Always My Girl (The Shaughnessy Brothers)

by Samantha Chase

  “Well, that’s exciting,” Zoe said. “I’ve never been to that one. I’ve gone to the Moorehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill, but never thought to go to another one. Do you like the Albert Einstein? Have you been there before?”

  This time Owen took a bite of his sandwich and chewed slowly and took a sip from his bottle of water before answering. “It’s one of the top ten planetariums in the United States. Some people find it a bit intimidating, but it’s really quite fascinating.”

  “Why is that?” Anna asked.

  “Well, for starters, it’s part of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and is the largest of the Smithsonian’s nineteen museums. Its Center for Earth and Planetary studies is one of the institution’s nine research centers.”

  There was a collective “wow” around the table before Owen continued. “The museum’s collection encompasses some sixty thousand objects ranging in size from Saturn V rockets to jetliners to gliders to space helmets to microchips. Fully one-third of the museum’s aircraft and spacecraft are one of a kind or associated with a major milestone.” He paused and took another bite of his sandwich and another drink.

  “Plus, more than twelve thousand cubic feet of documents recording the history, science, and technology of flight are housed in the museum’s archives. The facility also holds the most complete collection of aviation and space images—more than 1.75 million photographs and fourteen thousand film and video titles. All of which I’ll have access to. It will aid in teaching my classes.”

  Quinn couldn’t help but smile. He may not have a bit of interest in what Owen was talking about—or understand it half the time—but it still gave him a sense of pride to see how his little brother was doing what he loved. “I’m sure you’ll kick ass, Owen,” he said and then noticed the look of horror and confusion on Owen’s face. “It means you’ll do great.”

  Everyone chuckled and eventually Owen joined in.

  “You really need to brush up on these phrases, bro,” Aidan said before reaching over and patting Owen on the back. “The younger generation is going to confuse the hell out of you if you don’t keep up with the lingo.”

  “Scientists don’t really use lingo. We use scientific facts and phrases. You’d be surprised at how intense it can be. If you came and sat in on one of my classes or seminars, you’d find you’d be in the minority.”

  “Owen,” Aidan began apologetically, “I wasn’t judging. I just meant—”

  “I know,” Owen said quickly. “You’re not the first person to mention it and you won’t be the last.” He sighed. “More times than not, I’m around other scientists and it’s not an issue. But I know eventually that’s not going to be the case. It’s not easy to change the way I think and act and speak. Sometimes I wish I could.”

  It was probably the longest speech Owen had ever given that didn’t include some sort of statistic or fact, and Quinn felt bad for him. Reaching over, Quinn put his arm around him and gave him a brotherly hug. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be, Owen. Don’t worry about it. You’re fine just the way you are.”

  “Absolutely,” Anna chimed in, and that made Owen blush before he ducked his head down and finished his lunch.

  The rest of the meal was eaten in relative silence until Aidan’s phone buzzed. He looked down at the screen and his shoulders sagged.

  “What?” Zoe asked. “What is it?”

  “The doctor just called Hugh back. Dad said he looked pretty grim.”

  “Shit,” Quinn muttered, and they all stood and quickly began clearing the table. It didn’t take long for them to head back up to the waiting area, Quinn and Anna bringing up the rear.

  Anna gripped his hand. “I’m afraid to go back up there.”

  He nodded. “I know. Me too. But we have to be brave for Hugh. And for Aubrey. We can yell and scream and cry when we get home, but we have to make sure we hold it together up there.”

  They were all standing waiting for the elevator and nodded at Quinn’s words.

  “Do you really think it’s going to be bad?” Zoe asked no one in particular.

  “Unfortunately, it’s hard to think otherwise. And the fact it wasn’t something that was easily diagnosed makes me think it has to be something more serious than the flu or an ear infection,” Aidan said solemnly.

  They rode up to the fifth floor in silence and found Ian sitting by himself, praying. They each took a seat around him and bowed their heads and silently joined him. When Ian said “Amen,” it wasn’t long until each of them raised their heads too.

