Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
She smiled in understanding. “That’s what everyone sees, you know. The fun, the laughter, when they’re together.” She met my eyes. “But those who know him best, know there is much more to Ronan than jokes.”
“There is,” I agreed.
“He doesn’t let many see it. He feels he needs to play a part.” She sighed as she watched him. “I am glad to know he found someone he can just be himself with.”
Ronan lifted his gaze to me, tilting his head in silent question. I smiled his way with a nod, and he winked and turned his attention back to his dad and Evan. Sandy chuckled beside me.
“Ah, the protectiveness of a BAM man is strong with him.” She picked up a scone, nibbling on the golden-brown edge. “He is smitten.” She met my gaze. “And it does my heart good to see it.”
Then she leaned closer. “And unless I am mistaken, so is Liam. Paige and that darling little girl have him spellbound.”
I followed her gaze and saw what she was talking about. Liam was on the sofa, holding Lucy on his lap. He fed her tidbits, listening to her intently. His leg was pressed against Paige, her hand resting on his knee. She had her other hand on Lucy’s leg. The three of them looked right together, like a small family unit. It struck me how much Lucy resembled Liam with her coloring—the dark hair and hazel eyes. As if she was meant to be his. I returned my gaze to Sandy’s, surprised to find it bright with tears.
“I love this family,” she admitted. “Seeing them happy brings me much joy.” She reached for my hand and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
I couldn’t respond. I had no idea what to say.
But my heart felt full.
* * *
After the massive meal, the men cleaned up, making short work of the dishes. There were two of everything in the kitchen, including dishwashers, so they were stacked and running fast. Somehow, I wasn’t surprised to see how little there was in the way of leftovers. All the food disappeared, including the cakes I brought. They were exclaimed over, praised, and it was determined that they needed to be procured for every brunch, which I gathered happened every month, plus any time deemed a special occasion.
People disbursed, the noise level dropping. Small groups sat conversing. Liam took Lucy and Paige outside to show Lucy the gardens, promising she could dig in a flower bed with him. After asking my permission, Evan headed downstairs with Ronan and Aiden. A few people went for a walk.
I sat with another cup of coffee and some of the women, enjoying their chatter. When the subject turned to books, they brought up the book club again, and I told them I was rereading Her Virtuous Viscount again. There was some sharing of favorite parts and lots of teasing about the steamy scenes. I was amazed at how open they were—all three generations. Sandy was as into the steamy scenes as Gracie, Addi, and Ava were. Their humor was evident and their love for one another clear as they laughed and teased. I wondered if my mom would have been as comfortable with the topic, then recalled her sense of humor and knew she would be. She would be thrilled that Evan and I had found a place in a family as wonderful as this one.
I wandered downstairs and found Evan with Ronan and his dad. Aiden was talking to Evan, who was listening intently. Ronan held out his hand, and I joined them, curious about what Aiden thought.
He held up Evan’s file. “You’ve kept immaculate records, which have been a great help.”
I waited.
“I’ll lay this out as clear as I can.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
“I think Evan could benefit with more, consistent therapy. Some intense deep tissue work. Acupuncture.”
I smiled sadly. None of that was new—the problem was affording it all.
Before I could say anything, Aiden smiled in understanding. “I know you have no benefits. The fact that Evan is walking is amazing given the extent of his injuries and the help you’ve been able to give him. The exercises he is doing are good, but they need to be great.” He sat back with a grin. “And I can make sure they are.” He clapped Evan on the shoulder. “With your permission, I’d like to work with Evan. See if I can’t help build more strength. Between Ronan and me, I think we can help.”
At my hesitation, he frowned. “I’m not guaranteeing anything, but I think there is room for improvement. I can develop a program and be there to help Evan.” He waved his hand. “I have all the machines and the tools to do so.”
“Please, Beth,” Evan begged. “I want to try.”
“I can’t afford—”
Aiden interrupted me. “We look after family. That’s what we do. And if you’re part of Ronan’s life, then you’re part of mine. That makes you family.”