“Tonight? You’re sure?”
“Yes. I’d like to have you back for dinner. Chicken Tikka Masala? It’s an Indian dish we love.” She lifted a shoulder in a shrug, an impish smile flitting across her face. “Though I cheated and made it in the crock pot this morning since I knew we’d be gone most of the day.”
“It sounds amazing, and I would love to come back for dinner.”
“Ian’s coming for dinner?” Emily bounded up to them again. “Awesome! My mom’s a good cook, you’re going to love it.”
“I know I will.”
“Did someone say Indian food?” Colin joined the group, rubbing his belly. “If so, how do I get an invite?”
“You don’t.” Ian cast him a warning look.
“And who are you?” Emily asked.
“Are you teasing me already, kid? I’m your—”
Ian drove his fist into his twin’s side. “Colin. This is Colin. He’s my brother.”
“He looks exactly like you. Except you got that funny line running down the side of your face.”
“Emily!” Sarah’s admonishment was laced with horror.
Unfazed, Ian murmured, “Aye, I do. I was a naughty youth and found myself in more than one fight.”
Emily’s eyes rounded. “Did you win?”
“Some of them.”
“But not that one, huh?”
“Actually, yes, even this one. It’s hard to best me.” He broke off into a gasp as this time Sarah’s elbow drove into his side. When he glanced at her her gaze clearly said it was time to shut up. “But fighting is bad. Quite bad, actually.”
“Well duh. Everyone knows that. Except you, I guess.” Her nose crinkled. “I’m sorry you got hurt, though.”
“Thank you, Emily. I try not to fight anymore.” His gut clenched as a dark memory threatened to surface.
Colin squeezed his shoulder. “Aye, well sometimes there’s no choice, brother.”
“You guys all talk funny. I can tell you’re related.”
As are you, little one. He bit his tongue, knowing that little tidbit would come out tonight with just the three of them. It was bound to be emotional and surely Emily would have a bundle of questions.
Colin seemed to have gotten the hint, just as Aleck had, that Emily hadn’t been informed yet.
“We’ll let you be then,” Aleck said. “But why don’t you all join us for lunch tomorrow at the pub? Say, eleven, before it opens?”
“Can I even go to a pub? Is that like a bar?” Emily asked.
Ian laughed, surprised she knew what either was. But then she was ten, maybe he shouldn’t have been. “Yes, somewhat. During the day children are more than welcome to come and have lunch.”
“Because at night the adults get drunk?” she asked. “That’s what Neil would do.”
“Emily.” Sarah shook her head, and gave their daughter a warning glance. “That’s not appropriate.”
Neil had been a drunk? Hmm. Ian scowled, and tried to meet Sarah’s gaze, but she wouldn’t look at him. This guy was sounding more and more like a piece of filth. Hadn’t Emily said something about him making Sarah cry too?
“Sorry, Mom.” Emily looked at the ground, kicking her sneakered feet into the dirt.
“So lunch at the pub tomorrow?” Ian confirmed. “That’ll work for me.”
Sarah nodded. “Us too.”
It was an unspoken acknowledgement that by then Emily would understand the McLaughlins were her family.
“Great. Tomorrow at eleven then.” Aleck reached down and ruffled Emily’s hair. “Nice meeting you, kid.”
If Emily was taken aback by Aleck’s gesture, her dismay grew visibly when Colin did the same thing and then winked at her.
Then his two brothers disappeared back into the crowd. Who knew where Kenzie had vanished off to.
Emily stared at their retreating backs. “I think I like them. But I’m not sure yet.”
Ian laughed and resisted the urge to ruffle her hair too. Something about the two ponytails today made it so tempting.
Glancing at Sarah, he asked, “Are you ready to head out?”
She folded her arms across her chest, looking suddenly nervous. “Don’t you want to stay for the closing ceremonies?”
“Generally, I’d say aye. But not today.”
The truth felt like a heavy weight upon his shoulders, and more than anything he wanted everything out in the open. He wanted to be back in Sarah’s house, just the three of them. Enjoying a lovely dinner, and a much-needed conversation.
Understanding flickered in her gaze, and she nodded. “Then we should go.”