Epilogue
Ivy - Eight Months Later
God, how I love these nights.
I never get tired of the three of us being surrounded by family.
Cillian pulls up to his parents’ house. The familiar sight of the gorgeous four-story craftsman fills me with warm fuzzies. The two of us gather Forrest’s diaper bag and essentials, Cillian hauls everything up the stairs as I follow with our son cradled in my arms. We’re late, as usual, but we have good reason.
A quick wink and a kiss later, Cillian opens the front door.
“Welcome, lovebirds!” Rory’s booming voice greets us the second we step inside. He takes one look at Forrest and his face lights up. He wiggles his finger on my baby’s nose. “Jaysus, there’s my wee man!”
“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.” I give my mom a warm hug and then stiffly hug my dad.
It’s been a healing journey with me and my father, but the fact my parents regularly join us at the McGloughlin family dinners is definitely progress. Of course, spending time with his grandson helps too.
Dad’s gruff demeanor melts a bit whenever he sees Forrest. He gently pushes his finger into Forrest’s tiny hand and watches in awe as my son clings to it. Dad smiles up at me. The moment is brief but significant. A silent acknowledgment of our efforts to mend our relationship.
My mom peers over my shoulder and kisses my cheek. “It’s good to see you, baby boy,” she coos as she reaches for Forrest. “Aren’t you my beautiful grandson. Aren’t you the sweetest boy.” She looks at me “Can I take him?”
“Of course, Mom.” I hand him to her. My heart swells with pure joy. Watching my son cradled in her arms, surrounded by love, fills me with a happiness I’ve longed for ever since my brother died.
This is the family I remember fondly. One I wanted for myself, and now I have it—and so does my son.
Cillian wraps his arms around me and kisses my head then lowers his lips to my ear. “I love seeing you happy, baby.”
“You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted.” I fold my hands over his and lean back into his embrace.
Maureen bustles over, her apron still on from preparing dinner, which is set out on the dining room table. “Let me take him, Allison. You need a break, so you do.”
My mom reluctantly hands Forrest to her and Maureen snuggles him tightly against her chest. It’s funny how everyone competes for my newborn’s attention. I’m here for it. The more love the better.
As usual, the dining table is laden with a feast that could rival any holiday spread. Tonight it’s roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dozen other dishes. As we sit down, the banter begins. Dinner is lively, as always. Everyone’s in high spirits, and the room buzzes with laughter and conversation.
Maureen is the most doting grandmother, she’s reluctant to hand Forrest over to anyone else.
Rory teases her gently, “Now, Maureen, don’t be greedy with the wee lad.”
“Grandparents’ privilege, Rory.” She grins down at Forrest, whom she rocks gently .
Brennan, Cillian’s only other brother here tonight, bounds down the stairs and joins us in the dining room, which is already filled with laughter and chatter.
“Sorry, folks, this financing is killing me.” His smile is strained.
Cillian’s been worried about him. Ordinarily, they hang out all the time but for the past year, Brennan is in Silicon Valley more than he’s in Seattle. This financing round never seems to end.
“Ivy has a great mind for numbers,” my dad says before he devours a fork full of roast beef.
“Aye.” Rory nods. “She’s brilliant. I can’t get over how much she’s done for McGloughlin Construction.”
As I listen to Cillian and my father discuss my so-called attributes, I can’t ignore the slight underlying tension lingering between our families.
The fallout from Dad discovering our relationship over a year ago still lingers. Rory stepped in and finished the Seattle headquarters in record time, but my dad hired a rival construction company for the Tacoma expansion.
I guess, despite the progress we’ve made, my dad’s vindictiveness casts lingering shadows. Not that it’s affected McGloughlin Construction in the slightest. My work with Cillian’s company has helped streamline operations. He’s made some key hires who have helped propel the company forward and it’s doing better than ever.
Meanwhile, I’ve heard through the grapevine, my father’s Tacoma project still is months behind schedule.
“You know.” Rory nudges my dad. “Connor and Ronni have invited us to Ireland for Christmas. Why don’t you two come too?”
“We should, Stan.” My mom claps her hands.
