Finding Ronan’s Heart by Melanie Moreland

Chapter Twenty-One

Ronan

Lucy’s little arm squeezed my neck, her fingers digging into my skin. “I miss you!” she exclaimed.

“I missed you, Lucy-loo.”

She met my eyes, her gaze surprisingly intense for such a little girl. “I habdn’t had ice cream in forevah.”

I threw back my head in laughter even as Paige groaned and Beth laughed.

“I’ll take you later,” I promised.

“Okay.”

I set her down and met Evan’s gaze. He looked between me and Beth suspiciously.

“So, you’re back?” he asked.

“How about you show me what you’ve been doing with your Lego stuff, and we can talk?” I offered.

He glanced at Beth, and she nodded, smiling softly at him.

“Okay.”

I followed him to his room, and he sat down on the bed but didn’t offer me a seat. I kept standing, waiting for him to talk.

“You made Beth cry.”

“I know, and I regret it.”

“Are you going to do that again?”

I ran a hand through my hair and crouched down to his level. “Not intentionally. I really like your sister, Evan. I did something that upset her, and she was angry. I will never do it again, but I can’t promise to never make her cry. Men do that a lot, unfortunately.”

“Why?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Basically, we’re idiots.”

He puckered his lips, regarding me, obviously torn between his loyalty to his sister and his fondness for me. “She’s okay with you?”

“I think so. We’re moving forward.”

“What did you do?”

I sat on the floor, and I told him. At least the CliffsNotes. He listened to me, his head cocked, never interrupting.

“So, let me get this straight,” he said. “You’re really rich, live in a house by the water, you have a really, really big family, and you like my sister?”

“I like you too, bud.”

“So, I’m not in the way?” he asked, lowering his voice. “You didn’t break up with her because of me?”

I was horrified. “Why would you think that?”

He shrugged. “She does everything for me, Ronan. She works hard so I can go to therapy. She makes extra cakes to get me more treatment. She uses her tip money to buy me Lego kits. I thought maybe you’d broken up because she was spending time with me that she should spend with you. I didn’t know how to tell her it was okay. Because I liked you,” he added. “And she was happy.” His voice quivered. “Then you were gone, and we were both sad. But she was extra sad.”

I rose up on my knees and wrapped him in my arms. His body felt so little, so vulnerable in my embrace. But like Lucy, he held on tight, and I knew right then I was done. I was as in love with him as I was with Beth, and I would be there for both of them. Going forward, they would be part of my life.

After a minute, he pulled back and surreptitiously wiped his eyes. “Don’t hurt her,” he whispered.

“I won’t,” I replied, my voice sounding thick and raspy. I cleared my throat. “My dad wants to meet you, talk to you about your leg. He wants to try to help if you would let him.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. We’re having a brunch next Sunday, and Beth is going to bring you to meet my family. If you want to,” I added.

“Yeah. Wicked cool! The BAM people? I read things about them all the time on the internet. All their buildings and stuff. We talk about them in school.”

“Really?”

He nodded enthusiastically. “My teacher, Mr. Humphries, likes to talk about current affairs. He loves entrepreneurs, and he is passionate about sustainability. We were discussing a new building that BAM was working on and their environmental design for it. I have to write a paper on it. Do you think—” he swallowed “—do you think they’d let me ask them some questions?”

I grinned. “My brother Paul is heading that up for them. You can talk to him about it on Sunday. He loves to talk environmental issues.” I paused. “And you can talk to my dad about your leg and have a swim in the pool if you want.”

His eyes grew round. “You have an indoor pool?”

I clapped my hand on his shoulder. “Bud, we got everything.”

* * *

I sat beside Beth on the front step, loath to leave her. I knew she was tired. I knew she had a long week ahead of her. I wanted to see her—as much as possible—but I also knew she needed some sleep. She sat with her head resting on my shoulder, the late evening descending around us. I had played video games with Evan. Helped him build another structure with Lego and took pictures to show my dad. We all went for a walk, Lucy perched on my shoulders. I kept one arm firmly wrapped around her as we walked, and she clutched my hair for stability. I didn’t breathe a word of discomfort when her little fist would tighten. I was too happy to care. Paige ever so subtly pumped me for information on Liam as we walked, and I made up lots of shit he would have to explain away. More than once, Beth slapped my arm, assuring Paige I was lying. I only shrugged and kept talking. They were both laughing, so I didn’t care.

