Emma had been around the block a few times in her fifty-odd years, and she wasn''t exactly naive. She could tell Liliana was skeptical of her n, so she leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially.


    "Don''t think it''s a long shot," Emma assured her. “Let me tell you, Finn''s a real family guy. If his dad and I insist he marries you, he''ll go along with it."


    Liliana still looked dubious, so Emma gave her arm a reassuring pat, adding, "Remember that woman, Amara? She wasn''t exactly Miss America, but because his grandparents wanted it, he married her without a fuss."


    "If he could go through with that, I''m sure he''ll have no qualms marrying you. You''ve got history with him, and now you''re carrying his child. How could he say no?"


    Liliana''s eyes lit up with realization. Of course, Finnian was all about family. If he could marry Amara just to please the Everly grandparents, he''d certainly agree to marry her. She was a hundred times better than Amara, had even saved his life once, and with his parents'' backing, there was no way he''d refuse.


    What Liliana didn''t know was the drama that had unfolded between Finnian and his parents back then. She assumed they were the picture of a happy family, with his parents wielding considerable influence over him.


    Once she put all the pieces together, Emma seemed a lot more agreeable, and Liliana smiled, “Thank you, Mrs. Emma Everly, for your advice. I''ll do my best."


    Emma returned her smile, offering a few parting words about taking care of herself before she left. They were now allies in their little unspoken agreement.


    But the thought of Hogan nagged at Liliana, bringing her back down from her momentary high.


    In a few days, the question of whether Hogan would wake up would be answered. If he didn''t, that would be a win for her. But if he did, even the didn''t figure out she was the one who hit him, he could spill the beans about her fake pregnancy.  s


    How would she marry Finnian then?


    Her mind clouded over with worry, and she clenched her fists. She needed toe up with a n—fast.<fn7aa8> Chapters first released on find?novel</fn7aa8>


    On Saturday morning, while Amara was working, Elysia called her up with an invitation. She wanted Amara, Keith, and Lucian to join her for a weekend at a country retreat.


    Amara could wrap up her work quickly enough to join, but Keith had an event to attend, so it ended up being a trio-Elysia, Amara, and Lucian heading out for the getaway.


    The retreat was nestled in a


    was


    picturesque countryside setting,plete with a European-style castle surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. There was


    man-madeke, crystal clear brimming with fish, perfect for


    camping, barbecuing, sunbathing, or


    fishing-a slice of paradise.  s


    After dropping their bags in the rooms, the trio headed to thekeside, armed with barbecue gear. They set up their grill, skewered meats, and brushed on sauces.


    Elysia and Amara, bothing from


    more sheltered backgrounds,


    weren''t exactly grill masters, but Lucian, with his rural upbringing,


    handled it like a pro. Though they all


    pitched in it was Lucian who carried most of the load.  s


    Amara, feeling guilty, tried to help, but Lucian gently nudged her toward Elysia, who had already surrendered to the allure of a sun lounger. "Amara, why don''t you both just rx and soak in the sun? I''ve got this."