He felt Persy stiffen again. Shit! He’d forgotten about his nephews. “Ma…”
“Oh, they’ll be fine. They stopped tearing things apart months ago. My grandsons,” his ma said to Persy. “Little terrors, they were—”
“Are,” Sully cut in.
“—but now they’re a little more civilized.”
Persy cleared her throat. “H-how old are they?”
“Little Ronan—yes, named after the man beside you—is two. Little Oliver is just six months.”
He reached over to hold Persy’s hand, frowning when he found it clammy.
She gave his hand a squeeze. “I can’t wait to meet them.”
“Sure?”
Persy nodded then turned to his ma. “That soda bread smells delicious.”
His ma flushed under the praise. “Well, thank you. It’s an old family recipe, but I thought the boys might like it.”
“Ollie’s barely eating solid food.”
“Well, Little Ronan likes it just fine, I’ll let you know.”
The doorbell rang, and his ma sprang up. “That’ll be them. Lucy said she’d be by after work, so that’s likely May.”
He rose. “I’ll get it.”
He opened the door to a younger version of his ma; both Lucy and May looked like their ma, but May was like an exact replica. Only Sully really took after his da.
May thrust a squirming Little Ronan into his arms so she could attend to a fussy Ollie. “Welcome back, brother.” She leaned up to kiss his cheek. “You’re looking well.”
Little Ronan had narrowed his eyes at Sully and was clearly deciding whether or not he liked him.
“I’m your Uncle Sully.”
“Suh-wee.”
He supposed that was the baby version of his name. “Yes, Sully. I’m pleased to meet you, too.”
“Suh-wee, Suh-wee, Suh-wee.” Little Ronan stuck his hand in his mouth, then held it out to Sully.
He sensed this was some kind of baby test he needed to pass. He hadn’t seen the little one since he’d left a year ago, and he’d never even met Ollie before. “Does your hand taste good?”
Little Ronan nodded as if he understood, then thrust his little fisted hand in Sully’s face again. “Suh-wee!”
Sully covered the little fist with his mouth for a moment, which sent the kid squealing with laughter.
He guessed that meant he passed the baby test.
“He’s gotten big, and he looks just like Ronan did at that age.”
May dropped the baby bag on the floor next to his and Persy’s bags and winced. “I know. I’m hoping that doesn’t mean they’ll be acting the same. I couldn’t take another version of Ronan, thank you very much.”
Ollie started crying, and put his own fist in his mouth.
Sully leaned down and brushed a hand over his head. “What’s the matter, Ollie?”
May absently patted Ollie’s back. “He’s teething. Ma! You got his teething ring?”
“It’s in the freezer!” she called out from the parlor.
“Got it!” May went in the direction of the kitchen, while Sully took Ronan into the parlor.
He could tell Persy was nervous, but she was holding up a good front. He sat next to her and fixed Ronan on his lap facing her. “Persy, honey, this is Little Ronan.”
She leaned down and held out her hand. “Hi, Ronan.”
Ronan slapped his spit-covered hand on hers. “Suh-wee!”
She smiled a little. “Nice to meet you, too.”
May rushed in, Ollie now sniveling in her arms but chewing on a frozen teething ring. “So sorry. Hi, I’m May.”
Persy wiped her palm and they shook each other’s hands. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Persy.”
“Lovely to meet you as well.” May took a seat on the couch next to their ma and situated Ollie on her lap.
Then, as if he and Persy were no longer in the room, May turned to their ma. “Well?”
“They’re in love.”
May gasped. “That’s brilliant!”
“I know. I know.”
“Does Lucy know?”
“As I just found out not five minutes before you came, I doubt it.”
“We’re sitting right here, Ma.”
“And I’m sitting right here, Ronan. What of it?” His ma held out a mug to Persy. “With the boys around, it’s best to drink from mugs. For some reason, they get a fiendish pleasure from breaking my fine cups and saucers.” She gave Ollie a tickle on his tummy, and he smiled.
