They all roared then, even Pat, who, Raven was sure, never intended on it in the first place. She leaned over to Jo and told her that they would tell her about it after dinner.
James leaned into his sister’s side and said, “And then Jo, once you get the details, you can come tell me.”
“Fat chance, James. Chicks before dicks.”
Across the table from Raven, Bran was laughing so hard he was wiping tears from his eyes.
“I am stuffed. What does everyone think of heading to Hugh’s study for drinks, more drinks, and whatever dessert that amazing chef has prepared?”
A chorus of agreements answered.
This would bea hard dinner to top, Bran thought as he made his way around the table to help Raven from her seat so he could walk with her to the study. Patrick was already helping River, James was helping his sister, the two bickering and laughing. He was about to walk back to Rowan, whom he should have helped before leaving her side, but she was already getting to her feet.
Oh, and there was Dad, pulling her chair the rest of the way out. Of course, when she smiled at him, and Bran could tell she was about to thank the old man, he abruptly walked off— his manners needed more than polish, Bran thought with a mental shake of his head.
He could tell his dad had hurt Rowan’s feelings with his indifference. He had to speak with him before he did permanent damage to a relationship with a woman that would hopefully be part of his family once Bran and Raven were married.
Dismissing the family drama, Bran leaned down to Raven, kissing her cheek. “I enjoyed tonight. Our families are great together.”
“Agreed. To both.” She started giggling as they walked. “I swear I almost peed my pants when Pat brought up the dress. Oh God! I thought Row was going to jump across the table and stab your brother with a table knife.”
Chuckling, Bran agreed. In the study, everybody was pouring drinks and finding spots to lounge. James and Patrick were getting a couple decks of playing cards out.
“Do you play any card games, babe? Looks like they’re setting up tables,” he nodded in their direction.
“My sisters and I are masters of Old Maid and Slapjack.” River and Rowan heard what she said and laughed.
“Slap what, now?”
“Don’t tell me you’ve never played? We Byrnes have slapjack skills.” This from River.
Rowan even boasted, “It’s true. We are masters.”
“Dad, have you ever played the game? I know Pat and I haven’t.”
“No, I’m looking it up now to see if they’re pulling our legs.”
“We would never,” River gasped, fluttering her eyes.
“It’s a real game. But... the American version doesn’t seem to be much of a game.”
“Oh no, Hugh,” Rowan laughed. “Concentration and speed are key. The deck, or multiple decks of cards, are placed face down in the middle of the table. One person flips over one card at a time, face up— preferably a non-player, but we always had to play with one of us girls flipping, and Raven always cheated.” Rowan raised her brows in a ‘what can you do’ look.
“I never cheated! That’s bullshit, Row! You and River always ganged up on me.”
Raven looked at Bran. “Don’t you dare believe her, babe.”
Laughing, he pulled her close to his side. “I’m not saying I believe her, but I will keep my eyes on you.”
“Okay, let me finish the rules. The dealer flips the card over, ensuring no one sees it before it's flat on the table. If a Jack is laid down, the first person’s hand to make contact, or slap the Jack, takes it and whatever cards are beneath. The winner is the person with the biggest stack of cards when the deck is gone. Easy, but requiring skill. Like I said.” She huffed in Dad’s direction.
“Oh,” Raven added. “Be warned that injuries can happen. Sometimes someone doesn’t slow their slap in time, and the winner’s hand takes a beating.” She pointedly looked at River.
“It was an accident, Rave. Jesus. Let it go, it’s been ten years!”
“This sounds like just the game for Bran and me. I’ve always had better hand-eye coordination,” Pat said, grinning.
“You only are setting yourself up for embarrassment.” Turning to Raven, he asked if she would mind getting their drinks. “I got a few texts and emails during dinner. It might be something I need to deal with.”
