Page 218 of Keeping 13

“I love them,” he told her, beaming. “They’re so big. I want a dog. Like so, so much, but we’re not allowed to have one because of when my dad got the last—”

“Ollie,” Tadhg said in a warning tone. “Quiet.”

Ollie snapped his mouth shut and blushed.

“What’s this about you kidnapping the Lynch children?” My father chuckled as he strolled into the kitchen, looking amused. However, the instant his eyes landed on the three boys standing next to me, his smile vanished. “Oh dear.”

The moment he stepped into the room, the atmosphere changed and the boys seemed to go on high alert. Ollie and Tadhg both took a step toward me, with Tadhg shifting Ollie behind him. Sean turned in to my chest and wrapped his little arms around my neck, clinging to me.

Tears filled my mother’s eyes and she covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, Lord.”

“Don’t cry, Ma,” I mouthed as I carefully wrapped my arms around Sean’s tiny body and lifted him up. “You’re okay, buddy,” I coaxed. Nodding, he tucked his face in my neck and cupped my cheek with his drool-covered fingers.

Men,I realized. They were fucking terrified of grown men. Gibsie and I weren’t as much of a threat to them because we were the same age as Joey, who all these children seemed to adore—Shannon included. Disgust filled my body at a rapid rate, making it hard to function. “Lads,” I said, dragging myself back to the present. “This is my da—John.” I looked to my mother for help, but she looked just as stumped as I was. “He’s a…” I scrambled for the words I needed to put these kids at ease. Clearing my throat, I added, “He’s a big eejit, lads, but he’s completely harmless.”

Their eyes widened in shock as if they couldn’t believe what I had just said.

“That’s right,” Mam said, catching on quickly. Taking my father by the hand, she led him over to the island and shoved him down on a stool so he wasn’t so intimidating standing at his full six-foot-two height. “He’s our fool, aren’t you, John?” she added, ruffling his hair. “A big old softie.”

“Hi, John,” Ollie said, eyeing my father warily and offering him a small wave. “I’m Ollie.”

“Hello, Ollie,” Dad replied, smiling at the middle Lynch boy. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Did you hear that, Tadhg,” Ollie said, jabbing Tadhg in the ribs. “He talks the same as us.”

“Becausehe’sfromCork,” Tadhg muttered, shaking his head. “Obviously.”

“Hello, Tadhg,” Dad added. “How are you doing?”

“Fine,” Tadhg replied warily. “Thanks.”

Dad smiled. “So, what did Johnny do, lads?”

“He took us to McDonald’s,” Ollie blurted out. “Two times.”

“Twice,” Tadhg corrected with a heavy sigh. “Saytwice, Ollie.”

“And the playground,” Ollie continued, unperturbed. “And we met that weird guy over there—” He paused to point at Gibsie. “Well, Tadhg says he’s weird. I think so, too, but he’s also kind of nice.” Grinning, he added, “He gave me a fiver.”

“Thanks, kid,” Gibsie chuckled. “I think you’re kind of nice, too.”

“Oh, so you boys aren’t hungry?” Mam asked as she opened the fridge. “Not even for some.…” She let her words trail off as she pulled a huge chocolate cake from the fridge. “Dessert?”

“Whoa,” Ollie gasped, moving straight for her, all fears of my father forgotten now that there was cake involved. “We’re allowed to have some, Dellie?”

“Edel,” Tadhg muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Not Dellie.”

“Only the three biggest pieces,” Mam replied, making her eyes go all wide with fake excitement. “How does that sound?”

Ollie nodded eagerly. “It was Tadhg’s birthday last month and he didn’t get a cake. He loves chocolate, don’t you, Tadhg?”

“It’s okay,” Tadhg mumbled, edging closer. “I guess.”

“Well, come over here with me and we’ll cut it up,” Mam announced, tone cheerful, but eyes watering. “And I’ll get some ice cream to go with it.”

“Oh my god!” Ollie exclaimed, trailing after my mother. “Your mam is the best, Johnny.”

“And you,” Mam said as she set the cake down on the counter and lifted Ollie onto a stool, “remind me just of your sister.” Stroking his hair, she smiled down at him. “And you are just as sweet.”

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