Page 188 of Destined Lovers

“No honey, you’re the strongest woman I know.”

My head snaps up. “Mammy?” I cry. Oh my god, where is she?

“Aye, it’s me, Hanora. My beautiful girl. I’ve missed you.”

I frantically look around, but I can’t find her. I’m staring at a large desolate paddock. I’m the only one here. “Where are you, Mam? I don’t see you.”

“That’s because I’m in your heart, my love. You can’t see me, but you can always hear me if you listen close enough. Whenever you need me, I’m here for you. Today though, I came to tell you I’m so proud of who you’ve become, and I’ll be with you every step of the way tomorrow. Every time you hold your necklace, I’m there with you. I hope you know that.”

I nod. I do know that I can always feel her.

“Where am I?” I ask.

“One of my favorite places, your da used to bring me when we were dating. You don’t recognize it?”

“Should I?” It does feel very similar, but I can’t put my finger on it.

“Mmhmm,” she hums, and I can imagine her beautiful smile stretching her lightly freckled face.

“I miss you so much, Mam. I wish you were here with me. I need you.”

“It’s okay to miss me, Nora, because I miss you terribly, but you don’t need me. You’re so strong. I’ve never been prouder. You’re going to be an incredible mam.”

“You know I’m pregnant?” I gasp.

She laughs softly. “Of course, I knew even before you.”

Oh… that makes me happy. I love that she was the first one to know. Even before Declan and me.

“I love you, Hanora. Even though I’m not with you, I’m always there in spirit.”

“I love you, too. Always.”

“Hey, wake up, Nora.” Bennett’s voice breaks me from my dream, and my eyes shoot open. Immediately my hand grabs at my necklace.

“Were you having one of your nightmares?”

I think for a second, “Yes…No? It started off the same as usual, and then my mam came to me and told me she’ll always be by my side and that she knows I’m pregnant.”

Bennett smiles, “That’s nice, right? Better than what you normally dream.”

“Most definitely,” this was more than a dream. I truly think my mam was speaking to me. I felt it. I feel her around me often, and that confirms it.

“We leave in a few hours. Are you ready?” Bennett asks.

“Can I call him now since we are leaving anyway?” I beg.

Every day I ask Bennett to call Declan, Agnes, or anyone. His response has never wavered. It’s always no, and today is no different. He doesn’t even bother answering this time. He only shakes his head, annoyed.

Before he walks out, Bennett grabs my hand, “You good?”

“Knowing my mam is by my side today, I’m better than good.” And it’s the truth.

Am I scared? Feck yes.

But after the visit from my mam, she gave me that extra boost of confidence I needed.

I won’t let my parents down.

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