Framed Shadows: Shadows Landing #6 by Kathleen Brooks (well read books TXT) 📗

“This one was found in a private art collection in Poland,” Tinsley told him. She looked up and saw movement by the door and smiled. She had decided to come after all. “This brave young woman showed them proof of your ownership and the family holding it gave it back. In fact, she was by my side fighting heads of state and powerful collectors to bring your art home.”

The young woman appeared to be in her early twenties. She wore flowing linen pants and a bright yellow tunic. Her reddish-brown hair was straight and cut into a shoulder-length bob. Tinsley gestured toward her and she slowly entered the room.

“Elek, Sandor, this is Julianna Balogh, the great-granddaughter of Gellert Balogh.”

“Hello, sirs. I’ve heard much about you from my grandfather.”

Tinsley stepped back into Paxton’s arms. Her job was done. The wrongs of the past could and should never be forgotten, but she could help make them right.

Epilogue

“You may kiss the bride,” Reverend Winston said as the church full of people suddenly erupted into cheers.

Paxton lowered his lips and covered Tinsley’s for a sweet kiss with all his love for her poured into it. When he pulled back, he was looking at his wife. Paxton smiled as Tinsley laughed with pure happiness. Paxton clasped her hand and together they ran down the aisle toward their future.

“Husband,” Tinsley said with a huge smile as they got into the horse-drawn carriage that would take them to the Bell Plantation for their reception.

“Yes?” Paxton asked as he kissed her once again. He just couldn’t stop, and to be honest, he never wanted to stop kissing her.

“Let’s make a little detour on our way to the reception.”

“Whatever you say, dear. I’ve heard that phrase is the best phrase a husband can learn.” Paxton didn’t tell her he’d been told that while being cornered by the knitting club last night with their knitting needles pointed at him as they gave him decades of marriage advice.

Tinsley snorted with laughter. “Yeah, we’ll see how often you remember that. Even if you forget, I’ll still love you.”

“Where are they?” Ridge asked impatiently as they waited for the bride and groom to arrive at the reception.

Savannah rolled her eyes at him and Ryker tried not to laugh. His cousin still had a blind spot in terms of his sister.

“Ryker, a word?” Olivia was dressed in an evening gown but was never off duty. Ryker followed her off to the side of the tent being used for the reception.

“What is it?” he asked her once they were alone.

“The shared business venture is a go. The terms need to be negotiated, though,” Olivia told him.

Ryker nodded. It was a long time coming. He normally didn’t like to share ownership with other people, but he was going to make an exception this one time. “Set up a meeting. We’ll hash it all out and sign the papers right then and there.”

“Will do,” Olivia said, already walking away with the phone to her ear.

“Do you ever stop working?”

Ryker turned around to see his Great-Aunt Marcy Davies standing there. He hurried over and offered her his arm to escort her to her table. “No. It’s my only flaw, though.”

Marcy rolled her eyes at him and Ryker chuckled. Only his family would dare tease him. He’d scared everyone else off. That’s why he was taking a risk with this business venture. His Kentucky cousin had suggested it. When he looked into it, it was a solid plan.

“You need a good woman in your life and then you won’t think about work so much,” Great-Aunt Marcy said. Memories of the one woman he’d loved flashed into his head. The laughter, the passion, the fights . . .

“Sorry. I’m married to my work. Besides, you have plenty of grandkids to see married off.” Ryker might love his family, but he’d totally throw them under the marriage bus if it meant he was able to get out of the line of fire.

“Don’t you worry about them. I have that covered. Mark my words. Your time is here.”

Ryker felt a shiver run down his spine. Marcy didn’t need to know what had happened to him and the vow he made to never fall in love again. He didn’t deserve love.

“Ryker,” Olivia said, interrupting at exactly the right moment. Ryker helped Marcy sit down and then turned to his lawyer. The normally composed young woman looked uncharacteristically flustered. Her eyes were going this way and that while she shifted from side to side on the balls of her feet.

“Did the deal fall through?” Ryker asked, taking her elbow and stepping away.

“The what? Oh, no. The deal is all set up. The meeting is next week.”

“Then what is the matter? I’ve seen you face down the most intimidating people imaginable in court and didn’t bat an eye. Now you’re shaking like a leaf.” Ryker glanced around to see who did this to her and how he could hurt them for it. Olivia was an independent young woman, and as much as people said they would make a powerful couple, in truth, she was his best friend.

“My brothers are moving back.” Olivia managed in a strangled whisper.

Ryker blinked. “I didn’t know you had brothers.”

Olivia nodded as her face began to flush red with anger. “I have them all right. Big, meddling, think-they-know-everything brothers.”

Ryker didn’t know what to say. Olivia was as quiet about her past as he was about his. It’s one of the reasons they got along so well. They didn’t meddle in each other’s lives. “How many?”

“Lots. Too many. Damn it. I know what they’re up to!” Olivia said after looking up from her phone. “They’re moving to Shadows Landing because they think you and I are a couple.”

Ryker laughed, then immediately stopped. “I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at the idea of you as a girlfriend, just as my girlfriend. Why would they think we’re a couple?”

“Because I bought Savannah’s house last week. It’s right