Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
I still don’t know how I ever managed ta capture Callia’s attention, and I’m not sure how ta deal with the emotions racin’ through me. I can’t find the words to express everythin’ I’m thinkin’, so I press my lips ta Callia’s in a quick, gentle kiss.
“Thank you,” is all I can say when I straighten up and take her hand.
“You don’t have ta thank me fer wantin’ ta be there fer ye, Rebel. You saved my life seven years ago, and I realised then that my heart was yours. I didn’t want ta give it ta anyone else. If I thought I could, I’d be lyin’ ta myself.”
Just then, Orla approaches us. She looks tense, and the tears that are threatenin’ ta spill over onto her cheeks are evidence enough that’s she’s broken up about this. I don’t blame her. She’s leavin’ her daughter with me, and I don’t even know the wee girl. Even though Orla knows she’s safe here, I’m sure it doesn’t settle the worry that any parent would feel.
“Thank ye fer doin’ this, Ronan. And ta ye as well, Callia. I know ye’ve never met me before, and ye don’t know what type of person I am, but I didn’t make this decision lightly.”
“I can see ye’re hurtin’,” Callia tells Orla. “Don’t worry about Aine, she’ll be safe here. We may not have the same blood runnin’ through our veins, but every person who lives in this house is family. We would die fer each other.”
It’s the feckin’ truth as well. The brothers and the old ladies—each one of us has been through rough patches, but we all stick together. Loyalty is how this club thrives, and it’ll never change.
When Orla finally leaves, I go ta Aine, who’s lookin’ up at me with wide, tearful eyes. She’s not cryin’, but her bottom lip is wobblin’. Seein’ her sad, it tugs at my heart, and I fight back the need ta drop ta my knees at her side. Instead, I offer her my hand, and she takes it with tremblin’ wee fingers.
We settle on the sofa, and she holds onto the teddy bear she brought along with her. The rest of her stuff has been packed away in one of the smaller guest rooms. She’ll have her own space. But right now, she needs support.
“Yer ma won’t be gone fer too long,” I tell her.
“I know,” she mumbles. “But I’m goin’ta miss her.”
The sweet innocence in her voice makes me want ta burn down the feckin’ world fer her. I want ta fix her sad expression and make it a happy one.
“I’m glad ye’re here,” I tell her gently. “We can get ta know each other. I can tell ye all about yer nonna who lives in Italy.”
Her eyes widen at this news. “That’s really far.”
“Aye, it’s far away, but maybe one day we can go out ta visit her.”
She looks away from me and watches as Callia packs the puzzle pieces back into the box.
“Is she yer girlfriend?” Aine asks.
Callia’s not lookin’ at us, but it’s clear she’s heard the question from the smile on her face.
“Aye,” I answer easily.
“So I have two mammies?” There’s such innocence in her question, but I’m surprised she understands the dynamic. She’s only six, but she already knows how life works. Her ma has obviously explained a lot more ta her than I thought.
“Would that make ye happy? If ye have two mams?” I ask her instead of respondin’ to her question. I don’t want ta say yes ta her if she’s not happy about the situation. I know it could take time fer her ta accept us.
She’s quiet fer a while, lookin’ between Callia and me. I can’t help holdin’ my breath, waitin’ fer her answer.
“Aye,” she finally whispers. “I think it’s okay.”
She looks at me then and grins. Her teeth are slightly crooked, and there’s one missin’, right at the front on the top row. Her wavy brown hair hangs down to the middle of her back, and her dimples peek up at me as she smiles.
She’s the perfect mix of Orla and me, but she’s also unique. I know the others, especially Miren, will want ta get ta know her and spoil her.
“Then maybe we should meet the rest of the family. What do ye think?”
“I’d like that.” Her sweet voice makes me smile.
I hope that all her worry and panic will soon dissipate. Orla shouldn’t be gone fer too long. At least that’s what I feckin’ hope.
ELEVEN
CALLIA
A daughter.
He’s got a child, and I’m walkin’ into a relationship with him. I’m not sure how this is goin’ta work, but I want ta try. Last night’s dream, where I was with Rebel on a secluded beach, holdin’ hands, and confessin’ our love, is still runnin’ through my head as I roll over and feel the warmth of Rebel beside me.