TWO MONTHS LATER
LOS ANGELES, CA

Molly pushed Clementine's head out of her way as she looked out at the palm trees and clear blue skies of Los Angeles. The driver came to a stop at a red light and she was tempted to roll the window down and put her hand out into the sunshine. May was swiftly coming to an end and June, with its heat and unforgiving sun, was upon Southern California.

"Where are we going?" she asked as the driver pulled onto the 1, heading toward Santa Monica. "I thought we were staying in the city?"

"I did, too," Andrew remarked, pulling his phone out. "I think you took a wrong turn, man," he said, leaning forward to talk to the driver.

The driver shook his head. "Mr. Oscar said to take you to the Topanga house."

The driver and SUV had met them at LAX, much to their surprise, and informed the three of them that he'd been sent by "Mr. Oscar." A quick phone call to Oscar had confirmed that he'd pulled a few strings and had a driver pick them up to take them to their rental, "as a welcome gift." He had not mentioned anything about a Topanga house.

As they drove along the coast and she looked out at the waves crashing against the shore, it hit her: Oscar's family had a home in Topanga Canyon.

"Hang on, did you say the Topanga house? As in, the house up in the canyon?" she asked the driver.

He nodded. "Yes."

"You're the driver for the Topanga house, aren't you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Again, the driver nodded. "Yes."

"Did Mr. Oscar happen to tell you how long we'd be staying at the Topanga house?" Molly inquired.

"For three months, Miss," the driver answered.

"What's going on?" Alex asked. "Are we being kidnapped?"

Molly shook her head. "I need to call Oscar again."

"What's cookin' good lookin'?" Oscar asked. "Did Pierre drop you off at the house yet?"

"No, Pierre didn't," she replied sternly. "What exactly is going on, Oscar?" She put him on speaker phone so Andrew and Alex could hear.

Her friend sighed. "Andy told me you guys needed a place to stay while he was recording," he began. "But I didn't want you to stay in one of the tiny little cramped bungalows you've stayed in before. So I pulled a few strings and made sure my family's house in Topanga was free. You'll love it; its super secluded and has awesome views."

"Right, but Andrew and Alex need to be closer to the city because that's where the studio is," she explained. "That's why we wanted a place actually in the city."

"Technically, Bob's studio is in Sherman Oaks," Alex chimed in from his spot in the passenger seat. "Wherever that is."

"There, see? Sherman Oaks is like, thirty minutes, tops, from Topanga. You'll be fine," Oscar reasoned. "Plus, its completely free. So, your label will love that cost-cutting measure."

"Free?!" Andrew yelped. "I can't accept that! We can't stay in your family's home for three months without paying anything."

Oscar sighed and Molly could practically hear the eye roll in his voice. "You can and you will. If you're going to stay in Los Angeles while you record, you're going to want peace and quiet. You won't get that down in L.A." He paused for a second. "Plus, you'll want a place that gets the creative juices flowing. When you see it, you'll thank me."

"Oscar, you and I are going to have a discussion about this," Andrew said, slightly annoyed.

"Ooo, will it involve leather and whips?" Oscar quipped. Alex laughed. "Listen, Andy, please. Its my treat. I am happy to do it. You should be comfortable and relaxed, and this place will give that to you. I've gotta go, but Pierre will show you around once you arrive. I'm going to try to stop by tonight, but if I get held up, I'll swing by on Saturday. Welcome to Los Angeles."

He ended the call before any of them could speak. Molly looked at Andrew next to her. "I...guess we're staying in Topanga," she chuckled.

"What did he mean when he said it was his family's house, though?" Alex asked.

"Oscar's family owns real estate all across the country and the world," she started. "Most of the time, its rented out and its usually managed by a property company unless someone from the family wants to use it. The Topanga house was a gift to Oscar on his tenth birthday from dear old dad."

"So why doesn't he live there instead of in that tiny-ass loft?" Andrew asked, watching a Tesla pass them.

"Topanga isn't exactly close to the city," Molly laughed. "The commute is killer. Besides, with the money he makes renting it out he can afford to pay for that tiny-ass loft and then some."

"I wish my parents gave me a house for my tenth birthday," Alex pouted.

"Have you ever seen it?" Andrew asked her.

She shook her head. "I never had a reason to come out here. Topanga is kind of like a touristy place for rich folks to act like bohemians. Its really artsy. I'm honestly surprised Oscar is having us stay this far out."

