Leaving Ian and Jake to cover the bar, Taryn led Aidan and Mary away from the public area and into a large, old-fashioned kitchen. “This kitchen is amazing,” Mary commented, looking around and noting the ten-foot high ceilings, carved wooden cabinetry, and ancient banquet-sized table taking up a good portion of the room.
Taryn smiled. “I know, right? When it was originally built nearly three hundred years ago, it was a hotel. People would take ferries up the river and stay here overnight. Then during the Civil War, the owners offered it up as a place where Union soldiers could crash and recover, grab a hot meal and a clean bed.”
“No kidding?”
“Nope. There’s a historical plaque marker on the front and everything. Jack Callaghan bought the place as an investment not too long after he got married. Jake took it over about a dozen years ago or so. He and the others put a lot of time and effort into restoring it to its former glory. Can’t even imagine Pine Ridge without it now.”
“They did a fabulous job.”
Taryn smiled proudly. “Yeah, they really did.” She opened a door to reveal a flight of steps. “The top two floors are private living areas,” she said as she beckoned for them to follow. “At one time, all the guys lived here, but now it’s mainly just Jake and me and our rugrats. And Jack, of course.”
“Welcome to the clan lair. Everyone ends up here eventually.”
They emerged on the second floor into a massive central room. Mary stopped, blinking her eyes several times. On one side of the room there was a flat screen that took up nearly the entire wall; the rest was covered by shelves and shelves of electronics. The other three walls were decorated with an assortment of speakers and lights. The room itself was a collection of oversized furniture – sofas, recliners, chairs, and various coffee tables.
Each piece of furniture was occupied by some of the largest men Mary had ever seen (which explained the size of the stuff), and a number of children ranging in age from a few months to mid-teens.
“Organized chaos,” Taryn laughed, picking her way across the room. “Come on, the girls are in here. Try not to step on anyone.”
Aidan placed his hand possessively on the small of Mary’s back; she took comfort in that. The men greeted him, glancing at her and nodding with curious, slightly amused looks. She nodded back, feeling like she was walking through a den of big bears and their cubs.
Arches at the far end of the man cave opened into a kitchenette. That is where the women had gathered, and where Taryn now led Aidan and Mary.
Six pairs of female eyes locked onto Mary the instant she came into view, from the bluest skies and the deepest greens to the most startling silvery gray.
Rebecca was the first to stand and approach them. Mary knew it had to be Aidan’s sister, because her hair was the color of bronze and they shared the same exotic golden amber eyes.
“Aidan,” she said, smiling and embracing her brother.
“And you must be Mary,” Rebecca said, turning to her. “I am so glad to meet you.” Rebecca’s voice was soft and soothing, and when she turned her smile to Mary, Mary felt the gentle power of it. “I am so happy you came. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Tea? Soda?”
“Tea would be great, thanks,” Mary said. A woman with cherry cola hued hair and brilliant green eyes jumped up.
“Tea it is. I’m Maggie, by the way. Michael’s wife. He says you gave the nurses a hard time.”
Embarrassed, Mary flushed, but Maggie laughed and added, “Good for you, Mary. We’re going to get along just fine.”
“And I’m Nicki,” said the woman with jet black hair and eyes like glittering diamonds. “Nice to meet you.”
Lexi waved a hand and patted the empty seat next to her. “You already know me. This is Lacie, Shane’s wife -” (a very attractive blonde smiled and nodded) “- and Faith, Kieran’s new bride.” Lexi looked over at Aidan and made a shooing motion. “Go on, Aidan. Watch the game with the guys or something. We’ll take good care of her.”
Aidan didn’t look so sure about that. Mary wasn’t sure either, but she didn’t want to embarrass Aidan, so she forced a smile and assured him she’d be fine.
“Come on, man,” said Kieran, placing his hand on Aidan’s shoulder. “There’s no fighting them when they’re united like that.” Aidan looked again at the women, now glaring at him, and reluctantly retreated back into the other room.
“Good, he’s gone,” said Taryn, leaning forward as Maggie placed a cup of tea in front of Mary. “Now, tell us how you two met...”
*
Aidan shot frequent worried looks toward the kitchen. He could hear the murmur of Mary’s voice interspersed with the others, and guessed that they were giving her the third degree. He felt his heart drop substantially when he heard all of the women laughing.
Sean, who was closest to the door, grinned at Aidan and said, “She really took your ass home when you were soused?”