Tiernan Chapter 1

I walked through the stables of the latest endeavor for O’Sheeran Stables. I was excited and proud of it, even more so than our usual business. Like all other family members, I oversaw an enterprise within the family conglomerate. For me, it had been a no-brainer to be in control of the O’Sheeran Stables. Horses had been a passion of mine since before I could walk, according to my parents. They swore I cried until one of them would take me up in the saddle, even as a baby.

As far back as I could recall, no place made me feel as peaceful as being around horses. Over the years, I’d increased our standing in the world of racing to make it world-class. I had my hands in almost every aspect, no matter how small.

However, racing was a rich man’s game. I wanted more, and staring around me, I saw that my dream to bring the enjoyment and love of horses to the average person had come true. Sure, people could take lessons and have their regular horses, but it cost money. The truth was, many couldn’t afford it, even if they didn’t own the horses. Vet fees, boarding, equipment, and feed all cost money. It was eliminating these impediments that led to Tiernan’s Steeds.

My family insisted my name grace it rather than O’Sheeran. It was my brainchild, and they claimed I deserve the honor of having it named after me. I tried to say no, but when you were ordered by the head of the family, even if he was your cousin, you did it. I was beyond honored.

For those able to afford it, they could ride for a reasonable fee. Those who couldn’t afford the fee would get the same access as those with the means. I saw it not only for current horse lovers but also as a way to instill that love in a new generation. While it would be open to adults, kids were my true aim.

Rather than having Tiernan’s Steeds in Ocala, where the main racing stables were, I opened this one, a first of many I hoped, in St. Augustine. I made more than a couple of monthly trips to Ocala to check what was happening with the racehorses. By being in St. Aug, I could drop in anytime.

Top-of-the-line facilities, along with great staff, were all in place. We were open for business, and I was excited to see how much it would grow. We’d opened the doors less than a month ago, and people were coming to check us out daily. Many were coming back and referring friends and family.

“ Mac , son, you’ve done an outstanding job on this. Look how busy you already are. Your mam and I are so proud of you,” Daid said with a smile.

“Thanks. I think it’s shaping up pretty well. I have lots of wonderful people doing the work.”

“That may be so, but it’s not all them, Tiernan. You’ve always been one to push acknowledgments away, but you need to own this. It was your dream, your thoughts, that went into this. Hell, we had to fight to get you even to allow us to dedicate funds toward it.”

“ Daid , it might’ve been my original idea, but everyone contributed. I wish it were called O’Sheeran Steeds, as it should be.”

“That was never happening. Even if Darragh was the one to decree it, he wasn’t the only one to veto that suggestion. Bask in this. I know you’ve always been more comfortable with animals, especially horses, than lots of people. I swear, in some ways, you’re our shyest child.” He chuckled.

I wouldn’t call myself shy. With family and friends, I could be as boisterous as any of my siblings or cousins, but there did seem to be a slight barrier between me, strangers, and barely there acquaintances. I found it more challenging than others to befriend people.

“I’ll try. Now, how about we grab lunch? I don’t know about you, but I’m starved,” I told him. He gave me an indulgent grin and then nodded. Walking out of the stables, I added a thought to my mental list of something for future reference.

???

The latest meeting with the head of the school board in St. Augustine went off without a hitch. The idea I had a couple of weeks ago when touring Steeds with Daid was coming off the ground. We were still in the beginning stages, but I was psyched about where I pictured it going.

The concept wasn’t unique, although it wasn’t occurring in our town. I wanted my new endeavor to join with our local school district and offer an opportunity. While the Steeds was open to anyone, I’d been doing research and found that there was a particular group of kids who would more than likely greatly benefit from interactions with our horses. It was those who had developmental delays, educational challenges, impaired socialization, and those considered to fall on the autism spectrum.

I’d taken time to research independently and through talks with counselors and doctors who dealt with these children. They were often marginalized and didn’t get the same chances as others. I was guilty, like many people, of not truly understanding what it meant to be autistic and “on the spectrum.” I knew I had a long way to go to be an expert by any means, but I learned a ton more than I had known a month ago.

