Page 71 of Unexpected Love

“I wish I could say that doesn’t shock me, but from what Ava’s told me…” I let my words trail off. It doesn’t feel necessary to retell the story Ava did this morning.

“I know what they tried to pressure me into and why they did it, but this seems too far—even for them. If it were just about the perception of Ava being married to a successful man, they could find someone else. It has to be about Brian or the Wellsleys, specifically. I just don’t know what.”

“Ava said they're a pretty wealthy family. Could it be about the money?”

“I mean, anything’s possible, but my parents aren’t hurting for money either. They’re pretty well off.”

“As far as you know. But you haven’t really been involved in their lives for the last five years.”

“I’d be shocked if they could blow through all their money. But…” His words trail off.

Before either of us can say anything else, Ava and Quinn move into the living room, Quinn falling into the seat next to Declan. “What are you two talking about in here?” she asks as she grabs Declan’s beer and steals a quick sip.

I sit back in my seat, placing my hand on Ava’s thigh as she takes the space next to me. “I saw your parents and Brian checking in at The Ashford Lodge this afternoon,” I tell her softly.

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” she questions quietly.

“I knew we would talk about it now, and I didn’t want to worry you twice.”

Ava studies me for a minute before pressing a quick peck to my cheek and turning to her brother. “What do you think?”

“I don’t know. That’s what I was just telling Gage. If it were just about looks, they could find someone else with the same societal standing. Add in the fact that it was decided when you were a baby…” He shakes his head, leaving the sentence unfinished.

“What I don’t understand is why they waited until now,” Quinn says. “I mean, Brian’s thirty-eight, right? And he’s made a big deal about needing a son?” She looks between all of us. “Again, if it were about perception, isn’t it strange for Brian to have waited so long to have kids?”

“Maybe,” Declan admits. “But, you could argue that he compromised and agreed to let Ava establish herself in her career before getting married and having kids.”

“But would the picture of a working mom be appropriate for your parents? Not just a working mom, but a successful lawyer?” I ask

“Ugh,” Ava grunts in frustration. She stands from her seat and begins pacing the room. “It doesn’t really matter why. All that matters is making them realize I’m done doing what they want. I’m done being manipulated.”

I stand from my seat, gently pulling her into my arms when I see the tears welling in her eyes. “Figuring out why they’re pushing can help us figure out how to make them stop.”

“I just want to live my own life. However I see fit,” she mumbles into my chest.

“I know,” I whisper in her ear.

“We’re going to figure this out,” Declan offers as he stands from his seat. “I won’t let them force you into something you don’t want.”

Ava doesn’t pull away from me, but she turns her head to see her brother. “I know you won’t.”

“Come on. Dinner’s ready. Let’s go eat,” Quinn says a few minutes later when the silence becomes too loud.

Ava pulls out of my embrace but doesn’t immediately follow Quinn and Declan into the kitchen.

I lift my hand to cup her cheek, my thumb wiping under her eye. “What do you need?” I ask quietly.

Her eyes shut, and she sighs. “I just want them to go away.”

“I know, Rebel.” I press a kiss to her forehead, resting there until she pulls away. She gives me a small smile before joining Quinn and Declan at the table.

I watch Ava as she takes the seat across from her brother, and I can’t help but hate her parents for what they’re putting their children through.

My gut tells me it has to be about money. Most people’s motivations in life are love or money. If love were driving her parents, they would be listening to her about the kind of man Brian is. The fact that they aren’t…well, it could be something else, but my gut tells me it’s not.

I wanted so badly to hurt that man this morning, but, somehow, I kept myself in check. Next time, though? I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. The idea of him being in the same state as Ava makes me sick to my stomach. In the same town as her? I don't want to take my eyes off her.

I'm not sure I'm ready to face what that means. I can see myself falling for Ava Day, and the thought terrifies me.

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