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“Addendum?” she asked.
“An addendum means that instead of making
up a whole new will, Dad just changed it.”
Mick, not looking at her, directed his statement
to the solicitor and waited for the shoe to drop.
Leave it to his father to make this more difficult
on him than it already was. Wasn’t it bad
enough he couldn’t get rid of the tremendous
feeling of guilt for not spending more time with
him? He never wanted to believe—or admit—his
father was that sick. Sure, Kate called him regularly
with updates. He heard everything she’d said,
but why the hell hadn’t he listened to her!
“Changed the will?” she asked. “Is
that right, Mr. Lynch?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Tighe replied.
“It means he added something into the original
will.”
“When was this?” Mick asked.
“If you’ll allow me, I’ll read
what Donal has bequeathed. If you have any questions
we can go from there. Right?”
Both Mick and Kate nodded agreement. Tighe read
the will as it stood and then the addendum. Mick
couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “That
bastard!” he muttered. Out of the corner
of his eye he saw the wide glares both Kate and
Tighe gave him at the curse.
“Mr. Lynch.” Kate’s voice came
on a whisper. “What does this mean? I don’t
understand it.” Her eyes were big as she
clutched the arms of her chair now, knuckles as
white as her face. Gone was the cool Kate he’d
seen in the waiting room. In a matter of minutes
she’d gone from radiant to ashen. He was
sure he wasn’t looking too good right about
now either.
“Yes, Tighe. Can you explain it in plain
English?” he asked. Why do will readings
always have to be so damn dramatic?
“In plain English, your father left everything
to you, Michael. However, the addendum states
if you try to sell the farm, I have instructions
to give everything to Kate.”
“Everything?” whispered Kate, shaking
her head.
“That’s insane,” muttered Mick.
Tighe sat back in his tucked leather chair and
clasped his fingers together on the desk. “Your
father was quite sane at the time, lad. He knew
exactly what he was doing.”
“Knew what he was doing? He’s giving
the farm to her. That’s sane?”
He flung his arm toward Kate as he bellowed. She
flinched. Good. Her weakness meant she
wouldn’t fight him when he contested the
will. And he meant to.
“He was well within his rights, Michael.
But Kate gets everything only if you try
to sell.”
“What am I going to do with a bloody farm?”
It was a rhetorical question. He raked his trembling
fingers through his hair.
Silence settled around the office. It was a moment
before he realized Tighe was staring at him. “Ah
no, Tighe. There’s more, isn’t there?”
“Your father gave Kate full custody of Molly.
It was his opinion that since she raised the dog
because he couldn’t, she should have the
dog.”
“Bollocks!” he spat, ignoring Kate’s
sharp intake of breath. “I gave him that
dog. She’s part of the farm. By rights, she’s
mine.”
“You two will have to work out where the
dog will live, but Molly is Kate’s dog now.”
He threw himself back in the chair. “And
what if I contest the whole thing?”
“Try, lad. It won’t get you anywhere.
Your father was determined to give Kate something
for everything she’s done for your family.”
“But, Mr. Lynch, I haven’t done anything,”
Kate finally spoke. “I only kept his house
and made a meal or two. That was nothing less
than I’d have done for my own family.”
Tighe looked at her with seriousness and understanding.
“Kate, you were an important part of Donal’s
last years and he was grateful to you. He told
me everything you did for him, and for Mary when
she was dying from the cancer. And without so
much as a euro in payment. Don’t be so modest,
girleen. The world needs more lasses such as yourself.”
“Yeah, right.” Mick couldn’t imagine
Kate putting her life on hold for so long without
a cent in payment.
Tighe turned to Mick, exasperation written all
over his face. “Everything's completely documented,
Michael. Kate hasn’t accepted a cent for
everything she’s done the past few years.
She took complete care of both of your parents
in their final years.” The glare Tighe shot
him was clearly meant to cut him down to size—and
it worked. Suitably berated, he slunk back in
his seat. “You should be thanking her, not
doubting her.”
He glanced at Kate, her face pink from Tighe’s
comments, but she didn’t say anything. The
only telling sign of her emotion was the tear
rolling down her cheek and the quiver of her chin.
He had a sudden desire to kiss that tear away
and still her trembling. Instead, he mentally
slapped himself to remind him what was happening.
He was going to lose the farm. He’d already
lost the dog.
“I know this must be very hard for you,
lass,” the lawyer continued. “Donal
told me often enough how he and Mary loved you
like a daughter.”