A big misconception was that being autistic was a cognitive and behavioral issue. That was the first education I got. Autism was more accurately called the autism spectrum disorder, or ASD for short. It did have behavioral aspects. However, it was a neurodevelopmental disorder in which those who had it exhibited symptoms of persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across many contexts and often demonstrated restricted, repetitive patterns of activities, behaviors, and interests. While this was the official definition by the American Psychiatric Association, it didn’t mean the sufferers were crazy.

I hated to hear those with the diagnosis referred to as retarded, simpletons, and other derogatory terms. I recalled a young girl I went to school with for a short period of time who I now knew had ASD. Everyone at school, including the teachers, counselors, and other parents, had discounted her learning ability. Most acted as if she didn’t have feelings. Fellow children had been worse. Even all these decades later, it made my blood boil thinking of her. My parents hadn’t tolerated any teasing or derogatory comments about her. Once, I’d repeated what someone else had said about her. I hadn’t been able to sit without it hurting for a week. I was still ashamed that I’d repeated it to my family, even though I never said it to her.

Guy Elliotson, the head of the school board, was cautiously optimistic when I approached him about launching a test group at one of the grade schools. There was more to do, but he’d gotten approval for us to pilot it with a few children. The school would approach the parents or guardians and ask if they would be willing to try the Steeds. If, after three months, the trial was going well and there was more interest, we’d expand it to more children at the central grade school and others. It wasn’t something I thought only small kids would benefit from.

Another inspiration for it was Khloe, Aidan and Karizma’s six-year-old daughter. Khloe adored horses and couldn’t get enough of them. I wanted to bring the joy they brought her to others. The program wouldn’t only be for autistic children. Any mental, physical, emotional, or neurodivergent individuals would be welcome.

“Mr. Elliotson, have you chosen the first students you believe will benefit from Maggie’s Moppets?” I asked. This was the working name for the program.

“I have. There are three of them. One, I hope, will try it more than the others. The principal, his teacher, the counselor, and I are meeting with his mom this week.”

“May I ask why one over the others?”

“Sure. His name is Cassius. He’s a very bright boy, yet he tends to be standoffish more than the others. His behaviors, while they can get problematic, are usually not violent toward others. He tends to be harder on himself and struggles to cope at times. We’ve already seen that horses seem to soothe him when he gets upset. According to his teacher, his mother says that’s been the case since he was small. Pictures or seeing them on television can do it. He’s never had a chance to meet a horse in person and definitely not to ride one. We think he’ll be ideal.”

“Wonderful. If you think it’ll help, I’m more than willing to talk to his mom if she seems reluctant to let him try. I want it clear that there is no cost to her, and every precaution will be taken to ensure his safety.”

“If necessary, we may take you up on that offer. Again, I can’t tell you how much this means to the kids and the school. I wish there had been something like this for my daughter when she was young.”

Sadness came off him in waves. The reason Elliotson was so gung-ho for the program was because his daughter had been developmentally delayed. Unfortunately, he’d lost her to cancer when she was sixteen. He regretted he hadn’t found ways to make her life easier and more enjoyable, which he’d shared with me when I approached him with my idea. At the time, I had no idea about his daughter. Her name was Maggie, and I called the program Maggie’s Moppets in her honor. The man broke down in tears when I floated the idea to him.

“Perfect. We’ll get the kids here once you have the details worked out. As soon as you know, let me know, and I’ll make sure to be here to answer any questions Cassius’s mom has.”

“Mr. O’Sheeran, it’s not necessary for you to take time out of your busy schedule to be here. I’ll come with them, assuming she agrees.”

“Please, if we’re going to be working together, call me Tiernan. Whenever you say Mr. O’Sheeran, I look for my daid , uncles, or cousin, Darragh. I have to stop myself from checking around to see if they’re here and coming after me,” I joked.

He laughed. “I’ve never met your father, but I’ve seen photos of him, your uncles, and cousins. I’d do the same. However, it makes you no less intimidating. If I’m to be on a first-name basis with you, then you must also be with me.”

