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“Hello?”
“Fancy that, then. It only takes Mum and Da going halfway ’round the world for me to hear from you. How are you, stranger?”
He’d know that voice anywhere.
“Maeve…” He grinned around the teacup and gave his da a wink. Raine stood across from them, dunking a cookie in her tea. Even with all the commotion lately, some of his parents’ idiosyncrasies had still rubbed off.
“We can’t wait to meet Raine. Mum has gone gaga over her. They really like this one, Liam. We’re so excited for you. And by the by, I always knew there was something more between you and Macen. But it’s all good,” she assured. “Um…how does that work exactly?”
Liam sighed. “Yeah, it’s not like that.”
He saw Raine laughing behind her hand as Da concentrated far too hard on stirring his tea.
“No judgment here.”
“Bloody hell, Maeve. We’re in love with the same woman, not each other.”
“Whatever you say… So, when are you bringing them home for a visit?”
“I doubt it will be before the baby is born, but we may try to surprise everyone. How are you and the lads?”
“Same. Nothing much changes here. How are you all holding up? Da told me about your recent drama. Your life is so fascinating. There’s always something going on.”
Liam snorted. “Be thankful you’re not living it. But we’re all good now, thanks. Every day seems to be some new bloody challenge, but we always manage to get things sorted.”
“You do. I won’t embarrass Raine by asking to speak to her, but tell her that she has a whole parcel of family who already love her and can’t wait to meet her and the baby. Know we are thinking of you all, Liam. Love you.”
He sent Raine a smile. He loved the idea of her and the children he and Macen would have with their lass in his family. “I’ll tell her. I love you, too, Maeve. Give everyone our best.”
“I will. Pass me back to Da to say good-bye.”
Liam gave the mobile back to his father and listened while he rang off.
Duncan set the phone aside and rose to get more tea, but Raine grabbed the pot.
“I’ve got it. Sit.” She refilled his cup.
“Thank you. Why are you both up at this hour? You especially, lass. You need your sleep.” He patted her hand gently across the counter. “You have so much going on in that wee body of yours, making a brand new person. ’Tis a lot you’re asking of it on so little rest.”
“I’ll try again after my tea,” she promised. “What time is it in Ireland?”
“Hmm, there’s eight hours’ difference. Since it’s just after one here, it’s a bit after nine in the morning at home. Hence my reason for being up and on the phone.”
“Da doesn’t do computers,” Liam teased.
“We don’t get along is all,” the older man blustered.
“I could show you, Da. It’s not hard.”
Duncan shook his head. “I’m too old for that now, lad. I do best in my garden. Happy as Larry, I am, with a bit of dirt and my plants.”
“You still feeding the neighborhood?” Liam asked.
“When the weather cooperates, aye.”
“I’ll bet your vegetables are better than store-bought,” Raine remarked.
“The best, lass.” He looked adorably proud. “I grow more beefsteak tomatoes and string beans than Mum and I can eat, so she shares the extras with the family. The rest are passed on to neighbors and friends.”
“I’m sure everyone appreciates it.” Raine smiled. “I’d love to see your garden one day.”
“And so you shall. Just have that scamp bring you home…” He nodded Liam’s way.
“I’m getting to it, Da. His garden is famous, you know. That and his family are his favorite subjects. Come and sit. He’ll tell you all about it.” Liam rose and gave Raine his seat while he emptied the dishwasher.
As Raine eased onto the stool, he slid clandestine glances their way. She’d been a bit shy with his father. Understandable since her experience with her own had been so horrendous. Besides, with everything going on, there had been little time to talk except at meals. But Liam needn’t have worried. His father was adept at encouraging her.
Before long, they chatted like old chums. She looked relaxed and engaged. His lass even laughed when Da pulled out his wallet and pictures of his grandchildren spilled out. When his father sent her a sheepish glance and said just how much he missed them all, Raine laid a gentle hand over his. Da appreciated the gesture, smiling as he gave her delicate fingers a squeeze.
Then something flashed across her face. Liam saw the happy light in her eyes dim. She eased her hand free and rose, fidgeting.
His heart caught, and Liam shot his father an apologetic stare as he started toward her. Da stopped him with a look.
Breath held, Liam hung back and watched.
