Read A Change of Heart (The Heartfelt Series) for Free Online Page B

said, looking across the little garden and beyond to the sliver of Atlantic, barely visible in the swirl of pewter mist.
    “Come on then,” she said, downing the coffee she was hoping they could linger over, before going back to bed to make uninterrupted love once more, “let’s go and see what Padar needs help with ahead of the arrival of Mr Leeson.”
    Ryan continued to stare out to sea.
    “I’m gonna need help too,” he said, in a quiet voice, “starting with a good lawyer.”
    “That’s okay, once this starts to rumble there’ll be lawyers all over it, I shouldn’t wonder,” she laughed, pinching his bottom as she left to get dressed. It’ll be fine, we can face anything once we’re together, she thought, still glowing from their lovemaking. Nothing’s going to drive us apart ever again.
    Although Padar had generously offered to take care of the children so Ryan and Marianne could be properly reunited, total chaos greeted them when they arrived back at Maguire’s.
     Joey was grizzling from the high chair, Bridget was under the table eating cornflakes off the floor and Padar was nowhere to be seen. Marianne set to work sorting out the youngsters, while Ryan ran through the bar, calling for the landlord. Padar emerged from the linen press, piles of sheets and pillowcases strewn about him.
    “Your man Leeson is on his way, did you hear? I’m sorting out May Cottage,” Padar said.
    Ryan started to pick things up.
    “Do you know how long he’s staying?” Ryan asked.
    “No, but Miss MacReady says it’s serious and you and he have stuff to sort out,” Padar replied.
    “Indeed. Need a hand?” Ryan watched as Padar dropped a tangled sheet.
    “Please. This was Oonagh’s department, one of my cousins gets the holiday cottages ready these days,” his eyebrows shot up, “jaysus, the kids.” He dumped a pile of towels in Ryan arms and fled.
    “It’s okay, Marianne’s with them,” Ryan called after him.
    Bearing a basket piled with linen, Ryan let himself into May Cottage. He just closed the door behind him as Pat MacReady’s taxi screeched down Main Street, en route from the ferry. Not five minutes later, he heard heavy footsteps clattering up the stairs and the door to the bedroom swung open. Larry stood there squinting through misted spectacles, as his client pushed a pillow into a crisp, white cover.
    “Interesting career move,” the New Yorker quipped, “movie star to maid.”
    Ryan dropped the pillow and strode across the room to greet his long-suffering agent. They embraced affectionately. Larry folded his arms by his sides.
    “Ryan, we gotta talk. This is serious, this is real serious.” He looked Ryan in the eye.
    “I know, it must be, you came all this way again, ” Ryan replied.
    “Last time it was good news, this time things are far from good,” Larry said, grimly.
    Ryan nodded but he fixed Larry’s bloodshot eyes with a steely look.
    “I’m not coming back, Larry. I quit. I’ve things to do here, I’ve made my choice,” he told him.
    Larry was remaking the bed, folding sheets crisply, plumping pillows.
    “I’ve news for you, Ryan,” he said, finally throwing a scatter cushion with a flourish, “you ain’t got no choice, whatever you think.”
    “I think you’ll find my contract has a compassionate break clause. It’s in my terms and conditions, I know that much,” Ryan said, emphatically.
    Larry sighed.
    “Do you think Franco Rossini gives a damn about your terms and conditions? The movie’s broken box office records all over the world,” Larry made a circle in the air with his hands.
    Ryan knew this was true and even though he had an ego, he did not delude himself the film’s success was down to his charismatic charm. He was sure Rossini’s mighty movie machine could easily find someone to take his place. Any amount of younger, better-looking and more talented actors would be queuing up to audition for the part. What was all the fuss about?
    “Whether you