She sank down in the plush seat and placed her napkin over her food. She waited for someone to speak, anyone to break the silence. She wouldn’t share what she’d said, at least not in front of Davey. She wouldn’t hurt him more.
So instead she would bring up one of his favorite subjects. She opened her mouth to ask about his last bowling game when she stopped. He wore the same somber expression, but a single tear trailed silently down his cheek.
“Oh honey.” She scooted out of her seat and moved next to him, kneeling down so they were eye level. “Don’t let them get to you. When someone does something hurtful, it says something about them, not you.”
He nodded, yet his dejected expression remained. If only she could extinguish the hurt, undo the pain. “Can I give you a hug?” she asked softly.
At his nod, she enveloped him in a gentle embrace. Even though he was smaller than his giant brothers, he was still far larger than her, yet he held himself carefully, softly returning the hug. When he drew back, his expression was calmer.
Spencer patted him on the back. “We’re here for you, buddy.”
“They’re not worth your time,” Quinn rumbled. “The best way to defeat bullies is to ignore them.”
Rowan grasped his shoulders. “We all love you.”
Ciara inhaled a breath of pure satisfaction. So there was one person to whom Rowan could admit his true feelings.
“You got it wrong.” Davey wiped the tear away, the brightness returning to his eyes. “I’m not upset.”
“You’re not?” they asked in unison.
“Well, I was.” Davey jerked his head towards the now somber group, who were hurriedly packing their belongings. “They weren’t very nice, but I’ve gotten used to it.”
Ciara’s heart shuddered. Even though his brothers treated him well, others made insensitive comments, sometimes without even realizing it. Even if they weren’t intentionally cruel, actions hurt. “Next time, tell us when someone is mean to you.”
Davey shook his head. “Usually, it’s not such a big deal. I know you guys always support me.” He squeezed Ciara’s hand. “Even though you’re not family, you stood up for me. That made me happy.”
Ciara’s heart melted, just a little. “You got emotional because of me?”
He nodded shyly.
“I think that deserves another hug.” Another warm embrace, and the world was a little lighter. They returned to their food, Ciara’s appetite restored, as they talked and laughed and shared stories, conversing about everything from the horse rescue to their childhoods. More than once, Rowan glanced at her, his expression searching. In that short time, Ciara learned something else about him. Even if he only admitted it to Davey, clearly he loved all his brothers, and they loved him. They didn’t realize how many stories showcased their bond, how they defended each other, supported each other, cared for each other.She felt a pang of longing for her own sister, and promised herself she would call later.
After having their fill, they sat back, each with the same expression of satisfaction mixed with the slight discomfort of having eaten too much. Before they could pay for their meal, a middle-aged woman with short salt and pepper hair approached the table, carrying a tray of five chocolate fudge sundaes. It was the house specialty: creamy Baileys Irish Cream ice cream covered in thick chocolate, a generous dollop of whipped cream and three cherries each.
Suddenly, Ciara wasn’t as full. “I’m sorry. There’s been a mistake. We didn’t order these.”
“I know.” With a practiced touch, the woman placed a sundae in front of each person. Davey’s eyes widened at the creamy concoction, and the other men blinked. “They’re on the house.”
“On the house?” Rowan sat up, as Davey tapped him on the shoulder. He nodded absently to his brother, who picked up his spoon and dug in, then sighed in pure bliss.
“Because of her.” The woman held out her hand to Ciara. “I’m Kay Baxter. My husband and I own The Bread Bowl.”
Ciara accepted the firm handshake. “It’s nice to meet you. I used to come here when I was a kid. I’m thrilled to visit again.”
“And I’m thrilled to have you.” The proprietress moved closer, lowered her voice. “I heard what you said to those people, and I applaud you. I would’ve said something myself if I’d realized.”
Ciara flushed. “Thank you, but I really didn’t do anything.”
The woman gazed at Davey with kind eyes. He was enjoying his sundae, oblivious to the conversation, as his brothers took in every word. “You did far more than you realize. Here in Ireland, it is a special gift to bestow kindness. You hear them in our blessings, as we wish for the road to meet you, the wind to be at your back and the sun to shine upon you. You have the heartof Ireland in you.” Mrs. Baxter gestured to a young woman, similar to Davey’s age, also with the features of Down syndrome. “That’s my daughter, Lisa,” she said proudly. “She’s a wonderful woman.”
Ciara smiled. “She’s beautiful.”
“She’s my dream come true.” For a moment, the older lady’s eyes turned misty, before she straightened. “It’s the traits that make us different that make us beautiful. Enjoy the sundaes, and come back anytime.”
The world was a little more delicious after Mrs. Baxter left, for more reasons than the sweet treat. It was easy to see the bad in the world, the harshness and cruelty, yet for every unkind person, another showed compassion and humanity, often at a personal cost. They were the true heroes. “That was kind of her.”
“What you did was kind.” Rowan murmured. “Extraordinary even.”
