Page 56 of Back in the Saddle

Mary smiled her fake, placid smile. “Yes, yes. I meant at home.”

Everyone knew she said it to save herself. Ciaron continued to the kitchen.

“I’ll never understand what’s so good about Australia,” Mary whispered loudly as he walked away.

Ronan’s wife stared at me wide eyed. I turned my attention to the boys.

Because she didn’t get the reaction she wanted, she added, “He could have had his pick of good Irish women here, found one that would fit in better.” She snickered. “I’m sure he’ll come home soon. He’ll realise his mistake.”

I closed my eyes. That woman was a complete bitch. Only five days left before we went back home, and I couldn’t wait.

Isabelle shifted in her seat,bringing my attention back to her. “Well, we figured if Dad had to spend a lot of time with Mamo, it would turn him off wanting to go back to Ireland.”

They were more cunning than I gave them credit for. I didn’t tell her that their plan for us to get back together was working. Ciaron and I hadn’t discussed further about whether we were going to tell Callum and Isabelle that we were trying to reconcile.I didn’t want to tell her until we agreed. It wasn’t a good idea to play with their feelings.

“Nice plan,” I said. “But I think Mamo is going to get suspicious if we don’t do something.”

“I guess.”

I rested my hand on her leg, hoping she would find it reassuring. She didn’t move away.

“Maybe we can do something small with us and some close friends. What do you think?”

“Yeah. OK.”

“We can have it in the staff dining room. Maybe order some pizzas.”

She nodded. “That will make it easy. Dad won’t have to spend all day cooking.”

And it would be cheaper. We didn’t have to buy from the most expensive range of pizzas; the value range would suffice.

“Nanna said she would help pay as part of your birthday present.”

Isabelle’s shoulders relaxed. I hated knowing that she was thinking of the expense.

“It will be easy to clean up too,” I said. “Is there anyone you want to invite? Nanna has invited vet Dan for their first date.”

Isabelle giggled. “He told me yesterday that for every date he gets, he will pay me a day while on work experience.”

I rolled my eyes. And held my laughter in. I can’t believe he was bribing Isabelle to set him up with Mum. “Let’s get them through this one first, huh?”

“At least that’s one paid day,” she said.

I glanced at Ciaron. He was watching us. My stomach lifted when he gave me a smile. How on earth was I going to hide my feelings from the kids when I got giddy from a smile?

I turned back to Isabelle. “Would you like a theme for your party?”

Her mouth dropped open. “Should I?”

“You don’t need to. It’s been so long since we organised something together. I wasn’t sure what you would want.”

She bit her lip.

I kept my hand on her leg. “I’m sorry that I haven’t been here for you when you needed me.”

She gave a small shrug, but I could tell she was holding back tears. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“I can’t fix what’s happened, but I can try to be a better mum.”

---