Nora rushes over and hugs me. “Oh, Aidan, I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to meet this Sorcha and the children. Will you all be staying here?”

  I almost chuckle at the thread of hope in the question. “For the moment. Until they get settled at least. Later we may decide to buy a house in the city since the kids are still in school.”

  “It’ll be so nice to have little ones around the house,” she nearly gushes.

  “I’m sure they’ll love having a mhamó who makes them biscuits.”

  Da comes up behind her, tugs her against his chest, and lays his hands over her waist. “Nora, love, I’m going to call the Fitzpatrick boys to clear out Cian’s old room as well as two of the rooms upstairs. Would you mind supervising and making sure things get stored in the extra rooms?”

  She pats his arm. “Of course.”

  Ever since Imogen has come into our lives, Da’s been much more affectionate and Nora’s let him. We’ve told her for over a decade that it doesn’t bother us—she’s been more of a mum to us than ours ever was—but she’s held firm in her belief to keep what happens between her and Da behind closed doors. I’m glad she’s eased up. Da’s never been happier. We keep speculating if they’ll ever get married.

  “Thank you, Nora.” I glance at Da. “I’m going to my room to call Cian and Finn and give them the news.”

  I leave the two of them and make my way down the corridor and into the common area I’ve shared with my brothers since we built this wing onto the house. The boys will love it in here, between the theatre system and all the gaming equipment we have. Finn’s the only one who still uses any of it. I take the hallway that offshoots toward my room and close the door behind me.

  This has been my room for most of the last decade. I’ve never brought a woman here. To my knowledge neither has Cian or Finn brought one to theirs. It’s been our sacred space. And come next week, I’ll be sharing it with Sorcha.

  CHAPTER 12

  Sorcha

  I stand in the middle of the empty pub with my arms wrapped around my waist and try not to cry. The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotion. Enough to make me sick to my stomach. The nausea has been almost a constant presence. The twins and Aisling have somehow started treating this like some grand adventure. This will be only the second time they’ve ever left Burtonport.

  Footsteps come from behind and then Aidan’s warm body is pressed against mine. I lean into him and he holds me without saying anything. He just hugs me tight while I grieve. We remain there for a few minutes before I take a deep breath and turn forcing him to release me.

  “The last of the stuff has been loaded in the lorry. They’ll make sure it gets to the manor and taken inside. You just tell them where you want it,” Aidan says.

  This is really happening. It’s time I accept it and figure out how to move forward from here. “Thank you for taking care of all this. I’m not sure I would have been able to do it.”

  “Yes, you would have, because you don’t quit. But now you have someone to help so you don’t have to do things alone anymore.”

  Tears threaten again, because this last month trying to keep everything together has been exhausting. I move close again and circle my arms around him, laying my head on his chest. “Thank you.”

  “Are we leaving soon?” Aisling’s voice pipes up from nearby.

  Aidan and I separate and my sister joins us. I kneel down. “In a few minutes. As soon as we grab our bags and get them in Aidan’s car.”

  She grabs my hand and tugs me toward the kitchen. “Mine’s ready.”

  I can’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm and glance behind me. Aidan’s smiling as well. The three of us climb the stairs and enter the flat. Sure enough, sitting in the living room is her small, pink Hello Kitty suitcase.

  The twins walk in, each carrying their own duffel. I guess I’m the only one left.

  “Let me get my bag, and we should be ready to go,” I say forcing excitement into my tone.

  I leave the four of them and head to my bedroom. For several seconds, I stand there, staring at the four walls where I’ve lived nearly my whole life. We moved in here long before the twins were born when it had just been Da, Mum, and me. Every day after school, I’d rush upstairs so I could finish my homework and then I’d hurry back downstairs and visit with the fishermen who came in. More than half of them still show up. It hadn’t just been about the pub for me. It had been about the people.

  With a deep inhale, I grip the handle of my suitcase, take one final glance around the room, and walk out, closing the door quietly behind me.

