Page 159 of Dust to Dust

While Quinn got our luggage, he nudged me forward to go on to the front door. Before I could make it up the path, Orla Kavanaugh came to greet me. “Hi, it’s good to see you again. Or I should say in person,” I began before she threw her arms around me and swept me into a warm embrace.

Tears pricked the back of my eyelids at the intensity of the emotions swirling through me. Hugging her was like receiving one of my own mother’s hugs. I’d missed them so very much in the last two years.

When she pulled away, there were tears in her eyes. “Don’t you look like Cliodna herself,” she mused.

I smiled. “That’s what Quinn calls me.”

She cupped my face with her hands. “I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me to see my son so happy.”

“But he came to you so broken-hearted.”

“Aye, he did. But that’s in the past. The look on his face just now as he stepped out of the car warmed me from head to toe.” She winked at me. “It was pure bliss etched on his face.”

“I hate that I hurt him. I want nothing more than to make him happy for the rest of my life.”

“Aye, you have and you will continue to, sweet girl.” She wagged a finger at me. “Just don’t let him walk all over you.”

I laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”

“Good. I’m glad to see you’re going to be as strong as Caterina when it comes to my sons.”

At that moment, Quinn appeared with our suitcases. “Let me guess. You’re talking absolute shite about me already.”

“We’re doing no such thing,” Orla huffed.

“You haven’t told her to keep a firm hand on me?” he mused.

“Perhaps,” she replied while winking at me.

“I don’t mind admitting Isla has me wrapped around her little finger and leads me around by the balls.”

My eyes widened in horror. “Quinn!” I admonished.

He merely chuckled before bestowing a kiss on my cheek. “Come on. Let’s get inside.”

“Are you hungry?” Orla asked.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Starved,” Quinn replied.

“I made your favorite, Quinn.”

His eyes rolled back in his head. “I can’t wait.”

She smiled before turning to me. “I forgot to check in to see how yours turned out.”

Quinn snorted while I frowned. “It was terrible.”

“Oh no,” she replied while elbowing Quinn.

“You’re going to have to teach me how. I made such a mess of your recipe.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll learn.”

“I hope so.”

Orla slid her arm around my waist as we started in the house. “I hear you're ascientist.”

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