“For starters, my next visit will be over the Christmas break.”
“Ah. I see what you mean, there. I can’t leave Granny at Christmas.”
“I might make it back over the Easter weekend, too. I’ll bet you can’t leave then, either.”
“No, but?—”
“I used up a lot of vacation days on this trip. I might not get to the ranch again until the following Christmas.”
“But this year you’ve already been here twice and you’re coming again.”
“I’ve been banking unused days ever since I started there. Once Dallas moved to Montana I had a hunch we’d be coming out sooner or later. I blew my saved days on the wedding and this trip.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“There was no reason to explain it. I’ll be concentrating on getting off for important holidays like Christmas now that my folks will be living out here.”
“They’re leaving Trenton?”
“Yep. They’re selling the house. And probably their insurance agency, something I didn’t realize until this minute. Wow, my folks are retiring. I didn’t fully grasp that. Anyway, their announcement came after you left last night, and I didn’t think to mention it.”
“Well, then.” He looked pleased about the news.
“Are you hoping I’ll pull up stakes and follow them?”
“It might have crossed my mind.”
“I won’t, Kieran. I’m doing great with that company. To quit and move just because my folks are here and there’s a chance you’ll show up once in a while?—”
“You’re right, you’re right.”
“Your plan for making it to the ranch more often is inspired. Desiree will love it. Everyone will. But don’t count on me being here when you make the trip. My job doesn’t give me that kind of time or flexibility.”
“I’m not sure mine will, either.”
“What if it won’t?”
“I’ll find a job that will.”
She knew that look. He’d had the same determined light in his eyes when he’d come into Hannigan’s with a postcard in his shirt pocket. “And I’m sure you’ll succeed.”
“Forgive me for making assumptions, lass.” He dragged in a breath. “I didn’t understand you don’t normally have this much time off and God knows I don’t expect you to build your life around me.”
“But we’ll see each other.” She traced the line of his mouth with her finger. “You’ll fly into Newark and spend the night withme. I’ll help you get over your jetlag and send you on your way.” If that prospect made her heart ache, oh, well.
“That sounds better than an airport hotel.”
“You can have another stopover on your way back. You can fill me in on the doings at the ranch.”
“Be glad to.” He smiled, but there was no sparkle in his eyes.
“Then when I make it to Dublin, you can show me around.” Would he introduce her to Granny? Maybe not. The woman who’d raised him would sense instantly they were more than just friends.
“I have to believe we’ll be able to coordinate a visit to the ranch… sometime.”
“We will. Sometime. I’m sure this isn’t the way you envisioned it when you had your brainstorm, but?—”
“I’ll take it.” He gathered her close. “All I know is I can’t let you go. I don’t think you want to let me go, either.”
