Meghan's Wish (Love and Danger) Read Online Free

handed Meghan a glass of red wine, and she took a sip, its rich smoky flavor mixing with her nervous stomach to make her nauseated. Suddenly, she was so scared, she wished she could disappear in a puff of smoke like a magic trick.
    Sorry, just kidding. I'm not really back after all.
    Could her family understand the fears of a sixteen year-old child and forgive her for running off with Liam? Could they love their granddaughter, who was Chip Wheaton's granddaughter, too?
    Her father spoke, his voice deeper now than she remembered. “Don’t you know, there’s nothing you can ever do that will make us stop loving you?”
    A mother now herself, Meghan knew her father spoke the truth. She took a deep breath. “I left with Liam. I was pregnant, and he was about to be arrested for setting the fire at the old mill.”
    Her mother nodded, her eyes shining and bright. “And the baby?”
    She's not even surprised!
    Remorse was bitter on Meghan’s tongue. “Fiona is fifteen.”
    “Is she here with you?” Patty's hopeful eyes darted to the living room doorway, and the look of longing on her face was more than Meghan could bear.
    “No. She's staying with a friend.”
    Patty’s eyes were bright. “I'd like to meet her.”
    Meghan nodded, staring at her mother, wishing for forgiveness but too afraid to ask. “Fiona's the reason I came back here today.” She couldn’t stop the tears, didn’t try to. “She has leukemia, mom,” she said, the words stumbling over the knot in her throat. “She needs a bone marrow transplant.”
    Patty held her hand to her heart. “Does Liam know?”
    That surprised her. “No. I haven't talked to Liam in eight years. I don't even know where he is.”
    Her family exchanged knowing glances.
    “What?” asked Meghan.
    “He's in Largo,” said Becky.
    “What?”
    “He came back my freshman year, so that was...” Becky looked at the ceiling, “...eight years ago.”
    Meghan was flabbergasted. Of all the places in the world, she never imagined Liam would come back to Largo. “He's been here the whole time?” she asked. “But the sheriff was going to arrest him for the fire at the old mill.”
    Becky nodded. “He was arrested. And convicted.”
    “Convicted?”
    Patty nodded. “He served three and a half years in prison, Meggie. He's been living in Largo since his release.”
    ~~~
    2004
     
    Liam and Meghan lived in a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor of a complex, with an outdoor landing Meghan had covered in Christmas lights. The building was dated, but the grounds were well maintained and the living space generous.
    Liam stepped into the kitchen and kissed his wife on the cheek. “Have a great day, Meggie. I love you.”
    He smelled like aftershave and soap, and she licked her lips. “You too, baby,” she answered him, as she buttered Fiona’s toast. “Good luck with Flanders.”
    “Luck’s got nothing to do with it,” he said with a wink. He was an outstanding salesman, and she was proud of him.
    He picked up little Fiona from her coloring at the table and hugged her tightly, her red curls peeking out from beneath a big red Santa hat. “Goodbye, little mouse.”
    “Can you stay and make Christmas cookies with us, Daddy?”
    “I can’t, sweetheart. Daddy has to go to work.” He rubbed his nose against hers.  “I'm going to be late tonight.”
    “Again?” Meghan asked, handing Fiona her breakfast. Several nights in the last few weeks, he’d gotten home after she’d gone to bed.
    Liam shrugged. “It just so happens, I’m working on a very special Christmas gift.”
    “Oh, really?” she asked, digging in the cupboard, trying to remember what she'd been looking for. “How hard is it to find a jewelry store?”
    “Oh, no, no, no. Not for my wife. I’m getting her something from the heart.”
    “Cheapskate,” she said, laughing.
    “Materialistic Scrooge.” He poked her with his finger. “I’m getting you the greatest gift you’ve ever gotten in your