Page 26 of Shamrocks & Second Chances

A smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. “I suppose that’s true.”

“So, that’s a yes?”

She hands me the frothy green latte, a work of art topped with shamrock-shaped foam dusted with edible gold. “That’s a ‘meet me at the Heart of Haven at one o’clock and we’ll see.’”

I grin, taking the drink. “I’ll be there.”

“Oh, and, Seamus?” She leans forward slightly, lowering her voice. “The pin wasn’t from me.”

Before I can respond, she turns to the next customer, leaving me puzzled. If not from Bella, then who? And why?

I take my latte to a small table by the window, watching as Evershift Haven continues to transform outside. The LoveLuck Festival is in full swing now, with performers setting up stages, and children running through the square trailing ribbons of green and gold magic.

The latte is delicious—rich espresso mellowed with cream and honey, with notes of vanilla and something else I can’t quite place. As I sip it, a continuous stream of tiny green and gold shamrocks fly out my nose, tickling it slightly, until I finish the last drink.

Sitting there, I notice more details of the festival preparations. A group of leprechauns—distant cousins, most likely, though I don’t recognize them specifically—are setting up what appears to be a traditional gold-finding game. Participants will search for enchanted gold coins hidden throughout the square, with each one redeemable for prizes.

Near the Heart of Haven, a dance floor materializes as dryads weave branches into an intricate pattern on the ground. Music will play there later—traditional Irish jigs mixed with modern beats, creating a fusion that somehow works perfectly.

I stroll through the crowd, nodding at familiar faces. I rest my hands casually in my pockets, brushing my fingers against the small velvet pouch I’ve been carrying all day. The weight is reassuring.

I spot Bella near one o’clock, across the square. Her green hair is twisted into an elaborate braid with clovers woven throughout. She’s wearing a flowing dress in Kelly green, and even from here, I can see she’s trying very hard to act normally. Her shoulders are too straight, her smile too fixed as she chats with a group of townspeople.

Half the people at this festival conspired to push us back together. The other half probably wish they’d thought of it first.

“Looking mighty pleased with yourself, leprechaun,” says Grizelda, appearing beside me with a glass of something that smokes slightly. Her purple hair moves of its own accord, curling and uncurling like tentacles. “Planning something dramatic?”

“Me? Dramatic?” I place a hand over my heart in mock offense. “I am the picture of subtlety.”

Grizelda snorts, her purple eyes flashing with amusement. “About as subtle as those fireworks.” She points upward where enchanted fireworks explode in shapes of hearts, shamrocks, and coffee cups.

“Those weren’t my idea,” I say, though I appreciate the sentiment.

“No, those were mine.” She winks and drifts away into the crowd.

I continue my circuit of the festival, stopping occasionally to sample food or admire crafts. All the while, I keep Bella in my peripheral vision. She’s moving from group to group, never staying in one place too long. Avoiding me, most likely.

Not this time.

The clock tower chimes one, and Mayor Ambrosius Spellbinder steps onto the central platform. His long silver beard is decorated with tiny glowing shamrocks for the occasion, and his robes shimmer with constellations that actually move.

“Welcome, citizens of Evershift Haven, to our annual LoveLuck Festival.” His voice booms across the square without the need for amplification by using a simple spell that makes him sound like he’s standing right next to each person. “As tradition dictates, we gather to celebrate the bonds of friendship, community, and love that make our town special.”

The crowd cheers, raising glasses and mugs.

“Before we continue with our scheduled festivities, I believe someone has an announcement to make.” The mayor’s eyes twinkle as he looks directly at me. “Seamus O’Connell, would you care to join me?”

Several heads turn in my direction. I straighten my shoulders and make my way through the parting crowd. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Bella freeze, her eyes wide.

I climb the steps to the platform and shake the mayor’s hand. The crowd falls silent as I scan the sea of faces until I find Bella,still near the Heart of Haven. She looks like she’s contemplating making a run for it. “I know most of you have been meddling in my love life, so let’s just get this over with.”

There’s a moment of suspicious silence, then guilty laughter ripples through the crowd. Several people exchange glances or suddenly find their shoes fascinating.

“Two years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I left Evershift Haven—and more importantly, I left Bella Brewster.” My voice carries clearly across the square. “I had my reasons, and they seemed important at the time. Family obligations. Traditions. Expectations.”

I pause, letting my gaze sweep across the crowd again.

“I was wrong. Nothing is more important than love. Nothing is more important than the family we choose.” I look directly at Bella now. Her face is unreadable, but she hasn’t run away yet, which I count as a win. “I want to make something clear to everyone here. I’m staying in Evershift Haven. Whether you take me back or not, Bella, this is my home now.”

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