Page 56 of Highballs & Hexes

'Til you opened that door and your face my eyes gazed.

And in your eyes, I saw the spark of fate,

A light that guides me through my darkest days.

We were written in the stars, no need to explain,

In this love, we found our place.

You’re my true north, my heart’s compass in the storm,

Every piece of me aligns when you’re in my arms.

We’re fated, meant to be, forever intertwined,

In this dance of destiny, you’re my heart’s design.

Through the stormy nights and the endless tries,

You’re the melody that makes my spirit rise.

Every beat of time has led me to you,

In this endless dream, we’re painting skies so blue.

And in your touch, I feel echoes of the past,

A love we built, meant forever to last.

You’re my forever, my destiny so true,

In this love, I’ve found my way to you.

You’re my true north, my heart’s compass in the storm,

Every piece of me aligns when you’re in my arms.

We’re fated, meant to be, forever intertwined,

In this dance of destiny, you’re my heart’s design.

And in this tapestry of life, we’re a thread so fine,

Weaving dreams and love through the fabric of time.

The last note faded, and the pub remained silent for the count of five—just long enough for him to set aside Cian’s guitar and stand—before the roar of approval and deafening applause began, led by Fi. She jumped to her feet and ran up the steps to meet him halfway, leaping into his waiting arms. Drawing his mouth down to hers, she kissed him like a hero coming home from war, and nothing had tasted so sweet as her love pouring into him.

How was he ever supposed to give her up? Give this up? He’d go mad in no time. Tears burned the backs of his lids, and he kept his eyes closed as he held onto her like a lifeline.

“Let’s go,” she said, dragging him toward the exit. “I want to spend the rest of the night alone with you.” The twinkle in her eyes was naughty to the extreme, and Patrick had never seen a more welcoming sight. “Maybe I can inspire another song. A bawdy one, next time.”

“Sure, and I’ve written those for you, too.”

Her laughter was a thing of beauty, lighting her face and making everyone who’d heard it smile, despite not having been in on the joke.

They’d made it to the alley sandwiched between the Black Cat Inn and Lucky O’Malley’s when a hulking figure stepped into their path. Although surprised, Patrick’s reaction was instinctual, and he tucked Fi behind him.

“Are you lost, man?” he asked.

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