“Why the feck are ye going there?” he spits. Seamus doesn’t like surprises. The only one I’ve seen him handle with any degree of sensitivity is when Tiggy found out she was pregnant.
“I’ve got to see my aunt.”
Seamus blinks, swallowing and eyeing me carefully. “Your pa’s sister?”
“Aye.”
“Sure, and why would you go and see that miserable old bat?”
I shrug, uncrossing my arms and shoving my hands in my pockets. My T-shirt stretches across my chest, the dried blood making it crusty and rigid.
“I need my grandmammy’s Claddagh ring.”
“For Mellie?”
“Aye, for Mellie. Sure, and what other lass would I be giving it to?”
A grin tugs at Seamus’s lips. “I suppose you’ll be wanting my blessing.”
I eye him carefully. He’s the head of my crew and second in command of the Irish here in Boston, so I do need his blessing. But he better make no mistake. This wedding will be happening regardless of what he says here tonight.
“If ye’re willing to give it, I’ll take it, Fitzy.”
“And if I’m not willing?” He’s smirking, so I don’t think he’d actually withhold it, but I can’t lie to him.
“Ye don’t have the power to be at every church in the city.”
Seamus chuckles, clapping me on the shoulder. “Ye have my blessing, Niall. Mellie’s a good lass. And ye took long enough to fecking make yer move. I like that ye took the time to ensure she could handle this life. It’s not fer everyone.”
I blink at the emotion coloring Seamus’s tone, turning it Irish. I’ve been a member of his crew for almost thirteen years, but I’ve never thought of the lad as anything more than a boss.
“I didn’t stay away from the lass because I needed to be sure this life was fer her. I stayed away from her because it’s not.”
Seamus’s eyebrows shoot up again, quickly lowering into a frown.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means the lass is pure fecking light. She shouldn’t be allowed within a city limit of me.”
“And yet… you took her in the end.” He’s smirking now, the bastard.
“Aye. I couldn’t help myself.”
“I’ve seen the way she looks at you, Niall. I don’t think she minded.”
“That’s why I’ll be marrying her.”
Seamus nods, clapping my shoulder again. “You be well in Ireland. I’ll expect you back directly.”
“Aye. I’ll be back within the week.”
Paddy is sitting in the SUV when I slide it, toying with his phone. His gaze flickers over me, eyebrows lifting in a question.
“Get your issue sorted?”
“Aye. I did.”
“The bartender again?” His lips curve into a smirk. I flip him off.