“Whatchya thinkin’ about?”
She jumped and spun toward the door. “Speak of the devil.”
Finn shut the door and grinned. “You were havin’ dirty thoughts. Look at you, your cheeks are all flushed and your eyes are dark.” He stepped in front of her and ran his finger inside the seam of her bodice. “You look sexy as sin in this dress.”
She glanced at his kilt. “You naked under all that plaid?”
“But of course.”
Their eyes met and he softly kissed her, his hand cupping her belly. “I can’t believe we’re having another one.”
She sighed happily. “Me neither. The kids don’t know yet.”
“Little buggers.”
She slid her arms around his waist and his dress jacket pulled tight. “Shouldn’t you be with the guys?”
“I wanted to check on my lady. I brought you something.” He held up a box.
“Finn… what is it?”
“Nothing much. Open it.”
Lifting the lid she gasped. “You got me sneakers.” They were flats laced with McCullough tartan. “I love them.”
“I figured you would.”
She glanced at the heels in the corner and bit her lip. “But the other ones are so pretty.”
“Well, wear the heels and then when your feet hurt you’ll have a backup. But I want the heels back on for tonight. Aunt Colleen offered to keep the kids overnight.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “Locusts do nice things sometimes.”
She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You know I really love your family.”
“I know.” He turned and caught her mouth. His lips twisted over hers, pulling and coaxing her closer. His hand slid to her ass and squeezed. “Do we have time—”
“No. My hair’s all done and I’m not messing it up. For once I’m not covered in paint or puke or poop and I plan to stay pretty for at least a few hours.”
“You’re always pretty, Philly. Always.”
Her heart warmed as she smirked, but she wasn’t giving in—not yet. “You’ll just have to wait until tonight.”
“Gah, you’re rotten.”
“I’ll make the wait worth your while.”
“Yeah?”
She turned and shot a promising glance over her shoulder. “Yeah.”
“There’s a handsome man,” Ashlynn said as she pinned Nate’s kilt and adjusted his clip on bowtie. She stood and brushed the wrinkles from her gown, so naturally beautiful she still took Kelly’s breath away.
He entered the room and grinned at his son. “Look at you, my little man.”
“Daddy, we match!” Nate called.
Ashlynn turned, her smile full of affection. “He looks so cute.”
Kelly smiled. “Your dad’s here, Ash. He’s going to take Nate over to the lake.”
“Okay. I have a basket of toys to keep him occupied during the ceremony. Let me get it.”
Kelly caught her arm and kissed her. She leaned into him and moaned as he pulled away. “You look beautiful.”
She glanced down at her dress and fidgeted with her bust line. “My boobs are bursting out at the seams.”
He grinned. “I like it.” He gazed hungrily at her body. “Makes a man want some cobbler.”
She playfully pushed him away. “You already had some.”
“That was this morning. Cobbler for breakfast. Cobbler for lunch. Cobbler for dinner.”
“Well, the bakery’s closed until after the party, mister.”
He followed her to the kitchen where she gave Roy instructions for Nate. Once her father left and they were alone, he caught her in his arms and kissed her again. “Kelly, we’re going to be late.”
“We’ve got plenty of time.”
Her hair, held in a simple headband, filled his fingers. “Wherever you go…”
“I’ll go,” she finished, the familiar line, something they’d shared since the beginning.
“And where ever you stay…”
“I’ll stay,” she whispered, meeting his gaze with understanding.
“Stay with me a few minutes longer, Ash. Let me enjoy my wife before the day takes off.”
She pressed her cheek to his chest and sighed happily. “Okay.”
His fingers found the zipper at the back of her dress and slowly lowered it. The gown fell in a swish of crinoline and satin to the floor and she stepped out, scooping it off the ground and laying in on the kitchen chair.
“God, you’re beautiful.”
“So are you,” she whispered.
