Liam woke with a jolt; he smelled something so wonderful he was certain he was dreaming. He realized he wasn't and roused Danny urgently.
"We need to piss, dress and get to the kitchen. Shan's making pasties!" Liam crowed.
"I need to do more than piss, and what the hell are pasties?"
"Ambrosia, me sweet love and brother, you'll learn soon enough. Nobody makes breakfast pasties like Shan!" Liam chirped with excitement.
"That's the first time you've called me brother," Danny said with tears welling in his eyes.
Liam hugged Danny, he was often a little vulnerable until he woke up completely.
“Use the lavvy and wake yerself, I'll use the other guest room and wait for you," Liam instructed.
Danny nodded and did as Liam told him while Liam giggled at Danny's robotic movements.
Maeve felt small arms reach around her waist and hugging tightly.
"Good morning dear, would you like to set the table while we wait for Danny and the others?"
"I'm happy to do it Shan, I could smell the pasties all the way upstairs, Da will drag Mam down for this treat."
"I thought you made these yourself Liam, don't you have the recipe?" Maeve asked.
"I do, but they can't hold a candle to yours. A pitiful imitation at best I'm afraid."
"Oh, stop you rascal, you'll make me head swell," Maeve rebuked him playfully.
Liam set the table and Connor appeared, looking simultaneously spent and chipper. Liam could only speculate about the reason but it was probably the same one that rendered Danny so groggy that morning.
Liam poured tea for his da and coffee for Terri as they sat at the island.
"What do you fancy to drink Danny?" Liam called as Danny took a seat.
"Ojay please Liam, and thank you. You don't sound as Irishy as you did yesterday."
"Yeah Danny, I'm a bit more relaxed. I'll try to tuck it in a bit from here."
"No, don't do that. It's part of who you are and it makes you unique and I really like it. Don't change it on my account, only change if that's what you want," Danny implored.
Liam leaned in and kissed his Danny and put an arm around his shoulders.
"It's fine Danny, I shook it off over the years but it'll never leave completely, I'm a Dubliner and proud to be that. I love you, Danny."
Breakfast was served as the ladies dabbed at their eyes. Danny took his first bite of an Irish pastie and his face glowed.
"This is great, what's in it?! I can taste potato, a bit of sweet onion and bacon but there's something else?"
"Mushed salted peas dear, the same as we serve with chips and cod."
"I never thought I liked peas, but these are great," Danny chirped as he chewed happily.
"You've another convert there, Mam," Connor chuckled.
"Oim just puttin' 'im in touch wit' 'is Oirish roots," Maeve replied in an exaggerated accent.
"Well, he's a Sullivan, so yer halfway there," Connor laughed.
Terri gently elbowed Connor and looked from him to Danny. Connor took the cue.
"So Danny, as you know I'll be changing your mother's name in a few months, how do you feel about me changing yours as well?"
Danny looked perplexed, and perhaps still a bit groggy, "But I like being Danny."
Connor stood and walked to Danny's stool, he put his arms around him and said, "no me darlin' boy, I meant your last name, I was thinking of changing it to Dennehy."
It was good that Connor chose an older Tee to wear because it was smeared with tears and pastie filling in a matter of seconds.
"I'll take that as a yes then, Lad."
Danny slid off the stool and hugged him again. Seeing the mess he'd made he wiped his face with a napkin before he hugged his mother. There wasn't a dry eye in the place; Danny had a father now and it was someone he loved and respected like no other man he ever met.
Early Sunday it was time to say goodbye to Maeve. More tears were shed but she promised to be back for the wedding and perhaps even the Christmas holidays. Her family watched her pass through security and left the terminal when they lost sight of her.
"I have to tell you Connor, I was worried about meeting your mother. But that went away almost as soon as she arrived," Terri told Connor once they were alone after dinner.
"I'm very glad you two got on as well as you did. She's a remarkable woman and I've always been in awe of her. And she was right about Erica, I just didn't know how right."
