The irish blessing, p.17
The Irish Blessing, page 17
“I packaged up some of the leftovers from tea yesterday and put them in one of Ronan’s old backpacks with some bottles of water.” Maeve was talking to us from the doorway. She had a black-and-red backpack in her hand.
“Thank you, Maeve.” Shane got up and took the backpack from her. He gave her a peck on the cheek.
“Go on. Off with you, now.” Maeve laughed as she gave Shane a lighthearted push.
“We’re going. Liz, can you grab my car keys from the coffee table?”
“I have them.” I joined Shane, and we left the house, heading to Glendalough.
Shane drove east for a little while and then headed more southerly, passing the charming village of Hollywood along the way. As lovely as it was, the place couldn’t have been more different from California’s urban area. Amused, I couldn’t help but smile when I spotted a set of white-painted letters spelling out the village’s name, installed in a kelly-green meadow with grazing sheep.
“This place is the original Hollywood. It was in existence centuries before your California city was even a thought,” Shane said proudly.
“Really? I had no idea. Ireland is certainly full of surprises besides being my new favorite place.”
Finally reaching Glendalough, Shane pulled off the highway and parked near the visitor center. He put the backpack on, and we walked across a wooden footbridge spanning a narrow river. We hiked along a paved path with grass, shrubbery, and trees on both sides. A lake was in the distance, off to our right. Shane cut off the main trail and hiked down a dirt path to the body of water. Once there, we walked along the lake’s edge until we came to a small clearing. After finding a place to sit, we stretched out on the grass, enjoying the view of the lake.
“This area is the lower lake. It’s a bit of a hike to get to the upper lake and a steep climb to get to the cliff walk above it.” Shane unzipped the backpack and took out several plastic containers. He opened them, displaying finger sandwiches and some scones. Placing two of the small sandwiches and a scone on a napkin, he handed them to me. “Is this okay?”
“It’s perfect. Thank you.” I ate my lunch while enjoying our surroundings. It was beautiful and incredibly serene. The air had an earthy smell, and birds were audible in the trees with an occasional rustling in the bushy undergrowth a short distance away.
Shane tucked everything into the backpack when we finished. He stood and scanned the lake. “Let’s take a walk along the shore. If we’re lucky, we’ll see some wildlife.”
“Oh, I hope so. That would be fun.” I got up and brushed several twigs and leaves off the back of my pants. Relaxed and content, I walked hand in hand with Shane along the shoreline.
He stopped and pointed to an area at the water’s edge. “There’s a rocky outcropping up ahead. We can sit on one of the larger rocks and check out the swans. I can see a few of them on the lake.” Shane led me to the rocks, and we took a seat on a semi-flat one. He put his arm around my shoulder, drawing me close.
“It’s so peaceful here. I love the way the trees surround the lake. It makes it seem private, like a secret little place.” I leaned my head on Shane’s shoulder and gazed at the swans, their majestic white bodies gliding across the water. Intrigued, I watched two of them swim toward us. They stopped next to a clump of reeds, their heads turning back and forth as if trying to figure out what we were. “I’ve never seen a swan before. They’re beautiful.”
“This place is Mother Nature at its best. I never get tired of a walk in the forest, seeing the bluebells, and listening to the birds in the trees.” Shane kissed the top of my head and squeezed my shoulder. “We need to discuss our future and make a game plan for when you’ll be moving in with me. Hopefully we can arrange it so it’s soon. I don’t want to wait until after the wedding to live together.”
I sat up straight, my body suddenly tense. “Umm. We do need to talk because I hoped you’d move in with me. What made you think I’d be moving?”
“I don’t know. I just assumed you would. I own my place and have an excellent job with the potential to work my way up the management chain. It would be hard for me to move. Plus, we plan to have kids someday, and the school system where I live is pretty good.”
