Certain Sure Read Online Free PDF Page A

too.”
     
    “I bet she was thrilled. Katie feed you?”
     
    “Yes, thanks. She’s a wonderful cook, your daughter.”
     
    “She is indeed,” her dad said while her mom went to the sink.
     
    “How old is the coffee, Katie?” she said.
     
    “Couple hours.” Katie joined her mom.
     
    “I wouldn’t touch her pizza, though,” her dad continued. “You should try her pot roast. That’ll do you a treat.”
     
    “I hope to be so lucky,” Fin said, glancing at Katie, who lowered her eyes.
     
    Her mom poured out the coffee, starting a fresh pot. “Would you like some coffee and cookies, Fin? Katie and Rose made oatmeal raisin yesterday.”
     
    “I should probably go.”
     
    “Nonsense,” her dad said. “It’s only ten. Your parents won’t be home until tomorrow, right?”
     
    Fin nodded. Katie placed some cookies on a plate and set them on the table where her father sat, motioning Fin to do the same.
     
    “You’re welcome to spend the night here, if you like,” her mom put in.
     
    “Thanks, but my things are at my parents’,” Fin said as he sat. He grabbed a cookie. “My favorite.” He took a bite, briefly smiling. “Delicious, thanks, Katie.”
     
    Katie pinched herself again to keep from grinning.
     
    “Been stuck here with Katie all evening?” her dad said. Katie’s stomach dropped. “You could have come down to the pub.”
     
    “Thanks, another time.” Fin’s eyes bored into Katie. She turned and got the sugar bowl and milk jug.
     
    “Anytime,” her dad said. “So, how’d you leave the old place? We haven’t been there in twenty years, eh, Mavis?”
     
    “Was that when Katie and Maureen stayed with us at our old house in the city?” Fin said.
     
    “What’re you talking about?” Katie said before her dad could reply. He and her mom glanced at each other. Katie thought they’d never met the Dunbars until she was fourteen.
     
    Fin’s brow furrowed. “I guess you wouldn’t remember. You were only three.”
     
    “So--” Katie’s dad said.
     
    “So tell me about it,” Katie said. Another family secret.
     
    “I was nine, Fergus seven, Maureen a feisty five-year-old. She gave as good as she got, but you…well, Fergus wouldn’t let anyone bother you. He’d always wanted a little sister.”
     
    “He’s a good man, Fergus is,” her dad said. “So’s Katie’s Michael. Have you heard Katie’s engaged?” Fin nodded. “The wedding’s in five weeks. If you’re still here, we’d love to have you, eh, Katie?”
     
    “About that, Dad.” Katie wanted to know more about having stayed with the Dunbars when she was a little girl, but obviously her dad didn’t want to talk about the past, as usual.
     
    “Oh, lord, not again. I don’t suppose you’ve heard about my daughter, Fin. Can’t stick with anything.”
     
    Fin watched her. She wished for an earthquake or something, though Fin had shaken her enough.
     
    “Now, Pat, we’ll talk to Katie tomorrow,” her mom said. “Let’s enjoy this visit with Fin.”
     
    Katie quietly left as her dad and Fin started talking about Ireland. She tiptoed upstairs, entered her room, and watched Rose for a moment. The blanket covering her little body rose and fell ever so slightly. Katie’s limbs softened, thinking how much she loved Rose. Nothing could happen with Fin, anyway, it might hurt Rose. As could this Michael thing. Surely Maureen hadn’t cheated on Fergus. It wouldn’t be surprising, though—Maureen had never been satisfied with her life, frequently claiming she wasn’t getting what she deserved.
     
    Katie stared out the window. Rose liked the curtain left open a couple inches. The sky glowed a hazy dark blue, too dark to see. She had to know the truth. She had to talk to Fin again. Unless Michael would tell her, but that would have to wait until tomorrow, he’d probably call before church. Katie rubbed her stomach and plodded back