Saving a Legend(59)

“It’s okay, Shea. He’s nice, I promise,” Fiona told her assuredly.

“I am, I swear.” Quinn sported a look of guilt, as he could see his piercings and tattoos had frightened the young child. “It’s just a little decoration, that’s all.”

“You look like a robot,” Shea finally spoke, narrowing her eyes at him, still unconvinced. Kieran burst out laughing, and so did everyone around listening in.

“Do you like robots?” Quinn asked her, completely undeterred, a big smile still on his face. Shea nodded yes. “Then maybe I’ll be a robot.”

“Is it time for dinner yet?” Kieran interrupted. Too much attention might unsettle Shea—and Fiona.

Fiona shot him a grateful smile, and he knew she was still nervous about being around everyone. Standing, he wrapped an arm around her and hoped tonight would go well. He was more than a little nervous that someone in his family would say something about his prison time before he had a chance to tell Fiona himself. His family tended to be very positive thinkers, not wanting to dwell on the past, so he was hoping this would pay off tonight.



It was a risky move, for sure, but he planned on telling Fiona about it this week, although not in front of Shea. It was hard finding time when the young girl wasn’t with them. Not that he minded, because he already adored Shea, but a conversation about his past wasn’t appropriate for a child’s ears. And anyway, he was having a hard time figuring out how to broach the topic.

“Just a few minutes ’til the food is ready,” Dee said. “Why don’t you bring this salad out to the dining room table, Shea?”

Dee handed the big bowl to Shea, who took her task very seriously and walked out of the room. Ace stuck like glue to Shea’s side, almost at eye level with the small child. Kieran thought he even heard Shea whispering to the dog, and the sight warmed his heart.

“And everyone, this is Fiona, Shea’s big sister and my woman,” Kieran introduced her proudly. Fiona blushed but gave the small crowd a wave.

“I’m Clare, I’ve heard so much about you.” The petite blonde stepped forward and gave Fiona a hug. Kieran let go of her just enough to let others hug her. “And this is Kieran’s oldest brother Rory.”

Rory hugged her as well, smiling. “I’m also his boss.”

“Oh, that’s right, he told me,” Fiona said with a nod.

“Temporarily,” Kieran quickly added.

“I’m Quinn, the family robot.” Quinn took a turn hugging her next, and Fiona laughed heartily at his joke.

“You already know my parents and Casey, since you’re staying here, of course.” Kieran motioned to them. “And I guess you’ve met Kane before, too.”



“Yup, I think I’ve met everyone, but I’m probably going to mix up some of your names. This is a big family.” Fiona slid an arm around Kieran’s waist, as if in need of a base to hold on to.

“Everyone but Jimmy, my youngest son. He’s working today. Maybe next week.” Dee lined up several dishes on the counter that were ready to go for dinner. “How about everyone help Shea and start bringing stuff out to the table now?”

“Sure thing, Ma,” Quinn said, grabbing a basket of rolls and heading for the table, sampling one on the way.

“Oh, Fiona, will you take this plate out for Shea?” He saw his mother hand a simple plate to Fiona that had carefully laid out rows of chicken nuggets and carrots.

Fiona looked up at Dee with tears in her eyes, nodding. “Thank you.”

“Oh, honey.” Dee smiled, cupping her cheek. Kieran watched the exchange between them and couldn’t help feeling as if something big had just happened, like Fiona had become part of the family before his very eyes. He wasn’t entirely sure what the interaction was, but he smiled at the thought of Fiona being a Kavanagh.

I really am moving fast, he thought. Yet still, it didn’t frighten him in the least.

Finally, the group dispersed, taking dishes into the dining room and setting the table. Five minutes later, everyone was seated, grace had been said, and plates were piled high with Dee’s famous home cooking.

Kieran looked around the table, taking in all the smiling, chatting faces of everyone he loved. Dee and Fiona were talking about flowers to his right and Shea was to his left asking Quinn about world domination by robots. Shea was also rhythmically petting Ace, whose head was sticking up next to her chair. Kane and Rory were discussing fight techniques, and Clare was asking Casey about her date last night.



It was pretty much an average Sunday dinner with his family, with the addition of Fiona and Shea. He was proud of his family for accepting them so easily, not only at dinner but in their home and their lives. As he watched all of them and ate his mother’s delicious food, he was hit with another realization—he was an idiot. A complete idiot.