Page 18 of Knot that Simple

Everyone knew each other, talking amongst themselves, and I felt too awkward to intrude on their conversations.

Finally, someone spotted me and made a beeline to me. The second she was close enough, I knew she had to be related to Lorcan. I'd recognize those icy blue eyes anywhere.

“I wanted to introduce myself.” She shook my hand, covering mine with both of hers. “I’m Lorcan’s mother, Clodagh.”

Oh. I’d never been introduced to a mother before, and my first time, I ended up with an odd situation. Her son was only one of the three men I was getting with. He didn't seem particularly excited to be with me, refusing my kiss and making me feel like an idiot in front of the rest of his pack.

Yet, I wanted her to like me. I wanted her to look at me and think Lorcan was lucky.

Differently from her son, Clodagh looked kind, no frown adorning her features. She looked to be in her seventies, with short grey hair and dressed in a thick, bottle green sweater.

“Hi, I’m Gabriela, and this is Alice.”

Her smile turned up a notch when she looked down at my child. “I was wondering if I could spend a little time with you, Alice.”

Instinctively, I pressed a hand on my daughter’s shoulder. I never trusted a soul with Alice. Clodagh’s eyes followed the movement, and she softened in a smile.

“I was wondering if I could babysit Alice for a bit, now that you’re here.”

The fake smile was back on, my cheeks hurting from pulling the side. “Hm, oh, that's kind. Maybe. I'll let you know if we need it.”

The lie slipped out easily—she didn't need to know that not in a million years was I going to leave Alice with anyone.

Apparently, I was very transparent, because she heard all the words I didn't dare say out loud.

“I'm not trying to be pushy. I understand you're reluctant, but when things start, it’s better for her if she's not there.”

I frowned, a question showing in my expression, and Clodagh smiled.

“No one wants to be around during their mother’s first heat.”

My cheeks warmed, and I hated that we were talking about the heat I was going to go through with her son. I bit inside my mouth, thinking of anything to say, but thankfully, I was spared an answer when Tadgh arrived, playing a kiss on her cheek.

“Snuck out to meet our Gabriela, Clodagh?”

“You lot are being overprotective,” she huffed.

Tadgh laughed good-naturedly but didn’t deny anything. He kissed me on the forehead, and my shoulders relaxed.

“She was asking to have a moment with Alice.”

Even I could hear the accusing tone in my voice. It didn't matter if she was right. I’d want help the second the heat started, but still, I wasn't comfortable with needing anything from anyone.

Tadgh nodded, understanding me in a way that made me feel calm inside. He then reached for Alice, offering his hand. “What if I go with them too? How do you feel, Gabi?”

I smiled when he shortened my name, and I was nodding before I could even understand why I trusted him. Wasn't he a stranger too? His mouth stretched in the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. His chest puffed, and he dipped his chin in pride.

I fell in love a little with Tadgh at that moment. It was hard not to feel enamored with someone who smiled that easily. All my life, I had to look over my shoulder and be too aware of others’ intentions, but with Tadgh? He made me feel like I could lower my defenses.

I hugged my midsection, watching as they led Alice to the dessert table. She was going to love anyone who gave her more sugar than I allowed. Smart move.

“She shouldn’t be here cornering you, Gabriela,” Lorcan huffed, leaning on the counter beside me.

“She was trying to be helpful,” Oisin said from my other side. “We're going to need her. She just wanted to introduce herself first.”

My cheeks burned again at another mention of my imminent heat. On top of my insecurities about being separated from Alice, I had to admit, it pained me every time they talked so freely about the heat.

Oisin took my hand in his, the pad of his thumb slowly tracing my knuckles.

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