Page 42 of For One Night

My brows pull tight. “The door?”

“Yes, the door.” Lachlan moves around the table, walking over to where I stand. He lays his arm across my shoulders. “Lennox Daly, CEO.”

My frown deepens as I stare at the sign. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s yours.” He says softly, “It should have been years ago.”

My stomach churns, making me feel sick. “But … why?”

“After, you know, everything with us”—he motions at Maisyn and me, including himself last—“we talked and knew it was time to correct this. I called Mathair and Dadaidh, told them we needed to have a conversation about the future of O’Daly’s. You’re the future, and I have no misgivings about you heading it.”

I’m gobsmacked. I glimpse at each person sitting here, they’re all smiling. I return my focus back to the sign, hoping it will ground me enough that I can find the words I need. “I thought you were going to consider it, make me be ‘hands on’ for a while until I can prove myself.”

“I didn’t have to prove myself.” Lachlan raises his shoulder, letting it fall.

A wave of nausea sweeps over me, making me lightheaded. I sink into the chair behind me. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.”

“Yes, you can.” Lachlan sits beside me. “I’m going to make sure you have an excellent team behind you. We’ll pick the best CFO we have, keeping in mind the way you work. That way, no one expects my system, and you can implement your own vision here.”

I shake my head, mostly for the fact that every nerve ending in my body is quivering. “You’re insane.” I toss the plaque back onto the table.

“Lennox”—our father narrows his eyes at me—“you can do this. We all believe in you, and I need for you to try.”

As if I wasn’t already a fucking wreck. Just as I’m about to say no, my head betrays me by nodding. Then, my mouth opens. “I promise, I will not let you down this time.”

“We know you won’t, mac.” My mother calling me son in Gaelic stabs me in the center of my chest. It hurts as the murmur of a beat begins to rap out hope.

I turn to Lachlan, glowering at him. “I hope like hell you have a plan.”

“I do.” He slaps me on the back, causing me to gasp. “How about we go grab some food?”

I gape at him. “We have work to do!”

“All in good time. Let’s go spend some time with the people who mean the most to us.” He saunters over to Maisyn, rubbing her growing belly.

We watch as Lachlan and Maisyn beam at one another until I turn away. A pang in my chest causes me to rub it, hoping it’s nothing but indigestion. When I peek to see if they’re done, I notice Mother helping Father out of his seat.

“I’ll help, one second.” I rush around to them, laying our father’s arm on top of mine. “When you’re ready, steady yourself with me.”

He leans against me, gripping my forearm. I realize then I need to give him more support than he wants to acknowledge. I press my body to the chair, helping to strengthen him as he pulls himself up.

He stands, taking time to get his bearings before giving me a tight squeeze and letting go. “There we go, auldjin.”

“Old man?” Lachlan chuckles as his eyes lock with mine, recognizing the sadness that fills them. “Lenny, Dadaidh called you an old man.”

He laughs, reaching for me. “Aye, shut ye geggie, Lachlan.” Lachlan’s mouth pops open to our father’s amusement. “Have ye forgot yourself, mac. I told ye to shut ye mouth, not open it.”

The room erupts with laughter as our father stands a little taller on our way out the door. Lachlan’s new house isn’t finished yet, so we opt to go to my home for dinner. I love having them here, but it’s a classic bachelor pad.

Our parents ride with Lachlan, as I can only fit two in my car. Not practical, but again, single. I hurry to get a head start. I also need to get a cleaning lady, so I want to pick up before they get there.

“Dinner.” I run my hand over my face when it dawns on me, I have no food. I set my phone up and find Lachlan’s number.

He answers on the first ring. “What’s up?”

“Dinner. I have no food, who should I order from or what even?”

“As long as you don’t have pizza delivered, I’m sure they’ll be fine.” He is of no help.