by Shayla Black
That might be as close as River ever came to saying that he approved of her choices. Raine didn’t expect him to understand exactly. But if he accepted her, the loves of her life, and the coming baby, she’d embrace him as part of her new family with arms wide open.
Standing on her tiptoes, she hugged him. He crushed her against his massive chest and gave her a tight squeeze. It was odd, embracing a relative stranger and sharing their common grief. But they would always be tied by blood and circumstance and memories. It meant something. It was a start.
When she stepped back, Liam was beside her again, hand on her shoulder, proffering the other bouquet of flowers. She gripped the stems in sorrow, plastic crinkling, and mouthed a silent thank you.
Then she dragged in the most difficult breath all day and stepped in front of Rowan’s headstone.
As she placed the flowers in the plastic holder, regret came in a landslide that nearly buried her. Had she known, on any level, what Bill had been doing? What Rowan had let him do so he’d stay away from her younger sister? No…and yes. Something hadn’t been right, and she hadn’t questioned the relationship between her dad and her sister too hard. She’d asked Rowan if she was all right a few times, but her quiet, studious sibling had never been forthcoming. So Raine had let it go. How much tragedy could she have avoided if she’d paid attention to that nagging in her gut that something evil lurked in the Kendall household? Or would she simply have accelerated the tragedy?
Raine would never know, and that came with its own regret.
What could she possibly say to the sister who had given so much innocence and life to save hers?
“I can never thank you for what you did for me, and I wish I could have somehow erased the hell you endured. I’m sorry I cursed you for leaving me to Bill as if you had a choice. I didn’t know…” Raine felt the onslaught of more tears, seemingly more desolation than she could take. “I wish I’d seen the amazing things you could have accomplished in life. I hope that, wherever you are, you finally found something better than the best lip gloss or the perfect prom dress. I’m sorry you never got to see the last Matrix movie. If it helps, you didn’t miss much.” She tried to smile because her sister had never been one for tears. “I hope you and Mom found each other up there. I sincerely hope you’ve found peace.”
“Oh, kidlet…” River bowed his head. “I would have found some way to protect you if I’d guessed Bill’s plans. He never let on that he wanted me out because he wanted you.”
Her brother choked as if he had more words to say but simply couldn’t get them out, then he fell into a terrible sorrow-filled silence. Raine reached for his hand. He clutched it for a heartrending moment before he enveloped her against his body again. Last time, he’d been supporting her, helping her with grief. Now he clutched her like a lifeline.
They shared anguish without words, and Raine was silently grateful.
It was early days yet…but maybe she’d found that silver lining River had mentioned. Maybe she’d have her brother in her life again. And if the police dropped all these ridiculous charges against Hammer, she might finally have said good-bye to the darkest parts of her past today—and said hello to a beautiful future.
* * *
Saturday, February 16
* * *
Liam lay curled into Raine, resting his head on one elbow as he watched her sleep. She hadn’t had much of it lately. He and Macen hadn’t, either, but they weren’t nurturing another human being within their bodies.
Her inky lashes curled against translucent skin, now bruised with dark circles. She fidgeted restlessly.
Liam’s heart ached for her. “Rest easy, mo grá.”
He brushed aside an errant lock of her lush hair, frowning at how vulnerable she appeared in repose. His lass was under so much stress.
As if his merely thinking of Raine had roused her, she opened her eyes, the color of warm waters, clear and deep enough to drown a man in. “Why are you awake?”
He kissed her gently. “Not tired yet. Are you all right?”
“I should be sleeping like the dead now that it seems Macen’s legal troubles should be more or less over, but I just can’t shut off my brain.” She sighed. “And our little peanut seems to be sitting on my bladder.”
Her wry smile had him chuckling.
Snoring rent their silence, and they both turned to look at Hammer sleeping soundly on the other side of Raine.
“Cuddle up to him and go back to sleep, love. I’m heading downstairs for a cup of tea.”
