The prospect zipped through his system as if he’d touched a live wire. “Call himnow?”
“Think about how you reacted when I told you. And he wasn’t even in the room. What if he had been here at the time?”
He gulped. “No telling. God knows it would have been a holy show.”
“I’m in favor of the phone call,” Andy said. “Then Dez can give him the choice of where he wants this meeting to take place.”
Andy’s use ofDezsurprised him. You couldn’t hang a nickname on a legend… could you? “I hadn’t thought it through, but it makes sense to call him. In his shoes I’d want a chance to get over the initial shock. I’ve had that chance. He should, too.”
“And,” Desiree continued, “he can decide who he wants to be there.”
“And so can I.”
She blinked. “You’ve decided that already?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He didn’t look at Sara when he said it. She had to be giggling inside. “As far as I’m concerned, any or all of you can be there. But I specifically want Sara. She volunteered to help me through this, and although it’s not turning out anything like she expected, I’m holding her to her promise.”
Her cheeks turned pink, likely because she was fighting the urge to bust out laughing. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Then I guess it’s settled. I’ll call him now, but not here. I’ll make the call from my bedroom so he can swear all he wants.”
Kieran chuckled. “Wish I’d had that option.”
She gazed at him. “You controlled your language?”
“I did.”
“Do you normally swear a lot?”
“Compared to my mates? No. Compared to folks from over here?” He grinned. “Americans are good at many things, but swearing’s not one of them.”
CHAPTER TEN
In the silence that fell after Desiree left the room, Sara had a pretty good idea what her mom and Lani were focused on. She did her best not to squirm as they glanced at her.
She took a stab at conversation. “Good thing Lucky’s here at least, and not in Apple Grove.”
“Very good,” Andy said.
Lani didn’t comment. Any second now she’d ask a question about the walk. She had to be dying to know what the eff had prompted Kieran to break into song.
“Speaking of Apple Grove.” Her dad looked across at Andy. “I have a taste for some of that pale ale Lucky brought back. Think we could head for the kitchen and round up some drinks and snacks for this crew?” He pushed up from the couch.
“Great idea, Harry.” Andy left his chair. “Shoulda thought of it myself.”
“I could go for that.” Buck got up, too. “Want some, Marybeth?”
“Sure. Thanks.”
“Vanessa?” Her dad quirked an eyebrow at her mom.
“Sounds good.”
His gaze shifted to his daughters. “Girls?”
“I’m in.” Sara looked at Kieran. ”I doubt they have any Guinness.”
“We don’t,” Andy said. “But I think we can find you something that’ll work.”
