“I know what she did wasn’t right, son.” Their mother sighed. “But you’ll need to keep a calm head upon you from this point out. I can’t imagine you reacted very well.”
“No. Not at all.”
“Well, I sure as fook don’t blame him,” Aleck muttered.
“Nor I.” Colin nodded. “Well, for the most part. You didn’t hit her or anything of the sorts, did you? Because you know I’ll have to arrest your arse.”
“Christ, no. What kind of man do you take me for, you bastard?”
Colin grinned. “One who doesn’t always hold his temper. Though the few times you’ve lost it, I can’t say that I blamed you.”
They both glanced at Kenzie, but she dropped her gaze, seeming to want no part of this turn in conversation.
“Is there anything between you and Sarah, or the possibility of anything?” Their dad asked, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “I hear she’s divorced.”
“Aye, she is.” Ian hesitated, not sure he wanted to dump the details of what sort of relationship he and Sarah had had since she’d returned to the island.
Especially seeing that it was primarily sexual.
Yet now there was Emily.
“I don’t right know, to tell you the truth. There will always be something between us, but is it enough?”
“I think it is. Add in a child you both have, then yes,” their mother chimed in.
“Whatever road you choose, Ian, you know we’ll always support you.”
Ian met Aleck’s steady gaze, and then nodded at the firm words.
“Thank you. All of you. A man could truly not ask for a better family.”
“Agreed. Well, I suppose this family meeting is wrapped up then?” Their father asked, glancing at his wife.
“Aye. Call it a night, already,” Ian agreed. “You’re likely half asleep, Da.”
“After drinking this tea? I’m on a caffeine high and doubt I’ll sleep anytime soon.” He kissed his wife’s cheek and laughed. “But I’m sure your mother and I can figure out a way to entertain ourselves.”
“Thank you for that thought, Da,” Kenzie hollered. “Now let me just find a bucket to throw up in.”
“I want pictures of my grandchild,” their mother pleaded. “And if you could find out her size in clothing, what her favorite color is, what her favorite toys are—”
“Oh jeez, she’s bent on spoiling the grandchild she’s only known about for a few hours!” Colin guffawed.
Kenzie rolled her eyes. “Aye, well she’ll have to get in line.”
Ian laughed and shook his head. “Love you all.”
Everyone chimed in with fond responses, and a moment later Aleck ended the session.
“Well? How are you feeling about where you go from here?”
Ian considered everything they’d discussed and weighed his emotions and status of his heart.
“I feel pretty decent,” he murmured, almost surprised to realize he did. “Optimistic even. Thank you all again.”
“No need for thanks, we’re family.” Aleck pushed back his chair and stood. “I hereby call this McLaughlin family meeting adjourned.”
Kenzie rose and rolled her eyes. “Gee, we’ve either landed in a courthouse or the eighteen-hundreds. Could you be any more formal, big brother?”
“Aye, I could.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now let’s get this pub open and making some money.”
“Well I hereby request a shot of whisky before we do that.” Kenzie sighed and moved to give Ian a hug. “It’s been a long day.”
Ian hugged his sister back tightly. Amusement, fondness and a deep appreciation for his family ran through him. He knew he’d been unusually quiet tonight, but his mind was elsewhere.
Kenzie pulled away and gave him a gentle smile. “Go sleep on this tonight, and see her tomorrow.”
“That’s my plan. Thank you, Kenzie, for all you did today.”
“Anytime.” She gaze a small smile. “I owe you anyway.”
“You don’t owe me a thing.” He squeezed her hand, then turned and left the pub.
Sarah cracked open a can of diet soda and handed it to her mom before settling down on the couch with her own soda.
Her mother sat at one end, her legs curled under her bottom, her gaze cast downward. She’d been like that most of the night—avoiding eye contact.
But now that it was pushing ten and Emily was asleep in the other room, Sarah wasn’t about to avoid the topic any longer.
“What were you thinking, Mom? Coming out here?” She shook her head and tightened her fingers around the soda can. “Did you really think he wouldn’t find out?”