24
Bran called Patrick first thing in the morning while he was helping Mr. Dunn pack all of Nan’s things— a lot of things. Dunn remained stoic even though his truck was a potholder away from exploding.
Pat answered, “Hey, Bran.”
“You headed this way yet?”
He laughed, “Not quite. Nan just ran back inside. She forgot the hospital nightgown she bought for Raven. And let me be the first person to wish you condolences.” He heard Dunn snort in amusement from the other side of the truck.
“Oh God, and you know Raven will wear it,” he chuckled. “I’m glad you’re coming back early.”
“Yeah, me too.” When Bran didn’t speak again, he thought they’d gotten disconnected. “You still there?”
“Yeah, sorry. Come straight to the O Building. We finished moving all your things in yesterday.”
“I hope not everything. I’ll be living at the hotel for a while, remember?” Another long silence. “Jesus, Bran. This is like talking to Dad on the phone. What the fu—heck is going on?” Patrick did a quick glance around for Nan. The f-word got Bran’s dessert taken away.
Sighing, Bran admitted that he would have preferred to speak with him once he was back in town, but he also didn’t want Patrick to be blindsided. “River and Rowan moved into their own place. I believe, and so does Rave, that the situation is temporary. You will get her back, Pat.”
Patrick wasn’t sure how to feel. He wouldn’t have been living with River either way, but it felt like he was keeping her from living with the family— where it was safer. And he didn’t like that at all.
“Why didn’t you stop her, Bran? She and Rowan are safer with the rest of you, damn it! I would have kept my distance. I promised I would until she was ready.” If she ever was.
“Making a Byrne do a damn thing they don’t want to is impossible, and you know it. Since you’ve been away, the new protocol is always one guard per person. Atalltimes. The extra hired men MacGregor brought in continually walk the perimeter of their house, Triskelion, and the O building. They are safe, Pat. I swear it.”
“Yeah, okay, I understand. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll come straight to our building. Damn, I just wish they could catch that sick bastard so we could all start living normally again.” Nan was locking the front door— finally. “Hey, is this why Dad was extra weird when he called me this weekend?”
“Yeah. It’s weird, right? Please tell me you think it’s... weird. Not like weird, weird, but hard to wrap your brain around, weird.”
“I want Dad to be happy. We both do. I guess it’s just so— unexpected,” he laughed. “Listen, we’ll gossip about Dad more when I get in town. Nan is walking up.”
“Okay, Pat. See you in a few hours. Drive safe.”
As Pat slipped his phone into his pocket, he heard Nan ask Devlen if he would mind waiting in the truck for a moment. Then she headed back to Pat’s ride. He momentarily froze, then burned. Surely, she wasn’t going to ask him to stay behind after all. River hadn’t changed her mind.
Nan smiled. “Stop looking like a lad about to get a spanking.” At her laughter, Pat relaxed. “So, now. Here we are, then. I wanted a moment before it was too late, and we’re surrounded by family to tell you how much I’ll miss you around here.” She started to tear up, instantly pulling a handkerchief from her pocket. Dabbing her eyes, she continued. “Now look, ignore the waterworks, Pat. I’m just that proud of you, boy.”
Patrick needed to carry his own handkerchief. Damn. “Nan, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking me in. If I could choose a mother who loved me and that I loved, it would be you.”
She gave him a fierce hug. “Remember Pat. This homecoming isn’t going to be easy for you or River. Have patience. Work on communicating your feelings. All of them. When you’re nervous or scared or angry or upset. It’s the only way to have something— real. Do you understand?”
“I do.”
“Then let’s go see our family. Oh, I meant to ask, umm.” Clearly flustered, Pat didn’t rush her to finish, letting her get it out at her own pace. “Did you mention anything about Devlen’s proposal?”
Nan’s blushing was priceless. He would tease her someday. “Mr. Dunn proposed, and you said yes. That isn’t a proposal. It’s an engagement. I told them nothing, however. I would never speak of your personal business without permission, Nan. Can I give you a bit of advice?” At her nod, he finished. “You are happy with Mr. Dunn. Very happy. Which means your girls will be very happy. My advice is this. When you tell the family of your engagement, don’t act unsure or embarrassed. I think it would devastate Dunn. He might think you’re ashamed of him, and I know you aren’t. Tell them the news with all the joy and excitement you feel.”
Nan looked truly shocked that her nervousness at telling her family might make her fiancé feel like she was embarrassed by him. “Oh my. My goodness. I never thought... I never considered that. Shite. I’ve been... not who Iam.” Looking at Pat with a big grin, she told him, “You’re dead on, boy. I’ve been a ninny. I am proud of Dev.” With a small laugh, and twinkling eyes, she said “Let’s get going.”
Patrick smiled as he got behind the wheel. He was headed home.
To River.
* * *
Rowan was sittingat the stunning copper kitchen island. The plush cream-colored high-backed barstools even had copper bases. No question, Mrs. Adamson liked nice things. The guest rooms were comfortable and chic. The bathrooms were gorgeous, with giant, open showers. Long benches were installed if they wanted to steam. Walk-in closets, soft beds with feather toppers, fluffy duvets, and silk sheets.
The kitchen was better than advertised. A chef’s dream, let alone a home cook like herself. All the appliances were Wolf, the red knobs were a beautiful complement to the copper. So high-end, River wasn’t sure how she felt about making scrambled eggs on all this amazingness.
