Page 75 of Highballs & Hexes

“I’m happy Da found you and that you’re willing to forgive him for your island adventure.”

Laughing, Fi glanced over her shoulder to find Patrick watching them. “That’s a perfect way to put it. ‘Island adventure.’ And the truth is, spending time there with your Da wasn’t a hardship. We had the best food, the softest mattress, and quiet time to learn about each other. I understand why his wounded self desired to return to the familiar.”

“It wasn’t a picnic for him in Loman’s prison,” Dubheasa said, joining their conversation. “Quite the opposite.”

“Patrick lived in the shadows for his entire life. One way or the other.” Fi shook her head, struggling to explain. “There is comfort in clinging to your old way of life, all the same. He told me it was why his mind revisited the past and sought to rebuild it. But I think his kind nature didn’t want the others to suffer, despite putting them back in the cells, and he created a comfortable place for them to reside.”

“It makes sense he’d do that. Da has always tried to make things better for others.” Tears filled Bridget’s eyes, and she sniffed, rapidly blinking them away. “He’s a good man, Fi. I’m happy you saw that in him.”

“Aye, me, too. He’s protective while honoring my independence and acknowledging that I know my own mind. That’s the best quality in a man, don’t ya think?”

“I do.” Bridget grinned as Ruairí wrapped his arms around her from behind. “I’ve got one of those grand fellas myself.”

“I’ve been upgraded to grand from eejit. I’ll take it and be happier for it,” he quipped before burrowing his face against her neck and blowing raspberries against her throat.

With a palm shove to his head, Bridget laughed. “You play thegrandfool, Ruairí O’Connor.”

“Ouch, and didn’t that pierce me heart?” He turned her to face him and dipped her low, staring down at her grinning visage. “Ah,mo ghrá. I’ll play the grand fool for you for as long as you’ll have me. This lifetime and beyond. You’re my greatest love, you are.”

And the woman Fi had believed to be standoffish melted into a puddle of mush right there, for all the world to see. Love was reflected back at her mate, and their twin looks of adoration could warm even the frostiest of hearts.

Eoin, bless him, whispered something to make Brenna giggle, which caused Fi to join in. Were they all a bunch of romantics? It was easy to be surrounded by so much love.

Cian draped an arm over Fi’s shoulders and hugged her to him. “Welcome to the family, love. But please, don’t let Da sing in me pub again, yeah?”

Piper’s amber eyes were twinkling as she said, “Cian’s ego can’t take being upstaged.”

“Sure, and you’re right about that, Piper, me love. But only because it fires your passion for me when I sing to ya.” He abandoned Fi to sweep Piper into his arms and waltz around the floor as he belted out a jaunty tune.

“I love this family,” Fi said with a girly sigh she never believed was possible for her.

“Sure, and that’s a grand thing, love,” Patrick said from behind her. “We’ve all grown fond of you, as well.” His arm encircled her waist, and he dipped his head, placing his mouth next to the shell of her ear. “But I can put these young ’uns to shame, if you’ve a mind to see.”

“I would.”

With a wave of his hand, the terrace transformed. Low-hung lights dangled from black wires, crisscrossed over the entire space and were dimmed to provide an intimate glow. The sound of a lively fiddle filled the night, lending energy to the air. Potted evergreen trees with beds of flowers dotted the tiles along the railing, and an eight-foot table strained under the weight of a banquet made for royalty. In the center was a chocolate fountain, and surrounding it were platters of fruit in every variety imaginable.

Patrick led Fi to the table and picked up a strawberry. After dipping it into the chocolate, he held it up to her smiling lips. Instead of feeding her when she opened for him, he coated her lower lip and leaned in to taste it, gently sucking the fleshybit into his mouth. He drew back after a leisurely exploration, and his wicked grin told her he could indeed put the younger generation to shame.

“A dance or two before a ride?” he asked.

“You prefer to build my passion to a fever pitch?” she teased, allowing him to lead her to what served as a dance floor.

“Always.”

EPILOGUE

SEVEN MONTHS LATER…

The majority of those abducted and imprisoned by Patrick were understanding of the situation after he explained it. Restitution came in the form of restoring their magic with that provided by Anu. Their original abilities were returned to them, along with a promise of protection in the future. If ever they found themselves in need, they were to reach out to Patrick or Ronan and, through them, to Anu. For the disbelieving, the Goddess herself had made a special appearance, ensuring Patrick spoke true.

A support group was formed and met monthly in Lucky’s backroom to help alleviate the trauma Loman had heaped on them. Patrick took part in every discussion, taking care to allow every speaker to have their say, and encouraging anyone reticent to open up to healing. Before the meetings adjourned, they would all join hands and express their gratitude for surviving when others hadn’t been so fortunate.

For the families of the deceased, each of them made a point to visit and to tell stories of their loved one’s bravery in the face of Loman’s sadism. With permission from Anu and Isis, Patrick erected a memorial on the island, creating a safe space for families to commune with those residing in the Otherworld.Whenever it was safe for the veil to open and allow those on the other side to cross onto the Earthly plane, he was there, with Ronan at his side, and the two acted as gatekeepers, ensuring the well-being of all.

“Reggie’s arrived. Just there,” Patrick told Ronan.

His son-in-law’s head whipped toward the area reserved for teleporting, and a wide grin nearly split his handsome visage. “I didn’t think he would.”

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