Page 47 of Rev

As the evening sets in, we take a walk through the surrounding countryside and explore a quaint village nearby. The streets are lined with charming cottages and local shops, and the atmosphere is peaceful and serene.

We find a cosy pub and decide to have dinner there. The food is hearty and delicious, and we spend the meal talking and laughing, enjoying each other’s company. It’s a perfect moment that I’ll cherish forever.

After dinner, we head back to the inn. The night is cool and crisp, and the sky is filled with stars. Hadrian takes my hand as we walk, his touch warm and reassuring.

“This place is magical,” I say, looking up at the sky.

“It is,” he agrees. “But it’s you who makes it special, Harley. I knew you’d love Antrim, and when we explore the rest of the coast tomorrow, you’ll understand why this is one of my favourite places.”

I smile, feeling a warmth of happiness spread through me. “Thank you, Hadrian.”

We reach our room, and as we step inside, I feel a sense of contentment. We spend the rest of the evening talking, sharing our stories and dreams, and it feels like we’re slowly but surely weaving our lives together.

As the night wears on, we cuddle up in bed, and Hadrian’s embrace envelops me. I feel safe and loved, and for the first time in a long while, I feel at peace.

“I love you, Hadrian,” I whisper, my head resting on his chest.

“I love you too, Harley,” he replies, and his voice is soft and tender.

I close my eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. And as I drift off to sleep, I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together with love and strength.

TWENTY

REV

With Harley beside me, I’ve been given the chance to see Belfast anew through her eyes. The familiar sights and sounds have taken on a different, brighter hue with her beside me.

Now I’ve brought her up to County Antrim for a short trip to see a bit more of my adopted country. After we arrived at the inn yesterday, we spent the evening exploring the surrounding area, but today I’m taking her to the Giant’s Causeway—a place where the wild beauty of the coast feels both timeless and grounding. It seems like the perfect setting for what I have planned.

As I’m about to get on the bike, Harley stops me and laces her fingers through mine.

“What’s wrong?” I ask as I look down at her.

“Nothing, I just wanted to say thank you for this. I didn’t expect it, and it’s beautiful.”

“I told you last night,” I lean in and press a soft kiss to the tip of her nose. “I try.”

It’s a perfect day with the sun shining brightly as my bike roars to life. Our destination is not far from the inn, and the roads are quiet, so we soon catch our first glimpse of the craggy cliffs and the Atlantic beyond.

When we arrive at the Causeway, the wind picks up, carrying with it the salty tang of the ocean. Harley takes a deep breath and smiles as she looks around.

“It’s stunning, Hadrian,” she says, her voice filled with wonder. “I’ve seen pictures, but they don’t do it justice.”

I take her hand, leading her towards the basalt columns that rise majestically from the water. The Giant’s Causeway is a place steeped in legend and natural beauty, and a magical place for us to spend the day. We walk along the rocks, carefully picking our way across the uneven surfaces.

“So, how does it feel being in Belfast and with the club?” I ask, genuinely curious about her thoughts.

She glances at me, a soft smile playing on her lips. “It feels surprisingly like home. Everyone’s been so welcoming, and there’s a sense of camaraderie that I really appreciate. Don’t tell my father I said that, though. He might not like that I’m getting too comfortable too quickly.” She giggles as she says it, and I know she’s joking.

I laugh, squeezing her hand. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

We continue our walk, watching as some children play on the rocks. Their laughter carries on the wind, and Harley’s eyes light up. I can see the joy and contentment in her expression.

Suddenly, the thought of Harley having my children pops into my head, and I can’t shake it off. The idea of her pregnant with my bairn is definitely appealing. Hopefully, that will be a part of our future.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” she says, turning to me. “The way the ocean crashes against the rocks, the endless horizon… it feels so alive.”

I nod, experiencing the same sense of awe. “It is. This place has always held a special meaning for me. It’s a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things, but also how connected we are to the world around us.”

---