“Yeah, they have a limited budget. But she loves working there.” She pushed open the swinging bar doors and Kieran turned away from the bar and started toward them.
His sheepish grin said it all. Desiree had told him she knew everything. He glanced at her. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.”
Then he turned to Lucky. “Well, bro, we didn’t fool your mom, after all. She knew Rance was making up that story.”
“I might’ve a few years ago,” Desiree called from her seat at the bar. “But not after you two had it out back in February.”
“So here’s the question.” Lucky’s gaze moved from Kieran to Sara. “Do we tell Rance that’s she’s known all along? Because he’s so proud of this scheme that I kinda hate to burst his bubble.”
“If you don’t want to tell him, I’ll keep my mouth shut,” Desiree said from her perch on a bar stool, “but let’s table that until later, okay? Time’s a-wasting.”
“Yes, ma’am. Sorry I’m a little late.” Lucky hurried over toward the bar, which looked to be operation central. He took astool one away from Desiree, clearly leaving the middle one for Kieran, who hadn’t followed him over.
Sara made a shooing motion. “Go on ahead. I’ll find a place to sit.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I should have thought of it.”
“Never mind. Just?—”
“Come sit by me, Sara.” Desiree turned and patted the bar stool beside her. “It’s not like we’re on video. You’ll be fine.”
“Okay, thanks.” She gave Kieran a quick smile and made for her designated spot.
“Want anything?” he called after her. “Water, soda?—”
“I’m good, thanks.”
“He’s besotted,” Desiree murmured.
“Mm-hm.” So was she.
Pulling a red bandana from her back pocket, Desiree laid it on the bar. “Just in case I get weepy.”
“Oh.” Sara checked her pockets. No tissues.
“Use a napkin from the holder if you need it.” Desiree gestured toward a black metal dispenser not far away.
“Got it.”
“I’m dialing.” Kieran picked up his phone and tapped the screen.
After only one ring, a woman’s voice boomed out. “Kieran, my boy! Saints alive, so many pictures you sent me!”
“Too many, Granny?”
Sara melted at the gentle teasing note in his voice.
“Never. Keep ’em comin’, laddie! Such a beautiful place. And ya made it to the cemetery, you and Lucky. And ya took flowers, didn’t ya now?”
“We did.”
“It’s a grand stone my Freya has.” Her voice trembled a little. “And one of you on either side of it, lookin’ so fine. Anyone can see you’re brothers.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
“Loved it, I did. Showed it all around. Must’ve been three of you there, since I saw three bouquets. Was the third one takin’ the picture?”
