Donna rolled her eyes. It was going to be decades before she grew out of that reputation. "Who held you while you cried when that a.s.shole stood you up on prom night? Who fired MCAT questions at you to help you get ready for the test? I've worked on countless science projects and checked over more homework than a sane woman can bear. Please, can you cut me some slack?"

Angie laughed. "d.a.m.n Beth and Jenna. I'll get you all fixed up and they'll get the benefits." She wiped at her eyes and that fast Jack was beside their table.

"Donna, did you make her cry?"

"No!"

"No, Jack-we were making up, actually," Angie said. She took a breath. "I'm going back to the kitchen to get a bowl of soup. Want one, Mom?"

"Thanks, honey."

As soon as Angie was in the kitchen, Jack bore down on Donna. "What was that?"

"New rules of engagement, Jack. I need my daughter in my life and I'm just arrogant enough to think she still needs me. I threw myself on her mercy. I think she was touched, actually."

"Is that right? Will you be leaving now?"

She shook her head. "I need to stay awhile. And I'm going to do what I can to be supportive without interfering."

"Why don't you get back to the family and leave that to us-me and Mel, Brie and Mike."

"Because, Jack. My little girl is in love with a fine young man. It's going to really sting when he goes. And he has to go, we all know that. I want to be here for her if she needs me."

Fourteen

Angie introduced her mother to the Riordans, including Maureen and George. They all had dinner together in one of those fantastic gang meals hosted by Jilly, cooked by Kelly. And the next night, Jack's was full of family and friends. On both nights she went home alone, convincing Patrick that if his mother called or dropped by, she wanted him to be there. One more night and she'd be going to Davis, so on this night she was back at the cabin early so she'd be able to get up early. When she pulled into the clearing, she burst into laughter.

There sat the Jeep. Smoke curled from the chimney and the Christmas lights were turned on. Now one of the smaller pines wore lights and b.a.l.l.s-Patrick had been at it again.

She walked in and found him sitting on the sofa in front of the fire, stocking feet up on the chest, a small gla.s.s with some dark amber liquor in it. His travel duffel sat just inside the door.

"You trimmed my tree," she said.

"That's right. And I'm going to trim you next." And then he smiled that lopsided smile and his green eyes glowed in the firelight. "Everyone knows we're going to bed early so we can get up at 4:00 a.m. to drive to Davis. No one is going to call or come over. It's just you and me. You're not getting rid of me this time."

She shrugged out of her jacket and kicked off her boots. "What have you got there?" she asked, indicating the gla.s.s.

"I little brandy to warm your mood and help you snuggle up next to me, which by the way I want to do every night until that black day comes when we have to go back to reality."

She saw the brandy and a gla.s.s sitting on the counter, waiting for her. She poured herself a small amount and went to sit with him. "What did you do with yourself today? Besides tr.i.m.m.i.n.g my tree?"

"I spent plenty of time with Maureen, George and my brothers so we'd be left alone tonight. And I copped a container of Kelly's duck soup for when we're hungry later. I borrowed a thermos from Jilly for coffee for the drive."

She touched his beautiful face. "You're doing a very good job of making yourself unforgettable, Paddy."

"You'll forget me in no time, babe."

Angie knew better, but she wasn't going to show her weak side. She opted in this relationship knowing the facts.

Soup followed brandy and bed followed soup. Patrick undressed her and touched her slowly. Carefully. When he slipped his hand below her waist he smiled. "I wish you could really know what it means to me, that you're ready for me the second I touch you."

She laughed softly. "Patrick, I get ready at the sound of your voice. And it's not something I do on purpose, either. That line from the movie-*You had me at h.e.l.lo'-they weren't talking about what people thought." And then she laid a deep kiss on him, sliding her hand over the bulge in his pants. "h.e.l.lo," she whispered against his lips.

He moved over her, gently building the tension in her with fingers and lips until she was asking, Please please please, and he laughed low in his throat. Then he satisfied her, leaving both of them panting.

"G.o.d," she whispered. "How do you do it?"

"I listen to you," he whispered. "You tell me what you want. Need."

"I never say a word!"

"You sigh. You moan. Your body lifts to me. You wrap yourself around me when you're ready. You're responsive and have a powerful language just for me." He kissed her deeply. "For right now, for this little s.p.a.ce in time, you belong to me and I belong to you."

"Does a small part of you wish, for just a second, that Christmas wouldn't come this year?"

He brushed back her hair. "It's not a small part of me, honey. And it lasts all day long."

Deep in the night, Patrick found himself transported to the carrier. It was predawn and the mist was rolling over the deck. He was crouched, preflighting the Hornet, kicking some tires. He'd been here in the middle of the night before but this felt strange-he was alone with the jet. No fuelers, mechanics, techs. Just Paddy and his plane-and it was eerie and quiet.

Patrick looked up and there he was again, leaning against the jet. Jake. Grinning. He was wearing his flight suit and holding his helmet. "Hey," he said.

Paddy stood up to look him in the eye. "What do you have to smile about?"

"Good to see you, too."

"You're not real," Paddy pointed out.

Jake laughed and shook his head. "I'm as real as you want me to be, man. Listen, it's time for you to cut me loose."

"Am I keeping you from something?"

"No, I'm keeping you from something. Paddy, wake up. Do what you know you have to do."

"I can't wake up."

"Paddy, it's all right. Wake up."

"I can't wake up. I'll do it-just don't worry. I'll do it. I'll take care of her. Don't go yet. Tell me what it's like."

"You're kidding me, right? It's like heaven, man, which is a miracle in itself. I was not slotted for heaven. Not as exciting as the Hornet, but I get by. Paddy, wake up and do what you have to do. Paddy, wake up. Wake up. Wake up."

His eyes popped open and he was looking into Angie's large, brown eyes. She was up on her knees, looking down at him. He took a breath. "Whoa."