Owen

I was shocked when my assistant told me Victor had responded. I'd sent numerous emails and never gotten a response until recently, and that was from his apparent soon-to-be ex-wife, Oliva Morgan, demanding his accounts be disclosed. Of course, without Victor's consent or a court order, I had no intention of doing anything of the sort.

I reread his response as the phone rang.

Owen,

I'm so thankful for your response. I'm even more thankful for your understanding. I've lived for so many years hating myself for leaving, but feeling like I had no choice. I couldn't let my parents hurt any of you like that. I made my choice and lived with it. As I'm sure you know already from my reply to your intern, my marriage has ended. Once my parents died and I secured all 'evidence' they had held, I filed. Of course, I gave her everything just to get out.

I'm currently living in my grandmother's old family home in Drogheda, Ireland. What I wouldn't give for some of Silas and North's home repair know-how...

I too would like to get together in the near future. My schedule is wide open, so let me know when you might be available.

Respectfully,

Victor

"Owen? Is everything alright?" Sean's voice came on the line. "You do realize the time here, don't you?"

I looked at the clock and grimaced, "Oh damn, sorry about that, Sean. I was just so anxious to tell you the news that I completely forgot the time difference. I can call tomorrow if you wish."

He chuckled, "Nah, I'm already awake now and we both know my curiosity wouldn't hold out that long, so spill it."

I grinned at his comment. For a physician, I swear Sean was one of the most impatient people I knew. "I heard from Victor today." I waited for his response and it didn't take long.

"Are you fucking serious," he yelled, "What...how, is he okay? Where is he?"

I laughed, "Yes and yes. He's just recently divorced. His parents passed a couple of years back and just as we suspected, they did in fact blackmail him. He's living at his grandmother's old estate in Ireland. Apparently, he gave the ex everything just to get away. He said he also took care of any proof his parents may have had."

"You realize I'm coming, right?" Sean said quickly.

"I had no doubt. I want to talk to him soon as well. I want to find out if what we learned was true and how he's doing now for myself," I said.

"Have you talked to any of the others?"

I sighed, "Not in years. The last time I saw all of them was at the funeral for Fiona. Even that was a brief visit. Chloe and I were still together and she was being absolutely insufferable. Hell, that visit was the final straw for our engagement. The horrible way she treated Luke and his daughter showed her true colors."

"I still feel bad I couldn't make it back in time," Sean complained.

"They understood. You were in the middle of South America, Sean. By the time you even found out, it was already impossible for you to reach the States in time. North said your call meant a lot to Luke," I tried to comfort him. So much has changed in the last ten years. Sean had made an amazing life for himself and I didn't want him to find a reason to doubt it. Changing the subject, I asked, "So when do you want to try and make it to London? We can make the trip to Ireland together. I'm not sure if he'll want us to meet in Dublin or his small town of Drogheda."

"Oof, he's kinda in the middle of nowhere, isn't he?" Sean laughed. "I'm guessing Victor isn't living the lifestyles of the rich and famous anymore, huh?"

"Not at all. He said the estate is the only thing he has left. He had no idea about the funds we all had from the Academy. I wanted to deliver the papers in person. The look on his face when he sees the balance will be priceless," I chuckled.

"I'll get a flight out next week," Sean said, "Reach out to Victor and see when is good for him."

"Sounds like a plan," I said, "See you next week." We finished up the conversation and I typed out a quick email to Victor.

Victor,

I hope this finds you well. I was hoping you had some time available next week to visit. Sean will be in town and we both want to catch up with you. We can come to your place or meet in Dublin - whichever you prefer.

Owen

Victor

I laughed when I saw the email. "Hey Luke, check this out," I hollered to him.

He came and looked at the screen as he held Erin in his arms. "No way! Have them come here, but don't tell them I'm here. We can surprise them," he cackled mischievously.

"Sounds perfect. Too bad Avery will be gone by then," I replied.

"Yeah, but if it goes well, she can meet them soon enough. Speaking of, did you get the ingredients I needed?"

Nodding I answered him, "I got everything on the list. I also picked up that tote bag she's been eyeing for the past few weeks. Her old one is practically threadbare."

Luke put a finger over his mouth, looking at Erin, "Keep it a secret from Mama Avery. It's a surprise, okay?"

"Okay Daddy," she giggled, "Mama likes surprises."

"I know she does, and Victor and I want to give her something special before she goes back to school."

Erin frowned, "But what am I gonna give her?"

"You are going to help make her favorite cookies. I even bought a pretty storage container so she can take them on the train to school," I told her. "Plus you drew that pretty picture for her, remember, sweetie?"

Her dark eyes lit up as she grinned and clapped her chubby little hands, "Yay! Come on, Daddy, let's go make the cookies now." She wiggled out of Luke's arms and began tugging at him as we both laughed.

I watched the two of them head to the kitchen with a smile on my face. This last week has been amazing. The four of us had been damn near inseparable. Luke was right about getting to know each other again. He wasn't the same kid I'd known. While he was still a prankster at heart, he was now a father. The level of responsibility he had made me think of Owen in a way, but even more so of Phil and the way he was a surrogate father for all of us over the years. It was clear that Luke's world revolved around his daughter and he was doing an amazing job as a parent. It made me a bit jealous that I'd never had a chance at a real family.

Lost in my thoughts, I smiled when I felt her arms circle my neck. Avery's lips ghosted against my skin, "How are you this morning, grá?" I tugged her around until she was facing me and I smirked as I kissed her roughly. Her cheeks were flushed when we broke apart. "Wow," she breathed with a grin, "That good, huh?"

I laughed, "Yes, that good. I have the woman of my dreams in my arms, one of my best friends back in my life along with his beautiful daughter, and now, two of my other friends are coming to visit next week."

Her eyes lit up, "Is it the one who emailed a while back?"

I nodded, "Yes, he just emailed today. He's coming here next week along with another friend of ours. We are planning to surprise them both and not tell them about Luke and Erin until they arrive."

She squeezed my neck and laughed, "That will be so much fun! Oh, shoot, I'll be gone by then."

I kissed her nose, "I know, but I promise we will introduce you to them soon." I let out a sigh, "I'd love to see all of them again really, I just don't know how realistic that is."

Avery pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear, "You've your Maimeó's fire, Victor. Anything is possible."

I truly felt like anything was possible when she was with me. I can't explain it, but Avery was like a fire in my soul and a calming wind all in one. She made me want to be a better man. I cupped her face, "You are my possible, Avery. I love you."

Her eyes watered as she leaned closer, "I love you too, Victor," then she pressed her lips to mine.

"Daddy, they're kissing again!" Erin giggled from behind us. I stood up and began to chase her, scooping her up in my arms and planting kisses on her head and face as she giggled wildly. "Mama, save me," she pretended to cry.

"Kisses for both my girls," I laughed and kissed her again as Avery came over and I kissed her too.

"You're silly, Victor," Erin giggled and rolled her eyes.