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It just did.
“Yes, Daddy,” I blushed, meeting his gaze a bit bashfully. A satisfied smile spread across his lips, and he reached out, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck and dragging me forward until our lips met.
He kissed me and I melted into his embrace. When he finally pulled away, he cleared his throat.
“Tell me, Riley, what would your dream wedding be like?”
The question caught me off guard, and I looked into his eyes to see his open sincerity. I paused for a moment, thinking.
Ever since I was small, I had fantasized about my wedding day. I think all little girls did. I had dreamed about the pretty dresses and flowers and the celebration of a once in a lifetime love, but a small part of me had always thought it would never happen, at least not for me.
Maybe, with Maxim, it could…
“Well,” I started, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips, “it would have to have some Irish traditions. Maybe it could be in a beautiful old church or even outdoors on a green, rolling meadow under the open sky. I’ve always imagined being surrounded by wildflowers, with traditional Irish music playing. And there should be a handfasting ceremony—that’s where we’d tie our hands together with a ribbon as a symbol of our marriage.”
Maxim listened intently, nodding as I described each detail, his eyes never leaving mine.
“And after the ceremony?” he prompted.
“Oh, a huge feast, of course,” I continued, my heart warming to the idea. “With lots of dancing and laughter, an evening filled with the sound of music. Everyone would dance, eat, and party late into the night.”
“And the honeymoon?” he pressed.
“I want to explore. I’d never really settled on a destination, really. I just want to see the world,” I explained, and he nodded thoughtfully.
“That sounds perfect, Riley. And I promise you, we’ll make it happen. Money is no object, and I know just the right people to help us plan it,” he said with a warm smile.
“Really? Who?” I asked, a mix of excitement and surprise coloring my voice.
“The Murphys,” he replied confidently.
I swallowed hard.
Shit.
CHAPTER 17
Maxim
It wasn’t the first time I had called Ada Murphy, who was hands down one of the most powerful Irish mafia bosses here in Boston along with her brothers, Kieran, Cormac, Aidan, and the twins Connor and Caden.
It was, however, the first time I had called her and told her that I was in love with an Irish girl half my age, and I wanted her family’s help planning the wedding.
With a deep breath, I dialed her number and waited for her to pick up, all the while my heart hammering in my chest.
“Maxim,” she greeted, her voice smooth as butter on the other line.
“Ada,” I began with a deep steadying breath, “I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?” she asked.
“I’ve met someone, someone very special,” I continued, keeping my voice strong.
“Oh, really… Tell me, who is the girl that snapped up the ruthless Maxim Morozov?”
“Her name is Riley O’Brien and she’s incredible.”
“I see,” she answered thoughtfully. “And what kind of favor are you asking for?”