He pressed a soft kiss on her forehead and left the bed, groping for his sweat pants. In short work, he had them on and headed quietly out of the room. He’d bet his parents were up, and he could use the time with them. No telling how long before they packed up and headed back to Ireland. Now that their crisis was seemingly averted, he was a bit surprised his mother hadn’t mentioned it. Maybe she felt that something uneasy giving her a nagging tug, too.
Halfway down the hall, a shuffling had him turning back to find Raine rushing to catch up to him, belting her robe as she hustled.
“I’ll go with you. Tea sounds good,” she whispered as she took his hand.
The big house was quiet until they approached the kitchen. Then the sound of his father’s voice became louder with every step.
“Aye, lass. I will. You tell those boys that Grandda said they best knuckle down, then. If they do, I might bring them each a bag of lollies from America.”
They couldn’t hear the reply, but his father laughed as they entered the kitchen. Duncan gave Raine a warm smile, and Liam was grateful to his da for trying to set her at ease.
She nodded in greeting and made her way to the teapot before pouring two cups. As she slid one across the counter to him, Liam squeezed his father’s shoulder and took a stool beside him at the bar, drawing the cup Raine had poured closer.
“You’re in luck, then. Your brother and Raine just walked in. Do you want to say hello?”
Liam smiled and arched a brow, but his father nudged the cell into his hand instead, not saying which of his sisters was on the line.
“Hello?”
“Fancy that, then. It only takes Mum and Da going halfway ’round the world for me to hear from you. How are you, stranger?”
He’d know that voice anywhere.
“Maeve…” He grinned around the teacup and gave his da a wink. Raine stood across from them, dunking a cookie in her tea. Even with all the commotion lately, some of his parents’ idiosyncrasies had still rubbed off.
“We can’t wait to meet Raine. Mum has gone gaga over her. They really like this one, Liam. We’re so excited for you. And by the by, I always knew there was something more between you and Macen. But it’s all good,” she assured. “Um…how does that work exactly?”
Liam sighed. “Yeah, it’s not like that.”
He saw Raine laughing behind her hand as Da concentrated far too hard on stirring his tea.
“No judgment here.”
“Bloody hell, Maeve. We’re in love with the same woman, not each other.”
“Whatever you say… So, when are you bringing them home for a visit?”
“I doubt it will be before the baby is born, but we may try to surprise everyone. How are you and the lads?”
“Same. Nothing much changes here. How are you all holding up? Da told me about your recent drama. Your life is so fascinating. There’s always something going on.”
Liam snorted. “Be thankful you’re not living it. But we’re all good now, thanks. Every day seems to be some new bloody challenge, but we always manage to get things sorted.”
“You do. I won’t embarrass Raine by asking to speak to her, but tell her that she has a whole parcel of family who already love her and can’t wait to meet her and the baby. Know we are thinking of you all, Liam. Love you.”
He sent Raine a smile. He loved the idea of her and the children he and Macen would have with their lass in his family. “I’ll tell her. I love you, t
oo, Maeve. Give everyone our best.”
“I will. Pass me back to Da to say good-bye.”
Liam gave the mobile back to his father and listened while he rang off.
Duncan set the phone aside and rose to get more tea, but Raine grabbed the pot.
“I’ve got it. Sit.” She refilled his cup.
“Thank you. Why are you both up at this hour? You especially, lass. You need your sleep.” He patted her hand gently across the counter. “You have so much going on in that wee body of yours, making a brand new person. ’Tis a lot you’re asking of it on so little rest.”
“I’ll try again after my tea,” she promised. “What time is it in Ireland?”
“Hmm, there’s eight hours’ difference. Since it’s just after one here, it’s a bit after nine in the morning at home. Hence my reason for being up and on the phone.”
“Da doesn’t do computers,” Liam teased.
“We don’t get along is all,” the older man blustered.
“I could show you, Da. It’s not hard.”
