“Izzy’s nice, yes.”

The other man’s eyes narrow. “Cut the bullshit with me, Keegan. We’re better friends than that.”

“She’s beautiful. Amazing. Perfect.”

He nods in satisfaction. “That’s what I thought. And when are you going to marry her?”

My hand stops moving on the bar, and I stare at him as if he’s crazy. “I’ve known her for seven minutes, Archer.”

“You and I are similar men. We’re not the kind to fuck around with women just for the sake of fucking around. Not at this stage in our lives. I see the way you look at Izzy. What does it matter if you’ve known her for seven minutes or seven years?”

“She has a past.”

“We all do.”

“I think we’re both content with where we’re at for now.”

“And where are you, exactly?”

“Mutual admiration, lust, and still learning each other.”

He nods and raps his knuckles on the bar. “That’s not a bad place to be. For what it’s worth, the family likes her. The little bit I’ve heard has all been good.”

“It’s worth a lot. You know how much the family means to me.”

“Yeah, I do.”

“How is the baby today?”

“The most adorable thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” He grins. “Your brother is completely enamored with both of them. He has a goofy smile on his face and dotes like a little old lady. It’s hilarious to watch.”

“I can honestly say I never thought I’d see the day that Kane would become a family man. He’s so fucking grouchy, I didn’t think anyone would put up with him for long.”

Archer laughs and nods in agreement. “But Stasia puts him in his place easily enough.”

“And only she can. I love her like my own sisters.”

“I know you do. She’s easy to love. I’m glad they brought our families together.”

“Me, too. Are you sure I can’t interest you in a pint?”

“Nah. I have to head back. I’m looking at some properties today, and I promised Elena I’d take her out to her favorite place for dinner. But I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

“I look forward to it.”

It’s the busiest Friday night we’ve had in a long time, even with it being the shoulder season—the time between the tourism highs and lows. I called in Maeve to help Maggie and Izzy buzz around the pub, taking and delivering orders.

The band is lively and barely covers the sound of the patrons, all laughing and talking.

It’s a sight that reminds me of the pub in our little village in Ireland. The sights and sounds, and even the scents coming from the kitchen, are the same.

I’ve been homesick more and more over the past few months, which is unlike me.