Saving a Legend: A Kavanagh Legends Novel Read Free Page A

arm.
    “It’s true!” Kane laughed, rubbing his arm with a grimace. Kieran had hit him a bit harder than he’d intended, still not fully aware of his newfound strength.

    “It’s still a very sweet gesture, Kieran,” his mother assured him, stepping between the boys as if to break up an impending fight. She was the mother of five boys, so this was definitely nothing new for her. “Here, go put the vase on the table so we can see them while we eat.”
    Dee handed him the vase before resting her hands on his forearms and leaning up to give him another kiss on the cheek. When she pulled back, tears glistened in her eyes. “I love you so much, Kieran. It’s so wonderful having you home again.”
    Kieran felt a lump form in his throat. “I love you, too, Ma.”
    “All right, enough of this,” Dee said with a forced laugh as she pulled her apron up to wipe at her eyes. “Go take the flowers before I embarrass you with more affection. Believe me, I’ve got so much more stored up for you from the last two years.”
    Kieran smiled and turned to do as she’d asked. His heart felt like it was so full, it would burst. He loved his mother, and seeing the relief in her eyes made him both happy he was home and sad he’d ever left.
    The first thing he saw when he walked into the dining room was a second vase centered on the table, with a significantly bigger and more expensive-looking bouquet. Frowning, he pushed them to the side slightly and placed his vase next to it.
    “Looks like Rory one-upped you.” Jimmy walked into the dining room and seemed to be sizing Kieran up. He looked less daunted than Quinn had, but his face carried a look of judgment. Or maybe disappointment. Either way, Kieran didn’t like it. Jimmy continued, “That’s why I don’t even bother buying Ma flowers anymore. None of us can compete with the famous Rory Kavanagh.”

    Jimmy’s voice was lilted with exaggeration as he came over and hugged him stiffly. The redheaded man was stereotypical Irish, with a broad chest and a stoic stance that screamed law enforcement. Barely an inch or two shorter than Kieran, but significantly taller than the average guy, Jimmy had a clean-shaven, boyish face that contrasted in a powerful way with his sculpted, mature frame.
    “Good to see you, Jimmy.” Kieran hugged him back, genuinely happy to see his baby brother.
    “Word of advice, try a box of chocolates or something next Sunday,” Jimmy teased as they pulled apart.
    “I might do that, but I kind of want an excuse to see that hot florist again,” Kieran said, only half joking.
    “Which florist did you go to?”
    “Fiona’s Flowers, a couple blocks over.”
    “Not a good idea, bro.” Jimmy shook his head.
    “Why not? I’ve been in prison for two years, I’m not exactly picky.”
    “Fine, but not that girl—leave her alone. She’s got baggage you don’t need to be picking up and carrying right now.”
    Kieran frowned and was about to ask what he meant when Casey walked into the dining room.
    “Kieran!” Casey squealed in delight, rushing over to him and throwing her arms around his neck. Her long, bright red hair fell over his face as she squeezed him tightly.
    “Hey, Case Face.” Kieran wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back before she pulled away to look at him. Her piercing blue eyes matched his, but she also had cute freckles over her nose and was as petite as he remembered.

    “Have you gotten bigger? I didn’t think that was possible. God, you’re like Rory now, maybe larger.” Casey looked him over with sisterly pride. She may technically be his first cousin, but they’d grown up together in the same house, and so to him, she’d always be his little sister.
    “Bullshit, I could snap him like a twig.” Rory’s deep voice boomed as he walked into the dining room, eyeing Kieran with caution and yet purposefully provoking him at the same time.
    “The hell you could.” Kieran snorted.
    Rory nodded down at the hulking