Page 51 of Against Ebony Irish Seas

“We’ll think of something,” Linc assured her, deciding to consider an expanded summer camp later. There’d be other details to sort out, from securing the correct permits to hiring teachers and camp counselors. “Jamie, it looks like you’ll have your hands full come October. You sure you’re up for teaching on Saturdays for three-week blocks during the regular school year?”

“It’ll only be for an hour each week before the other artists do their intro practicums,” he said, waving a hand dismissively.

“And I’m up the first week.” Ellie shimmied in her seat. “Teaching suncatchers for two hours. That’s where my love of stained glass began.”

“Then Megan’s up with ceramics and hand building in week two,” Bets said, ticking the time off with her fingers. “Angie with basic drawing in week three before we wrap up week four on finishing projects and student feedback on what art most interested them. Soon we’ll be bringing in other art teachers.”

Linc rubbed her back. “Parents aren’t the only ones getting in touch. She’s already got a list of art teachers who have volunteered to come for the children’s program. We’re going to need our hotel stat.”

“Yes, we are.” Bets met his gaze, the corners of her lips lifting. “Damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead, right, cowboy?”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. They both knew it wasn’t going to be that easy, what with the Watertown asshole, but they would forge ahead. “Exactly. Donal’s been talking so much to the right people he’s lost his voice.”

“I wondered where he was tonight,” Declan said. “Eoghan’s been telling tall tales all night with Fergus.”

“Eoghan told me he’s missed seeing his cousin lately,” Sophie said with a smile. “He hasn’t been spending as much time in the pub now that he’s living with Sandrine.”

Neither was Linc, truth be told. “Love does that to a man.”

“Or a woman,” Bets added, tapping his chest. “The Lucky Charms and I haven’t danced to Bon Jovi in forever. Perhaps tonight is the night to change that.”

“Except you’re down a few members,” Linc said, “what with Carrick and Jamie’s parents taking off to Portugal with Brady and Declan’s folks.”

“We can manage without Siobhan and Brigid, can’t we, girls?” Bets rose from her chair. “Sophie, would you care to join us?”

She looked down at Greta. “Sweetheart, would you be okay staying here with Linc and Jamie while Mama goes and dances with these ladies?”

Greta nodded, moving closer to Jamie, who boosted her up onto his lap. “We’ll be fine, won’t we, Greta?”

Bets linked her arm through Sophie’s as they left the table, joined by Angie, Ellie, and Kathleen. “You don’t happen to have a favorite Bon Jovi song, do you?”

“Are you kidding?” she answered. “Of course! ‘It’s My Life’ has been my self-help motto since my divorce.”

“Women really love that song,” Linc said with a laugh. “Can’t say I ever truly appreciated it until I hooked up with Bets.”

Declan settled back in his chair, watching his wife retreat with a half smile. “Kathleen dancing to it does make it more appealing.”

“I figure they’ll keep it clean with the kids present, right?” Carrick gave his daughter a kiss on her round cheek.

Jamie laughed. “The dancing’s not bad in and of itself. For me, it was seeing Mum sashaying around with a feather boa.”

“My grandmama has a black feather boa,” Greta suddenly said in a shy voice. “They get everywhere and tickle your nose when she tries to kiss you.”

Linc knew a lot more about the merits of feather boas after living with Bets. He chuckled. “They should be outlawed,” he teased the little girl. “How’s school coming along?”

“I really like it.” Greta turned a little and pointed up at Jamie. “Mr. Fitzgerald is a really nice teacher.”

“If you have any trouble with him,” Carrick joked, “come and see me. I’m his older brother, you know.”

“Don’t listen to him, Greta,” Jamie said with a snort. “He keeps company with sheep most of the day.”

“I like sheep, especially my stuffed sheep named January. Jamie gave her to me,” she said as the music sounded over the speaker.

Linc couldn’t help but smile as he watched the woman in his life and his daughter dance their pants off, albeit in different styles. Bets loved to sway and swish her hips, but Ellie started doing the robot at one point—a skill he hadn’t known she possessed—inciting Kathleen to copy her movements in the style of a street mime. Sophie caught on and began to improvise her own robot moves, and soon, the dance was completely out of hand. Bets and Angie joined in, making Linc harken back to the moves the Tin Man had done with sweet ol’ Dorothy inThe Wizard of Oz.

“In all my days, I never would have imaginedthis,” Declan said, scratching his head.

“Is that like some odd form of breakdancing?” Carrick asked.

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