“So, it looks like I’m playing a match today,” I said, looking to Annie. She was all wrapped up in a bathrobe, and the sight was a serious test to my willpower. “You don’t have to come. You could stay here and enjoy some more spa treatments if you like.”

“No, no,” she said fervently. “I’d seriously love to come see you play.”

I smiled. “That’s what I like to hear. Listen, I have a few things to take care of first. I’ll be back in an hour, and then we’ll head out.” She nodded and continued toweling her hair. I loved how she looked right then, so fresh and clean and pretty. Walking over to her, I took her chin in my hand and tilted her head so that I could kiss her. “You are distractingly beautiful, do you know that?”

Her only reply was a sweet little smile.

“Okay,” I said, backing away. “I’m going to go now. Otherwise, I’ll never leave.”

She laughed, and I threw on some clothes before heading out. I was in between living arrangements, so I didn’t actually have a permanent address. Brona and I had been renting an apartment together, but after things blew up with her, I had all my stuff moved to Ma’s. Well, technically it was my house since I’d bought the place for her. Anyway, it was where I was keeping my cars, and I wanted to go pick one up. Being such an avid driver, it killed me to have to take taxis everywhere.

I knew Ma and Lucy were back from New York because I’d gotten a text from Lucy last night. Ma was still licking her wounds; and I didn’t have time for a confrontation, so I hoped she’d be out. I didn’t get my wish, and as soon as I slotted my key in the door, I heard her footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Ronan,” she said as she took me in. “You look good. How was the ceremony last night?” There was a hesitancy in her voice.

“It went well. Annie and I both had a great time.”

She frowned and pursed her lips when I said Annie’s name, and I let out a long, irritable sigh. I really wasn’t in the mood for this.

“Yes, well, that’s good to hear. Though I can’t understand why you’re staying in a hotel. You’re my son, and I have more than enough room to put you up here.”

I arched a brow. “Oh, yeah, because that would be a barrel of fun. I’m sure Annie would just love having to deal with your digging into her every chance you got.”

“I told you I wanted to apologize!” she exclaimed.

I was cynical. “Do you, though? Do you really want to apologize, or is it simply a case of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer?”

Her voice grew heavy with emotion. “Is that how you think of me? You think I’m some sour, calculating bitch? Sometimes parents have to make hard decisions when it comes to their children, and believe me, I have always had your best interests at heart. I just don’t want to see you being taken advantage of by another cheating, money-hungry gold-digger. It broke my heart to see how you were after Brona.”

My entire body sagged as I went to sit down on a step. After a moment she came and sat beside me, and I could tell from the silent way she was wiping at her eyes that she was crying. I didn’t think these were stage tears, either. She was genuinely upset. And she genuinely thought I was going to get taken for a fool again. I had to explain to her that Annie was a million miles away from Brona.

“Remember how you used to tell me about the Fitzpatricks and how after Dad died they tried to take me and Lucy from you? They wanted to pay you off to disappear and never see us again, and if you didn’t take the money, they’d completely disown us and never acknowledge either of us as their grandchildren.”

I looked down to see her face etched in sadness at the memory. “Yes.”

“And what did you say to them?”

A hint of a smile returned to her face. “I told them to go shove their money up their arses. That I’d never allow anyone to separate me from my children. That I’d raise you and Lucy better than they ever could, even though I hadn’t a penny to my name.”

I put my arm around her shoulder. “I was always so proud of you when you told that story to Lucy and me. You were a lioness protecting her cubs, and it gave me a sense of complete belonging to know my parent loved me so much she’d live with nothing in order to keep me. Now, imagine if you hadn’t loved us like you do. Imagine if you’d taken that money and abandoned us, two little kids all on their own in the world.”

She shuddered. “It doesn’t even bear thinking about.”

“No, it doesn’t,” I said. “And that’s exactly what happened to Annie. Her mother left her on the steps of a fire station when she was six years old and was never seen again. All through her childhood she was in and out of foster homes. Just like Lucy and I might’ve been, Annie was alone in the world, only it was worse because she didn’t even have rich grandparents. She had no one, which makes it even more amazing how she’s transformed her life. She has a career, a top-class education, and a home; and, believe it or not, the woman doesn’t need a penny from me. She’s got more than enough money of her own.”

Ma stared at me, her eyes wet, and brought her hand to her mouth. In that moment, I knew I’d broken through to her. She was thinking of Annie; she was thinking of her as the little girl with no one rather than the money-hungry gold-digger she’d imagined her to be.

“God, that poor girl,” she whispered, and I reached over to wipe away a few of her tears. She swallowed and focused on me. “I’m so sorry, Ronan. This life, you know, it’s made me hard. I haven’t been the…kindest mother—to you or to Luce—I’ve had to be that way to protect you. And ever since Brona almost destroyed your career, I’ve been on the defensive, looking out for anyone who might try to take advantage of you again.”