Sheisgoing to Vegas with me next week, come hell or high water. She’s missed out on so much already, given up her twenties for so much responsibility she didn’t ask for.
And in the meantime, I’m going to help sort out everything to do with this estate, starting with this cabin.
‘You know, you don’t have to keep everything the way it was. Especially not now. You’re stuck with me whether you like it or not. You’ve done an amazing job with the castle and your sister, despite all the shit that’s been thrown your way. Your parents would be so proud, but you know, I think it’s time we changed the place from a shrine to those who have passed, to a home for those who are yet to arrive in our future.’
Her head snaps up as my hand trails across her belly.
I need her to have my babies. The sooner the better. Maybe that’s utterly selfish. She’s spent the last ten years raising her sister. Now Victoria’s almost an adult, she might prefer some time to herself.
But if that’s the case, why is she gazing up at me with a lust-filled look. Does she want what we once almost had, as much as I do?
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
SASHA
13thDecember
As good as his word, Ryan waved a magic wand – his figurative one – although he’s been using the one in his pants a good bit too.
He hired the country’s hottest architect, the same woman all the Irish home building TV shows employ, and miraculously, I even have the money to pay her.
The ball will go ahead. We’ve hired a luxury marquee. It’s almost the same size as the castle, complete with all the fairy tale trimmings. The number of tickets available has now quadrupled, though the second they went on the castle website they sold out in under two minutes – again.
Taking money for Ryan’s work doesn’t exactly sit easily with me, but seeing my name in black and white on the paperwork makes it easier to swallow. Even though I’ve yet to hear how they’ve been polished and delivered, they are technically and legally co-written.
The amount is enough to clear the castle debts and provide a giant cushion. For the first time in years, I’m confident my family’s home will be mine to pass on to the next generation. Which from the way Ryan’s taking, might not be in the too distant future…
The landline rings on my desk in front of me. It can only be reception.
‘Hi.’ I balance the receiver between my shoulder and ear, resting it in the crook of my neck, sifting through the pile of paperwork in front of me.
‘Hi, Sasha, sorry to bother you.’ It’s Jess, one of the receptionists.
‘You’re fine, Jess, go on. What’s up?’ My fingers trace the lines of my eyebrows as I listen. I had one of the girls in the spa tint and shape them yesterday.
‘There’s a phone call for you. A woman called Miriam wants to talk to you. She said she’s fromTatler. I tried to palm her off on Megan, but she’s having none of it.’
My lips lift in a wry smile.
When Miriam departed after her two-night stay she was less than impressed, according to Megan, Louise and the barely half a page mediocre mention in that week’s edition ofTatler.
‘She said she was so impressed with her recent stay she wanted to purchase tickets for the Christmas ball, and of course she’d cover it in this year’s final edition ofTatler.
‘Hmmm.’ I bet. It wouldn’t take a genius to work out which male rockstar she’s hoping to bump into.
‘Also, representatives fromHello, The Irish IndependentandWomen’s Weekly Magazinehave all expressed an interest in coverage of the ball too. I have emails from a dozen others looking for tickets in return for publicity. Just something to bear in mind if you do speak to Miriam.’
‘I see. Thank you, Jess.’
‘Will I put her through?’
‘No. Tell her I’ll call her back.’ The woman made me wait months before returning my call with her demands. The least I can do is make her wait a few hours while I come up with a few of my own.
Front-page mention perhaps? With a double-page spread. I snigger at the thought. For the first time in years, publicity isn’t going to be a problem.
Everything is finally coming together. The relief is momentous. And it’s all thanks to Ryan.
‘Is there anything else?’ I take the phone in my hand, stretching my neck to the side.
