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“That’s not true. It can’t be.”

“Can and is.”

“But he…” As if needing some distance between them, Caity stepped back and started to pace. “I don’t know whether to feel relieved or sick. I’ve been sleeping with him, giving him a bloody stipend, and he’s been married this whole time? If I ever see his face again, I’ll kill him.”

A fair statement. “On the other hand, you’re free. You’re free to marry Patty. Free to have this baby married to the man you love.”

More tears gathered in Caity’s eyes. “You’re right. I can move on. I can actually marry Patty now. Does Kyle’s wife know about me?”

Addison shrugged. “She and I haven’t spoken since she shot me.”

It took a whole minute for Caity to process that piece of information. “Sounds like those two deserve each other. Do you know if the bastard is still in Ireland?”

“We think so. But like you, he blocked me too.”

“Well, he better not show his face in Galway again. Now—I need to call Patty and tell him the good news. I still can’t believe we’ll be able to get married in time.”

Reaching into her purse, Addison extended a business card. “Call me if you need anything at all. My personal cell is on here.”

Caity didn’t take it. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m done with your family.”

Used to the sentiment, Addison smiled. “I would be too.”

“Why are the two of you looking for him together?” Caity asked, walking them to the door.

“Safety in numbers.” Oliver grinned. “Do you know if he was staying in Galway at some point?”

“He was.” Caity gave them directions to Kyle’s hotel and, as soon as they stepped on the porch, slammed the door in their faces.

“I bet you told her the best news she’d heard in months.” Oliver’s palm warmed the small of her back as they descended the stairs. “I’m hungry. Let’s go grab a bite before we speak to the hotel employees. Haven’t been to Galway in years. There’s a seafood place I’ve missed.”

Oliver willingly going into a town full of people to eat? Unheard of. She tried to not show her surprise, but she doubted she succeeded.

The restaurant was located in the Latin Quarter, a shop- and pub-lined street strung high with Irish flags. Although Addison’s father was Irish, her parents were too busy with their own trips to take her or Kyle to Ireland often as children, but she remembered Galway.

Tourists packed the cobbled streets, window-shopping and taking photos of the green, white, and orange banners overhead. Holding Addison’s hand in his, Oliver navigated around the dawdling groups, past windows displaying Aran sweaters, Claddagh rings, and more Celtic jewelry, until he stopped at a restaurant painted in bright blue and red.

“This is it. Best seafood around.” A frown formed between his brows. “Do you like seafood?”

“I’m from Seattle. I love seafood.”

Oliver clearly remembered the place well, ordering a selection of food, champagne for her, and Guinness for himself at the counter. “Doesn’t get better than this for a birthday lunch.”

They claimed one of the tables outside, the breeze cool against her nape. She tugged the collar of her sweater dress higher.

Oliver’s gaze sharpened. “Cold?”

She shook her head. “No. This is really nice, despite why we came here today.” Addison raised her glass, the bubbles dancing in the diffused sunlight. “Happy birthday. This isn’t much of a birthday celebration, but I’ll make it up to you when we get home.”

Clinking his glass to hers, he sipped before setting it down. “It’s just what I wanted. Casual.”

Casual.

She didn’t know why the word stung.

Chapter 37

After lunch, they made their way to Kyle’s hotel. The staff were polite, but no one remembered her brother. When Kyle wanted to, he could be inconspicuous.