Margaret scoffed. “The coward isn’t going to show his face in Farmingdale after what he did to Jess.”

“And after how this one responded,” Sandra gestured to John with a laugh.

“Didn’t you just say that’s how you deal with a bully?” John asked. “I popped him in the mouth.” The women fell out with laughter, while Victoria grew confused. John gave her a sheepish smile and hugged her closer.

“John punched Allen in the face at a church picnic,” Margaret explained. “When we found out Allen was sleeping around, he still had the nerve to show up uninvited.”

“It wasn’t my proudest moment,” John said. “But luckily, Becca wasn’t present to see me battering her dad.”

“You’re a good brother,” Victoria said, laying a hand on his knee.

“Yeah, well, the Donovan clan managed to horrify the parishioners and priest.”

“It’s wasn’t the first time a Catholic church has seen a fight at a picnic and it won’t be the last.” Margaret chuckled. “And yes, he’s a good brother. You’ll have to meet Jessi when she gets back from Sweden.”

The way his mother threw out the suggestion made Victoria blush again. She was expecting her to stick around, meet more members of the family, and possibly attend holiday dinners. Little did they know; she’d only planned a three-week sordid affair. In that moment, Victoria realized she was in a pickle. Continuing a relationship with John was tempting and very attractive, but she hadn’t bothered to make an exhaustive pros and cons lists for this situation. “Of course,” she said, keeping her voice light.

“I think it’s time we got out of these kids’ way,” Sandra said, taking her purse and a cookie. As she eased herself off the couch, she smiled at Victoria. “I have a feeling we’ve meddled enough for one day.”

John stood to join her. “Are you sure? You guys don’t want to stick around and show her some baby pictures?”

“Har har,” Margaret said. “We’ve got shopping to do anyway.”

As they walked to the door, the women surrounded Victoria, petting her and stroking her hair. “I hope you have a lovely day,” Sandra said.

“Yes, do let us know if Johnny misbehaves or keeps you from your work,” Margaret added.

Victoria smiled warmly at the two. “Oh, thank you. It was nice to meet you,” she said. And even though the circumstances were odd, she did like John’s maternal figures. She could see how being raised around so many loving women could make an impact on him. He must have grown up feeling supported, able to take risks without the constant fear of admonishment. “Good luck with your shopping trip.”