“If Cillian would ever make an honest woman out of my little girl, I might consider it.” Dad stabs his roast beef, but his lips curl up in a smirk.
Cillian leans back in his chair and puts his hand on my thigh. “Oh, we enjoy keeping you all in suspense. Besides, we’ve got our hands full with our wee man.”
Maureen chimes in, “Blah. Blah. Blah. Seriously, son, when’s the big day?”
I laugh, enjoying the lighthearted teasing. “We’re working on it. We promise you’ll all be the first to know.”
My mom and Maureen exchange glances. “We’ll believe it as soon as there’s a date.” Maureen winks at Mom. “Meanwhile, we’re fighting over who gets to babysit next, so we are.”
Mom’s eyes twinkle. “I think we need a schedule. Every other day, perhaps?”
“Alright, alright.” I shake my head, unable to suppress my grin. “You’d think the two of you had never seen a baby before. What if I told you in six months, we’ll have another one to pass around?”
There’s a moment of stunned silence before the room erupts into cheers and congratulations.
“You’re joking!” Maureen exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement. “Irish twins?”
“Cillian! Ivy!” Mom claps her hands. “What wonderful news! The two of you didn’t waste any time, my goodness!”
I never imagined I would get pregnant so quickly after Forrest, but we’re overjoyed. The love Cillian and I share is beyond anything I ever dreamed was possible. He treats me with such tenderness and respect. Each day is better than the last.
Now, our family is growing, as is the love between us. I have no idea what the future holds, other than Cillian and I plan to have a lot more kiddos. As he puts it, his “swimmers” always find the target.
Rory leans forward and takes my hand. “Another wee grandchild on the way! How about that?”
My dad looks momentarily shocked, then breaks into a rare, genuine smile. “Well, I’ll be damned. I don’t hate the idea.”
“Well, we don’t hate the idea either.” Cillian squeezes my hand under the table. “We’re really fucking happy.”
After dinner, we move to the living room. I sit on the couch, breastfeeding Forrest, who I keep under a blanket in order to appease the grandfathers. The room is cozy, with a fire crackling in the fireplace and our parents chatter away with mugs of hot chocolate. Once Forrest is fed and burped, he falls asleep in my arms.
Across the room, I notice Cillian and Brennan standing in the foyer, they’re deep into what looks like an intense conversation. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but it’s clear there’s some tension between them. Cillian’s brows are furrowed, and Brennan’s hands are gesturing animatedly.
“What’s going on with those two?” I ask Maureen, who’s sitting next to me.
She glances over and sighs. “Ach, you know how brothers are. Probably some stupid miscommunication. I’ve learned to stay out of it. They’ll work it out, my boys always do.”
The evening winds down and we say our goodbyes. After we load up the car, the drive home is quiet. Forrest is asleep in his car seat and I’m exhausted. My pregnancy hormones are insane this time, probably because I never had a break between giving birth and getting knocked up again.
We get home and settle Forrest into his bassinet next to our bed, and I turn to Cillian. “What were you and Brennan talking about?”
He turns to face me. “He seems to be under too much pressure—but he’s making some strange decisions. Apparently he’s taking on a huge investment for his company, which could change everything, but not necessarily for the better. I actually think there’s something else going on, but he’s being tightlipped. It’s frustrating. I want to help him.”
“You’re a good brother.” I comb my fingers through his hair. “Your mom told me you’ll work it out.”
Cillian pulls me into his arms. “We will. Whatever happens, I’ll be there for him.”
“Families are messy and imperfect, but I’m learning messiness is our greatest strength.” I rest my head against his chest. “Being each other’s support system is what life’s all about.”
“Well said, Mo shíorghrá .” Cillian kisses my temple.
As I drift off to sleep in Cillian’s arms, with our precious Forrest beside us and another on the way, I can’t help but feel grateful for our beautiful life.
We’ve faced many challenges, some self-imposed, but our love has only deepened over the years .
Reconnecting, healing family rifts, and building our future has taught me love isn’t just about two people—it’s about the bonds we create with those around us.
We’re an unbreakable foundation.