Wild Chance (Wild Irish Universe)(41)

Mona’s soul filled with a warmth she’d never experienced before. She’d always wanted a big family. This was proof that even if things got hairy, this family would always be there.

Shaking her head, she went back to fussing over the bread pudding she’d been trying to get right. Even though she’d never made the stuff before, Aedan loved it.

Esme showed up a little later, with a giant chocolate cake Mona had ordered days before. Thankfully, it wasn’t damaged in the drive over. Now, Aedan would have a choice between chocolate or vanilla—or both.

With everything set and ready to go, Mona waited on pins and needles. Aedan didn’t seem like the surprise party sort, but it wasn’t like she’d invited strangers. These people loved him, and it wouldn’t have been a birthday without them. The happiness around her made her heart soared. She couldn’t help thinking if things went well with Aedan, she be a part of this brood.

That didn’t scare her one bit.

Justin, who Mona had come to know was Killian’s partner in a three-way relationship, made a dirty joke. Everyone burst out laughing. Lilly, the woman in the middle of the two devilishly handsome men, blushed heavily and covered her face with her palms.

Mona giggled.

“Would you hobos keep it down?” Mona hollered. “I need to hear when his bike turns into the driveway.”

The clan silently exchanged looks then laughed even harder.

Kiera stressed their point by sticking her tongue out at Mona. Mona crinkled her nose and returned the gesture. It took another hour before the rumble of Aedan’s Harley sounded outside. Everyone immediately became silent and shuffled into the backyard, corralling kids as they went. Mona exited the house and met Aedan. He wrapped his arms around her and rested her against the cycle.

“Hi.” Aedan whispered, kissing her deeply.

“Happy birthday,” Mona said. “A mhuirnín.”

“Aww thank you, a stórín.” Aedan caressed down her arm and up again. “You called me darling—did you want to learn Gaelic then?”

“Tá.” Mona nodded. “I want to be able to say a few words to your mom when we meet them.”

“She will adore you, Mona.” Aedan’s voice trembled. “She must.” He cradled her face and kissed her gently.

She sighed and rested her palms to his hips. “Listen, I know you’re not much for surprises, but your entire family is here.”

Aedan arched a brow.

“It’s a surprise for your birthday. I figured what better way than having those you love here for you.”

“You did all that for me? I know they can be a little much.”

“I don’t mind. And yes, for you. They aren’t bad people—just really, really naughty.”

Aedan laughed.

“Now, when you go inside,” Mona said, caressing his chest. “Could you pretend to be surprised?”

“What do I get from this deception?”

He dragged a hand to the hem of her short dress then began hiking it up as he moved his palm along her thigh. Aedan nipped at her bottom lip.

Mona whimpered. “What do you want?”

“You aren’t wearing any panties.” He trailed a finger intimately across her.

“The rule was no panties when I invited you over.”

Aedan grinned like a Cheshire cat. “Good girl. I’ll have to reward you when we get some time alone.”

After another kiss, Mona reluctantly peeled her body from his arm and took his hand. She led him up the front steps and into the house. After another kiss, she walked ahead of him, through the kitchen and out the back door.

“Surprise!”

Aedan laughed. “You guys!”

“Happy birthday!” Will Wallace called, raising a glass toward Aedan.

There was a flurry of hugs and high-fives and kisses to heads. Even Esme got in there for a hug. Mona stood back and allowed Aedan to enjoy this time, the warmth and love that surrounded him. From what he’d told her about his past, he didn’t have many of these moments. She wanted him to enjoy every second.

They ate wherever they could find a seat, but the chatter never stopped. No one was left out, Mona couldn’t understand how the Collins were able to do that. She looked around, studying everyone and no one was frowning or sad. At one point Esme had laughed so hard, she had rice coming out her nose. Mona wasn’t sure how that worked but she couldn’t help giggling even as she used a napkin to wipe Esme’s nose.

Cakes were cut, champagne drank, and presents were opened. The party ended early in the morning. Esme, on the other hand, was too drunk to drive home, so she took over the guestroom. But though tired, Mona couldn’t sleep. She sat on her bed, dressed in a baby blue nightgown, and waited for Aedan to finish in the bathroom. He finally walked out, towel wrapped around his muscular hips while rubbing his head with another.

“Thank you,” he said.

“For what?”

“This—tonight. Having that many people in this house couldn’t have been easy for you. Just the thought that you did it for me—fills me with such—joy.”

Mona giggled. “Hearing that makes me happy. I do have two presents for you that I didn’t give you before.”

Aedan wiggled his brows at her.

“Not yet.”