Page 111 of Maximum
“You’re American like us,” Cia said matter-of-factly as she looked at Jolene.
“Yes, my husband Atlas and I live in Chicago, but we’ve been here all summer. Atlas is the brother of River, Nathan, and Maximum. There are two more sisters here somewhere.”
“Wow, that’s a big family.” Cia studied Nathan and River next to each other. “Different fathers?” she asked.
“Yes, and different mothers too. We are all adopted,” Nathan explained.
“I see. Still, it must be nice to have a big family.”
“Jolene, I’ll make sure to put your name on the painting and I can ship it to Chicago for you,” River offered.
“Thank you. Excuse me, but I want to find Atlas and show him. Where is he?”
“He’s outside with Lumi and Damian. Liv and Charles are there too. They already picked the paintings they want and just so you know, Atlas bought a gorgeous one for you.”
“Did he?” Jolene was glowing as she told Darren and Cia that it had been nice to meet them before she walked off to find Atlas.
“So, tell us, what are Irish weddings like?” Darren said and looked toward me and Maximum. “Do you get to wear kilts like the Scots?”
“Some do, but I don’t plan to since it’s not really going to be that traditional. With Fleur being from South Africa we’re keeping things low key and just throwing a fun wedding party at the farm.”
“What farm?”
“We live on a farm and I’ve hired a company to bring tents, food, and outside toilets. It won’t be fancy, but it’ll be fun.”
“Sounds like my kind of party. What day is it?” Darren grinned.
“August nineteenth. That’s only two weeks from now; are you going to be in Ireland that long?” Maximum asked.
With a disappointed pout, Darren shook his head. “Nah, I’m afraid not. I’m returning to the US early next week, but I would have loved it.” Darren looked to Cia. “You and Gabriel will be traveling around, won’t you?”
“Yes, but we would never impose ourselves on a wedding.”
“Don’t worry,” I told her with sincerity. “It’s not one of those formal weddings. If your husband wouldn’t mind, we’d love for you to come. I’ve traveled a lot and always enjoyed the part about interacting with the locals the most.”
“That way I can get to meet your husband,” Nathan added. “It’s always nice to exchange some tales with someone who gets it.”
“Gabriel would love that. He was deployed several times and earned a Silver Star medal.”
Nathan placed his hand on her elbow. “Now youhaveto bring him.”
“Here.” Maximum pulled out his card and handed it to her. “Text or email me and I’ll get you the address and the time of the wedding. We really hope you’ll come.”
Cia had a shy expression on her face and her cheeks turned red. “Thank you. I’d heard people in Ireland were friendly, but this is so nice.”
“Are you kidding me?” I teased. “After seeing your talent, we all want your autograph.”
Cia and I exchanged a warm smile and then she said, “You’re not that kind of person.”
“You’re right, but I’d still love for you to come and celebrate with us and if you do, we’ll say that you’re from my side. My parents are coming and some friends, but with Maximum having such a big family I need to counterbalance him a bit.”
Cia winked at me. “You’ve got it!”
