Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 90919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“We came to a compromise,” I grumbled.
“Oh yeah?”
“She’s only movin’ out the shit she wants in the RV and I’ve gotta either keep or get rid of whatever is left,” I replied. “And Saoirse can live there as long as she wants rent-free.”
“So,” Titus said, drawing out the word. “Exactly what would’ve happened no matter how much you paid for it.”
“Pretty much.”
He laughed.
“She’s just ready to hit the road, man,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. My aunt was a trip. “Once she decided she didn’t want the place anymore, it was full speed ahead. She wants to spend more time out with the kids. Now that Aoife has Sean, Aunt Ashley wants to be closer.”
“You haven’t been goin’ out there as much lately.”
“I know. Even Richie called to give me shit, and I can count on one hand how many times that guy has busted my balls.”
“Your brother-in-law may be the easiest-goin’ guy I’ve ever met,” Titus joked.
“Seriously,” I agreed. “He and Aoife are complete opposites. She’s texted every day.”
“Not surprised. She loves her baby brother.”
“I’ll go for a visit once I’m settled on the property. Can’t take off a bunch of work right before I start payin’ a fuckin’ mortgage.”
“It’s not so bad,” Titus said, kicking the porch rail. “Worth it.”
“You’re sure I’m not puttin’ you in a tight spot?” I asked for probably the fourth time. I’d been renting a room from Titus for years, and once Noel moved in, I’d waited for them to ask me and Bas to find our own place—but they hadn’t. I’d never been sure if they just didn’t want to kick our asses out or if they actually needed the extra income. Seemed weird to ask.
“Nah, we’re good.” He waved me off. “Though, I’m guessin’ it’s gonna be an adjustment for Ariel and Diana not havin’ you at their disposal.”
“I figure once I tell them I’ll have chickens out at the property, they’ll forgive me for movin’ out.”
“Why the fuck would you get chickens?” Titus asked with a small shudder. “Nasty.”
“The real question is why you’re so afraid of ’em.”
“I’m not afraid of chickens.”
“Keep tellin’ yourself that.”
“You know Ariel’s gonna want a pony,” he said smugly. “Chickens aren’t gonna cut it. She’s gonna see that property and ask for a pony.”
“I’ll get her a goat,” I conceded.
“A goat for who?” Titus’s other half asked as she came out the front door. “Ugh. This weather is miserable.”
“Your daughters are running laps around the house in it,” I told her. “They’re gonna be muddy to their eyebrows.”
“But they’ll sleep great tonight,” she replied, smiling. “Who’s getting a goat?”
“Ariel.”
“Ariel doesn’t need a goat.”
“Ariel’s gonna want a pony,” Titus said, handing her the baby.
“We don’t have room for a pony.”
“But Cian will at the property.”
“Oh, right.” She wrinkled her nose. “So, that’s happening for sure?”
Titus laughed. “I told you it was.”
“I know, but I thought there was some argument about how much Cian was willing to pay—”
“Yeah, I wanted to pay more,” I said dryly. “I was overruled.”
“I’m happy for you,” Noel said begrudgingly.
Titus laughed again.
“I am,” Noel said, raising her eyebrows at him before looking at me. “We’re just going to miss you around here.”
“I won’t be far.”
“It’s like twenty minutes away.”
“More like fifteen.”
“That’s still a lot further than just down the hall.” She paused. “But at least your bedroom will be clean for once.”
“My room is clean.”
“Oh, Cian,” she said with mock gentleness. “No, no, it’s not.”
“Think of all the extra space you’ll have,” I said, getting to my feet. “Each of the girls can have their own rooms.”
“Yeah, no,” Titus argued as the muddy girls ran up the porch steps. “They’re sharin’ a room until they’re way older.”
“They like being close,” Noel said as I opened the door for her and the baby. Ruthie gave me a gummy smile and held her hands out to me.
“Nothin’ wrong with that,” I replied, taking the baby from her arms. Ruth’s fingers went straight to my beard and dug in. It happened every time. “Me and my brother shared a room until I moved out.”
“Really?”
“Yep. We weren’t as close in age, either. Ronan’s almost four years younger than me.”
“Uncle Cian,” Ariel called as Titus stripped her out of her jacket. “I ran around the house four times.”
“Me too,” Diana said quickly.
“Nice job,” I said, widening my eyes. “You must be tired.”
“I’m not tired,” Diana protested.
“I bet I could run four more,” Ariel said confidently.
“Not tonight, you aren’t,” Titus said with a grunt as he pulled off her tiny rain boot. “You’re soaked, and it’s gettin’ dark.”
“I need a headlamp,” Ariel mused, putting her hand on Titus’s head to brace herself as she lifted her other foot.
“You don’t need a headlamp,” Noel said as she moved toward the kitchen. “You need dinner.”
“I got time to throw them in the bath real quick?” Titus asked.