Page 31 of Nick: His to Claim

Maggie and Patrick looked at Nick’s stunned expression and burst out laughing.

“What the hell just happened here?” Nick asked, still staring at the spot where Molly had stood.

“Don’t worry about it, buddy,” Patrick replied with a big grin. “Everybody responds like that when they first meet her. Hell, I couldn’t form a complete sentence for a week,” he laughed.

Putting the boys down, he flexed his arms and sent them out to the truck with a promise to be right out.

“Molly’s a seer,” Patrick explained. Noting Nick’s dumbfounded expression, Patrick continued. “You know, she sees things.”

“What kind of things?” Nick inquired and gave his hand a slight shake to stop the tingling.

“All kinds of things. Sometimes things that have already happened, sometimes what will happen. Thankfully, she never sees anything really bad, at least that’s what she says, but who knows. Anyway, I better go, we’ll talk later.” Patrick gave Nick a slap on the back and headed out the door whistling.

“Welcome to my world,” Maggie laughed as she propelled Nick forward with a hand to his back.

The house itself was much as he remembered, gleaming hardwood floors and wide doorways with hand carved molding. The dining room had been redone in yellows, creams and gold.The massive table was already set with china and silver he’d seen a hundred times.

Dinners like this had never happened at his house. He and Mason had to pretty much fend for themselves, and he’d always felt like a bull in a china shop on Sundays and holidays at the O’Malley’s.

A huge antique mirror hung along the wall over the sideboard and the china cabinet still held treasures untold, even with the table already set. Nick could hear the women of the family chattering in the kitchen, and although he allowed Maggie to steer him in that direction, he had his misgivings.

The minute they walked through the door, Maeve hurried over to embrace her daughter.

“I’m so glad you could make it after all, darlin’. It’s been too long you’ve been sittin’ home alone. You’re too young and pretty to waste away in that big house all by yourself,” she continued, glancing meaningfully at Nick.

Next it was his turn, and Maeve pulled on his shirt, bringing him down for a kiss on the cheek.

“We’re glad to have you back too, Nicky, darlin’. You’ve certainly grown into a handsome man. Of course we always knew you’d make somethin’ of yourself despite that wastrel father of yours.”

“Mother!” Maggie gasped, her hand going to her throat.

“It’s all right, Maggie,” Nick told her. “Any illusions I had about my father died long ago.”

“I’m sorry if I offended you, Nicky. Sean and I could see right off that you and that strappin’ brother of yours would not turn out like your Da. ’Tis glad we are to see you back home where you belong. Maggie, why don’t you take Nicky out to the back porch and get him a cold drink. I’m sure your Da will be wantin’ a word with him. Oh, and Rory wanted to see you, Maggie. I don’t know what ‘tis about—Lord knows I’m the last to find out any?—”

“I’m right here, Ma,” Rory stated, cutting her off as he came up behind Maggie. Towering over her, he slipped his strong arm around her shoulders. “Come on, Cupcake, this won’t take long,” he continued as his eyes met Nick’s with a wink. A silent communication passed between the two men as Rory guided Maggie from the room. Colleen and Bridget went on instant alert.

Trying not to draw attention her way, Bridget, who had been peeling potatoes, grabbed the peels and headed to the trash can. With a quick nod to Colleen, she quietly moved toward the door intending to follow them. Unfortunately, Noah came through that same door first and marched the curious young lady back into the kitchen.

“I don’t think so, half-pint,” he told her with a grin. “I got the distinct impression when I passed Rory in the hall that this conversation was private. Hello, you must be Nick. It’s nice to finally meet you,” Noah continued, reaching to shake Nick’s hand.

“Nobody tells me anything,” Bridget griped. “Just because I’m busy with school doesn’t mean I don’t want to know what’s going on around here.”

Bridget, being the youngest, was still unmarried, and Maeve despaired of her ever finding a suitable young man. Despite being cute as a button, she was entirely too accustomed to getting her own way. With her golden brown hair and green eyes, she didn’t lack for male attention, and although she was five feet nothing, she managed to intimidate them all. Her temper was legendary, and she could throw a fit quicker than anyone her friends had ever seen. Lord help the man who ever really fell in love with her, Noah thought. He’d be in for a hell of a ride.

“Never mind, sweets,” Colleen informed Bridget. “I’ll go and find out?—”

As she started to rise from the table where she’d been shucking corn, Noah’s large hand came down firmly on her shoulder.

“No, you won’t,” he informed he as he gently forced her to remain in her chair. “What part ofprivatedon’t you understand?”

“Noah,” she scolded. “It’s my sister and I think she might need my… ”

Noah bent his tall frame down until they were nose to nose. His gray eyes pinned her to the seat, and a blush spread quickly across her cheeks. She held his gaze for as long as she could before giving way. Her husband was a gentle soul until he was pushed. Tall and lanky, Noah was much stronger than he looked. With his curly dark hair and laid-back personality, anyone would think he was easily managed, but Colleen knew differently. Steel framed glasses matched steel gray eyes that missed nothing. Noah was always observing. As a professor of history at the local college, Colleen often wondered if he wasn’t a throwback to some riverboat gambler. He always seemed to know what others were thinking, and between him and Molly it was downright freaky.

Sighing softly, Colleen gave in and picked up another ear of corn.

“Just leave it, Bridge. It’s not like anyone in this family can keep a secret anyway.”