Those Sweet Words (Misfit Inn 2)

“So much. I wish she could’ve known Flynn. He’s such a very good man, and I’m so lucky he came into my life.”

Moira skimmed a hand over Pru’s hair in a gesture so redolent of Joan, it made her throat ache. “I didn’t know your mother, but I’ve gotten to know you these past months. It takes a fine woman to raise someone as wonderful as you. We’re delighted you’ll be part of our family.”

“Oh, Moira.” Pru felt the waterworks starting up again. “Thank you. I can only hope that I do half as good a job with Ari.”

“You and Flynn have taken to parenthood beautifully, you have. Ari’s a darlin’ girl.”

“She makes it easy. She’s a great kid.”

“She absolutely is. We’re all besotted with her.” She plucked a glass off a tray on the counter and handed it to Pru. “Now that the adoption is finalized, the two of you should be looking toward picking a wedding date. That should be sooner rather than later, I’m thinkin’.” Moira's eyes, so like Flynn’s, twinkled.

Pru blinked at her, then looked down at the glass of sparkling cider she’d picked up instead of champagne. “I…oh my God.”

“Leaked like a sieve with both of mine,” she said cheerfully.

Pru felt faint. “I need to talk to Flynn.”

Her future mother-in-law grinned and wrapped her in a hug. “Topping off a day of joy with more joy is always a good idea.”

In something of a daze, Pru wandered back into the party. She must have looked as shell-shocked as she felt, because he immediately broke away and crossed to her.

“What is it?”

“I need some air.” She laced her fingers with his. Kennedy caught her eye from across the room and started forward, but Pru just shook her head. With their family, this wasn’t a secret that would stay secret long. But Flynn needed to be the first to know.

They stepped out into the early winter dark. The chill made her skin pebble, but she relished the good, clean air. It didn’t seem like her lungs were working quite right. She pulled Flynn around the corner, then just turned and burrowed into his arms. They came around her in an instant.

“What’s wrong, agra?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m happy. I’m so damned happy, Flynn.” She lifted her face and knew she was starting to cry again.

He brushed at the tears and offered a sympathetic smile. “Sure, and there’s plenty of reason for it. We gained a daughter today.”

Pru sucked in a breath and stepped back, laying a hand on her belly. “We gained more than that.”

Flynn just stared at her. “I don’t understand.”

“You’re a father twice over.”

“I’m—” His mouth dropped open and he covered her hand with his. “Truly?”

“I haven’t taken a test yet, but I think so.”

Flynn scooped her off her feet with a whoop. “This is wonderful!”

“Really? You’re not upset?”

“Upset? Why would I be upset?”

“Well, we weren’t exactly planning on this.”

“Mo stór, we haven’t exactly planned on anything, and life with you has been the best possible surprise. I love you.”

The kiss he laid o

n her left no doubt of that.

“We have to tell Ari,” he said.