I shoot him a look.
“What are you talking about, Tare?” Mick Walsh asks his daughter, thoroughly confused.
My father ignores him to pose his own question. “Won’t more schooling get in the way of having children? You do want children, don’t you, lass?”
“Da—” I start.
“Kian—” my mother chastises.
Yet, I shouldn’t be surprised that my fiery beauty answers for herself. “It’s something that Liam and I have yet to discuss, given how quickly this marriage came to be.” She pauses, takes a breath. Looks my father right in the eye. Her voice is soft but steady. “I’ve always wanted children—eventually—but, I’m sure you understand that I’d like to have this conversation with your son first.”
Well, goddamn. I try to hide my smile.
My father opens his mouth only to be cut off by my mom. “Of coursewe understand, Taryn.” She glares at my father. “No one wants to rush you. Attending UChicago Law isveryprestigious. You’d have to beverysmart to get accepted to a program like that.” My mother nods approvingly. “That would certainly be a proud day for the McGuiness clan. There’s no need to focus on more at the moment. You have a reception to plan. A new place to move into. Your classes and graduation. Law school to consider. That’s more than enough for now. Isn’t that right, Kian?” She says this last part through clenched teeth.
My father shrugs and throws back another drink of whiskey in response.
Taryn’s shoulders are stiff, her spine straight. Goddammit. My mother notices as well, because she begins biting her bottom lip, a sign that usually indicates her unhappiness. My father sighs loudly as he takes in his wife. What was becoming easy is now tense, and I’d like to throw my own drink in my father’s face.
“Besides”—my mother smiles, attempting to break the tension—“that will only bring Liam and Taryn to visit us sooner. I have baby pictures you can see.”
Stilted chuckles surround us as our siblings try to help my mother with her attempt to move this conversation forward.
My bride takes a deep breath. Steadies herself. “If you’ll be staying in the city through the weekend, Mrs. McGuiness,” Taryn offers, “perhaps you’d meet with my mother and me to talk more about the reception. I’m a planner, and it’d be nice to get some things formally arranged.”
And, just like that, she’s fixed things. Katie Walsh startles but smiles with approval. “Yes, dear. That’s a lovely idea. Absolutely lovely.”
My mother’s eyes actually fill with tears. “I—I hadn’t planned on staying, but I’m sure I can. Isn’t that right, Kian?” She looks giddy.
My father sighs and nods. “Of course, mo ghrá.”
“And, please, call me Aisling,” my mom tells Taryn. “There’s more than one Mrs. McGuiness now.”
Taryn sucks in a breath but nods. My mother’s smile could light the room. And Taryn’s mother looks, well, satisfied. I decide this is a good time to make our escape. Things can only go downhill from here.
I push back from the table. “Taryn and I have to get settled into our new place,” I announce. “Thank you all for this.” I nod around the table.
Everyone rises to say their goodbyes.
“Remember what I told you,” Nolan growls in my ear as he gives me one of those half hugs. Yes, I remember his threats.
“She’s mine to protect now,” I tell him. “I’m looking forward to the privilege.”
He nods begrudgingly. “Don’t fuck this up.”
I shake my head. Gotta love his faith in me.
Once I get Taryn settled into my vehicle and hop into the driver’s side, I turn to face her before I start the engine. “You okay, beauty?”
She starts laughing. I smile.
“I’m sorry,” she giggles. “I don’t know why I’m reacting this way. Am I okay?” Hysteria bubbles from her chest. “Am I okay?”
Her laughter shakes the car, wild and messy, and it’s not at all what I expected. Hell, I thought she’d be quiet. Sullen. Maybe even furious with me. But this?
She’s laughing so hard, she can barely catch her breath, tears streaking down her flushed cheeks, and something in my chest tightens. This isn’t amusement—it’s shock. The kind that hits you when the ground drops out from under your feet.
I reach over, brushing my thumb under her cheekbone, catching a tear before it falls. “Hey,” I say softly, but firmly enough to cut through her hysteria. “It’s okay, beauty. I’ve got you.”