“I own my house too, although I think I’m more vested in mine than you are in yours.” I resented his automatic assumption that I’d be the one moving. Why me? Why should I give up everything to join him? My roots and personal life were just as important as his. I crossed my arms in front of me as I faced Shane. “I grew up in my house. It was my parents’ and mine after them. Alex and I put a lot of time and effort into renovating it after my dad died and left it to me. My job is also important, and I have a very nice income. Our school system isn’t bad either, so I’d say we could just as easily live on the West Coast.”
“Hang on. I’m not trying to get you upset. I just think it would work out better if you were the one that moved. Try to take a step back and look at it objectively. I have a career instead of a job, and I’d be a fool to give it up. Management promoted me a year ago, and there are already whispers that I have a chance to move up again as soon as I get enough experience under my belt. I’d also have to pass the California state bar to practice law in California. That’s another hurdle on top of finding a job. Plus, the cost of living is cheaper on the East Coast. You have to admit, living in California is expensive.”
“It is, but there are benefits in return for the cost. Wages tend to be higher, and the weather tends to be decent the majority of the year. At least it is where I live, and the mild weather causes people to be outdoors more often, which leads to more active lifestyles. I read a survey that said Californians are typically healthier. You can’t deny that’s a plus. We’re also known for our relaxed attitudes, diversity, and tolerance of others. Wouldn’t you want that for our kids?”
“You know what? We need to put this discussion aside for now. Today is our last day together for weeks, and I don’t want to spend it arguing with each other. How about if we revisit it after I’ve gone to California and you’ve come to Washington, D.C. We’ll see where each other lives, including the environment and lifestyles, and go from there. Does that sound fair enough?”
“I can live with that.”
“Thank you. So tell me. Do you want to hike to the upper lake or head back to the visitor center?”
“I prefer to head back.” Besides getting late in the day for a long hike, I was still annoyed by our conversation and wanted to head back to Kilcullen.
After hiking back to the main trail, we strolled along the path to the visitor center, crossing over the river once again. Reaching the car, Shane drove us back to the family’s estate.
My cell phone rang when Shane and I walked into the house. I pulled it from my purse and looked at the display. It was Mel. “Mel’s calling me. I’ll sit in the parlor while I talk to her.”
“I’ll see where everyone is. It should be dinnertime about now.” Shane disappeared through the archway into the living room.
I sat on the couch and answered my phone. “Hey. It’s about time you called me. I left you a message early this morning.”
“I know. I planned to call you back, but Conor sidetracked me when he took me to breakfast and then around town to see more sites. We just got back from an early dinner.”
“Can you at least send me a text message next time to let me know you’re all right?”
“Dang. Don’t get all worked up. Nothing is going to happen to me. It’s safe around here, plus I’m with Conor.”
“Speaking of Conor, how are you two getting along?”
“Better than I hoped. After the concert last night, I stayed at Conor’s, and he was well worth the wait. The man has some talent. That’s for sure.” Mel giggled on the other end of the phone. “I checked out of Caitlin’s hotel, and I’m staying with Conor again tonight. He wants to drive us to the airport tomorrow. Can you check with Shane and see if it’s okay if we pick you up at ten o’clock in the morning? Conor said he’ll bring Shane back to Kilcullen after dropping you and me off at the airport.”
“I’ll ask him. He’s walking into the room right now.” I put my phone down and waited for Shane to reach me. “Mel says Conor wants to drive us to the airport tomorrow. He wants to know if he can pick us up at ten o’clock. He’ll bring you back here afterward.”
“I’m fine with it. Tell Conor he can pick us up.”
I put my phone back to my ear. “Shane says he’s okay with Conor picking us up.”
“Cool. I’ll tell Conor. I have to go. We’re going out for a couple of beers. I’ll see you in the morning. Bye.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye.” I hung up my phone and stashed it back in my purse.
“Dinner is ready. We need to join the family.” Shane pulled me to my feet, escorting me to the smaller, informal dining area off the kitchen.
