I looked at Ava and as my heart squeezed with the weight of my feelings for her, I knew with certainty we would be like that, too.
Ava let go of my hand as her parents entered the great hall and her father swept her off her feet in a bear hug.
“You didn’t tell me you were dating royalty. You know how I feel about them.”
She laughed and my heart filled with joy at her happiness.
I turned toward her mother, who was already looking at me, making me self-conscious.
I bowed my head. “Mrs. Byrnes, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” I extended my hand toward her. “I hope your train trip to London was pleasant.”
She smiled at me and ignoring my hand, pulled me into a hug. I froze with surprise and also with the unfamiliarity of the gesture. We did not show affection in our family and I’d seen it only very seldomly within our world.
I finally relaxed in the warmth of her embrace and hugged her back.
“It was a nice trip, but you really didn’t have to make us travel first class you know—both classes stop at the same stations.” Ava’s father replied after letting go of her.
“But it wasverythoughtful, so thank you very much,” Ava’s mom added, giving her husband a pointed look.
“Yes, thank you,” he replied gruffly, and I had to turn my head to the side to hide my smile.
“Please, let's sit in the salon. Your suitcases will be brought to your room,” I offered, gesturing toward the direction we had to take, feeling quite aware of all the wealth displayed that I could not truly control.
“The salon?”
“Dad!”
“Declan!” Ava and her mother shouted at the same time.
“I’m just joking. He knows I’m joking, don’t you, Hugo?” he asked, a warning in his emerald orbs, which Ava had inherited.
“Of course, I do.” I stood a little straighter. “It's nice to see that the Irish can be humorous, too.”
Ava’s mom chuckled and Declan nodded as his eyes lit with approval.
He was the opposite of my father; he didn’t require submission. He wanted the fight.
Once they sat by the fireplace, I took a seat beside Ava and grabbed her hand.
“Would you like something to drink, Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes?” I asked as Mrs. Linder entered the room, waiting for direction.
“Please call us Declan and Leila—we’re family, aren’t we?”
I nodded as Declan rested his eyes on Ava’s left hand, still bare of a ring.
“Well, not yet,” he replied before looking around the room.
I cursed myself internally. I should have proposed before their arrival.
Leila rolled her eyes. “He’s a moaner, but you get used to it.” She looked at Mrs. Linder. “Coffee would be lovely.”
Declan turned to me. “Something stronger would be much appreciated.”
I almost wanted to kiss the man. I desperately needed a stiff drink as well—the stress of the situation was getting to me.
I nodded, kissing Ava’s hand before letting it go and standing up. “I’ve got you covered, Declan.”
“I’ll have a peppermint tea if you don’t mind, Mrs. Linder,” Ava asked her gently, still very uncomfortable with asking for anything.