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I don’t even think to prevaricate. “Yes.”
His eyes are full of complicated thoughts and feelings that I’ll probably never understand. “Where is she?”
I point to the corner of the room. My mother is standing in front of an arrangement of her roses. She’s barely there—just a silvery outline—but the fact that she is makes my heart full. I grin at her, putting all the love I once felt for her into my smile.
Her answering smile is hesitant, but that was Emma Billings in life, so I don’t take offence. I look back at my father.
His gaze is full of yearning. “I wish…”
I wait him out, but he doesn’t say anything else. “You wish what?”
Levi comes over, taking my hand as soon as he’s close. “Declan, nice to see you,” he says pleasantly. I’m never really sure what his feelings are regarding my dad. Today, he seems to have settled for friendly neutrality. “I’m glad you’re here for Blue.”
Declan’s eyes gleam. “Levi. Should I do my father of the groom speech about looking after him?”
I can’t help my laugh. “It would be called the Speech of Supreme Irony if you did.”
Levi ignores me, gazing steadily at my father instead. “You know I will look after him. Always.” Declan stares at him for a long moment and then inclines his head in acknowledgement. Levi turns back to me. “They’re ready for us.”
I nod and look back at my father. “What were you going to say about wishes?”
“Another time maybe.”
“And there’ll be one, will there?”
“What do you think?”
I consider that. “Yeah, probably.”
He smiles wryly, and I turn and fall into step besides Levi—my whole world and my future. And doesn’t it feel odd to think that I have one of those?
I rub my hands together. “Let’s get this boy married,” I say loudly.
CHAPTER 2
LEVI
“Thank you.” I hand Shannon some money, and Isa grabs the drinks to distribute them.
“What a day,” Shannon says, leaning on the bar and smiling at me.
“I know.”
“Blue Billings got married.”
I laugh. “I must admit it took me by surprise.”
She gives me a wry look. “Really? I saw it coming from the minute he introduced you to me.”
“Why?”
“Because he never takes his eyes off you. I knew he was a goner when I first met you. The lad adores you.”
The comment makes warmth kindle in my belly. “Thank you,” I say softly.
She pats my arm. “No, thank you. There have been times over the years I worried he’d make it through the day, let alone do something so wonderfully out of character as get married. He was always so lost. The thought that he’s finally found safe harbour makes me happy.”
She wanders away to serve someone else and I turn, leaning back against the bar in the Irish club. Everyone is talking loudly and the music from Riordan’s band is jaunty and makes your feet tap. Jem is darting about, his camera in his hand as he snaps more photos. Will had suggested we should dress as penguins to make Jem feel comfortable in his new job as wedding photographer, but Jem had just laughed. He’s charming and witty and people obligingly pose for him with none of the usual whingeing. If he ever needs an alternative career, he could certainly do this one.
