Justin took a sip of coffee. “Like I said, take care of the family. Or at least Moira until Declan and Diana arrive.” He palmed his mug and stared down in the murky liquid. “I spoke with Declan this morning. Diana’s been admitted for observation.” He looked up. “She might lose the baby.”
Danny performed the sign of the cross and said a silent prayer for Diana, Declan, and the baby. He may not always make it to mass on Sundays, but he kept prayer close to his heart.
“Make sure to pray for me, not only when I go back, but for when I see Mom,” Justin said.
Danny chuckled. “Yeah, you’re going to need it when you see her. After she cries like a baby with happy tears, she’ll probably light into you.” Knowing the joy his mom would feel for seeing her other son made all the crazy plans melt away. Today would be about celebrating.
Chapter Nine
Moira’s day began with another upheaval—although quietly—as Justin left to return to Ireland. With her brother in Boston, she was left alone with someone she felt she barely knew. Sure, they’d spent time together as children and teens, but this man seemed so different from the young man she’d sworn would be hers. She’d been stupid and lovesick then, but the thought of the vow sent butterflies to her stomach. This man didn’t hold her heart, but with his looks and protectiveness, he held her interest.
“Moira,” Danny said, snapping her from her memories and daydream. Before she could respond, he continued, “I have something to show you.”
Her heartbeat ramped up at that. Curiosity drove her blood fast through her veins. She had no idea what he might show her, but she hoped she liked whatever it was.
“Are you finished with lunch?” he asked, before taking his empty plate to the kitchen sink. “I think you’ll like it. I knew it’d be perfect for your painting.”
Painting. Something for her painting. Now that really got her excited. “I’m finished.” She wasn’t, but she wanted the surprise. Later, she’d grab a snack. Following Danny’s lead, she brought her plate to the kitchen. She looked around for a bin to dump the rest of her sandwich but found none.
“Here.” Danny reached out for her plate. “It’s in the cabinet.” He pulled out a handle and a garbage can slid out and slid in with the slightest push.
“Impressive,” she told him.
“Hold that word for what I’m about to show you.”
He grabbed her hand and nearly pulled her to the stairs. A bit nervous at the enthusiasm, but curious about the surprise, she closely followed, leaving her hand in his. It wasn’t like she’d get lost in the place. Oh, it was large, but not that large.
Passing the second story, they climbed to the third. Danny opened the only door on the floor—as far as she could tell—and stepped back, smiling. He let go of her hand and waved her into the room in front of him.
When she stepped in the room, the amount of light hit her first. An abundance of natural light flooded the room from the windows lining the back wall. His home, while narrow, wasn’t a terraced home, so he had windows on the sides, but it was built so close to his neighbors, the side light was not as rich.
Supreme happiness floated within her. She could paint here. She could be happy in this one room while she waited for things to sort out. While she waited for her brother and Diana. While she waited for her life to become normal again. Painting soothed everything within her soul. And Danny had just given her the best gift she’d ever received—bar the stuffed rabbit her brother had given her as a child. She still had it, had, in fact, added it to the list of things packed from her home. But this, this was much grander.
“Well, what do you think?”
She spun around with her arms out to encompass the room, giggling like a little girl. “I love it. It’s perfect.”
“Just show me what needs to be lugged up here and you can get set up. Give me a list and I can have an easel, chair, and whatever else you need picked up easily enough. Then you can spend the afternoon making this yours.”
“Afternoon…” She smiled. “Evening, night, straight through. I can’t wait to get started.”
Danny cleared his throat. The somber look told her she might not like what he had to say. She hoped he didn’t assign rules to her painting.
“Tonight might not work. Remember, I didn’t know you’d be here yet, so I agreed to some babysitting.”
That certainly surprised her. He didn’t seem the childminder type, then again, she didn’t know this man. Only that he was generous. “Okay, I’ll help.”
“You won’t need to, but I doubt the kids will leave you be. You’ll be too much of a puzzle to Reagan and she’s precocious. Not to mention little Amber who tries to copy her.”
“It sounds fun.”
“Are you sure? There’s going to be seven children running around my house, ages baby to middle school.”
She gulped but wanted to see Danny in this setting. Something about it tickled her curiosity about the man. Him and weans. Kids. “Oh wow, sure, I’m still game. I guess we’d best get the shopping done then. I’ll need you to take me since I don’t have a license or a car.”
“I planned to anyway. Get your purse or whatever you plan to carry and let’s get moving.”
Later, Moira sat back in the comfy chair she’d