And the best part? Evan slipped his hand into mine as we strolled, letting me bear a little of his weight so he was able to keep up easily.

I insisted on ordering in pizza for dinner, and the kids were both zonked out by eight. Paige picked up a book and headed to her room, her yawns a little unbelievable, but I appreciated them, nonetheless.

But now it was time to say goodnight.

“Can I see you tomorrow?”

She hugged my arm. “If you want to.”

“I do.”

“And Tuesday?”

She hesitated, and I pressed a kiss to her head. “Tacos here? I’ll bring the stuff, and we’ll make them together.”

“I’d love that.” She hesitated. “Please cancel the car, Ronan.”

I laughed under my breath. “Figured that out, did you?”

“Wasn’t hard,” she hummed.

“I will. I’ll be there to drive you.”

She inhaled. “And cancel the cake orders. I saw the standing order of four cakes a week. You can’t keep buying my cakes to make sure I have enough money.”

I shook my head. “That, I cannot do. There would be an uprising in the company. Besides, they are split between BAM and ABC. Addi would weep if there were no cake on Fridays.”

“Is she pregnant?”

“Yeah, she told us last week.”

“I thought so. I saw Bentley talking to her and saw him tap her stomach. He looked so excited and happy.”

“He is looking forward to being a grandpa. So is Maddox.”

“Is that odd for you? Them being married when they’re family, so to speak?”

“No. They were always closer than anyone. Always together. It was as if they were meant to be together. Just like Reed and Heather—although that developed after she moved here when she was grown up. He’s older, and they were friends…” I trailed off.

“Until they became more.”

“Yeah.”

“Anyone else?” she asked.

“Not that I know of.” I nudged her. “You let me know if you spot anything.”

She laughed and shifted to look at me. “Are you okay with us coming next Sunday? Meeting your family? Your brothers?”

“More than okay. Tomorrow, I’ll talk to Paul and Jeremy. They’ve been very circumspect, which is surprising, but they’ll be thrilled we worked it out. You’ll meet them on Sunday.”

“I have to bring something.”

“Cake.”

She laughed. “Aren’t you tired… Forget I said that. I will bring a few. I have a chocolate fudge cake you haven’t tried. And a spice cake with maple frosting.”

“I vote for those.”

“Okay.”

“Only if you have time.”

“I’ll make time. I’m not showing up empty-handed.”

I didn’t argue with her. I knew there was no point. I stood and walked down the few steps, turning to look at her.

“I hate leaving you.”

She hesitated. “You could stay.”

“No. I want you to be sure. Completely sure.”

“Thank you.”

I rested one foot on the bottom step and leaned over. She stretched closer, and our mouths connected. Moved and brushed together. Softly. Sweetly. I cupped the back of her head and kissed her harder. Slid my tongue inside to taste her. She whimpered, cupping my jaw. I kissed her until I knew I had to stop or I would carry her back inside and make love to her. I eased back, dropping kisses on her brow, cheek, and nose.

“I’m calling you when I get home.”

“Are we having phone sex?” she breathed, her eyes dancing.

I laughed and kissed her again. “Minx. I just want your voice to be the last thing I hear before I fall asleep.”

“I’d like that.”

I kissed her again, then forced myself to walk away.

It took everything in me to do so.

* * *

Monday morning, I headed straight to Paul’s office. He was at his desk, looking over some plans. Jeremy was at the drafting table in the corner, bent over his task. I rapped on the door and walked in, shutting it behind me. They both looked up, each offering a smile.

“Hey. What’s up?” Jeremy asked, his eyes dancing. “Coming to confess, big bro?”

I laughed. We were the exact same age, but those minutes between our births meant something to us. We always teased Paul for being the middle child in our group.

I sat down, and Paul joined us, nudging me with his knee. “Talked to Liam last night. I hear you and your girl have made up. That you took her to meet the family.”

I was glad to see no anger in his expression. Curiosity, for sure, maybe a small hint of hurt, but not anger.

