My Wild Irish Dragon (19 page)

“I can get a fake ID and become someone completely different. Then I'll have to create a whole backstory. Move. Start over. And without plastic surgery, I'd have to wear a damn good disguise and never return to Boston. It sounds like a total pain in the ass.”

“Oh, I don't know… It's not so bad.”

Suddenly, things fell into place. “Are you saying that's what
you
did?”

She gave a slight shrug. “Well, I couldn't very well say, ‘Hello, there. I'm a centuries-old Irish dragon without an existing birth certificate. Would you let me take your citizenship test?'”

He rubbed her fingers with the pad of his thumb. “Is this your real face?”

She smiled. “It's the only one I've ever owned, freckles and all.”

“Good.” He swooped in for a quick kiss. As always, the magnetic pull made him want to hold her close and topple onto the mattress with her. But he couldn't—yet. With a herculean effort, he pulled away.

“So, what are you goin' to do?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I don't know. I just know I want you with me.” He took a deep breath and dropped to one knee. Rooting around in his back pocket, he found his mother's ring and presented it to her. “Chloe…”

Her eyes rounded.

“Will you—”

He didn't have a chance to finish his question. She answered him by grabbing his collar and planting a hard kiss on his mouth.

* * *

Feeling like she was floating, Chloe followed Ryan up the stairs when his mother called out that dinner was ready. How this family would handle their news was anyone's guess. She'd never been so nervous, and she didn't care for the feeling.

She reminded herself that they might accept her. After all, they were a little
different
too.

Ryan pulled out a chair for her and she sat, scooting up to the table as he pushed her chair forward. Most of the “boys” were taking their usual chairs, but she noticed Luca bringing in an extra one from the kitchen. He took a space that had been set on one corner of the tablecloth. There was another son seated on the other corner. She thought his name was Nico or Noah.

“Our family needs a bigger table,” Luca said.

“Not necessarily,” Mr. Fierro said. He eyed Ryan as if knowing he wouldn't be around much longer.

When everyone was settled, Ryan cleared his throat. “Um, folks. Chloe and I have an announcement.”

The salad bowl and bread basket that were being passed around were set down. The room fell silent. Chloe had her heart in her throat, wondering how Ryan would drop this bombshell, and if the family would blow up.

“Well, speak,” Mr. Fierro said.

Ryan took Chloe's left hand and raised it. “I proposed and Chloe accepted.” Then he kissed her knuckles.

She held his gaze, so she missed whatever immediate reactions were occurring around the table. Maybe it was a good thing. No one spoke at first, but his smile helped her relax and breathe.

Finally Jayce asked, “Is that Mom's ring?”

“Yes it is,” Mrs. Fierro answered before Ryan could.

“I'll let Chloe pick out her own, later,” Ryan said. “I don't want you to go without yours, Ma. But thanks for letting me borrow it.”

His mother waved her hand. “Borrow, shmorrow. I meant for her to have it. She'll be married to the next Fierro leader, after all.”

Mr. Fierro sighed. “I wish you'd told me this might happen. I had no idea. Now our situation is even more complicated.”

Chloe was surprised by the elder's words, but maybe that would explain the reaction of the others—or lack of one. “I'm a complication?”

Mr. Fierro chuckled sadly. “I'm sorry, dear girl. I didn't mean it like that. Our Ryan is happier than he's been in ages. And we're happy for him. The situation was already complicated, but we'll figure something out.” He shot his wife some kind of disapproving look.

“If the ring should go to someone else, I'm perfectly okay with that. I mean—it's beautiful, and I would treasure it, but if there's some kind of protocol I'd be breaking…”

“Not at all,” Mrs. Fierro said. “I can give
my
ring to anyone I choose. It was my mother's and her mother's before that.”

Chloe glanced around at the rest of the clan. The only one who seemed to be smiling was Sandra. She immediately reached across Ryan and clasped Chloe's hand, giving it a squeeze.

“Welcome to the family,
Sister.
”

Chloe couldn't help being genuinely touched and gave Sandra a soft smile.

Others murmured their congratulations, but the tone seemed tentative. She tried not to take it personally, telling herself they were naturally worried about their brother and they didn't know her well.

Mrs. Fierro rose. Even at five feet, the woman commanded everyone's attention. “Look, life is complicated. This is a celebration. I'm delighted to welcome Chloe to our family. Ryan deserves great happiness after all he's been through…and I'd better hear some more excitement from the rest of you. We'll find a way to keep them with us here in Boston.” She eyed Luca. “And we'll buy a bigger table. But regardless, she'll be the mother of our next generation, and I suggest you all remember that.”

