Page 62 of Other Side Of Never
“It’s gorgeous.So warm and inviting.”
Loud male voices and laughter interspersed with Isaiah’s excited ramblings greeted us as soon as we opened the door.
The whole house gave off that same vibe, a pure reflection of the life within.Rich wood trim, wide windows, plants and books tucked in corners and holding up walls, and a fireplace I imagined blazing with warmth in the winter.
Wasting no time, Moira led us straight through to the family room where Isaiah held court in front of his grandfather and uncles.
I barely had time to take them in before Isaiah flew at me.“Bridge!Tell them!Tell them I’m the Iceman.”
“The one and only,” I agreed, smiling.
He turned around proudly, a smug smile on his face before climbing up onto his grandfather's lap.
Kian slapped his hand into his dad’s then leaned over to give him a hug.“Good to see you, old man.”
I couldn’t take my eyes off the sight.Three generations.Woven together with love so thick you could choke on it.
It was beautiful.A wonder.
He grunted.“Not sure who you’re calling old, sprite.”
Kian grinned at me.“Bridget, this is my dad, Eamon.”
He extended his hand.“Pleasure, lass.”
His words and expression were friendly, but his eyes were guarded.Of course they were.He didn’t know me from a hole in the wall.Was I good for Kian?Worse, was I good for Isaiah?Half of me wanted to reassure him Kian and I were only friends, the other half urged me to run from the house and save myself from the looming heartache.
I ran out of time to panic when Kian placed his hand at the small of my back and steered me toward his brothers, both of whom stood as I approached.
“This is my oldest brother, Lachlan.We’re pretty sure he’s a priest.”
Lachlan stood at least two inches taller than Kian, and Kian was no slouch.Silver wings swept through the dark hair at his temples, and a dimple peeked out of his cheek when he smiled.
Turning to me, he extended his hand.I slipped mine into his grasp and smiled back.As soon as Kian turned his back, Lachlan offered me a slow wink.
I burst out laughing as his eyes crinkled and lit with mischief.
Kian twisted back, his eyebrows raised.
I shook my head with a small smile on my lips.
That man is no priest.
His younger brother, the one who could pass for Aaron at a quick glance, stepped forward.
“And Finn, here,” Kian continued, looking suspiciously between me and Lachlan, “is a confirmed bachelor.”
“Or so he’d like me to think,” Moira quipped, snapping a tea towel at his long legs.
Finn drew back with a laugh.“Ma!I’m delicate!”
“Delicate, my arse!”she retorted.“The only thing delicate about you is your ability to commit.”
Something dark flickered across his gaze, but it was there and gone so fast I couldn’t be sure.By the time he extended his hand, his gaze was once again clear and guileless.“Good to meet you, Bridget.”Holding onto my hand, he cocked his head to the side.“Maybe you’ll be the woman to tie me down.Think I can steal you away from my big brother?”
I laughed at their outrageous flirting, but Kian’s large frame immediately stepped between us.“Back off, Finn.I’m not so mature I won’t take you outside.”
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” Moira exclaimed.“Can we not go fifteen minutes without the threat of bloodshed?”
