Family Matters (19 page)

“Nothing wrong with that, is there? You're concerned about your kids at school, the way I'm concerned about my clients. In my job, I don't develop long-term relationships. But you often do. And your caring has an impact.”

“I like to think so. My students are all special, in their own way.”

“So is your family.” He chuckled. “And I have to tell you, the MacBride clan still needs you, probably more than you realize.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Don't brush it off, Kerry,” he said earnestly. “It's one of the things I admire most about you, your strong sense of caring for your family. And I can see why. They're all good people.”

“Even Uncle Bren?” she asked.

Matt had come a long way in these weeks away from her, had done a lot of thinking. Her family meant so much to her.
And, though he could hardly believe it, they'd come to mean something to him, too.

“Even Bren has his good points,” he said honestly. “After all, he has to, if you care that much about him.” He chuckled and tapped gently on the front of her shirt. “I think the heart inside here is big enough to take care of everyone. I only hope you'll allow one more in.”

When she didn't say anything, he reached for her hand, felt it trembling, and closed his fingers around hers. “You said you felt lost without your family. Kerry, I've felt lost lately, too—without you. I know running off wasn't the right way to handle things. But I'm done running. I want to stay. Will you give me a chance?”

He suddenly found himself holding his breath, waiting for her reply.

His life, his plans and his future depended on it.

Tears welled up on her lower lids and threatened to spill over. She blinked them away. But she didn't speak.

His chest squeezed painfully. “I know you come as a package deal—and I wouldn't have it any other way. If that's what you're worrying about, don't. I'll do whatever it takes to get your family to accept me.”

A long time seemed to pass.

From all around came the sounds of the amusement park—laughter and shouts near the booths, screams from the direction of the roller coaster, the music of the carousel. But there was only one thing he wanted to hear, and finally, at last, it came.

Kerry's voice, as she said seriously, “I told you once before, Matt, I don't play games.” The words would have been cold and hard, except for the soft curve of her lips.

“No games, Kerry Anne MacBride,” he vowed. “Just give me time, and I'll convince you of everything I've been saying. I'll win you over, and your family, too.”

She shook her head and sighed in mock despair, even as she locked her fingers with his. “In that case,” she said solemnly, “you'd better hope for the luck of the Irish—
and
the magic of Rainbow's End.”

One year later

The lights on the pier at Rainbow's End lit a path to their favorite ride—the Ferris wheel. As their car swept upward, Kerry leaned back, snuggling into the familiar curve of Matt's arms and surveying the success story below.

All her volunteers had stayed on for the rest of that first summer. By the time she returned to Chicago for the new school year, she'd left behind an experienced crew. They closed the park during the coldest months but reopened it as soon as the weather turned warmer again.

Even J.J. had returned this summer to Lakeside immediately after his part-time job at college had ended.

J.J. had made the right decision about going to school, just as she had made the right decision about focusing on her students.

Tonight, they had all come together again to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the rebirth of Rainbow's End—as well as the six-month anniversary of the day she and Matt had married.

The car swept full circle, and they soared upward again.

In the bright moonlight and the even brighter lights lining the pier, they saw Uncle Bren below, waving his top hat to the crowd.

Matt chuckled. “Who knew he'd stick around this long?”

She smiled to herself. He and Bren had become friends—one of the many magical things that had happened during the year.

“He had a lot of incentive to settle down,” she reminded him.

“Yeah.” He shifted, turning her to face him. “Helped along by a lot of family interference. Especially from his favorite niece.”

“His
only
niece.” She smiled. “But you know that's not true. The signs were all there long before I arrived here. Uncle Bren and Olivia were a matched set from day one.”

“Sounds like another couple I know.”

“Oh?” she asked innocently. She waved her hand and, as if by magic, the Ferris wheel came to a halt, leaving their car at the very top, in their lucky place over the rainbow.

Matt grinned. “I love you, Kerry Anne. And this past year proves we were meant to be together.
With
your family.”

“They
have
taken to you, haven't they?”

“Told you they would,” he said smugly.

“How do you feel now you're married into that crazy clan?”

“You want to know the truth?” he asked in an astonished tone. “Like the luck of the Irish rubbed off on me.”

She laughed. “Well, prepare to get even luckier, laddie. Remember that family you always wanted?”

“Kerry!” He grasped her hands and stared at her. “Do you mean—? Are you saying—? I mean, are you really—?”

She laughed. “I've never seen my smooth-talking lawyer so tongue-tied.”

“I'll show you tongue-tied.” Matt leaned forward and yelled down to the crowd. “Hey, people—we're having a baby!”

Gasps and shrieks sounded from below.

“Matt, you're as crazy as any MacBride!” Shaking her
head, she leaned forward. “Not right this minute!” she called. “Not for months yet, even.”

“And definitely not soon enough for me,” Matt said, wrapping his arms around her.

Now realizing there was no cause for alarm, the crowd below burst into applause.

And above the dark, still surface of the lake, fireworks exploded, brightening the sky over Rainbow's End with a thousand crackling stars.