I nod. “Yes, but only part-time. For the first few years after we got married, Beck and I traveled the world. We’re lucky with Beck’s job that he can work anywhere. I’m actively involved in his business too. I do his accounts and some of his marketing.”
“Wow, that must have been amazing.” He drags his hand through his dark hair, which he still wears the same way.
“It was. I even got to visit Ireland, and I saw Newgrange and the Book of Kells.” My eyes lower to the ink on his wrist.
“We visited too,” Garrick confirms, his gaze moving to my wrist. “You still have the tattoo.”
“As do you.”
He rubs his fingers back and forth across it. “I would have removed it or inked over it if it had upset Lena, but she was fine with me keeping it.”
I can’t help grinning. “Beck was the same. I considered replacing it, but it didn’t feel right. It’s a protective shield, and I was nearly afraid to get rid of it in case I brought the ghost of dead Celts down upon me.”
Garrick laughs quietly, looking down at his sleeping son, ensuring he hasn’t woken him. “You didn’t strike me as the superstitious kind.”
“I’m not usually.” I run my fingers across the tattoo. “Beck is confident in my love. He didn’t need me to change it to reassure him.”
“That is exactly what my wife said.” He grins before taking a drink.
“We married amazing people.”
“We did.”
“Areyouhappy, Garrick?” I ask, rubbing a hand over my belly.
“Very. I’m the CEO of Allen Wineries, and when dad retires from the lumberyard in a few years, I’ll have additional responsibility there. Lena only works part-time as a physical therapist, and she’ll probably give it up altogether now we have this little guy.”
“It’s nice to be able to do that if it’s what you want.”
“Yes, it is.”
“How are the twins? Are they at college or working in the business?”
“They’re both starting senior year at UW next month. John is a great golfer, and he’s hoping to make a career doing something golf related, and Jacob wants to travel after he graduates. I’m not sure either of them will join the business, but the door is always open.”
“What about your mom?” I ask, taking a sip of my water.
The smile slips off his face. “We don’t have any contact with her. She didn’t approve of Helena, and she refused to come to our wedding. I haven’t spoken to her in years.”
“I’d say I’m sorry, but it’d be a lie. You’re better off with her out of your life.”
“My wife agrees with you.”
My lips twitch. “Is it true what was reported in the papers last year? That she fell prey to some con man boy toy who stole everything and left her broke?”
“Yes, it seems so. She had to sell the house and downsize, and all her so-called-friends deserted her. Can you believe she had the nerve to call my father and ask him for money?”
“I can, and I hope he didn’t give her any!” Hugh was always a big softie.
“Not a chance. Dawn wears the pants in that marriage.”
We quietly laugh.
“I’m sorry you have such a shitty mom, but your dad and Dawn more than make up for her failings. Tell them I said hi.”
“I will. They were always fond of you.” He presses a kiss to his sleeping son’s head.
“What’s his name?” I ask.
