Page 56 of An Irish Kiss
Her thoughts tracked back to what he’d said before, about trusting God.It was what all Christians said they did, but while she had been a Christian nearly all her life, there was a big difference between saying it and actually taking steps to prove it.And going back to the castle, her family home, knowing things had definitively changed between them was one thing.Letting others, like Aisling, know provided its own set of special challenges.
What would her family say?That she was consorting with the enemy?Not that this was a Montague and Capulet situation, but still.There would be questions.Ones that she couldn’t easily answer, not when she held some of the same sorts of questions too.
Like, wasn’t this happening awfully fast?She might know more about the man, and she would definitely do her due diligence and look him up online, check out his LinkedIn profile and make sure he was actually doing what he said he was.She wasn’t that naïve.
But his comment about Rory going to Australia seemed wild.And wildly above anything she could have imagined.How could she even do that?
“You’re doing that deep thinking thing again,” he said, as he slowed for another corner.“Is everything okay?Are you having second thoughts?”
She sighed.How was it possible that they had known each other for such a short time, but he knew her so well already?“I’m just wondering what you meant about the possibility of working in Australia.”
“Of course.”He dropped his speed as another vehicle turned onto the road in front of them.“I know there are plenty of IT options here in Ireland and Europe.But I’m friends with someone who works in IT in Sydney who helped develop an app called Dream Match.And yes, it’s an online dating app, but it’s been super successful, and I know that he’s looking to expand into charitable ventures that involve technology.”
“How do you know this?”
“I share a house with him.We went to uni together and we’ve stayed good friends.So he told me what he’s been up to.”He glanced back at her.“I can talk to him if you like.See if there’s room for a talented person with skills in IT who has a heart to help others.”
Oh my goodness.Was it just the momentum of the car rushing through the night that made her feel like she was getting swept up in something that was moving too fast?“You don’t know that I’m talented in IT,” she demurred.
“I know you.That’s enough.”
She silently exhaled and looked out at the night.“It’s just a lot.”
He sent her another quick glance.“Is it too much?I won’t say anything.Not until you want me to.”
“Th-thanks.”
“Hey, I have zero desire to stress you out, and if this feels like it’s moving too fast then you need to say so.But I am seeking God about this and what our options can be.So you need to know I want to find a way to make this work out.”
She nodded, sucked in a breath, then slowly released.Trusting God didn’t mean having all the answers.But if this was from God, then she could trust God that it could somehow work out.
They travelled through Derryloughlin, past the pub, the bookshop, the bakery, then onto the road that led to the Griffin Hotel resort.Tension rose high.What would Aisling say?What would Mam?Colin?Fiona?
“Hey.”He grasped her hand.“It’s all good.”
“I hope so.”
“Look, don’t worry about tomorrow.God can take care of that.And God can take care of right now too.Okay?”
“Okay.”She’d really like it if he prayed, but asking him felt a little—
“Hey God,” Aidan prayed out loud, “we commit all of this to You, and ask that You have Your way.Thank You that You have our lives in Your hands and that we can trust You.Amen.”
Tears filled her eyes.“Amen.”
He turned into the drive, and she used the moment to wipe away her foolish tears.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”His quick look revealed his concern as much as his words did.“I know it’s been a good day but we’ll have more.”
Amusement spurted past her earlier emotion.“Trust you to say something like that.No, I was just grateful that you prayed as you did.I really wanted you to.”
It gave her confidence that he lived as he said he believed.That this thing between them might have a chance to grow roots and be strong.
“It’s my plan to be good for you.To bring good to you.To be a blessing.”
Her heart swelled with this.Until she remembered what he’d come here for.How could he be good for her or her family if he persisted in his quest to see his family’s legacy restored?Not when it came at the expense of hers.She pressed her lips together.This would have to be where she trusted God to have His way.
The gleaming lights of the hotel beckoned, and he turned into the guest carpark and parked the car.She didn’t get out, wondering what was next.“Are you really going to go tomorrow?”
