“That’s what she thinks. Speaking of planning what to say in advance, I sure didn’t plan to say that. It just came out. At least she has something to think about.”
“That’s for damned sure.” His look of shock had changed to fascination. “I have to give it you, though. You’ve got solid brass ones, buddy.”
He shrugged. “It was like I couldn’t stop myself from saying it.”
“You obviously didn’t run her off. She wants to come back tonight and drive over alone, like I originally planned.”
“That’d be easier on you.”
“Yeah, and she’s taken to that truck like I thought she would. But if her sister says no, I’ll ride with her. Don’t want to tick off Lani when she’s starting to thaw.”
“How do you know?”
“Talked with her last night.”
“Oh, did you, now? I thought you weren’t gonna?—”
“I didn’t. We didn’t. I can tell she wants me but she doesn’t want to want me.”
“In other words, she doesn’t like you.”
“Sometimes she does. I can make her laugh, but that’s part of the problem. She thinks that everything’s a joke to me. That I have no depth, no ambition to be anything except a bartender.”
“Is she right?”
“A couple of years ago, she would’ve been. Not now. But she’s heard all the stories about me and drawn her conclusions.”
“What about this story? You’re going to a lot of trouble for Sara and me. You’re not treating that like a joke.”
“Yeah, but she’s suspicious. For good reason, I might add.” He picked up his phone from the table and checked the time. “Drink your coffee and I’ll wrap the rest of our sandwiches in a napkin so we can eat ’em on the way. I promised Lucky I’d get you there early.”
And Rance was a man of his word. Kieran valued that quality and so far he’d found it in abundance when dealing with the McLintocks.
On the drive back to the house, Rance educated him on the trees they passed. Most were evergreens, something he didn’t see much of in the farmland surrounding his village. This heavilyforested landscape couldn’t be more different from the tidy fields of County Kildare.
His young, restless mother must have yearned for something more, a wild and unpredictable place. Snow-capped mountains and dense stands of tall trees would certainly qualify. If she’d had her way, he would have shared in her adventure, for better or worse.
He'd made this trip to solve the mystery of her disappearance, or so he’d told himself. But surrounded by this magnificent landscape, he’d gained something he hadn’t admitted he was after — understanding. Now he could forgive her.
He wouldn’t say that to Granny today, though. He might never say it. He’d had to walk in his mother’s shoes to gain that understanding. Granny had no wish to do that.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“You have to get up or Mom and Dad will think you’re sick. We’re supposed to leave for the Missoula shopping trip around nine-thirty.”
Sara reluctantly opened her eyes. A glass of orange juice was inches from her nose. “What time is it?”
“Ten minutes to nine. According to their calculations, you’ve been asleep for almost twelve hours. That’s not normal.”
“I’ll get up. Move the orange juice.”
The juice shifted away and she sat up. “I’ll have you know I was sound asleep.”
“I’m aware. Just be glad it’s me in here and not Mom with a thermometer. Drink this.”
“Yes, mommy dearest.”
“Smartass. FYI, I covered for you by saying we stayed up late talking. You’re welcome.”
