Page 81 of Last Wish Wedding

“That same guy was at the courthouse the day we filed our marriage license,” Mac said, his voice low. “I didn’t mention it because… hell, I didn’t want to worry you. But I’ve seen that car before, parked outside various places around town. Black sedan, tinted windows.”

Kelsey leaned against her car. “So they’re watching us for evidence that our marriage is a sham. This is exactly what we expected. What do you suggest we do?”

Mac’s eyes hardened. “Remember that takeover we mentioned. We can execute it. I’ll contact my lawyer today. By tomorrow, Jason Prescott will be on his knees.”

Kelsey frowned. “Mac, that’s the nuclear option.”

“They started this,” Mac said, an edge to his voice. “They’re trying to take your son. Our son. Again.”

“I know, but…” Kelsey hesitated. “It just feels wrong. There has to be another way.”

Mac’s frustration was visible in the tense line of his shoulders. “While you’re contemplating the moral high ground, they’re building a case against you.”

“I’m not saying we don’t act,” Kelsey clarified. “I’m saying let’s be thoughtful. Not reactionary.”

Something in her steady gaze seemed to reach him. Mac exhaled slowly, and some of the rigidity left his posture with it.

“Okay,” he conceded. “We’ll talk about options tonight. But Kelsey, we’re running out of time to play nice. The hearing is in two weeks and the window to pull off this takeover is closing.”

She nodded. “We talk tonight. After Noah’s in bed.” She unlocked her car, and Mac reached out to touch her arm.

“Can I ask you something completely different?”

Kelsey nodded.

“The time Grandad has left… what’s going to happen to him?”

She swallowed. “I meant what I said in there. He’s close. Truly it could be any time, but more likely he will gradually get weaker, become bedbound and eventually slip into a deep sleep where he won’t wake. He may have pain, or shortness of breath, which we’ll manage with medication. And he may get confused, try to do things he shouldn’t or talk to people that aren’t there. But we won’t be afraid; we’ll do our best to manage his symptoms so he’s comfortable as possible.”

Mac nodded, words seemingly beyond him for a moment. His fingers tightened around hers before reluctantly letting go.

“I should get back to him,” he said finally. “You have more patients?”

“No, I’m heading back to the clinic and then to pick up Noah from school. He’ll be late, due to the field trip. We’ll be home for dinner.”

“I’ll be there by six at the latest. Grandad’ll throw me out by then.”

Kelsey opened her car door. “Mac, about the Prescotts, I’m not saying we don’t fight.”

“I know,” he said. “Tonight.”

As she slid into the driver’s seat, Mac rested his hand on the car door. “Kelsey?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For being honest about Grandad. Most people try to soften things, but…” He paused. “The truth is harder, but better.”

“Always,” she agreed.

As she drove away, Kelsey watched Mac in her rearview mirror. He stood in the driveway, watching her until she turned out of view.

Chapter 24

The school parking lot buzzed with anxious energy as Kelsey pulled into one of the few remaining spaces. Parents stood in small clusters between cars, checking watches and phones, faces pinched with concern. The ferry had docked and departed twenty minutes ago—without the field trip students from Portland.

Kelsey’s stomach tightened as she scanned the lot. The private investigator from earlier flashed in her mind, followed by Mac’s confirmation. She gripped her steering wheel, trying to calm the sudden spike in her pulse.

“Just late,” she murmured to herself. “Field trips always run late.”