Page 32 of St. Lucia Escapades
Chapter 13
Moira
Moira was nervous as she and her parents walked up to the restaurant where they would be meeting Cord, Collen and Sally. For the last two weeks, Moira had tried to calm her nerves. Cord had told her that it would be fine and to just be herself. Yeah, that was easier said than done as far as Moira was concerned. Cord had surprised her yet again when he called up her parents a week after she had told them about him. When Moira found out she was floored. Kiernan had told her, and he said that he appreciated Cord doing that and whatever the two men had talked about, it had shifted Kiernan Donovan’s view and he was more supportive about this.
“You seem nervous Moira.” Maureen teased just before they walked in.
“I am ma. I don’t know why but I am.” Moira admitted.
“Everything will be fine. You’ll see.” Kiernan added, holding open the door for his wife and daughter.
Moira hoped so. She walked in first and started scanning the room. Before the Host could ask how many, she spotted Cord making his way toward them. Christ the man looked even more handsome now than he had when they parted at the airport in St. Lucia nearly three weeks ago. When Cord reached them, he immediately gathered Moira into his arms and kissed her tenderly. The kiss was short, but still lit Moira’s blood on fire. Cord released her lips and keeping her tucked into his side, faced her parents.
“Mr. and Mrs. Donovan, It’s nice to finally meet you both. I’m Cord.” Cord said, extending his hand.
Kiernan was the first to take it, “It’s nice to meet ya too Cord. Please, call me Kiernan.”
“I’m Maureen. You are just as my Moira described.” Maureen greeted, taking Cord’s hand.
“As are you. Well, shall we? My mom and brother are waiting.” Cord smiled.
Moira let out a slow breath. She felt less nervous with Cord’s arm wrapped around her. When they rounded a slight corner, she found a table waiting. The young man who stood looked a lot like Cord. There was no mistaking that the two were related. Collen walked over and in a move that surprised Moira, he hugged her then kissed her cheek. “I’m Collen. I guess you’re the one I have to thank for putting the smile on my big brother’s face?”
Moira giggled, “I suppose so.”
As Collen introduced himself to her parents, Moira turned and faced the woman who just rose from the table. Cord held her hand and moved them toward her. “Moira, this is my mom, Sally O’Brien. Mom, I’d like you to meet Moira Donovan.”
“Oh, I’m so happy to meet you honey.” Sally beamed as she too hugged Moira.
Moira returned the hug feeling the last of her nerves vanish in a blink. “It’s so nice to meet ye too Mrs. O’Brien.”
“Please call me Sally. You say Mrs. O’Brien and I’m either looking for my mother-in-law or one of my students.” Sally chuckled. “Are these your parents?”
“Aye. Ma, Da, this is Cord’s mother, Sally. Sally, this is my ma and da, Maureen and Kiernan.” Moira introduced.
Cord
Cord sat between Moira and her mother. All through the meal, the six of them talked about anything and everything it seemed. His mom, of course, had to gush over Moira’s books and Moira, the wonder that she was, presented Sally with an autographed copy of her latest release. Collen and Kiernan were in deep discussion about the current roster for the Yankees and the upcoming football season. Cord looked over when Moira squeezed his hand.
“You okay baby?” he asked.
“Aye, I am now. I was nervous when we first got here, I’ll admit.” She answered.
Cord leaned over and kissed her forehead, “I told you there was no reason to be. Seems our moms are getting along, and Collen has found a fellow sports enthusiast in your dad.”
“It seems that way.” Moira giggled.
“So, are you three in town for the weekend or just for the afternoon?” Cord asked Maureen and Kiernan.
“Sadly, Maureen and I could only get the day. We’ll be driving back to DC after lunch.” Kiernan answered.
“I drove up with ma and da.” Moira added, a little sadly.
“I know how it can be not being able to get time off work. My husband Peter had to stay in North Carolina because he has a big project that he couldn’t leave at the moment.” Sally said, missing the knowing looks her sons shared.
“Well, then we will have to find some time for us to stay longer next time.” Maureen replied with a smile.
Cord hid his disappointment about Moira not being able to stay at least the night. His mom was staying with Collen since Collen didn’t work near as long hours as Cord did. Course, Cord would visit all the bars throughout the city just to make sure everything was running smoothly. Yet he was still happy that at least for the afternoon with Moira and finally he met her parents. Already he was thinking of maybe surprising her by driving out to DC the day after his mom left.
