Chapter Thirty-Three #2
Mum gave me a firm smile. “I’m a grown-up. I can handle it. It’s not your job to make me happy, Aislinn. That’s only my responsibility. I’ll use my newfound freedom to work more so I can pay Lorcan his money back.”
I rolled my eyes. “Mum, you can’t just work. You need to live a little. Please consider taking Lorcan’s offer. It’s madness to be indebted to the Devaneys without good reasons.”
“I have a good reason.”
At that moment, Gulliver came into the kitchen. After returning to New York, I’d only seen him during service, but I could tell he approved of my willingness to work on my marriage with Lorcan. “She’s stubborn, child. Don’t bother arguing with her.”
“Have a drink with us,” Mum said.
Gulliver took one of his most expensive bottles of scotch from the cabinet accompanied by three glasses, then settled at the table.
He and Mum talked about their childhood, and I felt better about life and the future now that things seemed to be slowly going in the right direction.
After saying goodbye to Mum, Gulliver escorted me to the taxi waiting in front of his house.
I turned to him before I got in. “Was it you that called me in Dublin?”
He cleared his throat. “It’s cold out here. You should get into the car.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
He gave a terse nod then half pushed me into the taxi and closed the door.
I couldn’t help Imogen. Not anymore. I could only make sure that Finn had everything he needed.
When I returned home that night, Lorcan had already put Finn to bed. It was the first time he’d done it. “How did it go?”
I was a bit tipsy from the scotch and Guinness we’d consumed.
Lorcan cocked an eyebrow. “We read The Gruffalo around five times. Then he fell asleep. And you’ve obviously had a few drinks.”
I sank down on the sofa beside him. “Mum agreed to let Finn stay with us.”
Lorcan scanned my face. “You don’t sound happy about it.”
“I am happy. But I’m also anxious. This means a whole new amount of responsibility.”
“You have been responsible for Finn all his life. And you won’t have to carry the weight of responsibility alone. I’ll carry it with you.”
I leaned back with a smile. “I know. I’m glad for your broad shoulders. ”
Lorcan shook his head, chuckling. “Maybe one day we can consider adoption.”
I froze.
Lorcan’s expression tightened. “No?”
“I was thinking the same today, but as long as Imogen is in a coma that’s not a decision we can make.”
“The only person who matters in this instance is Finn. But we don’t have to decide this now.” He kissed my palm. “My father called a few days ago. He wants us to come over to the manor for his birthday on the twenty-sixth of February.”
That was in a few weeks. Could I leave Imogen alone for days? And did I even want to meet Devaney senior? Lorcan’s brothers had seemed okay, albeit intimidating, but Devaney senior would be on another level.
“Is it a good or bad sign that he wants to see me?”
“A good one. You’re my wife. It’s only logical that you have to meet my father.”
I swallowed, suddenly not tipsy at all. In mere weeks I’d be under everyone’s scrutiny, the long-awaited daughter-in-law. Lorcan and I were still at the very beginning of our relationship, still trying to get over the past and build a future together. We were on a good way, true.
I touched Lorcan’s chest. “This means a lot to you.”
His father was important to him. It was bad enough that my mother disapproved of our union. It would be good to have Devaney senior’s approval at least.
Lorcan shrugged, looking almost uncomfortable. “I’m used to Father’s disapproval so don’t worry too much.”
“So you think I’ll disappoint him?” I asked, wide-eyed.
Lorcan chuckled and cupped my head. “Not at all. I think he’ll enjoy your rough charm like I do. I meant his expectations aren’t very high. For one, because I chose you, and because you’re a Killeen.”
My mouth fell open in indignation. “You’re making this worse.”
He chuckled and leaned in for a short kiss. “That’s my special talent. I’m sure he’ll love you. Stop worrying. He’ll be too busy criticizing me.”
I pursed my lips. “You know I can’t stand it if people are treated unfairly. If he criticizes you for no reason, I’ll probably say something.”
He grinned. “My Irish warrior queen.” Then he shook his head. “Let me handle my old man. I have many years of experience. ”
I nodded, then my gaze moved to Finn’s room. “What about Finn?”
“My father wants to meet him too. I told him that Finn is going to be part of our life. Father is excited to welcome his first grandchild to the family.”
“I thought Aran has a kid?”
Lorcan scoffed. “Father is still sour about the out-of-wedlock situation, so he hasn’t accepted the baby as his grandchild yet.”
“This is so old-fashioned, and it’s not even the baby’s fault.”
Lorcan chuckled and brushed a wayward strand from my face. “Trust me, I know. That’s why I’m glad to be across the pond.”
“But Finn was born out of wedlock too,” I reminded Lorcan.
“He’s not my illegitimate child, though. You and I are still on the path of virtue,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I rolled my eyes. It was a topic I would stay away from when I talked with Lorcan’s father. I didn’t want to cause a fight.
“Don’t look so worried. I’m sure Finn will love the manor. It can be kind of spooky, and there are endless corridors and rooms to discover.”
I nodded absent-mindedly. Would the Devaneys really welcome Finn with open arms? Devaney senior seemed like a difficult man, and considering Finn’s special needs, many people treated him differently, so how would Lorcan’s father deal with him?
“It’ll also give you a chance to discover your roots. The Killeens always lived in Kenmare too. An aunt and uncle plus several cousins still do.”
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to meet the family that abandoned my mother because she got pregnant too young. “Okay. But I’m really terrified of meeting your father after everything that happened. It feels like a test.”
“My father will probably like you right away, and you’re in luck. He blames me for our breakup. He doesn’t know the sordid details. So I’ll get my head washed again for sending you away.”
I smiled sheepishly. I had to admit I was really glad almost nobody knew the truth. I wished I could turn back time and undo it, but maybe Lorcan and I had needed a wakeup call. Who knew?