"I love you." The words had burned a fiery path through her and left her weepy.
She remembered how, despite her protests and uncertainty, Oscar always knew exactly what she needed, even when she couldn't voice it herself. Moments like that made her realize how deeply he understood her, reading past her defenses and responding with a tenderness that made her feel safe, even when she tried to push him away.
Her gaze landed on a giant oak tree near the barn. It would be perfect for a tree house. Placing a hand on her bulge, she found herself wondering about the sex.
Would it be a boy and a girl? Two boys? Two girls? It really did not matter.
All she cared about was that they were healthy. And she realized something that had sneaked up on her. She desperately wanted her babies.
She had been frightened at the prospect of being a mother at first, but no longer. She wanted them and was going to do her very best to make certain they have a chance.
"You've been staring at that computer screen for the past ten minutes. What's so riveting?"
Oscar jolted slightly, an annoyed frown touching his forehead. He had been so caught up in his miserable thoughts, he hadn't heard his friend entered the office.
"Don't you have anything better to do than to sneak up on a body?"
Eric simply grinned and lowered his bulk into one of the comfortable chairs facing the desk. "Problems?"
"No." Oscar's voice was short, causing Eric's brows to lift curiously.
"With Kiara then. Has she received another letter?"
"No." Pushing away from the desk, he marched over to the cabinet to pour himself two fingers of strong Irish.
"You really should learn to shut up mate." Eric grinned when his pithy comment earned him a baleful glance.
He took a slow sip, letting the warmth settle his nerves before turning back to face Eric. The silence between them stretched for a moment, heavy with unsaid words.
Oscar finally set the glass down, the clink echoing in the quiet office, and met Eric's gaze with a weary determination. "It's just been a lot lately," he admitted, his voice softer. "Trying to figure out how to do right by everyone."
"The lady still holding out on marriage?"
"Yeah." He sat on the edge of the desk, one foot swinging slowly. "Life used to be so damn uncomplicated. In and out of a relationship, no promises made. Just having a bloody good time and a romp between the sheets."
"Now you're a man in love and about to be a father." Giving in to the urge for a smoke, Eric patted his shirt pocket and took out the slim gold case. "Mind?"
Waving a hand, Oscar gave his consent. Very soon the air was redolent of the fragrant Irish cigar Eric favored.
"I envy you." He murmured, blowing smoke towards the roof.
"Really?"
"Hmm." He grinned roguishly. "You've a fine one there mate. I wish I had seen her before. But--" He shrugged philosophically. "She's all wrapped up in you and with eyes for no one else." He eyed his friend curiously. "And I guarantee she will come around when it comes to the marriage deal."
Oscar couldn't help but chuckle, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're optimistic," he replied, shaking his head. "It's not that simple. She's stubborn, and I respect that, honestly. It's one of the reasons I fell for her in the first place."
For a moment, his gaze drifted to the window, lost in thought. "But if she does come around, it'll be on her terms." He took another sip of his whiskey.
"I want my ring on her finger and her bearing my name. I'm old-fashioned enough to want our children being born in wedlock. It might sound silly--"
"It sounds reasonable. You're not like me." Eric drew smoke deep in his lungs and held it for a second. "I was a bastard--"
"Stop--"
"No." Eric shook his head. "Padric was the only father I knew, and he did a good job of it. If it wasn't for your family, I might have ended up with a knife to my throat or with the garda on my tail." He grinned suddenly, eyes bright. "Your family saved my life."
His expression turned sober. "Cut her some slack and be patient. I know what it's like to have a lousy childhood."
