courage and managed to smile at Michael through her tears.
“Well, I never thought that the first time I finally told my story I’d turn in to a blubbering schoolgirl.”
Michael tucked a finger beneath her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. His handsome face framed with a mop of auburn hair was so familiar.
“So, I have the honor of being the first to hear that there is an addition to our family?”
She nodded. “Mum and Da are so closed minded. I couldn’t tell them and bring shame to my Matthew.”
He smiled. “So, he’s named for the apostle who began life as an outcast. You are deep, Kelly, my girl.”
“He’s a wonderful boy.”
He grabbed her hands. “Truly, you were raped?”
She sucked in a huge breath. “Yes, Michael, but please don’t ask me for details, because I won’t tell you. I had every intention of putting Matt up for adoption, but at the last moment, I couldn’t. He is my life.”
“Now, how shall we tell the family of your blessed news?”
She pulled away. “We won’t! Not yet, at least. I’m not ready.”
“That is wrong, Kelly.”
The anger that she had used all these years to shield her secret erupted. “Michael, I confessed this so-called sin to you, a priest, in God’s confessional. You are under oath to God and the Church to keep my secret.”
His eyes narrowed. “Why, you conniving little sister! Holding me to my vows is irreverent and untrustworthy.”
She frowned. “Perhaps, but it is Church doctrine, and I need the security of your silence.”
“And this is the greeting I get after not seeing you since you were nineteen.” He pulled her to her feet. “Did you become more mule-headed while growing into a beautiful woman?”
Just like her brother to add sugar to a dose of truth. “Michael, I would never have told anyone in our family about Matthew, especially now that I have become an American citizen, but you’ve come to my side of the world. Now that you are here, I see Matt cannot be kept secret from our family for much longer, but I must rely on your discretion. When I’m ready to tell our folks, I’ll need your help, but not until I am ready. I will not tolerate anyone treating my son unkindly.”
He exhaled a long breath. “I understand. Kelly, I can’t tell you how upset I am that you carried this burden alone for all these years. Why didn’t you call me?”
Again, Evan’s words rushed in... Do you have someone to confide in? She closed her eyes to dispel the image of him in her mind. “My situation was so complicated. I feared if I spoke one word the entire story would tumble out. No one can know who Matt’s father is.”
“Kelly, do you think I am daft? You came here as a nanny and now own a diner. I can already guess.”
A jolt of panic stole her breath. She swallowed hard. “Still. Don’t ask. I will not tell you, Michael. I have to protect my son. New York laws don’t protect rape victims from their assailant if they become pregnant and keep the child. If he were to file suit, I would have to give him joint custody—at best!”
Michael glanced toward the church. “I can leave Peter to hear confession. Let’s go inside to talk. I’ll make you some tea.”
“I can’t, Michael. I have to get back to work.”
“Well, then, are you free tonight?”
“No. Give me a few days and I’ll bring Matt to meet you. I want to tell him about you first. Okay?”
He hugged her again. “Kelly, I wish you would have trusted me sooner. I hate to think how difficult this ordeal must have been for you.”
“The Lord has provided for me, Michael. He sent me to Herby George who was my shining light during the dark hours. Now I have Neverland, a roof over my head and the love of a beautiful child. I am blessed.”
“Herbert George should be sainted.”
She smiled. “Aye.”
“And, your new citizenship? Another secret?”
“Not so much. My American friends know.”
“Oh, but we in Ireland don’t deserve such courtesy?”
“I’m sorry, Michael. I’ve become so used to keeping my own counsel.”
“To hide the child.”
“Yes.”
Michael watched her for a long, silent moment. She could see him struggling with the rising anger she knew all too well, against the man who raped her, but what Michael needed to understand was that even now, that man could be a danger.
“Michael, please. You must trust me that silence is the safest road for