“These just came for the lady,” Uncle Finlay croons with a smile.
“For me?” DJ says then looks over at me.
“Aye, for ya,” I say and wink.
The beaming smile that comes to her face warms my heart. She lifts from her seat to lean in and sniff them. I place a hand on her back to keep my shirt she’s wearing from rising too high.
“I’m heading out for a bit. Do ye need anything before I go?” Uncle Finlay asks.
“No, I’m all good. Thanks.”
He nods and turns to leave. DJ turns to me with that bright smile on her face. I lean in and peck her lips.
“What’s on yer mind?”
“Why burgundy and white?”
“The burgundy roses represent deep passion, intense love, and romantic devotion, if I remember right. The white ones represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings.
“I deeply love ya and I have so much respect for the gift ya gave me last night. I wanted ya to know how I feel and give ya one last reminder of yer innocence before I truly ruin ya,” I reply.
She laughs and leans in to kiss me. I cup the side of her face and kiss her passionately. She moans into my mouth and pulls away, still smiling.
“Thank ya. That’s actually really sweet. Although I think I might be the one who’s going to ruin ya.”
I snort. “How so?”
“I know what yer capable of now. I plan to have my fill of ya whenever I can.”
I laugh. “Careful what ya ask for. I’ve been taking it easy on ya. Ya have no idea what I’m capable of, love.”
“Um, sounds good. I want to go to the pictures. Is that on the table?”
“Aye, a movie it is.”
CHAPTER 23
Life is Grand
Brooklyn
Eight months later …
“Aw,love. Shh … me wee, lass. Ya have to stop the tears. I can’t bear to leave ya like this,” I coo as I bounce Shauna in my arms.
I’m here for my weekly check-in. I just landed in Ireland from New York. I’ve been needed there as much as I’ve been needed here lately.
Felix has moved Kaye back to Cali, so that’s one less thing on my plate, but it seems ten others have been added in her place. If I’m in Ireland, I check in with Shauna at least once a week.
At eight months old, my niece is a cute little thing. Her tiny fingers are so adorable, and she has the sweetest smile.
Every time I’m here, I think of what my babies with DJ will look like. We’ve been going strong and my love for her is only getting stronger. I’m trying to leave now so I can get to her.
“Ya can go, I’ve got her,” Aisling says as she takes Shauna from my arms.
Shauna gives me that little face that asks where I’m going and why aren’t I holding her still. It breaks my heart. I wish I had more time today, but I’ve been away for too long.
DJ needs time as much as Shauna does. I thought Logan would be back by now, but he’s not. I’m growing irritated with how long it’s taking for them to release him.
