Page 77 of An Irish Kiss
“It just seems too much of a coincidence that the first woman I’ve heard you mention in recent years is connected to the family I’ve spent far too long despising.If nothing else God is showing me not to judge others.”
“Especially when they were basically innocent all this time.”
“Right?”She sighed.“I might be an old foolish woman, but I think it would be remiss of me not to say that it sounds like God might have had His hand in all of this.”
His skin prickled again.“I agree.”
“Then please know this has been worth it.For your sake, and I suspect hers.And keep trusting God that He knows what He’s doing and will make a way for you to be together.”
He’d already shown Aidan some ways that could possibly happen, one day.
“And I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you, Gran.”
“Love you, too, Aidan.Good night.”
“Sleep well.”
He ended the call, but her words had ignited within.
He was returning soon.His flight left on Sunday.Which meant making the most of what time he had left.So he quickly sent a message then got back in his car and drove back to the Castle Griffin Hotel.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Rory checked her phone for what felt like the umpteenth time.She’d sent Aidan a message two hours ago, but he still hadn’t replied.He must be feeling disappointed right now.Maybe that’s why he hadn’t responded.He didn’t want her rubbing salt in his wounds.And the fact he hadn’t made her worry that perhaps the perfect fairy tale wouldn’t be hers, after all.How could it?Not when her perfect prince lived so far away.And he was returning to Australia on Sunday.
For a moment fear streaked through her.Would he even see her again?Or would the disappointment be so intense that he’d prefer not to see her all, and think any relationship would be simply too hard?
“Rory?”Her mother glanced at her.“You look tired.How about you go outside and get some fresh air?Take Rover with you.”
“But I’m supposed to be on the desk.”
“Never mind that.I’ll cover things here for a while.”Mam smiled.“It’s going to be okay.He’ll call.”
“How did you know that’s what I’m concerned about?”
“Because I was there when you sent that first message and I saw your disappointment when you didn’t get an immediate response.”
“What if he blames me, blames us?I couldn’t live with myself.What if he now hates me?”
“Oh, I don’t think that man hates you.I’m sure it’s quite the opposite.Now go.Get some fresh air.Pray.”
She pressed against a headache she could feel forming, sipped her water, then clicked for Rover to come.“Let’s go for a walk, boy.”
He barked in agreement, and she clipped on his lead and went outside.But she didn’t want to encounter people.She wanted the breeze and the waves and the last of the lavender scenting the air.Her mother had a patch of it near the private garden, just up from the beach, and Rory took Rover there.
Then stood, eyes closed, and breathed in the delightful blend of sea-salt and lavender.
Rover barked, no doubt spying a butterfly or something, so she kept her eyes closed, enjoying the moment of respite.
That’s right.God was still in control.She didn’t need to feel agitated.She just needed to trust Him.
“Lord, help me to trust You.In the good times and the bad.Lead me on.And please bless Aidan, wherever he is.”
Aidan.She smiled.Her family was right.He was a good man.And while she might’ve felt an instant recognition of him as being her Mr.Right, getting to know him more had only shown how right he was.The fact he was willing to overlook her initial brattiness proved his patience.And she loved his sense of humour, his faith, his love of family, his compassion for others and sense of justice.All of these things only proved how right he was.And then there was his kiss… Oh she hoped she might experience that one more time at least.
The trace of lavender faded, replaced with that of sea-salt and spice.Her heart thudded.She recognised that scent.