"Has Danny mentioned babies to you, Connor?"
"He did, but he was asleep and asked for a little brother.”
"He asked me yesterday if we were going to have more children, I didn't know what to say. What do you think?"
"I think if you're up to it, another child would be wonderful, it's you who would have to do the tough millin' Terri. Ultimately it's your decision, I always fancied havin' more than one and Liam has always wanted a brother or sister. I do believe a baby to tie us all together would be a very good thing in my opinion."
"Boy or girl?" probed Terri.
"That's not up to me," Connor chuckled.
"Well, technically it is, you're the one that brings the Y chromosome to the party."
"Still, I don't control which one gets through, I'll be happy if the child is healthy."
"Well, if we get busy on that right after the wedding we could have one early next year."
"I guess we'll see how that plays out. I'll want screening though, I've worked with some dangerous materials over the years. I'll want testing and you should have some too."
"But you've always observed safety precautions haven't you?"
"Yes, but I did get involved in an unintentional release at a lab away from home. I had me safety suit on but it's no guarantee. I just don't want to bring a child into the world that has no chance to survive. But the idea of having a baby with you is very attractive," continued Connor.
Terri hugged Connor and snuggled closer, "You're a wonderful man, Connor."
"Maeve told me that Liam is a lot like your father in mannerisms and intellect, is that how you see him?"
"It is, Da was a brilliant man, had he the schooling he could have been a scientist. He had a keen mind and he and Liam were like a pair of gloves. Da was an auto mechanic and musician until a car slipped off a lift and broke his shoulder. He couldn't do either after that so he taught music theory at home. Many of his students went on to university and some went and became music acts in a big way. With his pension and the cash from the settlement, we were good financially and Mam was doing studio work and occasionally performing. I moved on to university early and did well. But when I left university there were no decent jobs and I decided to come here."
"Wow, I didn't expect all that but thanks for telling me," Terri commented.
"Liam told me you have a decent set of pipes, he said he heard you singing opera, Va pensiero, I think he said."
"I didn't realize he'd heard me or knew what I was singing. That's remarkable," Terri gasped.
"All that aside, do you fancy joining me for a tune?"
"I'd love to, can I warm up a bit first?"
"Sure, I'll get the rest of the chorus down here and we'll see what we can do as a group," Connor encouraged.
Without further discussion, Connor went up and retrieved Liam and Danny filling them in on the way down. Connor and Liam went over selections and they decided to start with the Hoffman Barcarole, Liam pulled out the lyric cards for Terri and one for Danny to follow along.
"I don't read Italian Liam, what am I supposed to do with this?" Danny complained.
"Just follow along, I'm not asking you to sing. I have the score if you want to read over my shoulder while I play. It will give you a feel for some different music. You might even like it," Liam intoned.
"Okay," Danny sighed, you're usually right anyway about this stuff."
Liam dug out a couple of other lyric cards for songs his da and he would sing often.
With everyone present, Liam allowed Terri a moment to review the lyrics and when she nodded he began an abbreviated version of the intro.
Connor and Terri's voices blended beautifully in the music room and Danny was enthralled. The lyric card hung at his side as he listened to his mother's sweet voice mixing with Connor's baritone.
When finished the boys clapped vigorously and the singers bowed.
"Mam, do you know Libiamo?" Liam asked. "Danny and I will be your chorus if you'll sing with Da."
"You're on little man," Terri chirped.
Once again, Liam played the intro and Danny followed along, Liam leaned back for the first chorus but Danny didn't join him.
But Danny was nearly ready, when the second chorus came around, he joined Liam singing in his amended range and thoroughly enjoyed himself. With the four of them singing together, a plan began to form in Liam's mind. They finished strong on the final chorus and cheered each other.
"You should sing that at your reception, I'm sure I could get Richard and Anders to join us and a few others like Cheri and Amber. I can see who has the pipes to handle it if you like."
