“I need to message my sister and parents. I’m sure they’re running around like crazy trying to get ready. I know my sister; she’s going to try to figure out how many sketchbooks she’ll need.”
“Your sister draws?”
“Draws and paints. Aria’s super talented, but we hardly mention it because she’s self-conscious about it. If we mention it, she freezes and stammers. I think she’s so incredible it could sell for major money. She’s going to love the green landscapes here.”
“Then she will love our home in Kilkenny.”
“What about your brother? Will he be there, or does he live here?”
“We have homes in both cities, but he’ll probably be there tomorrow. With my father’s estate passing to him, I believe I’ll be moving out.”
“You can’t share it?” I haven’t broken down how much my brother is a bastard because I don’t want her to run away again.
“I’d prefer not to.”
“Do you and your brother not get along? I love my sister. She can be a pain, but I could live with her unless she starts crushing on you. She’s only fifteen.” We sit up in bed and I hold her close, pressing my lips to the crown of her head.
“Yeah, that would be a problem. I’d kill my brother if he took a special interest in you. He doesn’t have the same morals I do. He loves to step out on his wife.”
A searing look of indignation crosses her face. “Oh my goodness. That’s horrible. Sorry, but I don’t like him already and I’m afraid there’s nothing that will change that.”
She’s a smart woman. “It’s good because I don’t trust him.”
“Will he be at the wedding?”
“Yes, as my best man.” I come clean about it because as soon as she meets him I’m sure he’ll bring it up.
“What? Why?” She crosses her arms under her breasts bringing them closer to my face and drawing my attention to them. “Um…don’t stare at my tits. Answer my question, Mr. Delaney.”
“One because I don’t care as long as I get to marry you. Two is that if he’s not my best man, people will assume there’s a rift in the family, making us vulnerable to others willing to overthrow the Delaney family.”
She drops her hands and then sighs, “Well that makes sense. So I have to play nice?”
“Just a little. Once we’re done with the wedding, I don’t plan to see him for a long time and then we’ll travel to America, so you don’t miss your family too much.”
“Are you serious?”
“Do you not like that idea?”
“I freaking love it. I’m going to miss them. Besides, I told you we have the best food.” She rolls her eyes at me like I’m silly for not remembering.
I climb off the bed and slip on some pants. “Speaking of food, I need to feed you and then we can get ready to leave.”
“Sounds good to me,” she moans, which does nothing to calm my morning wood.
“I have to make sure my son is well fed,” I add, causing her mouth to fall open.
She’s quick with a reply. “Son? I could be having a girl or not be pregnant at all.”
“Either way, I’ll keep trying.” I kiss her lips and walk into the kitchen to start some food. Opening the fridge, I know it’s pointless. “Let’s get dressed and I’ll feed you on the way. Apparently being single and busy means my fridge is empty.”
“Fine. Is there anywhere to get a good burger? I’ve seen a fuck ton of cows on these roads. There’s got to be a spot.”
“Is that a legitimate measurement?” I tease.
“It is, and the longer it takes to eat, I’m liable to gut one and cook it on the radiator of your pretty ride.”
“Let’s get you moving. I’ve heard about women getting ‘hangry.’” I rushed her to our room and into the shower. We’re out in ten minutes, forgoing the fucking I’d love to do because I doubt she’s fucking kidding about the food.
The drive down to my hometown is beautiful and Gloria can’t take her eyes off the scenery. I’m proud of the natural enchantment of Ireland. It’s perfect and I honestly could raise our family here. Maybe we will, and visit her parents or have them come to enjoy the land.
“This place is perfect. You want to marry me here?” I slow down and look at her to see tears in her eyes.
“Sweetheart, please don’t cry. There’s a lot of shit I can take, but not your tears.”
“It’s just so romantic. Goodness, my sister’s going to adore this place. Maybe we can find her a husband here in a couple of years.”
“When the time comes, I can introduce her to friends if you’d like, but I’m not sure your father would care for that.”
“Probably not.” We break out into a fit of laughter just as we pull down the path to the family estate.