to run into either of Shawn’s parents wearing next to nothing ever again. I’ll never forget the embarrassment of that moment.
I pad down to the kitchen and am surprised to see Tom already there, seated at the island, drinking a cup of coffee.
“Good morning,” I say softly. “I’m surprised you’re up.”
“Jet lag is a bugger,” he says with a smile. “I’ve been up for a couple of hours. Fiona, God bless her, is still sleeping.”
“Shawn is, too.” I wince before pouring myself a cup of coffee. “I feel uncomfortable saying that to his dad.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re his father.”
“Shawn’s a grown man of nearly thirty years, lass. He can do as he pleases.”
“True.” I lean my hip against the counter and take a sip of my coffee. “I like your son.”
“I’m glad. I do, as well.”
“I’m not here for a long time.” I don’t know why I feel like I should admit that to Tom, but I suddenly do. “I’m supposed to go back to Minneapolis this week. We’re pretty much done with the project.”
Tom doesn’t say anything, just sits and listens.
I know who Shawn gets his listening skills from.
“I know it makes me sound horrible, but I’ve had a physical relationship with your son while I’ve been here.”
“Why is that a horrible thing, Lexi?”
I shrug a shoulder. “Because it’s not a long-term relationship. We established that in the beginning.”
“Well, if you’re both of the same mind, I don’t see what the problem is.”
I purse my lips, thinking it over. “I didn’t see a problem with it either, until I met you. Now, I suddenly feel guilty.”
“Because he has parents?”
I laugh. “It sounds ridiculous when you say it.”
“I assume you have a ma and da, as well.”
“I do. My mom is in Minnesota. I lost my father a few years ago.”
“I’m deeply sorry for that. Are you close to your mother?”
“I am, yes. She’s pretty great.”
“I’m sure she is, if she raised the lovely woman standing before me.”
“I know exactly where your sons get their charm,” I say with a laugh. “And they all look just like you.”
“But my girls are the spitting image of their mother, and I thank the good Lord for that every morning.”
“You have a beautiful family, Tom. And I’ve enjoyed meeting and getting to know all of them.”
“They’re a special lot of people, and that’s the truth of it. And so are you, Lexi, my dear.”
I smile, feeling all lit up inside from the kind compliment from this man who could be my own father.
“Thank you.”
“What are you planning to do today?” he asks.
“Not fishing,” I say, shaking my head. “I don’t want to do that again.”
“Good. I hate it myself. Let’s go for a little walk, shall we?”
“I’d like that.”
Chapter 14
~Shawn~
She isn’t even gone yet, and we’re throwing a bloody going away party for her.
I’m not ready.
I don’t like it.
I’m just not ready to say goodbye. I’ve grown used to having Lex around. And let’s be honest, the sex is out of this damn world.
But it’s time for her to get back to her life. We just got back from the cabin a couple of hours ago and brought my parents with us. Because it’s a quiet Sunday evening, Keegan decided to shut down for customers, and we’re celebrating Ma and Da being here, and wishing Lexi well on her journey home on Tuesday.
I have one more day with her tomorrow, reading through the script one last time before I send it off to Luke.
“I’m making nachos and burgers for everyone,” Maggie announces. “Along with some bowls of stew. Are there any other requests?”
“I can help you,” Lexi offers, but everyone shakes their heads.
“No way, lass,” Keegan says with a wink. “You keep that arse planted on the stool. Your only job this evening is to enjoy yourself.”
“I’d enjoy myself more if there was music,” she says, glancing around. “And I know most of you can sing and play an instrument.”
“Not me,” Kane replies, shaking his head. “I’ve not a tune in my body.”
“That’s not true,” Stasia says. “You have a lovely voice.”
“Hush,” he says and leans over to kiss his wife.
Maeve and Keegan start singing Molly Malone. Maggie pushes through the swinging kitchen door, carrying a tray full of food that she sets on the bar. She sings with the others for a bit, and then disappears again to load her platter once more.
“This is fun,” Lexi says to me. “Why don’t you sing?”
“Why don’t you sing?”
“Because I want all of you to stay,” she