“So, now that you know all there is to know about Careen Faraday, let’s get back out there. After you,” he said, holding his hand out in front, gesturing for Addie to walk first while he followed behind.
Gerry made a grunting sound to himself when he noticed Finn sitting next to Maia, saying something as he leaned in, his lips close to her ear. Maia didn’t seem to mind him being so close but Finn looked up and sat back a bit when he noticed Gerry had returned. Most likely filling her in on information about songs and whatnot for Friday night, Gerry mused. Finn was charming but still just a mere pup when it came to women. Careen was proof of that, poor bastard. Aiden sat on Maia’s other side, sipping a Guinness, pretty much the same way Cael was. Those two could be brothers, with their similar blue eyes, dark hair, and Gerry supposed, handsome faces. Aiden was Gerry’s age. They’d been friends forever, but man; he sure did do a terrific job of keeping himself looking fit. Fact was he didn’t really look any older than Cael, who Gerry knew to be only thirty.
“So, Aiden, how is the show coming along?” Gerry asked as he set another beer down in front of his best friend.
When Aiden didn’t answer right away, Gerry realized he was daydreaming and followed his gaze. Holy hell! Aiden’s gaze led straight to Addie. Gerry glanced at Cael, who seemed to be in a heavy conversation with Bart, good thing. Gerry looked back at Aiden, whose eyes turned a deep royal blue, a color Gerry knew to mean Aiden was smitten. It was some weird side effect of Aiden’s ability that showed up every time Gerry witnessed Aiden falling for a girl. “Shit, Aiden!”
“Huh?” Aiden said, finally looking at Gerry.
“What the fuck?”
Aiden grinned.
“We need to have a talk,” was all Gerry said and Aiden nodded, then grimaced. Gerry walked away. This was not the time or the place to get into that conversation, but they would, soon.
***
The full moon hung low in the sky, surrounded by pillows of clouds as usual, making the silent ride home a bit eerie—giving Maia a strange and mysterious sensation to go along with the equally strange and upsetting night. Maia considered it all; the encounter with Careen, the way she’d threatened Maia, the trip Gerry took to Scotland. God, she was dying to know how Gerry’s visit with his dad went, but Gerry didn’t seem too keen on talking about it. He hadn’t told her much at all about the reunion other than it went well. It was still early evening but pitch dark when they walked through the front door of the cottage. Maia flicked on the small lamp in the corner of the living room and sat on the sofa, desperately trying to be patient until Gerry was ready to share. Finally, she couldn’t contain herself any longer.
“Gerry, are you going to tell me how it went?”
“I did.”
“No, all you said was that the old man looked good and that the visit turned out to be enlightening. Enlightening how, exactly?”
He shrugged.
“If you don’t want to talk about it I understand, but you haven’t even said that.”
Gerry picked up one of the red throw pillows from the sofa, tossing it to the other side before sitting next to her and sinking back against a larger cushion. When she leaned against him, he swung his arm around her and pulled her close. “Maia, you know I love you.”
“There are rumors.”
He grinned and gave her a sideways glance. “I didn’t want to go into it in the car. It’s all so convoluted and I needed to be grounded before we started talking about it.”
“Okay.” Maia considered his words, hoping with all her heart that everything would turn out all right.
“There’s a ton of emotions going through my head right now. My dad … well, he’s doing great. We had a wonderful talk.”
Maia sighed with relief. “Good. So you’ve forgiven each other?”
“Yeah. I had the shock of my life, though, when I first got there,” he began and Maia instantly raised her eyebrows but stayed quiet. “A woman answered the door. A pretty woman too, about mid-fifties I would guess. She introduced herself to me as my stepma.”
“Really?” Maia smiled.
“Yeah, it was quite the surprise after all those years of my dad degrading women the way he did, saying how worthless they were. But somehow Ella, that’s her name, caught his eye and changed him. I don’t know how but she managed to turn him into a caring and loving man, not the bitter one I remembered. Nicer.”