He removed his jacket and set it on the back of the chair. Slowly, he stalked her, not stopping until he had her up against the wall, his mouth trailing kisses over her collarbone and sending goose bumps up her arms. “I love you, Ash.” His hand pressed softy to her belly where she was just starting to show. “I love our life.”
“I love you too, Kelly.”
Though they had somewhere to be, he would not rush. Perhaps it was the significance of the day, or perhaps it was the soft way she’d dressed their son, with such love and affection. All he knew was that he wanted her and intended to have her to himself a little longer before they met up with the others.
His hands cupped and caressed her and soon he was filling her, right there on the floor of the kitchen. She clung to him, so responsive and true. In all of his life, he’d never imagined a bond as honest and raw as theirs could exist.
What they shared was genuine. It was love and it was without condition. When she looked at him, she still seemed to see the parts of his soul the rest of the world missed. And not a day passed that he didn’t count his blessings, her and Nate among the greatest of them all.
“This is ridiculous.”
Alec chuckled. “I’m a Brit dressed as an Irish clansman. Do you care to dispute which of us looks the most preposterous?”
Sheilagh turned and huffed, her arms handing on either side of her rounded belly. “I need you to lace me up. I’m the only girl that needed an adjustable back. I feel like a heifer.”
“Turn around.” He laced the bodice and tied a small bow. “This dress is rather Victorian.”
She wobbled to the chair and sat with a huff. “Can you get my slippers?”
He glanced at the dainty shoes in the box. “Aren’t you wearing these heels, love?”
Yanking up the gown she kicked out a foot. “Look at my feet, Alec. Look at them! I’m hideous and my ankles look like Pop-eye’s arms.”
He chuckled. “I’ll get the slippers.”
When he returned, he found her sulking in the chair. “Sheilagh, love, you’re going to ruin your makeup.”
“Fuck my makeup.” Her eyes turned on him, showing signs of fear he hadn’t seen there in some time. “Alec, I’m scared.”
He stilled as he skated her slipper over her toes and secured the heel. “What do you have to be frightened of?”
“By the end of the week I’m going to be a mum. Either that or I’m carrying some alien being that has set up base in my uterus.”
He chuckled. “You’ll be a fine mum, Sheilagh. Look at how much your nieces and nephews adore you.”
“I’m not like Kate. She got all my mum’s maternal genes. I got the crazy parts.”
He tipped his head in consideration. “Well, Tristan’s a rather calm gent on most days. His DNA will balance everything out.”
She met his gaze and gave a sad smile. “Sometimes I still wish it was you and me in here,” she whispered, touching her belly.
“I know, but look at the incredible gift you’re able to share this way. Sheilagh, I’m far past the age of tackle football and Cub Scout hikes. Our child will have three strong men in its life and one incredibly resilient mum. I’m grateful we can give him or her such a loving family. That baby will belong to all of us, he will have your fiery spirit and Tristan’s easy manner, my wit and Luke’s determination. Don’t underestimate nurture’s power over nature. I’m just as much a father to this child as the othe
rs.”
She sighed. “What if my water breaks right in the middle of everything?”
“Then we go to the hospital and welcome our child into the world.”
Her lips pursed. “You’re so calm about all of this.”
“I’ve been through this before, don’t forget. You’ll be fine, love. Have a little faith in you.” He frowned. “Speaking of…Where is Wes?”
She grinned. “Oh, I introduced him to Becca’s friend Carla.”
His eyes went wide. “The crazy one?”
“She’s harmless.”
“Sheilagh, Wes has a very low tolerance for—”
“He needs to get laid, Alec, that’s all. Carla will keep him occupied while he’s here.”
He sighed. He’d be lying if he denied finding some amusement from the idea of crazy Carla getting his son to loosen up. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Now help me out of this chair. I have to pee before we leave.”
He helped her up, but held onto her hand. When she turned, he kissed her. “Sometimes I consider our life here and wonder how I survived without you all those years. I’m addicted to your madness, Sheilagh.”