“She likes sugar in it. Do you put some in?” Sully asked.
“Of course I did. I asked her what’d she like in her tea while you were answering the door, now didn’t I?” His ma turned to May. “He knows how she takes her tea.”
May nodded. “A very good sign, I’d say.”
Did knowing how Persy took her tea mean they’d decided he was good in relationships? That he hadn’t made a mistake? His family certainly seemed to approve of Persy, but they were probably overwhelming her.
The doorbell rang as he opened his mouth to speak.
May adjusted a squirming Ollie. “It won’t be Lucy. She’s not off work yet.”
His ma pursed her lips. “I bet it’s one of the neighbors. They’ll want to know all about you, Persy.”
As his ma stood up, he once again told her he’d get the door.
Jenny O’Toole was behind it. “Well! Ronan Sullivan. And holding your little namesake, aren’t you?” Jenny went to tickle his belly, but Ronan—rightfully sensing danger—turned his little body in Sully’s.
“I don’t think he’s feeling up to it Mrs. O’Toole.”
“Nonsense. All children like to be tickled.”
He kept his voice flat and even, a tone that came in handy when he was on duty. “This one doesn’t.”
Jenny’s eyes narrowed. “Hmph. Well, I see you brought someone with you. I’d like to meet her.” She started to move past him, but he shifted so his body engulfed the door frame.
“I don’t think so.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Why, Ronan Sullivan! Gone barely a year and you’ve forgotten all the manners your mother taught you. I mean, I assume she taught you some manners.”
Keep it cool, Sully. “Mrs. O’Toole, did my ma invite you over?”
“Well, no, but—”
“Did my sisters invite you over?”
She puffed up her chest. “No, but I have lived in this neighborhood for—”
“About thirty years? So what? My ma and da moved here long before you, but that doesn’t give the neighbors—or you—the right to pry into their business.”
“Well, I never!”
“Never what? Gossiped? Forced your way into my ma’s house and made rude, passive-aggressive comments?”
She spluttered. “I cannot believe— You get your mother this instant!”
“Gladly.” He shut the door in her face and heard her cry of outrage. When he turned toward the parlor, everyone was standing there. May was trying not to laugh, Persy looked wide-eyed, and his mother was trying—and failing—to look stern.
“Ronan…”
“I know. I’ll apologize.” Little Ronan started leaning down and he put him on the floor. He immediately ran towards the table, but Persy stopped him before he got to the teapot.
“You’ll do no such thing,” May interjected. “She deserves it. Do you know she calls my house at least once a week to ferret information about our family? She’s ridiculous.”
Persy handed Little Ronan a piece of shortbread and he sat down on the floor to eat it. “She’s lonely,” she said and all eyes swung to her.
She blushed. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to speak out of turn.”
His ma rolled her shoulders back. “You’re family. You can speak whenever you like, about whatever you like.”
Shit. His ma.
Persy glanced at him, then back at his mother. “Um, just that I’ve known women like her. She’s lonely. You said her son was having problems, a
nd that the whole neighborhood knew. I mean, does anyone ever stop by her house for tea to ask how she’s doing? Really doing? Or is she always the one coming to visit you?
“When you think no one cares, you find something others care about—like gossip—and become an expert. It doesn’t mean she likes it. Maybe she does, I don’t know her. Maybe I’m wrong, I mean, I don’t know her as well as you do.”
Silence. Damn but his woman was smart.
His ma nodded. “Right.” She strode to the door and opened it to a fuming Mrs. O’Toole. Before she even got a word out, his ma spoke first.
“After church on Sunday, I’ll be over to your house, Jenny O’Toole.”
“W-What? I want to talk to you about your son. He—”
He stood behind his mother. “—apologizes for his behavior.”
“Well. Thank you. That’s all very well and good, but—”
“I’m spending time with my family today, Jenny. Sunday, after church, your house. We’ll have some tea. All right?”
Mrs. O’Toole flushed. “Well. All right. Yes. All right, Sunday.”
