Never Too Late Read Free

exactly?” Sophie asked. “And don’t you think this engagement is a little quick?”
    “Abby’s a sweet girl, Sophie, and I want you and your sisters to take good care of her. Her father owns the investment company Brian works for, so we want to show her that we’re not all living in the sticks up here.” Kathleen paused, looking smug. “And I must admit, it is quite a match for our Brian.”
    “I knew I heard someone say my name.”
    He’d changed his clothes. Gone was the cool city man, and there in the kitchen doorway stood the Brian she knew so well, casual in jeans and a fitted grey t-shirt, his dark hair tousled, and a carefree smile on his face.
    Molly simmered in silent anger, not letting her thoughts travel to what might have put him in such a relaxed mood.
    Kathleen smiled at her nephew. “Brian, how’s Abby?”
    “A bit worn out.” He said with a smirk. He strolled up to the kitchen counter, picked up the champagne bottle and examined it.
    Kathleen tutted. “Yes, of course. Quite understandable, the poor dear. The two hour drive from the city can be exhausting. Do you think she might join us once she’s rested?”
    “Sure.” He put the bottle down and turned his attention fully on Molly.
    Molly stared back, silently daring him to say anything to her.
    “Yes. Well.” Kathleen fluttered over and picked up the champagne bottle. “Sophie help me with these glasses.”
    With a worried glance in Molly’s direction, Sophie gathered up several champagne flutes, and hurried out of the kitchen after her mother.
    Brian’s gaze dropped to roam over Molly’s silk dress. “You look beautiful, Molly. I’m glad you’re here. Coming home wouldn’t be the same without seeing you.”
    She sucked in a sharp breath. “Believe me, Brian, if it hadn’t been for your aunt’s conniving today, I wouldn’t be within a mile shot of you.”
    “She must have thought it would be easier on Abby to meet you here.” A small smile touched his lips. “Saves on gossip.”
    “Easier on Abby? What about me, Brian? Or did I never matter?”
    “You’ll always matter, Molly.” He took a step towards her.
    The hungry look in his dark eyes threw her. “H–how can you still say that?”
    He frowned then, looking thrown off balance for a moment. “Look, what we had… there was nothing here for me.”
    “I’m here, Brian. I’ve always been here for you.”
    “That’s just it, you’re here for your Nan, and she hates my guts. You’re here for Barrowdene, and that damn house isn’t even yours.” He shook his head, his lips curling in disdain. “It was never about me, was it? You’ve got your life laid out, and my role was to play happy families here in Appleby with you, no matter what I wanted.”
    She stared at him wide-eyed. “But you were happy here. Appleby is your home. Everyone here dotes on you.”
    “What use is that to me? I’m bigger than this place. I’m not ready to shut myself off from what the world can give. Look at you, you’re twenty-five and you’re stuck here acting like you’re fifty, for chrissake. It’s boring, Molly.”
    Mortified heat burned her cheeks, and she blinked back sudden tears. “And Abby is the excitement you want?”
    “You wouldn’t understand. It’s not about washed-out summer fairs out there. Out there, it’s throbbing with life, and it belongs to those who seize opportunity with both hands.”
    “Do you love her, Brian?”
    “Sure I do.” A ghost of a smirk hovered over his lips.
    She glared. “Oh, I see. Like you loved me? Sounds to me like you’re just seizing a new opportunity.”
    “Abby’s perfect for me,” he bit out. “I’m going places, and I need someone who can keep up with that.”
    “You disgust me. Love isn’t a business deal, Brian. I may be boring, but I loved you once, and—”
    “Love! And did you love me enough to stay with me? Leave your precious Barrowdene, your Nan?”
    She stared at him, lost for words. Was he right?