  “Any word yet?” Quinn asked.

  Ian shook his head. “This is the hardest part. The waiting. I’m sure Hugh is feeling some relief because they’re finally telling him something. I just pray it’s not as bad as we’re all thinking.”

  There was another round of nods, and just when they were all settling back in and relaxing, Hugh came out, his face wet with tears.

  Anna gripped Quinn’s hand tightly in hers as he cursed under his breath again. He had really hoped the news would be good, that they’d be sending Aubrey home and it was all going to be all right.

  The last time Quinn had seen his brother cry was when their mother had died, and in that instant, he felt as if he had traveled back in time and they were standing in the waiting room that cold October day hearing that she was gone. It was Anna’s hand stroking his that brought him back to the present and kept him from staying locked in the memory.

  “Well?” Ian said, standing up and going to his second oldest child.

  Hugh didn’t speak. He sat down and seemed to crumple into a chair as he openly wept. Ian, Aidan, and Quinn were instantly beside him, each with a hand on him. Owen got up and went to grab a cup of water. Anna and Zoe clung to each other, tears welling up in their eyes.

  “It’s going to be all right, Son,” Ian said. “Whatever it is, we’re all here for you. Whatever you and Aubrey need, we’re here, you understand?”

  Hugh nodded but still didn’t look up. Owen came back and knelt in front of Hugh, the cup of water in his hand. They all stayed like that—the four Shaughnessy men huddled together as if trying to give Hugh their strength. Anna and Zoe stood up and joined the huddle, where they stayed for another few minutes before Hugh cleared his throat and straightened.

  Wiping his tears away, he took a minute to compose himself. “I’m sorry I fell apart like that,” he finally said. “It’s… I just never…”

  “It’s all right, Hugh,” Aidan said. “Take your time.”

  Everyone stepped back and took a seat, giving Hugh the time he needed. Owen handed him the drink, and when Hugh drank it all, he looked at everyone and gave a weak smile.

  “What did the doctor say?” Ian finally asked. “And how is Aubrey?”

  “She’s great,” Hugh said and they all looked at one another with mild shock. “She’s feeling much better today. And surprisingly enough, she got a good night’s sleep and that helped.”

  Everyone started to speak at once, but Ian held up a hand to stop them. “I don’t understand. What did they find, Hugh? What caused her to faint in the first place?”

  Hugh straightened in his seat and took a steadying breath. “She’s pregnant.”

  And then everyone really was talking at once, but this time joyfully. They stood and took turns hugging Hugh and asking when they could see Aubrey.

  “I don’t understand,” Quinn said when things calmed down. “I thought you said…you know…it wasn’t possible.”

  Hugh shrugged. “That’s what Aubrey had been told years ago and she never questioned it. And to be honest with you, as much as I was disappointed at the thought of never having kids of our own, in the end it didn’t matter. I was in love with Aubrey and wanted to spend my life with her.” Then he blushed. “So we haven’t taken any precautions because we didn’t think…”

  “This is incredible new
s!” Ian cried. “A miracle, really!”

  Hugh nodded enthusiastically. “I’m in shock! Aubrey’s in shock! We were preparing ourselves for bad news. We never expected something like this.”

  “So when can she go home?” Anna asked.

  “They’re going to keep her one more night for observation. This is still going to be considered a high-risk pregnancy, and she’ll probably spend a lot of time being poked and prodded by doctors, but we’ll gladly deal with it.”

  “We’re so happy for you,” Aidan said as he pulled Hugh in for a hug. “Seriously, we’re so happy and so relieved.”

  “You and me both,” Hugh replied.

  “Can we see her?” Zoe asked.

  “Absolutely. Come on. She’s in room five seventeen.” Hugh motioned for everyone to follow him but held back and waited for Anna. “Can I talk to you alone for a minute?”

