"Spanks when called for and time out when needed. Hugs in abundant, treats and celebrations when something is accomplished."
He caressed her pointed chin with his thumb.
"I want to erase all of it from your mind. I often pray that I would have the power to take away the pain, the misery from your heart and mind. I love you and loving you makes it difficult for me to see you hurting."
"Since I cannot take it away, I'm doing the next best thing. I'm going to love you until you're seeped in that love. I'm going to wrap my arms around you and shower you with adoration."
"And we're going to be the best parents in the entire world. We're going to suffocate these little ones with so much love, they will get sick of us and banish us to our rooms."
He felt his heart lifting when she smiled.
"And after we leave the room, we're going to start all over again."
"You're an idiot."
His lips curved, winter green eyes twinkling.
"An idiot who adores you."
Sighing, she leaned into him and kissed him on the lips.
"You're good for me. Before I met you, I told myself that I was okay with my life as it was. I didn't need anyone. But somehow you wormed your way in and dug yourself in. I can't shake you off."
"Romantic fool."
He shook his head.
"With words like that, it's no wonder I'm head over heels in love."
He pressed his lips to her forehead.
"Better?"
She nodded and wrapped around him.
"Much. Let's go eat."
"I thought you were full."
"From a cone of ice cream?"
She scoffed. Easing out of his arms, she tugged him to his feet.
"Feed me O'Sullivan. You're the one who planted two babies inside me. I'm eating for three."
He watched her shake off the final shadow of despair as they attacked the fine Irish meal. The smoked salmon and potato salad was washed down by strong Irish tea.
He did not think she had room for the black pudding, but she proved him wrong and warmed his heart when she ate everymorsel. The live band was playing a soulful melody, the words a poignant mixture of love and heartbreak about a lass who lost her soulmate to the sea when he went sailing.
They talked about things, her writing, his plans for the pub opening. And just sat there, his arms around her as she listened to the music.
"Ready?"
He murmured in her ear.
"In a bit. The first time I stepped in, I was impressed by all the colors."
He looked around, his eyes touching on the red and green plaid of the wallpapers. He had wanted a touch of his second home when he commissioned Maggie to renovate the place.
