Page 23 of Knot that Simple

A bedroom I hoped I’d never sleep in ever again. I didn’t say that out loud, though. I said nothing as we heard Alice giggling as Tadgh showed off her room.

It was pink, excessively so, but we were three fishermen who had never been around children. We travelled to a kid’s store in Dingle for her stuff, and we took everything the saleswoman told us was essential.

We were obviously suckers.

“Oh my God!” Gabriela gasped.

Alice now had what was described by the saleswoman as a loft. In pink, of course, the single bed was on top like a bunk bedbut instead of another bed at the bottom, it had a desk with a computer, books, and a bunch of pens with glitter.

We also got a lot of toys, so many toys. We weren’t sure what Alice liked, so we grabbed everything. Dolls, cars, balls, books. She had one of everything.

I learned quickly what thatolhameant look. Alice twirled around the bedroom, pointing to new things and gasping for her mom to look.

She was happy. Fuck, that kid was happy. I breathed out easily, and my heart twisted in a knot when I caught Gabriela’s eyes welling with tears once again.

Was all the crying a good sign? I never met someone with so many emotions as our Gabriela.

“We never had much,” she said in a low voice. “I could never afford that many toys.”

My hands fisted, trying to control myself. I hated that they struggled so much in life. I knew so little about Gabriela, and yet what I knew was enough to understand she was neglected. It was stamped all over her careful eyes.

“If the weather is mild, we can go out with the boat this evening,” I said suddenly. “Bring something to eat.”

She glanced at me, confused as to why I changed the subject so quickly.

“They’re probably tired,” Oisin argued.

I winced and nodded. Of course, they were traveling for so long, and now I wanted to take them on a boat. I was stupid.

“We can go for a nap now and we go later?” Gabriela asked.

I nodded.

“So we’ll do that.”

CHAPTER 9

GABRIELA

What wasI thinking when I agreed to this boat trip?

The sun was still relatively high in the sky, even though it was past seven, and I was curious to see their boat, but we desperately needed a rest. But something in Lorcan's voice when he invited me made me feel like this was a big deal, and I couldn't say no.

I slept a little and took a shower. Alice was too excited with all the toys, so she played as much as she could until I dragged her to clean herself too.

Oisin told me to layer up, since the boat could get really windy—hats, long sleeves, sweater, and a waterproof jacket. Once we were both ready, we returned downstairs to find them all chatting in the kitchen.

My eyes found the rustic chandelier on the high ceiling, and I breathed out in awe for a second time. The house was so beautiful, I could tell they poured love into every single detail. And not just the house, but everything they did for us to this point. I felt so cared for, I felt the anxiety creeping in. No one ever took care of me. I’d always been on my own, and suddenly, I wanted for nothing.

Bliss and fear collided inside my chest, and I had to keep it all in, holding my child's hand and pretending I wasn't scared for the future.

“We are ready,” I said, brushing the bad thoughts to the back of my mind as I usually did.

Oisin nodded, coming to Alice and checking her layers.

“Approved?” I asked with a small smile.

He turned his attention to me, taking the collar of the jacket between his fingers and then zipping the whole thing up. I could feel his warm hands burning through the fabric. I bit down my lower lip, trying to keep my face straight, but he noticed and smirked.

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