Still, Deirdre could not stop herself from asking, “Why?”

Brendan placed his head on where her shoulder and neck met. He twirled a strand of her hair with his fingertip. “Because a baby girl will be an adorable, mischievous, sweet little gremlin. Just like her mother.”

“But what if it was a boy?”

The light in Brendan’s eyes dimmed. “Then I hope he doesn’t turn out like me.”

Had Deirdre still believed him to be Kyran, she would have chalked this up as Kyran being modest as usual. He was perfect! Impeccable! Flawless! Why would anybody hope their son turned out differently?

But now, she was simply startled at Brendan’s sudden display of self-awareness. She forced herself to smile and reply, “You’re pulling my leg again.”

Brendan responded by squeezing her hand silently. Feeling a little disconcerted, Deirdre made up an excuse, “It’s getting late. I need to take a shower.”

She rose, and Brendan suddenly called out to her. “Dee?”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

Deirdre was stunned. “How muc