He sighed. “You need to start thinking outside the box, Miss Sara.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Kieran had always dreamed of being part of a big family. But he was unprepared for the holy show that engulfed him when the McLintocks gathered.
To be fair, it was mostly his fault. His unexpected appearance after thirty years had stirred the pot. And it was boiling over.
He'd been hugged so many times he had permanent creases in his shirt. His mouth was dry from constantly talking and he’d switched from beer to water so he wouldn’t end up flat on his arse.
Could be this lot was trying to make up for thirty years in one go, judging from how keen they were to learn everything about him. His construction job got Angie and Kendall going and his mention of his favorite pub kicked off a long discussion with Clint and Tyra.
When Bret and Gil found out he’d done a spot of welding here and there, they latched right onto that subject. Cheyenne wanted to know if his village had a fire department and he had to disappoint that fella with the sad news they did not. Ella and Faye had better luck when they asked about the village schools, apart from the fact he hadn’t been inside a classroom for years.
Being the star attraction in a large group wasn’t easy and he wouldn’t have made it through without Sara. She stuck by his side during the meet and greet and made sure she sat next to him when they moved the party to the long dining table.
He'd memorized the names of the adults but hadn’t sorted the wee ones yet. Each of them perched in a highchair near the table, four girls and one boy, the oldest. That sturdy wee fella seemed to be best friends with a ginger girl about his age.
More babies were on the way, as well. With due dates next month Jess and Ella said they were ready to be done. Brit, only three months along and not showing at all, was the opposite, glowing with excitement as she talked about the baby girl she and Trent had already named Montana.
When everyone had settled and toasts had been made, he announced that he’d enjoy hearing about their lives for a change. He got more than he’d bargained for. He hadn’t laughed so hard since… ever, not even when he and his mates got paralytic on whiskey.
Turned out the lot of them had the gift of storytelling, with pictures on their mobiles to prove it happened. The way Beau described racing his pigs left him roaring and gasping for breath. By the time the tale of the Christmas-themed condoms ended with a photo of a tree decorated with them, he was doubled over, tears streaming down his face.
Their parade of pictures reminded him to take some for Granny so he could text them to her in the morning. If only he could have magically transported her here for this dinner. She liked nothing better than sitting around a table sharing stories.
Desiree kept sending glances his way, like she was checking on him. As everyone polished off their dessert, she tapped her fork against her glass. “Kieran’s had a very long day and it’s time to wrap this up so he can hit the hay.”
Old films from America had taught him whathit the haymeant. The idea suited him fine apart from one thing. He’d promised himself a kiss from Sara and he wasn’t closing himself in Lucky’s old bedroom without asking for a moment alone.
Chairs scraped back and conversation continued over the noise of clearing dishes from the table. He stood and picked up his plate, prepared to take it into the kitchen.
“I’ve got it, Kieran.” A woman whisked it out of his hand. “You go relax.”
He recognized the blue outfit. She was one of the Wenches, who’d all arrived wearing colors of the rainbow. She also had multicolored hair. Cindy? He’d chance it. “Thank you, Cindy.”
“You’re so welcome. Good memory.” She beamed at him. “Sara, I’ve got yours, too.” She took the plate Sara held. “You’re our hero for steering this guy to Desiree. Well done.”
“Thanks. I had no idea it would turn into something so… so….”
“Spectacular?”
“Yeah, that about covers it. I appreciate you taking our dishes.”
“Glad to.” With another big smile, she stacked the plates and picked up two more before hurrying away.
Sara touched his arm. “Follow me, I need to talk to you for a minute.”
Just what he was hoping for. He didn’t have talking in mind, but he’d follow her anywhere she led.
She lengthened her stride as she walked through the living room. “I’d like to make our escape before someone waylays us.”
“Are we going outside?”
“No.” Crossing the hall, she reached for the handle of a door that stood partway open. “In here.”
He followed her into a room lined floor-to-ceiling with books. A rainbow of wingback chairs told him this might be where the Wenches hung out.
“Close the door.”