  “Sure,” she said. Quinn was beside her and he looked at his brother quizzically.

  “You don’t mind, do you?” Hugh asked with a knowing grin.

  “I’ll see you guys inside,” Quinn said and walked away, giving Anna’s hand one last squeeze.

  Hugh led Anna back to the sofas and sat down. She sat down beside him. “What’s going on?”

  “I know this may seem like odd timing, but…remember the property you showed me a couple of months back?”

  Anna nodded.

  “Is it still available?”

  Again, she nodded.

  “You up to writing up some contracts?”

  “Are you kidding?” she cried, a smile spreading across her face. “Why? How? When?”

  “Exactly!” Hugh said with a laugh. “It’s been on my mind for a while, and it was something I had planned on pursuing a little further down the road, but with this news about Aubrey and the baby, I don’t want to be traveling. I want to stay close to home. Getting this property and starting the plan-and-design phase of it will keep me here and give me something to do other than hovering over my wife—something I’m sure she’ll appreciate.”

  “Hugh, are you sure? It’s a really big investment. I know we’ve done the research but—”

  “Anna, one of the most important rules of business—don’t talk the customer out of making a purchase, okay?” he said with a wink.

  “I’m just so surprised!” she said. “I would have thought this would be the last thing on your mind right now.”

  “Like I said, I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and Aubrey and I knew it was something we wanted to do. It’s something we can work on together from start to finish, and I’m really excited about it. So what do you say? Are you ready to make some serious money?”

  “Um…are you kidding? Hell yes!” she said with a laugh.

  “All right then,” he said and held a hand out for her to shake. Once she did, he pulled her in for a hug. “Come on, we can celebrate after we sign everything.”

  “You’re on!”

  They rose and he put an arm around her shoulders as they headed down the hall toward Aubrey’s room. “So…you and Quinn, huh?” When Anna’s eyes went wide, Hugh simply laughed. “Second-best news I’ve heard today!”

  * * *

  It was late in the afternoon when Quinn and Anna were back in Quinn’s truck, heading home. The family had all stayed at the hospital long enough to visit with Aubrey and make sure she was okay before leaving.

  “Do you think we should have stayed another night?” Anna asked as they pulled out of the hospital parking lot.

  Quinn shook his head. “I think my brother is going to go home and get a good night’s sleep—after he makes seventeen to-do lists about what he’ll need to do to the house to prepare for the baby, and then he’ll make spreadsheets to plan out the baby’s life.”

  Anna laughed, mainly because she knew he wasn’t exaggerating. “Eventually he’ll learn to calm down a little with the planning. He’s already gotten better.”

  “I know he has. Aubrey’s been good for him, and I think the curveballs he’s been thrown since meeting her have made a big difference too.”

  Anna relaxed against the seat. “Pregnant. I can’t even imagine how shocked and relieved they must have felt when the doctor gave them the news. I’m sure my shock was nothing compared to theirs.”

  “I know. I was sitting there in the waiting room and when Hugh came out… Damn. I was certain it was bad news, and I felt sick for him. I hated even thinking of the two of them facing something so harsh.”

  “You know he’s going to make her crazy, right?”

  Quinn chuckled. “No doubt. He’s going to want to put her in bubble wrap and not let her do a thing.” Then he laughed harder. “She’ll want to strangle him by the time the baby comes!”

  They drove in companionable silence. Anna watched the scenery go by, her mind wandering to all of the events of the last several days, when she sighed.

  “What?” he asked softly. “What’s the matter?”

  She turned to him and smiled. “A baby. A Shaughnessy baby,” she said with wonder. “This is going to be the first baby since…Darcy. The first grandchild for your father. It’s all just so…so…” She was at a loss for words.

  “I know,” he said and reached over and took one of her hands in his. And they drove like that until they hit the outskirts of town. “You hungry?”

  She nodded. The lunch at the hospital cafeteria had left a lot to be desired, and even though it was earlier than when she normally ate dinner, she was definitely ready to eat. “You know what? I kind of am. What do you have in mind?”