She grinned. “It’s good stuff. My mum always said it’s the craziness that keeps us sane. We’ve stocked up.”
He laughed. “I’ve noticed. Go on and finish up. I’ll track down Wes and the other one.”
He searched downstairs for his son, but didn’t find him. “Wes?”
There was a clatter in the kitchen and he turned. Carla spun away from his son and quickly wiped away her smudged lipstick. “Hey, Mr…Alec.”
Wes’s hair was sticking out every which way and he looked like he’d been through the wringer. “Hey, Dad.”
I’ll be damned. “Well…” There was really nothing he could say. “Will you be driving to the lake with us?”
“Uh…no, I think Carla and I will drive separately.”
He understood immediately that this little rendezvous was far from over. It actually pleased him to see his son enjoying himself for a change. “Suit yourself. The ceremony starts in less than an hour.”
“We’ll see you there.”
He grinned as he took the steps to check on his wife. The little vixen was right.
Luke broke into a sweat as he tried for the third time to adjust his tie.
“Having trouble?”
He sighed and faced Tristan. “Yes.” His gaze traveled down his husband’s body. “Jesus…”
Tristan grinned and quietly tied his bowtie, the scent of his soap and aftershave climbing into Luke like a potent aphrodisiac.
“I love seeing you dressed like this. Only thing better is you in a baseball uniform.”
He chuckled and adjusted the knot. “Good?”
Tristan nodded. “Good.” His hand brushed down his chest. “You ready?”
“Yeah. I just have to get my speech.”
“Already got it.” He patted his sporran.
Luke leaned forward and kissed him. “What would I do without you?”
“Plenty, but you’d be miserable.”
He chuckled. “So true. Shall we go check on Mum?”
Tristan grabbed his hand and took a moment to admire their matching wedding rings. “Will we do this in forty years? Renew our vows?”
A familiar peace washed over him, removing some of his nervous tension. “We can do it every year, cowboy. My loves far from fading.”
Tristan stepped close, wrapping his arms around him and resting his head on Luke’s shoulder. They swayed as if dancing in the silence. “Sometimes I think about how hard you fought this,” he whispered.
Luke’s hand flattened on his back. “There was no stopping the things you made me feel.”
“Same.”
Luke confessed a large source of his stress. “I’m worried about Sheilagh. Today’s going to be a lot for her.”
Tristan’s gaze met his. “Do you think she’s going to go into labor?”
“There’s a good chance.”
He laughed quietly. “We could be fathers by the end of the day.”
“I know. It’s surreal.”
“Well, then we better get started. There’s a lot to get done today.”
Sliding his hand into Tristan’s, they shut out the lights and made their way to the big house. Sheilagh and Alec were locking up as they stepped onto the drive.
“Are you taking Mum?” his sister asked.
Luke nodded. “You look beautiful, Devil.”
She blushed. “Thank you.” With a sigh, she said, “You boys look quite dashing as well.”
They glanced at Alec and snorted. “How you holdin’ up, Alec?” Tristan called.
“Bloody Christ, I’m in a skirt. I feel almost as ridiculous as a Texan might.”
“It’s not about the kilt, it’s about what’s underneath,” Tristan called. “This Texan’s doing just fine.”
Alec held the door for Sheilagh and gave them the finger.
“Come on,” Tristan said, pulling Luke toward the big house.
Maureen turned and slowly faced the mirror. “Oh, my…”
“Is good, yes?” Italian Mary adjusted a few of the trimmings making up the lace bodice of her gown and fit the veil to Maureen’s hair.
“It’s magnificent. Thank you, Mary.”
She nodded, her red lips hiding a satisfied smile. “I’ll go get your mother.”
Maureen’s gaze vainly returned to her reflection. She grinned at her painted nails. Never in her life had she felt so delicately feminine.
“This way, Mary, watch your step.” Italian Mary ushered Maureen’s mother into the room.
“Hello, Mum.” She held her breath, waiting for any signs of recognition.