“It’s a deal, Guy. And I want to be here.”

It took a bit of convincing, but by the time we parted, he’d agreed to let me know. We were hopeful that next week it might happen. The meeting with the boy’s mom was tomorrow. Heading home, I tried to imagine what Cassius was like. Due to confidentiality, I didn’t know more than his first name. His medical and family history wouldn’t be revealed unless the mother agreed to participate. As part of the pilot, we wanted to do a study showing benefits and results, which would require specific data to be collected.

Arriving back at Kin of éireann Inc.’s new headquarters in St. Augustine, I took a moment to take it all in. We’d been in the St. Augustine location for a couple of months. Until the move, which was prompted by the next generation beginning to settle down and not wanting to spend more time than necessary away from their families, our headquarters had been moved from Jacksonville to our hometown. A smaller satellite office remained there. I’d always liked the old offices, but these new ones were amazing.

Everyone in the family had an individual office here, as did many of our key staff. An addition was the inclusion of a daycare. It allowed not only the family to bring current and future leanaí , children, to work with them, but employees could bring theirs as well. At the moment, Khloe sometimes came when she wasn’t in school. Darragh and Ashlynn would have Ronan there. Ronan went with his mom to Divine Jewelers when she worked there since he was so small. With three sets of grandparents eager to have grandchildren, the kids weren’t always in daycare or tagging along with their parents, but it did happen.

I barely reached the executive floor before several family members rushing for the elevators almost ran me over. My fighter’s instincts kicked in.

“What’s wrong?” I asked Shane.

“Cian just got the call. Randi is in labor. We’re headed for the hospital. Get your ass in gear or be left behind, little brother. It’s time to go meet the clan’s newest member,” he said with a grin.

About that time, my phone chimed and vibrated. Knowing what I’d find, I still took it out of my suit pocket to verify. Yep. It was a group text from Darragh informing us of the impending arrival and that those going to the hospital from corporate better get their asses to the private garage STAT or we’d be left behind. I snorted. I could only imagine what the ones not here were doing. As far as I knew, Cian had been at the compound with Randi. He refused to be far from her these past few weeks. I switched directions and followed the herd.

In the garage, we were hustled into waiting cars with bodyguards. Some rode with us, while others took separate vehicles. It was a fact of life that we had bodyguards, and it wasn’t often that we traveled without at least a few. The women were never permitted without one. It was a rule put into place by the older generation before we were born. We might be out of the official life, but with our wealth and history, we were still targets and would always be.

It didn’t take us long to descend on the hospital. The wide-eyed stares we received made me feel sorry for the staff. When an O’Sheeran was in-house, it was more work. When the whole clan came, it was hell, even if we did try our best to be undemanding and polite. This happened even despite having a private, secured wing for the family. No matter the issue, the staff working on it were thoroughly vetted and monitored. With the crop of new babies, we’d added to the medical staff approved to treat family. Dr. Keim was our on-call doctor and surgeon. He’d been with us for years. Dr. Medina was the OB/GYN doctor for the women, and Dr. Wincott was the pediatrician. The latter were females opposed to Dr. K. They’d been brought on since Ashlynn joined the family.

We filled the waiting area. It wasn’t long before Sean and Brenda joined us. This would be their first grandchild. We worked to keep them entertained. Until it came time actually to meet the new addition, we guys would stay in the waiting room, except for Cian and Sean. The women were taking turns going into the labor suite with Miranda. Her dad, Martin, was pacing. He went in to see her a few times but couldn’t stand it.

I overheard him telling Patrick that he wasn’t able to stand seeing her in pain. As the chief of police, he was used to being able to help people. When he couldn’t, it stressed him out. It was good to see how comfortable he’d become with us. Prior to Randi and Cian’s meeting, he’d been one of our biggest detesters. He was sure we were still immersed in the illegal lifestyle. It wasn’t until we saved his daughter, she refused to give up Cian, and Martin had been nursed back to health on our family compound that he began to see that while we may not be angels and did things outside the law, we weren’t evil.

