Page 58 of The Eraser

"It'll all be okay," I assure him.

"It will be." Maverick grins. "If they upset you, Stephen will lose his shit."

"Eat," I tell him, knowing he's not helping matters.

My stomach is filled with dread as we continue to eat. God, I'm not looking forward to this.

* * *

Maverick walks ahead of us as we walk toward Uncle Jer's house. Stephen keeps his arm tight around my waist. I have a feeling he's not going to let me out of his sight anytime soon. "They're watching," I say, noting the curtains twitching.

"Nicola should be on the neighborhood watch or something," Stephen murmurs.

"She already is," I quip. "That woman needs to know everyone's business." Ever since I was little, it's always been the same. She loves to be involved in everything and know what's going on. I think it's what happens when you're born in a small village. Mam, Nicola, and Jer weren't born and raised in Dublin. They were raised on the outskirts, in a small village where everyone knew everyone's business. Nicola never grew out of that mentality. Of course, it's different if it's people wanting to know about her family.

"Calm down, baby, it's going to be fine," he assures me. "You're tense as a fucking bow."

I sigh. "I know, but I'm just worried about what they're going to say." I know they'll be pissed that we're married, and they weren't invited.

"Nothing," he grunts.

"Jessica," I hear Uncle Eric's deep voice greet me. "How are you, sweetheart?"

I move forward, fully intent on giving him a hug, but Stephen's hand clamps around my waist and he keeps me close. "Eric," Stephen says with a nod.

"Boy," Eric sighs, "I'm not going to harm her. She's my niece. I haven't seen her in a while."

My husband shrugs. "That's your fault, not mine."

Eric's lips twitch. He's used to Stephen and how intense he can be, but I'm not sure anyone could have predicted him being this protective. "Alright, son, come on in. The women are dying to see you both."

I manage to pull out of Stephen's embrace and walk toward Uncle Eric. "Hey," I say softly as he envelops me in a hug.

"Hey, Jess," he says and quickly pulls back. His gaze moves to my hand. "Nice rock. I guess we've missed a lot."

I step backward and I'm immediately hauled into Stephen's embrace. "Yeah, a lot has happened."

He nods. "Alright then," he says with a wicked grin. "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"

Stephen takes my hand and leads me into the house.

"Oh my god, where have you been?" Callie asks the second she sees him. "I've been worried sick, Stephen. You're not answering my calls. What the hell?"

"Mo ghrá," Denis Gallagher calls out. "Let the man into the room before you pounce on him and maybe let him speak?" There's humor in his voice and I feel a little relieved.

"What's happened?" Nicola asks. "And why are you holding on to Jess and not letting her go?"

"Nic," Eric says from behind me. "You may want to ease up. We've missed a lot. Look at Jessie's finger."

Just like that, everyone's gaze goes to my finger, where it's hard to miss the wedding rings.

"You're married?" Callie asks, her brows practically hitting her hairline. "To who?"

"Mo ghrá," Denis says, and this time I can't stop the smile when Callie's gaze goes from my hand to Stephen’s. "It's obvious who she married. Judging by the pissed off look on Maguire's face, I'd say he's not happy about being summoned."

"Not at fucking all. So what's going on?" Stephen grunts, not being the least bit accommodating.

"I want to know what the hell is going on," Nicola shouts. "She's eighteen, Stephen. Too damn young for you. What the hell do you think you're playing at?"

---