Duff was the self-avowed tough guy. He didnt have the multiple college degrees Niall did, and hed never win a sweet-talking contest against Keir. But neither could match him for sheer, stubborn cussedness. Duff was the survivor. Hed been old enough when Mary Watson had died that he could see his fathers anger and grief, and had stepped up to help take care of his younger siblings, even after their father had hired Millie, and Grandpa Seamus had moved in to do whatever was necessary to hold the fractured family together. Hell, even now that they were all grown-up, he was still doing whatever was necessary to protect his familylistening to his baby sister when her devil scum of a former partner had seduced and then cheated on her, making sure the man she was marrying today was worthy of her. Hed written a personal recommendation for Keir to one of his academy buddies when the ambitious youngest brother had been up for a promotion to the major crime unit. And there was no end to the coaching Niall required as the shy brainiac negotiated the intricacies of interpersonal relationships.
Duff had the street smarts, the gut instincts that helped him get through numerous undercover assignments for the department. He read people the way Niall read books. Only once had he misjudged someone hed tried to help, and hed paid for that mistake with his heart and a beat down that had put him in the hospital for nearly three weeks.
But facing a drug dealers wrath hadnt killed him. Being betrayed by Shayla to her brother had only made Duff stronger and a hell of a lot smarter about falling in love. Hed been played for a fool, and he owned the repercussions of his mistake. Maybe his colossal screwupwhen it came to love on this day that was all about lovewas the reason he couldnt get his tuxedo to fit right.
Natalie is married to Livs partner, you know. Niall, an inch taller than Duff, adjusted his dark glasses and whispered the chiding remark about flirting with the bridesmaid to Keir, who stood a couple of inches shorter.
Relax, charm-school dropout. Keir clapped Niall on the shoulder, grinning as he stepped up beside him. Young or old, married or notit never hurts to be friendly.
Seriously? Niall turned that same whispered reprimand on Duff, eyeing the middle of his back. Are you packing today?
Hed tucked his ankle piece into the back of his itchy wool slacks. At least he wasnt wearing his shoulder holster and Glock. Hey. You wear your glasses every day, Poindexter. I wear my gun.
I wasnt aware that you knew what the term Poindexter meant.
Im smarter than I look.
Keir had the gall to laugh. Hed have to be.
Duff shifted his stance, peering around Niall. So help me, baby brother, if you give me any grief today, I will lay you out flat.
Zip it. Both of you. Leave it to Niall to be the cool, calm and collected one. Liv had probably put him in charge of corralling her two rowdier brothers today. The smart guy scowled at Keir. You, mind your manners. When Duff went after the collar hugging his neck again, Niall leaned in. And you, stop fidgeting like a little kid.
A sharp look from the minister waiting behind them quieted all three brothers for the moment. With everything ready for their sisters walk down the aisle, the processional music started. Duff scanned the crowd as they rose to their feet. Millie dabbed at her eyes with a lace hanky, making no effort to hide her tears. He knew a hug could make those tears go away, and he would gladly go comfort her, but he was stuck up here at the altar.
Grandpa Seamus was sneaking a handkerchief out of his pocket. The old man was crying, too.
And then Olivia and their father, Thomas Watson Sr., appeared in the archway at the end of the aisle. A few strands of gray in his dark hair, and the limp from the blown-out knee that had ended his frontline duty with the department far too soon, couldnt detract from the pride in Thomass posture as he walked his daughter down the aisle. Duffs sinuses burned. Be a man. Do not let your emotions get the better of you. Do not cry.
But Olivia Mary Watson was a stunner in her long beaded gown and their mothers veil of Irish lace. Who knew that shrimp of a tomboy would grow up into such a fine, strong woman? He took after their father with his green eyes and big, stocky build. But Liv was the spitting image of the mother he remembereddark hair, blue eyes. Walking beside Thomas Sr., he thought of the wedding picture that still sat on his fathers dresser.
He blinked and had to say something quick to cover up the threat of tears. Dude, Duff muttered. He nudged the groom beside him. Gabe, you are one lucky son of a
Duff. Nialls sharp tone reminded him that swearing in church probably wasnt a good idea.
Gabe sounded a little overcome with emotion, too. I know.
Youd better treat her right.
Yep. Liv must have put Niall in charge of keeping him in line today. Weve already had this conversation, Duff. Im convinced he loves her.
Gabe never took his eyes off Olivia as he inclined his head to whisper, He does.
Keir, of course, wasnt about to be left out of the hushed conversation. Anyway, Livs made her choice. You think any one of us could change her mind? Id be scared to try.
The minister hushed the lot of them as father and bride approached.
Ah, hell, Duff muttered, looking up at the ceiling. So much for guarding his emotions and watching his mouth. He blinked rapidly, pinching his nose. This is not happening to me.
She looks the way I remember Mom, Keir said in a curiously soft voice.
Duff felt a tap on his elbow. Do you have a handkerchief? Niall asked.
So hed seen the tears running down Duffs cheeks. The rings are tied up in it.
Here. Niall slipped his own white handkerchief to Duff, who quickly dabbed at his face. He nodded his thanks before stuffing the cotton square into his pocket and steeling his jaw against the embarrassing flare of sentiment.
When Olivia arrived at the altar, she kissed their father, catching him in a tight hug before smiling at all three brothers. Duff sniffed again, mouthing the word beautiful when their eyes met. Keir gave her a thumbs-up. Niall nodded approvingly. Olivia handed her bouquet off to her matron of honor and took Gabes hand to face the minister.
The rest of the ceremony continued until the minister pronounced them husband and wife and announced, You may now kiss the bride.
Love you, Olivia whispered.
Gabe kissed her again. Love you more.
I now present Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Knight.
Duff extended his arm to the matron of honor and followed Liv and Gabe down the aisle. He traded a wink with Grandpa Seamus, silently sharing his commiseration over the public display of emotion. He nodded to his dad and exchanged a smile with Millie before unbuttoning his jacket. The tie was going next.
He was halfway to the foyer and the freedom to unhook the strangling collar when he spied a blur of movement in the balcony at the back of the church. A figure in black emerged from the shadows beside a carved limestone buttress framing a row of organ pipes. The man opened his long duster coat, revealing the rifle and handgun hed hidden underneath.
Duff was already pushing the matron of honor between the pews and pulling his weapon when Niall shouted, Gun!
The organ music stopped on a discordant note and the organist scrambled toward the opposite balcony door. The mans face was a black mask, his motives unknown. But when the stranger raised his rifle to his shoulder and took aim at the sanctuary below, his intent was crystal clear.