“I would do exactly what you’re doing now,” she admitted. “But... but I don’t want you alone right now,” she choked, placing both her hands against River’s cheeks.
Damn it, she was not ready to discuss New Year’s. “You know I want, no, Ineedto stay busy right now. Think of handing over your tasks to me as a gift,” River smiled. When Raven didn’t return the smile, she added, “I promise to talk to you and Row. Give me a few more weeks. Okay?”
“Before Baby O gets here. You, me, and Rowan. Promise.”
River didn’t want to rehash the worst moment of her life, but that wasn’t an option in this family. “I promise. Now, for your promise, Raven— and witnessed by your husband— you can make the final decisions for your floor in the building, especially the baby room, but—” River stood up then and leaned menacingly over her pregnant sister, “—you will delegate. You will give us, or anyone else, our marching orders from a chair with your feet up. Do you agree?”
Raven knew she was purposely making her say it in front of Bran. No backing out. “Fine.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise,” she growled. Bran scooped his wife out of her chair and cradling his family in his arms, he swung her around while she shrieked and laughed.
Her family’s happiness was healing balm. Itwouldbe enough. It had to be.
Rowan breezed in all lovely and chic as only her youngest sister could pull off, stopping mid-step when she noticed Bran swinging their very pregnant sister all around the office. Rowan looked at River, like, ‘what the hell is going on?’
River heard Bran tell Raven that he had all sorts of amazing things planned to pass the time during her leave of absence.
Jealous? Most definitely.
“This is Raven’s first day of maternity leave. Bran’s excited,” she added with a shrug.
“Thank God.” Rowan smiled and laughed when Bran announced he was going home and taking his wife to bed. For rest. Doubtful, that.
When the door closed behind the happy couple, Rowan collapsed in her own chair, resting her head on her desk. “I am more than thankful for whatever voodoo you performed to get our sister to call it quits, but Jaysus, Mary, and Joseph,” she said, mimicking their grandma, “how will we ever get all this work done with just the two of us?”
“We’ll manage. I hardly sleep these days.” River meant it as a lighthearted comment, but Rowan looked troubled.
“I don’t want this for you, Riv. Talk to me. Please. Tell me how I might help you, and I’ll do it.”
“I know you would. I... I need time to learn how to live without him, you know. I need time to find my happy place again. Separate from... him. It’s been less than a week.” River stared at her sister, begging for understanding.
“I’ll give you a few weeks, and then youwilltalk to me.”
“Jesus, fine. You sound more like Raven every day, I swear.” Rowan’s only response was flipping her off. Precious.
Rowan’s phone started to ring, and River saw Hugh’s name flash on the screen. She also witnessed her sister’s blush before she answered.
“Hello.” River could hear Hugh’s deep, rumbling voice, Rowan’s occasionalthat won’t be necessary,we don’t need help, followed by more growls and a final,Fine!Followed by a quieter,thank you, Hugh, before hanging up.
Someone else in this office doesn’t wish to discuss personal shit— River thought. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! River hesitated to ask but decided to anyway. “What was that all about?”
“Apparently, in the last five seconds, Bran told his father that Raven was on maternity leave.”
“Annnnnd,” River prompted.
“He asked Saoirse Kennedy to give him recommendations for personal assistants. Forall threeof us.”
“What the fuck? Seriously, that man has no boundaries. Dom officially starts in two weeks!” Dom worked for years as a top-tier butler and concierge for the wealthy who stayed in Dublin’s famed hotel, The Fitzwilliam. The older gentleman had more knowledge of the city and its affluent, potential clients living there than anyone River knew. He was going to be key to Triskelion Territory Designs moving into the big leagues.
“That’s what I said, but Hugh made the argument that it would take Dom weeks to fully acclimate himself to his job and responsibilities. He’s interviewing candidates in the morning. Soooo, yeah, that’s that, I guess.”
River had to admit, “He’s one of the most annoying men I’ve ever met, but he’s also one of the best.” River watched her sister smile.
“He is that. Just.” Strong emotion brought a hint of Irish to her words.
“Patrick is flying in tomorrow with Jo and Honey.” River tried for nonchalance. She achieved stilted. Note to self: casual commentary needed work.
