Read Online Always and Forever by Kathryn Shay - Free Book Online Page A

to get back to my guests.”
    “I understand. But I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”
    “Yes, of course, and I’msorry about the misunderstanding.”
    Feeling bad for the old gentleman, Brie clicked into Phillip Carson’s message. “Hi, Brie. Call me back.”
    She glanced at the clock on the dresser. She’d been gone from the party awhile. But she punched in Phillip’s number anyway. He answered on the third ring. “Carson.”
    “Hi, Phillip. It’s Brie O’Neil.”
    “Brie, hi.” His voice was crisp. Business-like.“I got your message that you’ve decided to send Annie Cummings in your place, for cleaning out my mother’s house.”
    “Yes, I did. Is there a problem with that?” Brie stood and went to the window and stared out at the party in the backyard. The volleyball game was in full swing, but she didn’t see Pat in the water.
    “Somewhat of a problem. I hired
you
.”
    “I thought you hired InPlace.”

    “You know what I mean. I was looking forward to seeing you again.”
    His statement made her uncomfortable. “Sorry to disappoint you, Phillip, truly. But I’ll be there to assess the job. You can see me then.”
    Before he could respond, she heard, “Brie?”
    Pivoting, she saw her husband at the door. He filled it with his wide bare shoulders and muscular build. “Why are you on the phone?Who don’t you want to disappoint?”
    Gripping the cell with one hand, she held up a finger to Pat. “Phillip, I’m sorry, I thought this would be a quick call. And I have a houseful of people. Can I speak with you tomorrow?”
    After he agreed, she clicked off.
    Pat was openmouthed. “You’re sorry to disappoint Phillip Carson?”
    “Um, no.” She didn’t like it that he was spying on her. “Hecalled about the job. He said he was looking forward to seeing me again, and I was just being polite.”
    “You snuck up here to call
him
during Ma’s party.”
    Getting impatient now, she took in a deep breath. “I had to check for messages. I put the baby down and then returned some calls. His was one.” With more edge in her voice she added, “And I didn’t sneak.”
    “Nice retort, Brie.”
    “It wasn’t a retort. It was true.”
    He turned and started away. She rushed to the door and pulled at his arm.
    “Don’t,” he said.
    “Pat, I assigned Annie to this job. Then I left Phillip a message telling him that.”
    Pivoting, he faced her. “You said you would. I wasn’t sure if you’d changed your mind.”
    “You asked me not to work for him, and I can understand your objections. Don’tmisinterpret some idle comments.”
    He blew out a breath. “All right. I’m sorry I overreacted.”
    She leaned into him, his masculine scent calming her. “Okay, let’s go back to the party.”
    He didn’t move. Just brushed a gentle hand down her cheek. “I love you, Brie. So much.”
    “I know, Patrick. And I love you, too.”
    He was obviously pleased and relieved. Which was good.
    Whenthey arrived back at the pool, Aidan yelled, “We get Brie.” She played well and was stronger than she looked.
    “Then we get Uncle Pat.” This from Hogan.
    Brie and Pat went to the edge of the pool, and he linked his hand with hers. “Thank you,
a ghrá
.”
    She didn’t ask what he was thankful for. He knew she knew. And for now, that was enough. Holding hands, they both jumped into the watertogether.
    oOo
    Late, late that night, after everyone had left the party, Brie waited for her husband by the pool. The nocturnal creatures were out, singing their songs. The scent of mowed grass from the neighborhood surrounded her. She’d dressed in a one-piece terry thing that would drive her husband’s blood pressure up. She needed him tonight.
    When he came outside and overto her, she could see his hair was messy and his chest bare, as he wore only a dry suit. “You’re lookin’ good, love.”
    She reached to the table in front of her, picked up a glass and handed Pat some wine. “It was a nice day, wasn’t