“Well, what is she like? I mean, do you like her?”
“Not that it matters,” Gerry sighed, “but yeah, she is nice, great, actually. Hell, anybody that can bring the best out of my old man gets an A plus in my book. I’m sure you’ll get to meet her and Pop soon.
“That reminds me, I have something to talk to you about.”
Maia braced herself. Something about his tone put her on guard.
“I heard that Careen made some idle threat to you today.”
Okay, not what she had expected. But what had she expected? She should have known that Addie would tell him all about it.
“Apparently. I’m to keep my claws away from you or she’ll see me dead because according to her, you and she are perfect for each other. I should see you with her so I can witness first-hand how well you get along, or something to that effect.”
“You don’t sound too concerned.”
“Well, you told me there was nothing going on between the two of you now and you’ve never lied to me before. And besides, Ger, you’re a free man. You have no ties to me. If you really wanted to start something up with someone else, I believe you would have the decency to end what we have first. That’s the kind of man you are.” God, it killed her to say those words, but really, what could she do? She had no bond to Gerry other than the twins. Granted that was a pretty strong one, a bond that would be with them for the rest of all their lives, but not a legal one.
“Christ, Maia. How can you say I have no ties to you? What about the babies? That’s a fairly important one, don’t you think?”
“Yes, but that’s a bond between you and the babies. Not with me. I don’t want you to think I need you … I mean depend on you and I … I certainly don’t want you to feel as if you are trapped into being with me because of them.”
“Trapped?! Is that what you think? You think I feel trapped, Maia? Bollocks!”
Maia swallowed and bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know what I think. It doesn’t matter.” She stood, turned to walk away but he caught her hand. Gerry stood, turned her into him. When she refused to look him in the eyes, he cupped her cheeks in his hands and tilted her face to his.
When his eyes held hers, he said, “You listen to me, Maia MacKenna. I don’t feel trapped. I am overjoyed with this whole baby thing and you. I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone but you. Ever.”
He kissed her, his lips soft, tender and wanting. She had to force herself, but gently pulled away. Staring into his eyes, unable to read what went on behind them, she wondered if her babies would have his intense green shade, her golden brown tint, or perhaps a combination of both. She’d always thought hazel eyes were the most beautiful, the way they changed with different surroundings and clothing a person wore.
“Are we okay, then?” he asked.
She shrugged, not sure. She wanted more, but wasn’t sure what he wanted. She needed him to want more, but how to tell him? He leaned his forehead against hers, held it there and whispered, “Maia, we should get married.”
Her stomach jolted. Gerry’s statement … so matter of fact. When she didn’t say anything, he added, “For the babies. We should get married so the twins will have a legitimate birth.”
Unable to stop the tear escaping from the corner of her eye, she stepped back, averted her eyes from him, wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. “No.” The word was spoken so softly it almost didn’t come out.
“What?”
Maia faced him. “No. I said no.” She turned quickly and walked up the stairs, leaving him standing there with his mouth open, speechless.
Maia entered the bathroom and stood staring at herself in the mirror. The tears turned on like a faucet, dripping down her cheeks and over her lips. How dare he tell her they should get married because of the babies? This was her greatest fear. Who did he think she was? Yes, she wanted to marry Gerry, but not because of the babies. There should be another reason, a reason she wanted to hear from him. He did love her. She knew he did, without doubt. Were the three little words that important during a marriage proposal? He’d said them often, so why couldn’t he say them now? Why did he state his only reason for wanting to marry her was the babies? She loved him more than life itself, wanted to spend the rest of her life with Gerry Briden. But she also loved the twins and didn’t want to bring them into a marriage that had transpired because of obligation. She would never marry Gerry under those circumstances.
***
Dumbstruck, hurt, confused and a little pissed off, Gerry left the cottage, slamming the door on his way out, making sure Maia would hear it, wanting her to know he was upset. Why didn’t she want to marry him? She gave him no reason, just walked away. What the fuck? He thought she loved him and would be happy about getting married. Christ. Now what was he to do? She shut him down, not the outcome he’d expected.
