Read Online An O'Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods - Free Book Online Page A

marriage?” she said testily.
    Jess grinned. “And look at all the time we wasted. You should learn from our mistakes and jump straight into marriage. Do not second-guess yourself, Laila.”
    Sadly, Laila realized she was far more tempted by the idea than any sane woman ought to be. And for the past hour, she’d only been drinking strong black tea, so she couldn’t even blame overindulgence in Guinness for making her a little crazy.
     
     
    Matthew nearly lost it when he spotted Laila in the hotel bar with Sean, Liam and Gram. The men were clearly making a fuss over both women, charming them with who knew what kind of smooth talk. He saw red just thinking about it.
    He crossed the lobby in long strides, walked into the bar and managed to make room for himself on a sofa between Sean and Laila, who regarded him with unmistakable amusement. For that matter, Gram seemed to be highly entertained by the obviousness of his behavior, as well.
    “So, are these long-lost relations of ours?” he asked, his skepticism plain.
    “It could be that we have a distant uncle in common,” Gram said. “I never knew all of your grandfather’s relatives, so the O’Briens are a bit of a mystery to me. Liam has promised to bring their family Bible by tomorrow, so we can look through it together.”
    “Isn’t that great?” Laila said.
    “Yeah, great,” Matthew said without enthusiasm. “Gram, don’t you want to rest before dinner?”
    “I had a nap earlier,” she said. “And Mick’s promised an early night. We’re just going up the street for a bite to eat, which I’ve translated to mean that once again I’m not to invite Dillon O’Malley to join us.” She rolled her eyes. “As if I’d pay a bit of attention to Mick if I wanted Dillon there.”
    “How is Mr. O’Malley?” Laila asked in a teasing tone.
    “Every bit as charming as I remembered,” Nell said, a flush on her cheeks.
    “Then why don’t you include him tonight, if you want to? I’ve heard there’s dancing on the agenda,” Laila said.
    Nell shook her head. “I believe only you young people are going out for music and dancing after dinner. I need my rest tonight. Dillon and I are taking the train to Howth tomorrow, so I can walk by the sea. I have many fond memories of that little town.”
    “Oh, that sounds wonderful,” Laila said, her expression wistful.
    “Then you must come along,” Gram said at once. “Matthew, what about you?”
    He wasn’t about to miss a chance to spend the day with Laila, especially a day that didn’t include distant possible relatives. “Sure, I’ll come.”
    “It’ll be cold by the water,” Liam warned. “Be sure you dress warmly.”
    Nell laughed. “Oh, I’m not so old that I’ve forgotten how chilly it can get. I imagine we’ll find a lovely place to stop for lunch, as well. Dillon seems to know exactly the sort of cozy, inviting places I like.”
    The two young men stood. “Well, we’ll leave you to your evening, then,” Sean said. “It’s been a joy to meet you. I surely hope we do find some family connection.” He winked at Laila. “Though I can’t help thinking it’s a blessing you’re not an O’Brien. You’re fair game for a bit of flirting.”
    Matthew seethed, especially when Laila didn’t say a word to discourage them. Instead, she actually walked with them as they left the hotel.
    After they’d gone, his grandmother regarded him with a tolerant expression. “Your green is showing,” she chided. “And I’m not referring to your Irish heritage. Don’t you know that those two young men mean no harm? And since you’ve no claim on Laila, she’s done nothing wrong, either.”
    He sighed. “I know that.”
    “Let me ask you something. Do you want that young woman in your life permanently?”
    Matthew started to utter the knee-jerk denial that he might have a few months ago, but he realized it was no longer true. It might never have been true, in fact. He’d been certain about what