Finn said. “That’s grand.”
“Mum was over herself,” Niall added. “She was almost bouncing.”
“I’ll take her to meet your mum soon. We need to figure out how to get her here permanently. She’ll have to go back to Canada for a bit. If only to get her things and settle her life there. She has an aunt she is concerned about leaving.” I frowned. “And there’s one other complication.”
“Which is?” Finn asked. “I mean, aside from the obvious of you being a possessive bastard and not wanting her to go.”
I laughed. “There’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
“Well, that is yer name,” he agreed with a smirk.
I became serious. “One of the reasons she came here was to get away from an arse. A stalker. The cops were no help. I’m worried if she goes back, he’ll find her. I’ll need you watching her if I can’t come with her.”
“What’s his name?”
“Alan Blane.” I recited the last known address Autumn had told me.
“I’ll see what we can find. We won’t let him near her. We’ll make sure she is protected.”
I blew out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, boys.”
“Family,” was all Finn said.
“You got a picture of your lady?” Niall asked.
I showed them one I had taken of Autumn sitting across from me. She was looking into the camera, her expression warm and sweet. The light behind her highlighted her pretty hair. It was one of my favorites.
Finn whistled. “Lovely. What the hell is a beauty like her doing with a shite like you?”
“Aye,” Niall agreed. “She could do so much better. Younger. Not so worn around the edges.”
I smirked. “Feck you. You both married above your stations. I plan to do the same.”
We all laughed.
“Don’t worry about your lady. We’ll take care of her.”
“She needs a place to stay. The bastard spooked her roommate, and she had to leave. She was staying in a hotel close to the office, but…” I paused. “I was hoping—”
Finn didn’t let me finish. “We’ll have a room for her here. A driver. A guard to go with her. This Alan shite won’t get near her. And we’ll check on her aunt.”