"So should we try to find a place closer?" Alex asked. "Thirty minutes seems like a long drive."

"If I may," Pierre cut in. "I am available twenty-four-seven to drive. William is also available to drive if you need it. I am also happy to rent a car for you as well. Anything you need. Sherman Oaks is not that far away from the house. Topanga is nice and peaceful. You will be happy at the house."

"Let's just...let's just try it and see, okay?" Molly suggested. "It might actually be nice."

The car fell into silence with Clementine walking back and forth between the windows to look outside. Twenty minutes later, they were heading up into the canyon. Andrew had never seen such a rugged and beautiful terrain. Sure, he'd been to Los Angeles loads of times on tours and doing press. But this was a different side of the city.

High cliffs looked out across the landscape as they drove further up the two lane highway. He could see houses built into the hillsides, as though they'd sprung up naturally with the scrub. He spotted a few trailheads at pull off points along the road. The road wound around the mountain and eventually through a small town with a couple small cafes, restaurants, and stores.

Pierre slowed to a stop to turn onto a narrow winding road. The SUV jostled slightly as it took on a couple potholes and continued up the hillside. He had to admit: the views were breathtaking. The cloudless blue sky met the rugged landscape in the distance with hints of the ocean sparkling far below them. The trees became thicker and undergrowth began to line the road. After a switchback, three houses came into view on a ridge up ahead. Pierre came to a stop in front of the gate of the furthest one and typed in a code.

A moment later, they arrived in front of a nondescript two-car garage. The concrete driveway radiated heat as they all piled out. Pierre got to work unloading the bags despite Andrew's objections. Molly walked Clementine along the edge of the driveway as the dog took in the scrub and brush. Alex stretched and blinked rapidly.

"Please, this way," Pierre said, gesturing to an ornate gate next to the garage. "Follow the path through the trees to the front door."

Andrew picked up as many bags as he could carry and led Molly through the gate. Alex followed them, carrying his own backpack, guitar case, and dragging a rolling bag behind him. A tree-lined brick path led them to the simple front door of a contemporary two-story concrete house.

Pierre appeared with two of Molly's bags and gestured for Andrew to open the door. He did as he was told and the group walked inside.

"Welcome," Pierre said, setting down the bags he was rolling. "Anything you need, let me know. I'll be happy to get it for you. I live over top of the garage, so I am never far away. You will find my mobile number in the information book in the kitchen." He led them through the entryway to a large sitting area. "The kitchen is fully stocked per Mr. Oscar's instructions. Housekeeping comes once a week, along with the pool maintenance and gardener."

"Pool? There's a pool?!" Alex exclaimed, looking through the large archway toward the line of French doors along the back of the house.

"There is," Pierre said, leading them from the sitting area to the open concept kitchen, dining, and lounge room. "Saltwater, so you shouldn't have to worry about chlorine. There is an outdoor dining area on the upper patio and there are plenty of lounge chairs on the pool deck. Upstairs, you will find three bedrooms. There is one downstairs along that hallway next to the office as well. Each room has a complete bathroom attached."

Molly took the home in, admiring the eclectic Bohemian touches. Indigenous art had been tastefully incorporated into the design. Red pavers covered the floor throughout the room. The kitchen was modern, but not all stainless steel and white like most new kitchens were. The room was sophisticated, yet still held on to that laid back Southern California attitude.

"Please, look around. When you know which rooms you'd like, I will take your things to it," Pierre said with a patient smile.

"No, don't worry about it, Pierre. You've done more than enough already," Andrew insisted. "Please, relax."

Though he seemed uncomfortable with the idea, Pierre took several steps back to allow the three of them to explore the home, hovering uncertainly by the kitchen island.

"Will you be needing a chef, sir?" he asked, watching as Alex opened one of the French doors, letting in the afternoon breeze.

"Chef? No, I think we'll manage," Andrew chuckled.

"He comes complementary with the home," Pierre continued.

"What, like a towel and robe set or something?" Alex quipped.

"He is available any time. His specialty is Italian cuisine, though he is well-versed in many," Pierre replied.

"Seriously, Pierre, you've done a great job already. We're going to be the most laid-back house guests you've ever looked after. I don't even think you'll see us unless we need to drive somewhere," Andrew assured the other man. "I promise, you can relax. We won't tell anyone," he added with a chuckle.

