Sharon had met a lot of people in her life. She came from a big family and in turn ended up having one herself. Her sons’ lives had introduced her to a lot more people outside her normal circle. Most of them had been a pleasant surprise.

Some of them, like the ones who’d circled around Ezra when he was sick, ignited a bone-deep hatred and rage. There’d been a battle for her son’s very life, and she’d had no intention of losing.

So she’d run them all off with Michael’s help. They were united in all things regarding their children. But through all the good and the bad, she’d never met anyone who needed mothering more than Natalie Clayton.

Once she got back home, she dialed Paddy’s number. “Patrick Michael Hurley, I’m going to save your ass so pay attention.”

“Hey, Momma. I’m going to take a guess you’re talking about Natalie. I screwed up, but I’m working on it.”

“I know you did. I’ve only heard the outer edges of this whole thing because your brothers think they can hide things from me to protect you. But I can’t help you if I don’t know the whole story.”

He told her everything, and her heart ached for both of them. “Oh, sweetie. You messed up. But you know what? People mess up. It happens. You’re special, of course, but you’re not perfect.”

“I’m afraid the mistake is too big for her to get over.”

“We all have our hurts. You have yours and even though she didn’t mean it, she pushed your buttons and when you reacted, you pushed hers. But there’s love between you. You’re a handsome boy with more charm than a body has a right to. You love her and you’re clever. Use all that to fix this. On top of all that, you have me.”

“I don’t even know what to say.”

“I raised four of the naughtiest, most unruly, lack-of-common-sense, no-fear-of-danger children into successful men. If I can get through all the hell you boys put us through, I can help you with this.”

Sharon paused. “Honey, she needs a momma something fierce. Her grandmother is useless. Her father is worse than useless. Let me tell you, he won’t even see me coming when I get my chance. But Natalie needs to be loved like a mother can love her.”

“You’d do that for me?”

Sharon laughed. “Paddy, I’d brave the fires of hell for you. But this isn’t a sacrifice. I truly do love that girl. She’s got a big heart. And she loves my son. Enough to be flayed open by him and still not tell me to jump in the river instead of showing up here for dinner tonight.”

“Thank you. I feel better.”

“Good. You’re on the home stretch now. Finish this tour and come home to her.”

They said their I-love-yous and hung up.

* * *

TUESDAY ONLY LAUGHED and shoved her out the door and drove them both up to Sharon and Mike’s house.

Course Tuesday didn’t think it was so funny when Ezra showed up. Though he clearly had no idea they’d be at the table, either. When he came into the house, his hair was still wet from the shower, his smile for his mother was open and warm.

Then he’d turned to see them, and he gave his mother a narrowed gaze, but Sharon had pretended not to see it.

Sharon Hurley was the sneakiest person Natalie had ever known. And she managed it with a cheeky smile that dared you not to like her even as she manipulated you exactly where she wanted you to be. It was masterful, and she wanted to be Sharon when she grew up.

Sharon was bold and unapologetic, but she loved her family fiercely. Exactly the kind of woman Natalie yearned to be, though she doubted she’d ever be quite as scary.

Michael just watched his wife, wearing a smile. He knew what she was up to but found it adorable. What would it have been like to have grown up with these two as parents?

“Thank you for bringing all those books.”

Natalie knew Sharon loved historical novels and had recently dipped a toe into historical romance and found herself in love with all the options. So Natalie had brought her a bunch of Lisa Kleypas and Tessa Dare to try.

“Thank you for making chocolate cake.”

Sharon laughed. “That chocolate sour cream cake is Michael’s favorite.”

“It’s everyone’s favorite, Mom.” Ezra helped himself to another slice.

“Can’t go wrong with cake,” Natalie agreed.

“That needs to be on a shirt. I’d wear it every day.” Tuesday winked at Sharon, who blushed, laughing.

“My sisters and some of my cousins want to start a reading group. We all live in different places, but we’ll connect via Skype. It’ll be a good way to keep in touch, and we all love reading. I’d appreciate it if you could recommend some books for us.”

“The library has a few different guides for book clubs of all types.”

“That Natalie wrote,” Tuesday added. “What?” she asked at Natalie’s look. “You wouldn’t have said. I’m proud of you.” She looked to Sharon. “They’re great guides.”

Sharon grinned at Tuesday. “I sure do like you, honey. Everyone needs a girlfriend who refuses to let them hide their light under a bushel.”

It was Tuesday’s turn to duck her head.

They talked about what the women in Sharon’s group liked, and Natalie tossed out a few titles off the top of her head that she figured would work—a few her own book club had read over the past year.

She kept waiting for Sharon to bring Paddy up, but she didn’t. Instead, she packed up leftovers and walked them out to the car. Ezra had hugged her and awkwardly patted Tuesday’s shoulder and then mumbled that he had to be somewhere or something and loped off.