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Sean refills his plate without a word, yet a knowing smile plays on his face.
The three of us continue enjoying our meal while Sean tells us about his schooling. He declares he’s decided to go to college for architecture. His grades are good enough that he can go to nearly any school he sets his sights on. My heart swells with pride at how far this kid has come since I moved here. Both of them have been through so much, yet they’ve been shining brightly for a while now.
Alannah tells me about the construction company she works for and how they’ve been looking to sell. The owners are older and don’t have any kids to leave it to. Naturally, she’s worried about what that will mean for her and if she’ll get to keep her job. I offer encouragement and a job if all else fails, which she smacks me upside the head for. The doorbell rings, and before I can move, Alannah is on her feet crossing the length of the house to the front door with incredible speed.
The door opens, and I hear Hadley’s voice.
“Oh. Hi. Um…is Connor here?”
Alannah’s gentle laugh and muffled response has me on my feet, walking toward the door as quickly as possible. I reach the door as Alannah is moving to the side, allowing Hadley to enter.
Alannah turns back, smiling at me. “Don’t worry, brother. I was just introducing myself to your girlfriend.” She turns back to Hadley and motions for her to walk inside. “Come, we still have plenty of breakfast.”
Chapter Eighteen
HADLEY
It takes about sixty seconds before the door opens when I ring the doorbell. I’m startled by a beautiful redheaded woman standing in front of me. Her hair is piled high on her head, and her slender body is so tiny compared to my soft curves. She smiles warmly at me as she greets me.
“Hello?”
The question in her voice is making me nervous. I’ve never seen anything indicating a female spent much time here.
“Oh. Hi. Um…” I stammer. “Is Connor here?”
The smile brightens as she responds to me quietly. “Of course. Hadley, right? Come on in. I’m Alannah. It’s lovely to meet you.”
She steps aside, and I see Connor looking from the far end of the hall, his jaw clenched, almost like I just walked in on something. It only lasts for a second until I’m walking toward him.
“Hi. It’s so nice to meet you too,” I say shyly, crossing the hall.
A devastating smile takes over his face and he meets me in two steps, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me to his chiseled chest. He presses his lips to mine with such passion, my knees nearly buckle. I push on his chest when I remember we’re not alone. He groans against my mouth, and I giggle.
“I’ve missed you too, handsome.”
“You have no idea, beautiful,” he says, not releasing his hold until Alannah clears her throat.
“Brother, let the girl breathe,” she laughs while stepping past us.
We follow her into the kitchen, where I see a young man sitting at the table with a plate piled high with pancakes and bacon. His bright red hair matches Alannah’s. This must be Sean. Connor’s hand on the small of my back leads me to a chair near the head of the table, where an empty plate awaits.
“Hadley, this is my son, Sean. Sean, this is Hadley. Please, Hadley, help yourself,” Alannah explains.
Taking my seat, I smile at Sean. “Hello. It’s so nice to meet you. Your uncle has told me so much about you.”
The grin that spreads across Alannah’s face warms my heart. I place a small helping of eggs and bacon on my plate, and Connor raises his brow at me. I roll my eyes at him.
“I wasn’t expecting breakfast. I stopped by Mud House for coffee on my way here and had a croissant on my drive over. I promise I’m eating plenty.” I place my hand on his, which is resting on the table.
With a nod, he continues his meal, and the four of us fall into an easy conversation. Sean is so animated when talking about his aspirations for school and college, and it’s easy to see the pride both Alannah and Connor have in their eyes when they watch him speak. Once we finish, Alannah stands to do the dishes, and I follow her.
“I’m really glad I was able to meet you today. Connor talks so much about you both,” I share while she washes and I dry.
She’s quiet for a moment.
“It’s been nice meeting you too.” After a pregnant pause, she continues. “I know your situation is very unique. My brother hasn’t had a relationship with anyone since he moved here to help me. So, for him to take such an intense liking to you so quickly... I have to admit, it worries me.”
“I have no intention of hurting him. I care about him so much.” My reply is quiet. “I hate the situation I’m in. Part of me wishes I had met Connor first.”
