“A bomb?” He arched a brow high.
“I’m having twins.”
His eyes widened and jaw fell open. “Twins?”
I nodded. “The girls don’t even know that one yet. I’m still processing everything. All I know is whether I planned this or not, I will never make my children feel what I felt when my parents gave me up.”
“Okay, well, you know you have a big support system here. Your friends love you. We all do.” He cleared his throat. “Is the father in the picture?”
I hesitated, then finally admitted, “The father is Matt McGinnis.” It felt good to tell my secret out loud. Freeing somehow. “I haven’t told him yet because I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. But now that I’m keeping the babies, he has a right to know he’s going to be a father.”
Chaz nodded. “Matt’s a great guy. I’m sure he’ll step up and do the right thing.”
“I don’t want him to do anything. I just want him to know. If he wants to be in their lives, I would never deny him that. But I don’t need any help providing for my family.”
“We’re talking about a proud Irishman here.” Chaz chuckled. “Good luck with that one.” He stood. “I’ve got to get back to my patients. Are you okay to leave on your own? Should I call Zoe to take you home?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m good. Thanks, Chaz. You really helped.” I stood and picked up my purse. “I’m not going home. I’m going to see a proud Irishman.” I held my head high and took the first step towards my new life.
It was lunchtime, and I was starving. I’d been having morning sickness that was awful, but by lunch, I more than made up for it. McGinny’s Pub was packed as usual. Great atmosphere, great music, great food, great hospitality…
What more could anyone want?
The hostess seated me at a table in the bar, and I ordered enough food for three people. Then I waited for Matt to make eye contact with me. He finally did, and I motioned for him to come over. He gave me a nod, then said something to the bartender before slinging a cloth over his shoulder and heading my way.
“What’ll it be, lass? A martini? Champagne?” He grinned as he reached my table. A big, strapping, dirty-blond, curly-haired Irishman. He was so tall and ruggedly handsome I had to remind myself we were just friends.
I tore my gaze away from his bulging muscles and tossed my long, golden-blonde curls over my shoulder. “It’s a bit early for that.”
He shrugged. “It’s five o’clock somewhere. Besides, lots of people have a drink on their lunch break.”
“True, but I’m not much of a drinker these days. I already placed my lunch order, but I’ll have some water, please.”
He nodded once then walked away to pour me a glass of ice water himself, not above serving his customers even though he owned the place. He carried it back to me and set it on the table then looked around. “Ye here alone?”
I nodded, taking a big drink as I gathered the courage to say what had to be said. “Do you have a minute to sit? I wanted to talk to you about something.”
He eyed me curiously as he sat. “I always have time fer a friend.” He watched me as if testing his words to see if that term still applied.
“Good.” I smiled slightly, trying to reassure him, but I felt like it was more of a grimace. My heartbeat sped up, and I suddenly felt warm. I fanned my face.
“Are ye alright, lass? Ye look flushed.”
The waitress came out and set all my entrees on the table in front of me. Matt’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline.
“I’m fine. Just a little lightheaded. Low blood sugar and all that.” I grabbed a turkey sandwich and took a big bite.
“I see.” He chuckled. “I like a woman who knows how to eat.”
“Then you’re gonna love me.” I dug into my soup.
He leaned back and folded his arms, watching me in awe as I shoved a heaping spoonful of macaroni and cheese into my mouth next.
“Sorry,” I managed to get out. “Hungry.”
“By all means eat first. We can talk after. I wouldn’t want yer food to get cold.” He watched me, waiting patiently as I worked my way through all three entrees plus dessert. No need for a doggie bag for me. “I’ve been having some stomach issues lately, so when I finally feel good, I take advantage of it and eat my fill.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” His eyes softened. “I have to say I’m glad to see ye again. I know ye said we could be friends, but I haven’t seen ye around town at all over the past two weeks. I thought maybe ye’d changed yer mind.”
“No, I still want to be friends.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “I, um, just had some thinking to do.”
“I’m sure yer still grieving yer grandmother’s passing. That has to be difficult.” His voice filled with sympathy. “I’m here if ye need to talk, lass.”
My heart warmed. “I appreciate that.” Then my jaw hardened. “I’m also dealing with my ex-husband. He found out my grandmother left everything to me, so now he’s threatening to sue me for more alimony.”
Matt’s deep dimples disappeared as his smile slipped. “He sounds like a real piece of work.”
“You have no idea. And there’s also my parents and sister who insist on hanging around town until I hear them out.” I knew they lived close, but I’d never seen them around as much as I had lately.
He studied me with his penetrating blue eyes. “I take it ye don’t want to do that.”
“I don’t know what I want.” I shook my head, forcing my mixed emotions down so they wouldn’t consume me.
“That’s fair.” He nodded. “Having family come back into yer life is a big change. I know family isn’t always easy, but they are still yer flesh and blood. Maybe just keep an open mind, lass. Hear what they have to say. What can it hurt?”
Plenty, I thought.