Duncan shook his head. “I’m too old for that now, lad. I do best in my garden. Happy as Larry, I am, with a bit of dirt and my plants.”
“You still feeding the neighborhood?” Liam asked.
“When the weather cooperates, aye.”
“I’ll bet your vegetables are better than store-bought,” Raine remarked.
“The best, lass.” He looked adorably proud. “I grow more beefsteak tomatoes and string beans than Mum and I can eat, so she shares the extras with the family. The rest are passed on to neighbors and friends.”
“I’m sure everyone appreciates it.” Raine smiled. “I’d love to see your garden one day.”
“And so you shall. Just have that scamp bring you home…” He nodded Liam’s way.
“I’m getting to it, Da. His garden is famous, you know. That and his family are his favorite subjects. Come and sit. He’ll tell you all about it.” Liam rose and gave Raine his seat while he emptied the dishwasher.
As Raine eased onto the stool, he slid clandestine glances their way. She’d been a bit shy with his father. Understandable since her experience with her own had been so horrendous. Besides, with everything going on, there had been little time to talk except at meals. But Liam needn’t have worried. His father was adept at encouraging her.
Before long, they chatted like old chums. She looked relaxed and engaged. His lass even laughed when Da pulled out his wallet and pictures of his grandchildren spilled out. When his father sent her a sheepish glance and said just how much he missed them all, Raine laid a gentle hand over his. Da appreciated the gesture, smiling as he gave her delicate fingers a squeeze.
Then something flashed across her face. Liam saw the happy light in her eyes dim. She eased her hand free and rose, fidgeting.
His heart caught, and Liam shot his father an apologetic stare as he started toward her. Da stopped him with a look.
Breath held, Liam hung back and watched.
“Raine?” his father prompted.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re nothing like my father but…” She sighed. “I should be getting back to bed anyway. It’s late, and I—”
“Sit for a bit more, lass. You’ve nothing to fear from me, I promise. I’d like to talk to you a minute more is all. Liam is right there, see?”
Her stare darted to where he stood just by the pantry. He gave her an encouraging nod.
She hesitated, then slowly sat once more. Everything inside him screamed that he should go to her, protect her. But his father had always been the most loving, kindest person in Liam’s life. She was safe.
Deliberately, Duncan turned his stool to face Raine, took her hand, and held it gently in both of his. “My Bryn has an interesting gift. I can’t pretend I understand it, but after all these years, I know better than to doubt it. She’s been proven right too many times to count. So when Mum told me about five months ago—out of the blue, mind you—that our youngest had just met the woman he’d love for the rest of his life, I was thrilled. I knew you must be special.”
Raine didn’t say a word, just blinked back at him with her heart in her eyes.
“’Tis no secret we hated Gwyneth,” Da drawled dryly.
Liam scratched at his nape. “You two weren’t quiet about it.”
“She made you miserable, son. That was enough for me. You deserved better than that vampire.”
“Water under the bridge, Da. And you were both right.”
Duncan gave him a sad smile. “Years ago, when he met Macen, Bryn told me that Liam’s quest for happiness would be the most difficult of all our children. Years passed, Gwyneth came and went, and I worried my boy would remain lonely. Then not long after she mentioned you, Bryn said Liam had decided to move to Los Angeles to stay with the people he loved. She said everything was falling into place.”
Curiosity got the better of her. “But Liam didn’t say anything to Bryn?”
“Not a word.”
“It happened so gradually,” Liam remembered. “When I came to visit, I’d had no intention of moving here. Then that morning you and Hammer argued, I asked you to stay with me. Remember?”
“I’ll never forget.”
“I think I suspected then. A few weeks later, I told Seth I wasn’t going back to New York for Thanksgiving. The following week, he came here instead, and I asked him to watch my brownstone when he returned. I’d already bought you this house. By then, I’d decided my life was with you.”
“So…without you telling your mother, she saw all that?” Raine looked puzzled.