Oh no.
This wouldn't do at all. Chloe had to tell them she couldn't have Ryan's children. She opened her mouth to speak, but Ryan squeezed her thigh. She looked to him, to see if he was trying to get her attention. Apparently he was, because he gave her a quick and subtle headshake.

“But…” she whispered.

“Not now,” he said.

“What's wrong?” Mrs. Fierro asked.

Everyone focused their attention on the couple.

“Nothing,” Ryan said.

Chloe felt her cheeks heat. She didn't usually blush, but when she did there was no missing it. Her very fair skin would turn bright pink and sometimes mottled. It wasn't a good look.

“I can't.” There. She'd said it. She glanced at Ryan and he was frowning. Well, too bad. She wasn't going to mislead his family. If they didn't like the truth, there wasn't much she could do about it.

“What do you mean, dear?” Mrs. Fierro asked.

“I can't have children. I'm sorry.” Chloe stiffened her posture and lifted her chin. “If you want your ring back, I completely understand. But I'm not giving your son back.”

Ryan smiled and gave her hand a quick reassuring pat.

“Did you know about this, son?” Mr. Fierro asked.

“Yes, I did. She told me weeks ago. I don't care. I love Chloe.” He glanced around the table at the others and finally focused on Miguel and Sandra. “There are plenty of others here who can bring the next generation into the world.”

At that, Sandra blushed. Miguel looked at her briefly and they smiled at each other. “Actually,” Miguel said, “Sandra and I have an announcement too.”

Mrs. Fierro's eyes widened and Chloe could almost see her holding her breath.

“We're pregnant,” Sandra finally blurted out.

Mrs. Fierro squealed and rushed over to her daughter-in-law, practically squishing the life out of her.

“So, you're pregnant, Miguel?” one of the younger brothers asked. “How did you manage that trick?”

“Shut up, Dante.” Miguel was grinning.

Chloe was thinking the same thing. She was glad someone else made the smart-ass remark. Letting out a sigh of relief, she was grateful to have the focus shift to the other couple.

“Are you sure there's no getting out of this?” Ryan asked, holding Chloe's hand as they rushed across the dark street.

“Nope. I had to sit through your family's reactions when you told them, now you need to be there for me when I tell mine.” She flashed him a smile. “And don't complain. You'll have it easy. My family is tiny compared to yours.”

“But they don't know what I am.”

“They will.”

“Are you sure that's wise?”

“I can't not tell them. They'll think you're a ghost—or worse. A liar. Besides, me brother—well, he's the prince. He needs to know everythin'.”

Ryan shook his head. “I still can't believe you're a real princess. I just meant it as an insult at first. Then as an endearment.”

She laughed. “And how silly do you feel about that now?”

“Pretty silly,” he admitted. “But the nickname stands. It fits you.”

“That it does. I can't deny it.”

When they reached the B and B, Chloe's hand shook.

He supposed she couldn't help being nervous, but he couldn't figure out why. This was her brother they were going to talk to. The same brother who had loved and looked out for her for a thousand years.

Maybe that was why. If he didn't like the idea of Chloe marrying a phoenix, he could prevent it. Well, not legally, but he could forbid it as her king. Ryan didn't think that would happen, but still…

She pushed open the outer door and knocked on the inner one.

“Don't you have a key?”

She nodded. “I do, but for some feckin' reason, I don't feel like this is the time to use it.”

Ryan scratched his head. “Are you sure you're ready for this? Maybe you need more time.”

“It's not a matter of time. I'll be nervous no matter when we speak to them.”

“Why?” He couldn't help catching her case of nerves. “Are you unsure about me? About us?”

“Not a t'all.” She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him.

When the door opened, Rory exclaimed, “So that's why you knocked. You were too busy kissin' to use your key.” Then his eyes rounded. “Chloe. What the feck?”

Chloe, still grasping Ryan's hand, pushed passed Rory. “We need to tell you somethin', Brother. Mind if we all get a cup of tea first?”

Rory stepped back, looking surprised. “Is tea goin' to be enough fer this talk? I see a ghost. Mayhaps whiskey would be more helpful?”

Chloe sighed. “Ye're not seein' a ghost, but now that you mention it, the other kind of spirits would be most welcome. I hope what we have to tell you is welcome news.”

Rory still looked confused. “All right. Is it formal news?” He gestured to the living room. “Or sittin' around the kitchen island news?”

Chloe looked to Ryan and shrugged. “We told his family in their dinin' room.”

Rory folded his arms. “Ah. So we're gettin' this news secondhand?”

“Not a'tall. It's just happened and we didn't have a chance to decide who and where—”

Rory grabbed her left hand and stared at the diamond ring there. “Is that what I think it is?”

