Page 72 of Destined Lovers

The last five days were a whirlwind of exploration and adventure.

Besides my favorite places, I also loved painting places like Mussenden Temple, Kylemore Abbey, and Dunluce Castle along the coast.

Declan, also known as Mr. Encyclopedia, said Dunluce Castle may have contained the most revolutionary housing in Europe when it was built in the seventh century because of the indoor toilet.

Riveting stuff.

Not wanting to sound ancient, he followed it up with modern-day information, like how it was used asThe Greyjoy House in Game of Thrones.

We took leisurely strolls through charming seaside towns and stopped at local artisan shops along the way. We bought jumpers, scarves, and blankets from all the tweed and wool shops and pottery from artists in Bushmills.

I created in fields of high grass upon clifftops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Jumped a fence another day to sit in the middle of a valley at Glengesh Horseshoe, watching the farm dogs herd the sheep along steep mountains.

We drove for hours, laughing, talking, singing, and simply appreciating the beautiful scenery of our beautiful country.

But the very best memory will be because of two drunken eejits.

Declan and Nora.

On one of our last nights, We stayed in the most majestic historic coastal manor dating back to the seventeenth century, In Downings of County Donegal. After dinner, we walked to town to drink at the local pub.

Rumor was the American Actor Bill Murray was in the pub enjoying a pint with his lads. He was in town for golf, which he does every year.

Declan was obsessed withThe Ghostbusterswhen we were kids. I mean,obsessedmight not even be strong enough of a word.

Naturally, I dared him to talk to him, but Declan would never. He was too embarrassed.

So I promised him sixty-nine and many more things that were just as good for me as for him in the long run. One of us had the grand idea of taking multiple shots of Jameson alongside never-ending gin and tonics.

By the time Declan built the courage and walked over, he could barely form a sentence. But he did it. He went up to Bill Murray and even took a selfie with him.

Until… we saw the picture the following day. It wasn’t Bill Murray. It was his brother.

“Do you think Bill Murray’s brother will remember us forever?” My shoulder hunch as I let out a chuckle.

Declan moans and covers his eyes in embarrassment. “Please don’t remind me of that day ever again in my life.”

We found out that Bill was indeed at the pub, but while we were drinking to calm our nerves, he had left for his hotel.

“It will make a great story for years to come. In all seriousness, this was the best week.” I squeeze his hand in a silent thank you. He made this all happen.

He set it all up, paid for everything, and went along with every silly thing I wanted to do.

“Aye. It was an amazing week, wasn’t it?”

“I think tonight will be the best way to end it with a bang.”

“Literally,” he mumbles.

“Declan.” I chastise but laugh at his dry humor. “Let’s get going. I need to get ready for tonight.”

It’s our last night tonight, so I want to make it the best night yet.

11

Declan

The door opens,and Nora steps out, dressed and ready for the night.

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