Page 41 of Over Verdant Irish Hills

She squeezed him hard in response. “Neither was I. I want to keep feeling like I do now. Happy. Hopeful. Excited about what we have planned. The arts center is kicking butt. Along with you and me.”

Easing her back, he cupped her cheek. “Damn right we are. It’s going to be one hell of a party. How do you feel about having music too?”

What was an Irish party without music? “I’d love it!”

“Excellent, because I plan to dance with you, Ms. O’Hanlon.”

And dance with her he did. The entire village of Caisleán split their time between the fair and the open house. People from all around Ireland visited the Sorcha Fitzgerald Arts Center and exclaimed over the art displayed, especially the pieces crafted by its oldest resident, one who had returned sunburned from the south of France with giddy anticipation over his lady love joining him in Caisleán in a few weeks.

The visitors went on tours led by Eoghan and others and bought art by all the artists, including Eoghan himself. Meanwhile, Ellie walked visitors through the process of her new stained glass installation, which they’d rushed to have completed.

As promised, Linc had helped install it himself.

After speaking with an art dealer from Dublin who had an interest in showing some of Angie’s work, Bets went looking for Linc and found him staring up at Ellie’s masterpiece with a whiskey in his hand.

“Your daughter outdid herself with her window, Linc,” Bets said, leaning against his side while taking his whiskey and stealing a sip.

He grinned as she returned it to him, looking very handsome in a gray suit open at the collar. Linc hated ties now, he’d confessed. “Yes, she surely did. The visitors keep trying to name the mythical goddess in the window. I’ve heard everyone from Rhiannon to Danu named. I can’t help but chuckle under my breath. Does no one realize it’s Sorcha? Photos of her are all over the entry, along with Megan’s sculpture and Angie’s portrait.”

Bets bit her lip, considering. “Sorcha is pretty popular around Caisleán but not much beyond.”

“I have a feeling that’s going to change with all these new visitors coming in. Everyone in the international art community will soon know her name. She’ll be tickled pink by the attention, I imagine.”

She decided to tread carefully. “How do you mean?”

He drilled her with a gaze. “Like you don’t know about Sorcha hanging around here in her flouncy white dress and helping people find love. Your son might have let it slip to me today that she’s visited you a time or two about us being soulmates. He thought you must have told me that already seeing as how my daughter has talked to me about it on occasion. I was wondering if there was a reason whyyouhadn’t shared that little detail.”

Bets gave in to the urge to chuckle. “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about a ghost helping us come together.”

“I was quiet for the same reason.” His blue eyes sparkled with humor. “Although I figured we needed all the help we could get until now. But it looks like pretty clear sailing from here on out. What do you think, sugar?”

This was the opening she’d been hoping for. “I think we’re more than good. So good that I was wondering something…”

He held out his hand, and she took it in a strong clasp. “Shoot.”

Her heart was beating fast in her chest suddenly. “How would you feel about moving in with me? I’m not saying marriage yet, but I’ll admit that I no longer break into hives when I hear the word.”

“Me either, you’ll be amazed to hear.” He yanked her to him, making her gasp in delight. “I’d like it just fine, Bets O’Hanlon, moving in with you. In fact, I was wondering ifyouwould want to move in withme. I’d planned to ask you in a few weeks after the fervor of today settled down.”

She wanted to stretch out her arms and soar. “You don’t say,” she said slowly, trying to mimic his drawl, which made him laugh. “I prefer my house to your bachelor pad. Are you okay with that?”

His grin stretched a mile wide. “I happen to like your place too. Other than the furniture made of sticks, which we’ll have to talk about. This way I can offer Ellie and Brady my place. A newly married couple should have a place of their own, don’t you think?”

She glanced over her shoulder and found Ellie pointing to her window as a group of guests stared up at it, their mouths agape. “She’ll like that. You should go tell her.”

“In a minute.” He tucked her firmly against him, making her body go limp. “I’m going to kiss you right now. Can’t wait another second.”

She batted her eyelashes at him. “In front of all these people?”

He gave a downright sexy wink. “You betcha.”

And kiss her he did, until her toes curled in her shoes. When he was finished, he set her back from him and smoothed her hair back in place, so considerate of him. “See you in a little while, cowboy.”

“Count on it.”

With that, he strolled off, whistling. Bets heard her name shouted and looked over to see Liam pushing his way through the crowd. She started toward him, concern knotting her stomach. Liam didn’t shout as a rule.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

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