Chloe's smile started small and spread into a wide grin.

“Apparently it's front hall news… Amber!” Rory called upstairs over his shoulder and quickly ushered the couple into the living room.

A second later, Amber popped out of the hall closet. “What's wrong?”

“Nothin', luv. I didn't mean to alarm you,” Rory said.

Amber's eyes widened. “Ryan!”

“Everybody take a seat,” Chloe said. “I'll pour whiskeys all around.”

“Um. I think I have something better,” Amber said. “Does this occasion happen to call for champagne?”

“That would be perfect,” Chloe said.

Everyone strolled into the living room except Amber. She disappeared into the closet again
.

Chloe needed to tell her dragon brother and his muse girlfriend about Ryan's paranormal status, but considering the man survived his own funeral, the explanation wouldn't be too hard to swallow. Speaking of swallowing, she needed a big gulp of that champagne.

At last Amber reappeared with the chilled bottle and handed it to Rory.

Rory worked the cork to the end of the bottle neck, opening the bottle with a satisfying
pop
. Amber took two champagne glasses from behind the small bar and strode over to the couple.

“Have a seat, you two. It looks like we're in for one of your long Irish storytelling sessions.”

As her glass was filled, Chloe snorted. “'Tis indeed a long story, but I'm just learnin' most of it meself.”

Ryan smiled at her, but waited for everyone to have their champagne at the ready before speaking.

Rory held his glass aloft. “I'd make a toast meself, but I don't know what I'm toastin' to yet. Would one of you please tell us what miracle we're celebratin'?”

Chloe laughed. “Take your pick, Brother.”

Ryan rose. “I'll start. To my beautiful bride-to-be.” He lifted his glass in Chloe's direction.

“Sláinte,” everyone said as they took their first sips.

Chloe rose and blinked up at Ryan. “There's more, of course.”

“And we're gettin' older but no wiser here,” Rory joked.

Chloe sighed. “To my fiancé being a phoenix and able to rise from the dead.”

Rory's and Amber's brows shot up for a moment. Then they glanced at each other, shrugged, and said, “Cheers!”

* * *

Ryan had just finished telling the whole story of his family history, the legends that hinted at a firebird called a phoenix, and his miraculous recovery, when someone knocked on the B and B's door.

Rory rose and addressed Amber. “Are you expectin' anyone, luv?”

“Nope. Wait here. I'll go.” She strode to the front door, and Chloe saw her smile before she got there.

A moment later, Mother Nature walked regally into the living room and faced the couple on the couch. She was wearing jeans and a sweater. If not for her long white hair and gold sandals, she may have looked like any young woman walking around the city in early spring.

Chloe shot to her feet. “Goddess! It's nice to see you again.” She was about to grab Ryan's arm and yank him to his feet, but he rose without her having to, thank goodness. “I—uh, I don't know if you two have met…” she continued.

“We have not,” Mother Nature said. “Not formally, anyway.” She extended her hand toward Ryan. “I am Gaia. Also known as Mother Nature or
The
Goddess.”

He took her right hand and shook it reverently. “Goddess, it's an honor.”

“What a nice man,” the goddess said. Then she narrowed her eyes at him and whispered, furiously, “My radar went off. You told them about yourself, didn't you?”

He hesitated for only a moment. “I had to. Chloe and I are engaged to be married. Husbands and wives shouldn't have such huge secrets from each other—and if possible, from their families.”

The goddess glanced at Amber and Rory. “Are you the only other…um, creatures here?”

“Yes, Gaia,” Amber said. “And he knows about us too. Chloe has quite a story for you if you have time…”

Gaia dropped Ryan's hand. “I never have enough time. You know that.”

She turned her stare on Chloe. “Just give me the highlights, girlie.”

Chloe cringed at the patronizing label. “I'm not a girlie. I'm a firefighter. And if I don't allow the men at my firehouse to call me that, I shouldn't let you get away with it either.” She tipped up her chin defiantly.

When Mother Nature's eyes rounded and she rose a few inches off the floor, Chloe coughed and added, “Meanin' no disrespect to you,
Goddess.
”

Gaia's expression softened and she floated back to the floor. Then she tilted her head and started tapping her lip as she circled Chloe.

“Um, Gaia? Is there something wrong?”

“Hmmm? Uh, no. Something is kind of right, actually.”

Chloe was relieved but confused at the same time. Should she ask the all-powerful one to explain herself, or would she share her thoughts whenever she was ready?

At last, Mother Nature halted, facing the men in the room. “I know you're celebrating, but I'd like to borrow the
females
for a few minutes.”

