Page 116 of After Indigo Irish Nights
“I’m Declan McGrath, newly arrived from Ireland.” He held out his hand. “I was wondering what you were doing for the rest of your life? I was hoping you might marry me.”
She blew out a slow breath and took his hand. “Marry you, huh? That sounds interesting. When were you thinking?”
He raised her hand to his lips. “Well, your entire family is here. Maybe in a few days? We could have another ceremony when we go back to Ireland.”
She leaned forward. “I think that’s an excellent idea.”
“I was going to buy you a ring except I know how treasured your mother’s ring is. The Claddagh ring is traditional Irish, you know.”
She lifted out the necklace. She hadn’t been able to take it off. “I was hoping you would be of that mind.”
He scooted over to the bench she was sitting on and helped her unclasp the necklace. “I know it makes this particular Irishman very happy indeed.”
She held out her left hand and he slid the ring on it.Oh, Mom, I hope you’re watching all this.
Ellie let out a shriek, which stopped every patron in their tracks. Heads swung their way, her seven brothers included. The lot of them exchanged looks, and then Robbie nodded.
“Someone had better call Pop,” Billie shouted.
Ah, Pop. She couldn’t wait for him to meet Declan.
He took her hand and set it against his chest. “The Claddagh looks good on your finger. Love, loyalty, and friendship. I promise them all to you. I love you,mo chroì.”
“I promise them right back.” She leaned in until their mouths were inches away. “And I love you too, Declan McGrath. Now kiss me.”
He grimaced, his gaze looking past her shoulder. “I might need to ask your brothers’ permission. One of the rules was about me not touching you.”
Snorting, she wiggled the hand he was holding. “You’re already touching me, you idiot.”
He smiled. “Yeah, but kissing might be different. Broken bones and death were mentioned if I did. The first I can handle. The second…”
She rolled her eyes. Later, she would ask him about the other rules her numbskull brothers had concocted. “I can’t imagine them having any issue with me kissing my fiancé.”
He made a rude noise. “Your brother put me in the interrogation room at the police station.”
She tried and failed to muffle her laughter. “Okay, I see your point. I’ll defend you if necessary.”
“Like I’d let you,” he said, shooting her a look.
The scent of oranges surrounded them.
She jerked back. “Sorcha’shere?”
They both craned their heads looking, but they didn’t see her. Suddenly her quiet laughter reached Kathleen’s ears.
Something crashed in the kitchen.
The cook ran out, his hairnet askew. “Danny! There’s a fucking ghost in my kitchen. I don’t care that she’s gorgeous. Get the baseball bat.”
Kathleen pressed her hand to her mouth, laughing. Declan only shook his head as Danny barreled past them, following the cook back in. More crashing sounded.
“Well, we know she can cross oceans now, don’t we?” Kathleen said.
Ellie ran over. “Is that Sorcha? Oh my God! What does that mean, her being here?”
Kathleen wouldn’t presume to guess when it came to Sorcha. “I’d say she’s fulfilled her mission when it comes to us.”
“Soulmates,” Declan said softly. “Seems she was right. Of course, we won’t be able to live with her after this.”
