Pictures of groups of officers and firefighters are pinned everywhere, with some of the images even being black and white. It’sclearly the bar that they all come to after a shift to cool off. Rowan’s dad being a cop makes it obvious why this is the family spot. Based on how full it is, the same logic must apply to a lot of people.
“Eight shots,” Conor calls as we all slide onto our bar stools.
“Eight?” I try to keep my voice steady, but it still goes up a little.
“Two each,” Conor says, like it isn’t obvious.
“Monty won’t be able to keep up.” Rowan slaps his arm.
Offended, I look at them accepting the challenge.
“Make it twelve,” I say while tearing off my coat.
They cheer and literally clap when I take the three shots of whiskey like a champ. Apparently, college came in handy for something since my degree in economics is pointless.
“The two things O’Connors are good for are drinking and fucking,” Rowan says, ordering another one.
This time I decline, while trying not to look at the reason that sentence intrigues me. Honestly, this whole family has pulled my interest, even if they also put me on edge. Especially Mary.
Entering into a lively chat about Conor finishing college, Rowan turns away, leaving me alone with Callahan. I wish the song playing was an escape to dance away from this temptation, but the eighties rock doesn’t have the beat I need to get lost in the music. So, instead, I have no choice but to face him.
“Silver or gold?” he asks, once I make eye contact.
“What?”
“Silver or gold?”
“Gold.” I finger the necklace, half hidden under my sweater.
“Thought so.” He sips the whiskey and Coke he ordered, while not looking away from me.
“Why?” Already feeling the buzz of the booze making its way through my body, I lean in a little more than I normally would.
“I needed to confirm for your engagement ring.”
He looks so serious that I feel a little bad when the laughter peels out of me. It’s got that crisp sound of unexpected joy that causes him to smile.
“That was cute. I’ll give you that, even if it was presumptuous.”
“I just wanted to let you know now that you’re going to be my wife one day.”
I arch an eyebrow and he mirrors it, before wiggling both of his, causing me to giggle again.
“This is our second conversation,” I say.
“Third, if you count me asking if you were coming.” He holds up three fingers in this adorable way that is unfitting of their girth.
“Either way, there is no way that you could know you want to marry me.”
“Why not? My pa knew the moment he met my ma. Took three months for them to get married, and six before she was pregnant.”
Clearly, a fertile family. The idea is enough to offset my desire to sleep with him.
“Cocky of you to assume I’m just going to fall for you.”
“You aren’t going to fall. That’s involuntary. By the end of next year, I will have you jumping into my arms.” He leans in now, his nose inches away from mine. It allows me to smell his woodsy scent. I think again about how nice it would be to cuddle next to him.
“You live in Boston.”
