The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,127

Kyle confirmed. It was the antithesis of how Aidan had treated her since he walked away from her all those years ago.

“But Aunty Moira,” Sean placed his sweaty palms on her cheeks. “Aidan took Mama to the O’Malleys. Mama is going to marry the new O’Malley chieftain. He’s the brother of the man you were supposed to marry. Mama cried a lot when Aidan told her that she was going.”

Moira nodded, too stunned to say anything as Sean continued. She lost track of what he said until the end. She’d gotten lost in her own thoughts about Lizzie’s future, her own past with Aidan, and how much she preferred her life with Kyle. “Aunty Moira?”

“Yes, m’fhear beag?” Moira had missed the term of affection for Sean, whose serious expressions made him look like the little man she called him.

“I know my mama is my mama, but I’ve always wished that was you. I know I still have to call you Aunty Moira, but can you be my real mama?” Sean glanced at Kyle. “And can Uncle Kyle be my real da? Aidan doesn’t want to be.”

Moira nodded as she wrapped her arms around the little boy who had held her heart since the day he was born. She didn’t love him any less now that she was married with her own child on the way. Her heart had only grown larger. She looked over Sean’s head at Kyle. They both knew they’d made their decision. They would remain at Dunluce and face the future together with Moira as chieftain and Kyle by her side.

“I’m glad you’re home, Mama. And I’m glad you brought me Da,” Sean whispered as he returned Moira’s embrace and smiled at Kyle. Kyle pulled Moira into his lap and wrapped his arms around his wife and nephew.

“I’m glad we’re home, too,” Moira said as she leaned back against Kyle and kissed Sean’s temple.

Epilogue

Moira nestled closer to Kyle, their bodies still damp from their coupling. Two decades after they said farewell to their lives at sea, the couple remained as devoted to one another as the day Moira came aboard the Lady Charity. Kyle ran his fingers along Moira’s back as he closed his eyes.

“I’m getting on in years, Moira. You shall make my heart stop one of these days with all your demands. Needy wench,” Kyle teased as he squeezed Moira’s backside. Moira rolled back over onto Kyle’s chest, his large body still dwarfing hers. She straddled him and kissed his neck, working her way behind his ear. Kyle groaned as his body stirred again. “I don’t know how you can do that. I can barely catch my breath, yet my body is clamoring for another go.”

“You shouldn’t have taught me so much,” Moira teased. She propped herself on her forearms, careful not to dig her elbows into Kyle’s ribs. “Can you believe Tadhg is getting married today?”

“Not really. It seems like it was mere moments ago that the midwife said you just needed fresh air and more loving because you were with child,” Kyle said before giving Moira a peck on the lips.

“With five children, I think you’ve given me quite a lot of good loving,” Moira grinned and wriggled her hips. A stinging slap landed across her backside. Kyle saw the fire in Moira’s eyes. It was the same one that entranced him more than two decades ago. They’d made a happy life at Dunluce, both settling into their roles among the clan. While Moira led their people, Kyle took over the training of the clan’s warriors and captaining the clan’s fleet of merchant ships. Some of his men stayed on and became paid warriors, but many found other ships to sail with. They’d weathered storms that challenged them individually and as a couple, but nothing ever broke their bond.

“And I shall continue,” Kyle said as he rolled them over, pinning Moira’s arms over her head. “When we retire tonight, mo ghràidh, you had better not be too tired. I have plans for us that involve your favorite marble phallus, silk scarves, and me. But until then, we must go belowstairs and be the proud parents of the over-eager groom.”

“I thought Ruairí was going to slice Tadhg’s head off yesterday when we found Tina and him kissing in the orchard,” Moira laughed.

“Aye, well, he and Senga haven’t set any better example of restraint than you and I have. None of us have.”

“I was worried Keith and his family wouldn’t arrive in time. It was