The nude-colored, ankle-length, long-sleeved maxi dress fit her body like skin, hugging every curve. Her long, black hair swirled around her shoulders and waist. She wore matte red ballet slippers and a hand-thrown ceramic bracelet in a natural, tan clay with swirls of red glaze. She’d picked it up in town from a local potter.
She was put together and professional. She loved the outfit but obviously had yet to fully embrace her new body.
“There has never been a lovelier pregnant woman. I swear it. Don’t you dare change that outfit.” They were interrupted by the door being thrown open. Literally, thrown open.
HB must have been the thrower, but thankfully, he was also the catcher, so the door didn’t bang against the wall. Jo walked by him without a word, but her elbow ‘accidentally’ caught him in the ribs. He frowned but didn’t say anything. Raven was sure she had never heard him speak.
“You guys are out on the town early today. Any plans, Jo?” River asked as she took her friend’s coat and scarf to hang up.
Raven whispered to Jo, “Has he ever said a word to you?”
“Not one, but I know he talks to people. I’ll break him eventually,” she whispered back. To River, she said, “My BFF and I are going birthday present shopping for Mom. I have to get something and mail it today, or it won’t reach her in time. Her latest obsession isredecoratingeverythingin the Tulsa house.”
“Oh wow, really. When I stayed there, I thought it was stunning.”
“Yeah, I think she’s midlifing it a bit. It’s driving Dad crazy.”
Rowan asked what she was planning on looking for. Raven was sure her sisters were thinking something along the same lines— a painting, antique mirror, table scaping décor, bedding...
“Wallpaper.”
“What? Seriously?” River. Subtle.
“Not just any wallpaper, but hand-painted silk wallpaper. An antique store here in town has it, and I’m getting it no matter the cost. It has already gone to a conservationist who specializes in art restoration. It’s glorious. Soft florals and cupids. It will be stunning for one of my father’s study walls.”
“Your dad’s study? Floral? Cupids? Umm, are you sure, Jo?”
“Oh yes, you girls can help me word Mom’s card. Something like, ‘In many cultures, floral patterns in a man’s private space are supposed to increase his virility.’ Something like that.”
“I don’t think you need any help with the card, Jo. That was Hallmark worthy.”
“Has your dad done something to bring this on?”
Jo didn’t reply, just crossed her arms over her chest and stared pointedly at HB. Understood.
“Mom will die over the paper. She and Dad will go rounds over the placement. He’ll call and beg me to make it stop. I’ll make him relent on Honey, he will, and then I’ll tell Mom I had an epiphany, and the wallpaper would actually be perfect in her dressing room. Which, of course, is where I always intended it to go.”
They all died laughing. “Evil.”
“Yeah, I know.” Jo smiled and winked. “We really do need to get going, though. I plan on being at the shop the moment they unlock the door.”
She was heading toward the coat rack by the door when she whipped back toward Raven. “Oh, oh, oh! Where in the hell have my eyes been?! Holy shit. Sexy Pregnant Mom of the Year Award goes toooooooo... Raven Byrne!”
Raven laughed as she went to her desk and sat down. She needed to make sure she had all her notes accessible for her first appointment.
“And the views as good going as it was coming,” Jo hooted. Thankfully her next comment was cut off.
The antique bell above the door jingled as the heavy wood was pushed open on a gust of wind. Two things happened simultaneously.
The first. HB grabbed Jo and placed her behind his body.
The second. Hugh, Patrick, and... Bran walked into Triskelion. Long wool coats, caps, and scarves flapping in thebreeze. Raven blinked. It was like the O’Faolains were filmingPeaky Blindersin their shop. She noted her hands were gripping the edges of her desk. Whether to push away and run or to keep her in place before she ran across the room into his arms, she couldn’t have said.
“Bran.” It was a whisper. A prayer.
30
“Raven.” Bran’s hands tightened around the damn gift box until it was in danger of folding in on itself. My God. She was here. He was standing in front of her. Finally. Four months.
