to look at Harrison, who held his hands up. “She needed to know.”
“When did you tell her?” I asked.
“Years ago.”
“You’re worse than a gossiping little bitch,” I said.
He laughed and so did Mari.
She put her hand over mine, squeezing. “I’m glad you finally told me things,” she said.
“Yeah,” I said, leaning in and kissing her head. “I’m glad you finally told me things, too.”
“I’ll always be your little sister,” she said. “But we’re all grown-up now. You don’t have to protect me anymore, Kee. I’m going to be okay.”
“Fucka me,” I said, copying her, wiping my eyes. It was something she said that mirrored what her adoptive Sicilian grandfather used to say when bugs would eat the vegetables in his garden. He had an accent, and he would add an “‘a” to the end of words sometimes. It must’ve stuck with her, something to keep him close.
On the plane back to New York, I closed my eyes, my head on Kelly’s shoulder while he read a book.
“Tell me one thing, my darlin’,” he said, his eyes scanning the page. “Now that you know the reason why I stole your heart. Is it good enough?”
“It all happened the way it was supposed to,” I said, leaning in and kissing the tiger on his neck. “You found me through the reason, no matter what it stemmed from.” I hesitated. One minute. Two. “I think we should invite Maureen and the kids to come and live with us permanently.”
Even though I loved it when it was the two of us, having them around filled something inside of me that I had no idea was missing. When the kids were around, it was like our family was complete. I loved to hear Connolly giggle, even though she still wasn’t talking much. I loved to see Ryan smile and experience all of the milestones children achieve as they grow. And even though Maureen could be a grumpy old lady, I liked having her around, too. Her strength was something I admired.
“I don’t plan on working as much,” Cash said, turning to face me, setting his finger in his book to mark his spot before he closed it.
I adjusted in my seat but still kept my arm locked with his. “Even better.”
“It’s a little early to start a family,” he said.
I turned forward, my head pressed against the seat, shocked at my own words and why I hadn’t realized what they meant. Start a family. Even though it was unconventional, that was exactly what I’d proposed to him. Starting a family—with Connolly, Ryan, Maureen, and the two of us.
I shrugged. “I really like having them around.”
“You have a connection with the little girl.”
“The little boy, too,” I whispered.
“Our place is big enough,” he said, opening his book again. “You’ve already decorated her room.”
That was a yes from Cash Kelly, and even though I wanted it, it suddenly scared me. Scared the breath from my lungs and sent my heart into overdrive. It was that feeling of falling in love over and over again, but going deeper every time. I got the same feeling when Cash looked at me, when he touched me, and when I thought about keeping the four of them…Cash, Maureen, Connolly, and Ryan.
Forever.
31
Keely
I thought returning to New York would haunt me, but having the four of us all together seemed to bring me peace.
We were home.
In the space of time between arriving in Ireland and arriving back in Hell’s Kitchen, I had learned that no matter where I went, as long as my family stood beside me, that was the true meaning of home.
I wanted to ask Maureen right away if she and the kids would come and live with us. I didn’t want to spend another night worrying about whether she was going to take them to her place for good one day. I enjoyed getting up in the middle of the night, checking on them, making sure they were safe in their beds. It put me at ease.
What was even better was, Cash did, too.
He had taken CeeCee and Ryan to a toy shop down the street so I could talk to Maureen alone.
She was at the stove, cooking up something that smelled good. Though with Maureen, it was hard to tell how it was going to turn out. She found it a personal challenge to use whatever was in the fridge, even if it didn’t pair up with whatever dish she decided to cook.