Page 93 of Tender Temptation

I never get tired of the three of us being surrounded by family.

Cillian pulls up to his parents’ house. The familiar sight of the gorgeous four-story craftsman fills me with warm fuzzies. The two of us gather Forrest’s diaper bag and essentials, Cillian hauls everything up the stairs as I follow with our son cradled in my arms. We’re late, as usual, but we have good reason.

A quick wink and a kiss later, Cillian opens thefront door.

“Welcome, lovebirds!” Rory’s booming voice greets us the second we step inside. He takes one look at Forrest and his face lights up. He wiggles his finger on my baby’s nose. “Jaysus, there’s my wee man!”

“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.” I give my mom a warm hug and then stiffly hug my dad.

It’s been a healing journey with me and my father, but the fact my parents regularly join us at the McGloughlin family dinners is definitely progress. Of course, spending time with his grandson helps too.

Dad’s gruff demeanor melts a bit whenever he sees Forrest. He gently pushes his finger into Forrest’s tiny hand and watches in awe as my son clings to it. Dad smiles up at me. The moment is brief but significant. A silent acknowledgment of our efforts to mend our relationship.

My mom peers over my shoulder and kisses my cheek. “It’s good to see you, baby boy,” she coos as she reaches for Forrest. “Aren’t you my beautiful grandson. Aren’t you the sweetest boy.” She looks at me “Can I take him?”

“Of course, Mom.” I hand him to her. My heart swells with pure joy. Watching my son cradled in her arms, surrounded by love, fills me with a happiness I’ve longed for ever since my brother died.

This is the family I remember fondly. One I wanted for myself, and now I have it—andso does my son.

Cillian wraps his arms around me and kisses my head then lowers his lips to my ear. “I love seeing you happy, baby.”

“You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted.” I fold my hands over his and lean back into his embrace.

Maureen bustles over, her apron still on from preparing dinner, which is set out on the dining room table. “Let me take him, Allison. You need a break, so you do.”

My mom reluctantly hands Forrest to her and Maureen snuggles him tightly against her chest. It’s funny how everyone competes for my newborn’s attention. I’m here for it. The more love the better.

As usual, the dining table is laden with a feast that could rival any holiday spread. Tonight it’s roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dozen other dishes. As we sit down, the banter begins. Dinner is lively, as always. Everyone’s in high spirits, and the room buzzes with laughter and conversation.

Maureen is the most doting grandmother, she’s reluctant to hand Forrest over to anyone else.

Rory teases her gently, “Now, Maureen, don’t be greedy with the wee lad.”

“Grandparents’ privilege, Rory.” She grins down at Forrest, whom she rocks gently.

Brennan, Cillian’s only other brother here tonight, bounds down the stairs and joins us in the dining room, which is already filled with laughter and chatter.

“Sorry, folks, this financing is killing me.” His smile is strained.

Cillian’s been worried about him. Ordinarily, they hang out all the time but for the past year, Brennan is in Silicon Valley more than he’s in Seattle. This financing round never seems to end.

“Ivy has a great mind for numbers,” my dad says before he devours a fork full of roast beef.

“Aye.” Rory nods. “She’s brilliant. I can’t get over how much she’s done for McGloughlin Construction.”

As I listen to Cillian and my father discuss my so-called attributes, I can’t ignore the slight underlying tension lingering between our families.

The fallout from Dad discovering our relationship over a year ago still lingers. Rory stepped in and finished the Seattle headquarters in record time, but my dad hired a rival construction company for the Tacoma expansion.

I guess, despite the progress we’ve made, my dad’s vindictiveness casts lingering shadows. Not that it’s affected McGloughlin Construction in the slightest. My work with Cillian’s company has helped streamline operations. He’s madesome key hires who have helped propel the company forward and it’s doing better than ever.

Meanwhile, I’ve heard through the grapevine, my father’s Tacoma project still is months behind schedule.

“You know.” Rory nudges my dad. “Connor and Ronni have invited us to Ireland for Christmas. Why don’t you two come too?”

“We should, Stan.” My mom claps her hands.

“If Cillian would ever make an honest woman out of my little girl, I might consider it.” Dad stabs his roast beef, but his lips curl up in a smirk.

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