Her eyes squeezed shut and she lifted her hands, holding her head as if it were going to explode. “This is all so crazy…” She flung herself clumsily at him, and his arms instantly closed around her. “You’re the best man I’ve ever known,” she said against his chest. “I couldn’t love you any more than I do right now. I’m so grateful that you’d want to do something like this, just for my daughter. She’ll be the luckiest girl in the world to have you as her father.”
His heart expanded a few sizes and he kissed the top of her head. “Thank you for that. Truly. It means the world that you think enough of me to allow me to be her father. I’m so touched.”
“You’re killing me,” she whispered. “You’re being wonderful. I’m just totally thrown. I’m scared. I’m exhausted…”
“I know you are. Shhh.” His hands swept up and down her back. “I wouldn’t suggest this if I didn’t believe it would work. It will work, Em.”
She nodded against him and sniffled hard, trying to stem her tears. “I don’t mean to sound so wishy-washy. I’m so grateful for your suggestion, Aidan. I’m just overwhelmed. No one’s ever offered to do something so selfless for me…” She looked up at him.
“Then just say yes,” he coaxed. “Say we’ll do this, and no looking back.”
She looked into his eyes for what felt like forever. Then she whispered, “Okay.” She gave a sharp nod, as if to seal the deal. “Yes, I’m in. We’ll do this.”
He smiled and hugged her. “Okay then.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” she began, resting her head against his shoulder.
“You can start by never saying ‘thank you’ about this again.”
“But I—”
“I know how ya feel, love. I do know. So no more of that.”
They stood in the moonlight, holding each other in silence for a few minutes. A car drove by, a dog barked in the distance, and they just held on to each other as the enormity of what they’d agreed to do began to sink in.
“I don’t know how to process this,” she finally said.
“Eh, c’mon now. It’s going to be an adventure.”
“An adventure in suburbia,” she quipped. “Your least favorite thing.”
“You bring up a good point.” With a small, warm grin, he untangled himself from their embrace, took her by the hand, and nudged her to walk along with him. “Where should we live? I’ll do whatever you think is best for Chloe.”
“I… God, I don’t know. I mean…” She slanted a look his way. “You love the city.”
“Aye, but you save a lot of money living with your mum.”
“I pay her rent,” Maura said immediately. “I pay my bills.”
“I know ya do, calm down, hen.” He shot her a wicked wink, and she grinned for the first time since they’d left the pub. “If you want to stay in the suburbs, I’ll agree to that. If you want to move to the city, that’s great too. You think Chloe would like Dublin? There are some great neighborhoods for kids. Or is she too attached to her neighborhood?”
“Too many changes too fast might throw her,” Maura said, pulling her hand from his to button up her sweater as they kept walking. “I mean, she’s going to be crazy excited that you’ll be living with us… that you’re going to be her dad. Christ, we have so much to tell her… to tell everyone.”
“Aye.” He nodded and grinned wide. “Should be interesting. Even fun.”
“That’s you, always looking at everything as a new adventure, a ride to take.”
“That’s right. And you love that about me.”
“You’re right,” she admitted. “You’ve always been a live wire. Ya keep me on my toes.”
He laughed. “And you keep me grounded. Like I said, we’re a great team.” He reached for her hand again. “We’re going to be fine at being married. I know this.”
“Good lord, I hope so.” She felt his hand around hers, warm and strong. There were a million questions cropping up in her mind now, but he was so sure, it made her feel a little more sure herself. “Aidan, I do trust you. I hope you know that. I know how I must sound right now…”
“Keep trusting me, love,” he said, “and we’ll be fine.”
She nodded and squeezed his hand. “I need to do some research—I can’t make a snap decision about where we should live, it’s too important. I really appreciate your willingness to go wherever is best for Chloe, but I just need to look into schools, neighborhoods…”
“No problem. Wifey.”
“You are not going to call me that,” she laughed.
“Oh, I totally am!” he declared with a cheeky grin. “One of the perks of married life, innit? Cute little pet nicknames and such?”