Her mother sat in the rocker and Italian Mary excused herself. Maureen smiled sadly. “You have a wonderful friend in Mary, Mum. I hope you realized that at some point.”
Her mother stared blankly ahead as Maureen gathered her full skirt and crouched beside her rocker. “Mum… I wish you understood what was happening today. Your grandchildren worked so hard to make this nice for Frank and I.” Her throat tightened as she blinked. “They’ve really thought of everything. My only wish would be that you could share in the happiness with us.”
Her mother’s fingers slowly ran over the lace trimming at her wrist. “You’re a pretty lassie.”
Maureen laughed, glad to hear her speak, but heartbroken with the disconnect of her mother’s memories. “I wish Daddy was here.”
“There’s going to be a party,” her mother said.
“Yes, Mum, a splendid party full of love and family. I’ll be the bride and this time all of my loved ones will be there.” She sighed. “Maybe even some looking down from heaven.”
“Maureen?” Rosemarie stepped into the room. “It’s time. Luke and Tristan are ready to drive you to the lake.”
She kissed her mother’s cheek and stood. “I love you, Mum.”
Her mother’s hand tightened on hers. “You remind me of a woman I once knew.”
Sucking back her tears, she whispered, “You remind me of the same.”
“Come on, Mum,” Rosemarie softly said, carefully guiding their mother by her shoulders. “Colleen’s going to drive you to the lake.”
Taking a quiet moment to collect herself, Maureen glanced around the room and collected her bouquet. On second thought, she reached into her satin bag and pulled out the flask Sheilagh had given her, taking a steady sip of the good stuff.
“Hoo… just as Liberace said, bottoms up.” She twisted the cap on and carefully took the stairs.
Luke and Tristan’s voices spoke softly and then quieted as she stepped into the den. “Well…I’m ready,” she said.
“Oh, Maureen…” Tristan stood. Luke slowly stood as well, his face a blank look of awe.
“Do I look all right?”
“Mum…” Luke noticeably swallowed. “You look stunning.”
Her smile grew. “I
feel rather pretty in all this fluff and lace. Look, the girls even painted my nails. And I have heels on!” She kicked out her foot to show off her green satin kitten heels.
“You don’t look old enough to be celebrating your fortieth wedding anniversary, Maureen.”
“Oh, aren’t you sweet, Tristan. Keep tellin’ lies and you’ll get a black spot on your tongue. What’s say we have a toast before we go?”
“Are you sure that’s wise, Mum? The ceremony starts in twenty minutes.”
“Then we better hurry. Tristan, get my good stuff under the sink next to the Windex. I need to fill up my flask anyway.”
“Mum, are you already drinking?” Luke asked with a look of concern.
“I may have been born an O’Leahey, but I’m a McCullough by injection. It’s my wedding day. Of course I’m drinking!”
Tristan poured three glasses and they held them together. “To Maureen and Frank, may they know another forty years of happiness. Salute.”
They tipped the drinks back and hollered as the burning whiskey hit their bellies. “Let’s do this,” she said with a grin. “It’s my first real wedding and I don’t want to be late.”
Bray smiled as he left Hunter at the piano and the soft tune of Wild Horses echoed across the lake. “He’s all set.”
Becca smiled, pride shining in her eyes as she watched her son play. “Look how happy he is.”
Bray pulled her close, fitting her small body against his front and resting his chin on her shoulder as he held her hips. “It’s amazing how far he’s come, how far we’ve all come.”
Her fingers closed over his, pulling his palm to her belly. “It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you’re surrounded by such love, how small the fears become.”
His lips pressed to her pulse. “Thank you.”
“For?”
“Letting me love you, giving me a family to care for, moving to the mountain with me, and always supporting my dreams.”
She turned and wreathed her arms around his neck. “The mountain is home, Braydon. No other place could hold this much magic. Look around. Look at your incredible family and how they all pulled together to do this for your parents. It’s like living in a love story, but with more cursing and too many sex jokes.”