“Dad,” Fiona scolded, “that’s enough for the moment. Burke, you can take the tray.”
They all picked up food and drinks and followed Burke to Fiona’s media room, where the others had congregated.
At present, the O’Sullivans were arguing about who served the best whoopie pies in a fifty-mile radius of here. Mainers had strong feelings about whoopie pies, LL Bean, the soft drink Moxie, Red Hot Dogs, Amato’s pickles, and more.
Then Mike started listing the reasons why he didn’t feel properly valued at his new job—never a good sign. Margaret’s son talked over Mike because if there was a topic that bored them all instantly, it was the state of Mike’s career. Mom asked about lemon bars again, five decades too late.
Fiona heard the front door open and turned with expectation toward the hall. Jude?
Yes, Jude.
But then he was immediately joined in the doorway by a second man and her happiness corkscrewed downward.
Felix had come.
All talk ceased. Her family had embarrassed themselves by fawning over Felix when he’d been dating and married to Isobel. She’d been ashamed by the way they’d idolized him even as she’d plotted to have him because she’d idolized him, too.
Then he’d betrayed Isobel with her. Afterward, she’d forced her family to accept him a second time, asherhusband now. But that second time, the nicest thing that could be said was that the O’Sullivans had treated him with uneasy suspicion. Fiona had spent years pretending she didn’t notice the awkwardness that permeated family get-togethers when Felix was present, while thinking to herself,Look at him! He’s gorgeous and debonair and mine. Who cares if this is uncomfortable!
After he’d betrayed her, too, he’d gone from partial villain to absolute villain in the eyes of her family.
Practicality had dictated that Fiona find a way to coexist with Felix. They shared children. They lived in the same small town. They existed in the same social circle.
He was, the devil, still charming. And he was, the devil, still ruthlessly handsome. His outfit today made him look as if he’d stepped off a yacht, which was entirely possible.
Fiona had waited and waited for his looks to tarnish. They never had. He was like a Greek God—more formidable and appealing with age.
Curse him.
Shestillfelt his magnetism. She still found him sexy. From time to time, she'd experience a pang of desire when he looked at her a certain way. Nonetheless, she’d known all along that they would never get back together. For one thing, she was too proud to give him a second chance. For another, he didn’t want a second chance with her. He’d quickly moved on from her romantically.
Felix Camden had remained married to her for sixteen years. That was the biggest payoff she was going to get.
“Dad and I swung by Aunt Elizabeth Camden’s house together,” Jude said to the hushed room. “So he dropped me off here.”
“Hello, O’Sullivans,” Felix said. “Your prodigal family member is glad to see you as always.”
“Felix!” Mom rushed up to him. “Welcome! We’re delighted you came, your honor.” She hugged him. “Come eat a lemon square!”
“Look at this, Jude,” Felix said, patting Mom’s back paternally as if he was from the generation above her instead of the one below. “You predicted my reception would be frosty but not every O’Sullivan hates me to the core.”
“My mother has forgotten that she hates you,” Fiona said pleasantly. He had such towering self-confidence that the prospect of entering a hostile environment did not cause him hesitation. In fact, he almost relished it.
“Hate him?” Mom asked, scandalized. “No, no. I do not. We’re so lucky to have you as part of our family.”
“He’s no longer a part of the family,” Fiona stated.
But Mom was busy smiling up at her scoundrel of a former son-in-law. “You’re a gem, Felix.”
“He’s gifted in many ways. For example”—Fiona counted the ways on her fingers—“in football. In charitable giving. And in thinking highly of himself. But he isnota gem of a husband.”
Felix shot her a look that twinkled with admiration. “She’s quite right.”
Fiona saw Burke stiffen. He was shooting metaphorical daggers at Felix, which was surprising, given how even-tempered Burke was.
Dad took up a position just slightly forward of where Fiona stood. “It’s probably time for you to go,” he said gruffly to Felix.
His attempt at defending her was adorable seeing as how she didn’t need help defending herself from Felix and seeing as how Dad couldn’t even defend himself from sugar cravings. Dad was no match for the likes of a Hall of Fame quarterback accustomed to looking into the fiery eyes of a defensive line.
