“Then you need food. And a pint.”
“Listen to you, sounding Irish.”
“Am I right about you wanting one?”
He chuckled. “You’d be right.”
“They might even have Guinness.” His soft chuckle had given her goosebumps. No question she was into him, but backing out of her offer wasn’t an option. She’d just be careful.
“They do have Guinness. I saw it online.”
“Okay, then. Here’s the plan, if you’re up for it. We’ll walk over to the Buffalo, order your takeout, and while we’re waiting you can have a pint. You can eat on the drive to the ranch. How does that sound?”
“Grand. I was knackered after the trip down here. And I’m that hungry my stomach thinks my throat’s been cut.”
“Then it’s settled. Once my folks agree, which I know they will, I’ll give Desiree a call to let her know we’re bringing someone back with me, but I won’t go into the details. That’s better explained face-to-face.”
“I agree. She’ll be needing to look at the postcard and the picture.”
“And you. I see the family resemblance in your face and hair. I can’t tell eye color from the picture, but?—”
“Green as shamrocks according to Granny. I got the blue from my father, who took off before I was born.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Not me. Granny says he was a bleedin’ plonker. Never showed his face again. Good riddance.” He said it casually, and the shadow of his hat muted any telltale emotion in his gaze.
Maybe he’d accepted being deserted by both his mother and his father, but she still wanted to hug him. In a comforting way. She didn’t want to start anything that she couldn’t finish.
Keep telling yourself that, girlfriend.
CHAPTER THREE
Kieran hadn’t meant to bring up his shitehawk father, but the words had slipped out before he could stop them. Sara had a way of making him want to tell her things.
And when he did, the sympathy in her green eyes warmed his heart. Not that he needed any comforting where his father was concerned.
That said, he appreciated her kindness. Within minutes of arriving in Wagon Train he’d located a woman who was both stunning and compassionate. What were the chances of that?
Justine finished with her other customers and came to check on them. “Whoa, Kieran, that hat looks amazing on you.”
“Thanks. I like it.”
“I think we’re both ready to check out.” Sara swept a hand in his direction. “He hasn’t eaten since early this morning so I suggested heading for the Buffalo.”
“Then let’s get you on your way.” Justine turned and walked toward the register at the back of the shop. “I’ll grab a couple of boxes.”
“I’d like to skip the box,” Kieran said as he and Sara followed her. “I’ll wear my hat on the plane home or keep it in my lap.” Hewouldn’t trust it to a box in an overhead bin. He’d seen how folks crammed their luggage in.
“I don’t need one either, Justine. I’ll do the same as Kieran when I fly back.”
“Alrighty, then.” Justine stepped behind the counter. “Who’s going first?”
He gestured Sara to go ahead of him while he dug out his wallet. He’d noted the price of the hat before he’d tried it on. Probably shouldn’t have reached for it, but it was exactly what he’d had in mind. Sure enough, the fit was perfect and Sara liked it.
He'd be using a credit card, but no getting ‘round it. The hat was dear, way over budget. Maybe he’d skip a few meals to make up for this splurge.
Then it was his turn to pay and Justine told him he owed even more. “Did the price go up?”