“Have a good day, Jenny.”
“Yes, you as well, Dory.”
Mrs. O’Toole, who had a frowning look of confusion on her face, turned to walk down the sidewalk to her house.
They went back to the parlor. Persy was sitting on the floor with Ronan, May beside her with Ollie.
His ma walked over to Persy and cupped her cheeks. “You’re a kind woman. And you were right.”
Persy flushed. “T-thank you, Mrs.—Dory. Thank you, Dory.”
His ma patted her cheek, then kissed her on the forehead. “You relax with your tea. I’m just going to get on with dinner. No, no, I don’t need help. Just relax.”
His ma gave him a smile and he caught tears in her eyes; they were happy ones, he knew.
He turned to Persy and smiled wide.
His family—loud, overwhelming, and amazing—had welcomed Persy, and she’d in turn found a way to fit in with them, too.
Through tea, he kept an eye on Persy, but she seemed to be doing okay with the babies. It wasn’t until Lucy arrived that conversation took a turn for the worse.
He and Persy were on the floor playing with the babies, and May and his ma were in the kitchen finishing up dinner when Lucy came barreling through the front door.
“Ma!” Lucy dropped her backpack near everyone else’s bags.
His ma popped out of the kitchen. “Lucy Sullivan, don’t you know we have a guest in the house? There’s no need for shouting.”
Lucy sagged a little. “Sorry, Ma. Just wanted to let you know I was home.”
His ma turned back to the kitchen, but everyone heard her still talking. “We all heard you were home, the way you were carrying on. Now, greet the woman your brother loves and help us in the kitchen.”
Persy let out a slight choking noise next to him.
Jesus, his ma.
Lucy came into the parlor. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she was wearing smart clothes; her job must be more professional than he’d thought.
“It’s good to see you, Ronan.” Lucy leaned down to give him a quick hug, then gave Ollie, who was in his lap, a quick cuddle and kiss.
Lucy rose and eyed Persy. “So, my brother loves you? Persy, right?”
Persy glanced at him, then to Lucy, and held out a hand. “Yes. It’s nice to meet you.”
Lucy eyed the hand but didn’t shake it.
Persy slowly dropped hers, her face confused and worried.
Fuck.
“Lucy,” he growled. “Be nice.”
“Don’t tell me what to do, Ronan Sullivan.”
May came out of the kitchen drying her hands on a tea towel. She bent to scoop up Little Ronan, who’d wandered away from Persy. “What’s all this about?”
Sully ignored May. “Lucy, be nice to Persy.”
“Why should I?”
May snapped at her sister. “Lucy! What’s the matter with you?”
His ma came out of the kitchen, too. “What’s Lucy done now?”
Sully’s tone was hard as iron. “She’s refusing to be nice to Persy. I’d like to know why. Now.”
Everyone stared at Lucy, the room silent but for the babbling boys.
His ma crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, then? Your brother asked you a question.”
Lucy’s face was set in firm lines. She reminded Sully so much of their ma in that moment. How many times had he seen that look on his ma’s face when she’d been peeved at him?
“She’ll take him away.”
His ma huffed, then took a seat. “What’s that nonsense?”
Lucy pointed at Persy. “She’ll take him away. You told me yourself, ma, that she’s had a falling out with her family. She’s got no reason to stay here. If they’re truly in love then he’s not coming back to Ireland if she’s not.”
May let little Ronan down again and sat next to their ma. “She’s Irish, and she’s made up with her family. Of course he’s coming back.”
Persy grabbed his hand, holding it tighter than he’d ever felt. To her, it must seem like they were all ganging up on her.
Just like her family and the village had done after she’d lost the baby.
She should feel safe with him, and with his family.
It was time for him to be honest. She shouldn’t get the ‘blame’ for any of his actions.
His voice was calm but firm. “Sit down, Lucy.”
She didn’t move.
“Please, Lucy?”
Lucy pursed her lips, but sat down, her arms crossed over her chest.
