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Raine sobbed a laugh. “I know. I’m so lucky to be here with them now. I’ll always do my best to make them happy.”
“Of course you will.”
Raine smiled at him through unshed tears and gave him a quick, fierce hug. “Thanks, Duncan. I needed that.”
“There you all are.” Bryn bustled into the kitchen and brushed Duncan’s shoulder before giving Raine a smile and Liam a hug. “I’m still getting used to the time difference, but I can’t imagine why you two are up.”
“We tend to keep late hours.” The truth was, Liam simply felt unsettled, and he wasn’t sure why.
“Well, since you’re still up, Raine, I want you to know that your mum and your sister appreciated your visit yesterday. Oh, they’re so proud of you for being such a fighter. And your sister—what pretty dimples she’s got—she wants you to know she’s with your mother and at peace now. Though she’s a bit envious that you found two such strapping men who love you with their whole hearts.”
“You’ve talked to them? Seen them?” Raine’s eyes widened. How else could Bryn know about Rowan’s dimples?
“They’re with you always in spirit.” Mum pulled Raine in for a hug. “They want you to be happy. Now…” She looked Liam’s way. “Your girl is exhausted, sweetheart. Why don’t you see her to bed and come back and finish your tea with us.”
Liam might have missed the importance of her suggestion…but her psychic nudge felt more like a kick. It put him instantly on edge.
“Your mom is right. I’m beat now.” Raine rose. “I just want you both to know we’re thrilled you’re here. I’m so happy I could meet you before the baby comes.”
“Of course.” Bryn smiled. “Our pleasure.”
Liam took Raine’s hand. “Come on, love.”
He led her back upstairs to bed, waiting until she was settled once more. His weary lass dropped off in seconds.
With a heavy heart, Liam returned to the kitchen to find out what had his mother worried.
She didn’t keep him waiting for the news, and his suspicions that it wasn’t good were confirmed by the whiskey decanter and three glasses waiting.
“Let’s take our drinks in the lounge and talk there.” He poured a generous measure for each of them and led the way. Liam took one of the armchairs, as did his father. Mum curled up on the sofa opposite.
He raised his glass. “Sláinte.”
Da did the same, swallowing the dram before setting his glass down.
His mother didn’t toss hers back yet. She simply stared down at the liquid rolling in her glass, looking as if she searched for words that wouldn’t break his heart.
“What is it, Mum?”
“I wish I didn’t have to tell you that Hammer’s struggle isn’t over. You best be prepared this time. They mean business. It’s far more serious.”
“Oh, fuck. Sorry, Mum.” The fiery liquor that had settled in his belly only moments ago did nothing to fight the cold fist of fear he felt now. “How long have we got?”
“Not long. I can’t tell you when exactly, but everything is in place. The decision has been made to proceed.” She looked at him with anguished eyes. “I wish the news was better, son. I know this will be extremely upsetting for you all, but you’ll need to keep Raine as calm as possible and—”
“Christ, she’ll be beside herself with worry and grief.”
“Your bigger task now will be to keep Macen’s head above water.”
Liam sat back. The loss of freedom—of control—would kill his best friend.
Duncan leaned in and laid a hand on his shoulder. “We’re here for you, son. For all of you.”
“Perhaps it might be best if you let Macen get what rest he can. You can wake him in a bit and tell him before Raine gets up,” Mum suggested.
“I’m so bloody tired of not being able to do more to help my family. It’s as if we’re trapped in a war zone, caught in endless crossfire, regardless of which way we turn.”
“I know. And things will get worse before they have any chance of getting better. But a happy outcome is still possible. Don’t lose hope.” Bryn came to him, resting her hand on his other shoulder to gentle his worry.
There wasn’t much more Bryn could tell him, and though they talked of family and the Emerald Isle for a while longer, they eventually left him to his thoughts and sought their bed again.
Liam didn’t return to his. He sat mulling over all the events of late, trying to thread together the pieces of the puzzle. If River had recanted, why had the situation become even more serious? When he focused, Liam could feel an oppressive force closing in, condemnation and purpose like a dragon’s breath firing down his neck.
When he looked up again, the clock on the mantel said it was nearly five. Wearily, he rose from the chair and went to wake Hammer.