  The drive to Dublin has been filled with chatter and more than one argument, but a buzz of excitement comes from the three passengers in the backseat. As we make our way through the city, the chatter increases drowning out the song playing on the radio. I glance back and they’re all pointing at different things.

  The scenery changes as we continue out of Dublin and into the countryside. Aidan had said their estate was about twenty minutes outside the city center. The rolling green hills on either side of the road remind me of the area around Burtonport and a wave of homesickness washes over me. A warm hand covers mine and squeezes gently. I glance over at Aidan.

  “It’s beautiful out here.” It truly is. Shouldn’t I be happier?

  “The back of the estate looks out over a field of hills. Once in a while I’ll sit on the patio and watch the sunset on the horizon. The view is stunning.”

  “I look forward to seeing it.”

  “Are we there yet?” Aisling calls out for only the twenty-third time.

  Aidan and I both laugh and he glances over his shoulder for a brief second. “We should be there in less than five minutes.”

  That must satisfy her, because she sits back in her seat and goes back to drawing. I’d made sure to keep out her small lap desk and a few art supplies before we left so she’d be somewhat entertained during the drive. Having a picture to sketch is about the only time she’ll sit still.

  As promised, five minutes later, Aidan turns onto a narrow lane guarded by a massive iron gate that opens automatically at his approach. We drive down the lane lined with trees on either side that provide us shade. Dappled bursts of sunlight filter through the branches giving the ground a polka-dot appearance. As we slowly move forward I keep my eyes trained ahead waiting for the first glimpse of our—my—new home.

  The road curves softly and then…there it is. I’m awestruck. The kids must be as well, because a chorus of wow and whoa come from them. It’s magnificent with its Georgian architecture and creeping vines that climb and weave in between the narrow spaces separating the wall of windows. The panes are so clean and shiny they reflect the entirety of the front lawn and the archway of trees surrounding it. If I didn’t believe Aidan about who he really is, I would after laying eyes on this house. It screams wealth.

  Several cars—expensive ones, including Aidan’s—are parked in the circle drive. He borrowed his brother’s SUV because he thought we would be more comfortable in the larger vehicle. We come to a stop and he shuts it off. Before I can exit, he reaches for my hand and rubs his thumb across my skin.

  “Everything is going to be okay. I promise.”

  I nod shakily. He mimics it and then we’re both getting out. Aidan opens the back door on his side and the boys jump down. I help Aisling out. Holding her hand, we circle around to meet them and then the five of us walk toward the house. Before we make it to the steps the double doors part and, despite the dark hair threaded with silver, an older version of Aidan appears. His blue eyes glow with warmth, but every inch of him radiates power. It’s in the way he holds himself. This is a man who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy any person who crosses him.

  Aidan’s hand goes to my lower back and I draw strength from him. The most feared and powerful man in Dublin is going to be my father-in-law. I can’t be—won’t be—timid. Keeping hold of Aisling’s hand, we walk side-by-side until we reach Aidan’s Da. He smiles down at us and once again, Aidan’s resemblance to him is visible.

  “Welcome, you must be Sorcha,” he greets me with a hug that takes me by surprise. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  For a second, I’m taken back to before Da died and he’d wrap his thick arms around me, smelling like yeast and hops. I’d felt loved. Mr. Donnelly releases me and his gaze shifts to Aisling and the twins.

  “I’m happy to meet you all as well. Forgive me for not being able to tell which of you is Kellen and which is Carson,” he says with a wink.

  I already warned both of them not to play any tricks on Aidan’s Da regarding their identity. As the natural leader of the two, Kellen steps forward with his hand outstretched. “I’m Kellen, sir.”

  The older man gives him a firm, but gentle handshake and turns to Carson to shake his hand as well. “Which means you must be Carson. A pleasure.”