Kate sniffled heavily. Her voice was a mere whisper
and she spoke through trembling lips, the same
lips Mick still longed to kiss. “He always
told me that, but I thought it was just because
he missed Mick so much. I never realized he meant
it. And now it’s too late to tell him I loved
him, too.”
She buried her face in her palms, bringing Tighe
from behind his desk. He withdrew a hankie from
his breast pocket and handed it to her, patting
her on the shoulder. “He knew, dear. Actions
often speak louder than words.”
She dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “I—I’m
sorry. He was such a lovely man and I miss him
so.”
Mick was caught between anger at what his father
had done and the urge to push Tighe aside and
comfort Kate himself.
What was he to do about his father’s wishes?
He could contest, but Tighe said he didn’t
stand a chance. Supposedly his father had been
sane when he wrote the will, and the addendum.
What was he going to do with the farm? Farm life
wasn’t for him. His life was in Dublin. He
had a great job there in the museum. It was the
ideal situation to use his history degree. He
had friends and a new flat. He couldn’t just
up and leave it all behind. He wouldn’t.
There had to be another way. If there were any
way out of this, he’d find it.
Mick cleared his throat. Tighe looked up. “Are
we done here then?”
“Aye, Michael, as soon as you sign these
forms. Just a formality.” Tighe explained
the final paperwork that closed the file.
Signature in place, Mick rose and begrudgingly
lifted his hand to Tighe’s. “Thank you,
Tighe. I think.” He turned and left the office,
not bothering to look at Kate. He couldn’t.
By all rights her grief should be his. If he’d
only listened to her . . . Now, instead of grief,
guilt overwhelmed him.
* * * *
Kate stepped up to the park bench in front of
the solicitor’s office on Eyre Square where
Mick was sitting. His feet were on the bench seat
with his bum hanging off the backrest. He was
bent over with his elbows resting on his knees,
his dark curly hair falling over his eyes, and
a cigarette smoldering between his fingers.
“Did you pick up that habit in Dublin?”
He cast her little more than a glance through
the curls and took a long drag on his cigarette.
She ignored his glare and sat on the opposite
end of the bench. She extended her hand toward
him, inclining her head at the cigarette. He hesitated
for just a moment before giving it to her.
Fool.
She dropped in on the pavement in front of her
and squashed it out.
“Hey!”
“Smoking doesn’t suit you, Mick.”
She bent to retrieve the butt and stuffed it into
the cigarette box on the side of the bin next
to her.
“What I do is no concern of yours.”
She crossed her legs and arms, then shook her
head back and forth, watching the people in the
park. “You don’t get it, do you? Your
father just died because he’d spent a lifetime
smoking them fags. Yet, here you sit with one
hanging out of your mouth and right from the reading
of his will. What did they teach you at that fancy
school of yours, anyway?”
She looked up at him as she spoke. His moss colored
eyes darkened at her commen. For a moment they
stared at each other. He didn’t bother to
brush the hair out of his eyes. She had to suppress
the urge to reach up and do it herself.
Since he’d walked into the solicitor’s
office in his tailored charcoal suit, her heart
had pounded in her chest. His dark hair was full
of wavy curls that framed his face. His gaze bore
into her, heating her in the pit of her belly,
and threatened to steal her breath. She relented
and backed down, looking away.
There was something in his eyes she couldn’t
read. When she was fifteen, she thought she could
see into his soul through his eyes. That was when
she thought there was something more between them
than friendship. She’d loved him as a friend.
Possibly even more, but certainly never as a brother.
Then something happened. She never knew what
drew him away. She’d even sent him notes
asking him to meet her at the stone circle, which
had been their secret place growing up. The circle
was on the property lines of both Conneely and
Fairhill farms. They spent countless hours there
together. Growing up and growing close. But he’d
never come to meet her.
In time, she stopped trying. She didn’t
want to be a clingy female begging for his attention.
He’d told her once to mind her own business,
so she had.
That didn’t mean the sight of him didn’t
tear out her heart. She lived for years with an
ache she couldn’t name. It was only when
Mick moved to Dublin that she’d been able
to get on with her life. There’d been no
chance of meeting him in the village or seeing
him again. His life was in Dublin now and she
could get on with hers in Connemara. With his
absence she’d tried to let her heart heal.
