The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy

time?”
    “What? Oh.” She dipped the brush again, then made sure to hit the fresh wood. “My mind must’ve wandered.”
    “It’s time to call it a day.”
    Already?”
    With a shake of his head, he gathered up brushes, rollers, and pans. “What was it your mother put in your oatmeal this morning to give you such pep? And why didn’t I have any?”
    “The day went by fast, that’s all.” She got to her feet, looked around. With some surprise she noted just how much had been done. She’d gone through the day on automatic pilot, she supposed. “We’ve nearly finished in here.”
    “By tomorrow, it’ll be on to the next. We deserve big portions of that roast your mother promised for tonight.”
    “You’re tired, Dad. I’ll clean this up.” That, at least, would soften some of the guilt she was going to feel. “And you know, I was thinking I’d go on into the pub and see Darcy. Would you tell Ma I’ll be grabbing a sandwich there?”
    He looked pained when she took the brushes from him. “You’re after deserting me, when you know sure as you’re born your mother and Patty will be into the wedding plans and buzzing around me ears.”
    Brenna shot him a grin. She’d forgotten about that and the more genuine excuse not to go straight home. “Want to come to the pub with me?”
    “You know I would, but then your mother’d have my head on her best china platter. At least give me your word that when your time comes ’round you won’t ask me if I like the lace or the silk best, then burst into tears when I pick the wrong one.”
    “A solemn promise.” She kissed his cheek to seal it. “
    “I’m holding you to it, girl.” He shrugged his jacket on. “And if things get over sticky at home, you may see me down at Gallagher’s after all.”
    “I’ll buy you a pint.”
    When he was gone, Brenna put more time and effort into the cleaning than she had to. It made her feel a little less guilty, though truth to tell, she would be seeing Darcy when she went to the village. If she saw Shawn as well, how could she help it. He worked there, didn’t he?
    Despite the rationalization, Brenna made a point of seeking Darcy out the minute she walked into the pub.Since she was down at the end of the bar letting old Mr. Riley flirt with her, Brenna took the next stool, then leaned over to kiss the man’s papery cheek.
    “And here I find you making eyes at another woman, when time and time again, you’ve said you had them for none but me.”
    “Oh, now, darling, a man’s got to look in the direction his head’s pointed. But I’ve been waiting for you to come along and sit on my knee.”
    The man was so thin, and she suspected, his bones so brittle, that an attempt to sit on his knee would shatter it. “Oh, we O’Toole women are jealous creatures, dear Mr. Riley. Now I’m after taking Darcy here aside and giving her a stern piece of my mind for trying to beat my time with you.”
    When he cackled, she wandered to a table, gesturing for Darcy to follow. “I’m dying for a pint and a hot meal. What’s Shawn got for us tonight?”
    Darcy narrowed bright-blue eyes, cocked a dark brow, then fisted a hand on her hip. “Well, then, you’ve gone and slept with him, haven’t you?”
    “What are you talking about?” Though Darcy’s voice had been quiet, Brenna’s head swiveled in panicked embarrassment until she was assured no one was close enough to hear.
    “You think I can’t look at a woman I’ve known since I was born and not see she’s had a tumble the night before? With Shawn, you can’t be sure, as he’s half the time got that dreaming look in his eyes. But you, that’s a different kettle.”
    “So what if I did?” Brenna hissed it as she sat down. “I said I was going to. And no,” she said as soon as she caught the glint. “I won’t be telling you about it.”
    “Who said I’d want to know?” But of course she did.She sat herself, leaned close. “One thing.”
    “No, not even one.”
    “One thing—we’ve had one thing no matter who or what our whole lives.”
    “Damn it.” It was true, and to break tradition now would be breaking a bond. “Four times last night.”
    “Four?” Eyes widened, Darcy looked toward the kitchen as if she could peer right through the door and pin her brother to the opposite wall. “Well, I have to give him a raise in my estimation. And it’s hardly a wonder you’re looking relaxed.”
    “I feel wonderful. Does it really