  At last Mr. Donnelly turns back to Aisling and for a second time shock keeps me immobile when he lowers himself to one knee. “That means you must be Aisling. I understand you’re quite the artist like your sister.”

  Never one to shy away from strangers, she releases my hand and shoves hers out in front of her like the boys did. “Yes, sir, I love to draw.”

  Chuckling, Aidan’s Da shakes it. “Well, there just so happens to be a new sketchpad and box of pencils with your name on them inside. Perhaps we should go in and see?”

  Without loosening her grip on his hand, she turns to me. “Can we, Sorcha?”

  “Of course, and be sure to tell Mr. Donnelly thank you.”

  Aidan’s Da rises, his hand still held firmly in Aisling’s. “ Call me Carrick. All of you. You’re family now.”

  With that pronouncement, he leads us inside. Aidan leans close. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

  I shoulder bump him, because we’ve only been here for five minutes. There’s plenty of time for things to go wrong. While Aisling leads the conversation in front of us, I slow until the boys come up beside me.

  “So? What do you think?” I ask.

  “This house is huge,” Carson stage-whispers, his gaze darting around.

  Yes, it is. It’s a bit overwhelming in fact, which is why I keep my attention on them instead of what’s around me. I’ll have Aidan give me a tour when I’m a bit more settled. I glance at Kellen.

  “What about you?”

  He actually hesitates before finally speaking. “Do you think he’ll like us?”

  I open my mouth, but Aidan beats me to it. “I know for a fact he already likes you.”

  “How do you know that?” Kellen asks in an unsure tone.

  “Because I like you, and my Da knows I have excellent taste in friends. Besides, he doesn’t let everyone call him Carrick. Like he said, you’re family now and to us, that means everything.”

  CHAPTER 13

  Aidan

  A little bribery never hurt anyone. It’s a smart strategy. Win the kids over and Sorcha will soon follow. Especially once she sees there’s nothing to worry about. With Da in the lead and still holding onto Aisling’s hand, we head straight for the kitchen. Of course, Nora is more than ready for us.

  She turns at our arrival and wipes her hands on her apron. “Welcome.”

  “Nora, this is Sorcha, Kellen, Carson, and Aisling.” I point at each of them as I say their name. “Nora is the best cook and baker in Dublin.”

  She smirks, because we always give her over-the-top compliments when we want something, but her cheeks still turn pink.

  “It’s lovely to meet you,” Sorcha says.

  “You as well. Aidan has told me so much about the four of you.” Like Da, she gives Sorcha a hug and then faces the kids with a bright smile. “I hope you like biscuits.”

  They all nod.

  “Wonderful. When you get settled, come back and visit me and I’ll make sure you get some.”

  “Thank you so much,” Sorcha tells Nora.

  “Why don’t I show you to your rooms?” Da says. “Then Aidan can bring your bags in.”

  He and Aisling leave first. I glance behind us and the boys still trail. It probably wouldn’t have been as quiet and with far less anxiety permeating the air if it was just the five of us, but it’s best to get the nerves out of the way first with the introduction to Da. Get all the uncomfortableness behind us. I’d told Sorcha that my family knew why we were engaged. Maybe I shouldn’t have. She’s been nothing but worried since. Except I’d also promised not to lie to her again.

  Like I said, bribery doesn’t hurt anything. Which is why Finn is sitting in the common area playing a video game. Ply them all with what they love most. The boys’ eyes are trained on the giant screen. Already they’re salivating. After a quick introduction, we head for Aisling’s new room. On her bed are the drawing supplies Da teased.

  She breaks away from him and rushes over to pick up each item. “Sorcha, look.”

  “I see.” She crosses the room to admire everything.

  “Why don’t I take the boys up to their rooms while you and Aisling explore in here? We’ll be right back.” She may not realize it, but I can sense her emotions and her overwhelm. There are tells.

  Sorcha glances up, relief filling her eyes. “We’ll be here.”

  Da walks with us. As we pass through the common area again, he glances at the twins. “Aidan tells me you two love video games.”