He got into the Explorer and took off toward the bar, wanting a little distance between him and Maia because if he stayed in the cottage he’d go mad. He didn’t know how to act, didn’t know what to do.
As he entered the Cliff Hanger, he noticed Careen sitting with Finn and remembered that he needed to have a few words with her but he really wasn’t in the mood.
“Gerry,” she purred, her voice sounding normal, not at all hoarse like Addie claimed, so Gerry knew she must have faked it. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for Finn having to witness the fool she made of herself whenever she spoke to Gerry, always turning her back to Finn as though he didn’t even exist.
Gerry was already keyed up from Maia’s rejection and he grabbed Careen by the arm and spun her to face him. “Don’t …!” he paused, realizing he shouted the word as a few onlookers stopped their chattering to watch. Finn and Bart, who’d been sitting next to Careen, both turned and looked ready to jump up and protect Careen from Gerry’s wrath.
He let go of her arm and put his finger up to her face in a warning gesture. “Don’t ever threaten Maia again, do you hear me? Don’t fucking even talk to her ever again or she will be the last person you ever talk to. Do you understand?”
She didn’t as much as flinch. What was she made of, steel? He was sure his hand left a mark on her arm after he’d clamped on so tightly. That had to hurt, but she didn’t even acknowledge any pain, just smiled at him. “Gerry, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never threatened your precious Maia,” she crooned. “I would never hurt Maia, the mother of your children.”
“Technically …” Finn started, but stopped when Careen shot him a deadly glare.
“Stay out of this, Finn.” Gerry took a step back. “Just keep away from Maia.” He walked to the empty seat and sat on the stool on the other side of Bart, leaving Careen standing there with her mouth open. “Nick.”
Nick nodded from behind the bar and said, “Gerry,” then turned, grabbed a shot glass filled it to the brim with whiskey and handed it to Gerry. He promptly drained it then placed the empty glass on the bar. Nick refilled it almost as quickly, and Gerry downed the second drink immediately.
Bart cleared his throat then asked, “What are you doing in here this late?”
Gerry glanced at him. “Same thing you are.”
Bart shook his head. “No. I’m not drinking shots like they just proclaimed prohibition in the area and I need to get my fill before all the whiskey is confiscated.”
“No, I guess you’re not. But then, you’re not drowning your sorrows now are ya?”
Bart shrugged. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.”
Gerry shot him a sidelong glance. “Pffft. I came in to get pissed,” pronouncing the word as “pished” with his heavy Scottish accent. “Want to join me?” he said and downed another shot, placing it on the counter and pointing to it. “Another, and pour one for Bart.”
“Seems like you’re already pissed.”
“Not that kind. The kind of pissed where I come from, which requires more Jameson. A lot more if I want to get rat-arsed, but you are correct, my friend. I am that American kind of pissed too.”
The door swung open and as Finn led Careen out, in walked Aiden and Murphy. Gerry glanced at them as Aiden sat on the stool next to him. “Good, now the gang’s all here. Time for a pissing contest.”
“Well now, what’s all this about, then?” chimed in Murphy.
“Gerry shrugged. “Women, mostly. You’re the only one who’s safe now.”
“What? Hell, Ger, I’m not gay or anything.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re not smitten at the moment is all I meant.”
“What about Aiden? He’s not …”
Gerry cut him off. “Oh yeah he is. Poor bastard,” Gerry added. “You know she’s taken, man. They’ve got that bond. Nothing’s going to separate them.” He put his finger to his lips and made a shushing sound before standing, then nodded his head toward the back corner table. “Follow me, ladies.”
After all four men sat around the square table, Gerry said in a hushed voice, “You know they can read each other’s minds?”
“Ah, Gerry …” Bart said.
“It’s okay, Bart. They know. Aiden has a touch of precognition and can see the future by about what? Five minutes?”
Aiden nodded. “A little longer. I also have some retrocognition. Sometimes. Meaning I can sense certain things from someone’s past. I can also do a few parlor tricks with fire, nothing major.
