She blew out a breath. If only she’d asked for details. She should have guessed his creative brain would have come up with a plan. But she hadn’t been willing to commit.
When they reached the living room, Sky came straight over, hand extended. “I’msoglad to meet you.” His gaze shifted to Lucky. “Big day, bro.”
“No kidding. Listen, Rance and I think it’s time to tell everybody. Kieran says he’s looking forward to it.”
“That I am.” He added his nod of assent. “The sooner the better.”
“Mom was just talking about that,” Sky said.
“Then we’re on the same page.” Lucky raised his voice. “Mom, do you want to send a group text or?—”
“You do it for the family, Lucky. It’s your news. I’ll handle texting the Wenches.”
“Okay.” He took out his phone and quickly added Trent to his list of siblings. “What should I say?” He turned toward Rance. “What’s the best way to put it?”
“Short and sweet.Dinner at the house tonight. My half-brother from?—”
“Hang on. Are we having dinner here? Mom, do you want?—”
“Yes. But tell them to bring something.”
Rance pointed to the screen. “Then sayDinner at the house tonight. Bring food. My half-brother from Ireland showed up.”
Lucky typed quickly and studied the message. “That’s it? Seems abrupt.”
“Trust me, it’s all you need. It’ll set off a stampede. They’ll get the rest of the story when they arrive.”
“Buck and I need to bring in the horses and feed ’em.” Sky offered his hand for a brief shake. “I’ll see you at dinner, Kieran. Welcome to the family.”
“Thanks.”
Sara’s dad stood. “If I won’t be in the way, Sky, I’d like to come down to the barn with you and Buck. Maybe learn the ropes.”
“It’d be great to have you.”
“I’ll head into the kitchen and get organized for the onslaught.” Marybeth made her way down the hall.
“I’ll be there soon,” Desiree called after her as she motioned to Kieran. “First I need to show our honored guest where he’s sleeping.”
“I’ll help you, Marybeth.” Sara’s mom got up from the couch.
“Me, too.” Lani followed.
“Hey, Mom,” Lucky took a step toward the kids’ wing. “Are you putting Kieran in Rance’s and my old room?”
“That was my plan.”
“I’m coming, then. I want to show him some stuff. Oksana, do you?—”
She chuckled and shook her head. “I’ve seen the room. Many times. Heard the stories.”
“I’ll tidy up here.” Andy began gathering the remains of the drinks and snacks.
Sara went over to help, but he smiled and said he had it under control. Which left her with Oksana and Rance. She focused on him. “I take it you don’t want to join Lucky and Kieran in your old bedroom?”
He snuck a peek at Andy, who was still loading the tray. “I’ll let Lucky handle that. But I’m standing here wondering if anybody’s figured out Kieran’s suitcase, duffel or whatever he brought is still in his parked car back in town.”
“I have,” Oksana said, “but I doubt he has. Poor guy has to be shell-shocked by now.”
