Chapter 2

“Danny, this is not what I wanted for you, but it is necessary. Colin is quite correct that to prevent the Russian contingent from establishing themselves here, we have to face them with a united front.”

He took in a breath to offer an objection, but his mother silenced him with a shake of her head. “Danny, these people are ruthless. If the Russians establish a foothold here, there will be a war. People will die. Businesses will be destroyed and families torn apart. This is our city, Danny. The Carmodys helped build it. It’s our responsibility—your responsibility—to protect it.”

A pall of helplessness settled over Danny. If what she said would happen was true, could he refuse? “But Mother, an arranged marriage? Is there no other solution?”

Nessa rubbed her eyes for a moment. Then, looking up at Danny, her voice softened. “Danny, I wouldn’t ask this of you if you were involved with anyone. But you aren’t. I can’t remember the last time you even had a date, much less a serious relationship.”

Danny flushed. He could well remember his one and only love affair. His freshman year in college, he’d fallen hard for a grad student. So hard, he’d risked everything to defy his parents’ strictures and publicly come out about being gay. His lover had applauded his courage, commiserated over the rift with his parents, and, three months later, walked away without a backwards glance. Since then Danny had not let himself have more than casual encounters—nothing that threatened his heart. Or damaged his family.

His mother frowned as his silence lengthened. “I understand—this is a lot to ask. But you’ve always known being a Carmody comes with heavy expectations and obligations. I’m sorry, but this is one of those obligations. You will have to accept it.”

Danny sagged in his chair. Arguing was pointless. And rejecting his heritage was unthinkable. He’d been raised knowing his life wasn’t fully his own. But marriage? And on that thought, the most obvious question of all those banging around in his brain finally got his attention. “Mother, just who did you have in mind for me to marry?”

Nessa suddenly looked very pleased, and Danny’s gut tightened in reaction. If his mother was happy with her choice, Danny likely wouldn’t be.

As if discussing seating arrangements at a party, she calmly announced, “Colin has offered his granddaughter, Meggie. She’s lovely, well-educated. I believe you and she will deal nicely.”

Reeling from shock, Danny struggled to conjure up a picture of Meggie Dwyer as he’d last seen her years ago. Yes, definitely female. Surely, his mother must have noticed. He gathered his wits and calmly proposed the most obvious objection. “Mother, Meggie is a girl. Have you forgotten that I’m gay?”

The frown was back. “No, of course not. But I think if you put your mind to it, you could ignore that for the purposes of this marriage. It is, after all, not expected to be a love match.”

Danny couldn’t help laughing even though this trip down fantasy lane was anything but humorous. “No, I can’t just ignore it. And I can’t believe Meggie would ignore it either.”

She sighed. “There does seem to be some resistance on her part, but Colin assures me she can be brought around to accept the idea.”

“No, Mother. I’m not going to ruin the girl’s life. Put that idea out of your head.”

“But Danny, I’m sure…”

“No. Mother, the idea is positively mediaeval. I’m not participating in some bogus forced marriage, and that’s final.”

“It will not be forced. Both sides will agree. And it will be a real marriage, not just for show. A union with Meggie could provide you with children and me with grandchildren.” Nessa leveled her best glare at her son.

Danny folded his arms and stared back at her resolutely. The subject of grandchildren had come and gone dozens of times. But since Danny’s older sister already had produced a brood of five and showed no signs of stopping, the argument evoked only the tiniest twinge of guilt in him.

The silent staring contest dragged on. Danny could feel a bead of sweat forming on the back of his neck, but he held himself still. He rarely bothered trying to directly oppose his mother’s wishes—since his father’s death, she had reigned supreme over the family and its business interests. But this—he couldn’t give in on this. He couldn’t destroy a young girl’s chance for a happy life.

And finally, thank God, Nessa blinked first. “Very well. I will accept that Meggie is perhaps not suitable.”

Danny breathed a silent sigh of relief. Perhaps the direct approach would work after all.

At least it seemed so until she smilingly said, “There is another alternative, however.”

Danny’s relief fled. 2

Danny watched nervously as his mother picked up a file folder and slid it across the desk to him. “Colin Dwyer’s illegitimate grandson. His name is Evan Dwyer.” She looked down her nose at Danny and added dryly, “And, I’m assured he is male.”

The name was unfamiliar, so he couldn’t produce an objection just yet. Trying to delay long enough to marshal his defenses against this offering, Danny cautiously picked up the file and opened it. He quickly hid a gasp. A photo of Evan Dwyer smiled up at him. Light blonde curly hair, a strong chin, and sky blue eyes crinkled with laughter. Beautiful. Arguing against Nessa’s choice just got a lot harder.