Time's Secrets (Taylor's Girls Book 3)

by Sabra Brown Steinsiek

  “Hello, Jamie O’Hearn!” a voice called as they turned to a new booth. “It’s good to see you, man.” A dark-haired man gestured Megan and Jamie over to his jewelry booth.

  “Trevor. I’d forgotten you had a stall here. How are sales?”

  “Pretty good, pretty good,” he replied affably. “Who’s your friend?”

  “This is Megan Collins. She’s here visiting from the states with her grandfather and sister.”

  “Welcome to Belfast, Miss Collins.”

  “Please, call me Meg. You do beautiful work,” she said as she looked at the silverwork on display.

  “Feel free to try on anything you like,” Trevor said. “Whatever strikes your fancy.”

  Seeing an odd ring, she picked it up to look at it. Two hands holding a heart with a crown. “This is beautiful and what an interesting design.”

  “Ah, that’s a Claddagh ring, the fáinne Chladaigh, usually given to a sweetheart or an eldest daughter from her mother.”

  “There must be a story behind the design.”

  “There is. The hands represent friendship, the heart, love, and the crown is for loyalty. If it’s worn on the right hand, with the point of the heart towards the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love. If the heart is pointing to the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship. On the left hand, heart toward the fingers, the wearer is engaged and, if the heart is pointed toward the wrist on the left, then the wearer is married.”

  “It’s lovely. I’d probably never remember which way to wear it,” she said with a laugh as she slid it on her right hand, heart pointed to the fingers.

  “Ah, but I have a little slip of paper here to remind you so you’re not sending the wrong signals.”

  “We’ll take it,” Jamie said.

  “Jamie? It’s far too expensive. Thank you,” she said turning to Trevor and sliding the ring off her finger. “Maybe the next time I’m in Belfast.”

  Trevor smiled. “It looked good on you and for my good friend, Jamie, here, I can make a special price. Put it back on and go on to the next booth while we bargain it out.”

  “You heard the man, Meg, put it back on. I’ll catch up with you in a few.”

  Meg looked at him with those fathomless blue eyes and he could feel himself falling; falling for the American girl who would be leaving in little more than a week. She smiled, stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek before moving on to the next booth as ordered. She felt little bubbles of excitement dancing around her heart as she wondered what his impulsive gift meant.

  * * *

  On the bus towards the house, Meg held her right hand up to the sun coming in the window where it glinted off the silver ring. “Thank you, Jamie. It’s beautiful.”

  “I thought you should have it to remember Ireland by.”

  She smiled at him. “I couldn’t ever forget this visit. I didn’t need a ring to remember.”

  “Still it looks good on you and perhaps, after you’ve gone home, you’ll think of today when you see it.” And give a thought to me, too, he thought. Remember me, please.

  As he walked her to the door, he suddenly said, “Would you be coming with me to Sunday dinner with my family, tomorrow, Meg? I’m sure you’d enjoy meeting them.”

  “Oh, Jamie, I wish I could. But we’re scheduled to visit Carrickfergus tomorrow. This trip was supposed to be about time with my grandfather and I can’t let him down.”

  “It’s alright, Meg. Maybe another time before you leave.”

  “Thank you for the wonderful morning, Jamie.”

  “You’re welcome. The pleasure was all mine, really.”

  “I guess I won’t see you until Monday at the pub,” she said with real regret.

  “Aye. I’ll see you then. Have a good time with your family.”

  She stood at the gate and watched until he was out of sight. Monday was such a long time away.”

  * * *

  “I’m home,” she called out as she came in the door.”

  “In here,” her grandfather called from the little parlor. “How was your morning?”

  “We had the best time. Jamie took me St. George’s Market for breakfast then we wandered the stalls until it was time to come back. I think we should go next week. It’s an artist’s paradise and Betta will love it. Look at the ring, I found.” For some reason, she was reluctant to tell him that it was a gift from Jamie.

  “A Claddagh…very nice.”