Shane’s family was already at the table when we joined them. Everyone was there except Patrick, Caitlin, and Glenna since they’d gone back to Kilkenny last night. Shane and I took the two seats on Neasa’s right. Maeve stood at the sideboard, ladling stew into bowls as a young woman set them down on the table.
“Maeve made stew for dinner.” Neasa glanced at me and smiled. “It’s one of Shane’s favorites. You’ll have to ask her how to make it.”
I looked down at the bowl the young woman placed in front of me. It had a brown gravy with plenty of meat and vegetables and looked hardy. I took a bite, impressed by the savory flavor. As we ate, I listened to the conversation around the table. Shane shared how our day went, and Niall talked about the new stallion they had acquired.
“If you need nothing else of me, I’ll be leaving.” Maeve placed more soda bread and fried cabbage on the table.
“Thank you, Maeve. We’ll see you in the morning.”
Maeve gave the young woman helping her some instructions, and then she disappeared from the room.
“Play me a game of billiards after dinner, Shane. We’ll see if your game has improved,” Niall said, teasing him from across the table.
“Sure, and you’ll lose like always.” Shane looked at me over his shoulder. He had a grin on his face and a sparkle in his eyes. “Niall likes to goad me. He thinks it’ll psych me out, but it doesn’t help. He’s still a lousy player.”
“Hey, none of that. We’ll see who beats who. Twenty euro says I kick your butt.”
“Let me finish my dinner, and you’re on.” Shane finished his bowl of stew and took the last few bites of his soda bread. He looked at Neasa. “Do you mind, Auntie?”
“Boys will be boys. Go on.” Neasa chuckled as she waved him away from the table.
“Liz, are you going to come and watch or stay at the table and chat?” Shane got up from his seat and stood next to me.
“I’ll watch.” I stood and accompanied Shane and Niall to the other side of the house.
The billiard room was huge, with dark paneling and a row of windows overlooking a garden. A large fireplace with a carved mantel was against the wall near the entrance. There was a leather couch and several overstuffed leather chairs in front of it. The billiard table and several wing chairs were in the middle of the room, with a bar and an additional sitting area against the far wall. I sat in one of the wing chairs and watched Shane and Niall play. They appeared closely matched in skill, although Shane was slightly ahead.
“Who do all those trophies belong to?” I said, scanning the bookshelf behind me as Shane approached the table.
“They’re mine.” Shane hit the white cue ball and then stood back to watch it travel across the red felt surface of the oak table and hit a yellow ball, sending it into the corner pocket. He hit the cue ball again. It hit his intended target, but the angle was off, causing the ball to bounce off the edge of the side pocket. He scowled as he turned toward me. “I got them when I raced motocross when I was a kid.”
“You ride a motorcycle?”
“You sound surprised.” Shane took a step back, waiting for Niall to take his turn. “My dad had an old 1967 Triumph motorcycle, and from as far back as I can remember, he’d take me for a ride on it. I was around six years old when he got me involved in motocross, and I rode competitively for ten years. I tried Irish road racing a couple of times, but it was too dangerous for my taste. I haven’t ridden a motorcycle since I sold mine five years ago. There wasn’t much opportunity to ride between long work hours and living in the city.”
“You were young when you started motocross. You must have been good at it since you have all those trophies.”
“He was.” Niall bent over the table and took his shot, sending the green ball into a side pocket. He took another turn, this time missing. “Shane was a daredevil on his bike. He used to scare my mother half to death when she’d watch his races.”
“Really? A risk-taker on two wheels. If you like motorcycles, you might like what’s in my garage at home.”
“What’s that?”
“A 1945 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead.”
Shane was leaning over the table, getting ready to take his shot. He stood up, giving me a skeptical look. “Seriously? In your garage? That’s a vintage motorcycle and a valuable one if it’s in pristine condition.”
“I know, and yes, it’s in my garage. It was Alex’s pride and joy, and he spent years lovingly restoring it.” I glanced at Niall. “Alex was my husband.”
“Didn’t Alex have an accident on it?” Shane furrowed his brow as he stared at me.
