Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
Moira
I’ve been scared before. But never as scared as I was when I watched Callum get shot.
I hope I never see him get hurt like that again.
It also solidified how much I love him. The scariest part for me wasn’t that he got shot.
It was the fact that I could’ve lost him forever.
And forever is a long time to not be with the other half of your soul.
Callum’s mom is arriving today and I’m really excited to see her.
Cillian’s mom will be here tomorrow. I feel sad for both of them because they didn’t ask for this to happen.
Fiona’s always saying that Callum is the best thing that happened to her.
But Callum said that he’s always been sad that she had to do it alone.
I wonder if they’ll all get the closure they’re looking for.
This whole situation has made me wonder if my parents are still alive. After I lost my grandparents, I left and never looked back. But then I ask myself if I really care how they’re doing. Plus if they’re still the same as before, they’ll just want something from me. And I don’t owe them anything.
“Are you excited to see your mom?” I smile as we get out of bed.
“I am. But I’m also sad because of why she’s coming.
She’s not just coming to have a vacation with us.
She’s meeting a woman who has a child by the same man as she does.
And she never even knew. I mean I know that we don’t know for sure.
But the way it sounds? Cillian is my brother.
And I’m not upset by it, I’m just sad that we never knew about each other.
That our mams had to do this alone. Imagine if they could’ve helped each other?
I wonder if Cillian’s mam had any help. I should ask him.
I’m an arse for not asking about how he grew up. I’ve been so focused on me.”
“You’re definitely not an ass. You’re going through a lot with this situation too. But if he is your brother? You two can start fresh and help each other. And maybe both your moms will lean on each other.”
I hug Callum. I hate that he’s feeling so sad about things. I want to take all the hurt away for him.
“I hope so. You are Mo chridhe.” He smiles as he kisses me.
“What does that mean?”
“My heart.”
“I love you.” I say as I kiss him again.
I love how Callum always finds a way to make me feel even more loved everyday. I hope that I make him feel the same way.
“What time do we need to leave to pick up your mom?” I ask him.
“Her flight comes in at five pm. So Noah said we should leave at three-thirty. Would you mind if we go and see Cillian and Fiorella?”
“Not at all. Let me text her and make sure they don’t have plans.”
“Thank you.” He says as he heads to the bathroom.
Moira: Hey! Callum wanted to know if you and Cillian were busy. He’d like to talk to him.
Fiorella: Ewwww. It’s morning. Unfortunately we’re up. Kind of. And of course you can come over. Did you want brunch? I mean I don’t cook, but we could head to Precious Risings and grab some food while the guys talk.
Moira: I’d love that. We’ll be there in thirty minutes.
Fiorella: Woooo! See you soon!
“I told Fiorella we’d be there in thirty minutes.” I say to him through the door.
“Okay, I’ll be done in ten. Thank you for doing this.”
“You never have to thank me. I’d do anything for you.”
I get dressed while I wait for him. I don’t get to hang out with Fiorella Mancini a lot. She’s always super busy. She’s a fashion designer and has had her own shows already. She makes really beautiful designs. But whenever I’ve hung out with her, she’s always so much fun.
We head over to Fiorella and Cillian’s house, she’s on the porch waving. We laugh as we park the four-wheeler and get out.
“Hi!” Fiorella yells as she hugs us.
I laugh as I hug her back. We follow her inside as Cillian joins us.
“So, we’re going to go to the bakery and get some food. I’m going to beg my mama to make some brunchy stuff.”
“Can you get me an apple turnover? I saw them making the dough for it last night.” Cillian smiles at her.
“Of course. Would you like anything special?” she asks Callum.
“Surprise me.” He says as he gives me a kiss.
We get in her car and drive to the bakery.
“I’m excited to see the results of the DNA test.” Fiorella says.
“I am too. Does Cillian have any siblings?”
“Nope. It was always just him and his mam.”
“It’s crazy how they could be half brothers, hell it sounds like they are and they found each other here.”
“It’s the magic of Lake Renegade.” She smiles. “Sometimes bad things happen, but there’s so many good things that have happened here. Especially in the last few years. I feel like it started when my cousins came home.”
Giovanna and Lorenzo Mancini were taken when they were babies.
Three years ago, they were found. It’s a big story and I have to agree that when they came home, it felt like Lake Renegade started to heal.
The families became stronger. Before they came home, I didn’t spend as much time with any of the Mancinis like we do now.
Now everyone does things together, we’ve definitely become one big family.
The smells from the bakery are making me hungrier.
“I wish I could bake like your mom and aunts.”
“You and me both.” She laughs as we walk in. “Hi Simone! Is my mama busy?”
“I hear you, mija.” Her mom, Rosaura calls from the back.
I wait out front as Simone helps me get a box of pastries together.
I remember to get a few apple turnovers for Cillian.
And I decide on some strawberry danishes for Callum.
Fifteen minutes later, Fiorella comes back out with the three owners of Precious Risings.
Her mama, Rosaura, her Aunt Graínne, and Caitríona Bastianini. I go over and hug each of them.
“Callum’s mam arrives today?” Graínne asks.
“Yup! We’ll be leaving at about three-thirty to pick her up.”
“We’ll have a family dinner with her tonight and then another tomorrow night when Teagan gets here.” Rosaura tells us.
“Thank you, that sounds wonderful.” I smile at them.
“You all enjoy your brunch.” Rosaura says as they all hug us goodbye.