"That's a lovely idea Liam, we plan to have a small string ensemble and it's a simple enough tune. I'm in if you are Connor," Terri dared him.
"I get it, it would be like a flash mob like they do in malls and train stations; that would be so cool," Danny giggled.
"Maybe just us lads could do Santa Lucia?” Connor ventured.
"If Danny joins me I'll do it," Liam affirmed.
"Okay, I'm in," Danny shrugged.
"Well let's do it together so Danny can get his feet wet," Connor suggested."
Liam played softly and sang the first verse and Connor joined him. Danny began singing the third verse and had trouble with the pronunciation but he improved in every verse after that.
"That was truly wonderful guys, and it's a beautiful song," Terri gushed.
"Liam and I have been singing that together since he was about eight," Connor recalled.
"I think yer right Da, I love the song too, Mam," Liam grinned at her.
"I enjoyed it but I'll need to practice the lyrics, I never read Italian before," Danny added.
"Who wants ice cream?" Terri asked.
No one opted out so Terri headed for the kitchen.
"Da, how does Duane do at Karaoke?" Liam asked.
"Not good, he wants to sing rock ballads but his voice isn't suited for it. Jason can sing his legs off, he's really good and has a broad range. Rick sings well but with his voice control you would expect that."
"I'm not sure if the guests would appreciate Bender singing Libiamo," Liam giggled.
Connor ruffled Liam's hair and said, "You never know, maybe we'd hear Goofy in the chorus."
Both boys were giggling now and there was no way back, music was done for the evening.
Monday was just getting started, Liam and Danny sat at the island drinking hot chocolate and talking about the day to come.
"It's early yet, why don't we walk to school and see if we can meet up with Brian and Calvin. If you agree, I'll send Brian a message," Liam proposed.
"Sure, I haven't seen much of them at school lately. I'd like that,” Danny decided.
The boys had their breakfast and gave hugs and kisses to Connor and Terri and ambled off towards the school.
Brian answered the text and agreed to meet at Howe and Avocado streets just above Brian's home.
Liam sent a thumbs up and he and Danny walked on.
"Hey guys, how's it going this morning?" Brian called out upon catching sight of Danny and Liam.
"Hi Brian, Hi Calvin, we're great, how about you?" Danny replied.
The boys shook, bumped and hugged and began chatting away.
"You're not using your stick anymore?" Brian observed.
"Not much, I still carry it just in case but I've been doing without it for a bit," Liam shared.
"Checkout the sling he made for it," Danny directed.
Liam hoisted the walking stick off his neck and shoulder and handed it to Brian.
"How'd you make that sling?" Calvin asked.
"Just rope work, me gran-da taught me to work rope and cord when I was tiny," Liam explained.
"That's cool, I'd like to learn that but I don't want to join boy scouts just to learn. My dad says they're not the same organization they were when he was a kid," Calvin went on.
"I've a book you can borrow, and I can get you started," offered Liam.
"That would be cool, thanks," Calvin chirped.
Brian grinned broadly at Liam in gratitude.
"Eh Brian, I thought I heard you singin' in the lav once and you sounded right fine, do yas like to sing?"
It took Brian a moment to parse the question. "Um… not in public, I'm kind of shy and I don't sing that well," Brian shrugged.
"Oh bullshit, you sing great. You just need to sing to someone else besides me or your dad," interjected Calvin.
"Really now Calvin, what does he sing?" Liam inquired.
A deep sigh erupted from Brian, "English folk songs mostly. My dad has a few LP's of the Watersons and some other singers, I always liked the music and that's what I learned to sing."
"I know that group, I love the song All the Little Chickens in the Garden. I think I remember the chorus, it starts 'treat me daughter decent' I think."
"That's the one, I know it too, c'mon Brian you sing the main and we'll sing with you," Calvin implored.
"Let's teach Danny the chorus Calvin, then we can give it a try," Liam suggested.
