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.
“I’m just going to light a candle for the baby and some other ones for my brothers.”
“Aye, don’t forget to light some for my boys, too.” She grins widely.
“They’re the first ones on my list.” I smile.
I walk over to the other side of the church where the candles are and begin my ritual of praying for the men in my life. I’m so consumed in my task that I don’t hear someone walk up behind me until it’s too late. Strong hands cover my mouth to prevent me from screaming, and before I can lift my head to see who it is, my attacker strikes a blow to my head that knocks me out cold.
The next time I open my eyes, I’m tied to a large pillar with my arms behind my back. My heart thumps madly in my chest as I see a small altar in front of me, Father Doyle pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself.
“Father Doyle?” I ask, confused, tugging at my binds.
He snaps his head to me, his gaze looking completely unhinged.
“What… what am I doing here? What is this place? Where am I?” I swallow dryly, looking around the dimly lit room, trying to gather any detail that might tell me where I am.
The detailed religious imagery on the windows and the small altar in front of the room tell me that I’m still somewhere inside the church. Probably somewhere underneath it. This room must be a private chamber where priests come to pray. However, something tells me that Father Doyle is going to use it for nefarious reasons—reasons that have my heart shriveling up inside my chest.