Saving a Legend(62)

Fiona responded quietly, still taking in the scene. “I knew they had money, but this…”

“I thought the same thing when I was first hanging out with Rory. You tend to forget how rich the Kavanaghs actually are, since they don’t really live lavish lifestyles.”

“Why don’t they?” Fiona asked, sliding her fingers through the fabric of several dresses that probably cost more than she used to pay in rent.

“I couldn’t figure that out until I moved in with Rory and our finances merged. They’re just not interested in it. He gives more money away to charities and people in need each month than he spends on us. His parents are the same way, and from what I hear, so are all his brothers.” Clare looked so proud that Fiona couldn’t help but feel it, too. “They were raised to live on what they need, and then give the rest away. They splurge like this only for special occasions, because Dee will do anything to support her kids. She really wants the clinic to be a success.”



“That’s so wonderful.”

Fiona knew the Kavanaghs were an amazing group of people, but to hear all they did for others solidified her adoration of the family. They were so quiet about how much they helped the community, yet so loud about their love for one another. She couldn’t help but feel more drawn to Kieran, wanting to know more about him.

“It definitely is, but I still like to enjoy the splurges when they happen!” Clare joked as Casey walked back in, followed by both Dee and Seamus.

“Dress night already?” Seamus asked. “Guess that means I have to go get my tux fitted.”

Dee gasped audibly and turned to her husband. “Seamus, you said you did that last week! The gala is only a few days away.”

“It’s on my list.” He grinned, kissing Dee on the top of her head and then walking back out of the room.

“That’s tomorrow’s problem.” Dee sighed and shook her head. “Have you ladies selected some dresses yet? There should be plenty here for all of you to have your pick. I had every designer I know send us samples, and we’ll just send back the ones we don’t use.”

“Not yet,” Casey replied, and Fiona just shook her head.

Clare stepped out from where she had been hidden behind a row of clothes, her arms at odd angles behind her back as she attempted to close the zipper. Despite being unfastened, Clare looked like a miniature supermodel in the dark green gown with black accents that trailed behind her and hugged her curves.



Dee spotted her and went to help. “My goodness, Clare, that dress is perfect!”

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Clare gushed as Dee finished zipping up the back. “I think I’m in love.”

Fiona beamed at her, adding her agreement about how beautiful the dress was. Casey followed suit, picking a blush-colored gown that perfectly complimented her dark red hair and bright blue eyes. Dee fawned over each of them, reminding them of how beautiful they were in such a way that each woman’s confidence visibly grew. Casey stood taller, Clare smiled wider…it was infectious in the best possible way.

Fiona joined the women in their lively discussion and complimented both Casey and Clare on the dresses they had selected. She loved all the smiling faces around her, and how they made her feel like a true part of the Kavanagh family. It was effortless; it wasn’t as if they were being nice and trying to include her. It was as if she’d been there all along.

The affection among them was like that of a mother with her daughters, and memories of Fiona’s own mother, of the connection they once had, flitted through her mind. But, as always, the happy moments were quickly overshadowed by the last day. Guilt ripped through her as she thought of how these women had all been so caring, so loving, and so accepting of her.

They wouldn’t be that way if they knew what she’d done. Or whom she’d killed.

“Fiona?”



She looked up to see everyone staring at her.

“Are you okay?” Dee asked, concern etching her face.

Fiona exhaled quickly and put on a smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Why?”

“All the color drained from your face,” Casey said, the same concern Dee was expressing reflected in her face.

Clare bit her lip and nodded in agreement. “You don’t look good.”

“Must be low blood sugar or something,” Fiona told them, pushing away every negative thought in her head. Now was not the time or place to dwell on her past.

“Let’s go get you something sweet to drink, then we’ll try on dresses.” Dee took her arm and led her out of the room and down to the kitchen. Fiona sat on a chair at the breakfast bar as Dee poured her a glass of juice.