Clementine trotted out onto the patio with Molly right behind her. The view was breathtaking. A sparking blue pool shone on the lower deck while the red pavers continued onto the patio. A canopy hung overhead, cutting some of the harsh sunlight off and a gentle breeze held scents of blooming bougainvillea and damp earth. She felt Andrew come up behind her and wrap his arms around her waist.

"I think we can probably stay," he said, resting his chin on her shoulder.

She burst into laughter. "Oh? You think?"

He looked out at the mountains rising in the distance and the trees creating a thick curtain shielding them from their neighbors. It was, truly, very peaceful, probably much more peaceful than a bungalow in the city would have been. He could actually hear the sound of birds chirping in the trees and the water flowing down the rocks in the pond on the side of the house.

"Okay, I feel like I need to repay Oscar somehow," Alex said, joining them.

"Careful what you offer," Molly joked. "What do you want to do first?" she asked.

"Take a fucking nap," Andrew yawned. "And then get something to eat."

"I second this idea," Alex replied.

***TWO WEEKS LATER***

Molly woke up to the sun shining through the thin curtains and birds chirping on the balcony. Andrew wasn't on his side of the bed, but she could hear the shower running in the bathroom. She stretched and slid to her feet, padding across the carpet to the open door. She could see the outline of his body through the steamed glass as light from the frosted window shone in from behind him. She leaned on the wall and stuck her head around the partition.

He saw her and smiled, water running in rivulets down his face. "Morning."

"Morning," she leaned forward and kissed him, shrieking slightly when some water hit her face. "I thought you'd be in the studio?" she asked, wiping her cheek.

Andrew shook his head. "Late session tonight. Bob has some event to go to this morning," he explained. "So you'll be on your own tonight for dinner, unfortunately."

Molly nodded. "That's alright. I invited Oscar over, actually. He's going to help me study."

He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Last time he came over to 'help you study', I came back from the studio at two in the morning to the two of you doing karaoke to Madonna, three sheets to the wind."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "You're just sad you missed out."

"Missed out? I'm the one who had to get up at five to hold your hair back when you threw up," he answered. "I'd say I was a fairly active participant."

"Its not going to be like that this time," she replied. "I really do need to study."

It had been two weeks since their arrival in Los Angeles and they had settled into a routine easily. Andrew and Alex had a quick breakfast at the house before heading over to Bob's in-home studio in Sherman Oaks. Molly would be on her own to study or fill her time with other things. She'd already gone on several hikes with Clementine, but her interest in the outdoors was waning. She could only study for so many hours.

Before, her days would be filled with her commute into Dublin and various classes with other students. She'd spend time at the library studying or in the research rooms working on her dissertation. But now that all of that was over and she'd graduated, she felt a little at sea. It was nice to be back in Los Angeles, but when all of your friends work and you're basically unemployed, it makes it hard to connect unless its outside office hours.

"Hmmm. I'll believe it when I see it," Andrew smirked. "You and Oscar are like the Twisted Sisters."

"I think he'd find that a compliment, honestly," she chuckled as he pulled her toward him.

Water ran over her skin and she recalled their activities after dinner the night beforehand. His hands wandered to rest on her ass and he tilted his head, looking down at her. He could sense she wasn't her usual self.

"You're welcome to join us at the studio if you want," he said. "You wouldn't be in the way at all. Bob would love to meet you."

"He can meet me at the dinner we're having at the end of the week for all of the technical staff at the studio," she answered with a shrug.

In truth, Molly wanted to keep herself as far away from the album process. It wasn't that she thought she'd be in the way; it was more that she didn't know anything about that world and felt like she'd make a fool of herself. Hearing Andrew speak about some of the music theory aspects and the gear used made her realize just how little she'd internalized in their time together. She'd been so busy with school and studying that she'd almost completely blocked out anything he may have taught her or spoken to her about and now she felt bad.

They switched places and she got her hair wet. "I was thinking, actually, I might go into the Bright Horizons office sometime this week. Michelle knows I'm here and she said I could come help out."

He poured some shampoo into his palm and closed the bottle. "Would you take on any cases?"

She shook her head as he lathered her hair up. "Not unless they're open and shut ones that don't need any discovery. Not by myself, at least. I can still practice here but I don't want to take something on that could take months to resolve."