  “Are we still scheduled for Carrickfergus tomorrow?”

  “We are. Is there a problem?”

  “Not really. It’s just Jamie asked me to Sunday dinner with his family tomorrow. I turned him down, of course, since we already have plans.”

  “But you’d rather go with Jamie?”

  Meg raised her hands in frustration. “Not rather, but I would have liked to have said ‘yes’.”

  “And you think you have to stay with me and Betta.”

  “Not have to, but the point of this trip was time together.”

  “And we’ve been doing that and will be doing more. If you’d like to go with Jamie, I’m sure that Betta and I can get along without you.” Sean was taken aback by the way her eyes and face lit up at the possibility. “Meg? Are you getting attached to Jamie? Something more than a friendship that will end in a week or so?”

  “I think maybe I am, Abuelo.”

  “Do you think that’s wise?”

  “No, not wise. I have a life at home and medical school in the fall. I won’t give that up but I can’t help being attracted to him on more than a friendship level.”

  “And his feelings?”

  “I’m not sure. I think they’re reciprocated. Abuelo,” she said with a rush, “he’s the one who gave me the ring. I don’t think it was just in friendship and I don’t want it to be.”

  “Then go with him tomorrow. And you’ll have the first few days of the week to see him since I have my conference. Don’t leave Betta out of your activities. I don’t want her trip ruined. But, Meg, go carefully. That’s a mighty distance between Belfast and California, maybe an insurmountable one.”

  “Thanks, Abuelo. I promise I’ll take it slowly. The last think I want to do is hurt Jamie.”

  Chapter 5

  Meg was nervous as she dressed for lunch with Jamie’s family. What was she doing? She’d only met him a few days ago…but they’d spent as much of it together as possible, usually at the pub but their trip to the market yesterday had been fun. As she leaned into the mirror to apply lipstick, she found herself smiling as the silver Claddagh ring caught the light. Was it really only a souvenir or did it mean something more?

  Still, it was too soon to be meeting his family. That meant something. A boy didn’t bring home a girl to meet his family unless…unless what? Meg made a face at herself in the mirror. This was just a fling, she reminded herself. She’d be leaving in just more than a week and Jamie would go on to the next pretty girl he met. But the thought of him with someone else made a lump rise in her throat and tears come to her eyes.

  “You’ve fallen in love with Jamie, haven’t you, Meg?” Betta was sitting on the bed, keeping her company while she got ready.

  “Of course not, Betta. He’s just a friend.”

  “You may think he’s just a friend but there’s way more than friendship in the looks he gives you. If you’re not in love with him, then you’re going to be breaking his heart. Jamie O’Hearn’s head over heels in love with you!”

  “That’s nonsense, Betta.”

  “Is it Meg? You really believe that?”

  Could Betta be right, Meg thought as she ran a brush through her hair. Was Jamie in love with her? Was she in love with Jamie? Love at first sight was a family tradition. Abuelo and Abuelita had known the day they met. That was their story, anyway, and it was easy to believe it was true. T
aylor and Laura, too, although it had taken them longer to admit it. So was she in love with Jamie O’Hearn? Deep inside she knew the answer was “yes”…but there was no point in knowing it. They were from two different worlds with too little time. Nothing would come of it.

  As she heard the sound of the doorbell, her heart skipped a beat. Maybe nothing would come of her feelings for Jamie, but today was today, and Scarlett O’Hara had the right idea. She picked up her jacket and ran down the stairs to meet him.

  * * *

  Jamie was chatting with her grandfather and looked up at the sound of Meg’s feet on the stairway. She was wearing the blue sweater she’d worn the night they met, the one that matched her eyes—those deep blue eyes that seemed to see into his very soul. What was he thinking taking her home to the family dinner? She’d go back to America and the family would never let him hear the end of it. He’d be eighty-seven someday and they’d still be telling the story of the Yank girl that had stolen his heart.

