All she knew was that she liked him a lot. She couldn’t help wondering if that was real, though, or if she was just infatuated because he’d been so kind to her. She couldn’t possibly care so deeply for someone she’d known for only a week.
Could I? The thought both warmed her heart and terrified her at the same time.
“Hey, are you Fiona?” A smiling redhead stuck her head through the door and gave her a little wave.
“That’s me.” Fiona stood up, reaching her hand out to shake the pretty young woman’s hand.
“I’m Casey, Kieran’s cousin. I have the bedroom across the hall. Aunt Dee said you were moving in, so I just wanted to say hi.”
“Oh, I don’t know if we’re moving in. Just temporarily, until we find another place, you know? I don’t want to be a burden.” Fiona blushed.
“Don’t worry about it. Since Jimmy moved out of this bedroom years ago, Dee made it a guest room, and she’s always inviting people to stay. I’ve gotten used to it; plus, I like meeting new people.” Casey grinned. “Especially women, since there is way too much testosterone around here. You’ll see when all the boys come over for dinner on Sunday.”
“I’ve noticed.” Fiona found herself curious about what a big family dinner would be like. It had always just been her, Shea, and her mom. When her stepfather came into the picture, they’d stopped eating dinners together entirely. “It’s good to meet you, Casey.”
“I can’t wait to meet your daughter. Kieran was telling me a few days ago how sweet she is,” Casey said.
“Shea’s actually my little sister, but she’s only eight, so I’m her legal her guardian,” Fiona explained, leading her back out into the hallway and down to Shea’s bedroom. They found Shea sitting in the corner with her knees to her chest, tears streaking her face, rocking gently. Dee was in the same position next to her, talking softly.
“Shea? What’s wrong?” Fiona dropped onto her knees in front of her sister and studied her face with concern.
“Dee?” Casey asked at the same time.
“I think this is just a lot of change in one day, and she still feels a bit sick. Do you feel hot, Shea?” Dee asked her. Shea nodded slowly, not looking at any of them directly. “Do you want to take a nap in that big, comfy bed over there while I read to you?”
Shea nodded again, and they both stood up and walked over to the bed. Shea clambered in and pulled the covers up to her chin as Dee sat on the edge and opened a book. Casey waved Fiona over toward the bedroom door, indicating that it might be best to leave things to Dee. Hesitating, Fiona looked over at her little sister.
The idea of anyone else comforting Shea made her antsy; that had always been Fiona’s job. They’d never had anyone else to depend on, and no one else knew Shea the way Fiona did. But the girl was already calming down and listening to Dee read, and Dee seemed totally at ease with her. Surprised and slightly relieved, Fiona reluctantly followed Casey out of the room.
“Dee is really great with children, I promise,” Casey told her as they headed downstairs to the kitchen, where Casey opened a bottle of wine for them. “She’s been teaching Sunday-school classes our whole lives.”
“That’s sweet. Kieran mentioned that religion is important to her, but he didn’t really sound like he was on the same page,” Fiona said.
“He isn’t…well, he just hasn’t given it much of a chance. Actually, none of the brothers have. Clare goes, so Rory’s started going now and then, but the rest of them don’t. A real sore point with Dee, that’s for sure.” Casey handed Fiona a chilled glass of white wine and then poured herself one as well.
“It’s been a while since I went to church,” Fiona said. “But I always loved it when I was a kid. I don’t know why I stopped, honestly. Just got busy with life, I guess.”
“I think it’s the same with most of them as well. I wish the brothers would go more often than Christmas and Easter. I still go most Sundays with Dee, but sometimes I have to work.”
“What do you do?” Fiona asked.
“I work the front desk at Legends. I’m still full time at NYU,” Casey told her.
“Oh, I’ve always wanted to go there. Great school.”
“I think everyone we know has gone there.” Casey chuckled. “All my brothers have since my uncle went there. Any of them could give you tips on how to get in if you’re interested.”
“Seamus is your uncle, right?” Fiona asked, unsure she had all the names straight. This family was huge.