Sherryl Woods - The Devaney Brothers - Ryan And Sean

“Then it’s settled,” her father announced. “We’ll be leaving in an hour. That will put us there by ten. Is that what you promised, Maggie?”

“Yes, Dad. Thanks.” She turned a narrowed gaze on her brothers. “And when you meet Ryan Devaney, I expect you to be on your best behavior. Is that understood?”

“When have we not been perfect gentlemen around your boyfriends?” Matt inquired indignantly.

“Well, there was the time we ran off that Carson fellow,” John conceded.

“He was a wuss,” Matt countered. “She was better off without him. Okay, aside from that one incident, have there been any others?”

“Just see that this isn’t one of those times when your protective instincts kick into gear,” Maggie pleaded. She shot a warning look at Katie. “And you remember what Dad said.”

A grin spread across her sister’s face. “You are staking your claim, then?” She turned to their father. “Told you I could make her admit it. That’ll be five bucks, please.”

Maggie stared at the two of them. “You already knew about Ryan and you had a bet going?”

“Well, of course we did,” Katie said. “It’s taken you practically forever to show an interest in anyone.”

“I’m picky.”

“You’re impossible.”

“I was beginning to worry that I’d have to explain to my children about their poor old aunt Maggie living all alone up in Maine in a cold and lonely spinster’s cottage.”

“I ought to make you stay home today,” Maggie declared.

“As if you could,” Katie responded. “Watching you get all starry-eyed over some man is going to be better than watching you stuffing tissues in the bodice of your prom dress.”

“Katie O’Brien, that was supposed to be our secret forever,” Maggie said, as everyone at the table hooted.

“Which just goes to prove you should never trust a kid sister,” Katie retorted.

“I’ll remember that. Just wait till you bring home the man of your dreams,” Maggie said direly.

“Now, girls, that’s enough squabbling,” their father said, ever the peacemaker. “Today’s a day to be grateful for family.”

“And I am,” Maggie said. “At least all family except my traitorous baby sister.”

Now not only did she have to worry about Ryan’s reaction to her arrival at the shelter, but which one of her family members was likely to be first to try to embarrass her.

* * *

The St. Mary’s Shelter was just down the block from the church. When Maggie and her family arrived, it was already bustling with activity. Even so, Father Francis spotted her the minute she walked in and came over with a welcoming smile.

“Ryan mentioned you might be here this morning. Thank you for spending part of your holiday with us. It’s a generous thing you’re doing.” He surveyed the group with her and beamed. “And this must be your family.”

Maggie introduced the priest to everyone, even as her gaze searched the room for some sign of Ryan. Father Francis caught her.

“You’ll find Ryan and Rory in the kitchen,” he told her with a grin. “But if I were you I’d stay out from underfoot for now. Our Rory is a bit of a tyrant. He has them on a tight time schedule. He’ll not be wanting any distractions. I believe the ladies can use some help with setting the tables.” He turned to her father and brothers. “And your help will be welcome in setting up the remaining tables and chairs. We’re expecting a large crowd today, so we’ll have to keep things moving. The first guests will arrive at noon and the last won’t be out of here much before three.”

Maggie, Colleen and Katie went to work with the other women, though Maggie was constantly on the lookout for Ryan.

“Where is he?” Katie demanded when there had been not so much as a glimpse of him for more than an hour.

“You heard Father Francis,” Maggie said. “He’s helping in the kitchen. And where is Colleen, by the way?”

“I haven’t seen her for some time now,” Katie said. “She’s probably in the kitchen where you should be. Can’t you think of some excuse to go in there? If you don’t, I will.”

“Katie O’Brien, you’ll do no such thing,” Maggie protested. “We came here to help where we’re needed, not to gawk at Ryan Devaney.”

Katie grinned. “Then you’re no sister of mine. I’d rather look at a handsome man any day than make sure the place settings are lined up properly.”

“He’ll come out of the kitchen eventually,” Maggie said. “Until then I’m not bothering him.”

“Patience won’t earn you sainthood,” Katie admonished. “And I’m not sure it’s ever done much to snag a man.”

“I am not out to snag Ryan,” Maggie insisted. “I’m just a little curious about him.”

Colleen arrived just in time to overhear her remark. “We’re all spending part of our holiday at a homeless shelter just so you can satisfy your curiosity?” she asked skeptically. “I don’t think so. We’re here because you have the hots for this guy. And since I just came from the kitchen where I got a good look at him, I have to say, way to go, Maggie!”

“You’ve been in the kitchen?” Katie demanded, looking as if she’d been cheated out of her favorite dessert. “Then I’m going.”

Maggie scowled at both of them. “Don’t make me regret asking you to come today.”

“I just want to see what he looks like,” Katie argued. “Where’s the harm in that? I’m sure Colleen didn’t go in there and create a scene.”

Just then the kitchen door swung open and Ryan emerged, bearing a huge platter of sliced turkey and followed by a large man carrying trays filled with sweet potatoes and dressing. Ryan’s hair was tousled, his blue shirt perfectly matched his eyes, and he was wearing snug jeans that hugged his narrow hips. Maggie’s mouth went dry, putting to rest any notion that she was here merely to satisfy her curiosity.

“Oh, my,” Katie murmured, then gazed at Maggie with approval. “Your taste has definitely improved while you’ve been away. Not a one of the men you’ve dragged home in the past held a candle to this one.”

Before Maggie could respond, Ryan caught sight of her. A slow smile spread across his face, but then his gaze shifted to the commotion at the shelter door, where a long line of people waited impatiently to be admitted. His expression grew troubled, and he turned to murmur a few words to the man next to him, who surveyed the long line, then nodded and hurried back to the kitchen.

Ryan walked in Maggie’s direction. Hoping to stave off an embarrassing interrogation, she escaped her sisters and went to meet him.

“I see you’re here to do your good deed,” he said.

Maggie ignored the faint edge in his voice. “I promised I would be,” she said cheerfully.

His gaze clashed with hers. “Not everyone keeps their word.”

“I do,” she said emphatically, returning his gaze with an unflinching look. “I saw you looking at the crowd a minute ago. Is there a problem?”

“The line is longer than I anticipated. I was just asking Rory if he thought we had enough food. He’s convinced we do, but he’s gone back to the pub to bring over another turkey just in case.”

“Is there anything I can do? There are some stores open today. I could make a run to pick up extra food.”

“No need. I’m sure Rory has it under control. What about your family, Maggie? Did you convince them to come today?”

“My sisters are over there,” she said, noting that Colleen and Katie were staring at them with unabashed curiosity.

Ryan grinned. “Ah, yes, I recognize one of them. She was in the kitchen earlier. I thought she seemed a bit more interested in me than in the whereabouts of the napkins she claimed to be looking for.”