“We are back together,” I stated simply. “Meeting the family wasn’t planned. I didn’t intentionally cut you out. Liam brought her out to see me, and I was showing her around. It just…happened.”

Paul laughed. “Things usually do with this family.”

“So, you’re not hiding anymore?” Jeremy asked.

“No.” I sat back with a sigh. “I didn’t mean to hide. I was an idiot. I just didn’t want to share.”

“Were you ashamed of us?” Paul asked. “I mean, Ava said you weren’t…” He frowned, looking worried.

“No, not at all.” I sucked in a deep breath. “You guys were right. I was feeling left out. I knew we’d all find someone and lead separate lives, but I hadn’t expected it to happen at the same time.” I snorted. “And with twins.”

“We sort of figured that out, but you wouldn’t talk to us.” Jeremy cocked his head to the side. “Still being the protective, selfless Ronan. Always deferring to us.”

I was surprised Ava had been correct when she’d said they knew what I did. I didn’t really think they had figured it out. “You knew that?”

They both laughed. “Everyone knew it, Ronan. You don’t see yourself the way we do.” Paul clasped my shoulder. “We both look up to you. We love you.”

“So, you’re not angry?”

“Because you were a selfish ass for a few weeks and hid part of yourself?” Jeremy shrugged. “Mildly annoyed, but we’re over it. We knew you’d find your feet.” He grinned. “Now, tell us about your girl. When can we meet her?”

An idea formed, and I smiled. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”

* * *

Beth

I lifted my face to the sunshine as I stepped off the bus. I was anxious to get home. Ronan and Evan were in charge of taco night. He had dropped by last night, spent more time with Evan and me, played with Lucy, and made Paige laugh. I wondered if he knew how his presence alone brightened all of our worlds. His smile and laughter. The way he teased and offered his affection so freely. It changed all of us.

I paused in front of the house. Ronan’s car was parked in the small driveway, and behind it was another car—one I didn’t recognize. I wondered if Paige had a client over. That happened on occasion, but she usually let me know in advance so I would look after Lucy for her.

I walked up the steps and into the house, stopping in the doorway at the sight before me. On the floor sat Evan and Ronan. Three Ronans, actually. They all looked up as I walked in, the same bright smile and green eyes greeting me. I blinked, unsure what I was seeing. My Ronan smiled wider. “Hey, little bird.”

“Hi,” I replied, still in shock. I met Paige’s amused gaze. Looked at Lucy, who sat between Ronan’s legs, a wide smile on her little face.

“Beth!” she exclaimed. “Ronan has brudders! They all look the same,” she added, sounding delighted. “They big just like Ronan.”

She was right. They all stood, their sheer size filling the room. I stepped forward, studying them, then held out my hand. “You must be Paul.”

He grinned and shook my hand. “You’re right.”

I turned to Jeremy, who refused my hand and hugged me. “How did you tell?”

“Ronan told me Paul had a tiny scar above his right eyebrow from where you pushed him out of a tree.”

Jeremy’s eyes danced. “He slipped.”

Paul laughed. “With your help.”

“Whatever.”

“You can tell us apart. It usually takes people a little while. That’s awesome,” Paul enthused. “People see three of us and immediately stop looking for variances, instead seeing the similarities.”

I could understand that. They did all look alike with the same coloring, but all you had to do was really look at them to see the differences. Paul and Jeremy were a little shorter than Ronan. Jeremy was slighter leaner. His eyebrows were thicker. Paul’s eyes were more deep set. His smile wider. His hair was longer.

And neither of them was as handsome as Ronan. Still holding Lucy, he stepped closer and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “My brothers wanted to meet you privately. We’re making tacos for everyone. Our specialty. I asked Paige, and she said it was fine,” he explained.

I turned with a grin. “I’m shocked she didn’t tell you that you had to invite Liam.”

“He’ll be here shortly. He was picking up fresh tortillas at the place I took you.”

I began to laugh. “I’m not sure the house can hold all four of you.”

They all broke out in identical smiles.

“We can fix that,” Jeremy offered. “We’ll shore up the floor if we have to.”

All I could do was smile.