Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
The kitchen is warm, and outside it's begun to rain, that soft Irish rain that's so common it's a backdrop, but it's beautiful and misty, and I love it. I love this place.
“Declan did?”
“Aye. We don’t quite know the intricacies or what it cost him, but Cavin says Declan had a private talk with Seamus, and that’s when Seamus changed his mind.”
I have a feeling he put something on the line to do it, but I don't know what. Because of course he would. That's what Declan does. He protects what's his.
And I'm his.
Except I'm not, am I? Not on paper. Not in any way that counts out loud. And yet here I am, kept safe by something I can't name, in a family that isn't mine by blood or by law, and he's the reason. I don't know how I know that. I just do.
What has he done? What did it cost him? I turn it over in my mind, unsure of what to do with my questions, because even if I asked him outright, would he tell me?
Probably not.
So instead, I change the subject.
“I can't believe I'm having a baby,” I say with a laugh that's half groan, half sob.
“I know,” she says, “but it's not exactly a disaster.”
“It's a total disaster, Erin.”
Then we're both laughing and both crying.
“Cavin will say something insufferable,” Erin says with an eye roll.
“Of course he will. I just hope he doesn’t kill Declan.”
Erin winces. “Right.”
“Well, that doesn’t make me feel any better, Erin.”
“Only telling you the truth.” She’s grimacing. “Have you ever seen the two of them fight? It’s not pretty.”
“Declan says Cavin can kick his arse.”
“Well,” she says, her brows raised. “Declan puts up a damn good fight.” Leaning closer, she nods. “But don’t worry.” She winks at me. “I'll deal with him. I’m the best one for the job.”
I can't help but laugh. It feels nice.
“We'll figure this out, sis,” she says. “We always do.”
Outside, the rain is still coming down, but I believe, just for a moment, that she's right. We will figure this out. I just don't know how.
How's he doing?
Declan
Better. Got him breathing well again, won't even need to spend the night. Doc sent him home with an updated prescription according to Cav
Speaking of Cav…
Declan
?
Please don't lose your head
Declan
Have I ever?
Well, no, never, unless we’re counting the times he’s gotten stern and I’ve landed belly down over his lap. But Declan doesn’t get angry with me. It’s one of the reasons I trust him.
No…
Declan
What is it, love? You can tell me. I promise whatever it is I won't even spank you.
I told Erin. Erin knows
There's a pause before he replies. I bite my lip and hold my breath, wishing he were here and that we didn't have to rely on these stupid texts.
Declan
It's alright, love. I was going to tell Cavin but literally the second before I did, he got the call about his Da and I haven't seen him since. I told you it's going to work out. Believe me, it will. She’s your sister. Of course you had to tell her.
Even though we have a birthday party to go to and Valentina will be there?
Declan
Even then. I'm sorry it's this way for now. Stay strong, Bridget. I love you.
I pause and take a moment to regroup.
I love you, too
Delete, delete, delete
Chapter Twenty-Six
DECLAN
I stand in Bridget's doorway, my hands on my hips, and she’s already shaking her head before I say a word.
“Don’t.” She turns away from me, her arms folded. “Don’t come in here as if everything’s fine, Declan. I’ve been throwing up all morning, and I’m feeling grumpy.”
“I never said everything was fine.”
She sighs. “You know I don’t like being late.” This is about a lot more than morning sickness, and I know it.
She starts to leave, and I stand in front of her. “I am going with you to that doctor whether you want me to or not.”
“I know. I know you want to, Declan,” she begins, and I put up a hand to stop her.
“This is my baby too, and you can't just tell me I can't go because you think it's going to cause trouble.”
“Fine. Whatever.”
I prowl over to her and push her up against the counter, caging her in. “Not fine, whatever.” I bend down and kiss her lips. My hand finds the curve of her arse, where I give her a nice, tight squeeze. She squeals. She's more sensitive these days.
“I have questions for that doctor,” I say in her ear.
“I know. It’s just—”
“I know too,” I tell her. “I know what it is you want: for this to be right. You don't want to cause any more problems with the McCarthys. I get it.”
“Do you? Really?”
She pulls away, both of her hands on my shoulders, staring into my eyes. Hers are pained. “Because my family was the one that betrayed them, Declan. My family is the one exiled, right? I'm the one who’s bringing this baby to term. No matter how much claim you have on this baby, you're not giving up your own body for a new life growing inside you.”