In Jake’s leadership, and the way he had of being able to mediate and talk sense into even the most stubborn among them.
In Michael’s caring and compassionate heart.
In Ian’s mischief.
In Sean’s stubbornness.
In Shane’s empathy and awareness of others.
In Kieran’s innate tendency to put the needs of others before his own.
Fine men, all of them, because their mother had been an extraordinary woman. As Kathleen continued to live in his heart, mind, and soul, so she lived on in her sons, and now her grandchildren as well. Until he could be with her again, it would be enough.
And, according to Kathleen, he was still needed here. For what, he didn’t know, but whatever it was, he knew she would be right there with him until it was time to go.
In the meantime, he wasn’t going to let her -—or any of them -—down.
“Aye, I am,” he smiled.
“Awesome!” Riley squealed, dropping her backpack and climbing up on the bench seat beside him. “Does that mean you’ll help me with my homework again?” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Mom tries, but somebody’s always interrupting.” She cast a scowl towards her three-year-old brother, Rory, who grinned, showcasing the half-eaten animal crackers in his mouth. At the same time, her baby brother, Daniel, let out an ear-piercing wail from his swing.
“Me, too, Grandpa,” chimed in Patrick, refusing to be ignored. Just as Ian had done when he was that age, the boy made a beeline for the refrigerator. He grabbed a carton of milk and plate of pre-made snacks Taryn always had prepared for them after school. “Ryan said you wouldn’t, ‘cause you were living with him now, but I knew you’d be back.”
His little sister Katie climbed up on the bench seat beside him and grabbed the cheese stick right out of his hand. “He’s just jealous,” she said with the wisdom of a woman older than her four, almost five years.
It was humbling, the way they looked at him like that, with a mixture of innocence, love, and hope. As much as he missed Kathleen, he was glad he had this time with them. With all of his grandchildren. Glad that he could be a part of their lives, and they were still young enough to want him in theirs.
“Aye, I will. But first, I need to talk to your Das and uncles. Have your snacks, and then we’ll get to work.”
Taryn smiled in approval. Clever lass.
Jack made his way up the stairs, the task easier with every passing day, to have a talk with his sons. One that was long overdue.
He found Ian lounging in his chair, “testing” it out to make sure everything worked after the move. Shane was looking at the framed pictures. Jake was sitting in the old recliner, twisting the cap off a bottle of water while Sean fiddled with the TV. Only Kieran and Kane were absent.
“Ian, bring in that fancy tablet of yours and set up a video call with Kane and Kieran.”
Ian sat up as the others shot questioning glances his way. “What’s up, Dad?”
“Just do it.”
Exchanging looks with the others, Ian got up and did as he asked. When everyone was present, Jack said, “I know you all have things to do, so I’ll make this quick. Like it or not, I am still the patriarch of this clan. That means that you will keep me informed of what is going on in this family, including your missions. You will cease coddling me like a sickly old man who’s got one foot in the grave. Yes, I had a heart attack. I’ve recovered. Get over it. Any questions?”
They stared at him in silence for several long minutes. Michael smiled. Then Sean. Then Ian, Jake, and Shane.
“In that case,” Kieran said over the tablet screen, “I’ll expect you down at BodyWorks at 0600 hours tomorrow morning.”
Jack grunted an affirmation and nodded.
“About fucking time,” Kane muttered, but a smile ghosted his lips. “We’ve got a situation that’s come up, and we’re going to need your expertise on this one. We’re heading into town tomorrow. We’ll discuss it then.” His video feed faded as he broke the connection.
“Welcome back, Dad,” Jake said. “Feel up to tending tonight?”
“Aye. But I have some homework to be helping with first.”
“You see,” Kathleen’s voice said as he walked back down the stairs to his waiting grandchildren, “they do need you. They were just waiting for you to catch up.”
“Aye,” he smiled to himself. The woman always had been one step ahead of him. And eventually, he’d catch up to her, too.
Some Personal Notes
Thank you SO MUCH for taking this incredible journey with me. For adopting the Callaghans and including them in your lives.
I know many of you wanted Jack to find love again. You wrote letters, emails, messaged me, even drafted out possible love interests and plot twists to give me a gentle nudge. I was (and continue to be) truly moved that you would care about Jack so much.