“How’s your father?” Clare asked Colin, recognizing a friendly face in the tough crowd.

“They think he’s going to be fine,” Colin said. “It was a mild heart attack. His biggest problem right now is my mother.”

“She’s forced him into retirement, effective immediately,” Declan added.

Clare winced. “Well, at least the heart attack wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been.”

“My father would rather be dead than retired,” Brandon said.

Something about him made Clare nervous.

Outside Dennis’s room, Aidan grilled the cardiologist. When he was satisfied that everything had been done to his satisfaction, he went in to see his father.

He stood by the side of his father’s bed with the older man’s work-roughened hand in his.

“I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing,” Dennis said in a weakened voice.

“It wasn’t for nothing, Da. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“He is not okay,” Colleen chimed in. “The man had a heart attack.”

“The doctor said it was mild and more of a warning than anything,” Aidan said. “You got lucky, Da.”

“How about you give me a minute with my boy, Mum. Go tell the kids they ain’t getting rid of their old Da today, and send ’em all home.”

She kissed her husband’s cheek. “Don’t let him get worked up, Aidan.”

After Colleen walked out, Dennis sighed. “You gotta get me out of here, son. The heart attack didn’t kill me, but she’s going to.”

Aidan’s knees wanted to buckle with relief at his father’s feistiness. For the first time since Colin called, he was able to draw a deep breath. “You’re not going anywhere until the doctors say you can.”

Dennis groaned. “You were my last hope.”

Aidan laughed. “No luck with the others, huh?”

“Bunch of ingrates. Honor thy father, my ass. Not a one of ya minds me, and you never have.”

“So are you wondering how you got rid of Mum so easily just now?” Aidan asked, raising an eyebrow.

“That was kind of easy, now that you mention it.”

“I brought someone with me.”

“Did you, now?” Dennis said with a glint in his eye. “A girl?”

Aidan snorted with laughter. “What do you think?”

“And you’ve left her out there by herself to face your mum and your sister?”

“Shit, you’re right. I’d better get out there before they run her off.”

“Listen, son, before you go rescue your lady, there’s something I need to ask you,” Dennis said seriously.

“What?”

“I think your mum’s serious about this retirement thing.”

“I’m afraid you might be right.”

“I want you to come home to run the business.”

Aidan shook his head. “Da—”

“You’re the only one with a head for business. The others will run it into the ground in six months’ time. I need you.”