“By yourself? What happened to—”
Fiona took his arm and squeezed. “Are you sure?”
I nodded and left it at that. Maeve wanted to experience the world, so we were goin’ to do it for a while. I wasn’t sure if I was gettin’ out of this war alive, and if I didn’t, I wanted her to have this of me. The memories.
Like never before, I understood why my Da had sent Keenan and Fiona away that night. He was just lookin’ for a night with his family. To be alone. To feel normal. But his false sense of security would never be mine.
Without another word, we all climbed into the Thing and rode in silence to the castle. Maeve was out walkin’ the property with Pauric, and when she heard us comin’, she held a hand to her forehead and narrowed her eyes. A smile came to her face when she realized it was me, and she waved.
My wife and Pauric came to meet us once I parked. He was studyin’ the car, askin’ endless questions no one was answerin’. The man didn’t seem to mind. He was fascinated by mostly everythin’.
“What kind of…car…er, vehicle is this?” Maeve tapped it.
I shrugged. “It belonged to my Da. What do you think of it?”
“What do I think of it?” She smiled. “I think it looks like fun!”
“How about we give it a go then?”
“Give it a go? Like go for a ride?”
“A ride around Ireland.”
She tilted her head and studied my face, tryin’ to understand.
I made it easier on her. “I’m takin’ you on a proper honeymoon.”
She looked at everyone around us, but I took her hands and squeezed.Eyes on me.
“Is that…safe? To leave right now?”
“You’re safe with me, Maeve.”
“I know,” she breathed. “But I’m worried about you.”
“Listen to the girl,” Keenan mumbled.
I’d found my voice, but I hoped that Maeve could read my intentions this time. Sometimes words still felt useless in the face of what I was feelin’.
A few seconds later, she nodded. “When do we leave?” she whispered.
I took her hand and led her into the castle. “As soon as our bags are packed.”
Chapter18
Maeve
TheThing was the perfect way to describe the vehicle we were driving in. It looked like a Jeep, or something similar, but Cian said there was nothing to confirm what it was.
It didn’t matter what name it went by. It was perfect for traveling all over Ireland. We had no direction in mind. The road took us wherever it was going to lead us.
I’d heard there was no such thing as being lost in Ireland, which felt like the truth. However, I was lost.
For two weeks, we got lost in each other, the scenery just a bonus.
I’d probably asked him endless questions.
What’s your favorite music?
