Page 20 of Honorable Sins

Mick nods. "We'll talk more later." The without the children around goes unsaid, but we all know it's implied.

"Let's focus on what happened today, right now," I say.

With a concerned glance at her mother, Sadie takes that as her cue to continue. "I didn't tell you, but they started saying nasty stuff to me." The young girl gulps, going red as a beet. "Sex stuff."

Áine erupts from the couch and glares at Mick and then puts her hand out to her daughter. "Come on. We have to go."

Sadie's face crumbles. "Mom?"

"We're not safe here," Áine says with teeth gritted conviction and repeats. "We have to go."

"But she is safe here, Mrs. Gallagher. My da won't let anything happen to any of you," Fitz promises, guaranteeing Mick will take action.

My husband will not allow our son's word to be broken, even if he made it on his da's behalf.

Áine's eyes close, her face wincing with internal pain. When they open again, they are sheened with tears. "He already did."

It's so close to something I said to Mick several years before that my heart hurts.

"But Fitz stood up for me!" Sadie exclaims. "He stopped them."

The tears spill over Áine's eyes. "Thank you, Fitz. We have to go," she repeats to her daughter in a tear choked voice.

Something is going on here way beyond what happened to Sadie today and that was horrific enough.

Wraith stands up and places his hands on Áine's shoulders. "I give you my word that what happened today will never happen again. I will keep you and your daughters safe. You don't have to run."

I don't understand why Áine has stayed in New York the past seven years, but I certainly understand why she wants to leave now.

However, knowing what she does about Mick, she can't leave.

"You understand what you are promising, Wraith?" Mick's voice is devoid of emotion. "The only way you can keep that promise?"

Wraith jerks his head in a nod. "I know."

Mick nods. "You have my approval, but it will have to be quick."

My husband is not saying what I think he is saying. He can't be. Wraith only met Áine today.

"We'll get the license tomorrow morning. The wedding can happen the day after."

Oh no. He is talking about marrying her. The day after tomorrow!

"Wedding?" Áine is looking gobsmacked.

I love that word.

Sadie flashes a confused look at Fitz. "Who's getting married?"

"Your mom and Wraith…uh, Kieran." My son is not slow on the uptake.

Chapter six

Safety Comes at a Cost

MICK

"That's it. I'm done waiting!" Fiona jumps up with a militant gleam in her eyes. "Zoey had better figure her loyalty stuff out because I'm not attending one more wedding in this family without at least having a date set for my own!"