Chapter 35
“I’m worried about how tense you are,” Carolina said as they watched the boys run on the lawn with Thomas, his cousin Ashleigh, and Ethan. Burpy was in hot pursuit as usual.
“I’m better now that Dan talked to the lawyer. It’s good that they know we’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep them with us.”
“Like you said, getting a call from Dan Torrington sends a certain message.”
“Sure as hell does. We’re fortunate to have him on our side.”
“Which is why it’s probably safe to get some sleep tonight.”
“I’ll do my best. This whole thing has made me realize just how much those two little scamps have come to mean to me.”
“You already knew how much they meant to you. And they know it, too. They see the way you rush home from work to take them fishing or on some other kind of adventure. They see it in the way they have your full attention all the time and how you include them in everything you’re doing.
They hang on your every word and watch you intently.
You’ve become the most important person in their lives. ”
“You’re right up there with me, love.”
“They love me. I know that. But they worship you, and it’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen. They couldn’t have a better father, and they’ll never ever choose anyone else over you, no matter what happens with this guy. They’ll remember who was there for them when they needed him most.”
“Ah, love, you’re going to make me weepy.”
“Then I’d better get you out of here before you embarrass yourself.”
“Probably not a bad idea.” Seamus whistled for the boys, and they came running, as they did whenever he called for them.
When he’d married Carolina, who was sixteen years his senior and the mother of a grown son, he’d known he was sacrificing fatherhood to be with his true love, and that’d been fine with him if he got to be with her.
Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine the family they had now, with Kyle and Jackson as well as Carolina’s son, Joe, his wife, Janey, and their kids, PJ and Vivienne.
Joe had told them a few days ago that they were planning to go back to Ohio so Janey could continue vet school.
They would miss them something awful, but they’d be back for Christmas break and home next summer.
With two little monkeys clinging to him, Seamus followed Carolina as they said good night to the others and promised to see them tomorrow at the wedding.
Later on, after he’d supervised two dirty boys through baths and bedtime and let the dog out one last time, Seamus settled into bed next to Carolina and stared up at the ceiling.
After losing his younger brothers—one to cancer and the other to an overdose—many years ago, Seamus had all but given up on praying, but he dusted off his faith and said a silent prayer to the Almighty, asking for His help in keeping those boys with him and Caro, where they belonged.
Only then did he close his eyes and try to get some rest.