Finding Ronan’s Heart by Melanie Moreland

Chapter Seven

Beth

Sunday morning, I was up even earlier than usual. Knowing Ronan would be here with us today made me excited. And nervous. I wasn’t sure which sensation was the most prominent. The diner had been busy on Friday and Saturday, plus there was a last-minute order for three extra cakes that had come in early on Friday from a company downtown, so I’d gone in early Saturday to bake some extras to cover the ones purchased and delivered on Friday. I didn’t mind because the extra income was a bonus. My boss was thrilled because the company paid extra for last-minute plus delivery. He gave me a bonus for it, which meant my bank account breathed a little easier.

I made up the pancake batter, doubling the usual amount since Ronan would be there. I grated potatoes to make hash browns and started the bacon. Evan would be thrilled. In his opinion, bacon was a food group unto itself and should be served with every meal.

Paige smirked as she watched me putter around. She sipped her coffee. “This guy has you spinning in circles. Although,” she drawled, “seeing those muscles, I understand why.”

“Stop it. There’s more to Ronan than muscles.”

She leaned her chin on her hand. “I bet there is. Is he packing?”

I gaped at her, and she shrugged. “Come on,” she teased. “I have to live vicariously through you.”

“How would I know?” I asked.

“From the look of your swollen mouth and mussy hair the other night, I would say you do.”

My cheeks flushed. I had been rather disheveled on Thursday when I stumbled in the front door. Paige had been awake, and the grin on her face had made me blush, mutter about being exhausted, and head downstairs as fast as I could.

I shook my head. “You’re awful.” Then I waggled my eyebrows. “And he is.”

“I knew it.”

Evan walked in, rubbing his eyes. “Bacon?” he asked hopefully.

“Yep.” I wiped the back of my neck. “Ronan is going to have breakfast with us.”

He frowned. “The big guy who was here?”

“Yes.”

“Cool. I liked him.” He sat down beside Paige, who ruffled his hair. He swiped at her hand, pretending to be annoyed, but he grinned as he did it. “So, is he your boyfriend?”

“Um, we’re friends?” I said, making it sound more like a question.

He crossed his arms on the table. “I’m old enough to know what a boyfriend is, Beth. As long as he doesn’t tell me what to do, I’m cool.”

“I don’t think he’d do that.”

“Okay.”

I turned back to the stove, trying not to smile.

Boyfriend. I whispered the word under my breath, wondering how Ronan would feel about being called that. We’d only had one date, so it was too soon to put a label on us. I needed to know more about him. He was such an open person until I asked him questions about himself or his family. Maybe there was bad blood or a break between them. I would give him time to trust me—I was sure he would tell me once we got to know each other a little more.

An hour later, I was ready. The food was mostly done except for the eggs. Everyone liked them differently, and I always made them last. Scrambled for Evan and Lucy. Fried for Paige. Poached for me. I wondered how Ronan would like them.

The doorbell sounded, and I sucked in a deep breath as I walked down the hall. I guessed I was about to find out.

I opened the door, Ronan’s broad shoulders filling the doorway. His smile was wide as he cast his gaze over me. He stepped closer and lowered his head.

“Morning, little bird.”

I laughed quietly. “Little bird?”

“You remind me of a hummingbird—always on the go.” His kiss was warm on my cheek. “Hello.”

I turned my head and pressed my lips to his quickly. “Hello.” I stepped back before I could do something silly like fling my arms around his neck and kiss him the way I longed to do. “Come in.”

He walked in, filling the small hallway. He handed me a bunch of flowers. “To say thanks for breakfast.”

His gesture made me smile. Especially considering his hands were still full with other offerings. I watched as he greeted everyone. He handed Paige a bouquet, crouched down to offer Lucy a bunch of daisies, then grinned at Evan. “Figured you for more of a chocolate kind of guy,” he said and handed him some Kinder eggs. Evan loved those. I had mentioned that the other night, plus the fact that Lucy loved daisies. It touched me that he remembered.

