Page 94 of Tender Temptation
Cillian leans back in his chair and puts his hand on my thigh. “Oh, we enjoy keeping you all in suspense. Besides, we’ve got our hands full with our wee man.”
Maureen chimes in, “Blah. Blah. Blah. Seriously, son, when’s the big day?”
I laugh, enjoying the lighthearted teasing. “We’re working on it. We promise you’ll all be the first to know.”
My mom and Maureen exchange glances. “We’ll believe it as soon as there’s a date.” Maureen winks at Mom. “Meanwhile, we’re fighting over who gets to babysit next, so we are.”
Mom’s eyes twinkle. “I think we need a schedule. Every other day,perhaps?”
“Alright, alright.” I shake my head, unable to suppress my grin. “You’d think the two of you had never seen a baby before. What if I told you in six months, we’ll have another one to pass around?”
There’s a moment of stunned silence before the room erupts into cheers and congratulations.
“You’re joking!” Maureen exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement. “Irish twins?”
“Cillian! Ivy!” Mom claps her hands. “What wonderful news! The two of you didn’t waste any time, my goodness!”
I never imagined I would get pregnant so quickly after Forrest, but we’re overjoyed. The love Cillian and I share is beyond anything I ever dreamed was possible. He treats me with such tenderness and respect. Each day is better than the last.
Now, our family is growing, as is the love between us. I have no idea what the future holds, other than Cillian and I plan to have a lot more kiddos. As he puts it, his “swimmers” always find the target.
Rory leans forward and takes my hand. “Another wee grandchild on the way! How about that?”
My dad looks momentarily shocked, then breaks into a rare, genuine smile. “Well, I’ll be damned. I don’thate the idea.”
“Well, we don’t hate the idea either.” Cillian squeezes my hand under the table. “We’re really fucking happy.”
After dinner, we move to the living room. I sit on the couch, breastfeeding Forrest, who I keep under a blanket in order to appease the grandfathers. The room is cozy, with a fire crackling in the fireplace and our parents chatter away with mugs of hot chocolate. Once Forrest is fed and burped, he falls asleep in my arms.
Across the room, I notice Cillian and Brennan standing in the foyer, they’re deep into what looks like an intense conversation. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but it’s clear there’s some tension between them. Cillian’s brows are furrowed, and Brennan’s hands are gesturing animatedly.
“What’s going on with those two?” I ask Maureen, who’s sitting next to me.
She glances over and sighs. “Ach, you know how brothers are. Probably some stupid miscommunication. I’ve learned to stay out of it. They’ll work it out, my boys always do.”
The evening winds down and we say our goodbyes. After we load up the car, the drive home is quiet. Forrest is asleep in his car seat and I’m exhausted. My pregnancy hormones are insane this time, probably because I never had a break between giving birth and getting knocked upagain.
We get home and settle Forrest into his bassinet next to our bed, and I turn to Cillian. “What were you and Brennan talking about?”
He turns to face me. “He seems to be under too much pressure—but he’s making some strange decisions. Apparently he’s taking on a huge investment for his company, which could change everything, but not necessarily for the better. I actually think there’s something else going on, but he’s being tightlipped. It’s frustrating. I want to help him.”
“You’re a good brother.” I comb my fingers through his hair. “Your mom told me you’ll work it out.”
Cillian pulls me into his arms. “We will. Whatever happens, I’ll be there for him.”
“Families are messy and imperfect, but I’m learning messiness is our greatest strength.” I rest my head against his chest. “Being each other’s support system is what life’s all about.”
“Well said,Mo shíorghrá.” Cillian kisses my temple.
As I drift off to sleep in Cillian’s arms, with our precious Forrest beside us and another on the way, I can’t help but feel grateful for our beautiful life.
We’ve faced many challenges, some self-imposed, but our love has only deepened over the years.
Reconnecting, healing family rifts, and building our future has taught me love isn’t just about two people—it’s about the bonds we create with those around us.
We’re an unbreakable foundation.