Finding Ronan’s Heart by Melanie Moreland

Chapter Twenty-Three

Ronan

We were quiet on the drive home, and I followed Beth into the house, still thinking about her words. Wondering how to assuage her worry. I knew it would take time, but I wanted her to know how serious I was about her.

Beth stopped in shock at the sight before us, and I walked into her, grabbing her against my chest to stop her from falling forward.

In the kitchen, Paige was sitting on the counter. Liam stood between her legs, his arms around her, kissing her passionately. Her hands were clinging to his shoulders, and her legs wrapped around his hips. Their dark heads were so close together, it was impossible to tell where he began and she ended. They were so focused on each other, they didn’t even hear us come in. Beth looked up at me, looking as shocked as I was. I grinned and pulled her closer, lifting my hand and rapping on the doorframe.

Paige and Liam broke apart, both startled and breathing hard. Paige’s cheeks were flushed, her lips swollen, and Liam looked annoyed at being interrupted.

I was unable to keep the enjoyment out of my voice. This was very un-Liam-like behavior. “Hey, what’s up?”

Liam glowered at me. “Not much, thanks to you.”

Paige flushed even darker and slid off the counter. “I have to go and check on Lucy.” She hurried away, and Liam watched her go, frowning. He turned back to me, his eyes narrowed. Beth eased away, murmuring about going to see Evan. We were alone in the kitchen, and he crossed his arms.

“What?”

I stepped closer. “She’s a single mom, Liam. That’s sacred shit.”

“I’m aware.”

“I care about her a lot. She’s Beth’s best friend. Not to mention Lucy and her feelings. You don’t trifle with that.”

He stepped closer, intensity rolling off him. “I’m not. I care about both of them.”

I met his eyes, his gaze steady and determined. “Wow. You’re falling for her.”

He lost his aggression and stepped back, shaking his head. “Yeah, I am. Both of them.”

“You might want to tone down the kitchen groping. The kids like to wander around at times.”

He chuckled low in his throat. “Evan is deep in Lego, and the hall floor squeaks. Lucy was in her room, and I could hear her singing away. I knew where they were.”

“You didn’t hear us.”

“I can’t listen for everything, Ronan. I thought you were taking Beth to your condo.”

I shook my head. “She’s exhausted. She needs a quiet night at home, not alone with me at my place. Not sure I could resist her there.”

He nodded. “How about pizza for everyone, and we’ll go? We can hang together tonight, and we’ll be back in the morning to pick them up.”

“You going to introduce Paige and Lucy as yours tomorrow?”

His eyebrows shot up, and I could see my question had taken him by surprise. “I think I need to check with Paige first. We’re still figuring things out.”

“With your tongues?” I asked mildly, grinning.

He grabbed me in a headlock, laughing.

“Shut up, little brother, or I’ll tell Beth about the time you pissed your pants in the woods when you thought you saw a bear.”

I grunted as I tried to escape. “I was five, for God’s sake. You told me it was a bear that ate bad kids—I was scared for my life!”

Beth and Paige walked in, seeing our wrestling and hearing our conversation.

“Well, this I gotta hear,” Paige said with a grin.

Liam released me with a smirk. “Happy to fill you in.”

I groaned. This was going to be a long night.

* * *

Beth was nervous on Sunday when I picked her up. Evan was unusually quiet as well on the drive. As we approached the Hub, I assured them everything would be great. Liam pulled up beside me with Paige and Lucy. Of all of them, Lucy was the only one not apprehensive. She was excited about swimming, meeting new people, plus the fact that Liam had promised her she could help him plant some things in one of the many gardens.

I only hoped the others relaxed enough to enjoy the day. I helped Beth unload the truck, holding two large boxes of cakes. She held another box. I bent down and kissed her. “You’ve already met my parents. And my siblings. You’ll be fine.”

She glanced toward the windows. “There looks like a lot more of them.”

I laughed. “There are. I won’t leave your side. I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” she murmured.

I kissed her again. “They are gonna love you.”

* * *

Beth

I had never seen anything like it in my life. There were people everywhere. More “uncles,” “aunts,” and “cousins” than I could count. Ronan laughed at my expression, informing me not everyone was there either.

“But for the most part, this is the usual crowd for special occasions.”

“What’s the special occasion?” I asked.

He stared at me with a grin. “You are.”