Evan grinned in delight. “Awesome. Thank you!”

Ronan bent again and handed Lucy an egg as well. He looked at Paige. “Hope that’s all right.”

She smiled. “It’s fine. Thank you, Ronan. Sit and we’ll put these in water and get coffee.”

“Do I smell cinnamon buns?” Ronan asked, sniffing the air. “I love cinnamon buns.”

“Beth makes the best,” Evan told him. “Lots of cinnamon and icing.”

Ronan met my gaze, running his tongue along his bottom lip. “Icing. My favorite.”

I knew what he was thinking. Remembering, the same way I was, about our kiss in the kitchen. How we’d both tasted of the icing. I felt the color flood my cheeks, and I turned and hurried to the kitchen. Paige followed me, reaching past my shoulder to get a vase.

“Nab him,” she muttered. “If you don’t, I swear I will. Flowers? Gifts for the kids? The way he looks at you? Damn it, girl. Does he have a brother?”

I had to laugh at her enthusiasm. She was even more hesitant than I was about men. Ronan had charmed her as well.

“Yes. I have no idea if they are younger, older, married…” I trailed off.

She hip checked me. “Find out, you selfish bitch. Stop hogging him.”

We both laughed, and it felt good. She grabbed the coffeepot and filled the mugs waiting on the tray. “You take this into the living room, and I’ll handle the flowers.”

I smiled and accepted the tray. “Okay.”

I walked into the living room, my smile getting wider. Ronan was on the floor, leaning against the sofa. Lucy was on one large leg, chatting at him, and he was listening intently. Evan was perched on the sofa beside him, also adding to the conversation. Ronan looked relaxed, not at all put out about being with the kids or annoyed at being used for a cushion. In fact, his wide hand was resting against Lucy’s back, making sure she was stable. I felt a lump in my throat as I watched them. I had never seen either of the kids respond to someone the way they were responding to Ronan. He seemed to have that effect on people. He certainly did with me.

He glanced up with a grin on his face. But he didn’t interrupt Lucy. I handed him a cup of coffee after adding cream the way I had seen him do. He watched me, accepting the cup with a wink, but never wavered his attention from Lucy. I sat down, observing him. He asked her questions, listening as she responded.

“I have sixteen stuffed animals,” she told him.

“Sixteen?” he repeated. “That’s a lot. Do you have a favorite?”

She scrunched up her face. “Mr. Teddy. He’s a teddy bear,” she added in case he was unsure. “I had him since I was a baby. He didn’t care if I only had one arm.”

Ronan nodded. “Good man.”

“I love him even if he only has one paw.”

“What happened?” he asked, as if it was the most important piece of information he was going to get today.

“A dog bit it off at the park. He tried to take my bear, and I pulled. All he got was the leg. Momma stitched him up so he was good.”

“So, you match.”

She nodded. “Yes. Do you have any stuffies?”

He leaned down, his voice low. “I have one. I keep him in my room. My dad gave it to me when I was little, and I have kept it all these years. He sits on my dresser.”

“Does he have a name?”

“Skittles.”

She rubbed her nose. “I like that.”

“Me too.” Then he turned to Evan. “Your sister tells me you love Lego. I did too.” He grinned. “Still do.”

That started another excited conversation. And the whole time, he held on to Lucy, making sure she didn’t fall.

Paige perched on the arm of my chair. “Damn it,” she whispered. “He is the whole package, isn’t he? Look at him with them.”

“I know,” I said quietly. “I know.”

* * *

Ronan

The kids were awesome. Well behaved, chatty, and funny. Lucy was adorable, and I had a feeling she would capture my parents’ hearts fast. Evan was smart and quick. His love of Lego was obvious and he wanted to show me his collection, but Beth stood.

“After breakfast, Evan. It’s almost ready. Ronan, how do you like your eggs?”

I looked at her, unsure. “Whatever is easiest.”

She grinned. “I do them all. Lucy and Evan like scrambled. I prefer poached, and Paige likes fried. So, whichever is your favorite, I can do.”