Rory inclined his head. “As you wish, Goddess. There is a comfortable sitting area on the second floor. Perhaps you could all have tea…”

Mother Nature swiped the whiskey decanter off the bar. “Or something stronger.” She strode to the stairs. “
Ladies,
follow me.”

* * *

Mother Nature's proposal caught Chloe completely off guard. “You want me to be the what?”

Gaia leaned back against the padded banquet and crossed her arms. “The modern muse of assertiveness. Imagine how you could help battered women…or men. I've been wanting someone like you for quite a while.”

“Someone like me? What do you mean?”

“Someone who can assess a dangerous situation quickly and stand up to a bully, while encouraging the victim to do or say what he or she has to—especially if children are involved.”

“What makes you think I'd be good at that?”

Mother Nature let out a long sigh. “I think I just answered that question.”

“But I'm a firefighter, not a police officer. Wouldn't it be better to have a female cop in that position?”

Mother Nature leaned her elbow on the breakfast table and rested her chin in her cupped hand. “You're all I've got, girlie.”

Chloe bristled but spoke in an even tone. “I asked you not to call me that.”

Mother Nature pointed at her. “There. That's what I'm talking about. If you can stand up to me, you can be assertive with anyone. I think you'd make an excellent role model for men and women who never learned to respect their sovereignty and demand their safety.”

She couldn't really think of another reason why she couldn't do this—other than that she didn't
want
to! Firefighters were required to assist the public regardless of the circumstances they found when they showed up. People had been known to call the fire department instead of involving the police in all sorts of trouble.

She tried one last attempt to assert her own right to refuse. “Mother Nature, I must respectfully decline.”

The Goddess of All waved her hand dismissively. “I knew you'd say that. You'll tell me you're too busy. You want to concentrate on fighting fires with your handsome fiancé. You want to go back to Ireland and rebuild your castle…”

“Wait. What?”

“Oh dear. Did I spill the beans?”

Amber cleared her throat. “Goddess. I know you like to have your modern muses nearby in Boston, but couldn't she operate from anywhere?”

Chloe rose. “Wait just a minute. First of all, who said I wanted this job? And how did you know I was thinking of returning to—” Suddenly an idea dawned on Chloe.

Mother Nature exchanged a smile with Amber.

In her stunned silence she realized Ryan could come with her to Ballyhoo. They could restore the castle together. She had enjoyed working on the B and B and he'd have the sea view he'd always wanted. Best of all, he wouldn't have to alter the face she fell in love with.

“I—I need to think about this. And more importantly, I need to discuss this with my fiancé.”

Mother Nature nodded once. “I'll give you a few days, but no more. Tell Amber when you make your decision and I'll meet you back here.”

Chloe took a deep breath and before she had a chance to let it out, Gaia was gone. She blinked. “Does the goddess do that often?”

“Do what? Disappear?”

“Yeah. Let's start with that.”

Amber patted her hand. “You'll get used to it.”

Chloe folded her arms. “Or
not
. I still have a choice, don't I?”

“Of course you do. Everyone has free will. She planned it that way.”

“It seems like she could easily do away with that and make the world an ideal place.”

Amber's expression became somber and she folded her hands in her lap. “That's just it. She wants us to do it for ourselves. She watches what's going on and knows human beings are hurting each other—on many levels. But she still hopes we'll figure that out and correct it on our own.”

Chloe held her forehead. “Me head hurts.”

“I'll get you an aspirin.” Then Amber's eyes twinkled. “Imagine never having a headache again…unless you want one.”

“Huh? Why would I want one?”

“Exactly.” Then Amber disappeared into thin air.

“Shite,” Chloe muttered.

When Amber returned with two tablets and a glass of water, Chloe had to ask. “So, you never get sick? Unless for some foolish reason you want to?”

“That's right. As a modern muse you would be a minor goddess. You'd be able to do everything I can do.”

Chloe couldn't help being intrigued. “Including instant air travel without a plane?”

“Yes. Including that.”

“Would I ever be able to stick the landing without wobbling back and forth?”

Amber laughed. “There will be a lot to get used to, but she'll assign you to another muse who can teach you everything you need to know. Remember Euterpe?”

“Your friend who loved listenin' to our folk songs?”

“Yup. She was my muse trainer.”

“No wonder you were so irritated when she preferred our company to yours.”

Rory yelled up the stairs. “When are you lasses comin' back down? We're waitin' patiently for our toast.”

Chloe chuckled. “I'm tempted to act the idjit and bring him a piece of toast.”

Amber grinned and produced a plate with two pieces of dry toast and a pat of butter on the side.