"Don't worry, I know you thought you would have more time before taking the reins. But you're ready, you have Henry by your side. If you wanted, I'm sure you could bring Brendan on board, I’m sure you could convince the other clan members that it’s worth it.”
"Da, are you sure? I thought you had conditions."
Da shakes his head. "It wasn't me that had conditions—it's the family elders back in Ireland. Since you’remarried now, you shouldn't have any issues. You know they're traditional."
"Thanks, Da," I mutter but I'm not sure that I've processed everything. I've been planning this for years, and making Mia my wife for months and now it's all coming to fruition. It's all too surreal.
"I've already told the families back home, but we will announce it next week to the rest of the family."
No words could express anything I'm feeling in this moment. Instead, I just nod at him. We both sit at the table in silence, taking the moment in. My Da has never really expressed emotion or even taught us it either, all of that fell to my mother. I'm sure my Da is sitting here trying to figure out what to say, too.
Finally, my Da smacks the table, grinning at me. "Alright, enough of this heavy shit. Let's eat some more before we have to get back to it."
"Sounds good," I say, reaching for my fork again and returning to my food.
"Mmm… this is good. I might have to talk to your Ma about stealing Imogen away."
I laugh at my Da, pointing my fork at him as I say, "Don't even think about it."
twenty-three
Mia
All I want to do is sleep after a marathon shopping day with Kieran's mom. Even though I'm tired, I still can't help but look back on the shopping trip with a smile. Maeve was so sweet, asking me questions about myself. Just like Kieran, she seemed to be genuinely interested in me, not what I can do for them.
I've never had that.
"Mr. O'Sullivan is waiting for you downstairs," Imogen pops her head into the bedroom informing me.
"Thanks, Imogen," I reply. I had asked her to let me know when Kieran arrived home, and to try to keep him downstairs, I wanted my outfit to be a surprise for him.
I glance one last time in the full-length mirror and can't help but grin, I know Kieran is going to love this dress. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it. It's a form fitting black dress that goes down to right above my knee. The top of the dress is strapless, that perfectly hugs my breasts, pushing them up. But what makes this dress even more perfect is the see through lace overlay on the top and the pair of red pumps that make me feel like my legs go for miles.
Heading back into the bathroom, I grab the red lipstick that I bought today and apply it. My hair is in loose waves that I pinned to one side. It's been a long time since I've had the need to dress up, and I forgot how nice it feels.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach, and now that it's time to go downstairs to show Kieran, I can't help but wonder what he's going to say. My fingers go straight to my teeth, and I start to gnaw them, trying to quell the anxiety within me. I mean,I think he's going to love the way I look, but who knows. Maybe I don't know him as well as I think?
I push down the insecurities about Kieran, pulling my fingers from my mouth, and letting out a breath. It's now or never. My heart rate picks up as I walk down the hallway, and as I reach the stairs it feels like it’s going to burst out of my chest. Holding on to the railing, I take that first step and continue down the stairs.
My gaze stays on the ground, not sure I want to see the look on his face, but when I hear him whisper, "Oh, shit," it makes me look up. The look he is giving me has me breathless.
Taking the last step, I stop right in front of Kieran. I've seen him want me, but this seems to be on another level. No words come out of his mouth, instead he just wraps his hand around my waist, pulling me into him as he crashes his mouth to mine.
My knees go weak. I'm not sure I've ever been kissed like this before.I open up for him, giving myself to him like a sacrifice at the altar. Kieran pulls away with a huge grin, lipstick all over his face.
We both just stare at each other for a moment before I finally say to him, "You might want to wipe this off." I use my fingers to wipe some of the lipstick off.
"Leave it there. I want everyone to see who I belong to," he mutters to me.
"Shit," I whisper as my clit throbs with his words.
Kieran wraps his hand around mine, pulling me toward the garage. "We need to go or we'll be late."
"Where are we going?" I ask as I climb into the same car that he drove me in the first night I was here.
"It's a surprise," he says, smiling at me while he closes the door.
I can't help but watch Kieran the whole way as he walks in front of the car to the driver’s side. A giddy feeling bubbles up in me. This is my first date. When Kieran getsinto the car, I reach for his hand and don’t let it go.