Since his move, she hadn’t seen him except
on the very rare occasion, like holidays and the
funeral yesterday when he’d stood as far
away from her as possible. And today. The sight
of him stole her breath. As always, there had
been that brief instant where she expected him
to open to her. Instead, the anger in his eyes
snapped her back to reality quick enough.
Looking into his eyes now she could almost see
him as she had when she’d been fifteen—full
of hope and expectations. He must have sensed
her scrutiny and erected a wall between them,
challenging her to get through it. Her heart lurched,
and almost instantly the feelings she’d thought
buried deep inside her surfaced.
She turned away before she made a fool of herself.
There was no denying what she felt. God help her,
even through all the heartache and his retreat
from her, she still loved him.
So deep in her revelation she almost missed what
he said next.
“I suppose you’d also deny a man a
pint as well.” There it was again, the bitterness
he seemed to throw at her for no reason.
Well, she wouldn’t let him hurt her again.
She might still love him, but not enough to let
him walk over her. And that’s just what he’d
done the last ten years.
She picked at a non-existent speck on her skirt,
then stood slowly before turning toward him. She
needed time before she could face him. When she
finally did she wished she had a few more moments,
because now that she looked back into his challenging
eyes, she wanted to turn and run. But she stood
her ground. She wouldn’t let him intimidate
her. There was too much at stake since the will
had been read.
She had to find a way to help Mick keep his farm.
Looking into his eyes, she knew she was right.
Anything they had between each other was just
the result of growing up in farms that were side
by side, and the fact their fathers had been close
friends. Nothing more.
Was it hatred she saw in his gaze or jealousy?
Whatever it was, she would ignore it. She would
help him find a way to keep the farm, then be
out of his life forever.
“No, Mick,” she finally said, letting
herself breathe again. “As a matter of fact,
I’ll buy it for you. Come on.” She turned
on her heel and strode across the park without
looking back.
REVIEWS
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I have to admit the emotions are threefold
in A Piece of My Heart. When Mick and Kate
ache to be with each other, I could practically
see it in their eyes and hear it in their
voice. The way they try to hold their control
intact is so beautifully penned. I love
the part about the circle, and the place
they shared. Kemberlee Shortland creates
a stunning read that touches upon the heartstrings.
The storytelling is at its best. The descriptions
are marvelously crafted and the characters
absolutely lifelike. With emotions turning
faster than a roller coaster, she allows
the reader to visualize parts of Ireland
with romance and a bit of suspense along
the way.
~ Cherokee, Coffee
Time Romance, 5 cups
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* * *
The novel begins with a great hook that introduces
us to the major conflict between Kate and
Mick, the central characters. Add the lovely
Connemara setting, a shady character who provides
some truly suspenseful moments, Molly the
Border Collie (I dare you to *not* fall in
love with her!), elements of family history,
a tart with a wicked Dublin accent, some ancient
Irish magic and you get a very satisfying,
well-paced romantic story. |
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When I sit down with a romance, I'm always curious
about how the author will write the love scenes.
Ms. Shortland didn't disappoint me in this arena,
either. I've got to say that A Piece of My Heart
contains perhaps the sweetest love scene I've
ever read. There's a lovely balance between the
physical intimacy and all of the emotions swirling
around it. So many authors come close to achieving
that balance, but fall short. Ms. Shortland gets
it right. I'm sure I'll turn to those pages again
and again when I need a bit of that sweetness
in my day.
~ Wilma G. Walter, Amazon,
5 stars
* * * *
Kemberlee Shortland is a pro at depicting numerous
romantic moments in a stimulating, unique way
that never gets boring or repetitive and evolves
to a crescendo experience. The good guy/bad guy
scenario unfolds in a credible manner that in
turn creates a full-force reaction where one finds
Flann or Damean (real name) a totally despicable
character and roots for his demise, while eagerly
anticipating how Mick and Kate will recover their
obviously lost but not forgotten love! Ms. Shortland's
style has definitely matured over the last few
years, and A Piece of My Heart is terrific romantic/suspense
fiction to savor and share with family and friends.
~ Viviane Crystal, Crystal
Reviews, 5 stars
* * * *
The story caught my interest quickly. At first,
I found myself disappointed in Mick's selfish
life style and his blindness to the health of
his parents. But then I realized that many people
move away from their parents' area and begin their
own lives. The author's descriptions of Mick knowing
of his parents' bad health, but not really believing
it, is totally accurate. Kemberlee Shortland has
written a heartwarming story that will long remain
in my mind. Recommended!
