Page 40 of Destined Lovers

I open my phone to see if there was a picture in my album that Nora saw to react like that, but then I see an unread text:

SlimSadie:Merry Christmas Eve, Declan. I hope you’re okay. Miss and love you xx

Ah, my girl’s jealous. I lean over and whisper, “She’s just a friend, Nora.”

“Who?” her voice squeaks, and it takes everything to hold back my laughter. I could tell her she’s my best mate’s girl, but I kind of like her a bit jealous.

It means she cares.

“Dinner’s ready,” Agnes calls from the other room, and we all head to the dining area to take our seats, but before I sit, I grab the flowers and gin I bought for her as a thanks for having us.

I was a bit distracted when I first walked in.

“I didn’t have time to get you a gift for Christmas, but I wanted to express my deep gratitude for having Maeve and me today. It means everything to both of us. Nora told me you love gin, and this is one of my favorites made here in Ireland. Listoke 1777.”

“So thoughtful. Thank you, I can’t wait to try it. Let’s sit so I can cheers us.” I can tell already Agnes is the boss around here, so I follow orders,sitting instantly across from Nora and next to Maeve. Easy access to help her eat if needed.

“I want to thank our guests for joining us tonight. It’s been a while since this table has been filled, and I’m happy it’s crowded with family. Although we just met… Nora.” She pauses and looks loving over to her. “Considers you just that, so if you’re family to her, you’re family to me. Happy Christmas.”

She lifts her wineglass, and we all follow, clinking our glasses, leaning over to click Maeve’s water, and repeating, “Nollaig shona dhuit!”

It’s a happy Christmas, indeed.

* * *

The night is winding down hours after dinner, and we couldn’t have had a better Christmas Eve.

It was just like the old days.

Nora was free, laughing, and having the best time with Maeve and me. We played Uno. Naturally, Nora kicked all of our arses. We told Agnes stories from our childhood—shocking her with how wild Nora was at times.

Nora is sitting pressed to my side, leaning her body into me, with her eyes closed and her head on my shoulder. A far cry from the closed-off Nora of yesterday.

My arm is around her shoulder, and my hand weaves through her hair, massaging her scalp while she holds Maeve’s hand in her lap.

Maeve hasn’t wanted to leave Nora’s side all day. It really hits me hard in the chest seeing those two together.

It’s about time to leave, but I have surprises for Nora.

I also had one for Maeve but decided to tell her in private. I’m building a new house in Notting Hill, not far from Wills. We work in the city but often work from Wills’s home, so it makes sense that I live close by.

The contractor is building it out to be handicap accessible, and I hope to move Maeve and her nurse into the house by next year. Although my parents aren’t happy, she’s of age to make her own decisions now, and I know this is what Maeve wants. She’s going to be ecstatic.

I lean over and press my lips to Nora’s head to wake her and see Agnes smile from across the room. Clearly, she’s rooting for team Declan and Nora. Can’t say that I blame her. We make a good pair.

“Come on, Pip, I have a present for you.”

She smiles sleepily at me. “I have something for you too.”

She hands me mine, and I hers, but she has me open mine first, and I’m in awe, feck, I have to hold back my tears. This girl is so talented.

“I wasn’t sure when I would see you again, so I’ve been slowly making it for you over the years. I hope it will match your new place.”

“Pip,” I whisper. “Thank you so much.” I lean over and kiss her lips, not caring who sees.

In all years we were friends we only went on holiday together once, a quick trip to the Scottish Highlands.

It rained every day, something we are accustomed to here in Ireland, but on our very last night, the sun was out and as it set, it cast a dark blue shadow over the highlands. It was something out of a magical movie and Nora painted it to perfection.

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