But for a month or two it had been like being married—without the sex, attraction or common interests. It hadn’t sucked and she’d been nothing like Presley. God that sounded pathetic, but he probably wouldn’t have turned it down.
“Let me guess,” Bellamy said softly.
Seamus nodded. “When the baby was born she named him Sean, after my dad and me. She knew all about how I’d ended up with Jake and the twins. My family had talked me up a little too much, I think, trying to impress her, but instead it had given her ideas. She started saying her child would be better off with us. With me. That if I really knew what she’d come from, I’d take him anyway.”
“You don’t strike me as an easy mark.”
Something that felt like gratitude washed over him. “You might be the only one who doesn’t think so. I’m not, but I’m not an asshole either. I told her it wasn’t going to happen. I was already over my head with the three I had. I tried to help her find another way. I offered her money, work, the chance to go back to school. But I couldn’t lock her in that apartment and force her to take care of her baby when she’d already made up her mind. It took years to find her and get her to sign his adoption papers. But that’s what I did, with help from Tanaka, because of what Jake said the morning after she left.”
Bellamy tilted his head. “What did he say?”
“He wasn’t happy she was leaving, but he told me that he knew Little Sean was supposed to be a part of our family. That his grandparents and Mira had taken care of him before he was born so Jake could have a new baby brother to love.” Seamus smiled a little at the memory. “I couldn’t argue with that. But I did tell him this was the last time and it meant we could never get him a puppy. I had to draw the line somewhere.”
Bellamy’s expression was a strange mixture of incredulity, admiration and something Seamus couldn’t name. “I knew you were too good to be true, but I had no idea you were an actual angel. It never occurred to you to call social services or look into foster care, did it?”
Seamus tugged his hand away and ran it through his hair, not sure if he’d just been complimented or not. “Of course it did. I was a thirty-two-year old man living above a garage that first time. My twin brother had already made a name for himself as a lawyer and entered public office.” His lips twisted ruefully. “I, on the other hand, still had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I worked as a handy man, doing odd jobs to pay for my rent, my membership at the old boxing gym on the corner and my evening trips to the diner, and nothing else. I was drifting. Once I looked at Jake and realized he needed me to know what I was doing? Things started clicking into place.”
Jesus, that’s enough now, he doesn’t need a novel. “I’m sorry. I have no idea why I’m telling you this. I’ll—”
The warm hand was back on his arm now, squeezing, and it stopped him cold.
“I’m glad you told me. You’re a fascinating man, Seamus. Gorgeous and kind. And boxing, huh? I thought so.” Bellamy’s eyes were a sparkling distraction. “There’s something careful about the way you hold yourself. Especially when I make you mad. Do you still get in the ring?”
Seamus looked down and saw a fresh beer. Where had that come from? He’d been so lost in the memories and the conversation, he honestly had no idea.
Boxing. Right. “I hadn’t for a while, but Brady and Ken have been getting me back into it. I don’t have a lot of time, but I made a gym in my basement so I don’t get that old man gut and become the total dad cliché.”
“Whatever you’re doing, it’s working for you.” Bellamy licked his lower lip and studied him. “There’s a bar on the other side of town with a backroom perfect for brawling—one of the adventures Gillian sent me on, and I’ve gone there once or twice after coming here. In fact, there are fights going on right now. Come with me. I think you’d enjoy yourself and we could celebrate the fact that you don’t dislike me anywhere near as much as you thought you did.”
“That’s not really my style.” Seamus tried to frown in disapproval, but he was already thinking about it. “And who said I don’t dislike you?”
“You did. With every word. Weren’t you paying attention?” Bellamy smiled wickedly behind his mug. “Did I mention it’s usually full of fighting Finns? I wonder if they’re any relation.”