Page 134 of Beautiful Trauma

When we walked in the back door, a crowd of women was waiting for us. Apprehension filled me when they came surging forward for Kellan. The first one was a woman with auburn hair streaked with silver. I knew she had to be Kellan’s mother because they favored each other so much.

“A chroí!” she cried out before putting her hands on his shoulders. I know she was dying to hug him, but she’d been warned of his injuries. “Praise the saints for your safe return.”

Kellan smiled before dipping his head to kiss her cheek. “Thanks, Mam. I’m sorry I worried you.”

“I wouldn’t have a single grey hair in my head if it weren’t for you boys!” she chided.

“As far as my return, Mila should also get credit.”

Kellan’s praise, coupled with all the women staring at me, caused my skin to shrivel over my bones. I hated being the center of attention. Especially with those I didn’t know. And I certainly hadn’t saved Kellan to have praise rained down on me.

Kellan’s mother grabbed my hands in hers. “I’m eternally grateful for your sacrifice for my son.”

“You really don’t need to thank me,” I protested as I shifted on my feet.

“Of course I do. Do you have any idea how brave and courageous you are? Not to mention what a romantic you are to save the man you love.”

At the mention of love, heat warmed my cheeks. Since we had yet to say the words to each other, it felt weird hearing them used about us.

“Mam, ease up,” Kellan cautioned.

She rolled her eyes. “I’m so sorry that my love language is words of affirmation.”

“Just the other day, you said it was physical touch,” Dare teased.

“And I’ve heard acts of service,” a beautiful dark-haired woman said with a grin.

She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t listen to them, Mila. Just know, I would do anything for you. All you have to do is ask.”

“Thank you.”

She started to back away, but then stopped. “Och ,I forgot to introduce myself formally. I’m Orla, and it’s so very nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice meeting you, too.”

Once Orla stepped aside, three beautiful women encircled Kellan. They kissed his cheeks and patted his chest instead of hugging him. But it was evident they cared about him very much.

Taking my hand, Kellan said, “Mila, I’d like to introduce you to my sisters-in-law, Caterina and Isla.”

After I shook their hands, Kellan turned to the next woman. “And this is Isla’s sister and my very good friend, Brooke.”

At the mention of ‘very good friend’, I tried to ignore the alarm bells going off in my head. Forcing a smile, I reluctantly shook Brooke’s hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.”

She squeezed my hand tight. “You can’t imagine how happy I am for the two of you.”

While I wanted to believe she was genuine, something twisted in my chest. “I appreciate that.”

When Kellan turned to the final woman, I felt apprehension radiating off of her. I knew she had to be Ava, Dare’s wife. “It’s nice to meet you, Ava,” I said, extending my hand.

Her dark eyes popped wide. “I’m not going to lie that I wasn’t expecting you to be so friendly. I mean, I’m the bitch that ruined your family’s alliance.”

A laugh burst from my lips at her summation. “While that’s one way to look at it–well except for the bitch part--I could argue that without you, I’d never have met Kellan.”

At my response, a chorus of awes went through the women while Ava smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Kellan glanced around. “Where are the kids?”

“Julianna and Piper are at preschool, and Rian and the twins are down for a nap,” Caterina replied.