Page 71 of Against Ebony Irish Seas

He did his best not to smile. “Yes, and thank you, Bets. She’s right, you know. We don’t do the dinner thing like you Yanks. Angie is still mad about that dinner party she invited us all to. Only Liam showed up for it.”

“Because he’s half-American and has heard me complain about this to high heaven. Tea is fine. Biscuits fine. Dinner? Not so fine. Am I babbling so I won’t pull my hair out about that jerk on our board?”

Linc pulled her to him. “Good thing he was only an advisory member. Ah, hell, it’s probably best we found out early so we can boot him. I expect we’re going to be hearing a lot more of that drivel. Now, let’s eat up and then take off for the Brazen Donkey. Seems we’re having a little get-together to raise people’s spirits and celebrate this community.”

Sophie finally approached Jamie. “The wall-raising went well?”

“I have pictures to show you.” He laid a gentle hand on her arm. “We had more help than shovels.”

“I needed to hear that.” She blew out a breath. “It’s been an up-and-down kind of day.”

“Then all the better to have a little meeting of friends,” Jamie said, taking her over to her dinner. “Have a bite,mo chroí. You look spent.”

“You’re sunburned.” She touched his face. “I’m glad your day went well.”

“Tonight is going to be even better,” he promised her.

And it was. The pub was packed when they arrived, and everyone cheered as they sighted them.

“First round is on me,” Jamie called out, making the crowd cheer again.

They found the seats reserved for them and sat down amidst their friends. Angie handed him Emeline with a smile, saying, “You look like you could use a little baby love.”

Kade put the new Jack Russell puppy, Lucky, in Sophie’s lap. “Usually Brady makes you leave your dogs outside, but he made an exception for this little fella.”

“Wait until you see the Irish sheepdog Kade found for us, Sophie,” Jamie told her as Brady put pints in front of them. “His name is Rex, and he’s as well-mannered and alert as they come.”

“The one I found for Carrick and Angie is a king too,” Kade said, rubbing the puppy behind the ears, making him squeak in delight. “You should know that the owner donated them after hearing what happened. He said his granddaughter plans to come to the children’s arts program, Jamie. All the way from Castlebar.”

“Glad to hear it,” he replied, watching as Sophie cuddled the puppy close to her side. “She’ll be most welcome.”

Of course, they would have to sort out the censorship board query if there was to be a children’s program. God, he couldn’t think about that right now. Linc had said the lawyers were on it. He had to trust in them.

Just like he had to trust in the people around them. As he gazed at his friends, he could see the weariness in their faces, from their waning color to the slumped lines of their shoulders. He stood up, feeling a rare need to speak rise inside him.

“I’d like to make a toast,” he said in a voice he used to gather the children back into the schoolroom.

The conversations quieted, and he shifted on his feet as he became the center of attention. “You know I’m not one for talking much, but I’d like to raise my glass to all of you tonight. The Irish here will know this saying.A best friend is like a four-leaf clover. Hard to find and lucky to have.I look out tonight and only see treasured friends, and for that, I am grateful.Slainte.”

People lifted their glasses, some with tears in their eyes, repeating the toast. Sophie leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “I love you, Jamie Fitzgerald.”

He traced the delicate line of her cheekbone. “And I love you,mo chroí. Do you dance? I thought we might have a slow one. We Irish have another saying you might not know.Dance as if no one were watching. Sing as if no one were listening. And live every day as if it were your last.”

She stood with Lucky in her arms. “Then let’s dance and dance and dance.”

They danced with the sleepy puppy between them until Ellie interrupted with a knowing smile and asked if she could take the little fella. Jamie mouthed a thank you as Sophie settled against his body, swaying to the music Brady had turned up. Other couples had joined them, dancing between the tables, in the front, and beside the bar.

He noted that the laughter came easier as the evening went on, for himself and for his friends, and he was glad they had all convened in the pub to lift their spirits.

When they all said their goodbyes, he was aware that the embraces were a little stronger, more assuring. No one needed to say so out loud, but they would be there for one another. No matter what.

He told Sophie the same when they reached their newly walled home. “Oh, Jamie, you’ve lost your gorgeous view of the surrounding pastures! I didn’t think.”

“It’s all right,mo chroí. Better our safety than a view any day. Besides, I’m hoping it might only be temporary.”

Rex barked as he opened the gate, another sign of the changes.

“Do you think so?” she asked softly as he parked the car.

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