O Come, All Ye Kellys (Love & Luck #7) - Isla Olsen Page 0,32

lets out a soft chuckle that makes my heart feel about ten times lighter. “Alright. You boys have a safe trip.”

“Thanks. Bye, Mum.”

* * *

It’s a mad scramble to get some things packed and get ourselves to the airport in time to check in for our flight. Fortunately, Jake had already organized to stay at a school friend’s place for a couple of nights this week, but Shay still has to call him to let him know what’s going on and also put Finn on standby to stay with Jake in case this trip turns out to be longer than a couple of days.

Once we’re finally on the plane and I’m connected to the Wi-Fi, I feel myself breathing a little easier, knowing that we’re headed in the right direction and that I’ll hear of any updates.

A couple of hours into the flight, I get a WhatsApp message from Mum telling me Granddad is about to go in for surgery. I let out a heavy breath as I finish reading the message, which details the kind of surgery he’s having.

“He’s about to go in for the operation.”

I feel Shay’s large hand give mine a gentle squeeze and I glance up to find him watching me, his eyes full of love, concern, and sympathy. A little overwhelmed, I lean over and bury my head in Shay’s neck. His arms are quick to come up around me and pull me close.

“I keep thinking about all the times Mum told him off for his bad eating habits,” I say into Shay’s sweater. “Maybe if he’d just listened…”

“Shh…he’s going to be fine,” Shay says in a voice so reassuring it’s impossible not to believe. “And once he’s through this, we can all gang up on him and make sure he’s eating right.”

I chuckle. “Guaranteed he’ll still sneak in a bap whenever he gets a chance.”

* * *

By the time we land at Heathrow, make our way through border control, collect our bags, and then take the tube to Mum and Granddad’s place in North West London, I’ve received another message telling me Granddad’s out of surgery and that the doctors are pleased with how it went. I give Mum a ring to let her know we’ve arrived, and then Shay and I head for the hospital.

When we get there, Mum draws both of us into fierce hugs. “Thank you so much for coming. I appreciate it so much.” She dabs at her eyes with the heel of her hand. “You boys must be exhausted, though.”

“I could definitely use some coffee,” Shay says. “Anyone else?”

I smile up at him. “Tea, please.”

My mum nods. “I’ll have tea as well.”

Shay scrubs a hand through his gray-flecked dark hair. “Right. I’m in England. Am I even going to be able to get coffee anywhere?”

I roll my eyes. He makes that lame joke every time he comes here. “Maybe try the Starbucks across the street. I’m pretty sure they make coffee there.”

Shay lets out a soft chuckle, then drops a soft kiss to my hair before turning and walking toward the elevator, presumably on his way to Starbucks.

“So…what wedding plans have you made?” Mum asks after Shay leaves. “Do you know where it’s going to be? Ooh and show me this ring!” She grabs my hand and brings it up to her face to inspect my engagement ring, gushing over how beautiful it is.

My brow draws together in concern. “Are you sure you want to talk about this, Mum? What about Granddad?”

Mum sighs. “Jamie, it’s been a horrid couple of days and I’ve been talking and thinking about your granddad non-stop. Now you’re here and I want to talk about some good news for a change.”

With an obliging smile, I guide Mum over to a couple of free chairs in the waiting area so we can sit down and I can tell her all about the proposal, my ideas for the wedding, and our complete lack of any plans.

18

Declan

* * *

“Babe, I really don’t think this is a good idea. We have so much going on right now.”

Heath’s grip on my hand tightens as he tugs me toward the steps that lead up to the brownstone’s entrance. “You promised you’d at least look.”

I sigh. I had agreed to that; but, to be fair, he’d been lazily stroking my cock at the time and wouldn’t give me the attention I really needed until I did.

The realtor meets us just inside the door and takes us through the house, with Heath