“No. Alex was on his Softail Deluxe the day of the accident. He had two motorcycles and didn’t ride the Knucklehead that often. My sister-in-law’s husband has been pressuring me to give him the bike for a while now. I keep telling him he can’t have it, but he won’t let up. It’s like he thinks he’s entitled to it.”
“He doesn’t threaten you, does he?” Shane walked over to my chair as he talked. He stood above me, studying my face.
“No, but he’s getting more aggressive. When you come to San Diego, we can take the motorcycle out for a ride. If you enjoy it, it might help me out.”
“Help you? How?”
“I intend on pointing out the many benefits of living in California while you’re there, and riding a motorcycle in our backcountry is one of them. I’ll keep it up until I get you to give in and move to the West Coast.”
“Hmm. Ulterior motives, huh.” Shane sat in the chair next to me. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Expect the same in return when you come to stay with me.” Shane chuckled as he got back up.
“East Coast versus West Coast. This monumental problem sounds challenging to resolve.” Niall glanced back and forth between the two of us.
“That’s all right. I’m not worried. When Liz comes to stay with me on the East Coast, she’ll see how nice it is.” Shane leaned down and kissed me. Then he walked back to the billiard table to take his shot.
“We’ll see.” I smiled at Niall.
After a few more turns, Shane and Niall finished their game, with Shane winning.
“Another game?” Niall pulled a bill out of his wallet and handed it to Shane.
“No. I think we’re going upstairs. Tonight is our last night together until I fly to San Diego in a few weeks.” Shane put his cue stick away and then joined me as I got up from the chair. Without warning, he picked me up and flipped me over his shoulder.
“What are you doing?” I shrieked, shocked by his sudden action.
“I’m taking my damsel, otherwise known as the love of my life, upstairs to my chamber so I can make love to her all night long.”
I giggled from my upside-down perch on his shoulder.
“You two are crazy.” Niall busted out laughing.
“Maybe so.” Shane laughed as he carried me out the doorway of the billiard room.
“Good night, Niall,” I called out, giving him an upside-down wave.
Shane carried me up the back staircase and down the corridor to his room. He plopped me down haphazardly on his bed.
“At your service, madam. What else may I do for you?” Shane gave me an elaborate bow.
“I would be ever so pleased if you would make love to me, sir.”
“Ah, no need to rush, my fair maiden. Do you want the shower first, or shall I go before you? Alas, there isn’t quite enough room for us both unless you care to take a bath.”
“Well, my fine sir, I’ll wait here while you take a shower first.” I giggled, having fun with our playful banter.
Shane removed his clothes and started to walk toward the bathroom.
I fixed my gaze hungrily on him, my demeanor changing with his nakedness. “God, you’re so breathtakingly sexy.”
“You need glasses, mo ghra.”
“I can assure you I don’t.”
Shane went into the bathroom and shut the door. I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. I hated the fact that this was our last night together. The following three weeks were going to seem like an eternity. I sighed, slipping my arm behind my head. It would be a challenge, but we needed to resolve our West Coast versus East Coast dilemma.
“Your turn. I’m done in the bathroom.”
I got up and took off my clothes, tossing them on a chair.
“I know I don’t need glasses. You drive me crazy every time I look at you.” Shane walked over to where I stood and kissed me. “Hurry up. I want you.”
I went into the bathroom and shut the door, the anticipation of what was to come already exciting me. I tried to hurry, climbing into bed with Shane, the uppermost thought on my mind. Finished, I exited the bathroom, finding him watching me from the bed.
“Come get warm.” Shane threw the covers back, the space next to him looking warm and enticing.
Aroused, I got on my hands and knees in the bed, leaving a trail of kisses down Shane’s chest and stomach. I swiveled in place, turning away from Shane and giving him a view of my rear. I kissed, licked, and teased, my tongue caressing him wildly, his excitement growing beneath my fingers. A burst of groans came from behind me when I took him into my mouth. Then I moaned as Shane stroked and teased me between my thighs.