"I kinda wish you would. I'd love to see you in action," he purred into her ear.

Shivers went down her spine as she rinsed the suds from her hair. "Why? Court's boring for the most part. Its not like on TV, where they've got a jury and dramatic music," she laughed. "Most of my cases haven't had juries. Its actually not that common unless you deal with higher courts."

"Still," he remarked, coming up behind her. "You get to see me onstage."

Molly scoffed. "Listen, I'll stop coming to your shows if it means you stop asking to watch me in court."

He bit her ear softly, making her yelp in laughter. She felt his length pressing against her ass and arched her back.

"Bend over," he whispered.

"Andrew, don't you know there's a drought on?" she chided playfully.

"Fine," he answered, shutting the water off. "Bend over," he said more firmly, placing his hand on her hip.

"What about -," she started.

"I'll pull out," he growled softly, pressing his chest against her back. "Bend. Over."

Molly grinned as she did as she was told. He'd gotten much more assertive since they'd been in California. A moan escaped her lips as he slid into her. He braced himself against the tile wall with one hand and kept the other on her lower back.

Soon enough, their moans and sighs were echoing through the room. The tile was slick and her finger tips struggled to find purchase against it. Her hair hung to the side, heavy and wet and Andrew coiled it around his hand, jerking her head up slightly.

He wasn't sure what had happened. Maybe it was the California sunshine or the summer heat. Or it could have been that everything in the studio seemed to be going exactly as he wanted it. Hell, it might have even been the house giving him ultra rich and famous vibes. Whatever it was, his confidence felt like it had shot through the roof.

For the first time, he actually felt like a rock star. He was multi-platinum. He had several Grammys too his name. He had a gorgeous, intelligent woman that wanted to marry him and start a family. He was killing it in the studio. He felt like he actually deserved the praise and attention that people heaped on him.

Molly let out a cry and her knees almost went from under her. He caught her and kept her steady. It was apparent that she wasn't getting her balance back anytime soon. He grabbed both of her wrists and brought them behind her back, using them as leverage to thrust harder.

Her moans became louder as he pushed into her rougher. He could see his release at the end of the tunnel and he brought his hand underneath her hips and his fingers found her clit.

"Fuck, Andrew," she gasped, slapping the wall in surprise.

"You like that?" he asked, a wolfish grin spreading on his face.

"Harder," she answered.

Something in her voice set him off. He thrust harder, gripping her wrists tighter. He knew he'd probably leave a mark but he didn't care. Molly groaned louder with each thrust and he felt her clench around him. A slew of filthy words fell from her lips as she came again and it was like music to his ears.

"Shit," he muttered, pulling away from her. He directed his cum onto her ass with a soft groan, stroking himself until he was finished. "Fuck," he sighed, letting his hand rest on her hip.

Molly straightened up, breathing raggedly. Her throat was dry despite the steam in the room and her voice was raw. She swallowed and turned to look at him, rubbing her wrists gently.

"Oh my God, are you okay?" Andrew asked, reaching for her hands.

She smiled patiently. "Yes." She kissed him. "Do that more often," she added, reaching around him to turn on the shower.

"Do what?"

"You can be a little rough with me," she replied. "Sometimes I think you treat me like a porcelain doll."

He kissed her deeply. "Noted. We should finish and get downstairs."

Twenty minutes later, Molly trotted down the stairs into the kitchen. Alex was sitting at the island eating a bowl of cereal. He didn't look up when Andrew followed her.

"You do realize I can hear you, right?" he sighed heavily, dropping his spoon into his bowl and standing up. "Specifically, you," he added, looking pointedly at her.

She looked over at Andrew with a sheepish smile. "Sorry."

"You have headphones - put them on," Andrew replied with a shrug.

"Andrew!" she hissed, glaring at him.

"Mol, I've heard Alex more times than I can remember, alright. Its hardly like I did it on purpose to bother him," he replied casually. Upon receiving a withering glare from her, he shrank back. "Sorry, man," he added. "We'll try to keep it down."

"How are things with Katie?" Molly asked, leaning on the counter.

"Good - great actually," Alex replied. "I was wondering if...do you think Oscar would mind if I invited her here?" he asked, putting his bowl in the sink.

She shook her head. "No. But I can ask when he comes by today if you want. He'll probably say he doesn't care." She turned to Andrew. "Do you want anything to eat?"

