Page 145 of Callahan

Chapter Fifty-Two

Adam

I hadn’t even shut the Bronco off when the whole O’Brien clan—Granny included—came bursting out of the house and down the steps.

Teresa had the back door opened before I even got the driver’s side door closed.

She patted the baby down like she was checking for anything broken.

“Should we take him to the hospital and get him checked out?”

“If you think that needs to happen, then absolutely. I changed his diaper, and he looked fine. And after he settled down and ate, he’s been acting normal. I think he was traumatized that no one came when he first announced he was hungry.”

She pulled him from the car seat, muttering, “Poor baby boy.” She cast a glance my way. “I heard he immediately relaxed with you.”

“Good grief, where did you hear that?”

“Dr. Weaver is a good friend of our daughter, Katelyn’s boyfriend, Rob. Frankly, we were surprised to hear Lainey was going to dinner with Justin.”

Granny looked at me. “Yeah, we were sure there was something going on between you two.”

I offered a sad smile.

“That would be pretty disrespectful to Shawn, don’t you think?”

Hugh took a step forward and directed me away from Teresa and his mom.

“Son, did you ever stop to wonder why Shawn didn’t just give Brian his safe combination and ask him to give Lainey the ring if something happened to him? He and Brian wrote to each other at least once a week. Shawn even wrote him the day he died. That would have been a lot easier, don’t ya think? Instead of making you come all the way to South Carolina from Massachusetts.”

“I guess I never thought about it, sir.”

“Well, I have. Ever since I found out about what Shawn asked you to do. I don’t think it was sheer coincidence that he chose you. No, I think he had something else in mind entirely.”

“Like what?”

“Like, he knew you would take care of her if he were gone.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to do. Both her and Conor.”

Hugh shook his head.

“No. I believe Shawn understood you and Lainey would be perfect for each other. And he didn’t even know to factor in Conor. He wanted you to take his place if something happened to him. I’m convinced of that.”

“What are you saying, sir?

“I’m saying, once you find that girl, you better put your own ring on her. That little boy needs a daddy who will love him like his own; something you already do. And I’m pretty sure you feel that way about Lainey, too.”

Like with Alan, I couldn’t lie.

“I do, sir. Both of them.”

“Good. Then your next step is to go find her safe. And when you do, hold on to her and Conor with both hands and never let go.”

Maybe it was my imagination, but I felt Shawn’s presence then, and it seemed like he was telling me his dad was right.

I nodded solemnly.

“I will, sir.”

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