The hours dragged by, but there was no way a single one of us would leave. It was just before midnight when Cian came hurrying into the waiting room. He had a smile that was stretched from ear to ear.

“She’s here! Wait until you see her. She’s as beautiful as her mother,” he crowed.

“How are they?” Maeve asked.

“Great. Miranda is tired, but she’s good. They’re getting her and the baby cleaned up, then you can see them. Shit, I can’t believe it. I’m a father. I have a daughter,” he said weakly before sinking into a chair. We teased him and got him back on his feet. Within the hour, the rotation to meet Caitlin O’Sheeran began.

I let the others go first. It wasn’t because I was less anxious to see her. I thought it only fair to let her actual grandparents, aunt, and uncles go first. Brenda, Sean, and Martin couldn’t stop smiling. This would be my parents with Aidan and Riza’s baby in a couple of months. I was looking forward to it.

A couple of hours later, back home in my bed at my house, I briefly wondered if I’d ever get to experience the joys of fatherhood. I dreamed and prayed I would, but there were no guarantees. If I didn’t, I’d put my love and attention into the children of my siblings and cousins. I should be exhausted and ready to sleep, but I was wide awake. Rather than lie there tossing and turning, I took out my tablet and began doing more research into making Maggie’s Moppets a raging success.

I didn’t put it down until five in the morning. I knew I needed a few hours of rest before heading down to Ocala. It was time for me to check and see how things were going on the racing side. I had a manager and others who helped me oversee everything, but I still was hands-on as much as possible.

???

Time was flying. A week and a half after welcoming Caitlin, the whole family gathered to celebrate again. This time, it was for the marriage of Aisling and Alistair. My sister glowed with happiness. She’d been in love with Alistair for half her life. Finally, being able to marry him and begin a life together was her dream come true. They were already working toward having their first baby. We’d had a good time teasing him about defiling her, and threats were made in jest of what we’d do if he didn’t marry her as if that was ever a worry.

The whole family had known the two of them loved each other. We’d stayed out of it despite wanting to intervene numerous times. We hadn’t been able to figure out what was keeping them apart. It took her being seriously injured for Alistair to admit his feelings. I’d wanted to smack him for thinking he wasn’t good enough for her for even a second or that the family would wish for someone different for her. No one in the world would love or protect her better. He’d been like another brother since we were kids. He thought the way we did.

They were on the dance floor, lost in each other. They held each other so close. Tender glances and passionate kisses were being exchanged back and forth. Again, I fought my jealousy. Goddamn it, I wanted to be able to do that with someone. To be so lost and in love that nothing and no one else mattered at that moment. My parents had been that way my whole life, and even after close to forty years together, they still held hands, kissed, and whispered things to each other. Daid could make Mam blush and giggle. She made him look at her with hunger.

“What’s wrong, little deartháir , brother?” Shane asked.

“Nothing,” was my automatic answer.

“ Cac tarbh , Bullshit. There’s something up. Don’t make me beat your ass to make you talk,” he threatened.

“Shane, I’m not a little kid anymore. The days of you beating my ass are gone. Or do we need a bout in the ring to prove it?” I taunted.

“We can. If I can’t beat it out of you, one of the others will.”

Sighing, I gave up. If I pushed, they’d gang up on me and say it was for my own good. “I was just wondering if I’ll ever have that.” I pointed to Alistair and Aisling, now kissing on the dance floor. “Do you ever wonder if you will? I mean, look at Mam and Daid , Sean and Brenda, Patrick and Maeve, and now Aisling and Alistair and Aidan and Karizma. Then add in Darragh and Ashlynn and Cian and Miranda. I want to hope, but what if it never happens?” Voicing it aloud made it more of a fear.

“Tier, I have no clue if we will. I hope and pray for it. I know I’m constantly on the lookout for someone. I’m tired of the same old women throwing themselves at us. They either want sex, notoriety, or money. Most of the time, all three. I may fuck them, but I don’t let them think it’ll ever be more. However, that’s getting old, too. I wish I knew. All I can do is hang on to the knowledge that it’s now happened for four of us. One more, and that’s a third of us. The odds are getting better and better.”