“First, there is never—not ever—any cause for you to attack anyone like you just did. Especially not Persy.”
Lucy opened her mouth to speak, but he held up a hand. “I’m talking now. You’ll have your chance later.”
She huffed but didn’t say anything.
“Ma, did you tell them everything?”
His ma shook her head. “No. It seemed too personal. Oh, I am sorry if I’m the cause for all this nonsense.”
“It’s all right, ma. Tell them later. Once Lucy hears it, she’s bound to feel like an idiot, and she can apologize to Persy later.”
Lucy’s gaze shot between their ma, him, and Persy, but she kept quiet.
“Lucy, the first thing you need to know is that I love Persy. A lot.” He brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed hers. He locked eyes with Persy and repeated, “A lot.”
She eased a little against him.
Good. Now, on to the hard part.
“As for whether or not I stay in Ireland, I don’t know yet. The MPF has liked the work I’ve done. So much so that they’re considering extending me an offer to stay in Masillia, possibly permanently.”
His ma’s hand went to her chest.
May and Lucy looked stricken.
Persy squeezed his hand again.
“I don’t know what will happen. I won’t know until I get back to Valleria. If I do stay there, Ireland is only a couple hours away by plane, though, and we’ll still see each other.”
Lucy looked to Persy then to him. “Is she the reason you’re considering it?”
Persy stiffened against him.
He’d had enough from his little sister. “Listen to me, Lucy Sullivan. You will not now or ever treat Persy with anything less than respect. She’s done nothing to you, but she’s done quite a lot for me by loving me. That in itself should be enough to earn your respect.”
Lucy jumped up, her hands splayed wide. “I’m sorry, okay? It’s just been really hard this past year with you gone. You were always around and then you weren’t, and I don’t think we realized how tough it’d be.”
May gripped her sister’s hand and sat her gently down on the couch. “You’re right about that, Lucy. We’ve missed you more than we thought we would, Ronan, but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t support you if you lived elsewhere. It’s a good opportunity?”
&nb
sp; “The best, if it happens. I’d never get this chance in the Garda.”
His ma looked everywhere but him for several moments, then met his eyes. “Well, then you have to do it, don’t you? Whatever happens, we’ll support you.”
“Ma, there’s a chance that, even if this doesn’t happen, that I’ll still stay in Valleria with Persy.”
Silence.
Persy started to speak but he cut her off. Knowing what he did about her, she’d want to try to smooth things over, but that wasn’t her job. It was his family’s job to make her feel welcome and accepted, and they weren’t doing that. They also needed to support him, whether he made a decision for himself alone, or because of Persy.
“No, honey. They either support me or they don’t. Well?”
His ma had tears in her eyes.
Shit.
“I didn’t mean to make you upset.”
His ma brushed her cheeks. “Oh, Ronan. I’m not upset, not exactly. I’d miss you, you know that. I already do, don’t I?”
“I miss you, too. All of you, but—”
His ma waved a hand in the air, stopping him, and walked over to him. “You do what’s right for you and the family you’re building. It’s what your da would have wanted.”
She cupped his cheeks. Even as a grown man, he felt comforted by his ma’s touch. “It’s been good for you, this year away. I can see it. You’ve become a man like your da.” She kissed his forehead and stepped back, then gave his sisters a harsh look. “We’ll all support you, no matter what’s decided. Won’t we?”
May jumped up first. “Of course we will.”
Lucy gave him a tentative look. “You’ll visit more often?”
He nodded, a smile on his face. “As often as I can. Of course, you’d be more than welcome to come to Valleria to visit me, you know.”
It took a moment before a smile spread on Lucy’s face. She stood and walked over to Persy. “Welcome to the family.”
Persy squeezed his hand, then let go to shake his sister’s.
Chapter Thirteen
After spending the day with his family, they were set to return to Valleria the next day. They were cuddled up in bed in their favorite position: facing each other, her head and one hand against his chest while the other hugged him, and he had one hand on her ass and the other shifting through her hair.
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