I eat until it feels like my belly is touching the table. Surprised that there is still so much left over, I watch as the kids get out the to-go containers to bring the rest home. Having cooked for a small army, Mary sits back in her seat like it took nothing at all to accomplish this. Even though all four women were preparing from sunup until now.
Feeling bad that I didn’t contribute much, I jump up to help them clean. Somehow, it ends up being me and Callahan at the sink washing and drying. Our hands move in unison, which is only befitting a couple. Every brushed touch raises goosebumps on my arms.
Once Callahan and I are done with the dishes, we turn in companionable silence and listen to Rowan and Declan discuss the Oxford comma. So full, and a little tired, we enjoy the company of one another. That is, until Cormac comes into the room.
“You good, girl?” he asks Rowan before giving her a bear hug.
He turns to Declan and ruffles his hair, to Declan’s displeasure. But when he turns to Callahan, his eyes go hard, and he crosses his arms.
I’m a hair away from Callahan, so I feel him tense up almost immediately.
“I should head out,” he says, throwing the towel down.
“Where ya going?” Cormac asks, the question sounding more like a threat.
“I have some work to do on a car to finish the customization. With the holidays we’re a little behind.”
His dad scoffs, and I wonder how he finds fault in that answer.
“I can’t believe you’re still doing that stuff.”
“I’ve told you before, this is different.”
I catch Callahan’s eyes for a moment before he looks to the ground. Blowing out a breath, he rubs the back of his neck. Cormac doesn’t say anything else, just turns and leaves.
Rowan asks if Callahan is okay, confirming for me that it was as tense as I thought it was.
He gives her a terse nod and then a quick wave. His shoulders still hold the weight of the conversation as he retreats from the kitchen.
I can’t help the urge I feel to ease it.
“Callahan, wait,” I say, catching him on the porch. “Seriously, are you okay?”
I bundle my cardigan tighter around me and walk down the steps. My waist-length braids blow back from the whipping wind. He steps in front of me, blocking a lot of it. Grabbing my hands, he begins to rub them with his, proving that he does run warm.
“It’s nothing I haven’t dealt with before.”
It doesn’t sit right with me that his father can be so warm with everyone but him. Without understanding why I care so much, I pull him in for a hug.
“I’m sorry.”
“If you want to know why, just ask. I’ll tell you anything.” His arms crush around me like the promise he is offering. Held tight against his chest, my head rests right under his chin. I don’t know if it’s this growing tenderness I have for him or nosiness, but I want to know.
I step back, my hands still resting on his hips. He grips my shoulder, and for a moment we just stand in silence.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to get into that right now. Not with everyone inside,” I say, deciding on the more practical decision.
Or maybe I’m scared to get that deep with him.
“Then let me show you around town tomorrow, and I’ll tell you then.”
Having turned his mood upside down, the prospect of spending more time with me has that shine back in his eyes.
“Okay, we’ll do that.” No longer surprised by my urge to be near him, I give in to the offer.
He practically skips down the pathway, turning around to watch me as he goes.
“See, I’m already making you walk towards me.”