“ Chríost , Christ, I pray you’re right. But if I’m not that blessed, I’ll spoil the others’ kids and the ones who are part of Maggie’s Moppets,” I vowed.

“Speaking of Maggie’s, have you had the first kid come out? I thought that was supposed to happen a week or more ago,” he asked.

“There was a delay in the meeting with the mom, and then she had questions and wanted to check us out. I told Guy I’d talk to her, but he said to let him handle it. I learned yesterday that the boy, Cassius, will be at the stables on Tuesday. I plan to be there, make sure it goes well, and answer his mom's questions. Dia , God, I pray it goes well.”

“It will. You’ve done an incredible job with not only the stables in general but with preparing for Maggie’s Moppets. I know it’ll go great. Now, enough depression and self-doubting. Let’s go tear our sister away from the Scotsman for a dance.” He chuckled.

“You truly have a death wish, don’t you? Fine, you go first, and while he kills you, I’ll sneak in and grab Ais for a dance. I’ll put flowers on your grave and cry over you once a year,” I promised insincerely.

This had the desired effect. We shoved and teased each other as we made our way to Aisling. She saw us coming and smirked. Diabhal , Damn, I loved my crazy family.

???

I paced the stables and looked at my watch. They’d be here any second. I was anxious, and that wasn’t like me. I usually had excess confidence regarding anything associated with the horses and our stables. Guy had messaged me to let me know he was coming to watch the first session. It was probably a good idea since the mom had met him before. She had to be a little apprehensive about it.

I made another circuit through the stables, and as I got to the main doors, I saw two cars had pulled in. Guy was recognizable. He was standing on the other side of a car, facing a woman. The vehicle hid most of her, but I did see her long hair hanging down. It was a light brown, sort of blond color. The sun highlighted the golden blond strands in it. They were talking earnestly.

Guy must’ve felt my stare because he glanced up, and when he saw me, he waved me over. I was taking the first step toward them when she turned, and I saw her face. I stumbled and had to catch myself. Call me superficial, but she struck me, and it wasn’t just her looks, even as gorgeous as they were. It was as if a connection sprang up when our eyes met. As I continued toward them, I cataloged her features.

She was just a tad over average height, maybe five foot seven or eight, based on the car. She’d come up to my chin on my six-foot-three frame. I had no clue why I thought of it, but an image of her tucked snugly against me surfaced. I shoved it away and kept assessing her. Her hair was straight, with a slightly off-center part. It hung below her shoulders. Her complexion was fair, and a perfect oval face stared back at me. As I got closer, her lips caught my attention. They were the palest pink and plump. The desire to taste them and nibble on the bottom one hit me. Her eyes were the last to strike me as I reached them. They were an electric blue with a dark ring around the edge of the iris. People said I had intense blue eyes, but hers were more so.

“Tiernan, so glad to see you. Let me introduce Kynedi Carmichael and her son, Cassius. Ms. Carmichael, this is Tiernan O’Sheeran. He’s the mastermind behind Maggie’s Moppets. Tiernan’s Steeds is his brainchild, and he oversees the O’Sheeran Stables, one of the top racing stables in the world. I don’t know how he does it,” Guy said in what sounded like awe. It made me uncomfortable. I liked him, but I think he was buying into the hype the paparazzi and others created around my family.

“It’s not that big of a deal, Guy. It’s all part of my job. I do my part for my family’s businesses. Hello, Ms. Carmichael. It’s nice to meet you.” I kept my voice friendly and free of any hint of attraction.

She gave me a tentative smile and shook my hand. With the women in my family, I’d learned early not to disregard a woman or forget to hold your hand out to one. They respected you when you did, and it was up to them to decide whether to shake your hand or not. Her small hand fit in mine, yet it had strength behind it. Needing to break the moment, though I didn’t want to, I focused on her son.