  “We can stop at the pub and grab a burger,” he suggested. “I know it’s not the same since you’re not there making them, but I think it will be okay.” He winked at her.

  “That sounds pretty good. Plus, you may not agree, but it’s always better when someone else does the cooking.”

  “I don’t know about that. I think it’s better when you do the cooking rather than me,” he teased.

  She couldn’t help but laugh. Why had she thought he wouldn’t agree? “Well, they’re not as good as mine, but Johnny still does a pretty good job with them.”

  “Why didn’t you just give him your recipe?”

  Anna looked at Quinn with mock horror. “Give him my recipe? Are you crazy? It’s a secret family recipe!”

  Quinn rolled his eyes. “Anna, I’ve been going to barbecues at your parents’ house since I was six. Their burgers have never tasted like yours. Clearly you created the recipe. Why does it have to be a secret?”

  “Maybe I enjoy all the attention,” she said saucily and winked at him, and they both laughed.

  “Sweetheart, I will gladly give you all the attention you want as long as you feed me.”

  Instantly, sexy images of doing just that played in Anna’s mind. Sleeping with Quinn last night had been wonderful. Waking up in his arms had been like a dream come true. It was sweet. It was innocent. And it was completely comfortable. It was almost as if they were an old married couple.

  No! she corrected herself. Don’t think like that. It implies boredom. She most certainly did not want Quinn to be bored with her already. Maybe…

  “Maybe we should just stop at the supermarket and get some groceries and I can make burgers back at my place. I wouldn’t mind some clean clothes, and you could run home too if you want, while I cook.”

  “You just don’t want me to see what you do to the burgers,” he said suspiciously.

  “Good grief! I was just saying—”

  He chuckled. “I know, I know. You are just way too easy to tease.” He picked up her hand again and kissed it. “I like your plan. I could definitely go for changing out of yesterday’s clothes. I know we got to shower this morning and all, but a fresh set of clothes would have felt even better.”

  “Okay, so it’s a plan. We’ll stop at th
e store and then you can drop me off at home and—” She stopped and cursed.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “My car! I totally forgot that my car is still crapped out at your shop!”

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said. “I’ve got a loaner car you can use until we get yours taken care of.”

  She sagged with relief but frowned.

  “Now what?” he asked.

  “I just hate having to do that.”

  “It’s not a big deal, Anna. You need a car and I have one you can use. Don’t worry about it, okay?”

  She nodded but still wasn’t happy about it. They pulled up to the supermarket, went in, and grabbed all the ingredients they needed for dinner.

  “Do you have beer at your place?” he asked.

  “I do.”

  “How about ice cream?”

  “Beer and ice cream? It just sounds wrong. And a little disgusting.” She shuddered at the thought.

  He laughed again. “Well, not at the same time.”

  By the time they were back in the truck, Anna was feeling the first tingles of excitement. Cooking a meal for Quinn and eating together were no big deal. They did that at least once a week. But she couldn’t help wondering how it was all going to be different this time. After all, they had kissed, they had spent the night together, and, if she was really lucky, they were going to again.

  “You’re quiet,” he said as they drove through town.

  “Just thinking.” She kept her gaze focused on the passing scenery because she was certain her blush would give her away.

  “Anna,” he said, and when she didn’t look at him, he said it again. His smile was comforting. “Let’s just focus on dinner for right now, okay?”

  Right then, Anna wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse how he knew her so well. As friends, it was definitely a good thing, but in this new relationship—as lovers—it could get her into a lot of trouble.

  In the past, they would talk about the relationships they were in. Quinn tended to overshare, but she wasn’t going to think about it. Who was she going to talk to now? What if they had a fight or a problem or if things just didn’t go the way she thought they would? He was her best friend and the one she turned to no matter what the problem was. Was she foolish for being willing to throw it all away on a relationship that may not work?