"Cereal," he answered, fixing a cup of coffee.

She poured him a bowl before fixing her own and sliding into Alex's empty seat. "I was planning on going through the menu for Saturday with Dave. Anything specific in mind?"

Andrew shook his head and shrugged. "What do you think?" he asked Alex.

"Bob did mention he really likes fish tacos," Alex suggested, picking up his own coffee mug. "Maybe something like that? I don't know. I don't think they'd expect anything too fancy."

"Alright. I'll see what Dave can do," she answered. "Anything else?"

Andrew shrugged. "Just keep it low-key. I don't want them to think we're living some lavish lifestyle."

Alex scoffed. "Have you seen the house you're staying in?" he asked, gesturing to the room.

"Okay, fair enough," Andrew admitted, sitting next to Molly and digging into his cereal. "What are you doing today, Mol? Other than something nefarious with Oscar?"

"Nefarious?" Molly asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm going for a walk with the dog and then studying Irish case law. By the time you see me tomorrow morning, my brain will probably be mush."

"Just make sure its from studying and not half a bottle of tequila, alright?" Andrew smiled, nudging her playfully.

She scoffed playfully. "Details."

Thirty minutes late, Andrew and Alex were sitting in the back seat of the SUV as Pierre drove up through the canyon toward Woodland Hills. Alex was staring at his phone and Andrew looked out of his window at the landscape passing by.

"Hey man, I really am sorry about earlier," Andrew said, looking across the car. "I didn't realize we were being so loud."

Alex didn't look up. "Bathrooms do tend to make sound echo," he remarked, uninterested.

Andrew sighed, picking up on his friend's mood. "Are you upset with me or something? Is it about Molly being here with us?"

Alex looked up from his phone. "Its nothing."

"C'mon. Did you and Katie have a fight or something?" Andrew pried.

"Is this the last album you're going to make?" Alex asked bluntly.

Andrew blinked in surprise. "Why do you ask that?"

"Its just...you and Molly, right? You've got yourself this great girl who you love - and I'm so unbelievably happy for you, she's amazing - and you're going to get married," Alex started. "You guys were having a baby earlier this year. When this tour is over, you said you're going to try for another one. You're not the type of guy who marries a girl, has a baby with her, and then disappears for eighteen months." He looked at Andrew intently. "So I'm asking if this is your last album."

"I don't understand how any of that has to do with me making another album after this one," Andrew responded.

"Because you're at a point where settling down is a serious consideration," Alex explained. "And I'm worried you'll actually do it. You told me on the last tour that you'd give all of this up to keep Molly in your life."

Andrew scoffed. "I'd give it up, yeah. But Molly would never let me." He ran his hand through his hair. "I actually thought about it last year. After the attack."

"Why?"

He shrugged. "I thought that being in the spotlight was the reason you two were attacked. So I thought retiring was a way to reduce it," he said. "Molly told me she'd leave me if I did it."

Alex chuckled. "So what you're saying is, I need to stay in Molly's good graces to keep you in the studio," he quipped.

"It would seem that way," Andrew remarked with a sigh. "Although, if I hadn't spoken with the label reps when I did, this album would probably have been pushed back another two years."

"Why?" Alex asked, putting his phone down.

"She's serious about a baby," Andrew replied. "Like dead serious."

His friends eyes widened in surprise. "Wait - I thought she didn't want the last pregnancy? What changed?"

Andrew let out a big sigh. "No fucking clue. Whatever it was though, I'm kind of glad we have to wait a while now."

"Not as ready after all?" Alex asked.

Andrew shook his head. "Not at all. I'd be happy with a baby right now if I didn't have the album and a tour coming up. Its more...its just...I don't want her to make any rash decisions, you know? I want her to be sure."

"Right. Its not like you can cancel it or return it," Alex chuckled.

"Exactly," Andrew agreed.

"I'm thinking of asking Katie to move in with me," Alex said.

"What, like from New York to Dublin? Jesus Christ," Andrew remarked. "That's a big step. Do you think she'll say yes?"

Alex smiled. "I think so. I think her biggest issue is just making sure the job opportunities are there. She's got a lot more opportunities in New York than she'll have in Dublin."

"She knows she's got a spot with me on the tour, right?" Andrew asked. At Alex's surprised look, he laughed. "Why wouldn't she come back? You and Rory are. If she's available, I want her back."

