Page 36 of Whiskey & Witches

“No, Carrick. Not this time. I’ll stay here, for Aeden.”

Surprise and a healthy respect for her response showed on his face, but overall, he didn’t look convinced it was the best option.

“I’m done hiding,” she snapped.

“All right. We’ll deal with things as they happen and not borrow trouble,” he readily agreed.

Carrick returnedto his side of the bed, settled into the mattress, and gently shook Aeden’s shoulder as Roisin smoothed back the hair from their son’s sweaty forehead. “Aeden, wake up now. That’s a good lad.”

Locked in the night terror, Aeden’s limbs stiffened, and his mouth opened in a silent scream. He was frozen in place as he waited for whatever demons haunted him to strike.

Hating his ineffectualness in waking or comforting Aeden, Carrick huffed his frustration. “You’re stronger than the dream, Aeden. Wake now. Follow my voice.”

“Aeden,” Roisin called in an achingly sweet voice. “Come now. Wake for your mam.”

Her encouragement did the trick, and his head angled toward her as his body lost its rigidness. His thick lashes fluttered, and though it seemed like a lifetime, he finally opened his eyes to stare up at Roisin. “Mam?” he croaked.

“I’m here,” she assured him. “I’m here,mo stór.I’ll never leave ya again.” She kissed his forehead. “And I’ll never be giving you apple tart and custard this close to bedtime if it brings on bad dreams.”

Aeden snuggled into her, with his head upon her breast. “Love you,” he whispered fiercely.

“And I love you. You’ll always hold my heart. You’ll remember that, won’t you?”

He nodded.

Carrick hated himself at that moment. All the wasted months he spent believing Ro’s presence would make this situation worse culminated to shame him. Yes, he had his reasons, but looking at them now, seeing the two of them as they should be, he understood his reasoning had been flawed.

“I’ll get him some water,” he said gruffly.

He didn’t miss her sharp look, but he compressed his lips and shook his head, hoping she’d understand he needed a moment to compose himself. When he got to the kitchen, he stared unseeing out the window at their wooded back garden. He’d failed to protect his family tonight, and once again, Roisin paid the price. He was determined it wouldn’t happen again. If need be, he’d seek out Ronan, the Aether, a unicorn, or any bleeding magical being on this godforsaken island if he had to, but hewouldprotect his family from future harm. He’d also have a day of reckoning, and Seamus would pay for what he’d done. If he didn’t confess to what he knew, Carrick would take it out of his arse, inch by inch, if need be.

Shaking his head, he put aside their problem for another day. He poured a glass of water and grabbed the elixir Roisin had sent him home with the day before. Had it really been less than twenty-four hours? It seemed as if he’d aged a lifetime in the last ten.

When he returned to the bedroom, it was to find mother and son snuggled together, almost asleep.

His heart hiccupped.

Leaning against the doorjamb, he watched them. His beloved wife and their boy. Yes, he loved his siblings, but no one meant more to him than the two people in that bed. He’d die for them. Take a life for them. Do whatever it took to ensure their happiness.

And he’d grovel, too. He had a lot of making up to do—to both of them.

Earlier, he’d caught a glimpse of Roisin’s former self, and it made him believe they had a chance, albeit slim, to restore what they once had. She’d have to get past her need to hide from him. To understand he didn’t give a feck about the scars marring her body. Those marks were external and had nothing to do with the beautiful woman she was on the inside. Somehow, he’d make her see she was still desirable to him.

Her lashes fluttered, and she lifted sleepy lids to find him watching her. The slow, welcoming smile made his heart beat faster—just as it always had, and just as it always would.

“What took you so long?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

Carrick crossed to her and sat on the edge of the bed. He set down the potion and water glass on the nightstand before he answered. “I wanted to give you two alone time. You need to reinforce your bond.” When her brows lifted and she said nothing more, he shrugged and grinned sheepishly. “And I might’ve been a bit overcome. It wasn’t manly to cry in front of you earlier, and I feared twice in one night would send you fleeing.”

“You’re an eejit, Carrick O’Malley, but you’re my eejit.” She lifted a hand to cup his jaw. “Lock up and come to bed. You need sleep, too. I’ll keep watch.”

“How did you know it was my intent to stay awake?”

“Because I know you.” She blinked as if fighting tears. “I’d forgotten for a bit, but tonight reminded me of who you are.”

“That I’m worthless at protecting my family?” He hadn’t meant to say it, and his neck burned from embarrassment. Scratching behind his ear, he shook his head. “Forget I said it. It’s likely I’m more tired than I thought.”

She entwined her fingers with his. “You aren’t worthless.” Her gaze dropped to their joined hands. “And you didn’t fail to protect me, Carrick.” She took a breath and exhaled on a long sigh. “I put myself in harm’s way on purpose tonight.”

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