“Huh?” Ronan’s brows knitted. “What’re you saying?”
“Draw up a loan agreement for the amount you want him to repay you, and have him sign it. If you don’t want it for the whole amount, figure out for how much. But at least that’ll give him the sense that he’s paying off a debt to you.”
“Hmm. That’s actually a good idea.” He rubbed his chin, and a faraway look entered his eyes. “You understand it’s not the money. I just want to hear him tell me he appreciated what I went through and that he’s sorry.”
“Babe, you have a right to be angry. It’s okay if you make him pay you. He needs to learn that lesson. It’ll do him good to get knocked down a few pegs.”
Soft lips met mine. “Brains and beauty. I got the best of the best.”
I pulled him closer. “Stop stealing my lines.”
Upon our return, Marty and Cassie stopped talking mid-sentence, obviously having been deep in conversation.
Ronan stood holding my hand tightly in his. “What I’m proposing is this: I’m going to have my lawyer draw up a loan agreement for six hundred thousand dollars—a hundred grand for each year I spent locked away. It’ll be low interest, but I will expect payment every month. Marty, what do you say?”
True regret shone in Marty’s eyes. “I-I don’t know what to say. I can do that, but why are you willing to be so nice to me? How can you forgive me?”
Ronan squeezed my hand as he said, “I’m not. I’m moving on because I don’t want to lose the only family I have. But the gravy train is over. I’ve got my money tied up in trusts to help people who are really in need. Learn to take care of your own, Marty.”
The door burst open, and Nicky ran inside, followed by Molly and Sami. “Mommy, Faith said she’s leaving.” Then he added, “I want to sit next to Uncle Ronan at dinner.”
“Me too, me too.” The kids swarmed around Ronan, who tried to smile past the tension.
“My lasagna must be ready. I have to turn off the oven.” She took Sami by the hand.
“Give me a second, kids. Go with your parents.”
When the room was quiet and it was only us, Ronan took my hand.
“I couldn’t have done this today without you here. I never would’ve thought to make Marty pay me back.”
“I don’t want to push you into anything, but at least you’re making him take responsibility for something.”
“It was brilliant.” He kissed me. “Thank you.”
I patted his butt. “You can thank me properly later. Let’s eat. I love lasagna.”
***
“That lounge chair is calling my name.” I strolled out to the balcony and stretched out. Ronan followed me, dressed only in a T-shirt and boxers. We’d returned to the hotel full from dinner, but even more so, with full hearts.
“Mine too. Move over.”
“There’s another one right over there.” I pointed. The warm air stirred Ronan’s hair, blowing it over his face, and I brushed it off his eyes. “Get your own.”
“Yeah, but it doesn’t have you there for me to cuddle next to.”
That put the stupidest grin on my face, and I shifted over. “You know I’m a sucker when you say things like that.”
“Ha. Yup.” With a self-satisfied smirk on his face, Ronan jumped in next to me and began to kiss my neck. “You had a good time tonight, right?”
“I did. And I don’t have to ask you. Seeing you with those kids and laughing with your sister made me happy. I’ve never seen you truly relaxed and free. I think tonight I got to see the real Ronan.”
At dinner, they’d all clamored to sit next to him, and afterward, when Sami insisted Ronan help Cassie put her to bed, he’d smiled so brightly, I didn’t need the sun.
“Mmm.” Ronan kissed me and walked his fingers down my chest and abs. “You’re about to see how real I am.”
“So I see.” I chuckled and reached for him. “Looks like we’re both about to get very happy.” My phone buzzed, and I groaned. “I’ll bet you five dollars that’s my mother. She has a talent for calling at the wrong time.” I saw the name and grew dizzy for a second.
