Page 4 of Sam's Forever
Alec takes Lexi and then says to Jeanie, “I don’t mind changing Lexi, but that was oddly specific, saying I need to change her.”
“Huh, has he grovelled enough then? No more shitty nappies?” Jeanie looks at Bren, who’s laughing silently and ducks behind me. Alec follows her gaze, and his eyes narrow when he looks for his Old Lady, “I knew you were keeping all the shitty nappies for me. Did you hear that, Lexi-bell? Your mum was using you.” He’s smiling, so we all know he isn’t pissed, and I think he realised long ago what Bren was up to.
“Right, now that the shitshow is sorted,” Jeanie claps her hands, “and once Alec changes Lexi, shall we meet at the pub, and we can get started on narrowing down that guest list? You canchoose a design for the invites. We’ll get them printed and out the door by the end of the week.”
Wrapping my arm around Ally’s shoulders, I ask, “Good with you, baby?”
Ally nods and gives me a wide smile, “That’s good, honey.”
“Give me ten minutes,” Alec says, taking the nappy bag from Bren and disappearing down the passage towards the bedrooms.
We give him the ten minutes, then it’s a flurry of goodbyes before we leave the O’Sheas’ compound and meet at the pub.
Two hours later, we’ve got a guest list, the invite designed, food list, flowers, and colours firmed up, and we take the rest of the evening to spend time together and have a good time.
Bev and Gunny arrive to pick up Lexi, and from the way Alec’s looking at Bren, I’m thinking that I’ll be having another niece or nephew before too long.
CHAPTER 2
O’SHEA FAMILY COMPOUND
REAPER
The kids have left, and Abby and I are sitting with Adam, Tilly, and Colm on their veranda having tea. Everyone else has dispersed, leaving us to it.
“Sam was really mad,” Abby says, looking troubled.
Taking her hand, I give it a squeeze, “He had every right to be, baby. We upset Ally. He did the right thing. Sometimes we forget that they’re adults. Sam is more than capable of being President now. He showed that when he took over with the situation with the girls last year. But he also knows that he wants time with Ally first. He didn’t do anything I wouldn’t have done for you.”
“I know. I’m both proud and sad,” Abby says, wiping a tear. “He’s all grown up, and I’m not quite sure what to do with that.”
“Yeah,” Tilly agrees, leaning her head against Adam’s shoulder. “It seems she was a baby only yesterday, and now she’s grown up and will be having babies of her own.”
“Fuck,a ghrá,” Adam mumbles, “don’t go putting that idea in her head. I’m not ready to be a granda just yet.”
“You might not be, lad, but I’m more than ready to be a great-granda,” Colm chuckles, then sobers, turning his head towards Abby, “Sam’s a good lad, Abby. You did a fine job with him. I’m glad that our Ally is marrying someone who will put her first andisn’t afraid to go against her family to do it. The lad’s got balls, and I’m proud that he’ll be part of our family before the end of the year. It makes my old heart happy to see the two of them together.”
“Thank you, Colm,” Abby says, taking his hand.
“Even Adam’s happy,” Colm assures her. “He may not show it, but he is.”
“Damnit, Da, don’t go telling people that. I need Sam to sweat a little at family meetings. Reaper gets it,” he smirks, and I have to respond because I know what he means.
“I do, although I have to say I’m glad my girls seem to have chosen within the brotherhood. At least they’ll be close and with men I trust.”
“Yeah,” Adam scowls, “Jeanie better find someone close to home.” He brightens and turns towards us, “What’s Booker like?”
Abby and I laugh. Wiping tears from my eyes, I say, “Trust me, you don’t want Booker for her. He’s a hound dog.”
“Well, fuck,” he subsides next to Tilly, who’s laughing.
“You’re all a bunch of fools,” Colm says fondly. “Do you think they’ll invite Andy?”
Adam sobers and glances at me. It’s been close on thirteen years since the O’Sheas had sent Andy to family in Ireland. Not once had he been back home in all that time.
“I don’t know, Da,” Adam says gently. “I can find out.”
“No,” Colm says, shaking his head. “Sometimes it’s best to leave sleeping dogs lie.”