He led me around, introducing me to his family. I was hugged by everyone. So was Evan. Ronan’s family fussed over him the most, and he soaked it up like a sponge. Lucy won them all over with her smiles and curls, and I don’t think her feet were on the floor for the first hour. Everyone wanted to pick her up and hold her. She loved it. Paige was as stunned as I was by the enthusiastic greetings. She was as warmly welcomed as I was. Liam made it clear she was there with him, not simply a friend of mine. If that surprised anyone, they didn’t let on.

I helped Cami, Emmy, and Dee set out the food. They were all excited over my cakes, having heard from various people how delicious they were.

“Not that anyone thought to bring us home a slice,” Emmy stated dryly.

Bentley, who was never far from his wife’s side, reached over and tucked her shawl closer. “I tried, Freddy, but there’s never any left.” He kissed the side of her head. “Honest.” He threw a wink my way, and I tried not to laugh. Ronan told me Bentley took a massive slice every time a cake showed up and always went back for more.

I smiled at Emmy. “I can hook you up now.”

She laughed. “See, Rigid, it’s all about who you know.”

“As usual, you are correct.” He took a platter from her hands and set it on the table and pressed a kiss to her cheek. He smiled as he brushed past me, squeezing my shoulder gently. “I’ll get the coffee.”

She watched him, love in her gaze. I noticed the marked difference in him from the stern-faced man in the boardroom. He was gentle and loving with her and his family. His entire family, which, it seemed, included me now.

I cast my gaze over the huge amount of food. Platters of fresh scones and biscuits. Plates of ham, bacon, and sausage. Bowls of scrambled eggs. A large selection of frittatas. A massive dish of hash browns. On the side, there were toasters with boards of bread and bagels to make. They even had a waffle maker like you saw in hotels.

Evan was going to have a field day.

I carried the last two cakes over and set them in the dessert area. I had made five, and I hoped it was enough. I wasn’t totally prepared for such a large number of people.

Cami clapped her hands. “Brunch is ready!” She turned to me. “We don’t stand on ceremony here. But you and Evan, Paige and Lucy go first. The women follow, and then it’s a free-for-all.” She smiled. “By the time the boys are through their first go-round, we’ll have to fill up the containers.”

“You have more food?” I asked, shocked.

“Yep. All ready in the kitchen. The boys, all of them, can eat.” She winked. “You’ll get used to it.” She handed me a plate. “We sit everywhere for brunch. Just help yourself and enjoy.”

I sat beside Ronan’s nan, Sandy, on one of the large sofas, balancing my plate on my lap. Paige and Lucy sat across from us. Evan sat with Ronan and his brothers, thrilled to be “one of the boys” on the floor, gathered around one of the coffee tables, their plates piled high. Aiden joined them, sitting next to Evan, who looked thrilled to be between Ronan and his dad. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, but still, every so often, Ronan glanced over to check on me. Diane and Kim sat across from us on another sofa, and the rest of the group scattered all around the vast room on sofas and chairs, or some, like the boys, cross-legged on the floor, using whatever was close as a table.

The laughter was loud, the conversations around us never-ending. I was fascinated watching Ronan. Not only did he eat with his usual gusto, he was different from what I was used to seeing him. He and his brothers were a comedy trio, loud and funny, making everyone chuckle. Sandy smiled and tapped her lips with her napkin.

“I’m sure you find this all rather overwhelming.”

“Actually, I find it wonderful,” I admitted. “I haven’t seen Evan smile like this since—” I swallowed “—since before our parents died.”

She patted my hand. “We’re a close-knit bunch. None of my boys had a family growing up—not one of them. They made this place and this group their family, determined no one they cared about would ever feel the way they did as children growing up without love.”

I sipped my coffee as I listened to her. Ronan had told me she was the assistant slash den mother to the BAM boys for years.

“Without her, they would have fallen apart. She became the glue that held them together. She means so much to everyone,” he explained.

He had also told me some of the history of the family, especially that of his mom and dad, thinking that his father’s upbringing and early childhood struggles might help him connect with Evan in order to help him. Seeing the way Evan was conversing with Aiden, I had the feeling he was right.

There was another burst of laughter from the group, making me smile when I could hear Evan’s amusement mingle with theirs.

“They are quite the comedic tag team, aren’t they?”

“Yes.” I watched Ronan, fascinated by this side of him. He was always funny and charming, but this was different. Another layer of his already captivating character.

She smiled in understanding. “That’s what everyone sees, you know. The fun, the laughter, when they’re together.” She met my eyes. “But those who know him best, know there is much more to Ronan than jokes.”

