Natalie ducked her head.

“I’m a mother. I can’t imagine not doing right by my kids. It makes me so angry to imagine that your parents didn’t.”

“My mother left when I was three. I sometimes got a birthday card from her. But I haven’t seen her since she left. I don’t even know what she looks like. My father is a weak person in every way. But I didn’t grow up in a shelter. I had things those kids don’t. I had money and opportunity. I’ll gladly help you. I’m really excited to be involved.”

“You have a trust fund, but that’s not a substitute for love of family.”

“I do. So I always had something to fall back on. Because, no it’s not a substitute, but it’s what I have. Which means I can help financially, too.”

Sharon laughed and waved it away. “Oh, no, honey. Here’s the funniest thing. I grew up on a farm. We didn’t have much, and now I have sons—and let me tell you, I wasn’t always sure they’d ever graduate from high school—who are millionaires. I make them all support my various projects and they do without complaint. I was just being nosy. I do that. I remembered Paddy mentioning it awhile back when we first met you. I’m sure my boys have told you scary tales about me.”

“Your sons adore you. They’re a little afraid of you, but they all adore you.”

Sharon snorted. “They better adore me. They nearly killed me when they were growing up. I wore out the road between the ranch and the schools. Everyone knew me by sight. I started off pretty much every single conversation with a school employee with I’m so sorry.”

Natalie had to stop eating because she was laughing so hard.

“And they’re still wild. Jeez-a-lou. Fighting and causing a ruckus. We used to have the window and glass place here in town on speed dial because they broke so many windows. Then Michael started making them do it themselves. But those scamps, they loved cutting and fitting the glass. That one sort of backfired, but having giant sheets of glass to use to replace broken panes did save us a passel of money. Then we got vinyl windows for better insulation and they’re harder to break.

“Thank heavens for Mary because at least she keeps Damien from doing too much damage. Paddy, well, he’s always gone his own way. You were quite a surprise. But a good one. I wondered about him. You’ve settled him. You know, it’s hard when they’re as pretty as Paddy. They’re all smart and clever and too charming for their own good. Girls came as easily to him as playing the guitar. But you? Oh, he has to work for you. He was pissy about that at first.” Sharon thought that was hilarious.

“But the thing about Hurley men? They’re floozies, and I’m sure you’re not unaware that those boys sure do love the ladies. In any case, they flit around and flit around but once they find the one, that’s it. Over and done. They will dig in like a tick and stick with you forever and ever.”

“Forever might be jumping to conclusions. I mean, we’ve only been going out since August.”

“His father met me once and never saw another girl. We were married six months later. It’s been thirty-seven years now. His parents were pretty much the same. He’s got three brothers. They’re all the same. It’s written into their genetics, the rogues they all are.” Sharon took a few bites of her sandwich before speaking again.

“Between you and Paddy? I know you two knew each other from before, so it’s not like he just met you in August. Anyway, it’s nearly December. He says things like, I’ll see you later on. Make sure you save a piece of that pie for Nat. If my son saves you pie, he’s in it forever. Trust me on that.”

Point made, Sharon changed the subject back to the project. She was sneaky, and Natalie liked that about her. She cared about her family and her community, and she was a strong woman. There wasn’t much not to like about that.

On the way out, Sharon paused. “Since Paddy might have forgotten, we’ll sit down to eat at one or so. But in the way of things, we’ll start eating at ten or so while the games start, so don’t bother with breakfast. We’ll be at my house this year.”

Confused, Natalie racked her memory and finally just admitted it. “I’m sorry?”

“Thanksgiving dinner. Paddy did remember to invite you, didn’t he? He and I just talked about it two weeks ago.”

“Oh! Yes. Yes, he did. Thank you for having me. I’d offer to bring something, but we’ll all be better off if that doesn’t happen. How about I bring some flowers and stuff to drink?”

“That’d be perfect. I’ll be seeing you soon enough. On Thursday, if not before.” Sharon kissed her cheek and headed one way while Natalie headed back to work.

* * *

“PATRICK, THERE YOU ARE. Come over here and help me unload all this stuff.” His mother waved to him from where she stood at the back of their truck.

He jogged over, shooing her from the way. “I’ll get it all. You just point where you want it.”

“In the mudroom, please. It’s donations for the family shelter. I have a few more things to pick up, and then I’ll meet someone who’ll take it to them.”

He stacked boxes. “I can do that for you.”

“I think you can come with me, just to lug things. Natalie is helping with a collection center at the library, too, so she’ll most likely need you to help her get what she collects to me.”

He gave his mother a look. “What have you been up to, Sharon Hurley?”