“And Murph here,” Gerry gestured toward Murphy, “Well, he’s more like you, Bart. He’s been around us most of his life so he knows about abilities but doesn’t possess any. He’s trustworthy.”
Nick brought two more glasses and the bottle of Jameson over to the table. Gerry filled each glass and held his up as the others followed.
“Slàinte mhath.” Gerry raised his glass and tipped his head back, swallowing the entire contents with a gulp. “So, as I was saying, Addie is off limits, Aiden. Even if she wasn’t with Cael, you’re too old for her.”
“No I’m not,” Aiden protested.
“By my definition you are. She’s practically my niece, or would have been. Shit. Just lay off, okay? I don’t need to be worrying about that right now.”
“What’s going on, Gerry?” Bart asked.
He sighed and filled the glasses up again. “Maia. Christ.” He shook his head, wiped his hand over his face, then added, “She won’t marry me.”
“Wait, you’re not married yet?” Murphy asked.
“Nah, and she won’t have me.”
“When did you ask her?” Bart said.
Ask her? “I … tonight. She said no.”
“Well, what did you say to her? Do ya have a ring?” Aiden pried.
“A ring? Jesus Christ. No. I didn’t think. It just came up. After I went to see my pop, he suggested I should marry her, you know, because of the twins.”
Aiden grinned. “So how did you ask her, Gerry? I mean, what were your exact words?”
“Fuck, I don’t know. I think I said something like, ‘We should get married.’”
“Did you mention the babies when you said that?” Bart asked.
“Yeah, of course. That’s the whole reason for getting married.”
All three men fell silent, staring at Gerry as if he had two heads and one hung off his shoulder by a thin strand of cartilage. “What?”
“Can’t blame her for shutting you down, man,” Aiden said and Bart and Murphy nodded in agreement.
“What? Why?”
“Well, first,” Aiden began, “you didn’t ask her. You told her.”
“And second,” Bart added, “you gave her the impression that you were only suggesting
it because of the twins.”
“Yeah, so?”
“Christ, somebody hit this guy over the head with a baseball bat,” Murphy suggested. “You need a lesson in Women 101, man. She doesn’t want you to marry her because she’s pregnant.”
“She doesn’t?” Gerry asked, flabbergasted.
“No, stupid. She wants you to marry her because you love her,” Aiden said.
“Fuck me.” Gerry leaned back in his chair and ran his hand through his hair, realizing what a dumb arse he’d been.
Chapter 18
The Sectory
To say she was a nervous wreck would be a severe understatement, Addie judged, as she tried to steady her shaking hands. In a little under five minutes, she’d be face to face with Cael’s mother, talking about having Breena come to stay with her and Cael for a few days.
She’d spent the past three days getting everything in the beach house prepared just in case Siana agreed to let Breena come and stay, and according to Cael, chances were pretty good. They even purchased a twin-sized bed for her to sleep on, which they put up in the loft’s study area. Addie had such a fun time when she and Maia had gone shopping for a comforter and sheets to match. She eyed the pretty, quilted cover with pink and purple swirls in between each heart embroidered on every other square. She purchased a small white dresser for Breena’s clothes too, and reminded Cael that she could return everything if Breena couldn’t come after all. When he asked what they would do with it after her visit, she told him they might be able to use it in the future. He smiled at her response, while she secretly cringed at the thought.
Addie felt the familiar swoosh of air flow through her body as she and Cael dematerialized from the comfort of the beach house and rematerialized inside the great mansion known as the Sectory, where Siana and Breena lived as well as some others with abilities who occasionally needed a short respite from the regular world. Addie knew the property to be somewhere in the northeastern part of the United States, but its exact location remained a mystery to her as she’d only traveled there with Cael using his magical instant transportation. They’d been there several of weeks ago with Gerry to pick up the sonogram machine, but the visit had been very brief and they didn’t encounter anyone except Red, aka Doctor Flynn.
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