My brother gave me one of his sympathetic half-smiles. Without me saying anything, he understood how profoundly affected I was by this birth. “How are you travelling? Have you at least tried to see him? Theadora says he’s a beautiful boy and that he looks just like you.”
My mouth went dry, and my face flushed at the mention of Mirabel’s baby. I could hardly breathe, let alone respond because of the rush of emotions. I just stared down at my new leather boots with grass scattered on them from walking along the freshly mown grounds.
“You need to visit her,” he added. “I’m sure she’ll be reasonable about this.”
I stared out to sea, which had teal ripples under the afternoon sun. “His name’s Cian. I’m going there today. I thought I’d better make a show here first. I haven’t been able to think of anything else these last two months.” I circled my toe on the ground. “Mother’s seen him. She insists he’s mine. She’s suggesting I get a lawyer.”
Declan studied me for a minute. “Do you still have feelings for Mirabel?”
I nodded. “I know that’s crazy.”
“It’s not crazy. If feelings remain strong during a space of time, then she must be special.Thatspecial one.”
My brows pinched. “I’m not sure if I’m ready to marry. I do miss Mirabel for sure, though. Over and above everything, I want to be part of my son’s life.” I puffed. “That’s if he is my son.”
“Shestillhasn’t done a test?”
“No. Unless she’s got some of my DNA tucked away.”
“Well then, you better go and talk to her, I think.” He smiled at Theadora, who was giggling with some of the guests.
I’d seen my mother earlier; she’d looked pale while describing her meeting with Mirabel. She'd recounted how seeing my son brought back memories of me at that tender age. Her eyes had misted over in a rare display of emotion.
“On another pressing subject,” Declan said, “we need to talk to Will.”
“Why?” I took a deep breath, sensing more drama.
“You know how they plan to marry next week?”
As I nodded, Savanah, teetering along in super-high heels, joined us. I pointed at her hot-pink shoes. “How did you get here in those?”
“They’re great, aren’t they? They’re new Manolo’s. Love them. I might have to get that hot security guard to piggyback me home.” She giggled. “Speaking of muscular males, where’s Carson?” She looked at Declan.
“He’s gone back to London.”
Her mouth turned down. “That’s not much fun. Is he still going to visit us?”
Declan shrugged. “He’s set up a security agency.”
“Mm… I might need to use him.” Savanah stared at her feet. Her toes were painted in the same colour as her open-toe shoes.
“Not another brute boyfriend?” My tone was cutting. I was growing tired of my sister's inability to date anyone but troubled men.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
I looked at Declan and rolled my eyes.
“What has Mother told you about marrying Will?” Declan asked her.
“They’re getting married next week. Like a really small affair. They didn’t even want to have a party, which is weird for Mummy. You know her—any excuse to entertain.”
Savanah turned to me. “I hear I’m an aunty. Mummy’s beside herself. She wants the baby here. I know I’d like to see him.”
“Yep.” I puffed. “I know. I’m going to see Mirabel today.”
“He’s your son.” She opened out her hands. “What’s the issue anyway?”
Brilliant fucking question.