I fidget in my seat as my mother-in-law keeps throwing not-so-subtle glances at me on the ride over to the Holy Cross Cathedral. As much as I would have preferred to go to the church I’ve been attending on Baker Street for the past few months, I couldn’t refuse accompanying the matriarch of the Kelly family to her preferred place of worship when she announced this morning she wanted to pray for the health of my unborn child and its quick delivery. However, I didn’t think I’d have to suffer being placed under a microscope the whole ride through. I try to feign nonchalance at her constant staring, but when she starts to giggle like a schoolgirl, that’s when my poised composure starts to crack.
“Please, Saoirse. If you have something to say, just come out and say it.”
“Now girl, call me Ma like I told ye.” She nudges her shoulder playfully against mine. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s that it only just occurred to me why my Shay wasn’t sure if the babaí in your belly was Tiernan’s or not.”
“It is,” I state evenly, hoping my stern tone is enough to dissuade her from asking any further questions.
I don’t want to sound rude, but I’m at a loss as to what to say if she does ask me what Shay meant by that remark last night. It’s not like we four have had much time to talk about the logistics of our relationship and what we’re going to tell people.
I mean, how would that conversation even start?
I’m in love with not only my husband but also his brother and cousin. And we’ve decided that we’re all going to be one big happy family together.
Not exactly a statement people will accept, no matter how open-minded they are.
“Aye, this one maybe,” Saoirse muses, pulling me out of my reverie and bringing my attention back to her. “But I doubt you’ll be too sure of the next younglings that might come along after. Am I wrong?” She hikes up her brow suggestively.
Virgen.
I guess this is how the conversation starts.
“Maybe not,” I admit, chewing my lower lip nervously. “Will you think any less of me if that happens?”
“Why would I?” She dismisses my apprehension with a smile. “From what I saw and heard last night, you’ve got all my boys tied around your finger, and they couldn’t be happier about it. Those three are head over heels for ye, and if the broad smile my Colin was wearing when he came downstairs this morning is any inkling, then I’m sure you are making all three extremely happy. And that’s all a mother like me would want for her children. For them to be happy. You’ll see that soon enough when your own little one is born.”
Relief relaxes my tense posture, making my head fall back onto the leather seat.
“I was so afraid you wouldn’t feel that way. I know your husband doesn’t like me very much, but hearing you say those words lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. I doubt many people will be as understanding.”
“Ah, don’t pay my Niall any mind. He has a good heart underneath his stubbornness. He’ll come around. You just wait and see.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so.” She pats my knee lovingly. “As for the rest of them? Who cares? We Kellys have never cared much for popular opinion. We’ve always danced to the beat of our own drum.” She throws me another comforting grin. “However, next time you four decide to sleep under my roof, give an old woman some notice. At least long enough for me to run to the store and buy some good earplugs. I think most of Beacon Hill heard you four go at it last night. If I was a betting woman, I’d put money down on how a lot of babies were made on account of listening to you lot.”
“Oh my God!” I cover my face in embarrassment.
“Yep. I heard that one, too. Always knew you were religious, I just never assumed that much.” She winks.
“I’ve never wished for the floor to open up and swallow me whole more than I do at this very minute.”
“Relax, child. I’m only messing with ye. You’re a Kelly now. Through and through. You’re going to need tougher skin than that. Teasing and making fun of each other is how we show we love one another.”
She entwines her hand in mine and gives it a little squeeze, my heart swelling with gratitude at her words. My mother died a little while after Francesco was born, so to have Saoirse’s motherly affection feels like a gift all on its own.
When I first arrived in Boston, I thought this city would be a prison for me—grey, dull, and stifling. I was sure that I’d never find peace here, much less love. But in just three months, my predictions were all proven false. Just as my opinion for this great city has shifted, so has my life turned on its axis, giving me room to hope and live a love well beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of. Now as I stare at the passing scenery, with my mother-in-law at my side, I see all the vibrant colors I missed before—the blue sky above and the smiling pedestrians buying their fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables from street vendors and market places. How the new skyscrapers blend with the old architecture that gives this city its warmth and appeal.
This is my home.
And it is magical.
When our driver pulls up at the church, any apprehension I had about coming here vanishes. I no longer look at it as a symbol of my impending doom, but as the place where I took my first steps toward leading the life I have now. Humility, as well as gratitude, fill me up with joy as I walk alongside Saoirse into the large cathedral, wishing I could tell the old me not to be afraid. That marrying my enemy would be the greatest thing that could have ever happened to me.
We walk down the aisle and find a pew in the front to say our prayers. I take out my rosary and begin to thank the Virgin Mother for all her blessings and pray that the child growing inside me knows only love and joy in its future. After I’ve said my prayers, I get off my knees and give Saoirse a little tap on the shoulder.