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The colors of his ex-wife represented anger, jealousy, petty backbiting, and lack of heart. In fact, he couldn’t picture Gwyneth without the ugly air around her anymore. He frowned.
How had he bloody married the bitch?
“Exactly,” his mother praised. “And Raine’s aura is—”
“Blue and white. Vivid. Vivacious.” He pictured her bold and glowing. “She’s lovely.”
Bryn smiled proudly. “Indeed. I’m sorry if I frightened her when we arrived.”
“Why didn’t you let me know you were coming sooner so I might have explained?”
“If you’d been paying attention, you would have known as soon as I started packing my bags. Why hadn’t you told her about your family, son?”
“I didn’t know what to say without sounding mental.” He took a long swallow of tea. “It’s so good to see you and Da. How is everyone?”
“Your sisters are well and send their love. Got any bikkies?” she asked hopefully. “I rummaged around in the pantry but couldn’t find any.”
“Cookies, Mum. They’re called cookies here.” He smiled. “For someone who seems to know everything, I’m surprised you can’t find them. Raine baked some snickerdoodles. They’re in the jar. Hang on.” He rose again and brought the brown ceramic container decorated with fleur-de-lis back to her.
Bryn plucked one out and dipped it in her tea before taking a bite. She hummed. “I didn’t know what a snickerdoodle was, but it’s delicious. You’re a lucky man. Raine will fatten you up in no time.”
“I’m sure she will.” He sensed the speech rolling through her head. “So what’s on your mind? You didn’t travel to California because you suddenly decided you needed to meet my wee wench or ‘talk’ to the baby. And you didn’t wake me up in the middle of the night for something sweet.”
“As Macen’s problems unfold, you’ll do more harm than good—both of you—if you don’t stay logical and calm.”
How the hell was he supposed to do that now, when everything they’d worked hard for was dissolving before them? “I know you mean well but—”
“I’ll not be patronized, Liam.” Her eyes glittered like green fire.
He winced, then took a cookie from the jar and dipped it in his tea. His mother could be mild and affable—until someone nipped at her temper. “That wasn’t my intention. But if you simply wanted to tell me to ease up, you could have called.”
“Well, we did come to meet Raine. The wee bairn is a powerful incentive, too. Sure you don’t want to know anything?”
“Very sure. We’ve talked. We’d all like to be as surprised by the sex of the babe as we were by the fact Raine was pregnant. Nor do we care who fathered the babe.” He slanted his mother a glance.
“I understand.” She patted his hand. “It’ll be obvious soon enough. And this one will have your lovely’s eyes.”
The thought made Liam smile. Since learning that Raine was expecting, he’d been hoping to see her bright blues in their next generation. “Out with the rest. Why did you wake me in the middle of the night?”
She stared at—or maybe it was through—him, as though seeing something more. “To reason with you, son. Raine has to talk to her brother. Give her your blessing and let her go.”
“Mum—”
“She’ll find a way, regardless. Wouldn’t you rather her do it without sneaking around and feeling guilty? So you can make sure she’s protected and safe?”
Macen’s interrogation by the police had likely ignited his fiery lass’s determination to fix everything. That meant she would want to confront River.
“It’s too bloody dangerous. I’ll not have that wanker anywhere near her. He tried to abduct her! Do you realize the damage he’s done? I swear, if I get my hands on that son of a—”
“Of course I know. But what do you expect? Everything he’s learned about Raine’s life so far paints a sordid picture.”
“In his mind.”
Bryn reached out and laid her hand on his arm. “Most folks can’t see beyond their own noses. And it’s not as if either of you has convinced Raine to marry you. Are you expecting her to give birth without a husband?”
Liam had expected this prodding from his very Catholic parents. “I proposed. So did Hammer. She said no to us both.”
“So you’re giving up?” Bryn shook her head. “Raine is still finding her path. So is River. He’s her big brother, Liam. She’s all the family he has left. You know that for a warrior, there is no greater regret than failing those you love and should have protected.”
He knew. It was one reason Hammer had been struggling. “River has been Stateside for months, gathering information on us and twisting it all to hell. He could have initiated a fucking conversation before going off half-cocked!”
“You’re not too big for me to wash your mouth out with soap, Liam O’Neill!”
He didn’t mean to be disrespectful, especially when his mother meant well. “Sorry.”