  “Jamie!” Meg’s voice was filled with joy as she said his name. Sean took one look at her and realized that he was in deep trouble. He’d brought Meg to Ireland and she’d lost her heart to this young man. What would happen when it came time to leave?

  “Megan,” Jamie said as he held out his hand to her. “Are you ready to meet the whole clan?”

  Laughing, she answered, “Ready? I don’t think so but here I am anyway.”

  Jamie turned back to Sean. “You and Betta would be most welcome as well, Sean. My mother always cooks enough for an army and the table is large enough to make room for more.”

  “Thank you, Jamie. Betta and I have plans already so I hope you’ll forgive us.”

  “When you come back to Belfast next time we’ll be expecting you.”

  “Next time it is. You two run along. Meg, don’t forget the flowers you bought.” Sean turned to the table and took up the bouquet that was waiting there.

  “Thanks, Abuelo.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “You and Betta have a good time.”

  Sean watched as the two young people went down the steps, hands held fast as they walked away.

  “Did I miss Jamie?” Sean turned at the sound of Betta’s voice and reluctantly closed the door behind him.

  “He was here and they were gone almost right away.” He looked at his other granddaughter and asked, “Did you know she’s fallen in love with him?”

  “I think she fell for him that first night. But Meg’s not admitting it yet.”

  “Oh, Lord, your parents and Grandmother are never going to forgive me if I lose that girl to Ireland.”

  “Don’t worry, Abuelo. Meg’s not going to give up med school. If Jamie wants her, he’ll have to come around to accepting her dreams.” Betta gave him a hug. “Enough about Meg. I have a date with the best-looking man in Ireland and I’ll not have him mooning over some other girl—even if she is my sister! You promised me Carrickfergus today. I want to see if your Irish Castle can be more impressive than my lovely Italian palazzos.”

  Chapter 6

  Jamie and Meg walked through the quiet Sunday streets of Belfast. They didn’t need words but were content to merely be in the other’s company. But Jamie’s steps slowed the closer they got to his home.

  “Jamie? Is something wrong?”

  He stopped and turned to look at her. “Just some cold feet about taking you home.”

  “Why?” She might not have known him long but she knew enough about him to know that Jamie O’Hearn rarely had second thoughts about anything. He made up his mind and went after his goal without looking back. Her heart sank at the thought that he might be sorry he’d invited her.

  Jamie saw the hurt in her eyes. “No, Megan, it’s not you. Put that thought out of your head. It’s not you—it’s the family. There are such a lot of them. It’s a lot to ask of you.”

  She laughed. “It can’t be any worse than when my grandmother’s family gathers. She has five sisters and three brothers and I have no idea how many grandchildren there are now. When they get together, it’s so noisy with everyone talking and eating and the children playing. But it’s a lot of fun, too. Big families are nothing new to me.”

  “You’d not told me about that part. Maybe you’ll survive this after all.” He squeezed her hand before leading the way to a house down at the end of the street where he opened the door and let them in.

  Jamie’s mother, Moira, welcomed her, blushing when she took the flowers Meg carried. “I can’t remember the last time anyone gave me flowers, Megan. You’ll not be minding if we use your given name?”

  “Not at all,” Meg replied. “Thank you for having me today.”

  “Any friend of young Jamie’s is welcome. He knows that. Your grandfather and sister were welcome, too.”

  “Thank you. Jamie told them but they had plans to visit Carrickfergus today. My sister lives in Milan and has been teasing our grandfather that her palazzos are better than his Irish castles so he’s off to prove her wrong. They sent their thanks for your kind invitation.”

  “Perhaps next time you’re in Belfast, then. I’ll go put these in some water. Jamie, introduce your Megan to the family.”

  Meg was quickly bewildered by the numerous cousins, uncles and aunts. It seemed that every second boy was named Jamie but no one seemed to have trouble figuring out which one was wanted when the name was called.

  “Da, this is my friend Megan Morgan. Megan, Jamie O’Hearn, the patriarch of the clan.”

  “Welcome to our home, Miss Morgan.”

