She reached for one, then her smile brightened. "Brie, I didn't see you there. Where's that angel of yours?"
"Right here, Mrs. Brennan." With a cocky grin, Gray stepped forward to kiss her.
"Go on with you. Devil is more like. Where's that baby?"
"Nancy Feeney and young Mary Kate absconded with her," Deidre said, uncovering the dishes Brianna had brought. "You'll have to find them, then fight them for her."
"And so I will. Ah, listen to that lad play." Pride beamed into her eyes. "He's God's gift in his hands."
"I'm pleased you could come from Cork, Mrs. Brennan," Brianna began. "You haven't met Shannon. My... friend from America."
"I haven't, no." The shining pride shifted to caution and curiosity. Her voice didn't cool precisely, but took on a hint of formality. "I'm pleased to meet you, Shannon Bodine." She offered her hand.
Shannon caught herself wiping her palm on her slacks before accepting the greeting. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Brennan." What now? "Murphy favors you."
"Thank you. He's a handsome lad for certain. And you live in New York City and draw for a living?"
"Yes." Miserably uncomfortable, she took a swig from her beer. When Maggie came noisily through the back door, Shannon could have kissed her feet.
"We're late," Maggie announced. "And Rogan's bursting to tell everyone it was my fault, so I'll say it first. I had work to finish." She plopped a bowl on the table, then set Liam down to toddle. "I'm starving to death, too." She snatched one of Brianna's stuffed mushrooms from a plate and devoured. "Mrs. Brennan, just the woman I'm after."
All that stiff formality melted out of Alice's face as she scooted around the table to give Maggie a hard hug. "Lord, you were the same as a child, always noisy as six drums."
"You'll be sorry you said so when I give you your present. Come along, Rogan."
"A man's got a right to stop and get a beer." With one in his hand he maneuvered himself and the wrapped package he carried through the door.
The entrance brought fresh greetings and chatter. Seeing it as a perfect escape, Shannon began to edge toward the hall.
"No, you don't, coward." Amused, Gray blocked her way. He slung an arm around her in a gesture of affection as firm as shackles.
"Give me a break, Gray."
"Not a chance."
Stuck, she watched as Alice carefully removed the brown paper from the painting. As people crowded around, there were sounds of surprise and approval.
"Oh, 'tis him to life," Alice murmured. "That's just the way he holds his head, do you see? And how he stands. I've never had a finer gift, Maggie, that's the truth. I can't thank you enough for giving it to me, or for painting it."
"You can thank me for giving it. But Shannon painted it."
Every head in the room shifted direction, and measured.
"It's a fine talent you have," Alice said after a moment, and the lilt came back in her voice. "And a heart for seeing your subject clearly. I'm very proud to have this."
Before Shannon could think of a response, a small, black-haired woman burst in from the hallway. "Ma, you'll never guess who's-What's this?" Spying the painting, she elbowed her way to it. "Why, 'tis Murphy with his horses."
"Shannon Bodine painted it," Alice told her.
"Oh?" Eyes bright and curious, the woman turned to scan the room. It took her only seconds to zero in. "Well, I'm Kate, his sister, and I'm pleased to meet you. You're the first he's courted ever."
Shannon sagged a little against Gray's supporting arm. "It's not-we're not-Murphy exaggerated," she decided as several pair of eyes studied her. "We're friends."
"It's wise to be friends when you're courting," Kate agreed. "Do you think sometime you could draw my children? Maggie won't."
"I'm a glass artist," Maggie reminded her and kept filling her plate. "And you'll have to go through Rogan. He's managing her."
"I haven't signed the contract yet," Shannon said quickly. "I haven't even-"
"Maybe you can do it before you sign up with him," Kate interrupted. "I can gather them up and bring them to you whenever you say."
"Stop badgering the woman," Alice said mildly. "And what did you come bursting in here to tell me?"
"Tell you?" Kate looked blank for a moment, then her eyes cleared. "Oh, you won't guess who just walked in the door. Maeve Concannon," she said before anyone could try. "Big as life."
"Why, Maeve's not been to a ceili in twenty years!" Diedre said. "More, I think."
"Well, she's come, and Lottie with her."
Brianna and Maggie stared at each other, speechless, then moved quickly, like a unit.
"We'd best go see if she wants a plate," Brianna explained.
"We'd best go see that she doesn't storm down the house," Maggie corrected. "Why don't you come, Shannon? You had a way with her last time."
"Well, really, I don't think-"
But Maggie grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the kitchen and down the hall. "Music's still playing," she said under her breath. "She hasn't put the stops to that."
"Look, this is none of my business," Shannon protested. "She's your mother."
"I'll remind you of your own words, about connections."
"Shit, Maggie." But Shannon had no choice but to grit her teeth and be propelled into the parlor.
"Sweet Jesus," was all Brianna could say.
Maeve was sitting, Liam in her lap, tapping her foot to the rhythm of the reel. Her face might have been set, mouth grim, but that tapping foot gave her away.
"She's enjoying herself." Astonishment had Maggie's eyes round and wide.