She stopped in her tracks and stared at him. “We’re really doing this.”
“Aye, we are.” He met her gaze and lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a feather light kiss to her knuckles. “And it’s going to be okay. I promise.” He smiled, then tugged her to walk again. “C’mon, now. At this rate, we won’t make it back to your house ’til tomorrow. We can tell Chloe tomorrow, but we need to tell your ma the news before she goes to bed.”
“My mum…” Maura couldn’t begin to imagine what her mother would say about their plans. Her mouth went dry as sandpaper. “Oh, sweet Jesus.”
Chapter Seven
‡
Maura fidgeted with the ends of her hair as she stood in front of her office building, waiting for Aidan. She’d told her supervisor that she needed to take a long lunch hour, perhaps almost two hours, but that she’d make up the time at the end of the day. Not that she’d eat anything; she hadn’t all day. Nerves had her stomach in knots.
When she and Aidan told her mother about their plan last night, Maura had braced herself, figuring Ma would berate her for being an idiot, acting rashly, being selfish about tying Aidan to a fake marriage… Maura couldn’t have been more surprised at her mother’s reaction. Ma had been wickedly pleased. Credited her and Aidan for their selflessness in doing something so huge, wanting to protect Chloe from Niall. Vowing to support and help them however possible. Ma had hugged each of them with such gusto, smiling from ear to ear, that it had left them astounded.
Maura had walked him to the door close to midnight. He leaned against the door frame and smiled down at her. “Get some sleep,” he said. “And remember, ring shopping at lunch time tomorrow. I’ll meet you in front at noon, all right?”
She nodded, licking her dry lips. The quick motion drew his gaze to her mouth. He lowered his head and dropped a soft, gentle kiss on her lips. “Good night, wifey.”
“I’m not your wife yet,” she whispered, even as her heart rate began to climb. His touch, even feather light, had ignited something in her.
“I like the nickname,” he admitted, an adorable mix of teasing and sweetness on his features. “But you’re right, so… good night, Em.” He winked and turned away.
As she watched him walk down the front path and get into his car, she had to blink away the swirl of… what was it? What had gripped her so suddenly that Aidan’s touch left her slightly dizzy and wanting more?
“Hiya!”
Maura blinked herself out of her tangled thoughts to look up. Aidan stood before her. Allowed to dress casually for work, he wore his usual outfit, his royal blue hoodie over a Henley and jeans. His sunglasses were on, dark blond hair tousled, dark gold scruff covered his strong jaw, and his sensual mouth turned up in his signature crooked grin… her stomach did a little flip at the sight of him. He really was gorgeous. But he always had been. Why the butterflies now? What the hell was going on with her?
“Hey.”
“Sorry I’m late,” he apologized.
“Are ya?” She glanced at her watch. “Five minutes isn’t late, no worries.”
He shoved his hands in the pockets of his hoodie and grinned anew. “Good. C’mon, let’s go.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, realizing she had no idea.
He offered her the
crook of his elbow. “Trust me.”
“I always do,” she murmured as she hooked her arm through.
He leaned in closer and said low, “Which is why we’re going to be okay.”
They walked back two blocks to where he’d parked his car. The drive to Dublin was only twenty minutes. He put on music they both liked, and singing along to it helped both relax. Before she knew it, they’d arrived in the city. Aidan worked and lived in the most busy, vibrant neighborhood, City Centre. He’d moved there to be close to his job, and because it was lively, loaded with bars and things to do. But he didn’t go there. He parked off of Grafton Street, then led her down the main thoroughfare instead.
She’d always liked that area, bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars, filled with people. And now, with the hints of spring, there seemed to be colorful flowers everywhere she looked. From high-end shops to small boutiques and vintage stores, Grafton Street was one of her favorite streets in Dublin. But she was shocked when Aidan pulled her into a ritzy jeweler’s store, the name of which she recognized by its long standing reputation. The quiet settled over them as soon as the door closed behind them, reminding her of a church or a library.
“You can’t be serious,” she whispered hotly.