~ Detra Fitch, Huntress
Reviews, 5 stars
* * * *
Wonderful story with just enough drama to stir
the pot, a touch of tortured past to keep you
guessing and more than enough relationship drama
with Mick and Kate to make the reader keep hoping.
They are wonderful characters whose relationship
is explained over time which heightens your interest
in knowing more about them and why things are
they way they are between them and seriously can
they overcome these problems. Quite fetching but
there is a bit of sadness that will touch your
heart so be prepared for that!
~ Mary Gramlich, The
Reading Reviewer, 5 star
* * * *
This compelling foray into the hearts and minds
of a young couple thrown into an unusual situation
is an exciting, well-paced romantic read. Mick
seems a little selfish at first, but soon redeems
himself. The bad guy is really bad, which adds
tension to the story.
~ Donna M. Brown, RT
Reviews, 4 stars
* * * *
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A Piece of My Heart has a sprinkling of
Irish magic, a three thousand-year-old stone
circle ( Kate and Mick’s secret place),
a touch of old customs and traditions, as
well as a hint of the diversity of the people,
their speech, and moral codes. It also shows
strong emotions credited to the Irish and,
what Mick himself calls, his “pathetic pride”...
Kemberlee Shortland’s thorough character
development and the world-rocking love scenes
make A Piece of My Heart captivating, but
most of all it is the long-suffering love
that hides but abides, cries but never dies
that makes this beautiful tapestry of a
tale memorable.
~ Camellia, Long
and Short of It Reviews, 4.5 books
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* * * *
What a lovely read to curl up with right before
St. Patrick’s Day. If you love sweet, romantic
Irish movies like The Matchmaker, Waking Ned Devine
or Once, and enjoy the works of Maeve Binchy,
you will enjoy Mick and Kate’s tale. Childhood
sweethearts driven apart by a misunderstanding,
brought (unwillingly) back together by a quirk
in Mick’s father’s will.
As they work through their grief and their lingering
issues with each other, a string of events seems
orchestrated by Fate to drive them apart again.
There are some stock villains and quasi-villians,
but the two main characters stand out as just
flawed enough to keep things interesting. Ms.
Shortland adds a finishing touch of Irish magic
to bring it all to a satisfying end. Fáinne
óir duit, Ms. Shortland!
~ Seanachie, I
Read Romance
* * * *
I just finished reading Kemberlee Shortland's
new romance, A Piece of My Heart. To read a book
set in Ireland, written by someone who really
knows the country, is a breath of fresh air. I
so enjoy the lovely flavor of Ireland she's captured
in her story. Kudos, Kem. I love it.
~ Charlene Raddon, award-winning
author of Forever Mine
* * * *
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I avidly read
through the pages hoping against hope that things
would work out in the end. I felt as if I were
a part of Kate and Mick’s life cheering them on
for their happy ending. If readers enjoy happy
endings, Ireland and animals, they will be sure
to snatch up this book and read it as soon as
they possibly can.
~ Kathy Boswell, Clever
Divas
* * * *
Overall I really enjoyed this story. I was really
unsure about Mick's attitude towards his family,
until I really thought about the way mine has
been towards mine sometimes. Sometimes things
happen. I think his change of heart was even sweeter,
because you see him evolve through Kate's love
and the stories about his parents. I also think
having Flann and Gobnait in the story really added
depth to the story. The main characters had to
overcome some obstacles, so that made their love
even more special. They also had to overcome past
hurts when they were younger. I just loved Kate.
I love Irish women- strong and independent with
the ability to love deeply. Of course most women
are like that. I loved the Ms. Shortland provided
after the wedding information. I liked being part
of the closure and the exciting news. Such a great
ending to a rocky start story.
~ Jennifer S., You
Gotta Read Reviews
* * * *
I finally got to your book today. I picked it
up this morning and started reading....I couldn't
put it down! I finished it just now. I'm hooked!
I loved it.......you had me hating Flann and loving
Mick.....After visiting Ireland I could almost
envision the scenes.....right down to the mini.
When is the next one coming out? I want to read
the rest of the series.
~ Mercedes, a reader in Indiana
* * * *
I started your book on the plane and finished
it with tears in my eyes. It was truly a heart
warming love story and I enjoyed it. Any story
that can bring tears to a read is a moving tale.
I look forward to your next book.
~ Rae, a reader in Nevada
* * * *
I started your book last night, but I'll need
a man to finish it! I'm really enjoying it.
~ Kathleen, a reader in Ireland
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