Page 399 of Lodestar

Paddy flashed another glance between us, then, cautiously, he stared at his daughter. Her focus was entirely on her baby, but she was there. That had to be enough.

“We knew Aidan was into girls because they kept popping up in the apartment they were living in back then. His da was proud, of course. Especially as Declan was into art?—”

My scowl made an instant appearance. “What is it with this family and assuming that art can trigger homosexuality?” To Kat, I stated, “Kat, that’s utter bull so don’t you let anyone tell you otherwise. Sexuality is simple for some and complicated for others. The only thing Ieverwant from you is to beyourself. Whether you wanna kiss Harry or Harriet, I don’t care. Understood?”

In response, she just snorted.

“She’s right, Katina,” Savannah assured her. “The older O’Donnellys have antiquated beliefs on this subject.”

“I already know I like boys.”

To be fair, I’d known too. What, with her crushes. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t free to be with whomever the fuck she wanted. I’d fought in wars to defend my people’s rights. That was the whole goddamn point of freedom.

“The magazines say my boy is bisexual.”

“And you got a problem with that?” I demanded.

“Why is he in magazines?” Kat inquired.

“He’s a hockey player.”

Her eyes rounded. “He’s famous?” She cut Savannah a look. “More famous than Camden?”

“Camden who?” Paddy queried.

“You don’t know who Camden is?!” she shrieked.

Savannah chuckled. “He’s a singer, Paddy.”

“Oh. I never heard of him. Liam’s popular.”

“You don’t know him well?”

Even Kat quieted at Jennifer’s question.

Maybe she’d overheard more of our conversations than I’d anticipated, but none of us spoke as Paddy rumbled, “Been blessed with two kids but was never blessed with the sense to be a good father. Not sure if it’s something that’s a case of ‘better late than never’ but…”

When his words waned, Jennifer didn’t rush in, just mumbled, “You shouldn’t have children unless you know you can bring them into the world with love.” She pressed a kiss to her daughter’s forehead.

“That’s a very wise sentiment,” Paddy rasped, twisting to study her over his shoulder. “I wish I’d been so wise when I was your age.”

“I do too,” she agreed.

He cleared his throat. “That’s a beautiful baby you’ve got there.”

“Her name’s Saverina.”

“I-I heard you say that she’s spoken her first word?”

Jennifer’s smile was more open this time, warmer. “She did.”

“What was it?” I asked when no one else seemed brave enough to broach the topic.

The smile turned lopsided as she cut her sperm donor a quick look before staring down at the floor. “Dada.”

Savannah broke the ice by covering Saverina in kisses, which the baby received with happy giggles. I just took in Padraig’s pink cheeks, wondered how deep his regret was at that moment, and vowed to myself that I’d never, ever let Katina down by disappearing on her.

She’d forgiven me because I’d somehow managed to raise her to have faith in me, but if I did it again, that fragile balance would be forever ruptured.

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