He arched a brow at her. “Problem?”
“Aye, there’s a problem. This place is too expensive!” It was all she could do to keep her whisper at a whisper. She wanted to shake him. “This isn’t necessary.”
“Em.” His voice was quiet, but firm. “You said you only plan to marry once. Same goes for me. So if I’m doing this, I’m doing it right.”
“Can I help you?” The woman behind the glass counter had a mild voice and a friendly tone.
“Aye, you can.” Aidan pulled Maura by the hand. “We got engaged last night. Now I need a ring whose beauty rivals that of my fiancée.”
Maura rolled her eyes. “Oh, for the love of…”
“How wonderful!” the saleswoman said, her smile broadening. “Congratulations to you both.” She motioned for them to follow her to a different glass encasement, filled with sparkling diamond rings of all shapes and sizes. To Maura, she said, “It’s a thoughtful man you have here, bringing you so you can pick out exactly what you like.”
Maura’s stomach twisted. She’d been engaged before, to Niall. After she told him she was pregnant, he’d responded at first with fear and disbelief. But the next night, he’d come to her apartment—she’d lived in the city then, with a roommate—and presented her with an engagement ring, a small champagne-colored diamond, oval cut. It hadn’t been at all her style, but she’d gladly accepted it for what it was meant, a promise for the future.
After he left her, she’d sold it. It hadn’t been easy to sell; no one really wanted an oval-shaped champagne diamond. She’d finally sold it to a pawn shop for three hundred Euros, which was better than nothing, and opened a bank account in her daughter’s name with the money.
All that came back to her now as she stared down at the rows of sparkling rings. She’d never again thought about what she liked or wished for… she never thought she’d marry after all that. Married. Married. It hit her now, along with the lack of food in her system, and she swayed where she stood.
“Em?” Aidan grabbed her and held her close to his side. “What is it?”
“Nothing, I’m fine.” She lied.
“Right, that’s why ya just almost fell down.” His brow furrowed as his brilliant blue eyes raked over her. “What’s the story?”
She drew a deep, slow breath and swallowed hard. “Just a bit lightheaded. I haven’t eaten today.”
“What?” His jaw set tight, a clear sign of frustration. “Why in bloody hell not?”
She shrugged. “No appetite,” she confessed.
“Why don’t I get you some water,” the saleswoman offered, disappearing into the back of the store.
“Daft girl.” Aidan gently tipped up Maura’s chin with a fingertip. She saw the concern in his gaze. “Let’s get lunch first. We can come back after.”
She nodded and admitted, “Might be a good idea.”
Ten minutes later, they were seated in a pub down the road, the high wooden walls of the booth enclosing them and affording privacy. Aidan had asked for a basket of rolls straight away, and he pushed it across the tabletop.
“Here,” he commanded.
She did as he said and bit into a roll. The bread was still warm, and she moaned softly in delight. “This is really good.”
“It’s just a bloody roll. If you were that hungry, ya should’ve told me.” A muscle jumped in his jaw. “Now I know you’re off kilter. The only time you don’t eat is when you’re really upset.”
She didn’t bother denying it, he knew her too well. “I didn’t mean to worry ya in the store. Sorry about that.”
“Stop talking, keep eating,” he demanded, still watching her. “So I called my sister this morning.”
“Which one?”
“Tara.”
Maura snorted out a knowing laugh as she chewed. The oldest of the McKinnon siblings, Tara was a no-nonsense, outspoken mother hen. With over sixteen years between her and Aidan, Tara had a soft spot in her heart for the “baby”. Aidan had been raised not only by his parents, but practically by Tara as well.
“You told her about our plan?” Maura guessed.
“Keep eating. Not exactly. I told her we got engaged… but that I don’t know if we should tell the whole family yet. I want to be sensitive to Gavin and Toni.” Aidan reached for a roll and tore it in half. “Their wedding is close, they’ve been planning it for a while… I don’t want to step on their toes, y’know? Steal their thunder. Doesn’t seem right.”