"I guess I thought that since we're...together, she couldn't come back," Alex remarked.

"Its one less person I have to train and take through how I like things," Andrew replied with a shrug.

"Oh. In that case I'll tell her to keep it open," Alex chuckled.

Pierre came to a stop in front of Bob's home in Sherman Oaks and Andrew and Alex bid him farewell. The two men headed inside to start their day.

***

Andrew wrapped a towel around his waist and grabbed another one from the pile for his hair. Molly and Oscar's voices drifted out to him on the patio as he walked into the kitchen.

"This whole city is going to go up. Just like all the other riots," Oscar said, sipping his coffee.

"What's going on?" Andrew asked, kissing Molly's cheek.

"The police have only gone and fucked up - again," Oscar answered. "The family of a man that's been arrested for murder reached out to Bright Horizons for help."

"Murder? I didn't think you guys handled those types of cases?" Andrew said in surprise.

"We don't when its an obvious cut and dry murder case. This isn't that type of case," Oscar explained. "The police have the wrong guy, the evidence is circumstantial at best, and there is clear and obvious bias within the police force that led to the arrest of the client."

"So you took the case because its obvious there's some wrongdoing?" Andrew asked.

Molly nodded. "Bright Horizons will take cases that are obvious situations of the state or police trying to railroad the defendant into submission." She looked at Oscar. "Is Michelle taking this one?"

Her friend shook his head. "She doesn't have as much experience with these types of cases."

"So who are you putting on it?" Andrew asked, feeling the chill of the cooler air on his skin and tugging his towel tighter around himself.

Oscar looked pointedly at Molly. "You're the best attorney they ever had for these types of cases. You've got the most experience. You know how to handle this."

"I don't even work there anymore," she scoffed.

"Michelle told me to offer you whatever you wanted to get you to come back on," he answered.

Andrew watched the conversation between them like a tennis match.

"I'm not going to take on a case that will surely stretch for at least a year," she replied. "I live in Ireland. My life is there. I'm studying to fucking get qualified there as a solicitor. I'd miss the exam."

"Mol this is a golden opportunity for you," Oscar said with a pleading look. "This man needs you. Its already gotten major attention across the state. Once it starts, it'll get national attention."

"Exactly. I don't need national attention on me when I don't even live in this nation anymore," she replied. "Tell Michelle thanks, but she needs to find someone else."

Oscar reached into his bag and pulled out a thick folder, sliding it across the counter toward her. "Just look at the notes. That's all. Look it over and if you still feel like you don't want to take it, I'll tell Michelle to put someone else on it."

"Why won't you take it?" Andrew asked, eying the folder. "Or someone else?"

"I'm up to my titties in family law cases right now. I don't have the time. Nobody else has the knowledge or experience with the law enforcement system that she does," Oscar explained.

"What about Fraiser?" she asked. "I thought Michelle brought him on to replace me? Isn't he still there?"

Oscar laughed. "You want to put baby Fraiser Kostenburg against the DA? The boy'll shit his pants."

"Well then find someone else. My days of practicing in California are all but over. If Michelle wants help in the office, I'm happy to come in. But I'm not taking any cases," Molly replied firmly.

Andrew caught Oscar's wide-eyed gaze and nodded. "Mol, can I talk to you upstairs for a second?" he asked, putting an arm around her.

She allowed him to lead her up to their room. When he shut the door after her, she spoke.

"Before you say anything, I know. I told him I didn't want to take the case because I'm going back to Ireland with you when you're done in the studio," she said. "A case like this would take months - over a year, even. I've got the solicitor's exam in November. I'm not letting anything derail that."

Andrew dropped his towels and went into the bathroom, kicking off his swimming trunks. "I wasn't going to say anything about that, actually," he called. She heard the shower kick on and pushed off the bed to move closer. "I think you should at least look at the case before deciding."

"Why?" she scoffed, leaning against the vanity and crossing her arms. "I don't want to take it."

He stuck his head around the partition, hair dripping. "Take me out of the equation. Take our life in Ireland out of it, too. What would you say then?"

"I'd say yes, without hesitation. But if we weren't together, I'd be living here and still at Bright Horizons anyway. So I don't see how that helps in this situation," she replied. Steam was filling up the room, coating the mirror.

"I'm saying don't make a decision like this based off of me," he said.

