Page 25 of Aidan

I can’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm and glance behind me. Aidan’s smiling as well. The three of us climb the stairs and enter the flat. Sure enough, sitting in the living room is her small, pink Hello Kitty suitcase.

The twins walk in, each carrying their own duffel. I guess I’m the only one left.

“Let me get my bag, and we should be ready to go,” I say forcing excitement into my tone.

I leave the four of them and head to my bedroom. For several seconds, I stand there, staring at the four walls where I’ve lived nearly my whole life. We moved in here long before the twins were born when it had just been Da, Mum, and me. Every day after school, I’d rush upstairs so I could finish my homework and then I’d hurry back downstairs and visit with the fishermen who came in. More than half of them still show up. It hadn’t just been about the pub for me. It had been about the people.

With a deep inhale, I grip the handle of my suitcase, take one final glance around the room, and walk out, closing the door quietly behind me.

* * *

The driveto Dublin has been filled with chatter and more than one argument, but a buzz of excitement comes from the three passengers in the backseat. As we make our way through the city, the chatter increases drowning out the song playing on the radio. I glance back and they’re all pointing at different things.

The scenery changes as we continue out of Dublin and into the countryside. Aidan had said their estate was about twenty minutes outside the city center. The rolling green hills on either side of the road remind me of the area around Burtonport and a wave of homesickness washes over me. A warm hand covers mine and squeezes gently. I glance over at Aidan.

“It’s beautiful out here.” It truly is. Shouldn’t I be happier?

“The back of the estate looks out over a field of hills. Once in a while I’ll sit on the patio and watch the sunset on the horizon. The view is stunning.”

“I look forward to seeing it.”

“Are we there yet?” Aisling calls out for only the twenty-third time.

Aidan and I both laugh and he glances over his shoulder for a brief second. “We should be there in less than five minutes.”

That must satisfy her, because she sits back in her seat and goes back to drawing. I’d made sure to keep out her small lap desk and a few art supplies before we left so she’d be somewhat entertained during the drive. Having a picture to sketch is about the only time she’ll sit still.

As promised, five minutes later, Aidan turns onto a narrow lane guarded by a massive iron gate that opens automatically at his approach. We drive down the lane lined with trees on either side that provide us shade. Dappled bursts of sunlight filter through the branches giving the ground a polka-dot appearance. As we slowly move forward I keep my eyes trained ahead waiting for the first glimpse of our—my—new home.

The road curves softly and then…there it is. I’m awestruck. The kids must be as well, because a chorus of wow and whoa come from them.It’s magnificent with its Georgian architecture and creeping vines that climb and weave in between the narrow spaces separating the wall ofwindows. The panes are so clean and shiny they reflect the entirety of the front lawn and the archway of trees surrounding it. If I didn’t believe Aidan about who he really is, I would after laying eyes on this house. It screams wealth.

Several cars—expensive ones, including Aidan’s—are parked in the circle drive. He borrowed his brother’s SUV because he thought we would be more comfortable in the larger vehicle. We come to a stop and he shuts it off. Before I can exit, he reaches for my hand and rubs his thumb across my skin.

“Everything is going to be okay. I promise.”

I nod shakily. He mimics it and then we’re both getting out. Aidan opens the back door on his side and the boys jump down. I help Aisling out. Holding her hand, we circle around to meet them and then the five of us walk toward the house. Before we make it to the steps the double doors part and, despite the dark hair threaded with silver, an older version of Aidan appears. His blue eyes glow with warmth, but every inch of him radiates power. It’s in the way he holds himself. This is a man who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy any person who crosses him.

Aidan’s hand goes to my lower back and I draw strength from him. The most feared and powerful man in Dublin is going to be my father-in-law. I can’t be—won’t be—timid. Keeping hold of Aisling’s hand, we walk side-by-side until we reach Aidan’s Da. He smiles down at us and once again, Aidan’s resemblance to him is visible.

“Welcome, you must be Sorcha,” he greets me with a hug that takes me by surprise. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

For a second, I’m taken back to before Da died and he’d wrap his thick arms around me, smelling like yeast and hops. I’d felt loved. Mr. Donnelly releases me and his gaze shifts to Aisling and the twins.

“I’m happy to meet you all as well. Forgive me for not being able to tell which of you is Kellen and which is Carson,” he says with a wink.

I already warned both of them not to play any tricks on Aidan’s Da regarding their identity. As the natural leader of the two, Kellen steps forward with his hand outstretched. “I’m Kellen, sir.”

The older man gives him a firm, but gentle handshake and turns to Carson to shake his hand as well. “Which means you must be Carson. A pleasure.”

At last Mr. Donnelly turns back to Aisling and for a second time shock keeps me immobile when he lowers himself to one knee. “That means you must be Aisling. I understand you’re quite the artist like your sister.”

Never one to shy away from strangers, she releases my hand and shoves hers out in front of her like the boys did. “Yes, sir, I love to draw.”

Chuckling, Aidan’s Da shakes it. “Well, there just so happens to be a new sketchpad and box of pencils with your name on them inside. Perhaps we should go in and see?”

Without loosening her grip on his hand, she turns to me. “Can we, Sorcha?”

“Of course, and be sure to tell Mr. Donnelly thank you.”

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