Maura stopped mid-chew to stare at him. “That’s very thoughtful of you. I agree, for what it’s worth.”
“Worth a lot.” He flashed an appreciative grin before he stuffed the bread into his mouth. After he swallowed, he said, “I was feeling her out for how I should proceed with the family. Telling them we’re engaged and all.”
“And?”
“And Tara was thrilled, by the way. She adores you, always has.” Aidan heard his sister’s delighted words again in his head: “That girl is the best girl. About time ya both came to your senses!” He smiled wryly now as he thought of it. “I, ehm… stuck to our story. Made it seem like we both realized our friendship had gone deeper, and refused to go into details with her but here we are. I proposed, you accepted, we’ll be married, and I’ll be adopting Chloe.”
Maura nodded, but gnawed on her lip, clearly thinking. The waitress set down two pints in front of them, but Aidan pulled Maura’s away from her. “No cider for you ’til ya eat some more, missy,” he said.
Maura chuckled but didn’t argue.
“I can feel your brain churning away,” he said. “Go on, speak.”
“Think Tara bought your story?” Maura asked.
“Easily.”
“Think she’ll tell your parents?”
“She’s dyin’ to, but she won’t. She gave me her word.”
“What was her suggestion?”
“That Gavin’s wedding isn’t for three months, plenty enough time between now and then that I can tell the family our good news and not steal his thunder. That I should call for a big family dinner and just tell everyone.”
“But if we’re getting married in September,” Maura reasoned, “and their wedding is in the end of August—”
“Well, I didn’t tell her that part,” Aidan said. He took a sip of his beer. “Lied about that. Told her we weren’t sure when we’d be married. If I tell them it’s in September, so soon…”
“They’ll all think I’m pregnant!” Maura roared with laughter. “Oh, this is gonna be grand, isn’t it?”
Aidan laughed along with her. “Aye, it could be. I don’t care, mind. When there’s no baby bump in the fall, they’ll know they were wrong.” He peered closer at her. “Do you mind? I don’t want anyone upsetting you.”
> “Nah.” She shook her head and ripped off another piece of her roll. “It’s like you said. They’ll all think what they want, anyway. Not just your family, but my sisters, my family, all our friends…” She laughed again. “They can all go hang.”
“That’s my Em.” He grinned and clinked his glass to hers. They both sipped. “So… do we say we’re marrying in September, or play it like we’re not sure? I mean…” His voice trailed off. Could he tell her what he’d thought up? Sure he could. “We can play it like we’ve been friends forever, and now that we realized we’re in love and want to be together, why wait? The three month period allows us to marry in the end of September, so that’s what we want to do. I think it plays out fine.”
“It does,” she murmured.
She sat back, reclining against the high wall of the booth. The dark polished wood and forest green leather cushion at her back were an attractive contrast to the rose gold of her hair, freckled skin, and pale blue top that brought out her eyes. The lamp from above shone down, showering her with gentle light. She was so effortlessly beautiful that it stole his breath.
“Don’t move,” he said. He grabbed his cell phone from his pocket. “Smile, wifey.” When she smiled in dry bemusement, he snapped a picture of her. “How’s this?” He leaned forward and texted, holding the phone so she could see what he was doing. He spoke the words aloud as he typed. “Please join us for a celebration a week from Sunday, 5:00 at McCleary’s Pub. I want you all to see this beautiful woman, aka my new fiancée.” He grinned wickedly when Maura gasped.
“You can’t do it like that!” she said, eyes wide.
“Why not? It’ll get them all interested enough to come, don’t you think?”
“You’re a bloody showboat,” she accused. “You love to pull stunts like this.”
“You know I do.” He winked. “Hey, when you’re the youngest of eight, you learn how to get people’s attention through whatever means necessary. I learned that as a toddler.” He finished typing in all the contacts—his parents, his five siblings in Ireland and the two over in New York, and his friend, Baz. He asked Maura to add in her mum, two sisters, and her close friend Kathleen. Then he grinned at her with wicked excitement. “I’m going to hit send on this. You ready?”
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