As the four men passed Thomas, Bran told him he could guard Jo better from the dance floor.
* * *
River watchedthe men walk toward them. Everyone slowed their dancing, noticing the synchronized testosterone marching their way. River felt her sisters scrunch next to her sides.
Raven asked, “I can claim exhaustion and sit this dance out. You can join me, Riv.” Rowan followed with, “They’re obviously making Hugh dance with me. He’d rather cut his beard with a dull razor. I’ll sit out too. No problem. Really.” Rowan bumped River’s side casually while swaying to the song.
River didn’t want to cause an awkward scene like she had at Christmas. And— she really didn’t want to disappoint Bran and Raven. They didn’t have too many more party nights out before Baby O made an appearance.
She’d seen that woman touch Patrick and fully admitted she was so jealous and so hurt she could have cried. Thankfully, River didn’t think her sisters or Jo witnessed the woman, so she threw herself into dancing and did her best not to look for him. When she finally glanced over to where the men were sitting, Patrick was next to his brother, sans the brunette. Oh, sweet relief.
“Let’s dance. It’ll be fine. What more could happen,” River joked, laughing off the tension. “And Row, I don’t think you’re the Hugh Whisperer you think you are. He always looks like he’s in pain. Deep down, I bet he’s so excited his Benjamin Bunny is ready to give you a whirl!” Raven let out a whoop of laughter, and Rowan elbowed her side. “Bitch,” she whispered.
And then it was go time. Bran grabbed Raven first, bending down to whisper in her ear, causing her sister to blush. As soon as he moved her further out on the floor, the music switched to the traditionalAuld Lang Syneby The Irish Rovers. A slow song meant conversation, sighing to herself, River knew it needed to happen sooner rather than later, but— if the words ‘it was a mistake’ came out of his mouth— there may be a murder at midnight.
Thomas had already pulled Jo into his arms. James was holding a hand out to Jane. James looked so damned hopeful, River let out a relieved breath when Jane put her hand into his. Then there was only Rowan, Hugh, Pat, and her. She heard Rowan tell them they could sit the dance out, to which Hugh put one of his giant hands at her sister’s waist and began to slow dance toward the others.
Down to two.
“Dance with me, River. Please.”
River finally met Patrick’s eyes. He looked about as hopeful as James had only a moment ago. “Okay, Pat.” Patrick had her wrapped in his arms and next to their friends and families in two heartbeats. Both of his broad hands palmed her back, pulling her tight against his body.
River placed her hands against his chest. His heart was pounding. Could it be that he was as affected by her as she was by him? Pat leaned his head close to hers so she could hear him over the crowd.
“River... I have some things I want to tell you and explain.” River stiffened in his arms and attempted to put space between them. “No, babe, don’t stop dancing. I do need to tell you some things, but right now, I only want to tell you that you’re it for me. I should have told you this before now, but I do love you. Very much.”
River was shocked. Tears sprang to her eyes as they continued to watch each other. She had hoped... really hoped... “I love you, Patrick,” she mouthed quietly, knowing he could read her lips. The song ended, and the DJ was announcing the New Year with a fireworks light show. Pat leaned down— River stood on her toes— and then they were kissing and kissing and kissing.
The crowd was cheering the holiday. River was cheering her future. The DJ cranked up some crazy dance song, and the floor became a crush. Patrick led River back to their table, the other couples following. River looked at everyone and was happy to see James’ arm wrapped around Jane, who was looking at James with a small smile. Jo started to move away from Thomas to go talk to some friends who had just waved from the other bar. Thomas grasped his charge’s arm and whispered something in her ear. Surprisingly, Josephine stayed put. Hmmm. Questions for later.
Everyone agreed they were ready to head home. James and Jane were staying in town. As were Jo and Thomas. Jo wanted to spend some time with her family and Jane, but she would be coming to Dublin in a few weeks and staying until Raven had the baby. Thomas was sending several of his men with them. River was thankful for the protection, but good grief, she wished Delton was behind bars already.
* * *
Bobby,the O’Faolain pilot called Hugh earlier that evening to let him know a storm front was headed toward Tulsa that would likely ground flights by January 2. He was prepared to take them tomorrow if they wished. Hugh had already told Bobby he could fly the private plane to Massachusetts to visit his family and stay for an extended paid vacation before bringing the jet back to Ireland, so none of the pilot’s plans would be messed up if they left for Dublin a few days early.
After returning to the Muskogee, Raven and Bran went to their house, and Patrick asked River if she would spend the night with him at his house. Pat hadn’t stopped touching her since they left Wolves. Her sisters grinned at her anytime their eyes caught.
Something had sparked this change in Patrick’s demeanor. River was curious what the catalyst had been but didn’t want to overanalyze.
She hoped it was permanent.
River wasn’t nervous about having sex with Patrick. Shewasnervous aboutafterhaving sex with Patrick. Last time, he’d hidden in the bathroom until she’d finally slunk back to her room, confused and embarrassed.
This time would be different. Ithadto be. He’d told River he loved her. He said she was it for him. She believed him.
But if he ghosted her... again.
River’s internal debate escaped in a squeal as Patrick picked her up the moment they entered his house and started running toward his bedroom. “Patrick O’Faolain! Put me down so I can see your house,” she laughed, slapping the arm banded about her legs.
“You can see it tomorrow, babe. I’ll give you a tour of my bedroom now, though,” he grinned back at her.
“I’ll allow the manhandling then,” River deadpanned. As Pat entered his bedroom and flicked on the dim surround lights. River gasped at the space. He set her down and immediately started taking his boots off, but all she could do was spin in a slow circle to take it all in. “Pat, it’s beautiful.” All cream and soft blues. Sumptuous. She and Pat had eerily similar tastes.
One whole wall of the bedroom was made of glass panels that completely opened to a wraparound veranda overlooking the Arkansas River. She couldn’t wait to see the rest of the house.
“Holy shit, River! You’re still dressed,” Patrick complained.