"How can I not, though? You'll be on tour. I have a life to establish in Ireland," she answered.

"Exactly. I'll be on tour," Andrew replied. "You'll be all alone. Look, I think its a good idea for you to stay occupied. You clearly miss the court room. I can see it and I've never even seen you in one. If you miss the solicitor's exam in November, just take it in the spring. Its not the end of the world."

"You're actually telling me to do it?" she asked in disbelief. "What happened to, 'I need evidence you want to be with me and live a life with me in Ireland'?"

"Its not the same thing," he answered. "Look, you'll be on your own for the bulk of the tour. Caroline already sent me the dates for the first leg in America. I just want to make sure you're supported and not sitting at home alone with the dog. I don't know what its like to set up a practice as a solicitor, but I imagine it takes time. If you take this case," he shut the water off and grabbed a fresh towel. "You'll be kept busy. And it may even help your career, from the sounds of it."

Molly scoffed again. "Nobody will care if I win this case. Not in Ireland."

"Maybe not. But maybe - and I hate to say this - given the fact that people know who you are a bit, this might help increase their interest in using you as their own solicitor," he said.

"You're actually saying you think I should take this case to play on my miniscule level of fame?" she asked in shock.

"When you say it like that, it sounds terrible," he admitted. He stepped out of the shower and toweled his hair off vigorously. "You know I'll support you in whatever you choose. Just don't write it off because you think I'll be upset, alright?" He pressed a wet kiss to her cheek. "I think this is a good opportunity to help someone who desperately needs you."

"That's all good and well, but what about the wedding?" she asked. "We registered for a date in September. We can't keep that date if I take this case."

Andrew paused as he rubbed lotion on his face. The wedding. They'd agreed on a simple but elegant ceremony done at Killruddery House two weeks after they returned from the States. His mum had been over the moon when he'd asked her to take the run of planning things. Molly couldn't care less about the menu or the invitations, so she was more than happy to let his mum sort it all out. And it was still going to be a small guest list anyway. But if she took the case, it meant everything was either pushed back or canceled.

"We could push it back, but you'll be doing press and getting ready to tour pretty soon after that," she continued.

"You said before we could get married pretty quick in America, right?" he asked.

"Yeah..." Molly answered slowly.

"Why don't we just get married here instead?" he suggested, looking at her through the mirror. "Next week. Or as soon as we can?"

Molly felt her breath hitch in her throat. "But what about your family - and your friends? Your mom has already sent out the invitations."

Andrew sighed. "So we'll call and tell them its just a party instead. Its not a big deal."

"But your family, love. They would want to be there," she said.

He shrugged, but she could see him struggling to hide his disappointment. "They'll get over it." He leaned against the vanity. "I told you we'd get married before the tour and I mean it."

"You're scare I'll change my mind, aren't you?" she quipped, looking up at him. 

He smiled. "Yes. But also, I'm not going to go back on it. I want to go on this tour as your husband."

Molly sighed and bit her lip. It was getting harder and harder to come up with reasons not to take the case. "Come on then. Get dressed," she said. "We've gotta go tell Oscar he owes us a wedding."

"What?" he asked, following her into the bedroom. 

"If I'm taking this case, I want the wedding to happen before things really kick off," she explained. "Therefore, Oscar owes us a wedding."

"Honey, its hardly like he can fly everyone in, put them up, and organize a wedding in what - a week?" he replied. 

"Obviously not," she laughed. "But, he can find someone to officiate a wedding, organize the basics, and give us something. But it'll suck because your family won't be there."

He sighed and pulled a t-shirt over his head. "We'll figure it out. When I tell my mum why we had to change things up, she'll understand."

Molly could see the conflict on his face. The wedding had been his idea. He wanted his family and friends there and the whole party afterward. She'd have been happy with two witnesses and an officiant at the registry office and fish and chips at Jokers afterward. But because she loved him and knew how much a marriage meant to him, she went along with things. And now she was faced with the reality of getting her perfect wedding - probably without the fish and chips, though - and all she could think of was how disappointed Andrew would be. 

"No," she sighed heavily, realizing the decision she needed to make. "No. I won't take the case." He looked up at her as he pulled on a pair of black jeans. "My life is in Ireland, with you. I've got an exam to sit and a life to create while you're on tour. We've got a fucking wedding planned for fuck's sakes," she said. 

