“We need to add on to this place, and we need to do it fast. They’re all jammed into our tiny guest room. They need some space—a bedroom, bathroom, playroom.”

“We’re on it,” Mac said, glancing at his cousin, who nodded in agreement. “Our cousins Finn and Riley are sticking around for the off-season, too. We’ll make it our top priority.”

“I can’t thank you enough, and I know Lisa would, too. She thought the world of  you both. In fact, she asked that you be pallbearers at her service, if you’re willing.”

“We’d be honored,” Shane said gruffly. “And we’ll do whatever we can to support those boys. Not just now, but always.”

Mac nodded in agreement.

“Appreciate that. Caro and I will take all the help we can get. To say we’re in well over our heads here is putting it mildly, but we wouldn’t want them anywhere else if they can’t be with their mom. We’re crazy about them.”

“And vice versa,” Mac said. “They’re lucky to have you both, and they know it.”

Grace Ryan came into the room, looking for him.

Seamus got up to hug his friend.

“I’m so sorry about Lisa,” she said. “How’re you doing?”

“Hanging in there and trying to help the boys, but it’s a tough thing, sweet Grace.”

“It sure is. How can I help?”

“I heard you brought brownies. That helps.”

She smiled and kissed his cheek. “That’s the easy stuff. I’m here to help with the hard stuff, too.”

“We could use some help picking songs and readings for the service. Lisa never got around to doing that.”

“I’ll take care of it. I’ll get Maddie, Katie, Hope and Mallory to help me. We’ll make it lovely for her.”

“I have no doubt it’ll be lovely in your hands.”

“Stephanie wants to have everyone to the Bistro after,” Mac said. “She asked me to let you know to count on that.”

Seamus had held it together for the boys’ sake all morning, but the generosity and support from their friends had him wrestling with his emotions. It had been a long time—he’d left his home in Ireland more than twenty years ago—since he’d felt so at home anywhere else. “Thank you. Thank you all so much.”

Mac and Maddie spent a couple of hours with Seamus, Carolina and the boys. Mac and Shane even got the boys to go outside to toss a football around for a while, their puppy darting between their feet, making both boys laugh at his antics. But laughter had turned to tears when Kyle fell, skinned his knee and wailed for his mother.

His heartbroken sobs would remain with Mac long after today.

Maddie reached across the center console for his hand, and Mac took comfort in the gesture.