“Wasn’t quite how I pictured it happening when I was growing up in Ireland.”

“Ahhh, yes, plans. They make a mockery of us, don’t they?”

“Indeed,” Seamus said with a chuckle.

“I’m a big believer in things happening for a reason. There’s a reason you ended up in this house next door to those boys.”

“I thought that reason was Caro.”

“She wasn’t the only reason. They’re part of the master plan, too.”

Seamus took a swig from his beer. “Yes, I guess they are.”

“You aren’t having regrets about taking them in, are you?”

“No. God, no. Nothing like that.”

“Then what is it? Something’s nagging at you.”

“It’s the enormity of the responsibility.” He rested a hand on his chest. “I feel like there’s an elephant sitting right here when I think about how it’s my job now to protect them and keep them safe. They like to be outside and to run wild, and when I think about all the ways they can get hurt… Are you laughing at me?”

Big Mac had tried to hold it back, but the laughter wouldn’t be contained. “You think you’re different from any other man who gets handed a little bundle of joy? We all feel that way, Seamus. Every one of us. It’s called parenthood. The good news is the panic passes in time. You realize they aren’t as breakable as you think they are at first.”

“These guys aren’t babies.”

“No, they aren’t, and you’ll need to keep a close eye on them so they don’t get hurt or find trouble. But that’s the easy part. Wait until someone breaks their heart, or they leave home and don’t come back for a good long while. That’s worse.” He put his hand on Seamus’s shoulder. “One thing I know for sure, knowing you as I do, is that they’ll get one hundred fifty percent from you, and one day they’ll look back with gratitude at the incredible stroke of luck that brought you into their lives.”

“You think so?” Seamus asked, seeming to battle his emotions.

“I know so. Right now, the task before you seems monumental, and it is in many ways. But it’ll also be the most fun you’ll ever have in your life. And when they grow up and become your friends as well as your sons…” Big Mac’s voice broke. “That’s the ultimate joy.”

“Thanks for this. Means a lot to me coming from you.”