The Sweetest Summer(139)

            “Hi.” She peeked around Evie’s thigh. “You Rowan’s dad, too? I saw her castle. I’m allowed to play there if I want.”

            Frasier smiled sweetly. “Yes, and I’m Duncan’s dad, too. Maybe I’ll see you over at the castle someday.” He rose up, and winked at Clancy, then helped himself to the beer tap.

            Just then, Mona returned from the kitchen. Evie saw her spine stiffen and her lips tighten. Her eyes fixed on her husband’s back, and he seemed to turn around instinctively. Their eyes flashed at each other, but no words were exchanged.

            The meal was delicious, healthy, and varied. Mona placed a huge tureen of fish soup on the table to start everyone off, and Evie moaned with pleasure at the first chunky spoonful of cod, clams, mussels, and prawns swimming in a rich, seasoned broth.

            Though the chatter was loud, Christina’s little voice broke through the noise.

            In Dublin’s fair city

            Where girls are so pretty . . .

            And before Evie knew what was happening, the whole table erupted in song. Glasses of wine and mugs of beer were raised as they made their way through two verses.

            Christina’s eyes remained wide with surprise through the whole rendition. When it was done she slapped her palms on the tablecloth. “You know the mussel song?”

            The rest of dinner was a joyous, loud, fun event. Mona served roasted lamb, grilled salmon, fresh green beans and summer squash, homemade bread, and roasted rosemary potatoes. The quinoa salad was quickly consumed.

            Mona reached around Christina and patted Evie’s hand. “Now I have to be honest. I wasn’t sure about that salad, but it really was very good.”

            Evie smiled and thanked her.

            One thing was obvious—everyone except Frasier had avoided asking Evie questions about her life. For every one of Frasier’s inquiries—where she was from, what she did for a living, how long she planned to stay on the island, and where, exactly, was she staying—Evie had to come up with a mostly honest and fairly vague answer until Clancy, or someone, could change the subject. At one point, Christina looked like she was gearing up to contribute to the conversation, so Mona rushed her inside to use the facilities.

            “But I don’t have to go!” she said, just as the kitchen screen door closed.

            Duncan was as rowdy as anyone else at the table, but he never addressed Evie directly or looked at her when she spoke. She had to admit it bothered her. Obviously, he didn’t like her or approve of Clancy protecting her—or both.

            After cleaning up the main meal, Evie helped Mona, Annie, and Rowan bring out coffee and dessert—a freshly baked rice pudding with a salted caramel sauce. No, it wasn’t exactly one of her feed-the-speed recipes, but it was unbelievable. Chrissy shoveled it in, making humming noises and smacking her lips as she went.

            “That’s how I feel, Jellybean,” Nat told her.

            Before the dishes were cleared, Rowan and Ash fetched glasses and two bottles of champagne. “We thought we’d make a little toast this evening,” Rowan said, filling everyone’s glass. “To celebrate all of us being together.”

            “Oh, how perfectly lovely!” Mona smiled, raising her glass.

            Ash cleared his throat. “Oh, and also, Rowan and I are getting married.”

            Everyone exploded with surprised laughter and shouts of joy. Evelyn felt honored to witness the happiness and tears everyone shared. Even Duncan beamed, appearing more lighthearted than he’d been all evening.

            The engagement celebration went on for many long minutes. Then Christina asked, “Which castle will you live in? The one under the sea or the one on land?”