Chapter 7 - THE LOVE HE HAD BEEN TOO AFRAID TO NAMEAfter the arrests, Vincent stopped pretending.
He admitted he needed Maeve.
Not as a maid.
Not as an investigator.
Not as someone who happened to protect his family.
As a woman.
As someone he trusted.
As someone he loved.
He told her on a Sunday morning in his kitchen.
“I don't know when it happened.”
Maeve smiled.
“You're bad at romance.”
“I know.”
“You're supposed to say something impressive.”
“I've threatened presidents.”
“Not romantic.”
“I've bought buildings.”
“Still not romantic.”
He sighed.
“I love you.”
She stopped.
“That was better.”
Vincent smiled.
Maeve stepped closer.
“You're sure?”
“Yes.”
“Because I'm not easy.”
“I know.”
“I'm stubborn.”
“I know.”
“I'm broke.”
“I know.”
“I've lied to you.”
“So have I.”
“I have nightmares.”
“So do I.”
She touched his face.
“Then maybe we fit.”
He kissed her.
For the first time, Vincent kissed someone without wondering whether he would lose them afterward.
Evan and Leo stayed at the estate.
Leo began speaking more.
A word.
Then two.
Then whole sentences.
He called Maeve Aunt Maeve.
He called Vincent Uncle Vinnie.
Vincent pretended to hate the nickname.
He secretly loved it.
Evan began rebuilding his life.
He testified against Thomas.
He cleared Sarah's name.
He told Vincent what his sister had wanted.
“She wanted you to stop becoming your father.”
Vincent looked down.
“I almost did.”
“But you didn't.”
“Why?”
May you like
Evan smiled.
“Because she was right.”
