Epilogue
EPILOGUE
County Kerry, Ireland—10 years later
“Your dog is snoring.” Declan kissed her bare shoulder.
Olivia lifted her head to see Oscar asleep on his bed in front of the fire and pulled the blanket farther up to cover him. “He’s tired from running through the snow all afternoon.”
“What time do we have to be in Dublin tomorrow?”
“I told your mom after lunch.”
“I vote we leave Oscar with her next time.”
“I think the twelve grandkids she’s had for the last week are enough,” Olivia drawled.
“I’m only responsible for three of them.”
“Well, there might be thirteen for next Christmas break.”
Declan reared back, and Olivia laughed, rolling so that they lay chest to chest. “Bite your mental tongue. I’m talking about Cara and Wes.”
“Did their adoption approval come through?”
“I don’t think they know for certain, but Cara is optimistic. They’ve done the foster child to adoption route once already, and she said she recognizes the signs.”
“That’s great news.” He pretended to shudder. “Five kids though? Our three are more than enough.”
“That’s only because our sons are just like you. I’ve never met a more stubborn group.”
Declan’s fingertips found her ribs, and she pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. “I’m sure their mother’s genetic makeup has nothing to do with it.”
“Nothing what so ever.” A laugh broke free, and Declan’s tickling fingers grew more deliberate in their movement, and Olivia gasped when they found her peaked nipples. Declan trailed kisses across her cleavage.
Olivia’s breath caught as heat flowed through her. “While you’re in a good mood,” she gasped. “I should probably mention something else.”
“Mmhm,” Declan sucked at the spot under her ear he knew made her wild.
“I told Dahlia and Cami we’d keep their kids for spring break. Since they are all in the same school.”
Lips left her skin, and Declan looked up at her. “ All of them? Luke’s twins and all three of James’s hellions?” He looked appalled.
“You’ll never know they’re there.” Olivia laughed at his expression.
Declan shook his head. “It’s the cross I bear for being everyone’s favorite uncle.”
“If that’s what you need to tell yourself.” Olivia’s chest shook with laughter, and Declan’s eyes dipped.
“If I only have one more kid-free night, I’m going to make it worth it.” His lips closed over hers.
“You aren’t really upset?” Olivia broke the kiss.
Declan brushed her hair behind her ears and smiled into her worried eyes. “No, not really. You, our boys, this family… It’s the life I never knew I wanted.”
“Happy?”
“More than anyone deserves,” he said, stroking a thumb over her cheek, but then Declan smirked up at her. “However, there is a clock on when we have to go get our little demons. So, stop talking.”
The End