Enzo (Jinx Tattoos Book 1) (21 page)

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he asked, holding her hand as they stood outside his mother’s home the next day.

“No, but you can’t keep dodging work.”

“True.” He sighed.

They’d managed to rough out a schedule. At the moment, she was invested in a project with a local group of artists. She would watch Aoife while she worked from home, and once they felt comfortable, they’d begin the hunt for a nanny and figure out her hours.

“It’s like a Band-Aid, rip it off fast and it’ll hurt less.”

“You do remember my mother, right?” he asked.

She snickered. “Mine’s on cloud nine right now. Trust me, the engagement will counteract the baby,” she said, looking down at the baby he held in the carrier.

“We’ll see.” He rang the doorbell.

Rhys answered.

“Everyone’s here, man. You ready for the fireworks?”

“You’re enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” he asked.

“Immensely!” Rhys smirked, inviting them in as he kissed Aibhlinn’s check and closed the door behind him. “Mom’s in the kitchen and the guys are in the game room around the pool table. They’re between foster kids right now, so it’s just us.”

“Let’s go to Mom first,” he said.

They shrugged out of their coats, and removed a bundled up Aoife. She cooed at Aibhlinn and his heart melted. The hell he faced now was worth it. After he helped remove Aoife’s jacket, he placed a hand on Ave’s back as they walked through the living room.

He paused in the kitchen, studying his mother as she cleaned off the counter. “Give me a minute,” he said to her.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded, kissing her forehead. She walked back to the living room and he entered the kitchen. “Hey, Mom.”

His mother turned. “Enzo?” She frowned. “I thought you were bringing Aibhlinn with you?”

“I did, she’s waiting in the living room. I need to talk to you first.”

His mother set down the towel. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Well… I have good news and bad news.”

“Bad news?”

“A few days ago I found out I fathered a baby. The mother has no interest in taking care of Aoife, so I now have full custody of her.”

His mother’s jaw dropped. “How could you be so careless?”

“Ma, I wasn’t. But things happen. Nothing’s one hundred percent, you know that.”

She looked up and sighed. “I know. I know. But this isn’t what I wanted for you.”

“I know, Ma. But it’s the best thing. I know it sounds crazy, but she’s a little miracle.”

His mother smiled. Tears made her brown eyes glisten. “And the good news?” she asked, sniffling.

“I need Ave to come in and help me with this part,” he said. “Ave,” he called out for her and she walked in and stood by his side. “You finally got your wish. I asked Aibhlinn to marry me and she said yes.”

His mother let out a squeal and jumped up and down. “Yes! Finally!” She rushed to him and he lifted her into a bear hug, laughing.

“What happened?” his father, asked busting into the kitchen.

“Enzo and Aibhlinn are getting married!” his mother cried.

“Congrats!” his father exclaimed, patting him on the shoulder as he kissed Aibhlinn on the cheek.

“Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy,” Aibhlinn said.

“That’s great, but what’s with the baby?” Silas asked bringing up the rear.

“That’s mine. The mother didn’t want the responsibility, so she signed over the rights. Aibhlinn and I plan on raising Aoife Rose together,” he explained.

He could see the disappointment in Silas’ eyes.

His father’s smile was kind and his gaze was free of censure. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he squeezed. “We know better than most that families come to us in all different ways. Congratulations, son.”

His eyes prickled and he blinked to hold back the tears. “Thanks, Dad,” he said.

“I guess we can officially say welcome to the family now,” Rhys eyes sparkled with laughter.

“Yeah, that means hands off for good, pipsqueak,” Enzo said, hugging his fiancée to his side.

“Never a dull moment with you around, Enz,” Silas said.

He ignored the attitude in Silas’ voice.

“Been that way since day one, hasn’t it, Mother?” his father, ever the peacemaker asked.

“Oh yes. All you boys brought your own mischief. But we wouldn’t have it any other way,” his mom added.

His parents had always stood behind him, but seeing them rally now, despite what could be perceived as a huge mistake, choked him up. He knew they said they were proud of him, but now he felt it. His life was turning into something with meaning and completeness. He’d spent a lot of time wandering around in the dark and afterward, lingering in twilight. For the first time, he could actually see the light.

Parking in the carport at her mother’s condo she took a deep breath. She hadn’t told her mother about the baby. It didn’t seem like news one delivered on the phone.
But surprising her is better
. She opted to do this alone, heading out after Enzo went to work at the shop.

“Hope the luck of the Irish is with us today, my girl. We’re going to need it. My mum doesn’t like unexpected changes. Not that I can blame her. A lifetime of wondering if my da was going to make it home was enough.” Her thoughts went back to the late nights, shady dealings, and tasks that no child should be asked to complete. At the time, she thought she’d been helping the cause. Now, she wondered if she could ever make up for it. She climbed from the car, and removed Aoife, lost in the memories of the past.

“Love, I need you to do something for me,” her father said.

“What’s that, Da?” she asked.

He gave her a weak smile. “I need you to ride this bike over to the local store, and leave it for one of the boys to pick up.”

She smiled, happy to help. Lately, things had been tense around the house. Laughter had run dry, and her father had been strangely serious. He was gone more than he was home. “I can do that, Da, no problem.”

“Okay, lovely, but you have to be quick as a wink. Do it and skedaddle, you keen?”

“Yes, Da.”

“Okay, my girl, I’ll drop you up the road. Just to the drugstore and run like hell.”

Her stomach knotted.
Was he sending her out there with a bomb?
She knew the way the Army worked. It was right up their alley. If she didn’t know for sure, she could tell the police that, and pass the polygraph should she be hauled in. He handed her a black trainer and a cap. She wound her hair in a bun, shrugged on the jacket, and gasped when he handed her a pair of leather gloves. A look of understanding passed between them. He gave a slight nod, and they loaded up into a black van.

Everything moved in slow motion as they drove into town and he dropped her at the end of the street. She struggled to keep her pace steady, mentally counting down. Sweat poured down her back and into her eyes. Ignoring the burn, she made it to the drug store, hit the brake pedal, and dismounted. She leaned the bike against the wall, shoved her hands into her pockets, and ran for all she was worth. She was in an alley three streets over when she heard the explosion. Tears poured down her face and she slid down the wall.
How many died just now?
Their blood was on her hands—not her da’s, and not the Army’s. Catching her breath, she stood, swiped at her eyes, and removed her jacket and coat. Tucking the bundle under her arm, she casually strolled to the meeting spot her father had discussed. Tonight, they would be celebrating, and she would paste a smile on her face and accept their congratulatory praise. Because to do anything else was dangerous for not only her, but her family.