It’s easy, not to mention tempting, to blithely commit some serious errors in judgment when you’re young. Most of them become distant memories as the years tick by. But every once in a while a youthful indiscretion is more like a ticking time bomb, counting down until it blows. Catherine Smith has had her share of misfortune, but few of her travails have shaken her like the revelation she faces now. It’s unsettled every part of her life; from her relationship with Giacomo, to Jamie, and even to Jennie. All she wants is some time alone to grapple with her feelings, but when you’re raising a high school student, your time is not your own. Her instinct is to run and hide, but she desperately needs the love and support of her family. Trying to hide a secret prevents those who love you from offering the right kind of support, though, so Catherine has to struggle to balance her needs with those of the people she loves the most. Sadly, her instincts are not great. Jamie once again feels shut out, and she has a hard time dealing with it. But she’s so busy, with Aisling visiting, and starting her final semester of real estate classes at Cal that she’s largely able to play the waiting game.

Of course, when Ryan O'Flaherty’s in the mix, free time is never in abundance. Ryan’s trying to spend time with Aisling, Caitlin, and the new O'Flaherty Cousin’s Project while taking a full class load at Cal, and training for the AIDS Ride. And in her spare time, she’s determined to find out what’s bothering Catherine.

Just another few months amidst the mayhem of Clan O'Flaherty-Evans, the liveliest spot in town.