Page 76 of Homeport

“Um, yes.” In a vague and cautious manner, Miranda thought.

“Center your life, children do. Give you real purpose, and celebrate the love that brings a man and woman together.” Maureen passed a basket of irresistible bread to Miranda.

“I’m sure you’re right.”

“Take my Mary Jo.”

And Miranda was treated to the virtues of her eldest daughter, who owned a boutique in Manhattan, and had three children.

Then there was Bridgit, who’d taken a sabbatical from a career in publishing in order to stay at home with her baby daughter.

“You must be very proud of them.”

“They’re good kids. Educated.” She beamed at Ryan as she said it. “All my children went to college. Patrick’s a freshman. He knows all about computers.”

“Really.” It seemed a much safer topic, so Miranda smiled at him. “It’s a fascinating field.”

“It’s like playing games for a living. Oh, Ry, I’ve got some of the data you asked me to access.”

“Great.”

“What data?” Colleen stopped eyeing Miranda and narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Ryan.

“Just cleaning up a little business, baby.” He gave her hand a casual squeeze. “Mama, you outdid yourself tonight.”

“Don’t change the subject, Ryan.”

“Colleen.” Maureen’s voice was mild, with honed steel beneath. “We have company. Help me clear the table. I made tiramisu, your favorite, Ry.”

“We’re going to discuss this,” Colleen said between her teeth, but rose obediently to clear plates.

“Let me help.” Miranda started to rise and was waved back by her hostess.

“Guests don’t clear. You sit.”

“Don’t worry about Colleen,” Patrick said the moment she was out of earshot. “We’ll handle her.”

“Shut up, Patrick.” Though Ryan smiled over at Miranda, she caught a glint of discomfort in his eyes. “I don’t think we mentioned what Colleen does.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“She’s a cop.” With a sigh, he rose. “I’ll give them a hand with the coffee.”

“Oh, wonderful.” Blindly, Miranda reached for her wine.

She kept out of the way, obeying the house rules by retiring to the living room after coffee and dessert. Since Giorgio was busy grilling her on what she did, why she wasn’t married, her mind was well engaged. No one seemed bothered by the angry words coming out of the kitchen.

When Colleen stormed out, Patrick only rolled his eyes. “Here she goes again.”

“You promised, Ry. You gave your word.”

“I’m keeping it.” Obviously frustrated, he dragged a hand through his hair. “I’m just finishing what I started, baby. Then it’s done.”

“And what does she have to do with it?” She jabbed a finger at Miranda.

“Colleen, it’s not polite to point,” Giorgio told her.

“Oh hell.” And tossing something uncomplimentary in Italian over her shoulder, Colleen strode out of the house.

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