Whispers in the Dark - Maya Banks [102]
They were careful not to discuss Shea’s situation in front of his parents. Instead today was a day to simply enjoy and to forget the shadow that hung over them. For a few hours, Nathan would pretend that this was his life. His life with Shea.
Marlene fussed endlessly over Swanny. She bullied him when the burgers were served and he only took one. Nathan smiled because his friend didn’t have a chance in hell. Nathan’s mom was a force of nature and she’d already decided that Swanny was going to be her next adopted chick. She even made him sit by her when they all took their places at the table.
Then Frank simply reached out and took his wife’s hand on one side and Donovan’s on the other. Donovan in turn reached for Nathan’s. Nathan slipped his hand over Shea’s at the same time Joe, on her other side, took her other hand and then reached next to him for Swanny’s hand, and Marlene completed the chain when she gripped his other hand.
In his gruff voice, Frank said a prayer, thanking God for bringing Nathan back to his family. For introducing Swanny into the Kelly fold and finally for Shea. He asked for His hand of safety to surround Shea and then he asked Him to bless the food before them.
After issuing a solemn Amen, which was echoed by everyone at the table, Frank looked up, still holding tightly to his wife’s and son’s hands.
“Never forget that family is the most important thing. No matter how far your life takes you away, your family is always here. And if you’re nothing else in this world, you’re a Kelly, and that makes you loved.”
Nathan’s throat tightened. He raised his gaze to stare at his dad. Yeah, he understood the message. Don’t push your family away. They loved you no matter what.
Frank nodded in Nathan’s direction and then released his hold on Marlene’s and Donovan’s hands.
“Let’s eat before the meat gets cold,” he said.
Shea dug in and guilt tugged at Nathan. Joe had been right. She was starving. Though how he’d known that, Nathan wasn’t sure. Or maybe he just guessed.
“They’re wonderful, Swanny,” Shea said as she licked one of her fingers. “Best burger I’ve ever had.”
Swanny smiled when the others added their praises.
“Seems to me that I could step down from the barbeque pit now that we have an expert,” Frank said.
Swanny held up his hands. “Oh no, sir. You see, a team is required for these matters. Preparation is only one part of the whole. It can be prepared masterfully, but if it’s not grilled to perfection, then preparation doesn’t matter one bit. I respectfully suggest that you continue manning the Kelly grill.”
Marlene reached over and patted Swanny’s hand. “Then you’ll just have to make sure you’re here to do the prepar-
ing.”
Shea grinned in Swanny’s direction, and Nathan caught the words she mouthed. I told you so.
Unsure of what that was all about, he began fixing Shea another burger. When he offered it to her, she looked like she was going to say no, but he plopped it onto her plate with a one-word directive. “Eat.”
She ate half of it before finally pushing the plate away with a groan. “That was so good, but I’m stuffed now.”
Swanny started to get up to collect some of the plates, but Shea got to her feet, maneuvering from the picnic table, and then leaned over to put her hand on Swanny’s arm.
“You stay out here, Swanny. I’ll clear the table. You were in the kitchen all afternoon.”
“So were you,” Swanny said in amusement.
Marlene stood and, at the same time, pushed Swanny back down, her hand firm on his shoulder. “I’ll help Shea. You stay here and visit with the boys.”
Nathan watched as Shea and his mom disappeared into the house bearing armfuls of dishes. Without a word, Donovan and Joe stood and Nathan followed right behind. Frank chuckled as he, too, rose.
“Glad to see my boys