Page 23 of Found in Wild Sage

When I steel myself enough to meet his eyes, I see no evidence of anger or hurt, just curiosity and a kind of promise. He won’t push me about this tonight in front of everyone, but he’s going to expect an explanation.

After all, I’ve been insisting there was nothing between me and Evie for as long as he and Finn have been asking or hinting, so this is coming out of nowhere. To be fair, it is for everyone save Davis, who is steadfastly focused on his dinner plate, the secrets he’s legally bound to keep tucked away.

As the demand for information grows, I realize how ill-prepared we are. We should’ve had a story. We should’ve made a plan. I knew they were like this and I didn’t think they’d want to know every small detail? What a fool.

Granted, I was a fool momentarily blinded by the sight of Evie wearing a ring I bought her, by that hug she gave me, and the way she said my name.

Weak and a fool.

We have to give them something, and it’s not fair to expect Evie to enter the mêlée on her first visit.

“I’ve always liked Evie. From the first day I met her, I knew she was special.”

Everyone makes sounds of approval, awws and “that’s so sweet” and “Yeah, because you have eyes,” from Finn.

“Yes. I do have eyes, so obviously I saw that she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

She blinks over at me, head tilted in a way that tells me she doesn’t want anyone else to see her face. She widens her eyes at me, and I’m not sure why. One way I’ll live with myself when all of this is over, whenever that happens, is to be as honest as possible whenever possible. I have said only true things so far.

“And you, Evie? What did you think of our Declan?” Da asks, the fond anticipation in his voice just shy of embarrassing.

I wouldn’t understand, except I feel twinges of this already with Charlie. Whenever someone comments how adorable or smart he is, there’s an unwarranted puff of pride or love for him inside me. If being a father is anything like that, then I understand my dad’s desire to hear what his future daughter-in-law thinks of his son.

“I thought he was wonderful.”

The soft smile on her face makes me want to kiss her.

To be fair, most things do.

My chest physically aches with the need to pull her close and press my lips to hers. To claim that sweetness for my own. To simply have the right to do any of it.

“What made you think so?” Ma prompts.

Evie bites her lips and sets down her fork before explaining. “It was his first day and he came in early to make coffee and brought pastries for everyone. Then, before the clinic was even open, a little boy and his mom rushed in because the boy had broken his arm. He was crying and the mother was so upset, but Dr. Ryan—Declan, sorry—stayed so calm. He was gentle with the boy, but firm enough everyone understood he was in charge and it was a problem that could be solved.” Her blue gaze flicks to mine. “He was wonderful.”

May grins like the perpetually proud sister she is and Sam comments on how staying calm runs in the family.

Evie chuckles. “Well, yes. I can say I’ve personally benefitted from that Ryan family trait.”

Sam pats Grant on the shoulder and I try not to feel jealous. I’m not normally, but lately, I’ve had a tantrum over Jack McKean, which I haven’t even apologized fully to Evie about, and now my own brother?

I’m grateful Grant was there with Evie and that he knew how to help her. I am endlessly thankful that Charlie is here and whole and so healthy. Without Grant, I don’t know how it would’ve gone, but even if everything had progressed perfectly, Evie would’ve been alone. Grant saved her from that, and it’s a good thing.

Still, knowing it was him and not me burns a hole through me like an ember fluttering onto a piece of paper and singeing out a void in a breath.

“Alright, that’s enough about us. We weren’t going to mention it because there’s something else we’re focusing on tonight.” I catch Saoirse’s eye and she blushes and grins. “How did you grow up so fast?”

Finn dives right in behind me. “Yeah, you were like three last time I checked.”

“Definitely still dressing up in tutus and demanding to have sparkly nails at all times,” May adds.

Sisi’s cheeks flame. I glance at Davis and Eirinn, her proud parents, and see them looking at their eldest daughter with love in their eyes. I’m relieved to see them so calm next to one another, and wonder if, perhaps, they’ve resolved whatever has been pulling at them these last few months.

An hour later, dinner is finished, Sisi survived enduring the happy birthday song, she opened presents, we’re all stuffed with homemade cake, and it’s time to go. I’m holding Charlie again, who has delighted in all the attention but is fading fast based on his droopy eyes and a quick round of tears. Everyone’s grabbing their things now that we’ve all pitched in cleaning up.

“Thank you so much for having us.” Evie accepts a hug from Ma, then Da. They effusively thank her for coming and letting them spend time with her and Charlie.

This, like so many things tonight, makes me feel like my ribs are contracting around my organs. This is not a thing, and yet I could swear I can feel it happening.