Danny was a quick study as usual and the boys made their way across the road and began. Brian had an exceptionally pure keening tenor and as they went through the song, the harmony improved as Danny and Liam filled in around Calvin's sweet high voice. They came to a crossing as they finished where a lady was watering her flowers.
"That was lovely boys, thank you for improving my day."
The boys waived, returned her thanks and pressed on.
"She's right Brian, you have a great voice. You've nothin' at all to be embarrassed about. Have yas never considered the school choir?" asked Liam.
"I did once, but it's a time hole and most of it is after school. Plus I had that time when it was just not what I wanted people to see me doing."
"I've a proposition for you lads, our parents are getting married and we want to form a flash mob at the reception, and I need a good bunch of singers our age and Da is recruitin' a few adults. I plan to ask Cheri and Amber and see if either Todd or Darren can sing; but I would love it if you would take a part in this, the both of yas."
Danny dug out his tissues from his pack and passed them to Calvin whose tears were running free and told him to pass them to Brian who was similarly touched.
"That's really great Liam, congratulations to both of you. I guess you'll be brothers then, right?" Brian offered.
"It seems that way, what do you guys say about singin' with us."
"Oh man guys, I… just don't… okay, I'll do it if Calvin will."
Calvin nodded but couldn't speak just then. But his smile was a mile wide.
"What's the song?" Brian inquired.
'Libiamo ne' lieti calici', it's an opera piece but it's very upbeat and vivacious," Liam informed him.
"I know it, it's from La Traviata," Calvin chirped and he hummed the melody.
"That's the one Calvin, can you sing it? Danny asked.
"Not without the lyrics in front of me, but I could learn it and so could Brian."
"Sure, it actually sounds like fun, I'm in," Brian responded cheerfully.
The four boys surrounded Cheri and Amber and Liam put the idea to them. Cheri accepted without reserve, but Amber took a bit of convincing. Brian and Calvin joined them for the first time to enjoy morning cocoa or whatever they liked to drink.
"You're not wearing your sling Brian, are you fully healed?" Cheri asked.
"No, but I don't need the sling most of the time. It's in my pack if my arm starts aching," Brian returned.
"How about you Calvin, are you feeling okay? You're only a bit green where your bruise was," Cheri continued.
"I feel great, it's not even tender. Thanks Cheri, nice of you to ask."
Soon enough it was time for school to begin, the friends parted ways until lunch.
On the way to their Science class Cheri made an observation; "That Calvin is so cute I could just eat him up. Do you see the way he looks at Brian and how Brian looks at him? If they aren't in love you can paint me purple with green stripes."
"What, I'm not cute anymore?” Danny grinned at her.
"Of course you are darlin', I just never saw Calvin smile so sweetly before,” Cheri explained.
"I think it's a fair assessment Cheri, but I'm sure they can trust in your discretion," Liam supplied.
"You know it sweety, do you know for sure?"
"Yes, I do. Ah, here we are, good morning Mr. C.," Liam offered.
"Good morning Liam, you too Cheri and Daniel. Are you all ready to reveal the secrets of the universe?"
The trio laughed and took their seats.
At lunch, Todd and Darren tracked them down at their usual table in the Caf.
"I wasn't sure you guys were here, we didn't see you out front. What happened?” Todd inquired.
"We walked from our house and came in through the athletic pitch," Liam supplied.
"I was going to look for you in a moment, can we walk along with you to Todd's?"
"Sure guys, it'll be nice and quiet, guaranteed cousin free," Todd assured.
"Sounds great, we'll meet you out front and I'll get our mam to meet us there," Liam suggested.
"That or my dad can run you home if she's busy. Hey, wait! Did you just say your ‘mam’ like your ‘mother’, I thought…?"
"Relax Todd, they're getting married, Liam and I will be brothers and we're all really happy about it," Danny announced.
"Oh cool, that's really great, we're both really happy for you. Well then, we'll see you out front after school," Darren chimed.
"Okay guys we'll see you then,” Liam replied.