He leveled his gaze on her as he slid a belt through his belt loops. When he was finished, he spoke. "If you turn that case down just so we can get married on the date we set, I will lose all respect for you. And I have so much fucking respect for you."

"What?"

"You're not seriously considering turning down a case for a man you believe to be wrongfully accused of murder just because I want a fucking wedding, are you?" he asked. 

"No. I'm turning down a case because I don't practice law in the state of California anymore," she corrected him. "I haven't for over a year. I don't need to take the case because my life isn't in California any longer."

"You can't, Mol. You want to take this case, I can see it," he said. 

Damn him and his ability to read her like a book, she thought. 

"I do," she relented with a whine. 

"So take it," he urged her, putting his hands on her hips. "Take it and keep this man from being convicted of a crime he didn't commit. We'll have a small ceremony here before I go back to Ireland and then find some time somehow to celebrate with everyone later."

"But what about your family? And the deposits we've paid?" she asked, looking up at him. 

"All that matters to me is that we actually get married," he told her. "If the best we can manage is Oscar officiating with Pierre and Alex as our witnesses, then that'll have to do. As long as its legal, I don't care how it happens or what it looks like, not really."

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. "Honestly, I'm still so surprised you actually want to marry me that I'd do it completely naked if that's what you wanted."

Molly laughed and rested her forehead against his chest. "Fine. I'll do it. I'll take the case."

He smiled and held her tightly. "Let's go tell Oscar he owes us a wedding."

"Oh he'll be thrilled," she laughed again, taking his hand. 

Back downstairs, Molly pulled the folder across the counter toward her. Oscar looked at Andrew, hoping for some evidence of a response. She looked at the file, skimming the arrest report and statements given to the police by the witnesses and the accused. 

"I'll take it under two conditions," she said without looking up. 

Oscar relaxed visibly and pushed off the counter. "What are they?"

"First, you're my co-counsel. I want this case to go as quickly and smoothly as possible and for that to happen, I need someone with experience and who knows how I work," she started, flipping a page. "If this case gets as big as you guys think it will, I want someone next to me who will keep me from looking like a giant dick. That's you."

"What about my cases?" he protested. 

"Michelle told you to give me whatever I wanted, right?" Molly asked. Oscar nodded in annoyance. "Give your cases to someone else. You work for me full time now."

"And the second condition?" he asked begrudgingly.

She looked up and closed the folder. "Andrew and I are having to cancel our original wedding date in September because there is no way this case is finished by then. But he will be too busy to reschedule for a later date since the album is dropping in the fall after he goes on tour." A smile spread across her face and Andrew thought he could detect a hint of sadistic satisfaction in it. "So you're going to plan our wedding. For next week."

Oscar's face fell so dramatically that he may as well have been a cartoon. "What?!"

"It doesn't have to be anything big - we know its an impossible ask," Andrew cut in. "We just really want to be married before the case makes things too crazy, especially since it can't happen any other time before tour starts."

Andrew could see that his words did little to soften the blow. 

"A wedding. In ten days?!" Oscar yelped. "Are you serious?"

"As death," Molly replied.

"Jesus Christ, fine," he answered. "Whatever you want."

She smiled and opened the folder again. "Excellent. You should probably call Michelle and tell her you're not going to be into the office for a couple weeks. Your ass is mine now. And Andrew's, to a lesser degree."

Andrew failed to hide a chuckle at Molly's remark, thinking Oscar would very much so like his ass to belong to him. The other man turned and glared at him. "What? Its just what you wanted, really," he quipped. 

Oscar rolled his eyes. "Read the fucking room, Andy, Jesus Christ," he huffed.

"I thought it was funny," Andrew shrugged. 

"You better get started, Oscar," Molly needled. "I don't even have a wedding dress picked out."

She was joking, obviously. She couldn't care less about wedding dresses and flower arrangements and the venue. 

"I'm heading to the studio for the afternoon," Andrew said, kissing her on the forehead. "Oscar, I'll send you a list of people who will probably come to the wedding if they're in L.A. and you can do the invites. See you tonight."

"I think I'm gonna need some caffeine - or drugs - to get all of this done," Molly lamented as he walked out of the house. 

"Right. I'll get the Ritalin. You put the coffee on," Oscar said, pulling his car keys out of his pocket. 

She set to work spreading the contents of the folder out across the island, taking in all the details. It felt good to be back.