I had to take a second to think. No one ever asked me. I had always eaten scrambled because that was what Jeremy and Paul liked. I didn’t mind them, but I really preferred poached. I always ordered them if I was out for breakfast, but no one ever seemed to notice, and I always had scrambled with the guys.

“Poached?” I asked.

Beth grinned. “Runny yolks?”

“Please.”

“Okay. On it.”

Lucy slid off my lap. “I help,” she informed me. “I mix the eggs.”

“Good job,” I replied.

She toddled off, making me smile. She was very cute. Determined, too. I made a mental note to find out more about prosthetic limbs.

Evan adjusted himself, a small grimace crossing his face. I turned in his direction so he wouldn’t have to bend to see me.

“Beth says you work in a gym?” he asked, looking hopeful.

I blew out a long breath. “I don’t work there.”

“Oh,” he said, looking disappointed. “I thought maybe you could show me a few exercises to help my leg.”

I scratched my head. “I’m not a trainer, but I know a lot. My dad taught me, and I took some courses. Maybe I could suggest some things.”

His face brightened. “That would be awesome!”

I chuckled. “I like working out. I go to the gym a lot.”

“If you don’t work at a gym, what do you do?” Paige asked behind me.

“I, ah, build things,” I said, feeling uncomfortable as I lied once again. I shifted on the floor, picking up my coffee and draining the liquid.

“Oh, construction,” Evan enthused. “Cool. You know how to fix stuff too?”

“I’m pretty good with my hands.”

“My desk is wobbly.”

“Evan,” Beth chastised as she walked into the room. “Ronan is a guest. He’s not here to work.”

I shook my head as I stood. “Happy to look at it.”

“Maybe after breakfast.”

“Sure.”

“It’s almost ready. Come sit down.”

I followed her to the kitchen, sitting at the table. I looked around the room. Like the rest of the house, it was small but tidy. Drawings were stuck to the fridge. Jackets hung by the back door. The linoleum was worn, but clean. It was homey and inviting.

Evan sat beside me, and I watched him maneuver into the chair, another small grimace crossing his face. I added another item to look into. I would talk to my dad. He would probably have some advice. Of course, he would have a lot of questions as well, but I would figure that part out.

I inhaled, the scent of breakfast making my mouth water. Salty bacon, sweet cinnamon, and rich coffee filled my head. “Smells awesome,” I said as Beth and Paige began filling the table with dishes of food. Beth grinned as she set plates of scrambled eggs in front of the kids, then handed me mine. Four perfect poached eggs sat in the center, steaming and looking delicious. She sat next to me, her plate holding only two eggs. Paige sat across from me and handed me the plate of bacon.

“I’ve heard stories of your appetite, Ronan. Don’t disappoint me today.”

I had to laugh. “I’ll do my best.”

* * *

I sat back, replete and happy. I couldn’t remember the last time I had enjoyed a meal so much. It wasn’t only the food, but the company. I loved hearing the kids talk, answering their questions, watching Beth interact with them. It was obvious that this house was full of love and that what my dad always said was true. Family was more than blood. These two women had created their own family, and it was as close as my large one. It felt odd at first when questions were directed only to me. It always seemed that Paul, Jeremy, and I were talked to as if we were one unit. And accordingly, we seemed to act that way. More so when we were younger, but it still lingered. We always sat together, finished one another’s sentences, knew one another’s thoughts. Much like the scrambled eggs, we each had our own likes, but often deferred them when we were together. I ate scrambled eggs, white toast, and never asked for poached or thick sourdough bread.

Today, I had both and I loved them. I even had peanut butter on my “pandcakes,” showing the trick to Evan and Lucy, who declared it their new favorite. Paul and Jeremy both disliked peanut butter, so my mom never thought to put it out unless I asked. Which I rarely did. I just ate it when I was on my own.

“That was amazing,” I complimented Beth. “Those cinnamon buns were incredible. Do you make those at the diner too?”

