Page 70 of Poison and Wine
When neither Callum nor I responded, Orla winked. “Now that I’ve met my new daughter-in-law, I’d love a nice strong whiskey.”
Callum chuckled. “You can find one at the bar on the roof.”
“I’ll see you both later.”
As she started up the stairs, I couldn’t help grinning at Callum. “I think I love your mother already.”
He snorted. “You only love her because she gives me shit.”
“That’s not the only reason,” I protested.
“Sure it isn’t.”
“She genuinely cares about my happiness. I think that’s a trait all women would like in a mother-in-law.” With a shake of my head, I added, “It’s not even a trait my own mother possesses.”
“Then I’m happy to share her with you,” Callum said with a smile.
“Make way, make way!” a voice shouted behind us. When we turned around, I did a double take at the sight of what appeared to be Dare’s twin in both looks and personality striding towards us. Except this twin appeared to be considerably younger than Dare.
Callum rushed forward to grab the young man in his arms. “It’s fucking grand to see you, Eamon.”
And then I knew the young man was Callum’s sixteen-year-old brother and the baby of the family. Once he slid out of Callum’s embrace, Eamon turned to me. A low whistle escaped his lips. “Fuck me, this stunning woman can’t possibly be your wife, Cal,” he proclaimed.
Callum responded by smacking the back of Eamon's head. “Watch your mouth.”
Eamon gave me an apologetic look as he extended his hand. “Sorry. I was just calling it as I saw it.”
I laughed as I shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Before I knew it, Eamon was bringing my hand to his lips for a kiss. “It is exceptionally nice to meet you.”
With a grunt, Callum rushed forward to extract my hand from Eamon’s. “That’s enough bullshit. Where’s your sister?”
“She’s outside with the bodyguards walking Murphy.”
At what must’ve been my questioning look, Callum replied, “Murphy is my sister’s dachshund.”
“Oh, I love wiener dogs,” I pronounced, which elicited a snort from Eamon.
Callum jerked his thumb to the stairs. “Go up and see your brothers.”
“Fine,” Eamon grumbled.
After he started up the stairs, I shook my head with a laugh. “I can’t imagine this house containing him and Dare.”
“It’ll be a tight fit with the egos.”
It was then that the front door opened and a gorgeous redhead came walking in. Right behind her, an older bodyguard wearing a surly expression held a dapple colored dachshund.
At the sight of her brother, Maeve rushed forward and dove into his arms. Knowing her tragic history made the moment even more emotional for me, and I could barely contain my tears. Seeing Callum and Maeve together made me think of my own brothers, and I stared expectantly at the grandfather clock, hoping they were soon to arrive.
When she pulled away, Maeve turned her attention to me. “Hi, I’m Caterina,” I said.
Maeve gave me a warm smile before reaching out to hug me. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you.”
When she pulled away, her smile faltered. “Although I do have to say, I’m sorry for the way you had to join it.”