Page 107 of After Indigo Irish Nights
A couple more tears slipped down her cheeks. “Donal, I’m so glad.”
“I figure we both have more to explore. I still need to figure out what I want to do with myself and the rest of my life.” He wiped the tip of his nose, which had started to run. “It’s hard to say, but Bets, I think you not wanting to live with me and marry me might have been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Do you understand? You were right about falling into old patterns. I was doing it all over again, going that way.”
“Oh, Donal.”
She laid her head against his shoulder and cried a little. He stroked her back until she settled. His eyes were shining when she lifted her head.
“You know, all my dad talks about these days is the wonder of life. He’s so grateful he has the time to explore things. Hell, he’s even in love again.”
She’d seen it before her very eyes in Saint-Paul de Vence, him and Sandrine walking together in the garden holding hands, and it was beautiful. “He might teach us all a thing or two about these so-called twilight years.”
“Indeed. Bets, I don’t want to squander my time either. I’m thinking about traveling some. I can go now, knowing your arts center is safe and in good hands.”
He meant Linc. “Donal, I don’t know what to do.”
“Give yourself some time, Bets.” He kissed her cheek. “You’ll figure it out.”
“God, I hope so.” She reached for a tissue and blew her nose. “I detest being a mess. And I detest being in love with two men.”
“Consider my suit withdrawn, if it makes things easier.” He wiped her tears, his green eyes steady on her face. “Bets, I think we’ve run our course.”
She found her voice. “Me too.”
His smile was soft before he nodded and shifted away from her. “Now… Linc won’t mind me telling you this, but he doesn’t think he’s a good bet for a relationship with three ex-wives. He isn’t going to press his suit. So you need to decide what you want, Bets.”
She lifted her hands to the ceiling. “I cannot believe you’re talking about this.”
He rolled his eyes. “I love you both and consider you friends. It’s what a friend would do. Since that’s settled, I’m going to head over to my dad’s house to pick him up. I told him we’d go visit his girlfriend in France once we squared everything away with the council. He wants me to meet her. I thought we’d stay awhile.”
Her heart couldn’t be any fuller in her chest. “You’re the best of men, Donal O’Dwyer.”
He smiled, but she saw his throat move with emotion. “Enjoy this time, Bets O’Hanlon, and take care of your roses. I plan to be present when you beat Mary Kincaid at the August fair.”
She thought of the roses he’d given her. She hoped she would win with one of them. “Have a grand time in France.”
“I plan to.” He nodded and walked out.
She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his boots on her floorboards—a sound she’d always loved. More tears fell. Her heart seemed to sigh at last. Somehow, there was peace. She didn’t know where things were going, but she knew everything was going to be all right.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
Her sculpture was officially a go.
Kathleen focused on celebrating that news—with Linc, who brought the good tidings, and Ellie. They had a bourbon in the kitchen, although the whole celebration was muted. That pissed her off. Just because she’d cried most of the night over Declan didn’t mean they shouldn’t be yelling like crazy.
“Go ahead and hire your welders,” Linc said after downing his bourbon. “I’ve asked Donal and a few others and looked into various surveyors. One name stands out, and it’s been associated with big projects. Hotels and museums. I want to meet with them and get things going. You’re welcome to come.”
“Consider me there.” Focusing on business worked for her. “And just reminding you—I’ll need a bigger work space ASAP, especially with Sophie coming and taking over my current shed.”
“My girl’s going to need a warehouse,” Ellie said, bouncing in place and doing her part to raise the energy. “And Sophie’s going to need—”
“I’ve already got her list.” Linc laughed. “About more artist space… The board wants to construct a few of the larger sheds—including one for the kids—away from the arts center. Keep it less cluttered-looking. You okay with that?”
She nodded. “We want the focal point to be on the arts center, the sculpture, and the museum.”
“We do at that,” Linc said, grabbing Ellie close. “You’d best start thinking about doing a window for the museum. A big one!”
Ellie hugged him tightly. “After I finish the one in the arts center. I’m almost done.”
