Page 108 of Against Ebony Irish Seas

“Can’t talk her into being our full-time media director then, huh?” God knows they needed it with all the requests and queries coming in.

Donal shook his head. “Not a chance. You need someone younger, but it’s important they also know and like art.”

“I have a few candidates in mind,” Linc said, thinking of Sophie’s friend, Taylor McGowan. “We have a lot of hiring to do and in a short time. Plus, the building—”

“Time enough for that tomorrow, remember?” Donal slapped him on the back.

“Right. No troubles while drinking whiskey.”

His friend met his eyes. “Exactly so.”

So he lifted his drink and sipped it, knowing Bets was driving them home. But he still couldn’t dismiss the unsettling feeling in his gut.

When Ghislaine returned to Donal and convinced him to dance with her, Linc decided to give himself some air. It was hot as blazes anyway, and he was sweating a touch under his shirt.

The parking lot was empty of smokers, and he tipped his head up to the sky. My, how he loved the stars in Ireland. Why did no one put that in the tourist brochures? It had one of the best shows out there.

“Hello, Linc.”

He jumped and let out a yelp. Sighting Sorcha, he released a relieved breath. “Good heavens, girl, you scared the bejesus out of me.”

She chuckled. “I admit, it does amuse me. You seem to need something to lift your mood tonight. I thought I might give you a nudge in the right direction. Seeing as it suits my purpose and interests.”

He pursed his lips. “That being?”

“Matchmaking, of course.” Her white dress fluttered around her despite the lack of wind. “You’re right. The new media director position should go to Taylor.”

Now she had his attention. “How did you— Never mind. Stupid question. I’ll talk to Bets and the board and make the offer.”

“Thank you,” she said with a cheeky curtsy. “As for the feeling in your gut, I’m sorry to say, you’ll understand the way of it soon enough.”

That stopped him cold. “What—”

“Go inside and be among friends, Linc,” she said, her face falling. “These are the moments that make everything worth it.”

With that, she disappeared. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. His feeling was confirmed. They were going to get another walloping. Sighing heavily, he drew himself up straight and headed back inside.

When he found Bets in the crush of people, she was still flushed from dancing. He put his arms around her and kissed the side of her neck.

“Everything all right, cowboy?”

There was so much to tell her, but he’d do it later, after their own celebration. “Well, we have the name of our new media director in hand. From Sorcha, no less.”

Her brows shot to her hairline. “Sorcha! Who—”

“Taylor,” he told her and watched as she glanced over her shoulder, a soft smile forming on her mouth.

“Oh, my,” she whispered, touching her lips with trembling fingers. “Oh, my, my…”

He leaned closer and followed her gaze. Liam was laughing in the corner at something Kathleen had said. Then he got it. “Well, I’ll be.”

“He’s the last one,” she whispered and then turned to face him with that beatific mother’s smile that had inspired all the Old Masters to paint.

After that, he tried to keep up with Bets. She hugged everyone, practically dancing on air. You’d have thought she’d won the lottery. Then again, maybe to her mind she had. He knew how much she loved Liam, and to know he would soon be with his soulmate… Sorcha’s track record was impressive. She never failed.

As he gazed at Liam, the younger man lifted his head and their eyes met.Your whole life is about to change, son.Then Liam smiled with just a slight curve of his mouth, and Linc thought,Aw, shucks, he knows. The kid wasn’t called Yoda for nothing.

Shaking his head, he realized he was no different. He had that feeling, didn’t he? Soon he would know what it meant. But Bets needed her night, and he loved seeing her so carefree. So he didn’t suggest they slip out a little earlier than the young people. No, they were one of the last couples out of the Brazen Donkey with Brady as he locked up.

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