“But you’re my guest,” she protested.
“Not if I intend to stick around,” he argued. “Then we’re partners, and I’ll do my share to help out.” He regarded her with amusement. “You do know I’ve been on my own for a while now. I’m capable of scrambling an egg and making toast and tea. Let me impress you. You had a long day yesterday. A little extra time off your feet is probably in order.”
Though she looked as if she were about to argue, she finally nodded. “I believe I’ll give in graciously just this once.”
That she did told Dillon just how shaken she was by the fall. The outcome this time had been fine, but at their age who knew what might happen if she fell again? It was something they all feared, a broken leg or hip that would be the beginning of the end of mobility, if not life as they knew it.
When he returned with a tray laden with eggs, toast, jam and tea, she was propped up against the pillows, looking more like herself.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever felt so pampered,” she said. “This will be just what I need before we go over to the pub today.”
“You’re not going anywhere,” he said. “You’re going to spend the day taking it easy.”
Her blue eyes flashed at his order. “You don’t make those kind of decisions for me, Dillon O’Malley. Luke needs me to supervise in the kitchen.”
“Luke needs to run his own business,” he replied with equal firmness in his voice.
“And he will,” she said. “But for now, he needs my help and I intend to give it to him.”
He heard the intractable note in her voice and smiled. She was definitely back to her feisty self. “How about a compromise? We both go over to check on things. You can spend an hour with the cook, tasting today’s specials, and then we come back here, so you can take a nap. Will that work? If you feel rested enough, we’ll go back over this evening for another check.”
She smiled at him over the rim of her teacup. “A compromise? I imagine I can live with that.”
“You know if we’re going to make a go of this, Nell, we’ll have to do a lot of compromising along the way. We’re both two old people who are set in our ways.”
“Speak for yourself,” she teased. “I’m the most flexible person you’ll ever meet.”
“I’ll believe that when you’ve shown me evidence of it,” he taunted right back.
She reached for his hand then and held on tight. “I’m so very glad you’re here and not just because you rescued me this morning.”
He smiled at her. “I’m glad I’m here, too.”
It was a late-in-life blessing he’d never anticipated. And, God willing, they’d both have a long time yet to enjoy it.
Though Moira spent the morning trying to put both incidents with Kristen out of her mind, she simply wasn’t able to forget easily, much less forgive. She couldn’t help wondering how Susie had tolerated it when Mack had been on the receiving end of Kristen’s predatory wiles.
Maybe this was the perfect chance to get to know Luke’s sister a little better. Since Luke was on the phone placing orders or bossing around the cleaning crew, she paused long enough to give him a quick kiss, told him she was taking a break, then headed around the corner to the real estate office.
When she walked in, Susie looked up from her computer with a surprised expression.
“Moira, how are you? Have you and Luke been celebrating all night? Last night’s party was absolutely amazing. I felt as if I were back in Dublin. Mack and I can’t wait to come back.”
“That’s exactly the effect your brother was going for,” Moira said, pleased that they’d accomplished it. “I was wondering if you had a little time so we could talk? Maybe over lunch at Sally’s or somewhere else, if you’d prefer. My treat.”
Though Susie looked startled by the invitation, she didn’t seem dismayed. Moira figured that was a good sign. She still wasn’t one-hundred percent certain of her welcome with any of the family members, even though none of them had tried to keep her at arm’s length.
“I can get away, sure,” Susie said. “Would you rather take a ride over to my house? I’d love for you to see it.”
Moira nodded eagerly. “That would be wonderful,” she said at once. “I’ve been dying to get a look at your place. I’ve heard so much about it and about your fabulous view. Should we pick up lunch before we go?”
“No need. If a salad’s okay, I have everything we’ll need.”
“A salad works for me,” Moira told her.
Susie locked up the office, then led the way to her car. “I’m really glad you came by,” she said as they drove out of downtown. “We haven’t spent much time together. Since you’re obviously special to my brother, I want to get to know you better.”
Moira smiled. “I know everyone in the family was a bit taken aback that Luke and I hit it off,” she admitted. “I hope I’m making a better impression this time around.”
“Much better,” Susie confirmed. “Mom is one of your biggest fans. So is Gram.”
“They’re wonderful women,” Moira said. “I wish I were as close to my own mum as you all are to yours.”
“If you want it, you’ll get there,” Susie assured her. “Mom and I were always close, but it’s not always that way between mothers and daughters. Sometimes you have to work at building a good relationship. Just look at the struggles Abby, Bree and Jess had making peace with Megan, and now they’re getting closer all the time.”
“I think time is exactly what it will take for my mum