“There is,” I agreed.

“He doesn’t let many see it. He feels he needs to play a part.” She sighed as she watched him. “I am glad to know he found someone he can just be himself with.”

Ronan lifted his gaze to me, tilting his head in silent question. I smiled his way with a nod, and he winked and turned his attention back to his dad and Evan. Sandy chuckled beside me.

“Ah, the protectiveness of a BAM man is strong with him.” She picked up a scone, nibbling on the golden-brown edge. “He is smitten.” She met my gaze. “And it does my heart good to see it.”

Then she leaned closer. “And unless I am mistaken, so is Liam. Paige and that darling little girl have him spellbound.”

I followed her gaze and saw what she was talking about. Liam was on the sofa, holding Lucy on his lap. He fed her tidbits, listening to her intently. His leg was pressed against Paige, her hand resting on his knee. She had her other hand on Lucy’s leg. The three of them looked right together, like a small family unit. It struck me how much Lucy resembled Liam with her coloring—the dark hair and hazel eyes. As if she was meant to be his. I returned my gaze to Sandy’s, surprised to find it bright with tears.

“I love this family,” she admitted. “Seeing them happy brings me much joy.” She reached for my hand and squeezed it. “Thank you.”

I couldn’t respond. I had no idea what to say.

But my heart felt full.

* * *

After the massive meal, the men cleaned up, making short work of the dishes. There were two of everything in the kitchen, including dishwashers, so they were stacked and running fast. Somehow, I wasn’t surprised to see how little there was in the way of leftovers. All the food disappeared, including the cakes I brought. They were exclaimed over, praised, and it was determined that they needed to be procured for every brunch, which I gathered happened every month, plus any time deemed a special occasion.

People disbursed, the noise level dropping. Small groups sat conversing. Liam took Lucy and Paige outside to show Lucy the gardens, promising she could dig in a flower bed with him. After asking my permission, Evan headed downstairs with Ronan and Aiden. A few people went for a walk.

I sat with another cup of coffee and some of the women, enjoying their chatter. When the subject turned to books, they brought up the book club again, and I told them I was rereading Her Virtuous Viscount again. There was some sharing of favorite parts and lots of teasing about the steamy scenes. I was amazed at how open they were—all three generations. Sandy was as into the steamy scenes as Gracie, Addi, and Ava were. Their humor was evident and their love for one another clear as they laughed and teased. I wondered if my mom would have been as comfortable with the topic, then recalled her sense of humor and knew she would be. She would be thrilled that Evan and I had found a place in a family as wonderful as this one.

I wandered downstairs and found Evan with Ronan and his dad. Aiden was talking to Evan, who was listening intently. Ronan held out his hand, and I joined them, curious about what Aiden thought.

He held up Evan’s file. “You’ve kept immaculate records, which have been a great help.”

I waited.

“I’ll lay this out as clear as I can.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

“I think Evan could benefit with more, consistent therapy. Some intense deep tissue work. Acupuncture.”

I smiled sadly. None of that was new—the problem was affording it all.

Before I could say anything, Aiden smiled in understanding. “I know you have no benefits. The fact that Evan is walking is amazing given the extent of his injuries and the help you’ve been able to give him. The exercises he is doing are good, but they need to be great.” He sat back with a grin. “And I can make sure they are.” He clapped Evan on the shoulder. “With your permission, I’d like to work with Evan. See if I can’t help build more strength. Between Ronan and me, I think we can help.”

At my hesitation, he frowned. “I’m not guaranteeing anything, but I think there is room for improvement. I can develop a program and be there to help Evan.” He waved his hand. “I have all the machines and the tools to do so.”

“Please, Beth,” Evan begged. “I want to try.”

“I can’t afford—”

Aiden interrupted me. “We look after family. That’s what we do. And if you’re part of Ronan’s life, then you’re part of mine. That makes you family.”

“How will he get here?”

Aiden and Ronan laughed. “Someone comes and goes from here every day,” Ronan said. “I can bring him out here to my dad, and we can hang out while you’re at work. Come on the weekend. We’ll figure it out.”

Gratitude and relief tore through me. The thought of the chance of Evan being able to walk better, be in less pain. Without thinking, I flung my arms around Aiden’s neck and hugged him. His returned embrace was firm, comforting, and warm. The perfect dad hug.

“I have to do something,” I insisted, still hugging him.

Aiden pulled back with a grin. “I love cake.”

I matched his smile. “Then you have a deal.”