Chapter Twenty-Three
KIERAN
I pullinto the driveway of the Sullivan estate and park beside Ronan’s Mercedes. I haven’t been here in a couple of weeks, but I’m in desperate need of a change of scenery. That and I had no intention of being home when Riley and her friend will likely be taking over the place.
I let myself in and head toward the living room, following the sound of the TV and Ciara swearing under her breath. I find her propped up on the couch with her legs stretched out over a nest of pillows and blankets, with one hand cradling the underside of her belly while the other scrolls through her phone.
She glances up as I loiter in the doorway. “Jesus, do none of you knock anymore?”
“Didn’t realize you would be lounging in this state.” A hint of a grin tugs at my mouth.
She smirks. “Well, the queen is officially off her feet.” She wiggles her toes. “Doctor’s orders.”
“Could have fooled me.” I eye the mess of baby books and fabric swatches that cover the coffee table.
I’m not particularly close to Ciara, but one thing I do know about her is that she doesn’t like to sit still, ever.
She scowls. “This is me resting. It’s driving me fucking insane.”
I chuckle as I cross over and perch on the arm of the couch.
“That’s kind of why I came by.”
I was planning on talking with Ronan first about my idea of sending Riley over here, but considering the fact that Ciara will be the one hanging out with her, I figure I should ask her too.
She raises an eyebrow.
“You came by to see me?” She places a hand on her chest. “I’m touched.”
Her voice drips with sarcasm, and I roll my eyes.
I’ve never had a sister, so I don’t have anything to compare it to, but my relationship with Ciara feels very much like what I imagine having a sister would be like.
But I’ve come to appreciate her company, not that I would ever tell her that. She wouldn’t let me live it down.
“Don’t let it go to your head.” I scoff. “I’ve got a favor to ask.”
“Oh? Do tell.” She sits up a little straighter and pushes her blonde hair out of her face.
“Riley.” I pause to gauge her reaction. “She’s climbing the walls back at the apartment, and I thought maybe she could come and spend a few hours a day over here to keep you company and help get things ready for the babies.”
Ciara blinks. “You want me to babysit your wife?”
“Don’t start. She said the exact opposite when I suggested it to her.”
Ciara laughs, but then winces and adjusts her position on the couch.
“Honestly? I wouldn’t mind the company. No offense to Ronan and the army of staff he’s hired, but I could use someone to talk to who doesn’t treat me like I’m made of glass.”
“Trust me, Riley won’t. She’s mouthy and stubborn.”
“Sounds like someone I know,” Ciara smirks.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“I’m good with her coming over, but it’s Ronan who will get the final say. You know how protective he is.” She sighs, rubbing her belly. “He’s in the study, by the way.”
I nod as I climb to my feet.