  “Yes, sir,” they answer in unison.

  “You’ll have to show me which is your favorite one of these days.”

  Kellen and Carson stare in awe. As though they’re not quite sure what to make of him. Did Keir never play with them? The one thing about Da is that he has never been too busy for us and always took an interest in the things we enjoyed growing up. Granted, it helped that all the hobbies we enjoyed included fighting, gaming, and shooting.

  We reach the second floor and stop at Kellen’s room first. His gaze bounces between Da and me and his brother.

  “Wait, we get our own room?” It’s as though he can’t believe it.

  Da chuckles and squeezes his shoulder. “If that’s what you’d like. Of course, if you’d rather, we can rearrange things so you can both stay in the same room. I’ll leave it up to you. Either way is perfectly fine with us. But while you’re here, you are each welcome to your own room.”

  Kellen and Carson exchange a look and then turn to Da, nodding their head rapidly.

  “That’s settled, then. And this is Carson’s room.” He gestures to the neighboring door and Carson breaks away from his brother to check out where he’ll be living. “If neither are to your liking, we have a couple more you can choose from that might suit better.”

  I’m glad I can give them this. The home they shared with Sorcha was a wonderful place, but there are so many more opportunities for them here.

  “Alright, you can enjoy your rooms once we bring your stuff in. We don’t want to leave Sorcha or Aisling unattended. Who knows what kind of trouble those two might get into while we’re gone,” I joke and the boys smile.

  Their bodies are less tense and they’re far more animated as we head back down to Finn’s and my wing. Although, I suppose it’s more my wing than Finn’s considering Sorcha and Aisling moved into it. Not that my brother spends much time at home anyway. Just enough to catch a few hours of sleep before he goes into the casino. A lot of times, he doesn’t even come home, but rather sleeps in the penthouse on the top floor we keep when one of us needs a place to crash.

  Da stops us. “I’ll leave you to finish your tour. I hope you’ll join us for dinner this evening.”

  “Thanks, Da.”

  “Thank you…Carrick,” Kellen says, with Carson echoing him.

  Da pivots and takes the hallway toward his office, while the twins and I walk through the common area where Finn remains. Sorcha and Aisling are still in the young girl’s room, where Aisling is pointing out where she’s going to put all her stuff. They glance up at our arrival.

  “How did you like your room?” Sorcha asks the boys.

  “Holy shit, we get our own,” Kellen blurts out and then cringes.

  I bite back my laugh. Sorcha gives him “the look”. “That’s wonderful, but next time, how about we leave off the expletive?”

  “Sorry.”

  She waves him off. I step forward. “I don’t think Finn would mind if you wanted to join his game. And maybe Aisling can take some of her new art supplies into the kitchen and keep Nora company while Sorcha and I get your things from the vehicle?”

  Kellen and Carson are already nodding. Sorcha runs her hand over Aisling’s head. “What do you think, little nightmare? I bet if you asked nicely, Nora will give you a biscuit. No more than one, though. I don’t want you to ruin your dinner.”

  “I liked her. She was nice,” the little girl declares. “I like Carrick, too.”

  As expected, she is the easiest to win over. “I’m glad to hear that.”

  While I get the twins settled in with Finn, who immediately starts speaking gamer with them, and Aisling all set up at the small table in the kitchen, Sorcha and I head outside.

  “Was Da as scary as you thought he’d be?” I tease her when we reach the SUV.

  She fakes an exaggerated laugh. “Very funny. Besides, you know it’s not necessarily your Da that makes me nervous and uncertain. It’s this whole marriage thing. And losing the pub. And taking the kids away from their home. It’s all of it.”

  I let go of the suitcase handle and face her. “You’re not losing the pub. It will still be there whenever you want to go back to visit. It’s an easy weekend trip. You’re just not having to be the one to run it. And so far, the kids are taking the move in stride. You know they’re resilient.”