She laughed. “No. They take too much effort.” She beamed as she picked up her coffee. “I had to make three extra cakes on Saturday. A company ordered one of each cake for pickup on Friday, so I had to replace them. It was a great bonus. Mike told them there was a fee for a last-minute order, as well as a delivery fee, and they agreed.”

I bit back my grin. I had offered to pay that fee, hoping Beth would get a bigger cut. I put one of each cake in the lunchroom, and they had disappeared fast and everyone raved about them.

“That’s great,” was all I said. “I hope the order is worth your effort.”

“It is. Mike said they already placed an order for next week too.”

“That’s awesome.”

Lucy spoke up. “Momma, can we go to the park?”

Paige frowned. “I have to go do a few errands. Maybe we can go later.”

“Beth, you take me?” Lucy asked.

“Um…”

I clapped my hands. “Why don’t you both go? Go do your errands, go to the park. I’ll stay here with Evan. We’ll clean up the kitchen, and I’ll look at his desk.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Beth said quietly.

I squeezed her hand under the table. “That’s the rule at my parents’ place. If the women cook, men clean up. Evan and I can handle it, right?”

He nodded. “I can dry.”

“Perfect. You ladies go and do your errands. Have fun in the park. It’ll give us guys a chance to get to know each other.”

Beth worried her lip, and I leaned close. “He’ll be fine with me, Beth. Promise.”

“I know that.”

“Then go and enjoy a little girl time.” I had a feeling she didn’t get to do that very often.

She surprised me with a swift kiss to my cheek. “Thank you.”

I winked, lowering my voice even more. “You can thank me more later.”

I chuckled as she flushed then stood.

“Okay, girls, let’s head out before he changes his mind.”

They left, their voices fading away. I stood, picking up dishes.

“Not a lot of food to put away,” I commented.

Evan laughed. “You eat a lot,” he said with the honesty of a child.

“Yep, I do.”

“What kinds of things do you build?” he asked as we started dishes.

“Buildings, mostly.”

“Here in Toronto?”

“No, out of town,” I replied.

“Are you my sister’s boyfriend?” he asked abruptly, changing the subject before I had to.

“Ah, I think that’s up to your sister.”

“Do you want to be?”

“I like your sister. I’d like to take her out again.”

“So, that’s a boyfriend, right?”

“I guess so.”

He nodded, drying a pan I handed him. There was a dishwasher—old, but serviceable, so we had loaded it with the plates and cutlery, leaving only the pans to hand-wash. “There’s a girl at school I like,” he said quietly. “She doesn’t make fun of my leg or how shy I am.”

I leaned against the counter. “Are you shy because of your leg?”

He sighed, the sound long and low. It said everything he didn’t speak out loud. “That’s part of it. I’m skinny and I wear glasses. I walk funny. I get picked on a lot.”

“Are you bullied?” I asked.

“Sometimes. There is one group of boys that likes to push me around.”

“Have you told Beth?”

He pushed up his glasses and regarded me sadly. It was the gaze of someone much older than twelve. “It wouldn’t do any good. She’s tried. The guidance counselor has tried. But they’re smart. They don’t hurt me. They just say stuff. Hide my crutches. Push me around a little when no one is watching.” He shrugged. “I know it’s because I’m scrawny. I can’t fight back. I don’t wear cool clothes, have new sneakers or a cell phone.” He paused. “Or parents.” He met my eyes again, the sorrow in them spilling out. “It makes Beth sad, so I don’t say anything. I know she misses them too. And the other stuff—Beth can’t afford it, and I don’t want her to know. It would upset her. You can’t tell her.”

Something in my chest clenched. This kid needed some help. He needed a friend. Someone to talk to other than his sister. Maybe, just maybe, what he needed was me.

And that was another new thing for me. To be needed just for being Ronan.

I finished the last pan and let him dry it.

“Show me what you can do with that leg, Evan.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Because I may have a few things I can show you. Let’s see if we can help strengthen it.”

His expression was excited. “Really?”

I nodded. “Really.”