Cathal Chapter 5 #2
I dipped my head in acknowledgment, then reluctantly let go of Bronagh’s hand I still held.
I slowly walked to the island to see how I could help.
I needed to be busy. A glance back showed the two women, their heads close together, talking.
The pinched expression on Bronagh’s face was already easing.
“She’s fine. You know Mamó won’t do anything to upset her. She’s different from what I pictured,” Daid said to me, so only I heard.
“What do you mean?” I asked. I automatically began folding napkins into a pile and tucking silverware into the pockets I formed.
“She’s undoubtedly tough, but there’s a softness and a neediness to her.
It’s clear that her childhood and adulthood were spent in an environment very different from ours.
I know I shouldn’t be surprised, but I’d hoped there was at least closeness and love within the other families like ours, even if they were hard with everyone else,” he explained.
“She truly spent the majority of her life separate from them. Faolán tucked her away after her mam died. She’s always been somewhat of an outsider.” I shared what I learned from my conversations with her yesterday.
“It’s a shame,” Daid said, shaking his head. At that moment, Darragh joined us.
“Have you heard anything this morning from Faolán?” I asked.
Checking that Bronagh was still deeply in conversation, Darragh gestured for the two of us to follow him. However, when we got to the family room, we’d gained Uncaili, Uncles Patrick and Sean, too. They wore concerned looks. It had to be due to the one Darragh wore. My gut churned.
“Faolán isn’t coming. It seems that on his way to get Bronagh, he was attacked, too.
He wasn’t run off the road. Instead, at the airport, his group was shot at.
Faolán took a hit, but his trusted guards got him to safety, and he’s had medical treatment.
He’s not in danger of dying, but he’s staying hidden for now.
“He called and begged me not to allow his daughter to leave or be left unprotected. He promised me anything I wanted, even part of the Bragan territory, if we kept her safe. He swore it would only be until he figured out who did it and could make a countermove to eliminate the culprit or culprits.” Darragh dropped the bomb.
“What the fuck?” I exclaimed.
“That’s so goddamn wrong on so many levels,” Daid muttered.
“To go after innocent family members should never happen,” Patrick snapped.
“What did you tell him?” Sean asked.
“I told him that he had nothing to worry about. Bronagh is safe, and we’ll continue to keep her that way. When he asked what I wanted, I told him.” Darragh paused as he met my gaze.
“That I wanted him to fully back Cathal marrying Bronagh, if she’ll agree. And if that happens, which would be soon, he will let Cathal and her work out their relationship without interference.”
“And what did he say to that?” I asked.
“He wanted to know why the change of heart. I explained that it was your wish, and that our family backed it. And that you would treat her with respect, honor your vows, and protect her,” Darragh replied.
“And cherish and love her,” Daid added, watching me.
I said nothing at first, just stared at him. Finally, I asked, “What did Darragh say to you?”
“Dar said nothing. I know my children. And I saw yesterday how you hovered over her, making sure she felt secure and that she wasn’t in pain or lacking comfort.
You spent hours with her after she met the family.
You stayed in the house last night, next to her room.
Those all tell me that your offering to marry her means more than helping out Faolán,” Daid answered.
“I don’t know what it means,” I protested weakly.
“You do. And if you’re already feeling something more, then you should pursue it. Of course, if she refuses, then her wish will be honored. No one will be pressured to comply unduly. We don’t do that,” Patrick stated.
“Remember what your daid and I told everyone at the Christmas celebration about what happened when we met your mam and my Brenda. Our relationships started with that same instant awareness, attraction, or whatever you want to call it,” Sean added.
“She makes me feel so many things, and they’re confusing, but what I do know is I can’t let her leave, even if it were safe for her to do it.
I need her to stay and see if she can feel what I’m feeling, too.
And if she does, then let it grow. She might be my only chance at a family of my own,” I admitted.
“She isn’t your only chance, Mac, but I think she could be your fated one,” Daid replied.
“Alright, so what do we do? Tell Bronagh about her dad?” I asked the group.
“I asked Faolán what he wanted us to do. He said we could tell her, but not let her leave. He plans to call her himself tonight. He’s going to insist she stay here,” Dar explained.
“And what about the issue of finding out who’s behind Bronagh’s wreck and the shooting, as well as their territory erosion?” Patrick asked.
“I want to speak to the family about that. I think we should consider stepping in and helping. That’s what family does, and if Bronagh is to become part of our family, then we help Faolán.
Only if he turns out to be like Ivo Doyle or Chris Brynes do we cut any assistance or make a different move.
I know if that happened, it would be hard for her to forgive Cathal and us.
It would have to be kept secret, which I don’t like, but it’s the only way to keep you two together if a wedding occurs,” Darragh expanded.
Dar was right, but the thought of lying to my wife for the rest of our marriage made my stomach clench. However, I was getting ahead of myself. The wedding and our life together weren’t a given. First things first.
“We’ll meet tonight in the CC after she goes to bed. We’ll let the rest of the family know later,” my cousin directed.
The other four of us nodded. Knowing we needed to get back to the others, we returned to the kitchen as if by order.
As I entered, I glanced over to check on Bronagh.
Her gaze met mine. I read concern on her face.
I smiled, hoping I had reassured her. I’d wait until after breakfast to tell her about her dad.
I would see if the patriarchs and Dar wanted to be there.