Page 61 of Beneath Pearly Irish Skies
“But she’s still the older sister.” Kade waved as Ollie shouted his name as he got out of the car. “Tell her I’m happy to have her call if she’d like.”
Kade smiled as Megan stepped out of the car too, only to be surrounded by his friends. She touched the ends of her hair, and he imagined they were exclaiming over her new look.
“Don’t expect a morning visit,” Carrick said, wincing.
He could have been referring to the morning visit Kade and the others had paid him and Angie after they first found their way to each other, but Kade didn’t think so. He put a hand on his friend’s shoulder and looked him straight in the eye. There was awe mixed with a new love and tenderness he’d never seen there. “Ah… I see the way of it. I couldn’t be happier for you two. Congratulations.”
“We haven’t told anyone yet as it’s early,” Carrick said, “although I know it will be fine.”
Kade sensed that as well. “I do too, if that helps.”
“It does.” Carrick stopped short as oranges filled the yard again. “More confirmation. I’m happy Sorcha is still around.”
“She’s got grander plans than we imagined, I expect.” Kade chuckled as Declan picked Ollie up and threw him in the air, making the boy cry out with joy.
“She always did.” Carrick tipped his head up to the sky, as if lost in thought for a moment. “Well, I’ll be off, then. Enjoy your evening.”
“Thanks for minding Ollie last night after Jamie dropped him off,” Kade said, watching as Shannon bunched up her hair to Megan’s length while Brady made slashing motions with his hand as if to dissuade her from cutting it.
“We’re happy to mind him anytime,” Carrick said. “But you know that.”
With that, Carrick strolled over to the parked cars. Ollie ran to him, and Carrick picked the little boy up. How changed he was from when he’d first come to Caisleán. He’d been a tad sad and more than a little rebellious, wanting to break free from the past.
Now, he was flourishing with all the love and attention around him, laughing and playing as boys his age should. Kade took a moment to appreciate the scene. He truly was the luckiest of men to have such friends.
To have such a woman.
When he walked over to the group, he put his hand on Megan’s back and rubbed the knot of nerves at the base of her spine, pleased when she settled back against him.
“Her hair is so gorgeous!” Shannon touched it gently again, making Megan blush. “I wish my hair could look like that.”
“If you cut your hair like that,” Brady said, “it would explode into clown hair after the first rain shower. Better to keep what you have now, as it’s completely beautiful.”
Liam snorted as Shannon kissed Brady’s cheek. “Is it any wonder the women in the village give him jams and jellies and all manner of treats?”
“He makes a living with his mouth,” Declan said, “while I make one with my cleaver. Come, friends. Let’s go.”
“Oh, you don’t need to leave,” Megan said as Duke raced over to her for some attention of his own.
“Yes, we do,” Brady said, steering his brother to the car.
“Enjoy those steaks I dropped off at your house, Megan,” Declan called. “Clearly you didn’t enjoy them last night.”
Cheeky fellow, Kade thought, as he waved goodbye to his friends. The last to go was Carrick, who’d stood aside talking to Ollie. When his friend tousled the boy’s head and sent him into the shed, their eyes met again. He nodded, understanding. Ollie knew they were dating too. Oh, how small the village was. He would need to talk to him.
“Megan, love,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Would you mind starting the tea back at my cottage? Duke can keep you company. Ollie and I will join you in a moment.”
She put her hand to his chest. “He was quiet when I picked him from Angie’s. They went into town for ice cream. Do you think he could have heard something?”
“I do. I’ll talk to him. I imagine he’ll talk to you too when he’s ready.”
She picked up Duke, laughing as the dog gave her kisses. “He’s happier when I just let him be a little boy. I was too overbearing with him before. All of you have been such a great influence.”
“He’s been wonderful for us as well,” Kade said. “After I speak with him, perhaps I’ll bring him by yours to pick up those steaks Declan mentioned? We can make them at my cottage for dinner.”
“That would be great,” she said with a smile. “I love the idea of having dinner with you again. But with Ollie this time.”
“Me too. We’ll have a fine dinner. And I’m making cocktails.” He kissed her cheek, knowing the boy was watching from the shed. “See you soon.”