  “Thank you, sir. But please call me Megan.”

  “Megan it is, then. Jamie, where are your manners? Get your young lady a pint.”

  As her Jamie turned away, the door opened and a lovely woman came in. She had dark red hair, lightly streaked with gray, and the kindest face Meg had ever seen. She was dressed simply in a dark skirt and sweater with a white blouse. No makeup, but with skin as beautiful as hers, she didn’t need it. Several of the children cried out, “Sha’leen!” and went running to shower her with hugs and kisses.

  “That’s my Aunt Sha’leen,” Jamie said. “I’d forgotten this was her Sunday, but I’m very glad you’ll get to meet her.” Jamie pulled her along with him as he made his way to his aunt and waited for the younger children to clear away.

  “Jamie! You’re looking well and happy. Could this lovely creature be the reason why?” she teased as she hugged him.

  Jamie blushed. “Auntie Sha’leen, this is my American friend, Megan Morgan. She’s visiting here with her grandfather and sister.”

  Sha’leen saw the look in Jamie’s eyes when he brought Meg forward to greet her. Jamie had fallen in love! She smiled as she greeted the object of his affection. “It’s lovely to meet you, Megan.” She cocked her head to one side as she looked at her. “Have we met before? You look very familiar.”

  “I don’t think we have. We’ve only been here a few days. I’m sure I would have remembered if we had met.”

  Sha’leen was swept away to greet other family members but her eyes strayed more than once to the American girl. She was quite beautiful, some would say striking, with her dramatic coloring. Sha’leen could not shake the feeling that she’d seen this girl before.

  Chapter 7

  Dinner was a noisy occasion. Everyone except the children was crowded around the huge dining table and there seemed to be a hundred different conversations going on. Meg was able to figure out some of the relationships and was surprised when someone asked Sha’leen about “the convent”. The woman caught her surprised look and said, “No one warned you there was a nun in the family? There I’m known as Sister Eileen but I can’t get anyone around here to use anything but my worldly nickname.”

  Jamie’s mother continued. “Sha’leen is short for Shannon Eileen, her given names. She was the only girl and youngest child with all these very protective older b
rothers. I think she joined the convent just to have some female companionship!” The laughter that followed was a little forced and Jamie’s mother seemed embarrassed by what she’d said.

  “That would have been enough reason for any girl to join a convent.” Sha’leen filled the awkward silence. “Three enormous brothers and two of them members of the police? Not only did they scare away any boy who got up the courage to come courting but I could see they’d be wanting me to take care of them until they found women desperate enough to marry them.”

  The laughter that followed smoothed over the awkward moment. Jamie gave her hand a squeeze under the table.

  “Enough about the O’Hearn’s,” the elder Jamie said. “Tell us about your family, Megan.”

  “Oh! We’re certainly not much like you.” There was a brief silence then Meg laughed. “That didn’t come out right at all! I meant we’re not nearly as large a family and the relationships are much less defined.”

  She explained, “My sister, Betta, and I are both adopted. Our father is Taylor Morgan—the musical star?” Her questioning tone was answered by murmurs of recognition. “Our mother is Laura Collins Morgan. She’s a writer and you may have seen some of her articles in magazines. I have one other sister, much younger, who isn’t adopted. Annie is five and would fit right in here. She has beautiful red hair and turquoise eyes. So we’re really kind of a mixed up group. Laura’s father, my grandfather, is Irish, but our grandmother is an Armijo from one of the Spanish land grant families in New Mexico.”

  “An interesting mix to be sure,” Sha’leen commented. “Were you adopted as an infant?”

  “No, I was adopted when I was 12. My mother, also an Annie, was Taylor’s best friend and he was my godfather. They’d been in the theatre together when they were very young, before I was born. When she and Taylor married, Taylor adopted me. My mother died shortly after that but I had Taylor to hang on to.” Even now, her voice filled with sorrow as she thought about her mother and Jamie’s mother dabbed a tear from her eye with the edge of her napkin.