Liam nodded. “She can sense when people make decisions, especially important ones.”
Da nodded. “My Bryn is an empath and a seer. She feels the emotions of others deeply and can ‘see’ in all directions—past, present, and future. Your man there is touched with it, too. Out of all the kids, he’s most like her.”
“Geez, Da. Raine doesn’t need to hear this—”
“Yes, I do.” She nodded earnestly.
Duncan chuckled and patted the hand he still held, shaking his head. “You hear that, lad?”
Liam rolled his eyes. “But how could Mum know the three of us would be together when none of us were even sure?”
“She didn’t say. But if I had to guess, some things are simply meant to be.” Da smiled Raine’s way. “Bryn said there was so much darkness in your life before Hammer and Liam brought in light and love. Lately, she’s been telling me the trials and tribulations the three of you were going through, trying to fit yourselves in one another’s lives. I woke up one early November morn last year to find her gloating because she knew wee Raine was pregnant.”
“Even before we knew, then.” Liam covered his eyes and groaned. “Is nothing private, Da?”
“Contrary to your belief, Liam O’Neill, you three didn’t invent sex. And that wasn’t the point anyway.”
Raine blushed, pointedly not looking at his father.
“Your mum mostly talked of the anguish you’ve all been through.” He paused. “Bryn knew afterward what happened with your father, Raine. She was a mess for a week with heartache and sorrow. She knew what you had suffered at the hand of your own kin. What she told me made me rage with the want to shield you from such a monster. Knowing you sent him on to his just rewards brings little comfort.”
Raine’s eyes filled with more tears. Liam scooped up a box of tissues and set them within her reach, then stood at her back, gently rubbing.
“Thank you,” she choked out his father’s way.
“I can’t pretend to understand that terrible man, Raine. I love my girls and my son fiercely. If one of them had been in your shoes that day, I would have encouraged them to do exactly what you did. Bryn and I want to thank you for making our boy happy. I think he and Macen will be outstanding fathers, and you love one another enough to last a lifetime.”
Raine sobbed a laugh. “I know. I’m so lucky to be here with them now. I’ll always do my best to make t
hem happy.”
“Of course you will.”
Raine smiled at him through unshed tears and gave him a quick, fierce hug. “Thanks, Duncan. I needed that.”
“There you all are.” Bryn bustled into the kitchen and brushed Duncan’s shoulder before giving Raine a smile and Liam a hug. “I’m still getting used to the time difference, but I can’t imagine why you two are up.”
“We tend to keep late hours.” The truth was, Liam simply felt unsettled, and he wasn’t sure why.
“Well, since you’re still up, Raine, I want you to know that your mum and your sister appreciated your visit yesterday. Oh, they’re so proud of you for being such a fighter. And your sister—what pretty dimples she’s got—she wants you to know she’s with your mother and at peace now. Though she’s a bit envious that you found two such strapping men who love you with their whole hearts.”
“You’ve talked to them? Seen them?” Raine’s eyes widened. How else could Bryn know about Rowan’s dimples?
“They’re with you always in spirit.” Mum pulled Raine in for a hug. “They want you to be happy. Now…” She looked Liam’s way. “Your girl is exhausted, sweetheart. Why don’t you see her to bed and come back and finish your tea with us.”
Liam might have missed the importance of her suggestion…but her psychic nudge felt more like a kick. It put him instantly on edge.
“Your mom is right. I’m beat now.” Raine rose. “I just want you both to know we’re thrilled you’re here. I’m so happy I could meet you before the baby comes.”
“Of course.” Bryn smiled. “Our pleasure.”
Liam took Raine’s hand. “Come on, love.”
He led her back upstairs to bed, waiting until she was settled once more. His weary lass dropped off in seconds.
With a heavy heart, Liam returned to the kitchen to find out what had his mother worried.
She didn’t keep him waiting for the news, and his suspicions that it wasn’t good were confirmed by the whiskey decanter and three glasses waiting.
