Page 70 of Destined Lovers

He has no idea how much love he fillsmewith every second of every day.

We’ve not saidI love yousince we’ve seen each other again. The last time was all those years ago. But that means nothing.

We both love each other very much, and the words don’t need to be said to feel what I know we both feel.

When the time is right, we will express our love out loud.

* * *

We’ve been walking hand in hand through the streets of Galway since early this morning. It’s the first day I haven’t painted on the trip. I wanted to experience my parent’s special place with no distractions. This will be one of the times I paint from memory.

We stopped in tourist shops, took a million pictures, and I even bought Agnes a beautiful crystal perfume bottle. It was from the nineteen-twenties, and I found it in the most quaint antique shop owned by the loveliest old man I’ve ever met. I could have stayed in his shop and talked to him forever.

Now, I’ve made Declan stop at an infamous ice cream shop in the North.

“Couldn’t we have gotten this after lunch?”

“What’s the difference? We’re going to eat it either way.” I shrug. I never understand why people make such a big deal about eating things in order. Just eat what makes you happy.

We’re leaning against the brick wall next to the shop, watching as the people walk down the narrow streets. The pub nearby is playing traditional Irish folk music, and the atmosphere is lively with people enjoying the last day of the year in this lovely city.

Declan’s arm is slung across my shoulders while my head leans against his chest as I finish the last of my ice cream cone.

I look down and watch my long flowery patterned skirt drift in the wind as I let the thoughts of nostalgia consume me. Being in Declan’s arms right now, with nowhere to be and no one to see, has me feeling like we’re teenagers in love all over again.

Summers with Declan were the best times of my life.

Running amok, swimming in the lough, hiking through the bog, painting, staying up late, and just living the most carefree life possible.

Although that couldn’t be any further from the truth now, in this moment though, it feels like déjà vu.

“Do you reckon my parents can see us now?” I smile sadly.

This is the first time in a long time that I don’t feel entirely saddened by their death. I feel stronger when I’m with Declan.

He pulls me closer to his side, rubbing my arm in comfort.

“I do, Pip. I wasn’t going to say this before because I didn’t know how you would react, but I feel them here.” He pauses to look down, and I smile to encourage him to go on.

“I don’t know what it is, but walking through the town today, I thought of them often, and I felt like they were here with us every step of the way.”

I swallow a lump in my throat, and tears build in my eyes.

“I felt the same way. I think they always wanted us to come here together. This was their special place. It’s where they fell in love… where they said, I love you. They always wanted us to come here on our trip.” I take a breath to calm my nerves. “I’m happy they are here with us. It means so much more that they are,” I say, and let the tears fall. Sometimes you can’t just help it.

He throws away the rest of his ice cream, then turns to wipe my tears and places a chastise kiss on my lips.

“I know, angel. I think they are happy too. Getting to see their girl, with a smile on her face is all they ever cared about. They loved you very much.”

I nod as more tears fall, unable to answer, but he’s right. My parents were the best. Only happy if I was happy.

“Let’s go to lunch, and have a pint in their honor.”

“That sounds like the best plan ever.”

* * *

“Are you jealous?”

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