“It’s great to meet you, Cassius.” When I addressed him, I crouched to his level. He wasn’t making eye contact, but I knew that wasn’t unusual, so I didn’t take it personally. I held out my hand. I wasn’t sure if he’d take it.

“I hear you love horses. So do I. I’ve been riding them since I was a baby. I think I was two when I first sat on one by myself. I’m really hoping you’ll like the ones I have here. Wanna come meet them?” This got him to look at me. I saw the wariness and uncertainty in his eyes as he nodded.

“Okay, let’s go. I’d like you to tell me what else I need to make it great here.”

He gave me a surprised look, but he moved closer. I focused back on his mama . “Are you ready, too? I want to hear your thoughts as well. I tried to think of everything I thought would be needed, but I’m eager to see if I did it or if we need to do more.”

“I, well, I don’t know what I could add to this. I know nothing about horses or how to care for them,” she said hesitantly.

“I didn’t mean the horses. You and Cassius are experts on what we should or shouldn’t do as far as what works and what will make children feel safe and have the best experience. I’m still learning.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll try.”

I accepted it and then turned to go toward the stables. She fell into step on my right. Cassius was holding her hand. Guy was on my left. I kept glancing over to her and the boy. I wanted to see their reactions. Guy had seen it before, but even if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have been my focus.

Cassius’s eyes were huge as they took in the imposing stables. We’d spared no expense. I hoped it wasn’t intimidating. His mama’s face was showing wonderment. As we entered the main doors, the stiffness in Cassius’ shoulders seemed to ease. I saw him take a deep breath, and a smile spread across his little face as he spotted the first horse. It was Sampson. He’d been a superb racehorse, and his pedigree was among the best. Several foals had been born because of him. It was a shame he’d gotten too old to race or be a stud, but he still had life in him, and he’d be excellent for the program. I walked up to his stall. His head came over the side. He whinnied and bumped his head against me. I rubbed him between his ears. He nudged me again. I knew what he wanted.

“This is Sampson. He and I are old friends. He’s trying to get a treat out of me. Do you know what horses like as a treat, Cassius?”

I was determined to get at least one word out of him today. If I did, it would be a win.

I thought he wouldn’t answer, but suddenly he did. “Carrots and sugar.”

“You got it. They also love other things too. Apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, bananas, and many more are great treats. What do you think is Sampson’s favorite?” Sampson was nosing a leather pouch I had around my waist. I used it to carry treats for them. He knew I had several hidden there.

Cassius didn’t answer right away. He was thinking, and he glanced at his mama. She was watching him. “Don’t look at me. I have no idea. It’s alright if you guess wrong,” she assured him. I hadn’t thought of him hesitating due to fear of being wrong. If he was, did he think I’d reprimand him?

“It’s alright if you don’t know,” I assured him.

“Apples,” he said softly.

“They are one of his favorites, but the one he loves most is bananas. He’s loved them since he was a baby.” I took half of one out of the pouch. Sampson whinnied. “Would you like to feed it to him?” I asked.

Cassius’s eyes widened, but he nodded. I gestured for him to come closer. Once he did, I placed the food in his hand and told him how to feed it to the horse. Fingers needed to be kept out of the way, so a flat palm was best. I debated whether I let my hand support his or not. If he didn’t like to be touched, it would agitate him. I wish I knew more. Every child was different. He didn’t pull away, so I kept it there.

When Sampson’s lips nibbled it up, he giggled. “It tickles,” he said.

“It does. Let him finish eating that, and then, if you want, you can pet him. He likes it when you rub between his ears.”

I recognized the expression on his face. It was love. I knew it was because I wore the same one at his age and even younger. My parents had a ton of pictures of me when I was with horses. They told the tale. As soon as Sampson stopped chewing, I grabbed a nearby step stool. I would’ve lifted Cassius, but again, not knowing what he would tolerate, I didn’t. He climbed up and cautiously touched Sampson’s head. He rubbed back and forth. I swear the damn horse sighed, and his eyes closed. When it happened, I knew the boy would forever want to be near them. We’d opened a whole new world to him. This was what I wanted for so many kids.