Page 89 of Tender Temptation

We walk up to the door and before Cillian can knock, it swings open. Connor stands there with a wide grin, holding sleeping Teagan in his arms. “Look who finally decided to show up!” Connor teases as he pulls Cillian into a one-armed hug. “We were starting to think you got lost.”

“Ha ha, very funny.” Cillian rolls his eyes but smiles as he kisses Teagan on the head. She peers up sleepily. “How’s wee Teagan?”

“Perfect,” Connor says proudly, handing her to my man. “Yer niece is a handful but I like beinga girl dad.”

Watching Cillian cradle his niece with such tenderness sends a pang of longing through me. I can’t wait for us to have a child. The way he gently rocks her, his eyes full of love, makes my heart ache in the best way possible.

Ronni appears behind him, looking a bit frazzled and tired but glowing with happiness. “You’re just in time for the third season premiere.”

“Congratulations, Ronni! How amazing.” I’m genuinely thrilled for her. “We missed you while you were filming.”

“Well, one more season to go.” She shakes her head, smiling. “We’re going out with a bang. Next summer we’re all spending the summer with the band in Europe. All the wives. All the kids. It’ll be mayhem. I can’t wait.”

As we move farther into the house, Rory, Brennan, Seamus, Liam, and Padraig are gathered around the television. The Seahawks are having yet another fourth-quarter comeback. Cillian joins them and I move along to the kitchen.

I find Maureen bustling around, checking on various dishes and making sure everything is perfect. The aroma of roasted chicken and fresh herbs fills the air, making my mouth water. I’m absolutely starving.

“Need any help, Maureen?” I step up beside her, glancing around to see if there’s anything to graze on.

“Oh, Ivy, dear, how wonderful, I can always use a spare set of hands, so I can.” She hands me a bowl ofboiled potatoes and a masher. “Smash those up, the milk is heating on the stove. “Now tell me, because I’ve been wondering, how are things with your dad?”

I never get sick of her Irish lilt. “It’s a work in progress. He hasn’t accepted my relationship with Cillian yet, which breaks my heart.”

“Aye. My dad was a stubborn sod too.“ She hands me a couple of sticks of butter for the potatoes.

“At least he’s still in remission. We may not be speaking, but I want him to be healthy again.” I put a bit of elbow grease into the mashed potatoes until they’re smooth, buttery, and creamy. Maureen has been teaching me how to cook, and if I could eat these mashed potatoes every day and not be three hundred pounds, I would.

Maureen gives me a sympathetic smile. “Family can be complicated, but it’s worth the effort. Rory and I have been through sheer madness and we’ve managed to make it through. Jay-sus, with the accident, his drinking, and then health scares, we got through it all. Don’t get me started on our boys. They’ve all had their own trials and tribulations.”

“Oh, Cillian has told me stories.” I laugh.

She takes the potatoes from me and hands me a block of cheese and a grater. “Next task.”

“Put me to work. It makes me happy.” I begin shredding the cheddar.

Wecontinue preparing dinner and as usual, our conversation flows easily. Maureen’s unconditional acceptance of me as part of the McGloughlin family has meant the world to me. Especially considering she wasn’t a fan of me lying to Cillian and didn’t hesitate to scold me about doing it again. I love this big, loud family and I want Cillian and I to have the same thing.

Sooner rather than later.

“Can you go let the folks know dinner is ready?” Maureen takes the chickens out of the oven. “It’s gone quiet in there, the game must be over.”

I make the rounds but can’t find Cillian or Rory. While the rest of the family gets seated, I hunt for them in all the usual places. Finally, I locate them out back. They’re deep in conversation, leaning against the railing of the deck overlooking the sprawling garden.

“We finished the Bright construction job this week. Two months ahead of schedule, which means a significant bonus.” Rory has his arms crossed. “Stan let me know they’re going with someone else for the Tacoma project. He wasn’t open to meet with you, Kill. I’m sorry, I tried.”

I don’t mean to eavesdrop but I can’t help it. It makes me sad my dad is still being petty.

Cillian nods, not surprised. “I figured as much. It’s unfortunate, but we’ve got a ton of work lined upso we won’t miss it. Ivy’s gotten us organized, we’re going to scale on similar projects up and down the coast.”

“Excellent.” Rory claps a hand on his son’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you both for getting through a tough time.”

“Thanks, Da.” Cillian turns and I step out from the doorway. “Hey, babe.” A smile spreads across his face.

I give Rory a hug. “Dinner’s ready.”

“Aye, well, let’s get inside.” Rory leaves us in the dust.

We gather around the table and the usual buzz of chatter fills the air. Maureen always prepares more than enough for the entire family. As we dig into the food spread out on the table, the lively banter I look forward to each week begins.

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